NorCal Town Featured On Travel Channel + Fall Fun Guide: Saturday Smiles

A cozy fall weekend is the perfect time to get caught up on some of the lighter Northern California news you may have missed.

The Travel Channel called a town in Marin County the "Heart of Americana," and an East Bay town has been named one of the nicest in Northern California.

Before you leave, don’t forget to check out our annual fall fun guide if you are looking for seasonal events.

Danville Named One Of Nicest Small Towns In NorCal: WorldAtlas

• The travel website named Danville one of the 11 nicest small towns in the region, citing its nature, culture, and downtown.

Travel Channel Features Marin County Town

• A real estate and lifestyle expert called the town the "Heart of Americana."

15 Civilians Move Helicopter Wreckage, Save Paramedic: 'They Didn't Hesitate'

• The group moved "out of instinct" and "were able to lift it up with ease," according to Sacramento Fire Capt. Peter Vandersluis.

Fundraiser Started To Support Member Of Mavericks Rescue Team In San Mateo County

• Locals are trying to raise money to repair a rescue ski for a volunteer who saves surfers every year at Mavericks.

Livermore Teacher Named Alameda County Teacher Of The Year

• John Thayer, a 20-year teaching veteran at Granada High School, has dedicated his career to making math more accessible to all.

San Ramon Student Writes Financial Literacy Book For Kids

• "Too many young adults step into independence with little to no knowledge of core financial concepts," said DVHS student Maanika Thakur.

AI-Powered Family Gaming Center Opens In Pleasanton

• Pleasanton resident Nishit Rathod opened Vunsh, an interactive gaming center that offers immersive, live-action video games.

A Local K9 Is Safer On The Job With Donated Doggie Armor Embroidered With A Special Message

• Walnut Creek K9 "Zeke" received protective gear thanks to a donation with a special message from an Indiana woman.

2025 NorCal Fall Fun Guide: The A'Mazing Corn Maze, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2025 And More

• Fall is almost here, and Patch has put together a guide of a variety of fun autumn events around Northern California.

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.