NorCal Chef 1 Of Food & Wine's 10 'Best New Chefs Of 2025' + Adopt A Tree: Saturday Smiles

The weekend is the perfect time to slow down and get caught up on some of the lighter news you may have missed. Read on to enjoy some of our favorite stories from across Northern California.

East Bay Chef One Of Food & Wine's 10 'Best New Chefs Of 2025'

• The national magazine recognized a chef in an East Bay Korean restaurant as one of the 'Best New Chefs' of 2025.

Coyote Seen Swimming In San Francisco Bay

• The coyote was about a quarter-mile from shore when the video was taken.

Baby Pig Available For Adoption In San Mateo County

• A stray 17-pound black and white pot-bellied pig named Checkers is available for adoption at a local humane society.

SF's Parkside Neighborhood Gets A New Doughnut Shop

• A three-day grand opening celebration will take place at the doughnut shop's new location.

Chocolate-Themed Eatery Ready To Indulge In Its Grand Opening

• Chocolate Bash is celebrating the opening of a new location in San Leandro.

Bravazo Peruvian Restaurant Opens New Main Street Location In Pleasanton

• Named after a Peruvian expression for "excellent," the highly-rated restaurant offers Peruvian-style breakfast food and empanadas.

DoorDash Drone Deliveries Could Come To San Francisco: Reports

• The company has previously piloted drone deliveries in Texas, Virginia, North Carolina and Australia, reports said.

Dublin Forest Park Launching Adopt A Tree Program

• The future Forest Park at Jordan Ranch offers the opportunity to adopt trees to help support the park.

Drawings To Win 49ers Tickets At Blood Donor Centers In San Mateo County

• Nine winners will receive tickets to a Sunday Night Football game at Levi's Stadium.

Pleasanton Ghost Walk Tickets On Sale

• The annual October Ghost Walk takes visitors on a tour through Pleasanton's spookiest sites.

Taste Of City Center Brings Cocktail Competition, September Sips, Restaurant Deals

• Enjoy the best City Center restaurants have to offer with special deals and events later this month.

New Girl Scout Cookie Coming For 2026

• The new cookie joins the lineup after two other cookies were retired at the end of the 2025 season.

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.