Sunday Smiles: Dirt-Biking Cait; Glowing Skates; Woman Needing Lung Transplant Meets Taylor Swift

Need a break from bad news? Here are a few of our favorite uplifting headlines and photos from Northern California Patch sites.

Donations for Burned Dog; ATV Rider Killed in Collision With Horse; National Dog Day; Whale in Estuary: All in Calif.

Patch has a wide array of unique animal stories from around the state this week. Some of the photos are darling.

Picnic Like A Pro This Upcoming Labor Day

Here are our top summer recipes, including grilled fruit, fish tacos, wine potato salad. And tricks to slice watermelon and shuck corn!

Awesome Opportunity To Volunteer As Family

Build and decorate birdhouses for Habitat for Humanity on Sept. 13.!

'Supermoon' to Glow in Saturday's Sky

What is a 'Supermoon?' August's will be the first of three in a row.

Gather Up Your Old Documents, Benicia!

Free shredding event coming up in nearby Vacaville.

Happy National Dog Day!

Meet the furry friends of the Patch family.

Picnic Like A Pro This Upcoming Labor Day

Here are our top summer recipes, including grilled fruit, fish tacos, wine potato salad. And tricks to slice watermelon and shuck corn!

Where, When and How to View 'The Great American Eclipse'

The first total solar eclipse over the United States in 38 years. But Californians: You'll need to travel to see it.

"Live" Paper Shredding Event

The shredding truck will be on-site at VALCORE Recycling in Vallejo to shred your confidential papers.

JUST IN: Medical Emergency Causing Systemwide BART Delays

The incident is at the Embarcadero station.

For Your End-Of-Summer Gatherings: To-Die-For Fish Tacos

Instead of plain cabbage or slaw, this version from Napa Valley Vintners uses a citrus-cucumber relish that makes the dish!

Napa Strong 6.0/365: Ceremony Today At 3:20 P.M. In Veterans Park

It was 3:20 a.m. one year ago today that the earthquake hit. “We have had an amazing recovery," mayor says.

Caltrans Extends Repair Time On Solano Co. Ferry

The Real McCoy II ferry will be out of service until Aug. 31.

Is Mother Nature Messing With Us On Napa Quake Anniversary?

A 3.8-magnitude quake hit near Healdsburg this morning, with smaller ones logged nearby. Monday is 1-year anniversary of Napa's 6.0.

Sunday Smiles: Cute Dogs React To Quake; Shooting Stars; $42 Million Home for Sale

Need a break from bad news? Here are a few of our favorite uplifting headlines and photos from Northern California Patch sites.

How To Post Your Event or Announcement on Benicia Patch

Talk to your community for FREE via Patch.com.

WATCH: The 'Easiest Way' to Shuck Corn

We love this simple technique for shucking corn! Never fuss with those pesky corn silks ever again.

Save Water, Energy and Money with a FREE In-Home Consultation!

The Benicia Home Efficiency Program provides FREE in-home energy and water consultations to all Benicia residents. Sign-up today!

Uplifting News: BART Elevators Getting Makeovers

The planned odor-reducing re-dos will make your brief rides less of a downer.

What Are The Hottest New Cruise Ships?

Bay Area travel specialist lists best features of vessels sailing now and those on the horizon ... Find what best suits you and your family.

Adorable Baby Monkey At Safari West Needs A Name!

Contest deadline is Monday, August 24 at the Santa Rosa preserve. Nice prize for the winner, too!

'Godzilla' El Nino Likely Means Wetter and Cooler Winter

Get ready: This year's El Niño could be the strongest ever recorded.

Impressive Dessert: Grilled Pineapple With Wine Granita

It is a sweet, sour, hot and cold, delicious combination!

Monday's Earthquake Triggered Water Main Breaks In East Bay

That serves as a reminder to always have a water supply in your home for emergencies, official said.

Did You Know You Can Order Locally Grown Fruits and Veggies Online?

It's easy shopping at the 2015 Solano Grown Online Marketplace!

Congrats, Lindsay Wildlife! Center Featured In New York Times Magazine

Our East Bay's Lindsay is recognized as the oldest wildlife rehabilitation center in America!

Photo Of the Week: Meteor Shower In The North Bay

Majestic "shooting stars."

Record-Busting Heat On Sunday!

National Weather Service reports record-high temperatures throughout Bay Area.

BART Trains Briefly Delayed By Earthquake

A 4.0-magnitude quake struck the East Bay this morning.

Spare On: Monday Air Predicted As Unhealthy In Bay Area

“The Bay Area is experiencing serious air pollution due to the fires and smog.”

Sunday Smiles: Lost Wedding Ring Found in Sewer Line; Duckling Released into Wild; Good Neighbors

Need a break from bad news? Here are a few of our favorite uplifting headlines and photos from Northern California Patch sites.

Smoke From Wildfires May Linger Until Monday

Smoke has drifted and is visible in East, North, South Bay counties and along the Peninsula -- a concern for those with breathing problems.

Drivers Catching a Break With Lower Gas Prices

Where's the cheapest gas in town? Use our map. How about $3.30 per gallon at Benicia's 7-Eleven?

Smoke From Fires Not To Blame For Sunday's 'Spare The Air'

Smog is causing the Bay Area problem, agency said.

Just In Time For Tomato Season: Panzanella Salad Recipe!

Warm garlic bread, mozzarella, basil, vinegar ... VERY easy!

Want More Art With Your BART?

Board approves "Art in Transit" program. Did you know 50 works of art already exist throughout the system?

How To Post Your Event or Announcement on Benicia Patch

And how to stay on top of what's happening in your town with our free newsletter and breaking news alerts.

Lean In and Empower Healthy Girls In Napa And Solano!

Volunteers needed: Life coaches sought for the hundreds of girls, ages 8 to 14, from our area.

Weekend Forecast: Which Day Will Have the Best Pool Weather?

Heat wave! Check the forecast here ...