New Year's Babies + Goat Rescued From Traffic + New Restaurants + Most Popular Baby Names: 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

'A What In The Roadway?' Cow Tip Draws Murrieta Cops To Steer Bovine Out Of Harms Way

The Murrieta Police shared a video on social media showing how they wrangled a cow out of traffic. We headed straight for the comments.

Escaped Goat Rescued From Traffic By LA County Deputies

LA County sheriff's deputies rescued the wandering goat from traffic.

Arts and Entertainment

10 Winter Festivals And Events SoCal Residents Shouldn't Miss

We've rounded up 10 winter festivals and other fun events that bring people together and create warmth against the cold.

Birch Aquarium Bringing Back Popular Nighttime Experience, Launching New Event Series

The La Jolla-based aquarium is relaunching its Oceans at Night series and introducing Birch After Hours.

Disneyland Calendar Reveals 2026 Schedule Of Special Events: What To Know When You Go

The full Disneyland Resort 2026 calendar for every event, summer kids' pricing, and special themed after-hours nights in the year ahead.

Get An 'Inside Look' At Animals At SeaWorld San Diego

The San Diego theme park's Inside Look event is back with all-new and returning behind-the-scenes experiences.

Business

Another Walmart Supercenter Opens This Month In RivCo. AI Is Driving The Business.

According to the company, Walmart isn’t about replacing human connection with machines. Instead, AI is removing "friction" for customers.

New Goodwill Retail Store Coming To San Diego

The grand opening event will offer discounts, giveaways, and a chance to win gift cards.

Second IKEA Planning Studio, Pick-Up Point Announced For San Diego County

The space will serve as a planning studio where customers can work with IKEA specialists to plan and order home furnishing solutions.

Community

Baby New Year's Arrive Across The Inland Empire: Meet The 2026 GenBeta Babies

These bundles of joy were all born after midnight on New Year's Day, 2026, across the Inland Empire. Welcome to the world!

'Delightfully Wicked Fun:' OC Author Promotes Newest Book 'We Were Never Friends'

Psychological suspense author Kaira Rouda shows us how perfect one side of life can seem, then shatters the perception with razor-sharp wit.

Fire Survivors Discover Music's Power To Facilitate Healing

"We can use songs as containers to hold very intense emotions,” music therapist Stacie Yeldell said.

Hermosa Beach Centennial Mural To be Unveiled — Again Nearly 20 Years Later

The centennial mural is an homage to the city’s rich history and gradual evolution, with subtle surprises to make locals smile.

Morongo Opens Community Outreach Grant Program For 2026

Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded to dozens of selected community organizations.

San Diego County Reveals Most Popular Baby Names In 2025

Roughly 40,000 babies are born each year in the county, which has a population of about 3.3 million residents.

Senior Lifestyle Expo Returning To Encinitas

"Live Boldly. Live Well." is designed for people approaching retirement, recently retired, or caring for aging loved ones.

Trout Re-Opener Event Slated This Weekend At Santee Lakes

"Whether you're an avid angler or fishing for the first time, we hope you give Santee Lakes a visit."

Real Estate

This RivCo City Has Become A Celebrity Real Estate Hot Spot: Report

Buyers have included Kourtney Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Justin Bieber, Cindy Crawford and Apple CEO Tim Cook, according to Realtor.com.

Restaurants

2 San Diego Eateries Named Among 'Most Beautiful New Restaurants' In America

The list spotlights 21 restaurants in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, San Diego and other cities across the country.

Bagel Shop To Open Soon In South Temecula

Einstein Bros. Bagels is coming to Temecula. Here's the whole schmeer.

Banning's Farm 2 Fork Hosts Formal Ribbon Cutting Celebration

The Farm 2 Fork Cafe and Bakery is celebrating its grand opening in the heart of downtown Banning.

Grand Opening Of Boba Shop Planned In South Temecula: Meet Krak Boba

Krak Boba's Boba Courage is coming to Temecula, opening Saturday at the Vail Ranch Plaza location.

Megan Thee Stallion Opens A Popeyes Chicken Restaurant

The rapper announced on social media that she is now the franchise owner of a Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen location.

New Breakfast Burrito Spot To Open Doors In Costa Mesa

A new breakfast burrito joint is preparing to open its doors at the Lab Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa.

Taco Bell Opens Live Más Café In San Diego's East County

Live Más Cafés feature specialty drinks as well as favorite Taco Bell menu items.

Schools

Credit Union Offering Scholarships To Students In San Diego County

North Island Credit Union Foundation awards $10,000 in scholarships annually.

SeaWorld San Diego Offers Free Teacher Fun Cards, Discounted Preschool Fun Cards For 2026

SeaWorld San Diego is offering free admission to teachers and discounted admission to preschool-aged children.

Sports

RivCo Athlete Qualifies For Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

Two Southlanders and one Bay Area native will compete in ice hockey, snowboarding and sled hockey this winter.