$1.08B Winning Ticket; Dog Found 2,000 Miles Away: Saturday Smiles

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

Animals

San Diego Dog Missing For 8 Months Found In Michigan

A stray dog picked up last week outside Detroit was reported missing in San Diego last summer.

Arts and Entertainment

22nd Annual Art That's Small Exhibit Underway In Laguna Beach

Attendees will view original artworks from 56 Orange County artists at the annual event.

Meghan Markle Reads To Children's Hospital Los Angeles Patients

See photos of the Duchess of Sussex's recent visit to pediatric patients at CHLA.

Business

Over 1,000 Seasonal Workers Needed For San Diego County Fair

A variety of jobs are available, including exhibits attendants, guest services ambassadors, ticket takers, traffic directors and more.

Sustainable Fashion Brand Amour Vert Opens In Long Beach

The store is located at the 2nd and PCH shopping center and is the first to sport the Amour Vert's new branding.

Temecula's Smart And Final Extra Will Open In April, 2024

The Temecula Parkway grocery store has announced its grand opening date this month.

Community

Applicants Sought For Encinitas Sister City Student Exchange Program

The cultural exchange program aims to foster international cooperation and understanding between the youth of Encinitas and Amakusa, Japan.

Murrieta Prioritizes Pickleball Courts, Parking, New Pool Treads Water

In August, Murrieta closed its aging Cal Oaks Sports Complex community pool. Now the council looks to reallocate funding for other programs.

Newport Beach Celebrates Opening Of Largest Public Pier

Officials and community members gathered Friday morning to celebrate the opening of the city's newest — and largest — public pier.

Plan For City's Largest Homeless Shelter Unveiled By San Diego Mayor

The proposed long-term shelter would provide food, shelter and services for up to 1,000 people currently living in encampments

San Diego Among Healthiest Cities In U.S.: Report

A recent report ranked the healthiest and unhealthiest cities in the U.S. See where three cities in San Diego County landed on the list.

SoCal's $1.08 Billion Powerball Ticket Winner Revealed

California Lottery officials revealed the identity of the mystery winner of one of the largest Powerball jackpots in history.

Temecula Valley Wine Country Arch Will Be 'Gateway To Wine Country'

The new archway project, which has been discussed since 2022, was approved this week as the RivCo Supes reviewed the final plans.

The Flower Fields Hit Peak Bloom In Carlsbad

There are 48 acres of giant tecolote ranunculus creating a rainbow of color at The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch.

This RivCo City Likely Healthier Than Anywhere Else, CA Predicts

The Arlanza neighborhood in Riverside was recently granted a $1 million grant by the state to elevate it to a "Blue Zone Neighborhood."

Events

Buy Local At Lake Forest Spring Boutique

Residents on the hunt for artisan jewelry, home decor, furniture, art and more were encouraged to stop by the boutique Saturday.

City To Host Tea Party With Illustrator In Mission Viejo

Residents were urged to dress in their fanciest clothes for a morning full of refreshments, crafts and more.

Community Clean Up And Shred Event Scheduled At Santee City Hall

Community members can drop off unwanted items such as appliances, mattresses, furniture and tree limbs.

Early Bird Tickets On Sale For Santee's Brews And Bites Festival

The 14th annual event will feature a bevy of brews, fine wines, tasty treats and music.

Long-Running Murrieta 'Firefighters BBQ' Returns; Free For All

The 77th annual barbecue includes a smoked tri-tip lunch, live music, a vendors market, explorers muster, and non-stop fun.

Restaurants

Jersey Mike's In San Diego Raises $595K For Rady Children's Hospital

There were 64 participating Jersey Mike's locations in the San Diego area, which raised $594,643 for Rady Children's Hospital.

LA Restaurant Is No. 1 In The Country, Food & Wine Says

In addition to topping the nationwide list, California is home to three other top-20 restaurants in the country.

Orange County Tiki Bar Nominated For James Beard Award

The James Beard Awards, first presented in 1991, recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries.

San Diego Chef Named James Beard Award Nominee

Tara Monsod, executive chef of Asian fusion restaurant Animae, was recognized as a finalist in the Best Chef: California category.

South OC Pizza Joint Claims International Pizza Competition: Report

A Dana Point pizzeria just claimed grand prize honors at the 2024 International Pizza Expo, The Orange County Register reported.

Schools

23 San Diego County Schools Named Purple Star Schools

The county is home to more than half of the California schools designated as 2024 Purple Star Schools.