An Uplifting Balloon Mission; Rare Whale Sighting: Saturday Smiles

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — To keep your weekend light, Patch presents some Southern California stories from the past week — many that hopefully will brighten your day.

New Handicapped-Accessible Hot Air Balloon Takes Flight Over Temecula

• The balloon, built with funds donated by Pala Casino, will be among nearly 30 at next month's Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival.

Rare Pod Of Killer Whales Spotted Off Orange County Coast

• The rare pod of orcas were spotted by travelers aboard a Newport Coastal Adventure vessel on Monday.

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Weekend Fun Guides:

• San Diego Weekend Guide: Salsa Fest; Reggae Fest; Without Walls (WOW) Fest
• Inland Empire Weekend Guide: Stagecoach Music Fest; BBQ, Boots & Brew; Desert X
• OC Weekend Guide: Boat Show; Car Show; Peppermania; Family Festivals
• LA Weekend Guide: DineLA Week; Huntington Plant Sale; 626 Night Market

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North County Spa Donates $100K For Child Crime Victim Interview Room

• Golden Door's donation will fund what San Diego City Attorney's Office calls "state-of-the-art" facility & safe environment for young crime victims

SoCal Wines Earn Double Gold, Gold Ratings At Del Mar 'Toast Of Coast'

• It was a good year for Southern California Wines judged at the Toast of the Coast Wine Competition held in Del Mar, 2023.

Port And City Partnership Could Provide $12M For Queen Mary Upgrades

• According to officials, the partnership has the potential to bring in a considerable amount of money for both entities.

Redondo Beach Celebrates 131 Years With Trip To The Museum

• Guests will get to explore the Redondo Beach Historical Museum and Morrell House as part of the celebration.

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Mallard Found With Arrow Stuck Through Neck Ready For Release

• After a long four weeks of recovery, the Mallard Drake found shot with a crossbow arrow through its neck and cheek is ready to be released.

Temecula Mayor Invites 'Lisa From Temecula' To The 2023 State Of City

• Temecula Mayor Zak Schwank shared the city's sense of humor and a seat at the table to SNL actress Ego Nwodim AKA 'Lisa from Temecula.'

Laguna Beach Boys & Girls Club Named Nonprofit Of The Year

• The nonprofit is one of more than 100 organizations that will be honored by state officials at a celebratory luncheon June 7.

California Restaurant Owners Urged To Apply For Grant Funding

• The grants are $5,000 each and are funded by donations from SoCalGas, PG&E, and SDG&E to the Restaurants Care Resilience Fund.

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First-Ever Community Garden Coming To Redondo Beach

• Applications for the city's first-ever community garden are open now through May 13.

Montemalaga Student Wins Grand Prize In West Basin Art Contest

• The fourth-grade student was a top winner for her hand-drawn piece depicting many marine animals and people enjoying nature.

LongHorn Steakhouse Officially Opens In Temecula

• The new restaurant stands at the site of the old Marie Callender's Restaurant & Bakery location, 29363 Rancho California Road.

Water Deal 'Significantly Increases' Pass Area Supplies

• The San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency and the city of Ventura finalized a 20-year water transfer agreement.

New Elementary School Coming To Menifee, Near Murrieta Border

• The campus, expected to be completed in August 2024, will serve up to 1,000 children living in the area of the Menifee-Murrieta border.

Fantasy Springs Career Expo Offers 'On The Spot' Hiring Opportunities

• The award-winning resort is seeking to fill over 80 positions in a variety of exciting positions at a career expo planned for May 3, 2023.