Community Corner
Good Samaritan Surfer Saves Teen + Elephant Valley Opening Date + Best Restaurants: Saturday Smiles
Pizza chain opens new location; popular inn undergoes makeover; pygmy hippo celebrates birthday; and more nice SoCal news.
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
Pygmy Hippo Celebrates 52nd Birthday With 'Hungry Hungry Hippos' Party At Ramona Wildlife Center
Hannah Shirley is the world's oldest living pygmy hippopotamus in managed care.
Find out what's happening in Santeefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Arts and Entertainment
Leonardo DiCaprio Being Honored In Riverside County
The actor and director will receive the Desert Palm Achievement Award for his performance in 2025's "One Battle After Another."
Find out what's happening in Santeefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Business
New 7-Eleven Store Is Hot Property In Pass Area
The store and fueling station sold for $3.6 million before the contractors finished work at the site.
Temecula Creek Inn Undergoing Multi-Million-Dollar Makeover
The complete transformation is slated to wrap up by Spring 2026.
Community
Birch Aquarium Opens New 'Meditation Ocean' Exhibit
The multi-sensory art and science installation reimagines Aquarius Reef Base, the world's only undersea research habitat.
Elephant Valley To Open In March 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.
Groovin' with a Giraffe will feature a special appearance by a live giraffe, DJ sets, a mobile petting zoo, and Orfila wines and food.
New Planned Community Opens In French Valley
The Bordeaux community features a range of planned amenities without HOA dues.
Teen Saved By Good Samaritan Surfer At Doheny State Beach: Good News
A 13-year-old boy was boogie boarding at Doheny State Beach when he was hit by a paddle board and fractured his skull in the water.
Restaurants
5 Restaurants In LA County Among America's Best: New Ranking
Five restaurants in LA County are among the very best in the country, according to a new ranking from OpenTable.
5 San Diego County Restaurants Rank Among America's Best, New Ranking Says
According to a new ranking by OpenTable, five San Diego area restaurants are ideal for special occasions, fine dining and meals to remember.
California Pizza Kitchen To Celebrate New Location With First Slice Ceremony, Ribbon-Cutting Event
The new eatery marks California Pizza Kitchen's return to North County after the company closed its Solana Beach location in 2024.
OC Restaurant Ranked Among America's Best, New Ranking Says
The Anaheim restaurant is one of 12 in SoCal that has earned bragging rights as being one of the best in America.
Pirate-Themed 'Yo Ho Ho-liday Tavern' Setting Sail At Margaritaville Hotel San Diego
The festive pirate-themed holiday pop-up opens Saturday at the downtown San Diego hotel's LandShark Bar & Grill.
Seasonal
'Breakfast With Santa' Event Scheduled In Rancho Santa Margarita
Rancho Santa Margarita residents were urged to buy tickets early to this seasonal event.
Camp Christmas Expands Festive Offerings For 5th Season In San Diego's East County
The festival in Pine Valley features all the lights and sounds of the holiday season in one place.
Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade And Pups In The Pub Party Returning To San Diego
The 17th annual event will feature wag-worthy cheer, festive costumes and community fun in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Holidays At Legoland California To Bring Bricktastic Cheer To Carlsbad Theme Park
The annual event will feature a new holiday-themed ride, Lego holiday characters, seasonal shows, festive treats and holiday fireworks.
Lake Elsinore to Host Annual Tree Lighting On Dec. 4
The downtown tradition returns Thursday with snowfall, Santa photos, live entertainment and warm drinks to kick off the holiday season.
Rady Children's Ice Rink Returning To Liberty Station
Net proceeds from the rink support the Thriving After Cancer Program at Rady Children's Hospital.
SeaWorld San Diego's Christmas Celebration Returns With All-New Holiday Surprises
Event highlights include an all-new holiday sea lion show, nighty snowfall, real reindeer, photos with Santa and festive fireworks.
Santa Claus is coming to town — and here's how you and your family can join in on the celebration.
Temecula Unveils 2025 Holiday Events: Parade, Tree-Lighting, Santa, And More
All the city events are free to attend and/or participate in.
Toys For Tots Donation Drive Returns To San Diego County Airports
All donations will be distributed to children in communities throughout the county.
WildLights Returns To Living Desert Zoo With 3 Million Holiday Lights
The Living Desert’s WildLights returns with millions of lights, free photos with Santa, animal sightings and festive holiday displays.
Schools
2 RivCo Teachers Awarded Grants For Class Projects
North Island Credit Union Foundation has awarded grants to 10 teachers in Riverside and San Diego counties.
North Island Credit Union Foundation has awarded grants to 10 teachers in Riverside and San Diego counties.
Travel
San Diego Airport Launches New Program That Allows Visitors Past Security Without Plane Ticket
"We're excited to open the terminal experience to the broader San Diego community in a secure and convenient way."
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