60 Eggs, Chicks Rescued + New Indoor Coaster + Stolen Bengal Cat Found: 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

60 Eggs, Chicks Rescued From Wind-Battered Tree In LA County

Rescued nests belonging to double-crested Cormorants are being cared for at International Bird Rescue’s Los Angeles Wildlife Center.

Lucky Sighting: Blue Whale Spotted Off Coast Of Oceanside

Lucky whale watchers were treated to a rare sight ahead of St. Patrick's Day.

San Diego Zoo Launches Naming Contest For Sloth Bear Cubs

The winning names will be announced on April 2.

State-Of-The-Art Animal Shelter Being Constructed In Santee

The 23,000-square-foot facility will include shelter space, a courtyard, an outdoor livestock area, activity yards and parking lots.

Stolen Bengal Lynx 'Clubber' Found At OC Home; Suspect At Large

Authorities Thursday recovered a stolen Bengal Lynx cat in Santa Ana after the feline was abducted from its home.

Watch 2 Whales Play Near Shores Of Laguna Beach: Report

The breathtaking encounter was filmed by a resident visiting Aliso Beach on March 23, The Orange County Register reported.

Arts and Entertainment

Banning High School Drama Presents 'You're A Good Man Charlie Brown'

The Broncos Drama Department seniors took their final bow over the weekend, from the cast to the sets to the songs and choreography.

Legoland California To Get New Indoor Roller Coaster

It's the first coaster to be built in 20 years at the Carlsbad-based theme park.

'Sweeney Todd' Cast Announced: Next Up For Temecula Valley Players

The musical 'Demon Barber of Fleet Street' is heading to Temecula's Old Town Community Theater for the show premiering in May, 2025.

Business

Palm Springs Porsche Center Receives National Recognition In 2025

The recognition is awarded annually to 25 of the German car manufacturer’s 203 United States Porsche centers.

Panera Opens Hollywood Location, 2nd In Central Los Angeles

Panera Bread's new location in Hollywood is one of just two in Central Los Angeles.

Southwest RivCo Entrepreneurs Could Win $1500 In Quick Pitch Session

The Southwest Region Quick Pitch Competition is open to Temecula, Wildomar, Murrieta, Menifee, and Lake Elsinore residents.

Temecula's New Bookstore Romances Readers: Meet In Bloom Bookery

Stepping inside In Bloom Bookery is a romance reader's dream. The creative store in Old Town Temecula draws 1,000 booklovers on opening day.

Community

3 Big Affordable Housing Projects Move Forward In Murrieta

Over the last five weeks, City Council approved bond issuance for the apartment projects that will house low-income residents.

Encinitas Author Releases Third Children's Book

Author, mom and former journalist Phyllis Schwartz celebrates friendship and cultural harmony in her latest children's book.

Free Smoke Alarm Installations Available For Oceanside Residents

"A working smoke alarm can be the difference between survival and tragedy when a home fire strikes."

Hundreds Of Seniors Go On Safari At San Diego Zoo Safari Park

More than 600 seniors took advantage of the final week of Museum Month, and went to the Escondido-based zoo and safari park for free.

Lake Elsinore's New Library Breaks Ground, A New Chapter For Residents

Local dignitaries and library personnel gathered in downtown Lake Elsinore to see the first chapter of the new library take shape.

Man Almost Throws Away Winning Mega Million Ticket Sold In SoCal

A winning Mega Millions ticket purchased on a whim almost ended up trashed, but instead turned into a $1 million win for the owner.

Over 1,200 Seasonal Workers Needed For San Diego County Fair

"Each year, our goal is to build a team that helps San Diego to start the summer in the most fun and exciting way possible."

Temecula CRC Splash Pad Opens To Rave Reviews: What To Know

The newest splash pad opened at the Community Recreation Center as warm weather blew into Temecula, making this truly Temecula's water park.

Events

Bogart Trout Fishing Derby, A Few Spots Left To Fish At The Pond

The Kids' Trout Derby is on April 12, and registration spots are filling up. Don't miss your chance to catch a big'un at Bogart Pond.

Coronado Flower Show Ready To Bloom

The 103rd annual Coronado Flower Show is the largest tented flower show in the U.S., according to event organizers.

Early-Bird Tickets On Sale April 1 For Santee Brews & Bites Festival

This year's fundraiser will feature a spooktacular night of food, fun and frights.

Temecula To Plant Deep Roots At Harveston Earth Day, Arbor Day Event

Come out for a day of family-friendly fun as we celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day in honor of trees' vital role in our lives.

Schools

12 San Diego County Schools Among 2025 CA Distinguished Schools

"Excellent elementary schools play a critical role in the life outcomes of our young people."

Sports

Metro's Dodger Stadium Express to Kick Expands For 2025 Season

The agency is extending pre-game service by one hour for the 2025 season to encourage earlier trips and more evenly distribute passengers.

Nadadores Coach Ron O'Brien Honored With Diving Well Name Change

The Mission Viejo Nadadores Diving Team announced the renaming of the dive well at the Marguerite Aquatics Complex this week.

Pickleball Popularity In Mission Viejo Among Top In The Nation

Mission Viejo’s Felipe Tennis & Recreation Center is now ranked number 57 out of more than 6,000 clubs nationwide, the city announced.