Perseid Meteor Shower: Tonight is the last night for the best view of the Perseid Meteor Shower. Here are tips on how to watch and fun facts about the meteor show. Did you know that the meteoroids are as small as a grain of sand, but they have the kinetic energy of a nuclear bomb?
Chevron Refinery Fire: A large fire erupted at the Chevron refinery in Richmond on Monday. Residents were given a shelter-in-place order. Add to our map if you could see or smell smoke.
Paragon Outlets Livermore Valley: Read about the list of stores planned for the outlet mall and find out about the upcoming job fair.
Meet your local Olympic torch-bearer: Pleasanton resident, Sarah Williams, is back from London and spoke at the Pleasanton Library about her experience carrying the Olympic torch in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.
"BART Idiot Hall of Fame": Have you seen the Facebook page dedicated to the shenanigans and poor "BARTiquette" endured by those riding BART. Share your commute horror stories with us.
Making the cut for cancer: Meet the Dublin sisters who cut their hair off for their friend battling stage four breast cancer.
Other news you need to know:
- Olympics coverage on Patch. Check out our topic page daily for all things Olympics.
- Back to school: Back to School Already? We Have the Info You Need to be Prepared. Find important school dates, fashion tips for mom, advice for parents with college freshmen and rides for back to school.
- Readers choose: Vote for your favorite businesses in town in our Readers' Choice 2012 contest!
What do you think of this week's top stories? We want to hear what you think.
Patch us your comments in the comments section below or in the comments section of a specific story.
