Baby Trump; El Nino Winter; Winning Ticket: Top CA Stories

CALIFORNIA – It was another busy news week across California. Missed the headlines on Patch? Whether you're looking for breaking or bizarre news, or sweet or silly features, we've rounded up some of the most share-worthy stories from the past week.

Take a look back at the top 12 news stories across the state over the past week. (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news from your California neighborhood. Also, download the free Patch iPhone app or free Patch Android app. Also, be sure to follow your local Patch on Facebook!)

1. Flu Cases Confirmed In CA: Health Officials

The California Department of Public Health is urging people to get vaccinated before flu becomes widespread.

2. Winning Mega Millions Ticket Sold In California

One ticket sold in the Golden State matched five of the six numbers, California Lottery officials said.

3. Sears Bankruptcy: 17 CA Stores Will Close, 142 Nationwide

The struggling 125-year-old retailer announced the Chapter 11 filing Monday.

4. Mystery Clouds CA Inmate's Death; Cellmate's Past Uncovered

Relatives learn of his demise online and question why their loved one was left to rot in his cell.

5. Warmer, Wet El Nino-fueled Winter Prediction From NOAA

NOAA also reports extremes may characterize our winter with fall's western drought moving us into sporadic atmospheric rivers come winter.

6. Man Hit By Lightning Near Temecula, Survives Without A Scratch

"He just got lucky," the man's wife says of the surreal experience.

7. Girl's Life Saved With Unique Heart Surgery At Stanford

The smallest patient received the Heartmate3 ventricular assist device with FDA approval at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford.

8. Baby Trump Soars Above LA Traffic

A shadow cast over drivers in downtown LA Friday morning as the infamous "Baby Trump" balloon floated above the city.

9. Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Expecting

Hollywood native Meghan Markle is pregnant with the royal couple's first child due in the spring.

10. Marine Mammal Center Responding To Outbreak In Sea Lions

The Sausalito-based center is facing the second largest outbreak of leptospirosis in California sea lions in its recorded history.

11. Deputy Rescues Owl Struck By Car In Marin County

The owl was taken to WildCare in San Rafael.

• Also see: Peninsula Humane Society Rescues Great Horned Owl Tangled in Kite

12. Giant Wayward Pig Corralled With Doritos In CA Neighborhood

The treats were simply irresistible to this giant pig. Can you guess what flavor did the trick?

FOR THE WEEKEND:

• Goblin Jamboree; Irish Festival; Fall Festivals: NorCal Weekend
• Zombie Fest; Pumpkin Express; Fall Festivals: SoCal Weekend

Photo: Demonstrators raise a six meter high effigy of Donald Trump, being dubbed the 'Trump Baby', in Parliament Square in protest against the U.S. President's current visit to the United Kingdom on July 13, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. The President of the United States and First Lady, Melania Trump, touched down yesterday in the UK on Air Force One for their first official visit. Today the President will visit Prime Minister Theresa May at Chequers and take tea with the Queen at Windsor Castle. (Photo by Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images)