Freshman Runner Shines, Livermore Toy Drive Delivers: Saturday Smiles

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA — Need a break from all the doom and gloom in the world? We’ve got you covered. Each week Patch shares some of the nice news stories we’ve reported on from around Northern California. We hope you enjoy some of the stories that we can all feel good about!

Tam High Freshman Wins Prestigious Marin Race

A high school freshman runner won a prestigious Marin County race earlier this week.

Tamalpais High of Mill Valley’s Lucas Ruark on Sunday won the annual Jingle Bells 5K in decisive fashion Sunday in Sausalito with winning time of 16:54.

He was followed across the finish line by 48-year-old Sergio Higareda, the defending race champion from San Rafael, then 39-year-old Noah Lang (another Marin County runner) and Ruark’s Tam High cross-country teammate, 16-year-old Ben Wilheim.

Redwood High School graduate Lucie James, 22, was the first female finisher and placed seventh overall in Sunday's Jingle Bells 5K. Allison Kegley, 44, of San Rafael, was second female finisher and placed 13th overall.

The Jingle Bells 5K race capped Sausalito’s Winterfest weekend celebration that featured the free Lighted Boat Parade and Fireworks Show on Saturday.

Livermore Toy Drive Collects Over 1,150 Toys

Livermore Valley Wine Community and Pacific States Petroleum partnered on a Toys for Tots drive during the Holidays in the Vineyards celebration that collected over 1,150 toys.

The toys will go to a local collection done by the U.S. Marines and will be passed out to the children in the community.

Montesacro Opens First East Bay Location In Walnut Creek

Montesacro, the America's first pinseria, which opened in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood location nearly eight years ago, opened the doors to its first East Bay location Nov. 26 in Walnut Creek.

Montesacro Founder and Owner Gianluca Legrottaglie brought pinsa to the United States in 2015, introducing America to the Italian delicacy of hand-pressed pizza straight from Rome. Legrottaglie then opened Montesacro locations in Brooklyn and San Francisco’s Marina neighborhood.

Rotarian Foundation Of Livermore Now Offering Grants Up To $50K

The Rotarian Foundation of Livermore is now able to offer community grants of up to $50,000 thanks to a bequest from the late Dr. Martin Plone, a longtime Rotarian.

Plone was a veterinarian who was a member of the Rotary Club from 1971 until his death in July 2021. He founded the American Animal Hospital Association veterinary practice in Livermore, and then founded the Del Valle Pet Hospital in 1979.

In 2022, the foundation awarded $94,951 to 22 community organizations, according to an RFL news release. In 2023, the foundation will be able to offer nearly $200,000 in grants.

East Bay Regional Parks To Host Ribbon-Cutting at Shadow Cliffs

East Bay Regional Parks hosted a ribbon-cutting celebrating the completion of a 1,000-square-foot outdoor interpretive pavilion at Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area in Pleasanton.

The event was held at Shadow Cliffs.

San Ramon Symphonic Band To Play Holiday Festival Friday

The San Ramon Symphonic Band was scheduled to perform at its annual Holiday Concert Friday night at Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center.

The San Ramon Community Chorus at 2 p.m. Sunday is scheduled to sing holiday favorites at the San Ramon Community Center. The free concert will also feature local dance groups.

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