Girl Shatters Record By Taming 1,390-Pound Steer + Dramatic Animal Rescues: Saturday Smiles

The weekend is finally here, and that means it is time to catch up on some of the lighter news from across Northern California.

12-Year-old Petaluma Area Girl Shatters Record By Taming Ornery 1,390-Pound Steer: Report

• A 12-year-old's Supreme Champion steer fetched $50,000, setting a new Sonoma County Fair record Monday.

Spice Queen Readies To Give North Bay Foodies More Flavor With 2nd Store

• Petaluma spice maker Wind McAlister brings handcrafted organic spices to downtown Santa Rosa this month.

Philz Coffee Opens New Contra Costa Location Wednesday

• The coffee chain will open its 84th location Wednesday at Concord’s redeveloped Willows Shopping Center.

Michelin-Recognized Ramen, Yogurtland, Japanese Crepes & More Coming To Pleasanton

• Four new eateries serving Taiwanese tea, Japanese crepes, frozen yogurt and ramen are headed to Pacific Pearl.

Kitten Rescued From San Francisco Freeway By Animal Control

• The kitten is receiving treatment for its injuries, animal control officials said.

Firefighters Rescue Dog That Fell Off Cliff At Dead Man's Point In SF

• Crews responded to Dead Man's Point just after 2 p.m. on Monday for the rescue, authorities said.

Marin Woman Surprises 100 Teachers With $1 Million Gift: Report

• Each teacher in a local school district received a check for more than $9,000 after gathering for what had been a mystery event.

Tri-City Animal Shelter Offers Free Adoptions All August

• The organization said it's waiving adoption and microchip fees this month to help empty kennels.

10 Outdoor Events In Northern CA Before Summer Ends

• These upcoming local celebrations capture the vibrant spirit of the season.

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.