Community Corner
Air Force Dad Surprises Son + Zoo Welcomes Fishing Cat: Saturday Smiles
Fire department launches K-9 peer support program; firefighters rescue dog trapped in apartment fire; and more nice SoCal news.
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
Apartment Fire Traps Dog In OC, Firefighters Respond: OCFA
A four-legged friend was rescued by Orange County firefighters Wednesday in Garden Grove.
Find out what's happening in Santeefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Humpback Whale Sightings In Full Swing Along SoCal Coast
The gentle giant's ocean migration down the Golden State's coast has begun.
Find out what's happening in Santeefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Lion Cub Found Injured In OC On Way To Recovery: Report
A mountain lion cub left with a skull fracture and severe trauma after being struck by a car in Orange County has made a recovery.
'Overlooked' RivCo Dog Travels To Michigan To Find Forever Home
Conway, a German shepherd mix, was among 27 dogs who boarded a cross-country plane after spending more than 100 days in county shelters.
San Diego Zoo Welcomes Fishing Cat From Denver Zoo
Miso-Chi is an 8-year-old fishing cat.
Video: Humpback Whale Stuns With Close-Up Encounter In OC
This curious humpback whale was spotted off the coast of Orange County on Sunday.
2025 Stagecoach Country Music Festival Sells Out, Waitlist Announced
Stagecoach runs April 25-27 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, with headliners Zach Bryan, Jelly Roll, Luke Combs, and dozens of others.
Billie Jean King Honored With Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star
The tennis legend was honored with a Star in the Sports Entertainment category.
Disney On Ice Skating Back To San Diego With 'Into The Magic'
Into The Magic will showcase beloved characters in seven performances Thursday through Sunday at Pechanga Arena San Diego.
Jerry Seinfeld Date Announced For Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa
Actor, comedian Jerry Seinfeld will appear for one night in Rancho Mirage in September, 2025.
Vibrant Art Exhibit Focused On Mental Wellness Debuts In Mission Viejo
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, an exhibit is now on display at the Potocki Center for the Arts.
Business
4 Top Coachella Valley Airbnbs For Festival Lovers, Desert Visitors
Looking to plan a vacation to the Coachella Valley or escape the heat during the area's famed music festival? Check out these stays.
CA Restaurant Named Nation's Best: Food & Wine 'Global Tastemakers'
Not only is the Golden State home to the best eatery, it also boasts the best coffee city and two of the nation's top 10 food scenes.
Laguna Beach's Oldest Music Store To Reopen With New Ownership: Report
After closing in 2024, the Sound Spectrum in Laguna Beach will reopen under local ownership, The Orange County Register reported.
Randy's Donuts Limited-Edition Grand Prix Doughnut Launched
The pastry will be available at select Randy's Donut from April 9 to 13.
Valley Bank Opens In Beverly Hills, Donates To Schools
The New Jersey-based bank chose Beverly Hills as the location of its first West Coast branch.
Community
"We are grateful to everyone who supported our Sound the Alarm event to help keep hundreds of our neighbors safe from home fires."
Air Force Dad Surprises 3rd Grade Son After 1 Year Overseas
This special day highlighted the deep bonds between family, the resilience of military life, and the powerful support within Banning USD.
Del Mar Fairgrounds 2050 Planning: Organizers Ask For San Diego Input
"We are more than an events center to San Diegans: We are San Diego County's iconic community gathering place," they say. How to weigh in.
Palisades Playground To Be Restored After Fire, Paid For By Donations
"We must pay special attention to the trauma young people have experienced during this time and support them as we recover," the mayor said.
San Diego Officer Becomes Nation's Only Amputee Motorcycle Cop
San Diego Police Officer Mark Wright achieved the honor after a crash in 2022 left him with a "bum leg and a shattered pelvis."
Santa Monica Fire Department Launches K-9 Peer Support Program
"We are thrilled to introduce this program as a proactive step in supporting the mental wellness of our firefighters and city employees."
Sports
2028 Olympics: Equestrian Competition Still Planned For Temecula Area
Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to add Galway Downs to the "Venues Plan" for equine contests scheduled during the 2028 Games.
Lake Elsinore Storm Expand Dog Day To 'Well Mannered' Pets
What's minor-league baseball without shenanigans? In Lake Elsinore, it's a matter of bringing your own best friend, provided they are nice.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
