Couple Makes $5M On Grocery Run + Best Pizzeria + Deputies Save Ducklings: 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

Mountain Lion Hit By Car Released Back Into Wild After Rehabilitation At Ramona Center

The mountain lion suffered from a skull fracture, head and eye trauma, and lameness in his left hind leg.

OC Deputies Save Ducklings In Storm Drain While Mother Duck Watches

Seven baby ducklings and a mother duck were in need of a helping hand Sunday morning.

Pet Owners Urged To Keep Pets Safe This Fourth Of July

San Diego Humane Society will offer free microchips through July 3 and waive reclaim fees through July 8.

Business

4 South Bay Restaurants Awarded 'Top Honor' For Wine Programs

The awards by Wine Spectator, "the world’s leading authority on wine," were announced in late June.

Beloved CA Ice Cream Brand May Yet Survive Rite Aid's Meltdown

Rite Aid may be going bankrupt, but its beloved ice cream brand could live on under new ownership.

Erewhon Opens New Store In Mahattan Beach

The store, which has gone viral due to its $19 smoothies and celebrity endorsements, is opening its new location on Wednesday.

Now Open: New Butcher Shop Serves Up 'Premium' Meats In Manhattan Beach

The Butchery is now officially open in Manhattan Beach, serving up high-quality meats, along with artisan cheese, craft beers and wine.

South OC Pizza Parlor Named Top 10 Best In Nation

Truly Pizza has been ranked the #9 best pizzeria in the United States by the prestigious 50 Top Pizza USA guide for 2025.

Upscale Thrift Clothing Shop Reopens In Southwest Riverside County

This favored clothing resale shop shuttered months ago, leaving workers and sustainable shoppers in a lurch. On Tuesday, that changed.

Community

Couple Makes $5 Million On 4th Of July Grocery Run In SoCal On Scratchers Lottery Game

A quick stop at a Southwest Riverside County grocery store led to $5 million in prize money. The store will get a $25,000 bonus.

New Interactive Play Area To Open At South OC Mall

The transformative expansive project is expected to start later this year at The Shops At Mission Viejo.

Old Town Boutique Crawl Returns: What To Know And Where To Go In Temecula

The Old Town Temecula Boutique Crawl offers a shopping experience in Old Town Temecula with your besties, just the way to celebrate summer.

School Backpack Drive Kicks Off In San Diego County

Community members can drop off school backpacks through July 19 to any North Island Credit Union branch location in San Diego County.

South OC Skate Park Opens After 20 Years In The Making: Report

The long-awaited 20,000-square foot skate park is located in San Juan Capistrano and opened its pavement to the public Monday.

Sports

This South Bay City Just Became An Official Olympic Venue

The Olympic committee announced Monday that this South Bay city will host part of the sailing venue.

Travel

Escaping To San Diego Bay? Experience This Waterfront Resort In The Heart Of San Diego Harbor

The recently renovated Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina is an ideal spot for staycationers as well as a perfect place for out-of-towners.