$1M Windfall + 56 Turkeys Pardoned + $17M Payout: 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

56 Turkeys Pardoned From IE Warehouse, Thriving At Anza Duck Sanctuary

A gang of turkeys taken from a hoarder have found a home at the Anza Duck Sanctuary, where they will enjoy a Vegan Thanksgiving dinner.

Safari Park Puts Spotlight On Unique Turkey Ahead Of Thanksgiving

Prior to this female ocellated turkey hatching in 2023, the last chick to hatch at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park was 17 years ago.

Arts and Entertainment

'AGT' Winner, Howie Mandel Heading To Fantasy Springs Resort Casino

The AGT Season 19 winner of “America’s Got Talent,” Richard Goodall, the Singing Janitor, heads to the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino stage.

Jennifer Lopez To Be Awarded 'Legend And Groundbreaker' At 2025 PSIFF

Variety's executive vice president of content says: "This year, she again reminds film fans of her acting prowess and range ..."

Business

Whole Foods Plans New Sepulveda Boulevard Location In Palms

The former Albertsons on Sepulveda Boulevard, once the planned site of a seven-story development, will instead house a new Whole Foods.

Workwear Brand 'Dickies' Moves To OC From Texas: Report

The well-known brand is shedding its Texas headquarters and moving to Costa Mesa, The Orange County Register reported.

Community

Legoland California Brings Holiday Cheer To Ronald McDonald House

The Carlsbad-based theme park gifted $35,000 to help support the Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego and Southern California.

South OC Lotto Winner Finally Gets $17M Payout: Report

An Orange County man has been paid the winnings from a $44 million lottery jackpot he won back in August.

Terranea Resort Donates Thanksgiving Dinners To Palos Verdes Residents

Terranea Resort will donate free Thanksgiving dinners to residents affected by land movement and utilities shutoffs.

Woman Working On Her Day Off At Walmart Lands $1M Windfall

A SoCal woman's willingness to work on her day off turned out to be worth $1 million.

Events

Belmont Park Brings Beachside 'Winter Wonder' To All Ages

Winter Wonder at Belmont Park is where beachside traditions are born and holiday memories are made, according to event organizers.

Sports

World Series Champs Snag Cy Young Winner With $182M Contract: Report

The Dodgers reportedly signed two-time Cy Young Winner Blake Snell to their pitching lineup.