Snowy Mountains + Neurodiverse Poetry: Saturday Smiles

BAY AREA — If you are looking for some fun Northern California events or uplifting news, you have come to the right place. From pretty snow to star students to new restaurants to earthquake donations, Patch has all of the lighter stories you crave.

Save Mount Diablo: $7M Grant Completes Purchase Of Finley Road Ranch

• The 768-acre property is one of the two most important missing staging areas for Mount Diablo and a top-five priority for Save Mount Diablo.

• Also, a new playground was just installed at Cappy Ricks Park. Both projects were delayed by the pandemic.

Snow Blankets Mt. Tamalpais

• The storm has created widespread traffic hazards and caused power outages throughout the Bay Area.

Marin Motorist Survives 200-Foot Plunge

• A rope rescue operation pulled the motorist to safety after their vehicle went off the roadway on Panoramic Highway, authorities said.

Alyssa Overcomes Challenges, Champions Self-Empowerment

• Alyssa hopes that other neurodiverse teens and young adults will find inspiration and hope in her poetry.

• The green hills have turned white Friday as a historic amount of snow falls throughout California.

• The Turlock-based brewery will open its fourth location in the Shops at Livermore in the early summer.

• We all know students who excel in academic, fine arts or volunteer service. Here's one local resident who is having an impact in San Ramon.

• The city is collaborating with San Francisco Opera to host "Bohème Out of the Box" March 31 through April 2.

• Lokanta Mediterranean Grill & Bar will donate all sales made Wednesday to help the victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

• Giana is independent, intelligent, friendly and kind.

• Sissel draws illustrations for Muttville Senior Dog Rescue.

• Annie not only identifies needs, she finds a way to create and implement solutions so that other folks can live better lives.

• Nyelli "always strives to better her own personal growth and enrich the lives of her those around her."

• Kylie has shown a "willingness to work hard, make a difference, show kindness and be a team player."

• Kaylee's teacher said that she focuses on doing her best for all classwork.

• Aden Holloway is among 48 players —24 boys and 24 girls — selected from over 700 nominees to play on high school basketball's biggest stage.

• Interested in a new career as a bartender or beverage server? Here's what to know about the upcoming bartender school.

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.