Pygmy Hippo + San FranDISCO + Haunted Houses: Saturday Smiles

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — The weekend is finally here and now is the perfect time to catch up on the lighter Northern California news you may have missed. Read on to learn about the first time an endangered species has been at San Francisco Zoo since 2004, the new roller rink outside the San Francisco Civic Center, and all the spooky Halloween happenings around the Bay Area.

• The pygmy hippo's arrival to the zoo marks the first time the animal, an endangered species, has been at the zoo since 2004.

• The 5,000-square-foot pop-up roller rink will be on Fulton Plaza for a three-month trial period.

• It's terror time! Be brave, and check out the spookiest, scream-inducing haunts near you in the San Francisco region. Tickets on sale.

• Your guide to trick-or-treat trails, corn mazes, Day of Dead events, fall fests, haunted houses & more throughout the San Francisco Bay Area

• The popular Oakland Zoo event includes costume contests (wear your costume to the zoo!), scavenger hunts and more.

• The series of block parties, family fun activities and a massive scavenger hunt celebrate community resiliency.

Gym Donates More Than 250 Jackets And Blankets to Local Charities

• Xclusive Speed Sports Performance Training hosted its inaugural Jacket and Blanket Drive Sunday, Oct. 9.

• "A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be honest," said Jose Avalos of Oakland. "First time I've ever come out to a ring ceremony."

• From a total lunar eclipse to meteor showers to nighttime hikes through the redwoods, here are some astronomically fun things to see and do.

• See which six businesses were honored by the chamber for their innovation and service to the community.

• After quilting Livermore's iconic Donut Wheel, Beth Butera threads together another famous landmark.

• The students are asking Dublin residents to leave out recyclables to help fundraise for schools in Sierra Leone.

• The city is asking its residents to wear orange and take the Unity Pledge to support people who have been bullied and excluded.

• Tickets are already on sale for premium wine tastings at downtown businesses, hors d'oeuvres prepared by local chefs, and a collectible glass.

• Students ride free on the new field trip program approved by SMART's Board of Directors.

• The trendy yoga pants that are all the rage in Hollywood have arrived in Palo Alto.

• The band's "Hotel California" tour opens Nov. 15 at Enterprise Center in St. Louis.

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.