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Disney's Cars Robot + Baby Mongoose Born + Top Restaurants + World's Greatest Coastal City: Saturday Smiles

Taco chain plans massive expansion; Tiger Woods' golf store opens new location; whale surprises paddleboarders; and more nice SoCal news.

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park has welcomed its first dwarf mongoose pup, park officials announced. (Laura Vero/San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance)

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

21 More Cats Arrive In San Diego From Hurricane-Ravaged Hawaii

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The latest arrivals bring the total number of cats transferred from Kauai to San Diego Humane Society shelters to 40.

Coyote Makes Early Visit To Unfinished 101 Wildlife Crossing: See Photos

The photos suggest the long-awaited crossing is already beginning to function as intended — even though it's a month away from completion.

First Dwarf Mongoose Pup Born At San Diego Zoo Safari Park

The pup can be seen with its troop in the Safari Park's upper village.

Furry Friends Invited To 'Pawtio Party', Benefitting Seal Beach Animal Care Center

The annual event features an all-day "A La Bark" menu, live music and a "smooch a pooch" booth.

Video Shows Gray Whale Swimming Near Paddle Boarders At Dana Point Harbor

While the Harbor Revitalization Project remains ongoing, marine life has continued to put on a show in Dana Point.

Arts and Entertainment

Indio: Midland Set For 2027 Fantasy Springs Show, Ticket Sales Start Nov. 6

The country trio will play Fantasy Springs on Feb. 26, 2027, with presale opening Nov. 5 and public sales Nov. 6.

'Wild Horse Nine' Director To Receive Award At Palm Springs International Film Awards

The accompanying Palm Springs International Film Festival will run Jan. 7 through Jan. 18.

Business

Levain Bakery Debuts Festive Fall Offering In One Big Cookie

This harvest season, Levain Bakery at Fashion Island is offering a very special take on a cookie meant for the holidays.

Tiger Woods' Golf Store Opens New Location In South Orange County

The golf apparel and footwear brand Sun Day Red opened its doors Monday in San Clemente, The OC Register reported.

Community

33 Firefighter Recruits To Graduate From Training Academy In Santee

The recruits completed three months of training in firefighting, emergency response and rescue operations.

Arcadia Marks Route 66 Centennial With New Bridge Decal

Route 66 officially marks its 100th anniversary Nov. 11, 2026.

Dana Point Featured As 'World's Greatest Coastal City' In TV Report

The coastal Orange County town will be featured in an upcoming episode of "World's Greatest!..." on Bloomberg TV.

Disneyland Tests New AI-Powered 'Cars' Robots As Parking Lot Assistants

The autonomous robots were showcased by Walt Disney Imagineering during a technology event in Burbank.

Greater Palm Springs Pride Returns Nov. 6 For 40th Anniversary

This year's celebration will carry the theme "Be Included."

Mojica Judo Tournament Returns To Baldwin Park

This year marks the 31st anniversary of the tournament.

Monrovia Route 66 Documentary Now Available On YouTube

The release coincides with the centennial year of Route 66, the city said.

'Shoes for Students' Event Planned For Palm Springs School District

The event will provide each student with a new pair of Vans shoes.

Restaurants

3 LA Restaurants Ranked Among Nation's 100 Best By OpenTable

Three Los Angeles restaurants were named among the 100 best in the U.S. by OpenTable.

5 San Diego County Restaurants Named Among Top 100 In America

The annual OpenTable list recognizes restaurants across 21 states and Washington, D.C.

Mike's Red Tacos Opens In Pasadena

The chain plans to use the Pasadena location as a prototype for future restaurants as it plans a nationwide expansion.

San Diego Taco Chain With Just 4 Restaurants Plans Massive National Expansion

The chain, backed by LeBron James, has secured roughly 350 franchise commitments as it prepares for nationwide expansion.

Santa Monica Chef Bets On Main Street With Second Independent Restaurant

Bornemann's new Bar Fortuna pairs handmade pasta and local ingredients with an Italian approach to cooking shaped by his years abroad.

Temecula Couple Opens New Juice It Up Location Near Mall: What To Know

Meet Temecula residents Fatemeh Toori and Peyman Zamanian, making strides to expand the juice franchise in Riverside County.

Schools

CSUN Lands $3M Federal Grant To Expand AI, Fintech Education

The $3 million grant will help CSUN expand AI and fintech training through its new Center for Fintech Innovation and Policy.

Malibu High Students Explore College Options Through Project-Based Learning

The school is emphasizing hands-on learning and real-world problem-solving, officials said.

Seasonal

1K+ Handcrafted Light Displays, Fun In The Snow: Dream Glow Festival Returns To Orange County

The seasonal event is returning to Irvine's Wild Rivers waterpark for the second year in a row.

Annual Thanksgiving Event Returns To Sylvan Park In Redlands Nov. 24

More than 20 turkeys will be prepared for the event, according to the city.

Arcadia Community Center Brings Winter Fun For Children Dec. 5

The event will include bounce houses, arts and crafts, and more.

Arcadia Hosts Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony Dec. 3

The celebration will feature photos with Santa, holiday crafts, treats and other seasonal activities.

Baldwin Park To Hold Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony Dec. 3

The tree lighting ceremony will take place two days before Winterfest.

Clay Aiken To Headline San Diego's December Nights At Balboa Park

The free two-day holiday festival returns Dec. 4-5 with live entertainment, festive food, family activities and more.

Encinitas Holiday Street Fair To Take Over Coast Highway 101

The annual event will feature more than 450 vendors, live entertainment, children's rides and a beer garden in downtown Encinitas.

Glendora's Annual Craft Boutique Returns Saturday For Holiday Shopping

Community members were invited to attend and enjoy the seasonal shopping event while connecting with local vendors and fellow residents.

Glendora To Host Gingerbread House Decorating Party Dec. 5

The event is free and open to the community on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

Knott's Merry Farm Returns With New Snoopy Ice Show, Holiday Festivities

The annual holiday celebration runs Nov. 20 through Jan. 3, 2027, featuring live entertainment, festive food and family activities.

SeaWorld San Diego's Christmas Celebration Returns With New Shows, Holiday Traditions

The annual celebration runs Nov. 13 through Jan. 3, featuring new entertainment, live reindeer, Santa Claus and more than 1 million lights.

Swiss Christmas Village With Oceanfront Ice Rink Coming To Santa Monica Pier

The new holiday attraction opens Nov. 18 with more than 60 festive chalets, Swiss food and an oceanfront ice rink.

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