Live Elephant Cam + Cinco De Mayo Events + BeachLife Fest+ Legoland World Cup Experience: 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

Meet The Herd: San Diego Zoo Safari Park Launches Live Elephant Cam

The online camera allows the public to watch eight African elephants roaming the expansive and newly opened Denny Sanford Elephant Valley.

Orphaned Coyote Pup From San Diego County Begins New Life As Wildlife Ambassador

"Val will play an important role in helping people better understand coyotes and how to peacefully coexist with wildlife."

San Diego Humane Society Slashes Adoption Fees To 'Empty The Shelters'

The organization has extended its adoption hours at its campuses in El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside and San Diego.

Watch 'Grate Duckling Rescue' By Flock Of Murrieta Firefighters

In a video that went viral, watch 8 baby ducks being returned to their mother this week, thanks to these firefighters. Here's what happened.

Arts and Entertainment

2 San Diego Artists Earn Featured Spots At Mission Fed ArtWalk

The two-day festival will showcase more than 250 artists across a range of mediums, but only eight were chosen as featured artists for 2026.

BeachLife Festival, Featuring Duran Duran, Chainsmokers, Offspring, More Returns To South Bay

The 2026 edition of the BeachLife music festival comes to the Redondo Beach waterfront from May 1-3.

Lainey Wilson Channels 'Britney From Temecula' With Stagecoach Disguise

As 'Britney West from Temecula, ' Lainey wore a wig, sparkly outfit and perfected her secret identity. How do you think she did?

South Bay Native Explores The Otherworldly In Premiere Of 'Shades And Shadows'

Veteran actor Amanda Vitiello, who lived in the South Bay while growing up, is headlining a new play that's set in ancient Greece.

Business

New Specialty Grocery Store To Open Doors In Mission Viejo

A new locally-owned specialty market is opening its doors in Mission Viejo.

Community

5 Events To Celebrate Cinco De Mayo In SoCal

While the official holiday doesn't arrive until next week, some places will kick off celebrations this weekend.

As Snakebite Deaths Spike In CA, One Wrangler Is On A Mission To Save People...And Snakes

Expert Alex Trejo specializes in rattlesnakes, but his mission goes beyond removing the venomous reptiles.

Legoland California Resort To Launch FIFA World Cup 2026 Experience

The park will transform into an interactive soccer fan zone featuring Lego-themed games, build activities and character experiences.

Murrieta Opens Alderwood Park Pickleball Courts To Fanfare, Fun

Play ball! Pickleball, that is. Thursday's ribbon-cutting was full of fun, as the City Council officially opened this three-court expansion

New Spring Market To Bring Over 100 Vendors To Santee Lakes

"We are once again excited to welcome the public to a beautiful, outdoor space to shop and support local businesses."

Restaurants

Cinco De Mayo Tequila Tasting, Food Pairing Event Planned At Temecula Eatery

Hendo's Barrel House invites all to attend this five-course tequila-and-food pairing.

New Steakhouse Coming To San Diego's East County

The restaurant will feature a New York-style steakhouse concept with a focus on prime cuts, classic design and elevated service.

Schools

Manhattan Beach Students Win 2nd Place in 1st-Ever California Mock Trial for Middle Schoolers

American Martyrs School in Manhattan Beach recently took second place in California's first-ever statewide mock trial for middle schoolers.

RivCo Charter School Seniors Honored In 2nd Annual Ceremony

The class of 2026 was honored this week at the 2nd Annual Riverside County Exceptional Scholar Awards by the county's office of education.

South Bay Middle School Student Wins Grand Prize At Regional Art Contest

A Manhattan Beach middle schooler has been named a grand prize winner at West Basin Municipal Water District's student art contest.

Sports

Lakers G League Team Moves To Palm Desert, Renamed Coachella Valley Lakers

The Coachella Valley Lakers will play home games of the 2026-27 season at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert.

One-On-One Dueling On The Water Returns By Belmont Pier At Long Beach Congressional Cup

The annual Congressional Cup international regatta, the marquee event of the World Match Racing Tour, returns to Long Beach on April 29.

Travel

Disney, San Diego Port Strike Landmark Deal With 1M Passenger Pledge

The deal marks the first time in more than 20 years that a cruise line has offered a minimum annual guarantee at the Port of San Diego.

San Diego Airport Adding Record Nonstop Flights For Peak Travel Season

San Diego International Airport is offering 87 nonstop destinations, the most in the airport's history.

Searching For A Quiet Beach Escape? This La Jolla Club May Be It

La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club recently completed the first phase of a $60 million renovation, making it an ideal choice for a staycation.