Best Small Town + Dog Fights Off Coyote Pack + Best Burger: 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

Big Bear Bald Eaglet Update: Gizmo's Gender Revealed

The Friends of Big Bear Valley has shared the good news about one of the eaglets born to parents Jackie and Shadow this year.

Dog Who Fought Off Coyote Pack Now Up For Adoption In OC

A dog who made national headlines after fighting off a pack of coyotes in the front yard of a Brea home is looking for his own forever home.

Fridge-Raiding Bear Won’t Leave This Monrovia Woman Alone

A bear and her cub raided a woman's fridge for snacks. Despite the resident's best efforts, they keep coming back.

Arts and Entertainment

Celebrity Rocker Sammy Hagar To Make OC Beach Club Appearance

Cabo Wabo Beach Club is hosting a day dedicated to the legendary "Red Rocker" Sammy Hagar on Friday, May 23.

Composer Combines Music With Meditation At Beachfront Concert

For more than 10 years, Hidary has put on "silent concerts" around the country, using music and meditation to create a unique experience.

'Concert For Cures' Concert With Elton John Raises $11.5M

The benefit concert marks the largest single-day fundraising event in San Diego history, according to philanthropic organization Curebound.

New Driving School Attractions Open At Legoland California Resort

The new tracks feature realistic road scenarios, intersections, roundabouts, and even a car wash equipped with interactive bubble triggers.

San Diego's First Water Coaster Returning To SeaWorld San Diego

Journey to Atlantis has been closed since 2024, while the theme park worked to reimagine the fan-favorite ride.

Business

New South Bay Vietnamese Eatery Aims To Bridge Gap Between Cultures

Bernard and Phuong Hoang took a "leap of faith" when they opened their first restaurant in Los Angeles. Now, they're expanding to San Pedro.

New VEG Pet Hospital Opens In Palm Desert

VEG ER for Pets is open in Palm Desert for pet emergencies 24/7, including holidays.
Community

Irish Fair Coming To This South Bay Park For 50th Anniversary

The Irish Fair will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Father's Day weekend, according to event organizers.

New Pilot Program Brings 'Smart' Public Restrooms To Long Beach

The new restrooms can be found at DeForest Park, Harvey Milk Promenade Park, Belmont Pier and the Shoreline Marina.

This SoCal Restaurant Makes The Best Burger In CA, Popular Food Website Says

A small, niche chain in California was named as the Golden State's best. What to know.

This SoCal City Voted Best Small Town In The West: Ranking

Two Golden State cities — one from Southern California and another from Northern California — made the top-10 ranking.

UFO Experts Descend On RivCo's 11th Annual 'Contact In The Desert'

The truth is out there, and the legends of UFOlogy are gathering in Southern California to discuss the theme "Event Horizon."

Wildomar Classic Car Show 'Celebrates Automotive History'

'Kids’ Ride Into Nature Antique and Classic Car Show’ will feature vehicles from the 1800s to 1976, for car enthusiasts or history buffs.

Schools

Beverly Hills Unified School District Inks Deal With Nike

"Our student-athletes will now compete in the highest quality gear available," Superintendent Alex Cherniss said.

Officials Break Ground On New Capistrano Unified School

The newest Capistrano Unified School District will serve students from transitional kindergarten to eighth grade in Rancho Mission Viejo.

Temecula Valley High School Teacher Gets Big Surprise, Honor

Approximately 200 educators and students marched to Ziba Mayar's classroom on Tuesday to share the news.

Sports

Pro Skaters Taking Over Santa Monica Pier For Major Competition

The Street League Skating competition Friday will feature big names in skateboarding, including Ryan Sheckler and Nyjah Huston.