Animal Shelters Ask For Help + East Bay City To Honor Olympic Gold Medalist: Saturday Smiles

It’s a gorgeous weekend — the perfect excuse to dive into some of the lighter stories from around Northern California. Oakland is set to celebrate hometown hero Alysa Liu after her recent gold medal victories at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, and there’s also buzz about one of the “rarest carnivores on the planet” that was recently spotted in the region.

Following Gold Medal Wins, Oakland To Honor 'Hometown Hero' Alysa Liu

• "Alysa represents the heart, grit, resilience, and joy of Oakland," city officials said.

Walnut Creek Opens Arms To Italian Restaurant No. 15

• Walnut Creek is ready to welcome an 8,500-square-foot Italian-inspired restaurant with seating for more than 200.

Shelter Seeks Help After Intake of 26 Dogs And 1 Bunny

• Animal services is asking for public help after taking in 26 dogs in a day, straining already full kennels.

Rescued Lab-Raised Beagles Waiting For New Homes: Watch

• 1 of 8 Beagles that grew up in a research lab before being released to Joybound People & Pets. Four have been adopted, 4 still need a home.

'Rarest Carnivore' Spotted In NorCal Region For The First Time In Decades

• The animal is considered one of the "rarest carnivores on the planet," according to California Department of Fish and Wildlife officials.

Cal High Mock Trial Team Wins County Competition 9th Year In A Row, Advances To States

• The Cal High team won the Contra Costa County Mock Trial championship, beating out 19 other schools.

Step Into The Rainforest: Art Kiosk Hosts Immersive Jungle Exhibition In Redwood City

• Artist Erika Knerr's installation prompts viewers to consider visibility and containment through a dense, airbrushed jungle scene.

10 Can’t-Miss Events In Northern CA Before Winter Ends

• From live music to art shows and an eclectic beer festival, there is something for everyone to enjoy as winter winds down.

Let us know if you have an idea for a nice news story in your town. Email your story tips to autumn.johnson@patch.com.