Oscars Slap; Bruce Willis Diagnosis; 2nd COVID Booster: Top CA Stories

CALIFORNIA – It was another busy news week across California. Missed the headlines on Patch?

Whether you're looking for breaking or bizarre news, or sweet or silly features, we've rounded up some of the most share-worthy stories from the past week.

Take a look at some of this week's top news stories from across the state.

25 Candidates Running Against Gavin Newsom For Governor

The certified list of CA gubernatorial candidates is in, and it includes a poet, a farmer, a psychologist and activists, among others.

2nd COVID Booster Could Soon Be OK'd For 50+ In CA

Next month, older Californians may be able to get a second COVID-19 booster shot as another subvariant makes its way across the state.

189 CA Billionaires Face 'Minimum Tax' In Biden's Proposed Plan

If president Joe Biden's "Billionaire Minimum Tax" passes, the Golden State's wealthiest residents would pay 20 percent more in taxes.

LAPD Was Ready To Arrest Will Smith But Chris Rock Objected

Oscars Producer Will Packer opened up to ABC News about the drama that unfolded behind the scenes at the Academy Awards.

Will Smith Was Asked But Refused To Leave The Oscars After The Slap

Criticism mounted Wednesday over how the Academy and the audience reacted to Will Smith's violent outburst.

Rock Won't Pursue Charges Against Smith Over Oscar Smack: Police

In one of the most shocking moments in Oscar history, Will Smith slapped Chris Rock after the comedian made a joke about his wife.

Perris 'House of Horror' Sisters Molested By Foster Dad: Report

Thirteen siblings were rescued from a torturous Perris home in 2018. The foster parents for five of them were reportedly charged with abuse.

US Lifts Pandemic-Era Policy, May See Unprecedented Spike In Migrants

The Biden administration is prepping for a possibly unprecedented spike in arrivals of migrants at the southern border. Here's why.

SF Inmate With One Leg Awarded $500K After Being Forced To Hop 64 Feet

Vincent Bell accused deputies in the San Francisco Sheriff's Department of using excessive force. A jury awarded him $504,000.

Hayward Man Tells Cops He's Hiding Under Dorm Bed With Pistols: Feds

Sammy Sultan called university police and said he was hiding under a student's bed with pistols and a stun gun, federal prosecutors say.

SF Martial Arts Teacher Loses 1/2 Of Skull After Sinus Infections

Natasha Gunther, a martial arts instructor from San Francisco, lost half of her skull following a series of sinus infections last year.

Pearl Harbor Remains ID'd As San Leandro Sailor

Wilbur Newton of San Leandro was a sailor aboard the battleship USS Oklahoma who died when Japanese aircraft attacked the ship Dec. 7, 1941.

Jada Pinkett Smith Calls For 'Healing' Amid Oscars Controversy

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced it would conduct a formal review of Will Smith's behavior at the awards show.

Some CA Walmart Stores To End Cigarette Sales

The national retail chain will reportedly stop selling cigarettes despite the significant revenue tobacco sales bring in.

Will Smith Apologizes For Being 'Out Of Line' At Oscars

Actor Will Smith took to Instagram on Monday to apologize for his 'unacceptable' behavior at the Academy Awards when he slapped Chris Rock.

Bruce Willis Diagnosed With Aphasia, Is Stepping Away From Acting

Bruce Willis, who lives in Brentwood Park, was recently diagnosed with aphasia and is stepping away from acting, his daughter said.

Late Foo Fighters Drummer Taylor Hawkins Had Drugs In His System

Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins reportedly had a mix of 10 drugs in his system when he died Friday at 50.

Foo Fighters Cancel All Shows Amid Death Of Laguna Beach Drummer

The death of 50-year-old drummer Taylor Hawkins, who grew up in Laguna Beach, spurred the cancellation of all upcoming Foo Fighters shows.

Marin 'Orbeez Challenge' Incidents Probed

Multiple reported incidents of the TikTok-inspired prank triggered a Marin County Sheriff's Office advisory.

Appellate Judge Sworn In As First Latina CA Supreme Court Justice

Patricia Guerrero, a San Diego appellate judge, was sworn in to become the first Latina to serve on the California Supreme Court.

Ukrainian Artist Makes A Difference In Castro Valley

Julia Kosivchuk's Castro Valley exhibit raised over $4,000 for Okhmadyt Children’s Hospital in Kyiv.

Sesame Place San Diego Opens In Chula Vista

The new theme park features 18 Sesame Street-themed rides and water attractions across 17 acres in Chula Vista.

• Also see: Sesame Place San Diego Opens With Rides, Show, Parade: Photos

For the weekend:

• Festival Of Colors; SpringFest; SF Restaurant Week: NorCal Weekend
• Eggstravaganza; Cherry Blossom Fest; Restaurant Week: SoCal Weekend