Deadly Gas Explosion; Comic-Con; Disneyland's B-Day: 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 at some of this week's top news stories from across the state.

1. Murrieta Gas Explosion: 1 Dead, 15 Hurt In 'Large' Blast

Officials say a utility worker was killed in the explosion that rocked a Murrieta neighborhood.

• Update: Murrieta Gas Explosion: Technician ID'd, Some Homes Red-Tagged

2. 2 Horses Killed In Collision At Del Mar Race Track

Two horses died after colliding during a training session at the race track at Del Mar Fairgrounds, officials said.

3. Noose Found On Stanford University Campus Bush Prompts Alarm

The 3-foot-long white rope with a loop was discovered near a residence for summer students over the weekend. University security is probing.

4. Arson Fire Destroys Alameda Playground

A fire early Saturday burned the Woodstock Park Play Structure. It was the second fire in the park overnight.

• Update: Effort To Rebuild Playground After Arson Fire

5. Harmless Dog Stabbed In San Gabriel Valley Front Yard

Pomona police released surveillance images of a man who killed a dog in what looks like an unprovoked attack.

6. West Hollywood Approves First Open-Air Cannabis Restaurant In US

Lowell Farms: A Cannabis Cafe will use an air filtration system like the one used in casinos for its smoking area.

7. Marine Artist Wyland Paints 100th Whaling Wall Mural In OC

Like his first large as life mural, famed marine artist Robert Wyland recreates his masterpiece at his Pacific coast studio.

8. FTC Slaps Facebook With $5 Billion Fine For Privacy Issues

The fine represents the largest issued to a tech firm and was approved upon party lines by the Federal Trade Commission.

9. Cupertino Woman Runs In Napa-Sonoma Half Marathon To Honor Mom

Victoria Ferreira started running to relieve the stress of watching her mother succumb to endometrial cancer.

10. Napa Mother Of 2 Running To Fight Cancer

With the 16th annual Napa To Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon upon us, a Napa mom of two shares her motivation for participating.

11. Disneyland Resort Celebrates 64th Birthday

It was July 17, 1955, when Walt Disney opened the gates to the Happiest Place on Earth. Share your happy birthday message in comments!

12. San Diego Comic-Con 2019: Tom Cruise's Big Surprise And More

Tom Cruise, Linda Hamilton and Arnold Schwarzenegger kicked off the 50th edition of San Diego Comic-Con International.

• Also see: San Diego Comic-Con 2019 Kicks Off Thursday

FOR THE WEEKEND:

• Apollo 11 Anniversary; Breastfest Beer Festival: NorCal Weekend
• Comic-Con; Apollo 11 Anniversary; OTL Tournament: SoCal Weekend