Holiday Ice Rinks | Help Stuff 400 Backpacks: Saturday Smiles

As we wrap another week, it's time to take a look back at the nice Northern California news you may have missed. Now is also the time to sign up for the upcoming turkey trots and plan a trip to one of the local holiday ice rinks. While you are here, take a look at the Bay Area business featured among "Oprah's Favorite Things" for 2021.

Danville Steps Up To Stuff 400 'Backpacks Of Hope'

• A San Ramon Valley nonprofit seeks help to stuff 400 backpacks for children with a rare autoimmune disease in 2021. Find out how to help.

Livermore's Own Miss Rodeo California Heads To U.S. Competition

• Morgan Laughlin, 22, hails from a six-generation rodeo family and will vie this fall for the title of Miss Rodeo America.

'America's Grandest Estate' Listed For Sale In Woodside For $135M

• Green Gables Estate has seven homes and 34 bedrooms on 74 acres and features breathtaking views of California's Pacific Coast range.

Sonoma Lavender Co. Product Among 'Oprah's Favorite Things 2021'

• Oprah describes Sonoma Lavender Co.'s Scented Stuffed Animals as a "soothing snuggle buddy that’s great for the young and not-so-young."

Pleasanton Scores Visit From Shaq At Medea Medical Grand Opening

• Pleasanton officials were on hand to greet "Superman" himself at Medea Medical's grand opening event in downtown Pleasanton.

San Mateo On Ice Returns This Month, Featuring Several Free Days

• The rink at San Mateo’s Central Park will be open Nov. 13 through Jan. 9 and features 11,000 square feet of real ice.

Union Square's Holiday Ice Rink Returns For 2021-22 In SF

• San Francisco's Safeway Holiday Ice-Skating Rink soon to mark grand opening with ceremony & flurry of seasonal events.

Holiday Ice Rink Coming Soon To San Ramon

• Visit the grand opening event next month. Some proceeds go to equipping kids from low-income families with books.

Thanksgiving Turkey Trots 2021: Guide To The Best In SF Bay Area

• Turkey day walks & runs - now holiday traditions for many families - are back. Find one nearby & feel better about those second helpings!

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