Community Corner

Best Airports + Michelin Star Restaurants + Zip-Tied Kittens Make Remarkable Recovery: Saturday Smiles

High school grad earns prestigious appointment; 82-year-old founder of food chain receives high school diploma; and more nice SoCal news.

Two kittens found zip-tied together at a shopping center are going to make a full recovery, Helen Woodward Animal Center announced.
Two kittens found zip-tied together at a shopping center are going to make a full recovery, Helen Woodward Animal Center announced. (Helen Woodward Animal Center)

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

19 Cats Found Living In Squalid Stolen U-Haul Ready To Be Adopted

Some of the 19 cats found living in squalor last week are healthy and need to find their forever homes, according to Pasadena Humane.

Find out what's happening in Santeefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

San Diego Humane Society Waives Microchip Fees Ahead Of Fourth Of July

The nonprofit organization will provide free microchips through July 3 and waive reclaim fees through July 8.

Find out what's happening in Santeefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Zip-Tied Kittens To Make Full Recovery At San Diego Shelter

The kittens were found zip-tied together, along with three other kittens, in a shopping cart. The other three kittens did not survive.

Arts and Entertainment

Actor Mark Wahlberg Makes Another Surprise Stop In Riverside County

The 54-year-old superstar mingled with guests at Wahlburgers, his family’s namesake fast-casual restaurant at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa.

Maroon 5 To Perform In Riverside County

Tickets go on sale this week.

RivCo Short Film Festival Kicks Off With Over 300 Short Films On The Schedule

This event features short films, like "Aria," starring Timothée Chalamet, and "Learning How To Drive," starring Alicia Silverstone.

Sublime To Play At Vans Warped Tour In Long Beach

"There is no band that is more qualified to represent the LBC," Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson said at a Grow Long Beach event Wednesday.

Ying Yang Twins Set To Take The Stage At SeaWorld San Diego

Several hip-hop, R&B and rap artists are scheduled to perform during the 2025 Summer Spectacular Concert Series at SeaWorld San Diego.

Business

4 Temecula Restaurants Earn Global Wine Honors From Wine Spectator

Four Temecula restaurants earned Wine Spectator awards in 2025, placing them among the world’s top spots for wine lovers.

9 CA Restaurants Earn Michelin Stars For 2025, Including 2 Rare 3-Star Rankings

Michelin's anonymous inspectors traveled the state to find the best restaurants, from Sonoma to San Diego.

Hawaiian BBQ Restaurant Chain Opening New Location In Long Beach

This will be the chain's first location in Long Beach.

New Italian Cuisine Spot Sees Warm Welcome In Laguna Beach

Piatti Laguna Beach is open for business on Ocean Avenue, and here's what to know about the neighborhood trattoria.

Yeastie Boys Bagels Food Truck Opening In Manhattan Beach

This is the company's first bagel truck in the South Bay and eighth overall in Los Angeles County.
Community

Dalai Lama Celebrates 90th Birthday, Open Tibetan Dinner Invitation For All In Laguna Beach

Monks from the Namgyal Monastery, the Dalai Lama's spiritual home, will bring their sacred traditions during the multi-day celebration.

Oceanside Among Best Cities To Retire In CA: Report

A report from Retirement Living looked at the best places to retire in the Golden State.

Two Years On, This South Bay Garden Continues To Cultivate Community

"It's good for the soul," one community garden member said about her experience.

Why Disneyland's CHOC Walk In The Park Matters To Orange County Families

Penelope, a neonatal intensive care unit baby, is now thriving at 2 years old. Her mom aims to help those who helped them in the CHOC walk.

Schools

At 82 Years Old, Miguel's Jr. Founder Earns Her High School Diploma

The Mexican food chain was founded 50 years ago by Mary Vasquez and her husband, Mike. Back then, she didn't have much time for school.

Child Development, Education Center In RivCo Sees First Graduating Class

This celebration for 38 pre-K kids graduating to elementary school may seem over the top, but when you see why, it may bring a smile.

Murrieta Mesa HS Grad Earns Prestigious US Naval Academy Appointment

Nathanael Burns, who finished at MMHS last year, is expected to be in the academy's graduating class of 2029.

Stuff The Bus School Supplies Drive Kicks Off In San Diego County

"Each year, we hear from educators about how much these supplies mean to the children who receive them."

'Tomorrow's Leaders': 5 College-Bound South Bay Students Win $1K Scholarship

“These students represent the bright future of our communities," an official with the nonprofit that awarded the scholarship said.

'Tomorrow's Leaders': College-Bound Long Beach Student Wins $1K Scholarship

“These students represent the bright future of our communities," an official with the nonprofit that awarded the scholarship said.

Sports

Firefighters Offered Free Entry To Long Beach Triathlon

As a thank you for their efforts battling the LA wildfires, firefighters are being offered free entry to the event, organizers said.

Mr. Irrelevant Goes To Orange County: The Annual Charity Fundraiser That Celebrates Last Place

We love the underdog in sports and in the NFL, there is no greater underdog than the guy who was selected the very last player in the draft.

Travel

Off-Season Summering In SoCal Deserts: What To Know When You Go

Here's a summer getaway for SoCal families, couples or Gen X friends reconnecting, no travel expenses required: JW Marriott Desert Springs.

San Diego Airport Now Offers Nonstop Flight To Panama

Copa Airlines officially launched its new nonstop service between San Diego and Panama City.

These SoCal Airports Ranked Among Best Nationwide

The Washington Post collected data on more than 450 U.S. Airports with at least 1,000 passenger departures in 2024. These were the best.

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