Watch: Baby Otters Debut at the L.A. Zoo

A new litter of endangered giant river otters was born this spring. The two boys and one girl are still waiting for names.

Anti-Vaxxers Gather Signatures to Overturn Vaccine Mandate

Opponents of a new law that bars parents from opting their children out of mandatory vaccines are gathering signatures for a referendum.

Boy Scouts Takes Major Step Toward Ending Ban on Gay Scout Leaders

A Boy Scout Executive Committee voted to allow gay scout leaders. If ratified, troops would be able to determine their own policies.

Fireworks Shows Around LA County

Looking for the best fireworks shows around? Patch has you covered with every Fireworks show in Los Angeles County.

Watch Animal Kingdom Upended: Cat Named Hero Dog of the Year

A 7-year-old tabby usurped all K9s to become the National Hero Dog by saving a 5-year-old boy as he was being attacked by a dog.

Saturday Smiles: Overheated Pooch Rescued; Doggie Surf School; Thousands of Crabs Swarm Beach; Heroes Save Lives

Need a break from bad news? Here are a few of our favorite uplifting headlines and photos from Southern California.

Zoo Roo Baby! LA Zoo Holding Name Our Roo Contest

Joey is too obvious. How about Roopert? Or Roosemary? Those names have been suggested--can you come up with something better?

Is your Dog a Hero? Nominate Him for the National Hero Dog Award

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is looking for nominations for the 33rd annual National Hero Dog Award.

Couple Sues Doctors for Failure to Detect Son's Fetal Defects in Time for Abortion

A couple, whose son has endured more than 100 surgeries, is suing their OBGYN for not telling them of his fetal defects in time to abort.

What will your kids be doing this summer? Oh, we've got you covered!

What’s Up For Kids Expo 2015 on Saturday, March 7.

Spooky! Disneyland Surveillance Video Shows "Ghost" Walking Through Closed Park

It’s seen near—you guessed it—the Haunted Mansion!

Top 4 Destinations in California for Spring Break

Spring Break is just weeks away..book now to lock-in deals.

February 20, 2015: Just What You've Been Waiting For....

Girl Scout Cookies and Wine!!!

SoCal Beaches Make 2015 List of America's Favorites

Trip Advisor users pick their Top 25. Did your favorite make the list?

Firefighters Rescue Dog Trapped on Beach Bluff Crevice

A pooch managed to wedge itself high up into a cliffside crevice in Santa Monica.

Firefighter Dangles from Helicopter to Save Dog From LA River

A little pup is safe today after a firefighter snatched it from the rain-swollen LA River.

Search and Rescue Volunteers Have Record Year for Lifesaving

Volunteers responded to 597 missions, saving lost hikers, crash victims, dogs and even a 16-million-year-old fossil.

Psst, Manhattan Beach! Here's How to Get Free Frosty Treats for the Year

By donating to a worthy cause, you can score a sweet deal.

Girl, 6, Makes 100 Dresses for Girls in Local Shelters

A full-time, online school student at California Virtual Academy@ Los Angeles made dresses for girls less fortunate than herself.

South Bay Kids Win National Award for Eco Leadership

Young environmentalists with Grades of Green Youth Corps Eco Leadership Program earned the Keep America Beautiful Youth Recognition Award.

LA Brims with Acts of Kindness this Christmas

Volunteers will feed thousands of homeless. Comics will perform for the lonely. What will you do?

Fundraiser Planned in Pasadena For LACFD Firefighter's Ill Daughter

Cecilia is the 3-year-old daughter of Los Angeles County Firefighter James von Harz and she need medication that costs $1,500 a month.

Evicted Elderly Woman Can Stay in Los Angeles Apartment

Following a story by Patch, Los Angeles social services became involved and arranged for Natalie Moore, 87, to stay in her home of 40 years.

Residents to Help Senior Kicked Out of Home With Bake, Plant Sale

Natalie Moore is 87 and must move in less than one month; a plant and bake sale is being held this weekend on Coronado Street.

Elementary School in Los Angeles Needs Help Building New Playground

The original playground was torn down three years ago because of safety code issues.

11 Years After 'Heaven,' What Life is Like for the Burpo Family

The movie, in stores July 22, is about a real-life boy who says he went to Heaven and met Jesus during surgery. We spoke with the family behind the film about how it can help start a discussion in your town.

24 Amazing Ways Residents Inspire Their Communities

Patch readers told us who the "Everyday Inspirations" in their communities are, and we're sharing their stories and the work they've done locally.

Everyday Inspirations: Incredible Ways People Give Back Locally

Patch readers told us who the "Everyday Inspirations" in their communities are, and we're sharing their stories and the work they've done locally.

'Coupon Queen' Gets $800 Grocery Bill Down to $7, Gives Savings Away

A New York woman is so good at bargain shopping that she's used her skills to donate groceries and other goods to charity. Learn how you can follow her lead locally.

Charitable Children: 'No Matter What Age You May Be, You Can Change the Life of Another'

As a part of our "Everyday Inspirations" series, we look at how children across the country are making big impacts locally.

Harp Healing: Woman Uses Music Therapy to Help Hospital Patients

After losing three people close to her in eight months, Edie Elkan picked up a harp for the first time in 28 years. Now she runs a program training others to play the instrument for patients in hospitals.

Nominate 'Everyday Inspirations' in Your Town

Patch wants to share stories about people who work every day to change others' lives for the better.

Man Steals from Coffee Shop—and You’ll Never Guess What Happened Next

Who says the punishment always has to fit the crime?

Second Grader’s “Buddy Bench” Goes Viral

Christian Bucks’ idea to foster friendship spreads to 32 states—and counting.

The Week's Best Good News: A Winning Wedding, 26 Days of Kindness and More

Here's our roundup of the most uplifting and feel-good stories from Patch towns across the country.

The Week's Best Good News: Man Finds $98K in Desk, Holocaust Survivor Reunited with Soldier

Here's our roundup of the most uplifting and feel-good stories from Patch towns across the country.

Butterball Turkey Hotline Helps Home Cooks Conquer Thanksgiving

Fifty turkey experts will answer questions on meal prep and turkey emergencies this holiday season.

How to Order Butterbeer at Starbucks

It's not on the menu, but customers can give baristas a special recipe that will produce a drink similar to the beverage enjoyed by the fictional witches and wizards from the Harry Potter books.

The Week's Best Good News

Here's our roundup of the most uplifting and feel-good stories from Patch towns across the country.

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