Padilla Tapped For Senate; Rare 'Christmas Star:' 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 at some of this week's top news stories from across the state

Newsom Taps California Election Chief Padilla For US Senate

Gov. Newsom faced competing pressures to appoint a Latino to the seat and to appoint a Black woman to replace Kamala Harris.

Southern California's Stay-Home Order Likely To Be Extended

With intensive care -unit capacity at zero and coronavirus transmission rates spiking, Southlanders will be asked to stay home longer.

See Rare 'Christmas Star' Over California On Winter Solstice

Such a close conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn hasn’t occurred since 1623. The Ursid meteor shower coincides with the winter solstice.

CA Approves Moderna Vaccine Amid 'Darkest Days' Of The Pandemic

The Western States' workgroup gave the green light for Moderna's coronavirus vaccine Sunday. What to know

Los Gatos Locals Rally Together To Rescue Cat Stranded In Redwood

A cat was stuck in a tall redwood tree in Los Gatos for four days until a crew from a local tree service company came to its rescue.

Wealthy Californians Bid To Cut Coronavirus Vaccine Lines

Some affluent Golden State residents are already offering up large sums to skirt around the long distribution line for coronavirus vaccines.

Nurses, Teacher, Grocery Worker Unions Demand January Lockdown

A coalition of community groups and unions for front-line workers is calling for a strict 4-week "circuit breaker" shutdown in LA County.

'Self-Inflicted' Gunfire Incident Incites Chaos At Milpitas Mall

A man who reportedly shot himself caused pandemonium at the Great Mall in Milpitas, prompting shoppers and employees to shelter-in-place.

Layoffs Among Golden Gate Transit Workers Halted For Now

The Golden Gate district's board voted to reverse the planned layoffs of nearly 150 employees amid a new federal COVID-19 stimulus bill.

Fauci Puts Priority On Getting Teachers Vaccinated

When Dr. Fauci takes on his new role as President-elect Biden's chief medical adviser, one of his top priorities will be reopening schools.