3 Beluga Whales Rescued + Cheez-It Food Court Pop-Up + NASCAR Returning To SoCal: 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

3 Rescued Beluga Whales Arrive At SeaWorld San Diego

The arrival marks the fourth transport in a rescue effort involving SeaWorld and several accredited aquariums.

23 Chihuahuas Rescued After Owner Evicted From Imperial Beach Home

Many of the dogs have hair loss and missing teeth, while some are fearful and will require specialized care, according to Humane Society.

Arts and Entertainment

Dolly Parton's Secret Idyllwild Cabin: 'If The Walls Could Sing'

For years, Parton and her husband, Carl Dean, reportedly owned an 1,800-square-foot getaway in the Southern California mountain community.

Legendary Motown Singer, Songwriter Smokey Robinson Scheduled To Perform In Riverside County

Tickets go on sale Aug. 21.

Matt Damon Spotted At Disneyland In Cute Family Moment: Video

A little girl's first encounter with Goofy at Disneyland attracted the attention of the Oscar-winning actor.

Meet Rhinomite, The Newest Hot Wheels Monster Truck Coming To San Diego

Rhinomite driver Anthony Ritter, 23, grew up around monster trucks and is now helping build a fanbase for the newest truck on the tour.

Business

Carlsbad Chamber to Launch Family-Friendly Business Certification Program

The voluntary program will be free for participating businesses.

New Barnes & Noble Opens Doors At South Coast Plaza

The sprawling, 27,000-square-foot book and media store is the fourth new location in Orange County.

Community

48th Annual Craft Faire Scheduled In Seal Beach

The yearly event is hosted by the Seal Beach Lions and features over 100 vendors.

Birch Aquarium Brings Back Fall Pier Walks, Tidepooling Adventures

Both programs are led by Birch Aquarium educators and offer participants a chance to learn about local marine life and coastal habitats.

Encinitas Wine & Food Festival Raises $133K For Local Groups

Now in its 23rd year, the festival has raised nearly $2 million for local organizations, according to the Encinitas Rotary Club.

Fall Art & Wine Walk Returning To The Forum Carlsbad

The annual event will feature local artists, complimentary wine tastings, live acoustic music and a cheese-wheel demonstration.

Margaritaville's Day Of Service To Bring Music, Giving To Downtown San Diego

The free rooftop celebration at Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter will benefit the San Diego Music Foundation.

Mom Gives Birth In SUV Near LA County Freeway Before Family Reaches Hospital

A woman gave birth near a freeway on-ramp, authorities said.

Nearly $1M Awarded For San Gabriel Valley Wildfire Prevention Projects

The wildfire prevention work could help protect more than 20,000 structures across the region, officials said.

Santee Lakes Fall, Winter Lineup Includes Spooktacular Trunk-Or-Treat, Water Lantern Festival

The seasonal lineup starts with Create on Deck workshops in September.

Support Local Authors, Read Local Books At Special Market In Mission Viejo

The Local Author Book Fair is right around the corner, and here's what Mission Viejo residents need to know.

Health

New Santee Boxing Program Helps People With Parkinson's Fight Back

Rock Steady Boxing launched at Wise Owl Fit as the first affiliate of its kind in East County San Diego.

Restaurants

Acclaimed Israeli Chef Eyal Shani Brings Malka To Beverly Hills

Chef Eyal Shani's kosher concept will debut at SIXTY Beverly Hills with signature dishes and California-inspired additions.

Cheez-It Food Court Pop-Up Coming To Westfield Topanga In September

The limited-time Cheez-It Court will serve three Cheez-It-inspired dishes at Westfield Topanga through September.

Johnny Costa's Marks 50 Years Of Italian Dining, And Sinatra History, In Palm Springs

The landmark family owned eatery was founded by an Italian immigrant who served The Rat Pack and later became Frank Sinatra's personal chef.

Le Petit Chef Review: Dinner And A Show, Served On Your Table

Here's what to know about the food, service and family-friendly appeal of the dining experience at the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter.

Longstanding Family Restaurant Opens New OC Location

After opening their fourth location in San Clemente, Zov's has opened its newest location in Costa Mesa.

PopUp Bagels To Open 2nd Location In Los Angeles

The location will hold a grand opening celebration on Friday.

This Palm Springs Restaurant To Remain Open In The Heat Of The Summer

The restaurant’s signature Wiener schnitzel was included in the book “1,000 Foods to Eat Before You Die.”

Tiny Chef, Big Show: Le Petit Chef Serves Up Immersive Dining In San Diego

The dining experience combines 3D projections, animated storytelling and a four-course meal at the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter.

Schools

28 Students From CSUSB Palm Desert, San Bernardino Campuses Achieve High Honor

The inaugural class of 2026 Gerald R. Ford Presidential Fellows from the CSUSB Palm Desert and San Bernardino campuses were recently pinned.

40 Earn High School Diplomas Earned In 2026 Through IE Library Program

These Career Online High School graduates crossed the stage at the annual commencement ceremony at the Fontana Lewis Library and Technology.

Dr. Roger W. Schultz Honored With Emeritus Title For 25 Years Of Service To MSJC

During his tenure at MSJC, Schultz opened the Temecula Valley campus and advanced projects at the San Jacinto and Menifee Valley campuses.

Teacher Begins Career In Exact RivCo Kindergarten She Attended As A 5-Year-Old Child

"I don't think my 5-year-old self ever could have imagined that I would come back one day as the teacher," Arianna Henry said.

UCLA To Offer Nation's First Bachelor's Degree In Digital Humanities

UCLA's new department will blend humanities and technology, with courses examining AI, digital tools and their impact on society.

Sports

NASCAR San Diego Weekend Returning To Coronado In 2027

The inaugural event sold out this year.

San Diego Seals Move Home Games To Frontwave Arena

The Seals previously played their home games at Pechanga Arena San Diego.