Reef Restoration Pays Off | Reindeer Rescued | Santa Visits NICU | Live Penguin Cam Returns: 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

Gray Whale Stuns In First Sighting Of The Season In Dana Point

Orange County, it's official: gray whale season is upon us, with the first sighting reported near Ritz Point in Dana Point.

More 'Desirable' Dog Breeds Came Though San Diego Humane Society's Doors In 2025

"Our data shows you can find any breed at any age in a shelter or rescue, which makes adoption the best option for bringing home a pet."

Reindeer Dashing Through Traffic Rescued From 5 Freeway: 'Ready To Return To Christmas Duty'

Two escaped reindeer were rescued from the 5 Freeway.

SeaWorld San Diego's Live Penguin Cam Returns For Holiday Season

Fans from around the world can get an up-close look at more than 200 penguins at the theme park.

Business

OC City May Get New Costco

An Orange County city just entered into an agreement with a developer to pursue a Costco Wholesale.

Community

Reef Restoration Off Palos Verdes Paying Off In Ways 'Scientists Didn’t Fully Expect'

Years of study and community input went into the reef’s design, wildlife officials said.

RivCo Family Shares Their $500 Donation With Local Mail Carrier, Is Blessed With Even More In Return

A local influencer asked a family with a disabled son, "If you could have $500 or give that to someone else, which would you do?"

Santa Monica Awarded Nearly $50 Million For Affordable Housing, Transit

The city called the grant “a major milestone in the city’s commitment to advancing affordable housing and climate-friendly transportation."

Thousands Flock To Manhattan Beach For Annual Fireworks Show

It's estimated that the show draws an estimated 40,000 people annually, according to event organizers.

Restaurants

Archive Quietly Replaces Espadin Restaurant In Old Town Temecula: What To Know

Same owners, new direction. The restaurant Espadin closed in early December for a rebranding with a dark academia vibe.

Schools

CSUN Renames Building For Alumni After Record $10M Gift

Cal State Northridge on Monday announced it will rename one of its buildings in honor of philanthropists Ronni and Shepard Goodman.

'I Grew Up In These Classrooms' Banning Educator Lauded For Her Work At Nicolet Middle School

“I grew up in these classrooms and have the privilege of teaching in the District that raised me" the Nicolet Middle School teacher says.

Seasonal

'A Holiday In Oz' Brings Classic Tale To Life At Hotel Del Coronado

The seasonal installation features immersive design, themed trees and the all-new "Wonder of Oz" Lightshow Spectacular.

Coachella Valley Kids Shop With A Cop For 2025 Season

Kids got to "Shop with a Cop" thanks to a partnership between the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians and the Sheriff's Department.

Grinch, Santa To Deliver Gifts To These RivCo Elementary Students

Students will have a chance to take pictures with Santa and the Grinch thanks to the Perris Police Department and the Val Verde USD.

OC Rescue Mission Ensures Holiday Cheer For All At Annual 'Miracle At The Mission'

The event will bring together hundreds of Orange County men, women and children who are experiencing homelessness.

San Diego Holiday Pop-Up Bars 2025: Festive Spots To Toast The Holiday Season

Bars in San Diego have transformed into festive pop-ups filled with twinkling lights and themed cocktails.

San Diego Zoo Lights Up Holiday Nights During Jungle Bells Event

The family-friendly holiday event runs on select nights from Dec. 19 through Jan. 4.

Santa Arrives In The NICU At UC San Diego Health

Some of San Diego's smallest babies celebrated their first Christmas with a special photoshoot. See the sweet photos.

'Sea Of Santas' To Wash Over The Strand In Los Angeles County

About 1,800 people have registered for the 7th annual California Great Santa Stroll this weekend.

SoCal's 'Cherished Tradition' At Christmas Time: Viewing Riverside's Mission Inn Festival Of Lights

The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa's Annual Festival of Lights has captivated the hearts of the Inland Empire and SoCal residents for 33 years.

Winter Wonderland Pop-Ups Bring Festive Cocktails To 2 San Diego Area Bars

The over-the-top holiday cocktail pop-up bars are open at Draft in Mission Beach and Brickman's Restaurant and Bar in San Marcos.