Gunman Kills 81 Animals | Chopper Goes Down On Freeway | Cougar Attack

CALIFORNIA — On the weekend, we present a week in review of the top stories and headlines from all across California. Here's a roundup of some of the most-read stories across the state. You can also find your local Patch and catch up on those stories by clicking here.

• Rampaging Gunman Kills 81 Animals
• Mountain Lion Attacks Boy At Family Picnic
• Video Shows Erratic Driver Swerve Across Freeway, Slam Into SUV
• Girl, 4, Killed By Her Family's Pit Bull
• Police Break Window, Rescue Dog Locked In Hot Car
• Helicopter Lands On Busy California Freeway
• Applications Close Monday For 126 'Deeply Affordable Apartments'
• Notorious Child Sex-Trafficking Hub Target Of Major Crackdown
• Tiger Cub Born At San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Lego Spiders Creep Into Legoland California Ahead Of Halloween
• Ex-Deputy Arrested In Kidnapping, Sexual Assault Of Child: Report
• Marin Buys 110 Acres For Open Space Preserve
• Rampant Sex Abuse Allegations At CA Women's Prisons Prompt Probe
• Bystanders Rescue 2 Children Nearly Swept Away By Current At Ocean Beach
• 3 Colombian Nationals Tied To Suspicious Devices
• Infamous Pillow Case Rapist To Be Set Free
• Barber Who Tortured 6-Year-Old Faces Murder Charge, DA Says
• Man Dies On Roof Of South OC Shopping Mall: OCSD
• Home Improvement Chain To Close All CA Locations

Other notable stories this week include:

Bay Area Man Arrested For Alleged Instagram Threats To Politicians

Federal prosecutors allege the man sent threatening messages to a congresswoman and Florida state representative over Instagram.

'Ketamine Queen' To Be Tried In Matthew Perry's Death: Prosecutors

The North Hollywood woman is two main defendants in the death of "Friends" actor Matthew Perry.

Woman Pulled Out Of Car By Carjacker In San Ramon: Report

A Castro Valley man was arrested on charges of pulling a woman out of her car while she was vacuuming at a car wash, and driving away.

Pixar Brings Themed Mini Golf Pop-Up To Long Beach

Beloved childhood characters will take people through the interactive Pixar Putt pop-up coming to Long Beach this month.

Howl-O-Scream Halloween Event To Return To SeaWorld San Diego

Tickets are on sale for the Halloween event, which will feature haunted houses, scare zones, vile vignettes and more.

Worst Heatwave In Years Broils SoCal; LA Could Reach 118 Degrees

Prolonged heat waves with temperatures this high have proven to be deadly in Los Angeles County.

FAA, NTSB Probe Deadly Novato Plane Crash

A forensic exam was underway Tuesday after a pilot died in a fiery plane crash at Gnoss Field over the weekend.

Homeless Man Arrested In Spree Of Violent Santa Monica Attacks

The man was arrested after beating a woman at the beach last week in Santa Monica, police said.

Downtown LA Stretch to Honor Former Slave `Biddy' Mason

A portion of Spring Street will be renamed to honor a former slave who became a prominent Southland resident and landowner in the 1850s.

Man Bites Officer After Stealing Over $2K From Macy's: Police

Police say the suspect bit a police officer after shoplifting, and was also in possession of a firearm.

Hunter Biden Enters Surprise Guilty Plea To Tax Evasion Charges In LA

He admitted all nine charges he was facing charges that carry a potential sentence of up to 17 years in prison.

Online Gaming Dispute Led To Homicide: Police

Police say the killer drove from Arizona to the Bay Area to gun down his victim.

Gloria Romero, Former Democratic State Senate Leader, Switches to GOP

"This is not the Democratic Party that I once championed. I do not recognize it anymore," said the former East LA lawmaker.

Walk of Fame Star Honoring Tim Burton Unveiled

"Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" cast members Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder joined director Tim Burton in celebrating the honor.

2025 Stagecoach Country Music Festival Lineup, Ticket Sales Announced

Passes for the three-day April 25-27 festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio go on sale at 11 a.m. Sept. 13.

Blood Donors Could Win Free Usher Tickets

Anyone who donates to Stanford Blood Center in September could win free tickets to see Usher at the Stanford Arena.

Man Interrupts Burglars During Break-In

After they were caught breaking into a home in Cheviot Hills, the burglars fled, leading police on a chase, according to the LAPD.