Custodian Honored; Cute Prairie Dogs Named: Saturday Smiles

Need a break from the bad news? If you are looking for lighter news for your weekend, check out these sweet NorCal stories.

Beloved Scotts Valley Custodian Wins Hearts In National Contest

• Scott's Valley Middle School worker Aristeo Flores, 73, was named "Custodian of the Year."

Santa Cruz County Tourism Hits $1 Billion For First Time Ever

• The county saw its tourism industry reach the $1 billion mark in 2018—a first for the region.

Adorable Guide Dogs In Training Visit Airport

• These dogs now know how to negotiate a TSA screening. Alaska Airlines hosted the event at Oakland International Airport.

Winners Picked In Zoo's Prairie Dog Naming Contest

• From thousands of suggestions, these 4 names were chosen.

4,000 Applications For 58 Affordable Apartments In Walnut Creek

• A grand opening celebration was held Wednesday for the Riviera Family Apartments

Fremont Awarded $1.2 Million Grant

• One of the first things Fremont will do with the money is plant 250 trees.

Newark Honors 'Hero' Police Officer Who Saved Elderly Woman

• He has received a Life-Saving Award for rescuing a 75-year-old woman who had been missing for two days.

Exceptional Marin Volunteers, Interns Lauded

• The Marin County Board of Supervisors celebrated the spirit of volunteer service.

Montalvo Creates Artists In Saratoga

• About two dozen classes in disciplines ranging from drumming to weaving will cultivate budding artists of all types this summer.