SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — A huge congratulations are in order for California’s newest Farm Dog of the Year.

A small dude for a big job, Willy the dachshund won his family a grand prize of $1,000 for his hard work.

MORE: Loyal dog leads deputy to injured grandma, video shows

He helps wrangle animals on farms and ranches in Shasta, Tehama, and Siskiyou counties.

Despite not being a typical herding breed, Willy is been trained to corral livestock with his bark and lively energy.

MORE: French bulldog mix Petunia takes crown at World’s Ugliest Dog Contest in Sonoma Co.

He dabbles in horseback riding and helps control critters on the farm, and he tags along on his dad’s adventures into the woods for logging work.

CALIFORNIA — Californians may have another chance at seeing the northern lights Monday night, due to a solar flare-up, according to a report by the San Francisco Chronicle.

The solar storm is the result of a coronal mass ejection, which happens when solar material and magnetic fields erupt, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The aurora borealis is powered by magnetic storms, which are triggered by solar activities such as flares.

Due to this flare, the aurora borealis will be visible late Monday night and into early Tuesday morning over many northern states and parts of the lower Midwest, according to NOAA predictions.

“As billions of charged particles collide with Earth’s magnetic field, these collisions produce lights and, depending on the molecules and location in the atmosphere, can produce green, blue, or even red aurora lights,” Accuweather experts explained.

Last month, the Northern Lights were even visible in Southern California.

The Northern Lights were also visible in the Bay Area back in June, making 2025 a banner year for the phenomenon, which can’t often be seen in the Golden State.

Back then, scientists marveled that there were two coronal mass ejections so close together in 2024 and 2025.

“The fact that we’ve had a similar incident two years in a row — that’s exceptionally unusual,” Chabot Space and Science Center astronomer Gerald McKeegan told SFGATE.

Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.

Patch Staffer Ashley Ludwig contributed to this report.

LOS ANGELES – It may be too warm to wear your favorite holiday sweater this week.

Amid the holiday season, Southern California will experience summer-like weather, with warm and dry conditions expected to last through Wednesday. 

What we know:

The region will experience above-average temperatures as high pressure builds in Southern California. 

Inland communities can expect highs around 81 degrees, while coastal areas will enjoy sunny skies with temperatures reaching 72 degrees. The warmest spots, such as in the Inland Empire, may see temperatures as high as 87 degrees. Meanwhile, the Pacific Northwest is experiencing heavy rainfall due to an atmospheric river, which is deflecting storms away from Southern California.

Timeline:

Monday and Tuesday:

• Summer-like weather with warm and dry conditions.
• Morning patchy fog followed by afternoon sunshine.
• Inland temperatures around 81 degrees; coastal areas at 72 degrees.

Through Wednesday:

• Continuation of warm and dry weather.
• High pressure maintains above-normal temperatures.

Weekend:

• Gradual decrease in temperatures.
• Shift from offshore to onshore winds.
• Inland temperatures may reach up to 87 degrees before cooling.

What’s next:

By the weekend, a shift from offshore to onshore winds will help bring temperatures down slightly. In addition, no rain is anticipated in the next seven days.