Local Prehistoric Discovery | Actor Given Key To City 30 Years Later | Man Dies After Face Slap: Patch PM

Catch up on Northern California's top stories for Thursday, September 10

Scientist Finds Mysterious Tooth In SMC Creek With A Prehistoric Surprise

A scientist surveying a creek for a habitat project made an unexpected fossil discovery with major implications.

'Lord Of The Rings' Star Given Key To Novato 30 Years Later

The actor came to Novato as a child to film “Radio Flyer,” but a key prepared for him by the city never made it into his hands.

Man Dies After Slap To The Face In SMC, Friend Pleads Not Guilty: DA

Prosecutors said a forceful slap outside a market left a 52-year-old man bleeding before he died at a hospital.

Suspect In Meat Burglary Arrested In Norcal

Deputies recovered stolen cash, jewelry, and clothing after tracking the Fairfield man across county lines.

194 Illegal, Abandoned Dungeness Crab Traps Discovered In Norcal Waters

Investigators found 194 abandoned traps and violations that endangered wildlife and wasted hundreds of crabs.

'Breathtaking': A Seabird's Return To SF Creates A Natural Spectacle

"If you know, you know. If you don't, this is your sign to find out," park officials said.

$77K Cash, 2 Kilos Of Cocaine Seized In Marin Drug Bust: Police

A San Francisco man was arrested after undercover detectives said he sold cocaine and ketamine.

Suspected ATM Scammer Arrested In SMC: Police

A man caught placing a fraudulent device on an ATM was arrested following reports of a cash-trapping scam.

Posh Vintage Rodeo Postpones Debut At Calistoga Fairgrounds

Previously purchased tickets remain valid, while refund requests must reach organizers by Oct. 5, 2026.

Watch: Healdsburg Gets Pumped Up For Powerlifting Showdown Championship

Spectators can watch the competition, use the gym all day, and support California’s strongest lifters on Saturday.

Napa Chefs Fill Bowls To Fight Homelessness

"Empty Bowls" event supports Abode Services and South Napa Homeless Shelter with soup, ceramics, and community.

Smoking Material Suspected In Rohnert Park Blaze

Firefighters contained the Rohnert Park blaze, but smoke and fire damage forced one resident out.

El Niño 'Supersized Before Our Eyes': What This Means For Winter In CA

"The science leaves no room for doubt: the planet is in uncharted waters, and those waters are heating up," the U.N. Secretary-General said.

RM Of BTS To Highlight Korean Artists Through Special Exhibition At SFMOMA

Many of the pieces have never been available for viewing in the United States, according to museum officials.

Top Dog To Expand With New Downtown Berkeley Location: Report

The hot dog spot currently has three Bay Area locations.

Woman Accused Of Trying To Kill 8 Officers During Mental Health Check In Richmond

One officer was wounded during the shooting, police said.

E-Bike Rider Dies Days After Solo Crash In Fremont: Police

This was Fremont's seventh traffic death of the year, police said.

Counterfeit Cash Operation Near Livermore Outlets Leads To 7 Arrests: Police

Police say they found methamphetamine and equipment allegedly used to produce fake $50 and $100 bills in nearby hotel rooms.

Valley Humane Pet Of The Week: Carey Martin

Carey Martin is a "10-pound shy sweetheart with a quiet, gentle charm."

40 Dublin Students Named 2027 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

40 students who attend school in Dublin could be named National Merit Scholars after scoring in the top 1 percent for the PSAT.