Johnny Depp Surprises Disneyland Guests; Heroes Honored: Saturday Smiles

The weekend calls for relaxation, an extra cup of coffee and positive news stories. Patch is here with a roundup of light news from around Southern California.

Santa Monica-Based Lionsgate Inks Deal With Russian Distributor

• Lionsgate previously only distributed Summit films in Russian, the new agreement will encompass both Lionsgate and Summit titles.

Thomas McGuane, Ruebén Martinez Among Winners At L.A. Times Book Fair

• The 37th annual Los Angeles Times Book Prizes were awarded at a ceremony during this weekend's LA Times Book Fair.

John Stevens Promoted To L.A. Kings Head Coach

• Stevens has been on the Kings coaching staff since 2010, when he was hired as an assistant coach.

West Hollywood Hosts 360 Health and Empowerment Fair for LBTQ Women

• This year’s fair will focus on self-care and resistance.

Pepperdine Law Opens Applications for New Online Masters Program

• The new online program offers a concentration in dispute resolution for students interested in attaining arbitration and mediation skills.

Bob Stallings Named Recipient Of Malibu Citizenship Award

• Stallings passed away in August 2016 after a long illness

Interactive Exhibits At Lower Point Vicente Park In Rancho Palos Verdes Finally Get Underway

• This came after nearly two years of negotiations with volunteers, city leaders and residents to come up with an agreeable plan.

San Dieguito Academy's Bridget Sabin Among 6 Calif. School Employees of Year

• The SDA registrar was announced Monday as one of California Department of Education's 2017 Classified Employees of the Year.

SEE: Johnny Depp Surprises Pirates Of Caribbean Crowd At Disneyland

• Boatloads of Captain Jack Sparrow fans Wednesday experienced the trip of a lifetime, as Johnny Depp visited the ride.

Los Alamitos Unified School District Applauds LAE Speech Contestants

• These two-dozen LAE students showed their merit and power of persuasion with the annual speech contest.

Your Loyal Companion Waits At Mission Viejo Animal Services

• She will thrive with a family that can provide consistent exercise and training.

OCSD, Santa Ana Police Officers Honored For Saving Boy

• The call came in on July 27: A 4-year-old boy reported missing at Santa Ana’s Jerome Park.

Laguna Hills Home Saved Thanks To Neighbor's Calls

• An aware neighbor noticed smoke rising from a 2 story residence in Laguna Hills. OCFA was able to spare the house in this Tuesday fire.

Look Up OC! Mission Viejo Area Teen Starts Awareness Campaign

• This Ladera Ranch teenager made a discovery while learning to drive, and paying attention to the road. Most people weren't.