Over 7M COVID Cases; Universal Health Care Bill: Top CA Stories

CALIFORNIA – It was another busy news week across California. Missed the headlines on Patch?

Whether you're looking for breaking or bizarre news, or sweet or silly features, we've rounded up some of the most share-worthy stories from the past week.

Take a look at some of this week's top news stories from across the state.

CA Hits Over 7M Coronavirus Infections, With 1M In The Past Week

The past week saw the fastest accumulation of infections since March 2020. Still, free at-home tests and signs of a crest offer some hope.

Californians Will Get Up To 3 Free N95 Masks Next Week

The Biden administration announced plans to ship 400 million N95 masks, considered the most effective kind, across the country.

CA Universal Health Care Bill Spurs Debate Over High Cost

A universal healthcare bill advanced in the Assembly, but an attached amendment to raise taxes by $163 billion may be a nonstarter.

After Record Rains, What's Next For California Droughts?

December was one of the state's wettest on record, but much of the state is still in a moderate drought. What to do?

California's 10 Most Affordable Cities: Report

California City is California's most affordable city. A data company crunched numbers to find pockets of affordability in the Golden State.

Grammy's To Leave LA For Las Vegas Amid COVID Surge

The postponement of the 64th Grammy Awards ceremony due to the COVID surge led to a series of scheduling conflicts for music's biggest night.

Fight Against CA's Deadly Fentanyl Epidemic Gets Louder

A grassroots campaign to make drug dealers accountable when fentanyl deaths occur is underway after state lawmakers tabled legislation.

USC Frat Parties Must Have Security Guards Blocking Bedrooms

The measure is among a series of newly announced rules after allegations of drugging and sexual assault roiled the university.

Tesla Worker Dies At Plant

The employee was at work on Tesla's powertrain line when he collapsed and died.

NorCal Teen Gets Perfect SAT Score

A senior at Davis High School is in shock after learning that he got every single question on his SAT exams correct.

San Ramon Girl Earns Eagle Scout Rank Helping Bay Area Women

Here's how Apara Sai left her mark on the community through Boy Scouts of America.

San Ramon Teen Crochets 'Love Buddies' To Brighten Kids' Days

Chelsia Kwon has donated more than 8,000 crocheted dolls and charms since 2018. Here's why she does it.

San Diego Teacher, Athlete Killed In Joshua Tree Rock-Climbing Accident

The 35-year-old man died over the weekend at the park's Sentinel Rock formation.

Mountain Lion Fight In Peninsula Neighborhood Turns Deadly: Video

A video from a resident’s doorbell camera captured growling noises and one of the mountain lions eventually dragging away the other.

2-Day Old Giraffe Euthanized At San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Specialists noticed the unnamed Masai calf had difficulty standing and was not nursing.

Baby Sumatran Orangutan Born At San Diego Zoo

Kaja is the first orangutan born at the San Diego Zoo since 2014.

For the weekend:

This article originally appeared on the Carlsbad Patch