$50 Disneyland Tickets + Endangered Horses Born + Best Festive Pop-Up Bars + Restaurant Week: 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

2 Endangered Przewalski's Horses Born At Safari Park

They are the first foals born at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park since 2023.

Beloved IE K-9 Receives National Honors For Life-Saving Work

Keva the bloodhound, aka "The Fastest Nose in the West," is the Inland Empire's "Hooch" as the star of her sheriff's department.

First Hoary Bat Released In SoCal With Tracking Transmitter

The release marks the first time a hoary bat has been equipped with the technology in Southern California.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Adds First-Ever Insect To Frozen Zoo

This achievement provides a critical safeguard for a species rediscovered in 2001 after being presumed extinct since the 1930s.

Arts and Entertainment

484th Palm Springs Walk Of Fame Star Goes To Barbar Rogers, Gary Geske

Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce announces that Barbara Rogers and Gary Geske will be honored Thursday, Dec. 11 at 3 p.m.

Actress Danielle Fishel Kicks Off Holiday Season At Legoland With Lego Christmas Tree Lighting

The annual tree lighting ceremony is part of the theme park's winter celebration, Holidays at Legoland, presented by Hallmark Channel.

Amanda Seyfried To Receive Desert Palm Achievement Award For 'The Testament of Ann Lee'

Past recipients include Angelina Jolie, Emma Stone, Cate Blanchett, Halle Berry, Sandra Bullock, Jessica Chastain and Olivia Colman.

Disneyland Offers $50 Tickets: What To Know

Disneyland announced the new discount this week, as the park prepares to debut two attractions, a dance party and more.

Howie Mandel Has 'Million Dollar Moment' With IE Casino's Newest Millionaire

The place to be was Yaamava Resort Casino for one Club Serrano member.

Lego Galaxy, Legoland California Resort's New Land, To Open In March 2026

The new land's main attraction, Galacticoaster, marks Legoland California Resort's first new coaster in two decades.

Step Into The Stars: Celestial Night Walk 'Astra Lumina' Illuminates Los Angeles

South Coast Botanic Garden has been transformed into a celestial journey of light, sound and wonder.

Business

New Hardware Store Opens In Rancho Santa Margarita

A new Ace Hardware store just opened up on Santa Margarita Parkway. What to know.

Slime Kitchen Opens Second San Diego Area Location, Aims To Expand In SoCal

Slime Kitchen gives kids — and kids at heart — the chance to be a chef, chemist and creator all at once, according to the growing company.

Specialty Coffee Chain Opens 1st LA Location

Dutch Bros. has opened its first location in Los Angeles.

Community

Annual Holiday Book Sale Underway In Mission Viejo

The event promises to offer a variety of nearly new materials for all ages available at low prices.

Restaurants and Bars

10 Festive Pop-Up Bars To Visit This Holiday Season In CA

Bars from San Francisco to San Diego have transformed into festive pop-ups filled with twinkling lights and themed cocktails.

Blitzen's Bar Makes Holiday Season Debut At Omni San Diego Hotel

The Christmas-themed pop-up bar features festive decor, holiday cocktails, non-alcoholic options and seasonal treats.

Debut Holiday Pop-Up Brings Snowy Alpine Escape To Sunny San Diego

The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe's Croquet Cottage has transformed into an intimate après-ski chalet for the debut pop-up Clicquot Inn The Snow.

San Diego Holiday Pop-Up Bars 2025: Festive Spots To Visit This Holiday Season

Bars in San Diego have transformed into festive pop-ups filled with twinkling lights and themed cocktails.

San Diego Restaurant Week Returning In January

More than 100 restaurants across the San Diego region are slated to participate in the foodie-favorite week.

San Diegans Get First Taste Of New Jersey Mike's Sub

San Diego was selected as one of four test markets to try the new hot sub.

Seasonal

K-9 Dollars For Dogs Christmas Fundraiser Planned At Temecula's Mexico Cafe

Get into the holiday spirit! Here's how you can help our local K-9 officers by dining out and supporting local businesses!

Actress Danielle Fishel Kicks Off Holiday Season At Legoland With Lego Christmas Tree Lighting

The annual tree lighting ceremony is part of the theme park's winter celebration, Holidays at Legoland, presented by Hallmark Channel.

Home For The Holidays? Take In These 10 SoCal Events

A Patch guide to festive holiday events for December in Southern California.

'Shots For Tots' Christmas Drinks For Charity Launches Again This Season At 1909, Toast Restaurants

Last year, the Shots for Tots earned over $55,000 for local charities. Will you take a shot (non-alcoholic upon request) for a good cause?

SoCal Ski Slope Open For The Season With Kids Ski Free Week: What To Know

Grab your sunglasses and head to the slopes. The Inland Empire ski resorts are open, and conditions remain ripe for making snow.

Temecula Valley Wine Country Holiday Events This Weekend: Parade, Christmas Gala, Ice Skating & More

From Winterfest at Galway Downs to a Santa Paws Ugly Sweater Contest and Christmas Gala Review, Wine Country has the holidays covered.

Tree Lighting In Dana Point Underway: What To Know

The City of Dana Point is hosting a tree lighting in Pines Park on Monday, Dec. 8.

Sports

First 10K Holiday Bowl Attendees To Receive Free SeaWorld Tickets

This is the fourth year in a row the theme park is offering tickets to bowl game fans.

More Pickleball Courts Coming To Murrieta

The city put the construction project out to bid, and staff selected a contractor. City Council is expected to approve the contract.

Temecula Sisters Join American Samoa Women's Soccer Team In Historic Win, 2nd Round FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

They are scoring goals, making their mark, with goals set on playing in the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027.