Freeway Dedication For Fallen Cop; Vibrant Mural: Saturday Smiles

Need a break from the bad news? If you are looking for lighter news for your weekend, check out these sweet NorCal stories.

Girl With Autism Hosting Book Sales To Raise Money For Others

• Her mother says 'The Sensational Bug' likes to see people 'smile and shine' and goes out of her way to make that happen.

Fremont Artist Paints Vibrant Mural

• She's one of 20 artists chosen for the major project.

Section Of I-505 Named In Memory Of CHP Officer Kirk Griess

• One year ago Saturday, California Highway Patrol Officer Kirk Griess was fatally struck during a traffic stop on I-505 in Vacaville.

200 Emergency Kits Prepared For Napa Valley Residents In Need

• Recently prepared by Jackson Family Wines at Oakville Winery, the kits will be distributed through two Napa Valley nonprofits.

Tri-Valley Restaurants, Taverns Get Behind Mom's Cancer Fight

• On Aug. 20, several local establishments will donate 20 percent of all proceeds to help resident Deanna Sidari in her cancer battle.

El Pollo Loco Donating All Aug. 12 Sales To Victims' Families

• The restaurant owner is moved by tragedy that rocked the Gilroy community, so he also wants to provide free meals to the injured.

Amakara Sushi & Bar Celebrates Grand Opening In New Location

• The eatery is now located on the first floor of the Aster residential complex.

Rare, Endangered Orchid Blooms In Berkeley

• Phragmipedium kovachii from Peru is listed as critically endangered by the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Eye Hospital Jet Restocks In Oakland Before Heading To Vietnam

• It is headed for Vietnam. This plane has been used to train about 10,000 doctors and perform 350,000 eye surgeries over the last 5 years.

Santa Cruz Co. Bans Single-use Plastic Water Bottles

• The ban was on the heels of an announcement this week from RePlanet Buyback Center that it is shuttering all its locations.

Barneys Store In Livermore Saved Despite Bankruptcy News

• The Barneys warehouse store at Livermore Outlets will remain open, although many locations across the country are shuttering.

USPS Will Showcase Space-Themed Stamps At Novato Space Festival

• The U.S. Postal Service will use the Aug. 9 festival to showcase new stamp designs commemorating the 50th anniversary of the lunar landing.

Warby Parker To Open In The Village At Corte Madera

• The Corte Madera store is the eyewear retailer's first shop in Marin County.

Silicon Valley Classic Tennis Tourney Crowns Winner From China

• Zheng Saisai of China won her first WTA title on Sunday when she defeated Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus 6-3, 7-6 (7-3) at the SJ State tourney.

Corks, Forks, Rhythm & Brews: New Boys & Girls Club Fundraiser

• Enjoy delicacies from top Bay Area chefs, top wine and beer, plus live music ... and all for a great cause in Alameda!