Best Companies List + New Michelin Guide Restaurants + Pip Watch Underway: 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

Big Bear Bald Eagles 'Pip Watch' Underway Amid Mountain Winds

As spring weather gives way for a few days of clouds, wind and possibly rain, the bald eagle pair Jackie and Shadow await signs of hatching.

Groomers Help Matted Rescue Dogs After LA County Animal Raid: Photos

See photos of some of the hundreds of dogs rescued last month from the Antelope Valley getting much-needed makeovers.

Arts and Entertainment

Broadway In Banning: High School Production Of Lion King Jr. Wows Crowd

Banning High School Broadway Broncos delivered in their recent theatrical production at the School Performing Arts Center.

Laguna Playhouse Debuts 'Thrilling' Adaptation Of Reimagined Play

The new production transforms an iconic noir script into a thrilling and comedic adaptation, organizers say.

Marilyn Monroe's 100th Birthday Celebration Features Film Tribute In Palm Springs

The late actress would have turned 100 on June 1. To honor her, "Marilyn 100: A Centennial Film Celebration" is screening.

New Exhibition Showcasing South Bay Artists Makes Its Debut

Destination: Art, a non-profit studio and gallery created to elevate South Bay artists, has debuted its first open show of 2026.

New Public Art Installation Coming To Downtown Long Beach

"Long Beach Lights," a new lighting installation, is set to be unveiled to the public on Saturday, April 11 in downtown.

Snoop Dogg To Headline Long Beach Amphitheater Grand Opening In June

Snoop Dogg & Friends have been announced as the headliner for the June 6 opening of the Long Beach Amphitheater. Tickets go on sale soon.

Viva La Música Festival Returns To SeaWorld San Diego With Live Music, Food

The opening weekend will also feature the return of SoCal Taco Fest.

Business

Gelson's Plans To Reopen Palisades Store Destroyed In Fire

The upscale grocer announced it plans to rebuild its Pacific Palisades store.

New York Bagel Chain To Open 2nd LA Location

It will be the company's second Southern California location.

San Diego Workforce Partnership To Host Career Fairs For Job Seekers

Both events are free but require advance registration.

Scripps Health Only San Diego Employer On Fortune's Best Companies List

Scripps was also the top-ranked health care system nationally.

Temecula Entrepreneurs Invited To 'Quick Pitch Competition,' Innovation Month Planned In April

April is Innovation Month, and the City of Temecula and all of Southwest Riverside County are invited to learn more about innovating.

Community

Encinitas Spring Street Fair Returns In April

The two-day event will feature three live music stages, a beer garden, rides for children and more than 450 vendors.

Make-A-Wish San Diego, Hotel Del Coronado Grant Child's Royal Ball Wish

Make-A-Wish San Diego partnered with the historic beachfront hotel to grant Aylianna's wish following her successful kidney transplant.

Murrieta Shows Up For Annual Tour De Murrieta Race, Weekend Concerts

After an action-packed weekend, next up is the 79th Annual Firefighters BBQ, then the city promises more concerts this summer!

Restaurants

6 New LA Restaurants Added To Michelin Guide

From Italian-Korean fusion to classic Uzbek cuisine, there's a range of dining experiences represented in the guide's six new LA additions.

16 CA Chefs, Restaurants Earn 2026 James Beard Nominations

The James Beard Award is known as the "Oscars of food," and California plays a starring role in this year's list of nominees.

Cava Sets Opening Day For New Monrovia Location

The Mediterranean-inspired fast casual chain is opening a new location in Monrovia.

Egg-citing Deal: Kids Eat Free On Easter At Applebee's In SoCal

Kids can choose from a variety of entrées from the Applebee's kids' menu, accompanied by their choice of a side dish and drink.

Schools

4 San Diego County Schools Honored As Exemplary Dual Enrollment Schools

The award program identifies and recognizes schools with exemplary dual enrollment programs.

Grant Expands Food Access For Students At CSUSB Palm Desert Campus

The H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation grant will help fund the campus's DEN Food Pantry and add a grab-and-go food refrigerator.

Santee School District Launches Career Technical Education Program

The new program will give seventh and eighth graders opportunities to explore potential careers while expanding elective options.