Hero Award; Downed Power Line; Weekend Events: Patch PM

NORTH BAY, CA – Missed today's headlines? Here are the Patch stories from Marin, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties that people are talking about today:

Carnegie Hero: North Bay Man Posthumously Honored For Saving Son

• Mir Khaled Ahmad was 41 years old June 23, 2018, when he jumped into the American River to save his 9-year-old son from drowning.

Population Down In Napa, North Bay Counties: State Study

• Estimates from the California Department of Finance show a decrease in population in Napa and two other North Bay counties.

Downed Power Line Closes Lucas Valley Road In Marin County

• A downed power line closed Lucas Valley Road in Marin County in both directions Thursday morning, authorities said.

Changes To CA Laws Expected To Make Building Granny Flats Easier

• The statewide housing crisis is especially dire in Sonoma County, where thousands of homes were destroyed in the 2017 wildfires.

Free Starbucks In Santa Rosa: How To Score Your Cup

• Customers can get a free tall espresso drink of their choice at certain locations as part of Starbucks' "pop-up parties" promotion.

Garden Of D'Lights; 'A Charlie Brown Christmas': NorCal Weekend

• Looking for things to do this weekend in Northern California? Patch has you covered.