Caring For Queen Mary; Boon For Desert Conservation: Saturday Smiles

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

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6,901 Additional Acres Of California Desert Permanently Protected

• The Mojave Desert Land Trust made the announcement Monday.

Queen Mary Rolls Out New Annual Membership Program

• The first-ever annual membership for the ship will help fund ongoing conservation and restoration efforts.

3 New Restaurants To Try In Temecula

• This trio of casual eateries opened in recent months.

NEW YEAR WEEKEND DINING:

• New Year's Brunch, Dinner: Inland Empire Takeout & Restaurants Deals
• New Year's Brunch, Dinner: San Diego Co. Takeout & Restaurants Deals
• New Year's Brunch, Dinner: O.C. Takeout & Restaurants Deals
• New Year's Brunch, Dinner: Greater L.A. Takeout & Restaurants Deals

ICE SKATING:

• Holiday, Ice Skating Rinks 2022-23 Guide: Inland Empire
• Holiday, Ice Skating Rinks 2022-23 Guide: San Diego County
• Holiday, Ice Skating Rinks 2022-23 Guide: Orange County
• Holiday, Ice Skating Rinks 2022-23 Guide: Greater L.A.

Carlsbad's Flowers Forever Florists Celebrate Their Ribbon Cutting

• The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for Flowers Forever, a floral shop, now open for business in Carlsbad Gateway.

Anticipated Restaurant 'The Beach House' Celebrates Monday Opening

• The long-awaited restaurant opened its doors on the shores of Seal Beach Monday.

New Golf Tourney Featuring 78 PGA Tour Champions Set For Desert Debut

• In addition to watching the pros, volunteers and Pro-Am participants are sought for The Galleri Classic in Rancho Mirage.

Community Rallies To Support OC Police Officer Injured In Crash

• Orange County residents are showing their support for a police officer who was critically injured in a motorcycle crash on his way to work.

50 New Trees To Be Planted In Los Alamitos This Month

• Crews from a local nursery will spend this December planting at least 50 trees along Los Alamitos Boulevard.

Encinitas Gains New Fire Chief To Replace Chief Stein

• Deputy Chief Josh Gordon now leads the Fire and Marine Safety Departments in Encinitas and Fire Departments in Solana Beach and Del Mar.

Bottled Water For Oasis Mobile Home Park: Nearly $900 Awarded

• The grant will ensure that bottled water continues to be distributed through the end of 2023, according to Supervisor V. Manuel Perez.

Biden Signs Bill To Honor Seymour 'Sy' Kaplan In Palm Desert

• The Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic in Palm Desert has been designated as the Sy Kaplan VA Clinic.

Brendan Fraser Getting Spotlight In Palm Springs

• The actor is being recognized for his critically acclaimed performance in "The Whale."

Temecula Native Named 'Sportswoman Of The Year' : USA Baseball

• Kelsie Whitmore, a graduate of Temecula Valley High School, keeps making her mark in USA Baseball.

MSJC Becomes First CA Community College To Offer Drone Certification

• Unmanned aerial systems operators are needed in agriculture, construction, law enforcement, real estate, surveying and other fields.