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Woman Escapes Kidnapper By Hiding | Murder House Sells $700K Over Asking | Chonkers Is A Star: CA News

City To Pay $1M For Library Censorship | Nation's Priciest Mansion | Celeb Chef Called Slur | Shooting Victim Found In Trunk In Traffic Stop

Chonkers, a giant Steller sea lion, sits on a dock at San Francisco's Fishermen's Wharf, Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Chonkers, a giant Steller sea lion, sits on a dock at San Francisco's Fishermen's Wharf, Thursday, April 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Haven Daley)

On the weekend, we present a week in review of the top stories and headlines from all across California. Here's a roundup of some of the most-read stories across the state. You can also find your local Patch and catch up on those stories by clicking here.

Other notable stories this week include:

Swalwell Donors Request Over $1.5M In Refunds: Report

Hundreds of donors are asking for their money back, but the campaign has "no clear direction," according to an SF Chronicle report.

Find out what's happening in Murrietafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Lakers G League Team Moves To Palm Desert, Renamed Coachella Valley Lakers

The Coachella Valley Lakers will play home games of the 2026-27 season at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert.

Invasive 'Jumping Worms' Spotted In California As Warnings Spread Across States

The 'gardener's nightmare' worm has been spotted across the country. They can jump up to 6 inches, and degrade the soil and plant roots.

Find out what's happening in Murrietafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Thieves Steal Dozens Of Memorial Plaques From Popular Alameda Park: Report

Community members fear it may be part of a growing trend, according to an ABC7 report.

Melania Trump Wants Late Night Host Fired After 'Widow' Joke

It's the second time in less than a year the president has called on ABC to fire the comedian.

Police Arrest Suspect In Railroad Square Slashings

Dozens of motorists woke to flattened tires across Santa Rosa’s Historic Railroad Square.

John Mulaney Brings Dry Laughs To Napa Vineyards

A comedy star with a history of turning personal chaos into punchlines heads to Napa this October.

Orphaned Coyote Pup From San Diego County Begins New Life As Wildlife Ambassador

"Val will play an important role in helping people better understand coyotes and how to peacefully coexist with wildlife."

Opening Arguments Set In Trial Of RivCo Man Accused Of Shooting Girl In Passing Car

The defendant is being held in lieu of $2 million bail at the Benoit Detention Center.

Temecula Optometrist Found Guilty Of Sex With Boy After Vigilante Group Ensnares Him

Brandon Thomas Zoeckler was also licensed to practice in Beaumont.

CA Voters Worried About Threats to American Democracy: Poll

The new poll from UC Berkeley's Institute for Governmental Studies included responses from nearly 6,000 California voters.

Watch 'Grate Duckling Rescue' By Flock Of Murrieta Firefighters

In a video that went viral, watch 8 baby ducks being returned to their mother this week, thanks to these firefighters. Here's what happened.

Disney, San Diego Port Strike Landmark Deal With 1M Passenger Pledge

The deal marks the first time in more than 20 years that a cruise line has offered a minimum annual guarantee at the Port of San Diego.

Restaurant Stabbing Injures 5; Trio Arrested In San Mateo County: Police

The trio attacked the victims with glass shards and other objects, police said.

Crime Numbers At Coachella, Stagecoach Music Fests Pale In Comparison To Economic Gains

Both events, held this month in Indio, were largely peaceful and they reaped hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity.

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