Community Corner
Mysterious Sand Art + New Taco Bell Item + Best New Restaurants: Saturday Smiles
America's favorite Italian delivery spot; best places to have a baby; eatery to host grand reopening after fire; 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.
Community
Local Family Donates Big To City's Animal Services Center
The animals currently living at the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center received a special treat this holiday season.
Find out what's happening in Santeefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Mysterious Sand Art On OC Shores: A Labor Of Love From A Local Artist
If you're out on the shores of Orange County during just the right time, you might see some of this hypnotic sand art for yourself.
Find out what's happening in Santeefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park Shines Bright During 'Wild Holidays'
Wild Holidays at San Diego Zoo Safari Park features festive food, lights, live entertainment and more.
Health
Long Beach Hospital Ranks Among Best Places To Have A Baby: U.S. News
Long Beach's MemorialCare Miller Children's & Women's Hospital was among 817 hospitals in the country with the best maternity care.
San Diego Hospitals Rank Among Best Places To Have A Baby: U.S. News
Several San Diego area hospitals ranked among the Best Hospitals for Maternity Care for 2025.
South Bay Hospital Ranks Among Best Places To Have A Baby: U.S. News
Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center was among 817 hospitals in the country with the best maternity care.
Real Estate
Four new cottages at the Crystal Cove Conservancy will open to public reservation starting Thursday, Dec. 19. What to know.
Restaurants
2 Of The Country's Best New Restaurants Are In San Diego: Ranking
Yelp considered the volume and ratings of reviews for full-service restaurants that opened after Jan. 1, 2023.
Beaumont Restaurant Named America's Favorite Italian Delivery Spot
The new national DoorDash ranking lists "10 hometown heroes that are stand-out at delivering their cuisine," including this Beaumont eatery.
Beloved Dana Point Harbor Eatery To Stay Open After Announcing Closure
Harpoon Henry's will no longer be closing its doors to the public on Jan. 28, 2025.
Gaucho Grill Slated For Temecula's Old Town Bank Of Mexico Location
Gaucho Grill--an Argentinian steakhouse--is working with the city of Temecula for permits and hopes to open in Old Town in 2025.
Mexican food restaurant Paseo, located in Downtown Disney, was named one of Yelp's Best New Restaurants of 2024.
Shake Shack Opening First Riverside County Location
Shake Shack will celebrate the grand opening on December 20.
South OC Eatery To Host Grand Reopening After Fire
A popular Laguna Hills restaurant is preparing to serve patrons once more after a destructive fire forced them to shut down.
Taco Bell Debuts New Menu Item For Limited Time
Starting Thursday, the fast food chain will offer Crispy Chicken Nuggets alongside three new dipping sauces for a limited time.
Schools
4 Encinitas 'Rising Stars' Honored During Chamber Of Commerce Event
The Rising Star program is a monthly breakfast that honors seniors from high schools in the San Dieguito Union High School District.
Sports
Firebirds, Kracken Hockey Hosts Kids Toy Drive, Teddy Bear Toss
Your Firebirds were out Thursday at The Shops on El Paseo Big Rock Pub & Golf to sign autographs and collect toys for area kids in need.
Frontwave Arena To Honor Local Heroes During First Responders Night
"We look forward to celebrating their contributions with an exciting night of San Diego Clippers basketball."
Travel
San Diego To Get Nonstop Flight To Washington, D.C.
Prior to the decision, San Diego was the single largest market in the U.S. without nonstop service to DCA.
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