Rhino BFFs; Killer Whales Play; Welcome 'Power Suits': Saturday Smiles

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — To keep your weekend light, Patch presents some Southern California stories from the past week — many that hopefully will brighten your day.

--------------

HOLIDAY DINING:

• OC Restaurants Open Christmas Eve & Day, Plus Takeout Specials
• IE Restaurants Open Christmas Eve & Day, Plus Takeout Specials
• SD Restaurants Open Christmas Eve & Day, Plus To-Go Specials
• LA Restaurants Open Christmas Eve & Day, Plus Takeout Specials

--------------

See Endangered Black Rhino 'Meet Cute' At Palm Desert Living Desert

• The critically endangered rhinoceros pair were matched to breed and help save their species, but can they get along? Zookeepers sure hope so.

Imperial Beach Eatery Wins 'Restaurants Care Resilience Fund' Grant

• Each $5,000 grant is focused on aiding restaurants, fueled by donations from energy corporations like SDG&E.

Donated Suits Help Young Men Succeed In Coachella Valley

• For many growing up in the Coachella Valley, owning a suit can be daunting and unattainable.

Disney Offers First Look Into Tiana's Bayou Adventure Ride: Report

• The new Tiana's Bayou Adventure attractions are slated to open at Disneyland and Walt Disney World next year.

Watch Playful Killer Whales On The Newport Beach Coast

• Marine enthusiasts were treated to a rare sight off the coast of Newport Beach Sunday: a pod of orcas typically only found in Mexico.

--------------------

WEEKEND FUN:

• Inland Empire Weekend: Boat Rides With Santa; Ugly Sweater Parties; 'Snowtopia'
• LA Weekend: Christmas Ferris Wheel; Las Posadas Fest; Lit-Up Fairplex
• San Diego Weekend: Holiday Lights Walk- & Drive-Thrus; Wildlife Refuge Tours

-------------

'Outstanding' OCSD Officer Receives Employee Of The Year Award

• Deputy Casey Briggs was named Mission Viejo Police Services' 2023 Employee of the Year.

See How Candy Canes Are Created At IE's Logan's Candies: VIDEO

• It's the 40th Christmas for IE's candy man, Jerry Rowley, owner of Logan's Candies. We think you'll find this cane-making video satisfying.

Homeless Persons Memorial Day To Be Commemorated Dec. 21 In RivCo

• The annual "Longest Night" Homeless Persons Memorial Day aims to raise awareness and remember unsheltered people who died.

City Of Murrieta Named A 'Top Workplace' In Inland Empire

• The confidential survey of more than 230 city employees measured 15 culture drivers, officials said.

Malibu Launches New Pacific Coast Highway Safety Website

• The website will allow residents to keep tabs on the city's efforts to increase safety on PCH.

Fire Captain Who Died Earlier This Year Honored With Park Renaming

• The Riverside City Council unanimously approved the name change Tuesday: El Dorado Park is now Tim Strack Park.

MSJC, Temecula Businesses, City Of Menifee Give Gifts To 138 Kids

• "It has been a hard year for our family, and we are grateful," said MSJC student Shannon Tupuola-Miller.