Rock Icon Helps Injured Boy | Trashcan Puppy Goes Home With Cop | Movie Star Being Evicted: CA News

On the weekend, we present a week in review of the top stories and headlines from all across California. Here's a roundup of some of the most-read stories across the state. You can also find your local Patch and catch up on those stories by clicking here.

• Zip-Tied Crate of Puppies Abandoned On Roadside
• Rock Icon Cuts $10K Check For CA Boy Injured In Helicopter Crash
• California Farming Magnate Charged In Estranged Wife's Death
• Off-Duty ICE Agent Kills Man Firing Shots Into The Air On New Year's Eve
• Dog Rescued From Trash Can Gets Home With Cop Who Saved Him
• 'His Death Haunts My Every Breath,' Says Mom Of 18-Year-Old Killed In CA DUI Crash
• Daughter Of Movie Star Found Dead At Bay Area Hotel On New Year's Day: Reports
• Famed Movie Star Faces Eviction From CA Home Over Unpaid Rent
• Bear Refuses To Budge From Under CA Home, Fed-Up Owner Threatens To Sue
• Mom Of Tot Left Behind In Botched LA Car Theft, Arrested on Unrelated Kidnapping Charge
• Homicides, Major Crime Fell Across San Francisco In 2025: 'A Real Turning Point For Our City'
• CA Woman Ran 'Violent' White Supremacist Group From Comfort Of Her Suburban Home: Feds
• Man Strangled ' Terrified' Pitbull To Death In San Francisco: DA
• Singer ‘Likely’ To Be Indicted For Murder Of Girl Found In Trunk
• Tornado Touches Down In SoCal Amid Torrential Rainstorm, Officials Confirm
• Son Arrested In New Year’s Eve Slaying Of Parents
• High-Speed Camaro 'Blacks Out' Plates, Escapes From CHP In East Bay At 100 MPH
• South OC Actress Stars In Lifetime Movie
• Man Bites Officer, Fires Gun In Police Department Lobby, Authorities Say: Report
• Measles Case Confirmed In East Bay
• Woman Pepper-Sprays Family After Intentionally Crashing Into Car On Bay Area Road: Police
• Pilot Program To Halt Financial Abuse Of Older Residents Launched In Northern CA
• Teen Shot Dead Outside RivCo Mall
• Newport Beach Restaurant Week Returns In 2026 After 4-Year Pause
• Bomb Squad Blows Up Military Artillery Collection Found In Home: Report
• Inmate Transport Van Crashes, Injuring 5

Other notable stories this week include:

Man Sentenced To Death For Grisly Murder Of OC Woman Dies In Prison

The former Long Beach man was sentenced to receive the death penalty for the 1980 rape and murder of a 70-year-old Seal Beach woman.

Man Arrested Who Harassed Woman, Assaulted Good Samaritan At Bay Area Caltrain Station: Police

A good Samaritan received significant facial injuries after trying to stop a man harassing a woman at a Caltrain station, police said.

First Elephant Seal Pup Of The Season Born In Northern CA

The beach and parking lot where the pup was born will be under certain restrictions for some time.

Mission Viejo Hasn't Had A Normal Election Since 2018: Report

A recent report highlighted the South Orange County cities that have struggled to maintain standard elections.

OC Launches New Large-Animal Emergency Rescue Team: Report

The team is designed to coordinate with emergency responders when disasters threaten stables and ranches across Orange County.

Body Found In Orange County River On New Year's Day

Just before noon on Thursday, a 911 caller reported a person in the Santa Ana River bed.

Laguna Beach To Host Special Screening Of Indie Film 'From Embers'

Following the screening, audience members will have an opportunity to participate in a Q&A with the movie’s creative team.

Northern CA Road To Become A Safety Corridor With Lower Speed Limits

Supervisors unanimously approved lowering the speed limit on a road with recent fatalities to 30 MPH.

Local Teen Theater Troupe Spreads Cheer with Bay Area Caroling

Student-led theater spreads joy by caroling for seniors and children, despite facing outreach challenges with care facilities.

2 Fee Increases Will Impact Bay Area Commuters Starting Thursday

These Bay Area fee hikes take effect in 2026.

Inflatable 'MistleToad' Holiday Shenanigans Can't Be Spoiled By Grinches In This RivCo Neighborhood

A holiday game of "Find the Inflatable MistleToad" in a local neighborhood led to an inflatable theft caper this holiday season.

Intoxicated Driver Arrested After Dramatic Flood Rescue In Riverside County

When responders learned a driver was still inside the vehicle, firefighters conducted a swift-water rescue to pull the man to safety

These 7 Restaurants Are Coming To The Bay Area In 2026: Report

From Oakland to San Francisco, these restaurants are ready to take on the Bay Area's food scene next year, according to a report by Eater.

SF Student Wins International Award For AI Language Model Project

The teen says his project helps Thai-speaking immigrant families navigate resources within the San Francisco Unified School District.

Death Of 73-Year-Old Injured In Long Beach Robbery Now Ruled Homicide, Police Say

The death of a 73-year-old man who suffered a fatal injury during an April robbery at his Long Beach home is now being investigated as a homicide, police announced Tuesday.