Howie The Dog; Photo Awards; Disney Pins; Launch: Saturday Smiles

CALIFORNIA — The weekend is here, and with it comes a chance to slow down and enjoy things that bring a smile to your face. We've gathered some of favorite stories from Southern California this week. Have a read--

Tech Hungry Hound From San Diego Up For 2018 Hambone Award

• Howard, a golden retriever from San Diego, is up for an award that honors Nationwide's most “Unusual Pet Insurance Claim of the Year.”

City Staff Read To Students For Read Across Monrovia Day

• The annual event is coordinated by the local non-profit organization Monrovia Reads.

Dodgers Advance To National League Championship

• Slugger Manny Machado drives in four runs in the Dodgers' 6-2 victory to closeout the Braves.

Homeless Woman Reunites With Son, Thanks To Seal Beach Community

• It was a tearful reunion for this family, reunited after homelessness, thanks to the community of Seal Beach.

SMC Student Journalists Win 11 Awards For Photos, Stories

• See the award-winning photos from Santa Monica photojournalist students, who competed with students from 18 other community colleges.

Win A Dozen Dodger Donuts: Team Pride Never Tasted So Good

• Here's your chance to win a dozen limited edition Dodger Donuts by LA's famed Primo Donuts!

Pin Trading At Disneyland: A Cast Member Perspective

• If you think Disney resorts are all about the rides, think again. Trading pins at the park can give guests a unique experience every time.

SeaWorld San Diego To Open New Roller Coaster In 2019

• SeaWorld San Diego announced Tuesday that a roller coaster called the "Tidal Twister" is scheduled to open next spring.

See Inside LA's First LGBTQ Equality Fashion Week

• Plus, a Q&A with queer designer and Equality Fashion Week producer Nik Kacy.

Historic Rocket Launch Lights Up California Sky: Photos

• The SoCal sky lit up with the SpaceX rocket launch that saw the ship's booster land back on Earth on the West Coast for the first time.

Kids Across Southland Walk To School Wednesday

• Los Alamitos kids smile on "Walk To School Wednesday." Did you walk with friends? Share your photos with Patch! for Patch Photo of the Week.

West Hollywood Earns Top Score In Human Rights Campaign Report

• This is the seventh consecutive year the city has earned a top score for their municipal laws affecting the LGBT community.

Denzel Washington Earns AFI Life Achievement Award

• Recognizing Denzel Washington an "American icon," the American Film Institute will honor the actor with the 47th Life Achievement Award.

New Kids On The Block Announce New Tour, Coming To San Diego

• It's an '80s dream as New Kids On The Block will be joined by Salt-N-Pepa, Tiffany, Debbie Gibson and Naughty by Nature on a 53-city tour.

New SDG&E Solar Plants Expected To Power Nearly 32,000 Homes

• SDG&E's three new solar plants will deliver enough energy to power nearly 32,000 homes in San Diego and Imperial counties, the company said.

LA Celebrates First Indigenous Peoples Day

• A statue of Christopher Columbus was covered up and will likely be removed as LA celebrated its new holiday with concerts and ceremonies.

County Supervisors OK Carlsbad Airport Plan, Runway Extension

• The master plan update for the McClellan-Palomar Airport in Carlsbad includes extending the runway 800 feet.

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