Dogs Callously Dumped; 'Modelland' Theme Park: 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 back at the top 10 news stories across the state over the past week.

Death Sentence Upheld For Killer Of Danielle Van Dam

• The nation was gripped during search for 7-year-old kidnapped from her San Diego home, and arrest & trial of neighbor David Westerfield.

'So Matted They Could Barely Move': Ill Dogs Dumped In Park

• This is the second report in less than a week of pups abandoned in Escondido.

Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Reopens

• Falling chunks of concrete damaged a vehicle and created a traffic nightmare for motorists.

Tyra Banks To Open 'Modelland' Theme Park In Santa Monica

• The theme park, set to open later this year at the Santa Monica Place, will create a fantasy version of the modeling world.

Storm Litters Orange County Beaches With Garbage

• Recent storms have flooded miles of SoCal coastline with an unconscionable amount of trash. All Southland beaches were under a rain advisory

Hot Air Balloon Makes Emergency Landing On Murrieta Street

• The hot air balloon came to a rest in the middle of a local street on Thursday morning.

Pilot ID'd In Yorba Linda Plane Crash That Left 5 Dead

• A retired Chicago police officer was killed when he crashed into a Yorba Linda home on Super Bowl Sunday.

Beaver Bed Rest: Lindsay Wildlife's Furry Patient

• A little anesthesia goes a long way for this gal! She was found in the middle of the road in Martinez, not exactly beaver habitat.

City Hall Faces Typhus Threat Thanks To Flea And Rat Infestation

• The carpet at Los Angeles City Hall may need to be torn out because of a rat and flea outbreak that may have exposed a staffer to Typhus.

'Flipping Out' Star Shaves $1 Million From Hollywood Flip

• "Flipping Out'" Star Jeff Lewis loves this house so much, he's flipping it twice, but it doesn't seem like he'll get the $8M he wanted.

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--Image courtesy of Joe Fanaselle