8 New Trader Joe's; Best Beaches; Strikeout Record: 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

Rescued Sea Otter Pup Has New Home At SeaWorld San Diego

"We are glad to give Rey a home at Wild Arctic and are very pleased with her adjustment so far," zoological curator John Stewart said.

Arts and Entertainment

Abi Carter To Sing National Anthem At Coachella Valley Firebirds Game

See the "American Idol" winner perform live at the Palm Desert arena ahead of game two in the Western Conference Finals.

Legoland California Launches Nation's First Lego World Parade

"This landmark parade feels even more celebratory as we honor Legoland California Resort's 25th birthday this year."

Sesame Place Now Open Daily For Summer Season

Sesame Summer Splash will bring a wave of summertime events.

Business

8 New Trader Joe's To Open Across SoCal: Here's Where

The grocery chain Trader Joe's is making moves in Southern California, expanding stores across the region.

Construction Begins On 17-Acre 'Surf Resort' In Palm Desert

The four-story hotel will offer a coastal vibe in the desert with "beaches," manmade waves, surf lagoon, surf center and boardwalk.

Most CA 99 Cents Only Stores To Reopen As Dollar Trees

Dollar Tree announced Wednesday that it acquired rights to leases of 170 previously shuttered 99 Cents Only stores.

Community

3 San Diego Beaches Among Top 10 Beaches In California: Ranking

There are more than 400 beaches scattered along California's 840 miles of coastline.

Bike Lanes Coming To Pacific Coast Highway

The public has the opportunity to choose what the new bike lanes along Pacific Coast Highway in Long Beach will look like.

City Gathers To Christen New Life-Saving Vessel 'Wave Watch'

City officials gathered at Marina Park in Newport Beach to christen the city's new marine safety vessel, "Wave Watch."

Hot Air Balloon Proposal Sets Hearts Aglow Across SoCal

On the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival weekend, a determined Newport Beach man and balloon company made his plans take flight.

Palm Springs Lt. Gustavo Araiza Honored At Memorial Day Luncheon

American Veterans Post 66 and Jon Castro Chapter 19 of Veterans for Peace presented Lt. Gustavo Araiza with a Special Achievement Award.

Santa Monica Beach Among 10 Best In California: New Ranking

Of the hundreds of beaches up and down California, Santa Monica Beach is among the 10 best, according to a new ranking.

South OC Treatment Center Announces New Name, Expanded Mission

Laguna Treatment Center celebrated the milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its newly renamed facility.

WeHo Pride Returns This Weekend: Everything You Need To Know

Here's what you need to know about street closures, parking, the music lineup and the parade schedule.

Schools

8th Grader Represents RivCo In National Spelling Bee: 2024

Amid a stormy sea of contestants, Avijeet "Avi" Randhawa correctly spelled this word to advance to the sixth round.

Decades-Long LA City College Student Graduates With Celebrated Legacy

T-Mobile and Patch are honoring 2024 graduates.

San Diego 8th Grader Advances To 6th Round Of National Spelling Bee

This Twin Peaks middle schooler remains in an elite group after this word to advance to the 5th round in a nail-biting quarter-final.

Temecula Teen Graduates Great Oak High School At 15

T-Mobile and Patch are honoring 2024 graduates.

Sports

Jeremiah Estrada Sets MLB Consecutive Strikeout Record In Padres Win

San Diego Padres new pitcher Jeremiah Estrada extended his personal, club, and MLB record for the most strikeouts in post-expansion history.

Rams, Pacsun Donate Washer/Dryers To Combat School Absenteeism

The donation to schools in Compton and Los Angeles are a practical approach to challenges such as lack of access to clean clothes.

South OC Swimmers, Divers Qualify For Olympic Trials: Good News

28 Mission Viejo Nadadores athletes were chosen for Olympic Trials with dreams of qualifying through to the 2024 Paris Olympics.