Disney Opens Exclusive Club + 3D Dining Experiences + Anonymous Donor Gives $100K In Toys: 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

Dog Rescued Thanks To Drone Technology In South OC

The rescue was in part attributed to a generous donation of a state-of-the-art thermal imaging unmanned aerial system from DAWG.

San Diego Humane Society Launches Adoption Trial Program

The organization is currently caring for 1,550 animals with an average length of stay of 51 days in the shelter.

Arts and Entertainment

Disney Opens Exclusive Club In Riverside County Desert Community, More Attractions Promised In 2026

Cotino Bay Beach, Dining, and Shops will offer a variety of premier experiences, providing visitors with access to Cotino Bay for a fee.

Legoland Searches For Junior Galaxy Explorers Ahead Of Lego Galaxy Opening

Winners will be the first to ride the all-new coaster on opening day in the theme park closest to their hometown.

Business

Banning Hosts Farm 2 Fork Cafe, Bakery Ribbon Cutting: What To Know When You Go

The new coffee shop opens Friday with some sweet surprises.

East Coast-Based Bagel Brand Opening First CA Location In San Diego

The Connecticut-based company, known for introducing the "Grip, Rip and Dip" food craze, is expanding to the West Coast.

Flying Taxi Startup Buys South Bay Airport As Test Bed For AI Aviation

Archer Aviation plans to bring flying taxis to Los Angeles County in time for the 2028 Olympics.

Hyundai Announces Charitable Investments In Temecula Valley

The donations align with Hyundai's corporate social responsibility initiative, Hyundai Hope, which benefits local communities.

Slime Kitchen Opening Second Location In San Diego County

The company, which specializes in crafting high-quality, non-toxic slimes that spark imagination, is opening a new location in the region.

Community

Anonymous Donor Giving $100K In Geppetto's Toys To Toys For Tots Drive

Members of the U.S. Marine Corps will collect toys Wednesday from Geppetto's at The Forum Carlsbad.

Learn About Gardening, Art At Laguna Niguel City Workshop

The upcoming workshop explores the therapeutic benefits of gardening and art for 7th and 12th graders.

Temecula Cancer Resource Center Celebrates 25th Anniversary With Gala, Fundraisers

Michelle's Place Cancer Resource Center celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026, and works every day to ensure no one faces cancer alone.

Restaurant

California Pizza Kitchen Opening New Location In San Diego's North County

The new eatery marks the chain's return to the area after the company closed its Solana Beach location in 2024.

Le Petit Chef & Friends Serves Up Immersive 3D Dining Experience In San Diego

The technology-driven dinner and show blends fine dining, animation and storytelling at the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter.

Seasonal

Christmas Tree Lighting This Weekend 'Rain Or Shine' At Promenade Temecula Mall

Santa Claus is coming to Temecula, amid a cold weather rain storm, this weekend.

'Lightscape' Lights Up San Diego Botanic Garden For The Holidays

The event features new artistic installations and returning light-filled favorites throughout a mile-long illuminated walking trail.

Wild-O-Market Holiday Outdoor Shopping Event Planned For December

If you loved the Harvest Wild-O-Market event, just wait for the Holiday affair, coming to Wildomar in December. Here's what's planned.

Schools

4 Encinitas Students Honored During 'Rising Star' Event

The Rising Star program is a monthly breakfast that honors seniors from high schools in the San Dieguito Union High School District.