Stranded (Adorable) Cow Rescued + Blimp Over North Bay Was Actually A Dirigible: Saturday Smiles

We love the weekend, and we love sharing some of the lighter news from Northern California over the past week.

For the second year in a row, a Tri-Valley student is going to compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington. While you’re here, take a look at the adorable Scottish Highland cow named Lucy, who had to be rescued after she lost her footing, rolled down a hill in Sonoma County, and became wedged in thick blackberry bramble and fencing.

'Big Ole Blimp' Is Not UFO (Or Blimp, Actually)

• Petaluma police chime in about unidentifiable object sightings across Sonoma skies last week, sparking alarm and curiosity, sometimes both.

Race To Save Stranded Bovine, Beloved Lucy

• Rescuers specialized in big animal incidents fought terrain and time to rescue Lucy from thick blackberry bramble and fencing.

Tri-Valley Student Headed To Scripps National Spelling Bee

• For the second year in a row, Pleasanton student Rithvi Balajee qualified for the prestigious national spelling bee in Washington.

Chanel Luxe Brand Digs Into Napa Valley As Wine Dynasty Pivots

• An iconic Oakville winery changes hands amid industry shift.

Boots, Bottles, Bites, And Flame-Throwing Chefs: A Wine Country Spring Begins

• A season of wine, community, and rituals takes shape starting this weekend with lessons on wine talk and a wild flame-throwing chef.

Hollister, Japanese Eateries Coming To Stoneridge Mall

• Apparel retailer Hollister and two Japanese food spots are set to open later this year in Pleasanton.

Closed For Years, A Popular Vegan Cinnamon Roll Shop Is Back In Berkeley: Report

• The Berkeley flagship store closed in 2023 after the building it was located in was bought, according to a report from East Bay's Nosh.

San Francisco International Arts Festival Returns With 12 Days Of Performances

• The program will feature over 100 performances, including 50 ensembles from across the world.

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.