Steffens Named Best in the World, Homeowner Fights Flames, Cellist Playing at Prestigious Festival

Danville's Maggie Steffens Named Best Female Water Polo Player of 2012

The Monte Vista High grad scored a tournament leading 21 goals at the London Olympics, including five in the gold medal match to lead the United States over Spain.

Last week, water polo's international organization, Federation Internationale De Natation (FINA), named the 19-year-old the top women's water polo player on the planet in 2012.

Homeowner Attempts to Fight Flames Himself Before Firefighters Extinguish Garage Fire

Bill Goodwin grabbed a fire extinguisher and attempted to extinguish the flames himself, but was unsuccessful. The San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District responded to a reported fire on Mockingbird Place in Danville at 4:31 p.m. and the blaze was extinguished about 15 minutes later, San Ramon Valley Fire District Capt. Tom Andersen said.

Caiman Found Guarding Pot in Castro Valley Dies at Oakland Zoo

The caiman was found by Alameda County sheriff's deputies near the stash of dry, processed marijuana at a home in the 19000 block of Mt. Jasper Drive on Tuesday afternoon, sheriff's Sgt. J.D. Nelson said.

Danville Cellist Performing at Prestigious San Francisco Music Festival

A recent San Ramon Valley High graduate will have an opportunity to play and learn with some of the most talented musicians in the country at a San Francisco festival later this month.

Faithlina Chan, with two of her new classmates at the University of Pugent Sound, will perform at the Yehudi Menuhin Chamber Music Festival in San Francisco Jan. 29 to Feb. 3.

Other news to know:

• Governor Unveils Balanced Budget
• Would You Let Your Kids Play Football?
• Should Barry Bonds Have Been Elected Into the Hall of Fame?

What do you think of this week's top stories? Do you have a story idea for this week? Tell us in the comments section.

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