How to Order Butterbeer at Starbucks

It's not on the menu, but customers can give baristas a special recipe that will produce a drink similar to the beverage enjoyed by the fictional witches and wizards from the Harry Potter books.

Pay Tribute to the Veterans in Your Life

Last week, we asked readers to contribute the names of beloved veterans in their lives. Today, on Veterans Day, we pay tribute to those who served. Add the names of veterans you would like to honor in the comments section below.

Fairfax’s Vivienne Harr Makes a Stand on Wall Street

The 9-year-old Make a Stand CEO's fight to eradicate childhood slavery gets international attention after she rings the open bell for Twitter’s IPO on Wall Street on Thursday.

The Week's Best Good News

Here's our roundup of the most uplifting and feel-good stories from Patch towns across the country.

Sound Off: What Makes San Rafael Special?

San Rafael Patch asks readers to take the “Buzzfeed Challenge.”

ICYMI: The Week's Best Good News

We rounded up the most uplifting stories trending across the country.

High School Student with Down Syndrome Scores Touchdown [VIDEO]

A football dream comes true for a high school senior in New York.

Metallica Frontman to be Honored at Facebook's Little Kids Rock Fundraiser

This year's event will honor the late Chef Josef Desimone, former Google chef and a supporter of the music education fundraiser.

Police K9s Who Gave Their Lives to be Remembered

Police officers from around the state will honor their fallen furry friends at UC Davis on Wednesday.

Buck Scientists Find Link Between Red Wine and Lower Risk of Alzheimer's

Buck Institute scientists have found a link between a protein that often leads to Alzheimer’s Disease and an anti-aging protein found in red wine.

Streets Team Member: ‘You Just Gotta Give Them a Chance’

Michael Angelo Villagomez has been keeping himself busy by working side by side with some of San Rafael’s homeless.

THE Guide to Patch Tips and Tricks on Blogging

Maybe you just started your blog or perhaps you’re already an old pro. Either way, we’ve put together some tips *every* blogger should check out (trust us, they're helpful!):

The Best Blogs on Patch: Tom Clancy Tribute and Resume Tips

Patch’s weekly roundup of blogs from across the country.

San Rafael Man a Finalist in Redbook’s National ‘Hot Husband’ Contest

The San Francisco firefighter’s wife entered him into the contest without his knowledge.

Have Something to Say About Your Faith? We’re Looking for Bloggers!

Are you passionate about your faith? Whether you’re affiliated with a religious organization, house or worship or parochial school, serve as a religious leader in the community, or just feel spiritual, we want your voice on Patch!

The Best Blogs on Patch: Grandmothers, Guns and Scooping Poop

Patch’s weekly roundup of blogs from across the country.

Wildcare Staff Examines Baby Raccoon Found Near Wildlife Hospital

Officials were wondering — could the young critter have escaped from their hospital?

San Rafael Man Helps Rescue Puppy from San Francisco Bay

A San Rafael real estate investor was one of the windsurfers who pulled a chilled puppy out of the water as it was swimming in the middle of the San Francisco Bay toward Angel Island.

Rescued Baby Skunks Pounce for Crickets in Preparation for Release

Watch young skunks learn to pounce on crickets at San Rafael's Wildcare.

Marin County Hoping to Break Ground on Stafford Lake Bike Park Next Spring

The project is being lauded as great example of public-private partnership.

UPDATED: San Rafael Man Rescues Kitten from Highway in Oakland

The tiny kitten, first spotted as a "black little blob" on the side of the highway," is now safe at the Marin Humane Society in Novato.

Security Camera Catches ‘Neighborhood Kid’ in Theft and Other San Rafael Headlines Not to Miss

Check out some of our top San Rafael stories from July 22-26.

Royals Name Baby George – Check out the Most Popular Baby Names in California

How many Jacobs were born in 2012? What year was Matthew the most popular? How many babies got your name the year you were born? Explore our database of California baby names from 1910 to 2012.

Marin Celebrates Gay Marriage Milestones: ‘It’s Something I Never Dreamt of in my Lifetime’

More than 100 people crowded into the San Rafael Panama Hotel and Restaurant patio Wednesday to celebrate a step forward for marriage equality and the return of same-sex marriage to California.

Wildlife Officials Trying to Rescue Marmot in San Francisco

Officials say the animal likely hitched a ride on the undercarriage of a truck or car on the drive from the Sierras or other mountainous location and has likely been in San Francisco for a week.

Tell Us: How Does Gay Marriage Impact Your Life?

Gay marriage impacts parents, children, brothers, sisters, husbands and wives. Post a blog or tell us on our boards how it will affect you.

Prop 8 'Decision Day' Rallies Planned in Marin, Throughout Bay Area

Events will be held in San Rafael as well as San Francisco, Mountain View, Redwood City and Healdsburg.

Didn't Your Father Teach You Anything?

Share the endearing, humorous and cautionary lessons your father taught you.

What Did Your Father Teach You?

Check out what some locals had to say when we asked them what they learned from their father.

What Does Your Dad Mean to You?

As Father's Day approaches, consider honoring the men most influential in your life by sharing their stories in San Rafael Patch.

Learn How to Save a Life on Saturday at Northgate or Mi Pubelo

Free CPR and automated external defibrillator demonstrations are planned for Saturday at Northgate Mall and Mi Pueblo Market in San Rafael.

Marin County Parks Rangers Help Grounded Bald Eagle

The bird of prey was in trouble at Stafford Lake, but it wasn’t injured like rescuers originally thought.

Park George Lucas Donated to San Anselmo Nearing Completion

The deadline to enter the contest to name the park George Lucas donated to the community is May 31 (just don’t include his name or any Star Wars characters as suggestions).

Ride of Silence, Organized by San Rafael Man, to Honor Those Killed in Bike Accidents

Friends and fellow parents who have lost loved ones to tragic bike accidents, including Novato’s Hailey Ratliff and the daughter of San Rafael resident Stephen Bingham, will gather in Tiburon Wednesday evening for the 10-mile jaunt.

Last Week for Personalized Golden Gate Bridge Light Show

This week is your last chance to sign up for a concentrated beam of reflected sunlight to be directed at a location of your choosing from special mirrors mounted on the Golden Gate Bridge. It's an art installation that owes much to science.

Readers' Choice Winner: Mission Church

You picked the Mission Church as the best tourist spot in San Rafael.

Last Chance: Support the Library with Book Sale

Friends Books' week-long book sale will be ending this Saturday.

Canal Karate Program Takes Home the Most Victories in National Championship

Karate members celebrated their recent victories from the United States Federation National Championships.

Earth Day 2012 Activities

Check out all the local events that will help you celebrate the earth.

Hey! Our Homepage Looks Different

San Rafael Patch might look a little different today.