$1K Hidden On Trail | ‘Cookie Lady’ Retires: Saturday Smiles

The holiday weekend is upon us and we think one of the best ways to celebrate is to catch up on some nice news. Don't forget to check out our 4th of July fireworks, events, and dining guide.

We have 12 uplifting Northern California stories for your holiday weekend.

4th Of July Fireworks 2021 In San Francisco Bay Area

• Patch has your complete guide to Fourth of July fireworks shows, parades and other celebrations in and around the SF region.

July 4th Restaurant Dining Deals & To-Go Specials 2021: SF Bay

• Eateries across the San Francisco Bay Area are rolling out star-spangled steals & tempting takeout and dine-in offers for Independence Day.

$1K Prize Hidden On Santa Cruz Mountains Trail

• The first clue was unveiled Thursday. See a map of where hikers should look and get ready to hit the trails.

$19K Donated For Livermore Girl's Disney World Dream Trip

• Sophie was diagnosed with cancer at age 7. Strangers across the country stepped up to help put a smile on her face after a difficult year.

Berkeley’s ‘Cookie Lady’ Ends 61-Week Run

• Jane Alexiadis created a community event that lasted well over a year.

Marin's Alpert, Peterson Among Nation's 1st Female Eagle Scouts

• Tamalpais High School seniors Abby Alpert and Cassie Peterson both earned Eagle rank before their 18th birthdays.

SEE: A Week Of RedBall In Santa Cruz And Beyond

• Did you notice a giant red ball around Santa Cruz this month? Here are some picture-perfect moments of the quirky art installation.

Palo Alto Humane Society To Deliver Dog Toys To Local Shelter

• The toys were made by more than 100 kids from different Bay Area youth groups.

Family Of Foxes Takes Over Sacramento Home

• The homeowner says he is happy the foxes were living in his backyard.

Peninsula Nonprofit Set To Receive $5M For East Palo Alto Center

• JobTrain is slated to get funding through the state budget to build a new 100,000-square-foot economic mobility center in East Palo Alto.

Acclaimed Restaurateur Confirms Berkeley Opening

• Dumpling Time will open its wildly popular “modern Cal-Asian” eatery in Berkeley first quarter of 2022, founder Kash Feng said.

The Best Baked Tortilla Chips: Cooking With Courtney

• This 3-ingredient recipe makes zesty tortilla chips with a hint of heat, ready after 15 minutes in the oven. Get the recipe.

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.