Band Wins Championship + Rare Sperm Whale Sighting: Saturday Smiles

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — If you are looking for the positive side of news, we are here to help. Patch has sweet Southern California stories we hope you will enjoy.

Animals

Pet Adoption Fees Waived At 2 RivCo Shelters During 'Black Saturday'

The Jurupa Valley shelter has more than 175 dogs and more than 230 cats. The Thousand Palms facility has more than 180 dogs and 36 cats.

Rare Sperm Whale Sighted Off Orange County Coast: Photos

Travelers aboard a Davey's Locker & Newport Landing Whale Watching boat were treated to a rare sight this week.

Business

Bob Iger Returns As Walt Disney Co.'s CEO

The Disney Board of Directors announced Robert A. Iger would return to lead the company as Chief Executive Officer, "effective immediately."

Lake Elsinore's Mason Motorsports Plans New Manufacturing Facility

The city's planning commission signed off on the proposal this week, and now the project moves on to City Council for consideration.

Community

Cannabis Company, RivCo Supe Pass Out 100 Turkeys In Thousand Palms

You must be a resident of Thousand Palms to pick up a free turkey from Bulldog Cannabis and 5th District Supervisor Manuel Perez.

Electric Bikes Offered Through Two-Year SANDAG Pilot Program

Participants will be offered ownership of the e-bike following successful completion of the program, according to SANDAG.

Mormon Church Issues Statement On Respect For Marriage Act

Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Murrieta and Temecula are home to nearly a dozen The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worship sites.

San Diego Foundation Announces Grants For Programs Addressing COVID Isolation

The foundation said $2 million in grant funds is available for educational programs for local elementary and middle school students.

San Diego Task Force On Homelessness Gets $5M From Bezos Family Fund

"Families in San Diego are experiencing homelessness at a higher rate than we have seen before."

Events

10,000 People Expected At Lake Elsinore's Winterfest On Main Street

Set amid the city's historic downtown, Winterfest is Southwest Riverside County's closest feel to an old-timey holiday celebration.

30th Annual Festival Of Lights At Historic Mission Inn Begins Friday

The festival runs through Jan. 6, but Friday's ceremony is expected to draw thousands to downtown Riverside.

Cabazon Band Of Cahuilla Indians Holding 39th Annual Powwow

Admission is free. The event will be alcohol and drug-free.

Candyland Parade To Fill Florida Street With Sweet Treats On Dec. 3

Hemet residents are invited to the Candyland Parade that will start around sundown on Dec. 3. Here's where to see it.

E-Bike Safety Course Gears Up For Dec. 3 Session In RSM

Orange County Sheriff's deputies will host the e-bike safety class for residents of all ages. Here's what to know.

Holiday Taste Of Old Town Temecula Returns For Shopping, Dining, Fun

This is your chance to visit restaurants and sample flavors under the holiday lights in Old Town Temecula. Which shop will you visit first?

Night Market In Mission Viejo Transforms Into Glow Fest Saturday

For a free, family-friendly event in Mission Viejo, head to the North Paseo this Saturday for a special night of neon fun.

Real Estate

Former Home Of Tycoon William McClatchy Hits Market In Rancho Mirage

The home was originally commissioned by Bernard Kaplan in 1980, and built by Big Sioux Development with interiors designed by Steve Chase.

School

10 Murrieta Valley USD Students Nominated To U.S. Military Academies

The students "are extraordinary representatives of our region and, if accepted, will no doubt excel ...," Rep. Ken Calvert said.

Great Oak High School's Marching Band Wins State Championship

The achievement marks Great Oak’s first California State Band Championships gold medal in the school’s 19-year history.

Sports

Hoops For Troops Day Honors Military, LA Lakers, Pechanga Partnership

Active Southern California military members got to feel what it’s like to run, dribble and shoot on the court with some LA Lakers greats.

NHL Kraken Player Shane Wright Added To Firebirds Roster Vs. Calgary

The 18-year-old center comes over on a "conditioning loan" after playing in five of the Kraken's first seven games and recording one assist.

RSM Pop-Warner Team Seeks Community Aid For National Title

The SMPW Cowboys earned the opportunity to compete for the national title in Orlando, Florida, at the National Pop Warner SuperBowl.

Travel

10 Reasons For A Holiday Escape To Palm Springs

Looking for an excuse to get away this holiday season? Here are 10 darn good ones.