$2.8M Lotto Ticket | Family Rescued From Ravine: Saturday Smiles

In honor of Random Acts of Kindness Day 2021, we shared a wide range of sweet stories about local people helping others and giving back to their communities.

We will cheer for a Bay Area high school teacher who is one of 11 bakers from across the country competing on Food Network's "Spring Baking Championship" and we are excited that Gilroy Gardens will soon be reopening.

We hope you enjoy all of these uplifting Northern California stories.

Healdsburg High Teacher To Compete On Food Network TV Show

• Culinary Arts teacher Derek Corsino is one of 11 bakers from across the country competing on Food Network's "Spring Baking Championship."

Deputies Rescue Family And Dog From Ravine In Castro Valley

• A family whose vehicle slid into a heavily wooded ravine in Castro Valley Sunday morning was rescued by Alameda County Sheriff's deputies.

Palo Alto Firefighters' Pet Project Saves The Day

• After two young children lost pet hamsters in a garage fire, Palo Alto firefighters brought them a new guinea pig.

Gilroy Gardens Announces 2021 Reopening Date

• The popular, family theme park was closed for its 2020 season due to pandemic-related shutdowns.

Livermore Restaurant Named Among Bay Area's Most Anticipated

• See which local eatery made the cut and learn when it's expected to open.

$2.8M Lotto Ticket Snagged In Bay Area

• This year is looking up for one lucky Mega Millions player in California.

Castro Valley Golfer Sinks Once-In-A-Lifetime Shot

• Castro Valley's Kevin Pon hit a shot at Oakland's Lake Chabot golf course that he will never forget.

Peninsula Couple Donates $80M To Palo Alto Hospital

• The donation is the largest Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford has ever received from individuals.

Dublin Parents Launch 'Adopt' Program For High School Seniors

• It's been an unusual time for high school students. Parents are trying to show the Class of 2021 some love.

San Ramon Valley Firefighters Help In Epicenters Of CA's Outbreak

• In honor of Random Acts of Kindness Day, see this heartwarming photo of local firefighter-paramedics lending a helping hand.

SEE: Watsonville Officer Helps Woman In Wheelchair Across Street

• In honor of Random Acts of Kindness Day, check out this heartwarming video.

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