Baby Formula Donation | Best Halloween Displays: Saturday Smiles

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — These are some of the stories that made us smile this week —

WWII Vet From Mexico Gets HS Diploma At 90: Riverside County

• Eliodoro “Lolo” Gonzalez never finished the 8th grade. Now in his 90th year of life, the U.S. Army veteran shows it's not too late.

SoCal Volvo Dealers Give Nearly $50K In Baby Formula In Pandemic

• SoCal Volvo dealers have donated nearly $50K in baby formula amid the pandemic and as fires displace families across the state.

UC San Diego Gets $39M Grant For Renewable Energy Testbed

• The goal is to begin testing equipment in 2022, and to make the testbed available to outside research teams and industry leaders by 2025.

Jerry Lewis' Palm Springs Hideaway Hits Market: $2.25M

• The Deepwell Estates property was built in 1957 by the comedian. He allegedly wrote "The Nutty Professor" at the home.

Dia De Los Muertos At Santa Monica Pier (Photos)

• Dia de los Muertos was honored at the Santa Monica Pier with incredible figures from LA artist Ricardo Soltero.

Flu Activity Low In San Diego County Amid Pandemic Measures

• Flu activity has been extremely low this year, likely due to the measures taken countywide to slow the spread of COVID-19, officials said.

Culver City Offering Free Drive-Thru Flu Shots

• Did you get your flu shot yet? Culver City locals can sign up for a free drive-thru flu shot clinic this month. Learn how to register.

Photo: Venice Family Clinic Celebrates 50 Years On The Westside

• Venice Family Clinic celebrates 50 years with a special honor from Los Angeles City Councilmember Mike Bonin.

Weekend Snow Expected In Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, Idyllwild

• Two weekend storms are expected to bring snow to local mountains and rain to the rest of Riverside County.

Wildfire Victims Granted New Extension On Tax Returns, Payments

• Taxpayers in areas that were declared disaster areas by Gov. Gavin Newsom are granted an extension until Jan. 15.

Santa Monica High School Students Work At Vote Centers

• Santa Monica High School students share their experiences volunteering at vote centers on Election Day.

Few Problems Reported In Riverside County's Election Process

• Concerns about fraud, long lines, glitches, or other voter problems were largely unfounded in Riverside County, with a few exceptions.

Redondo Beach Election 2020: Locals Cast Their Votes (Photos)

• Redondo Beach residents cast their votes at a vote center at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center.

2 Orange Tabby Kittens Need A Forever Home

• Give these two orange Tabby kittens a forever home. They're available for adoption in Redondo Beach.

San Diego-Based Sempra Energy Reports Third-Quarter Earnings

• Sempra Energy Thursday reported net income of $351 million, or $1.21 per diluted share, in the third quarter.

Photo: Halloween Sunset At Venice Beach Boardwalk

• Locals hit the beach for an unusual Halloween during the pandemic.

Best 2020 Halloween Displays In Santa Monica

• Check out these spooky spots in Santa Monica on Halloween.

Best 2020 Halloween Displays In The South Bay

• Check out these spooky spots in Redondo Beach, Torrance and the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Food and Restaurants

Disney California Adventure Reopens Soon For Dining, Shopping

• Disneyland Resort invites guests of the Downtown Disney shopping experience into Buena Vista Street and beyond this November.

Join: Virtual Wine Tasting To Benefit Santa Monica History Museum

• Join a virtual wine tasting to benefit the Santa Monica History Museum on Nov. 12. You can reserve your spot and order wine today.

Where Vets & Military Can Eat Free On Veterans Day 2020

• California restaurants are stepping up on Nov. 11 with freebies & specials to thank vets and active duty for their service.

Fall Bliss: Butternut Squash & Apple Soup - A Patch Recipe Share

• Roasted veggies and tart Granny Smith apples make this a seasonally perfect, delish dish, courtesy of Gelson’s Markets.

If you have an idea for a nice news story in your town, let us know. Email your story tips to autumn.johnson@patch.com.