Food Recalls; Tiny Homes; Wildfire Anniversary: 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. Widespread Veggie Recall Impacts Grocers, Consumers: California

Salinas-based Mann Packing Co., Inc. announced the voluntary recall of more than 140 vegetable products over listeria concerns.

2. 2 Million Pounds Of Chicken Recalled For Metal Contamination Risk

Officials say the affected products were shipped to institutions in eight states, including California.

3. Apple Commits $2.5 Billion To Combat California Housing Crisis

With housing costs skyrocketing statewide, the company said it will fund affordable housing development and homebuyers assistance programs.

4. Accused Thieves Had Mail From 200 Victims Across CA: Police

Petaluma police are working with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to notify victims in several cities in 14 counties spanning California.

5. Statewide Electronics Theft Ring Uncovered, Broken Up: Police

It was headquartered in the East Bay, but drove thefts in dozens of cities. Detectives spent 7 months, hundreds of hours working the case.

Woolsey Fire Anniversary: A community is forever changed by the largest blaze in county history, a harbinger of the catastrophic fire era.

Also see:

• Life After Woolsey: Malibu Still Soul Searching One Year Later
• Photos That Captured The Heartache And Enormity Of Woolsey Fire
• No Going Back After Woolsey: How The Monster Changed Firefighting

7. Tiny Homes, Big Heart: Houses For Camp Fire, Kincade Fire Victims

A NorCal woman who lost her own home to a wildfire recalls the kindness shown to her. Now she's returning the favor by gifting tiny homes.

• Also see: Firefighters Rehang Fallen Flag At Home Of Kincade Fire Evacuee

The patriotic act of kindness touched the Windsor resident, a U.S. military veteran who wasn't sure if his home would still be standing.

8. Entire SWR Home Converted Into Marijuana Cultivation: Cops

Sheriff's officials say the two-story home was completely transformed into an illegal grow site.

Also see:

• Another Whole-House Marijuana Grow Busted In Lake Elsinore
• Marijuana Grow House Busted In Hercules

9. Wedding Ring Survives Two Wildfires 58 Years Apart

Firefighters found the ring and knew it would give hope to one Getty Fire survivor, but they couldn't know just how much that ring meant.

10. Bay Area Orgs To Create Backup Power System For Future Shutoffs

Four energy agencies are joining forces to create a battery storage system that could provide backup power during future PG&E shutoffs.

11. White Powder Mailed To Former Rep. Katie Hill's Office

The suspicious packaged triggered an evacuation and massive police response Monday at the former field office of Katie Hill.

12. Chris Brown Holds Yard Sale At His Home, Drawing Crowds And LAPD

The Grammy award-winning singer advertised a yard sale at his Tarzana home on Twitter, and fans and bargain hunters lined up overnight.

13. Famed Hollywood Boulevard Superman Christopher Dennis Found Dead

He was the Walk of Fame street performer who famously caught the attention of filmmakers, but he died homeless in a clothing donation bin.

14. Stolen Lemur Case Cracked, Conviction For Endangered Animal Theft

Isaac, the oldest lemur in captivity, was stolen from the zoo & later found in a box outside of a Newport Beach hotel. Now he's a celebrity.

• Also see: Vet Tech Rescues 10 Guinea Pigs In Lake Forest

Ten guinea pigs were rescued thanks to a Lake Forest vet tech and the guys at Pep Boys. And yes, the cavies are up for adoption.

15. Ellen Praises Southland Firefighters On Her Show

Ten California firefighters were on the popular television show this week.

• Also see: $150 Million Powerball Winning Ticket Sold In CA

For the weekend:

• Light Parade; IlluminOdyssey; Holiday Boutiques: NorCal Weekend
• Day Out With Thomas; Undie Run; Turkeys On Trails: SoCal Weekend