Calif. Stories You Can't Miss: Whale Stuns Beachgoers; NBA Star Busted For Allegedly Selling Pot; Cougar Crosses 101

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 stories, we've rounded up some of the most interesting articles from the past week.

From a baby whale surprising beachgoers, to a mountain lion crossing the freeway, take a look back at the top 10 news stories across California over the past week. (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news from your California neighborhood. And iPhone users: Check out Patch's new app.)

1. NBA Star Zach Randolph, Who Makes $24M, Busted For Allegedly Selling Pot

Zach Randolph, a Sacramento Kings forward and former Clipper, has been arrested on suspicion of drug dealing at a Watts housing project.

2. Suge Knight Caught On Tape Plotting To Bribe Witnesses, Prosecutors Allege

The prosecuting team cited monitored telephone conversations between Knight and his defense attorney.

3. E. Coli Infection Leads To Young Bay Area Girl's Death

Madeleine "Maddie" Bolig, 6, died Aug. 1, according to a fundraising campaign in her memory.

4. Man Climbing Transmission Tower Electrocuted, Critically Injured

An official with the Santa Rosa Fire Department says the man fell from the tower and suffered burns when a fire was sparked.

5. Baby Gray Whale Stuns Laguna Beachgoers

A baby gray whale stunned beachgoers this week when it made an appearance in front of the Montage resort property. The whale was spotted days before in Carlsbad.

6. Mountain Lion Crosses 101 Freeway In Rare Survival Story

A young mountain lion has beaten the odds to make it across the 101 Freeway, and he didn't stop there, going on to test fate on the 118 too.

7. United Airlines Apologizes After Dog Dies On Plane

Lulu, a King Charles spaniel, was in the cargo hold on a flight from Houston to San Francisco.

8. Memorial Scholarship Fund To Honor Late Ross Valley Firefighter

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to establish a scholarship fund in memory of Chris Mahoney, a Ross Valley fire engineer and paramedic.

9. Toddler’s Celebratory Fist Bumps Spread Joy, Happiness

This adorable Tri-Valley toddler made Livermore residents smile and became an instant celebrity at the same time.

10. How Facebook Just Gave Peninsula Teens The Opportunity Of A Lifetime

19 local teens have graduated from Facebook Academy.

Also see:

Cardiff Dog Days Of Summer; MommyCon; Orange County Fair; Bite At The Beach; World Elephant Day: SoCal Weekend

Outside Lands; California Beer Festival; Kids Carnival; Rosie Rally; Tour De Cru; Waiters Race: NorCal Weekend

PHOTOS: Zach Randolph when he played for the Memphis Grizzlies (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images; YouTube screencapture; National Park Service via flickr.com