$419K Winning Ticket; 5 Baby Penguins; 5 Scholars: 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

5 Little Blue Penguin Chicks Hatch This Season At Birch Aquarium

They were the first chicks hatched since the aquarium welcomed little blue penguins in 2022.

Arts and Entertainment

Disneyland 'Oogie Boogie Bash' Dates Released For Halloween 2024

If you want to go to the biggest Halloween party around, reserve your spot at California Adventure Park, at the Disneyland Resort.

Laguna Dance Festival Receives $5K Grant From FOA Foundation

The new funds will go toward furthering the Laguna Dance Festival's mission of providing dance performances and education to young artists.

Massive Disneyland Expansion Gets Final Approval

The $1.9 billion project, known as "Disneyland Forward," will allow the park to introduce new rides, attractions and more.

Business

Adriana's Cocina, Mexican Fusion Cuisine, Expanding Hours In Temecula

This neighborhood gem, a family-run affair, offers Mexican and Mediterranean fusion with the owner's authentic style.

Babies 'R' Us Opening In 30 Kohl's Stores In CA

A total of 30 Kohl's locations across the state will feature the baby-product retailer later this year. Find out where.

Gudetama Cafe Opens Egg-cellent First US Location In SoCal

The new cafe offers an immersive experience that encourages fans of Sanrio character Gudetama to sit back and relax just like the lazy egg.

Community

Encinitas Names New Parks, Recreation And Cultural Arts Director

Dave Knopp brings more than 34 years of experience in public service administration, according to the city.

Laurel Park Gains 2 New Trees As Los Alamitos Celebrates Arbor Day

The Los Alamitos community gathered to plant trees and celebrate Arbor Day.

Nearly $420K Mega Millions Ticket Sold In San Diego County

The Mega Millions game is played in 45 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Events

Massive 'Run For The Wall' Motorcycle Ride Making Coachella Stop

The organized run honors veterans, their families, and friends and aims to raise awareness of those still missing.

Ocean Institute Night Cruises Return To Dana Point: What To Know

Back by popular demand, the Bioluminescence Night Cruises offer marine enthusiasts the chance to witness the mesmerizing phenomenon.

Public Invited To Christening Of New Lifeguard Vessel

Residents were urged to attend the christening and dedication ceremony of the city's new lifeguard vessel, "Wave Watch."

Residents Invited To Annual 'Touch A Truck' Event In Newport Beach

The event is held in celebration of National Public Works Week, city officials said.

Vendors Sought For Temecula's 14th Annual Community Health Fair

Temecula Valley Hospital will join the city in hosting the event that is dubbed the largest health fair in Southwest Riverside County.

Schools

2 MSJC Students Awarded National Transfer Scholarship

These students, 1,700 applicants from community colleges across the country, can pursue their dreams without the burden of excessive debt.

2 Redondo Beach Students Win National Merit Scholarship

Each student was judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills and potential for success in college.

3 Manhattan Beach Students Win National Merit Scholarship

Each student was judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills and potential for success in college.

3 Palos Verdes Students Win National Merit Scholarship

Each student was judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills and potential for success in college.

5 SoCal Students Named 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars

High school seniors were recognized for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields.

10 Carlsbad Students Win 'Rising Star Of The Year' Scholarships

"We are very excited to honor these 10 students," Bret Schanzenbach, president and CEO of Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, told Patch.

29 San Diego Area Students Awarded $2,500 National Merit Scholarships

The winners were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors.

Los Alamitos Student Wins National Merit Scholarship

Each student was judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills and potential for success in college.

OC Senior Harvard-Bound After Being Accepted To 15 Universities

One Orange County senior is set to attend Harvard University on a full-ride scholarship after being accepted to 15 universities.

Sports

New NFL Players Return To Inspire TVUSD Students

Temecula Valley High School graduate Easton Gibbs and Great Oak High School graduate Brennan Jackson returned to TVUSD to uplift students.

OC City To Host Las Vegas Raiders During Summer Training Camp

The City of Costa Mesa is in deliberations with the Las Vegas Raiders to host their 2024 Summer Training Camp within city limits.