Hefty, 'Healing' Gourd; Opossum Sitters Needed: Saturday Smiles

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA — To keep your weekend light, Patch presents some Northern California stories from the past week — hopefully some that will make your day.

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Miramonte High School Teacher Named 'Teacher Of The Year'

• She and a second teacher, from Dougherty Valley High School, will represent the county at the state Teacher of the Year program.

Lindsay Wildlife Experience: Become A Wildlife Caregiver

• Opossum sitters are needed to get these critters from sleepy infants to spunky teenagers that are ready to be released into the wild.

Weekend At A Winery: Stop For The Wine, Stay For The Glow

• If you need a reason, besides the vino, to visit Paso Robles wine country, the dazzling, "Bruce Munro: Light at Sen­so­rio" may be it.

500-Pound 'Giant Pumpkin' Welcomed Fall's Return In Santa Cruz Co

• Giant pumpkin grower Erin Stoker's craft is about more than bringing joy to kids. It's about finding healing. See her biggest gourd.

Los Gatos Wine Walk Returns This Weekend; Over 30 Local Wineries

• The event will feature live music, shopping and of course, an array of fine wine options from over 30 local wineries.

San Rafael Event Raises Over $144K To Fight Homelessness

• "Under the Stars: A Sleepout to End Homelessness in Marin," was held by the Ritter Center July 31.

Walnut Creek Community Service Day: Sign Up Now

• Help with the community food drive, or refresh parks, gardens and schools.

Special Enrollment Period For Covered California

• When federal subsidies end in October, some Castro Valley residents may be in danger of losing health insurance.

Job Fair Saturday: U.S. Postal Service

• Does your local post office have openings, or a local delivery route? Mechanics and truck drivers are also needed. Check out the benefits.

San Rafael Exhibit Aims To Give Voice To Youth

• The YIA Gallery is one of the few in the nation focused on showcasing children’s art.

$5M California Homes Offer Luxury, Amenities

• A $5 million budget will fulfill lengthy wish lists including awesome views, ample space, and amenities to simplify your life.

The Penny Ice Creamery Opens Scotts Valley Location

• Local, organic ingredients shine on the unique menu at this ice creamery.

• CPC Danville is hosting its 6th annual Serve Day. How to help beautify school campuses, prep meals, pick up trash and more.

• The public is invited to a free demonstration next month of the Coast Futura streetcar in Santa Cruz. How to get tickets.

• "We were prepared to open our doors just before the pandemic so it's extra special to see all our efforts finally realized!"

• The Meritage Resort launches the Napa ice-skating rink this November as part of its "Merry Meritage" holiday programming.

• The money will fund $5,000 for Livermore High valedictorians. More about the Spanish teacher leaving a legacy for Livermore students.

• Find out how to participate in the fun.

• Ronit Batra and his student team helped people across 17 states find jobs, open home kitchens and more. Chip in at a Panera fundraiser.

Easy Garlic Jalapeño Cheese Bread: Cooking With Courtney

• Quick, comforting, delicious as sandwich bread or a snack. Minimal rising, almost no kneading, no Dutch oven. Get the recipe.

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FOR FALL FUN:

SF Bay Area Halloween Events 2021: Trick-Or-Treats & Haunts

• Your fall guide to pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides, festivals, Day of the Dead extravaganzas & more throughout San Francisco Bay Area.

Oktoberfest 2021: Guide To The Best In SF Bay Area

• The forecast looks wunderbar as German festivals, with beers, brats & polkas aplenty, are back in the San Francisco Bay region.

Halloween Haunted Houses: SF Bay Area 2021 Guide

• Spine-tingling, scream-inducing spookiness is back! Find the best, bone-chillers throughout San Francisco Bay Area.