Frightmare Haunted House + 4 Breweries Win Awards: Saturday Smiles

If you are in need of some lighter NorCal news, you have come to the right place. Read on to find out which East Bay breweries won at the Great American Beer Festival and don’t forget to order Casa Orinda's famous fried chicken dinner to help the Orinda Rotary raise money for local causes.

San Ramon Students Help Hundreds Of Refugees

• Open Arms Refugee, founded by two Dougherty Valley High School seniors, has raised $10,000 to help refugees.

4 East Bay Breweries Win Big At Great American Beer Festival

• The nation’s largest professional beer competition awarded 273 breweries and cideries with 325 medals. Here’s who took one home.

Toastique To Bring Gourmet Toast, Smoothies, Juice To Danville

• The gourmet sandwich, coffee, and juice franchise is opening its first Northern California location on Railroad Avenue.

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner: Get Your Orders In

• Order Casa Orinda's famous fried chicken dinner to help Orinda Rotary raise money for local causes.

Emerald High School Names New Principal

• Former Assistant Principal Lenni Velez is replacing Francis Rojas, who resigned last week.

Frightmare Haunted House Opening Friday

• Livermore's most popular free haunted house is coming back extra scary.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Coming To San Jose

• The holiday music show is scheduled for a single performance on November 26.

A.C.T. Prepares For World Premiere of 'A Whynot Christmas Carol'

• This new adaptation of the Dickens classic runs from Nov. 26 to Dec. 24 at Toni Rembe Theater. Tickets are on sale now.

Festive Holiday Bay Cruises Scheduled From Berkeley

• Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s offerings are available to book now for fall and winter celebrations.

Let us know if you have an idea for a nice news story in your town. Email your story tips to autumn.johnson@patch.com.