Community Corner

Santa Stroll + Seasonal Shenanigans: Saturday Smiles

"Reef Balls" to protect San Diego port; new NASA astronaut has ties to Inland Empire; Audubon Society beach walk invitation; Pinot Noir Fest

Bea Karnes, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
Kinecta Federal Credit Union and Mychal’s Learning Place hosts the 3rd Annual California Great Santa Stroll from Hermosa to Manhattan Beach Saturday.
Kinecta Federal Credit Union and Mychal’s Learning Place hosts the 3rd Annual California Great Santa Stroll from Hermosa to Manhattan Beach Saturday. (Courtesy of Kinecta Federal Credit Union)

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — If you are looking for the positive side of news, we are here to help. Patch has sweet Southern California stories we hope you will enjoy.

NASA Astronaut Program Picks Bioengineer Who Taught At UCR

Among her many achievements, Christina Birch, 35, is a Ph.D. who taught bioengineering in Riverside and is a decorated world-class cyclist.

Join 2 Upcoming Winter Beach Walks With LA Audubon Society

Join a peaceful morning on the beach and stroll with the Los Angeles Audubon Society starting at Annenberg Community Beach House.

Find out what's happening in San Diegofor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Encinitas Receives Bicycle-Friendly Community Award

The League of American Bicyclists has named Encinitas as one of nearly 500 cities across the U.S. making streets safer for bicyclists.

Desert Air Electronic Music Festival Kicks Off In Palm Springs

Artists such as Dixon, DJ Koze, The Martinez Brothers and Peggy Gou are headlining the weekend festival at the Palm Springs Air Museum.

Find out what's happening in San Diegofor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Pinot Noir Festival Comes To Palm Desert In 2022

The event will be held at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa.

New Yoga Studio Opening In Manhattan Beach

A new yoga location is opening at Manhattan Village in January.

SDSU To Play In Snapdragon Stadium Next Year

San Diego State University's new athletic facility at SDSU Mission Valley will be known as Snapdragon Stadium.

San Diego State To Face UTSA In Frisco Bowl

The Aztecs will be playing in the Frisco Bowl for the second time.

Temecula Celebrates 32nd Birthday By Launching Historical Exhibit

For history buffs who want to geek out on Temecula, the exhibit contains a trove of information.

Actor Andrew Garfield To Be Honored In Palm Springs

Garfield will receive the Desert Palm Achievement Award during next month's Palm Springs International Film Awards.

Manhattan Beach Police Chief Retiring

Chief of Police Derrick Abell is retiring from the Manhattan Beach Police Department after 31 years of service to the city.

San Diego Port Installing 'Reef Balls' To Protect From Sea Rise

The Port of San Diego and partners have begun installing a shoreline protection project adjacent to the Chula Vista Wildlife Refuge.

County Supervisors OK Over $1M in Fire Suppression Grants

"Annually as a county we aggressively pursue state and federal funds to help underwrite the costs associated with these emergency services."

2 MSJC Campuses Open Permanent Food Pantries For Needy Students

The pantries at the Menifee and San Jacinto campuses provide free food items to more than 400 needy students and their families monthly.

I-15 Expansion Aims To Ease Traffic Woes Between SoCal, Vegas

Nightmarish traffic jams, especially when Southern California visitors return home from Las Vegas, have prompted the expansion.

Holidays

Hundreds Of Santas To Stroll From Hermosa To Manhattan Beach

The 3rd Annual California Great Santa Stroll invites hundreds of Santas to join at the Hermosa Beach Pier Plaza and walk to Manhattan Beach.

Big Crowds Expected As Santa, Holiday Parade Roll Across Beaumont

The city's annual Holiday Light Parade will be followed by Operation Santa this weekend.

Join The Marina Del Rey Boat Parade & Fireworks Saturday

It's time to get in the holiday spirit with the Marina Del Rey Boat Parade and Fireworks this weekend.

Santa Will Deliver Toys To Catalina Island On A Helicopter

Santa will bring toys for kids via helicopter to Catalina Island.

Santa Paws: Bring Your Pet For A Photo With Santa In Redondo

Bring your pet to pose with Santa at Redondo Beach Police Department's Santa Paws event this weekend at Dominguez Park.

Cemetery Hosting Christmas Decorating Contest: Lake Elsinore

In order to enter, participants must have a family grave, or graves, at Elsinore Valley Cemetery District.

Health and Science

Santa Monica Ambulatory Surgery Center Ranks Among Best In CA

A new report highlighted hundreds of the best ambulatory surgical facilities across the nation, and 83 Golden State centers made the list.

San Diego Area Ambulatory Surgery Centers Rank Among Best In CA

A new report highlighted hundreds of the best ambulatory surgical facilities across the nation, and 83 Golden State centers made the list.

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.

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