Crew Honors Fallen Firefighters; Dolphin Stampede: 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. If Voters Can't Split California Up, How About Calexit?

A new proposal is asking to break California into an "autonomous Native American nation."

2. California Fires Latest: More Than 1,000 Homes Destroyed

Firefighters prepared for another day of dry conditions that can worse the brush fires.

Also see:

• California Police Chief Loses Home In Deadly Carr Fire
• CA Wildfire Rescue: CHP Officer Cradles Tiny Fawn
• Guy Fieri Serves Barbecue To Carr Fire Victims
• Here's How to Help Carr Fire Victims

3. Firefighters At Carr Fire Lower Cemetery Flag To Half-Staff

The firefighters honored those who've lost their lives in the raging wildfires.

4. Salad Recall: Feces-Borne Parasite Linked To Packaged Salads

The recall of salads and wraps in California affects products sold at Trader Joe's, Walgreens.

5. Alex Trebek Hints At 'Jeopardy!' Exit

Alex Trebek says it's likely that he will retire when his contract expires, but he knows just who should replace him.

6. Gay Couple Claims Airline Gave Them A Discriminatory Ultimatum

The owner of a West Hollywood gay bar claims he and his partner were discriminated against on an Alaska Airlines flight from JFK to LAX.

7. Amazon To Pay $1.5M In California Consumer Protection Suit

The suit by 23 counties alleged Amazon advertised and sold plastic products misleadingly labeled as "biodegradable" or “compostable."

8. Jackpot! Bay Area Office Pool Wins Hefty $543M Lottery Prize

Eleven employees of a Santa Clara County financial firm played on a whim and won the largest Mega Millions jackpot in California history.

9. Petaluma Astronaut On NASA Crew For First Commercial Test Flights

This will be the first time shuttle launches have been held on U.S. soil since 2011.

10. Fundraising Underway For Dog With Heart Defect At Marin Humane

Without surgery, Evita will likely die within months, according to experts at Marin Humane.

Also see:

• Meet Sprout! Public Names Sea Otter At Marine Mammal Center
• Happy Birthday, Xiao Liwu! Giant Panda Turns 6 At San Diego Zoo

11. San Diego's K9 Cop Takes A Licking But Keeps On Ticking

Meet Dexter, a 4-year-old dog that has recovered after being stabbed multiple times.

12. Watch Dolphins Stampede Off Orange County Coastline

A "dolphin stampede" was caught on camera Thursday, for whale watchers off the Dana Point coastline. Watch them "porpoise" with purpose!

FOR THE WEEKEND:

• Dog Surfing Championships; Sonoma County Fair: NorCal Weekend
• CatCon; Nighttime Zoo; Lobsterfest; Star Party: SoCal Weekend

Image via Alameda County Fire Department