Blue Whale Pod Sighting + Elephant Valley To Open + Winning Lottery Tickets: 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

Blue Whale Pod Sighted Off South Orange County Shores

Seeing blue whales in August is a rare sight, says this local whale watching captain.

Elephant Valley To Open In Early 2026 At San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Officials said the new habitat is the largest and most transformative project in San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's 109-year history.

Silverback Gorilla Joins Troop At San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Paul Donn is the troop's first silverback since beloved Winston's death last year.

Arts and Entertainment

Air Supply To Rock Pechenga Casino In Temecula This Month

The beloved soft rock group will be stopping in Southwest Riverside County along their tour celebrating five decades of music.

Public Enemy Concert Rescheduled At Fantasy Springs Resort Casino

Here's when Public Enemy returns to the Indio casino resort this fall.

R&B Singer Ginuwine Returns To SeaWorld San Diego This Weekend

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

This Speakeasy Event Pairs Edgar Allan Poe's Tales With Cocktails

The 90-minute event retells four of the writer's macabre tales while a mixologist turns those stories into drinks, according to organizers.

Tijuana Dogs Performing At Free End Of Summer Concert In Long Beach

"There’s no better way to wrap up summer break," Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson said.

Business

Cielo Wine Cellar Earns Wine Spectator Award Of Excellence For 10th Year In A Row

Located high atop the Morongo Resort Casino, this wine cellar and restaurant has collected this prestigious award annually for a decade.

Look Inside Temecula's Newest Wine Tasting Room: Alex By Poggio Leano

A new tasting room has opened at the gateway to Temecula Valley Wine Country, offering a slice of Sicilian lifestyle in Southern California.

Nordstrom Rack To Open New Location In San Diego County

The 24,000-square-foot store will be located at El Camino Promenade.

Santee Youth Business Fair To Give Young Entrepreneurs A Platform To Shine

Presented by Momentum Tutoring, the event will feature 70 young entrepreneurs, ages 5-22 years old, representing 55 youth-run businesses.

Community

2 Winning SuperLotto Plus Tickets Sold In SoCal

The SuperLotto Plus numbers were drawn Saturday evening.

Banning Hosts 'Glow Night At The Pool'

This weekend, residents are encouraged to bring their family and friends to the Banning Municipal Pool for a night of dancing and fun.

Boots, Beer & BBQ Event Scheduled In Mission Viejo: What To Know

Mission Viejo residents can two-step the night away at this special event benefiting the city's adopted Marines.

Coast Guard Barque Eagle Returns To San Diego For Free Public Tours

Eagle is the largest tall ship flying the stars and stripes and the only active square-rigger in U.S. government service.

Get Thrifted Treasures At Steep Deals In Mission Viejo During Market

The second annual Second Time Around Jewelry and Accessories sale is underway, and here's what to know in Mission Viejo.

Night Market 'Under The Sea' In Mission Viejo Underway: What To Know

For live mermaids, family games and more, visit the market on Saturday, Aug. 16 at the North Paseo in Mission Viejo.

OC Police Department Launches New Drone First Responder Program

The Huntington Beach Police Department has a new first responder — a drone meant to deploy from rooftop docks.

Steve Garvey, Bill Russell, Kevin Mitchell Headlining 'Men's Fitness Expo' In Temecula

The health and fitness event featuring the former Major League Baseball players is touted as the largest of its kind in Southern California.

New Youth Shelter Opens In Long Beach: 'A Testament To What We Can Achieve'

Mayor Rex Richardson said this was the city's "latest step forward in our city’s investments toward our goal of ending youth homelessness."

Restaurants

Los Angeles-Based Sushi Chain Coming To San Diego

The location will be the company's first restaurant outside of Los Angeles, Orange County and New York.

Popular Lobster Roll Chain Comes To Newport Beach

The new eatery will serve up its famous New England-style lobster rolls in Newport Beach. What to know.

Speakeasy At Europa Village Wineries And Resort Re-Themes At Summer's End

Have you visited the tiny, out-of-the-way, hidden bar inside the Vienza Cave at Europa Village Winery? You won't believe what you've missed.

Schools

MSJC Welcomes Approximately 17,000 Students For 2025-26 Academic Year

Thirty percent of the students are beginning their educational journey at MSJC for the first time, the college stated.

San Diego County Teachers Encouraged To Apply For $500 Grants For Class Projects

North Island Credit Union Foundation is offering grants through its teacher grant program.

Travel

More Flights To Texas From Palm Springs International Airport

Flights to Austin, Texas, out of Riverside County? Yes, please. Here's what's available soon out of Palm Springs.

Need A Reset? Get Treated Like Royalty At This Reimagined San Diego Spa

The recently renovated Fairmont Spa & Wellness Center at Fairmont Grand Del Mar offers a variety of state-of-the-art wellness treatments.