Animal Baby Boom + Discounted Disneyland Tickets + Comic-Con Kicks Off + Rare Sea Creatures: 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

How A Long Beach Aquarium Helped Save A Threatened Frog Species

The CA red-legged frog is considered a federally threatened species under the Endangered Species Act and a state Species of Special Concern.

Humpback Whale Dazzles Dana Point Coast: Whale Watching

Lucky travelers aboard a Dana Wharf Whale Watching vessel were treated to a special sight Monday morning.

Make Your Pet A Star: Enter San Diego Humane Society's Pet Photo Fundraiser

"We all think our pets are the cutest — and now we can turn that love into lifesaving support for animals in need."

SeaWorld San Diego Celebrates Baby Boom With Adorable New Arrivals

The San Diego-based theme park recently welcomed newborn sharks, penguin chicks, flamingo chicks, a sea otter pup and more.

Tasmanian Devils Find New Home At San Diego Zoo

The 3-year-old brothers, named Flotsam and Jetsam, come from Aussie Ark, a conservation organization in New South Wales, Australia.

Arts and Entertainment

Disneyland Announces Ultra-Discounted Tickets For Anaheim Residents

Locals can snag these ultra-cheap tickets and use them between Aug. 4 and Sept. 25.

Disneyland Resort Holidays Are Happening! When To See Halloween, Christmas Decorations Resort-Wide

We love the seasons of Disneyland. Take a sneak peek of what's coming across Downtown Disney and the Disneyland Resort.

Fitz And The Tantrums To Kick Off Summer Tour In San Diego Ahead Of New Album Release

Patch talked with co-lead vocalist Noelle Scaggs about the band's newest album, "Man On The Moon," and their 31-city summer headline tour.

RSM Gears Up For 'Redneck Rodeo' During Its Summer Concert Series

Free Sunday concerts continue through August in celebration of Rancho Santa Margarita’s 25th anniversary.

See 4 Lads From Liverpool Live! @ The Plateau

This Beatles tribute band is a must-see. Come out this week to the Santa Rosa Plateau's Ecological Reserve, and get your tickets in advance.

Six Flags Unveils 'Massive' Deal: Buy SoCal Season Pass, Get Access To 40+ Parks

A 2026 season pass to one park will serve as a ticket to all Six Flags Entertainment parks across three countries, the company announced.

'Uncanny': Taylor Swift Tribute Concert Comes To Long Beach

Billie Eilish and Chappell Roan homages will also be performed at the Gaslamp Saturday night.

Waka Flocka Flame Set To Take The Stage This Weekend At SeaWorld San Diego

Several hip-hop, R&B and rap artists have performed during the 2025 Summer Spectacular Concert Series at SeaWorld San Diego.

Community

Cardboard Boat Derby Scheduled In Mission Viejo: What To Know

Mission Viejo residents can compete for ultimate bragging rights at this year's Cardboard Boat Derby event this August.

'Carnaval Magico': This South Bay Coastal Town Is Raising Funds For Mexican Sister City

The annual gala fundraises for Hermosa Beach's sister city in Baja California, Mexico, according to organizers.

Coast Guard Rescues Child From Capsized Boat Off San Diego

The crew pulled alongside the capsized sailing vessel, deployed a life ring and brought the child on board, according to the Coast Guard.

Hello Kitty Cafe Truck Cruising Into San Diego For Comic-Con International

"We're so excited to return to San Diego Comic-Con — it's one of our favorite events," a spokesperson told Patch.

Over 4,300 Stuffed Animals Donated During San Diego County Fair Toy Drive

The toys went to organizations assisting children in both the U.S. and Mexico.

'Spicy' OC Senior Celebrates 105th Birthday With Strip Poker

An Orange County centenarian celebrated another milestone this weekend in style — with strip poker, champagne and an Elvis impersonator.

Restaurants

3 New Restaurants Coming To Old Town Temecula, Another Closes Down

These three empty buildings are getting new life in Old Town Temecula. See what's coming soon, and what's currently under construction.

These San Diego Hotel Restaurants Among The Best In U.S.

Two of the best hotel restaurants in the country are located in the San Diego area, according to OpenTable.

Schools

Charter School Plans To Open In Lake Elsinore

Vista Charter Public Schools will operate out of modular buildings at Alberhill Ranch Community Park before opening a permanent campus.

Sports

A Pro Baseball Team Could Soon Be Swinging For The Fences In Long Beach

"This effort has a potential to invigorate local pride amongst our residents," Mayor Rex Richardson said.

'A Surreal Feeling:' Temecula Infielder Signs To Texas Rangers Pro-Baseball Team

This Great Oak High School baseball player signed his first professional baseball contract after being selected in the top 25 2025 draft.