Teen Tech Wiz Wins Award + Middle Schoolers Honored: Saturday Smiles

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA — Need a break from all the doom and gloom? 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.

East Bay Teen Wins Apple Worldwide App Challenge

Audrey Wang was chosen as a winner of Apple's Swift Student Challenge. The 15-year-old from Fremont developed an app that assists in brain function. The app helps the brain use multiple senses to form or recall memories, a process called synesthesia.

Redwood City Middle Schoolers Awarded In Climate Action Video Contest

Four Redwood City middle school students were honored for their work in the Climate Action and Climate Resiliency Video Contest at a recent council meeting.

The video contest was designed to bring climate action and adaptation awareness to Redwood City children.

$30M To Be Distributed To Organizations Fighting AAPI Hate

The California Department of Social Services on Wednesday approved $30.3 million in support of local nonprofits in their ongoing fight against hate targeting the state’s Asian and Pacific Islander community.

$5M Budget Allocated For Early Learning Center

Sen. Bill Dodd secured the funding, which will be used for renovations at the site of Beverly Hills Elementary, a shuttered Vallejo school. The funding aims to provide facilities needed for young children.

Al Fresco Dining For A Good Cause

Jordan Vineyard & Winery is commemorating the work of various nonprofit organizations with its Sunday evening Social Impact Summer Dinner series, which kicked off June 24 and continues July 16, Aug. 13 and Aug. 26.

Each alfresco meal highlights and supports a local or global cause the foundation has supported in the last decade.

New Marin School Readies To Rock

School of Rock San Rafael will hold its grand opening Sunday afternoon.