Deputy Thwarts Kidnap Scam; Stanford Champs: Saturday Smiles

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA — To keep your weekend light, Patch presents some Northern California stories from the past week — many that will surely make you smile.

---------------

Cops, Food Trucks Rally Around East Bay 2-Year-Old With Leukemia

• Adrian Rodriguez's parents put their food truck business on hold. At the #AdrianStrong event, food trucks will line up to support them.

Livermore Valley Wineries Reopen Tasting Rooms Amid Budding Vines

• Local tasting rooms have been eking by with outdoor tastings, but are welcoming customers back inside. Learn CA's latest rules.

Man Nearly Scammed Out Of $6,000, Saved By Deputy

• Sheriff's deputies and police officers worked together to prevent the man from falling victim to a kidnap ransom scam.

Dublin Teens Organize 'Recyclable CollEggTions' To Benefit Youth

• Dublin teens are organizing the April 10 event to help build a school and irrigation system in Sierra Leone, Africa.

California COVID Vaccine Options Expand As Walmart Offers Shots

• A link to schedule an appointment is below, along with a list of all 137 participating California stores.

Three Popular Bay Area Brands Partner For Chocolate Coffee Beans

• See’s Candies, Peet’s Coffee and Guittard Chocolate Company are coming together to create a “perfect pick-me-up treat."

Santa Clara County Waives Additional Fees For Small Businesses

• The Board of Supervisors voted to waive the annual Weights and Measures fee, which could save hundreds of dollars for many small businesses.

Vice President Kamala Harris Visits East Bay

• Harris visited an EBMUD facility and a small business as she touted President Joe Biden's proposed infrastructure investment.

4 East Bay Small Businesses Land NASA Contracts

• The small businesses will develop new technology for the space agency.

Stanford Holds Championship Parade For Women's Basketball

• The parade winded its way through Stanford's campus and downtown Palo Alto on Monday afternoon.

Danville To Get New Downtown Skate Shop

• Rad Board Shop plans to open its doors to the public this weekend and offer up skateboards and skate merch.

Salmon Salad + Asparagus, Crispy Potatoes: Cooking With Courtney

• A refreshing springtime salad served with a dill-yogurt dressing, and oven-roasted salmon, crispy potatoes and asparagus. Get the recipe.

Livermore To Get New Food, Drink, Game Venue

• Da Boccery plans to offer bocce ball courts, axe-throwing, a full bar and more this summer.

New Leaf To Nix Water Bottles From Shelves By Earth Day

• The local grocery chain said it will phase out single-use water containers in an effort to reduce waste.

Walnut Creek Needs Volunteers This Weekend

• An effort to end hunger in Walnut Creek is underway and the first group of helpers is needed this weekend.

17 Beautiful California Pools To Welcome Summer 2021

• The countdown to summer is on, and these stunning backyard retreats will give you inspiration for your next home or an outdoor remodel.