Blue Ribbon Schools; New Businesses; Top Restaurants: Saturday Smiles

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

Animals

Bear Moves Into Crawlspace, Others Open Doors As Bear Break-Ins Spike

In Sierra Madre, a couple discovered a bear has moved in beneath their home this week. Bears in the area are increasingly brazen.

Arts and Entertainment

Howl-O-Scream To Offer New Entertainment, Themed Food And Drinks

Howl-O-Scream returns this weekend with all new entertainment, haunted houses, hidden speakeasies and more at SeaWorld San Diego.

Legoland California To Temporarily Close Driving School Attractions

The attractions will reopen in a brand new location in 2025.

Business

Five Below Shop Opens At One Eleven In La Quinta

Most items cost between $1 and $5 at the store, which carries decor, candy, party items, sporting goods and more.

New Health And Wellness Studio Opens Its Doors In Redondo Beach

The wellness studio will offer a range of therapeutic services, including massage therapy, acupuncture and psychotherapy.

These 2 LA Restaurants Are Among America's Top 50, NYT Says

Of the 50 restaurants highlighted by the Times, 32 are newly opened, including both in Los Angeles.

This Grocery Chain Dominates In CA As Industry Shrinks: New Data

A new analysis found that a third of U.S. grocery stores are now owned by just four companies.

Community

County Supervisors OK Deal For Mental Health Care At UCSD

The facility, previously called Alvarado Hospital, will have 30 new inpatient psychiatric beds and a short-term crisis stabilization unit.

County Supervisors OK Youth Behavioral Health Services Access

The board voted in favor of a proposal to upgrade behavioral health infrastructure, services and staffing to help children and young people.

Earth To Get A Temporary Second Moon, Scientists Say

A "mini moon" will orbit Earth for two months, according to a new study.

Large-Scale Palm Springs Unhoused Facility To Host Ribbon-Cutting

The Palm Springs Navigation Center, which will host 80 interim units and wraparound services, will mark the completion of its second phase.

Events

Morongo Thunder & Lightning Powwow Returns For 33rd Year

The Morongo Band of Mission Indians will welcome thousands of revelers through the weekend in Cabazon for the Thunder & Lightning Powwow.

Palm Desert's Fall Concert Series Returns To Civic Center Park

The free fall concert series begins Oct. 3 and will return every Thursday through Halloween night.

Palos Verdes Trails 5K Will Support Addiction Recovery

Strides In Recovery is hosting the 5K in Palos Verdes to support those in recovery from addiction.

Temecula's 'Whodunnit' Wines For Canines And Kitties Kicks Off Oct. 5

Who wouldn't love an 80's pet detective murder mystery party? This one will benefit animals and pet services in southwest Riverside County.

'Travel Back In Time' To Celebrate Temecula History Day On Oct. 12

Residents are invited to come out to Old Town Temecula to play games, watch tractor races and enjoy live music to celebrate history.

Schools

2 OC Schools Earn Prestigious Federal Blue Ribbon Award

Of the thousands of schools in the U.S., only two in Orange County were awarded a Blue Ribbon.

330 Beaumont Students To Get Backpacks With Supplies From Amazon Grant

Thanks to a community grant from Amazon and a volunteer assembly line, students in need will soon get brand new school supplies.

Long Beach School Earns 2024 National Blue Ribbon Award

The LBUSD school is among 356 schools nationwide that won America's top honor for individual schools.

San Diego College Among Top 100 In Country: U.S. News College Rankings

The rankings evaluated 1,500 colleges and universities in the country. See how U.S. News ranked San Diego area schools.

San Diego School Named 2024 National Blue Ribbon School

Only one school in the county was named a National Blue Ribbon School for 2024.

South Bay School Earns 2024 National Blue Ribbon Award

The high school is among 356 schools nationwide that won America's top honor for individual schools.

Sports

LBPD Commander Will Carry Torch At 2025 Special Olympics In Italy

Commander Ryan LeBaron will carry the torch in the final leg of the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games.

Padres Clinch Playoff Spot, Stun Dodgers, Turn Triple Play To End Game

The Padres became the first team in Major League Baseball to clinch a playoff spot with a game-ending triple play.

Let us know if you have an idea for a nice news story in your town. Email your story tips to kristina.houck@patch.com.