New Restaurants Open + $7.5M Lottery Win: Saturday Smiles

If you are on the hunt for some lighter news this holiday weekend, you are in the right place. Read on to enjoy some of the uplifting articles from our sites across Northern California.

$7.5M Lottery Win By Mountain View Resident

• After scratching off the $7.5 million winner, he dropped the ticket off at home and went to work.

YouTube Star In Sonoma County For World Premiere

• Influencer Ruby Slots joined Graton Resort & Casino's celebration of the newest "Wheel of Fortune" game based on the popular game show.

Cook's Seafood Applies For New Permit In Pleasanton

• This indicates the long-awaited restaurant continues to work on the space, but the opening date remains elusive.

Taste Tri-Valley Restaurant Week Starts Feb. 21

• The week kicks off with a cocktail reception and four-course meal with expert wine pairings prepared by the region's top chefs.

Walnut Creek Student Wins Countywide Poetry Contest

• Contra Costa County Poetry Out Loud champion Olivia Buhlman will next compete in the state finals in Sacramento.

Forge Pizza Opens In Oakland Airport’s Terminal 2

• You have a new choice of eateries the next time that you fly out of Oakland.

Indoor Playground, Mediterranean Restaurant Open At City Center

• New additions include Kidplex, a 3,500-square-foot indoor playground for young kids, and Alora, a San Francisco restaurant.

Tequila Bar & Grill Opens At Hacienda Crossings

• The Dublin branch of the popular San Leandro restaurant offers a variety of quality Mexican cuisine and craft cocktails.

Pleasanton St. Patrick's Day Brew Crawl Tickets Available

• Enjoy craft beer samples, food, a car show, live entertainment in March.

Livermore Valley Half Marathon Registration Open

• The 11th annual Livermore Valley Half Marathon and 5K will take runners on a scenic journey around the Livermore Valley.

St. Isidore Knights Of Columbus Hosting Crab Feed

• The St. Isidore Church Knights of Columbus are hosting their 11th annual Crab Feed Extravaganza on Saturday, March 22.

Let us know if you have an idea for a nice news story in your town. Email your story tips to autumn.johnson@patch.com.