$5M Scratcher; Pandas Coming To SoCal; Sea Creatures: 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

All-White Killer Whale Makes Rare SoCal Appearance In South OC

A rare white orca named "Frosty" was spotted off the coast of Dana Point, Captain Dave's Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari reported.

Meet The New Pandas Coming To The San Diego Zoo

Yun Chuan, a 4-year-old male, and Xin Bao, a 3-year-old female, were born in Wolong Shenshuping Panda Base in Sichuan, China.

Weird Blue 'Jellies' Wash Ashore; Blue Whales Return To SoCal Coast

The Blue Whales returned Sunday, joining other whales in southern California waters, plus strange blue jellyfish-like creatures on shore.

Arts and Entertainment

BeachLife Fest 2024: What To Know Before You Go

Here are five things you need to know about the festival in order to enjoy the day to the fullest.

Legoland California To Launch North America's First Lego World Parade

In celebration of the launch, the Carlsbad theme park is offering $29 tickets for children.

Ryan Gosling Surprises Fans At Universal's 'Fall Guy' Stunt Show

Fans at Universal got a surprise from Ryan Gosling during their day at the theme park.

Business

New Goodwill Celebrates OC Opening: What To Know

Goodwill of Orange County opened the doors to its newest thrift store in Orange County to a crowd of more than 250 people.

Plus-Size Retailer Brings Model Search To South Bay

Plus-size apparel retailer Torrid is kicking off its nationwide model search on Saturday at Del Amo Fashion Center.

Community

$5M Lottery Scratchers Ticket Sold In Oceanside

The odds of winning the top prize — $5 million — is 1 in 3,061,044, according to the California Lottery.

$392K Mega Millions Lottery Ticket Sold in Long Beach

A ticket with five numbers, but missing the Mega number, was sold at Eddie's Jr. market in Long Beach.

$580 Million Wellness Village Approved For Riverside County

"This project is unlike anything else that’s been done. In terms of behavioral health treatment approaches, we are breaking new ground."

Biden To Expand San Gabriel Mountains National Monument

Following advocacy from Indigenous community leaders, President Joe Biden authorized the expansion of the national monument.

Blaze Bernstein Remembered On What Would Have Been His 26th Birthday

While the former classmate accused of murdering him faces trial, loved ones of the slain UPenn student gathered to remember his life.

Friends Of La Mesa Library President Named 2024 Volunteer Of The Year

John Schmitz was honored Tuesday for his 13 years and 780 hours of volunteer work at the nonprofit.

RivCo Takes Top Spot Amid CA's First Population Gain Since 2019

Nine of the state's 10 counties with populations over 1 million saw year-over-year increases in 2023. Riverside County had the largest.

Real Estate

B-52's Icon Puts Glamping-Campground On Market In SoCal

"Roam" if you want to, and grab your "Legal Tender" to see what $452,000 buys you near Joshua Tree: A bit of B-52's rock and roll history.

Floating 'Up' House, X-Men Mansion, Purple Rain: Airbnb Icons For Rent

With a house straight from Pixar, a Paris clocktower and Prince's "Purple Rain" home, Airbnb's new rentals are more than hotel alternatives.

Schools

Carlsbad School Earns U.S. Green Ribbon Award

Two local schools and one local school district also received the California Green Ribbon Schools award.

Transit

What Those New Orange Lines On The Freeway Mean To You

Have you seen orange striping in San Diego County? It's designed to increase awareness of the construction zone and enhance safety.