$1M Winning Scratchers Ticket; TV Star Saves Children: 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

23 Brown Pelicans Released After Massive OC Beach 'Stranding' Event

Friday, the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center staff released nearly 2 dozen rehabilitated pelicans who arrived in "starvation mode."

Arts and Entertainment

Cyndi Lauper Announces Farewell Tour With Stop In Riverside County

The 70-year-old performer is calling her North American goodbye "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun."

Disney Previews Tiana's Bayou Adventure To Mixed Reviews

Take a look inside Tiana's Bayou Adventure, coming soon to the Magic Kingdom. The ride will soon open in Disneyland in late 2024.

Knott's Berry Farm Pushes To End Line Cutting At Park: Report

The Orange County theme park will ask visitors to report line jumping to security so that violators can be dealt with.

Mark Wahlberg Visits Temecula Church, Shares 'Stay Prayed Up' Message

Mark Wahlberg and his wife, Rhea Durham, posted an inspirational message from outside a Temecula church this week.

TV Star Saves Neighbor's Children From Intruder: Report

Jonathan Tucker of "The Virgin Suicides" and "Kingdom" fame, sprang into action
Business

A Murrieta Move Looks To Leverage Region's 'Thriving' Biotech Sector

Woonsocket, Rhode Island-based Surplus Solutions has opened a warehouse at 30220 Commerce Court in Murrieta.

CAVA Planned For Temecula Parkway Shopping Center

A favored healthy Mediterranean restaurant is coming to the Temecula Stater Brothers Shopping Center.

Temecula Valley Tourism Spending Hit $1.1 Billion In 2023: Report

The last time the region reached the $1.1 billion mark was in pre-pandemic 2018, and it was a record high at the time.

Community

$1M Lottery Scratchers Ticket Sold In Oceanside

Another lucky player won $5 million from a Scratchers ticket purchased at the same store late last year.

$1M Raised For Homelessness At Salvation Army Beverly Hills Gala

Terry Crews and Rebecca King-Crews were honored at the gala for their philanthropic support in the fight against homelessness.

Are You Holding The $286K Mega Millions Ticket Sold In LA County?

Tuesday's jackpot was the ninth-largest jackpot in the history of the game.

Gender-Affirming Care For LGBTQ Foster Youth Approved In LA County

As many states are banning gender-affirming care for youth, LA County is expanding what it says can be life-saving resources for trans kids.

Murrieta Police Explorers Celebrate Promotion Ceremony

As June began, Murrieta's Police Department congratulated a full class of "Explorers," teens who learn what it is like to be an officer.

Supervisors Advance Proposals Connected To River Valley Park

Tijuana River Valley Regional Park is next to Imperial Beach, and the Otay Mesa and Nestor neighborhoods in the city of San Diego.

Unclaimed $3 Million-Winning Lottery Ticket Sold In LA About To Expire

You might want to double-check any lottery tickets you may have lying around.

Vail Headquarters Celebrates National Historic Site, Trail Designation

Not a relic but an active and vibrant part of Temecula life, Vail Headquarters thrives one year past its US Dept. of Interior Designation.

'Ziggurat' Building Up For Sale Again Without Preservation Requirement

The Chet Holifield Federal Building is up for sale again in Laguna Niguel, and this time without the requirement to preserve it.

Events

Annual Family Festivals Return In Rossmoor This Summer

The summer festival series is back for another year in Rossmoor with over 60 vendors and live music.

California Wine Festival To Return To Carlsbad

The two-day festival will showcase the Golden State's wine offerings.

First-Ever Multicultural Festival Takes Place In Lake Forest

The free community event will feature dance groups, music groups, entertainers, artists and more.

Lake Elsinore Movies In The Park Returns See: 'Luca' At Summerly Park

This June, the city of Lake Elsinore invites everyone for a free full day at Summerly Park, to enjoy a movie under the stars.

Lineup Announced For Santee Summer Concerts Series

The 40th annual series will feature free concerts every Thursday from June 13 through Aug. 8, excluding the Fourth of July.

Summer Book Sale Underway This Weekend In Mission Viejo: What To Know

For books, vinyl records, games, puzzles and so much more, residents can stop by the annual book sale this weekend.

Schools

2 BHPD Leaders Earn Doctoral Degrees: Learn About Their Dissertations

Two Beverly Hills Police Department leaders recently earned doctoral degrees, where they studied topics on modern policing.

15 San Diego Area Students Named National Merit Scholarships Winners

The students received awards worth $500 to $2,000 annually for up to four years at the institution financing the scholarship.

Long Beach High Schooler Awarded $1,000 Scholarship

The California Credit Union Foundation recognized a student from Rancho Dominguez Prep School for being an exceptional local student.

Palos Verdes High Schoolers Awarded $1,000 Scholarships

The California Credit Union Foundation recognized two students from Palos Verdes High School for being exceptional local students.