New Roller Coaster + Best Airport + New Coffee Shops Open + Halloween Events: 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

3 Gopher Snakes Return To Wild After Severe Tangling With Garden Netting

The netting was wrapped so tightly around their bodies that it caused broken scales, a punctured lung, and severe lacerations of the skin.

San Diego Humane Society Encourages Adoptions During National Dog Week

The nonprofit currently has 755 dogs in its care but only 405 kennels, putting the shelter at 177% of capacity.

SeaWorld San Diego Celebrates Sea Otter Awareness Week

The theme park is home to six rescued southern sea otters.

Arts and Entertainment

Brad Pitt Filming Takes Over OC Beach

The production is apparently a follow-up to "Once Upon A Time In Hollywood," and filming locations have been spotted throughout SoCal.

Jimmy Kimmel's Show Back On After 'Thoughtful Discussions,' Network Says

Production of Jimmy Kimmel's show was suspended following his comments about the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Legoland Carlsbad Resort To Launch 'Galacticoaster' In 2026

The space-themed indoor roller coaster will be the Carlsbad-based theme park's first new coaster in over two decades.

New Family Entertainment Business To 'Launch' In Temecula

A new family entertainment center is slated to revive the first movie theater & former gym in Temecula, in the Town Square Shopping Center.

Post Malone, Lainey Wilson, Cody Johnson To Headline Stagecoach 2026

The lineup for California's largest country music festival just dropped. See who's playing.

Business

Better Buzz Coffee Opens Location In Terminal 1 At San Diego Airport

"We wouldn't be here without the support of our hometown, and we're honored to share that same buzz with the world."

Lake Elsinore Spotlights 'Trusted' Car Dealership

Aaron Ford and Aaron Chevrolet of Lake Elsinore rank among the best full-service dealerships in the county, the city said.

New Bay Area Coffee Shop To Open OC Location

The new coffee spot will open in Brea Mall's new town center, which features restaurants, retailers and more.

Luxury Colombian Brand Debuts 1st West Coast Popup At The Americana

Johanna Ortiz's JO Caravan is now open at The Glass Box at the Americana at Brand.

OC Airport Ranks Best In The Nation, Per Report

John Wayne Airport ranked highest in overall passenger satisfaction among large airports in North America for its second year.

Popular Bagel Shop Plans New Westside Location

Hank's Bagels, which has made a name for itself in the Valley, is expanding with its first Westside location.

Specialty Coffee Chain To Open 1st LA Location: Reports

The specialty coffee chain is set to open its first Los Angeles location later this year.

Sprouts Sets Opening Day For New Echo Park Location, Will Hire 100+ Employees

As Sprouts gets ready to open its newest location in LA, the supermarket chain is going on a hiring spree.

Community

Become A Riverside County Outreach Volunteer

An upcoming training is the last opportunity in 2025 to become an official Outreach Volunteer and help make a positive impact.

Charity 'Way Out West Fest' Temecula Fundraiser: Country Music, Rodeo Fun, This Weekend

Head out for a full day of bull riding, ranch sorting, 2-stepping, and country concert fun Saturday in the name of Charity for Charity.

Murrieta Partners With MilVet To Send Packages To Deployed Troops

"Together, Murrieta and MilVet are making a difference—one care package at a time."

Singles Get Together At Hendo's Barrel House In Temecula

Join Hendo's Barrel House in Temecula in October for a Singles Mixer event, "where good company and good vibes come together."

Restaurants

Amaya Delivers Elegance, Flavor And Excellent Service At Fairmont Grand Del Mar: Review

The menu offers a modern take on classic French brasserie dishes using local California ingredients.

Schools

14 CA Colleges Among Best In Country, U.S. News Says In New Ranking

The rankings evaluated 1,700 colleges and universities using more than a dozen measures of academic quality.

Temecula Selects New Superintendent To Lead School District

Next year, a 24-year veteran of the Temecula Valley Unified School District will assume the role.

Seasonal

Get Your Halloween Frights Early With These Spooky Events In SoCal

From haunted houses to festive fun at theme parks, here are spooktacular events to consider this fall in Southern California.

Sports

Mission Viejo To Host Netherlands For The 2028 Olympics

The Mission Viejo City Council voted to approve a multi-year cooperative agreement with Team Netherlands.