Olympic Volunteers Needed + James Beard Winners + America250 Events In SoCal: 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

Over 100 Horses Remain In Care Nearly 7 Weeks After Julian Animal Rescue

Staff and volunteers provide daily medical treatment, nutrition and rehabilitation.

Arts and Entertainment

.38 Special, Rod Stewart, Geoff Tate, Violent Femmes & More Concerts Coming To Agua Caliente In 2026

Gen X, grab your credit cards. It's time to line up for some amazing 80s bands headed to Coachella Valley's Agua Caliente Casino Resort.

Beach Boys With John Stamos Head To Pechanga Resort Casino In June: What To Know, How To Buy Tickets

The Beach Boys celebrate 250 years of the USA, saluting 60 years of Pet Sounds, and Pechanga is one of only two California stops for the ban

Make Your Mark In Santee On Father's Day: Patriotic Mural Mosaic Painting

Take part in a community Father's Day experience unlike any other.

Community

America250 Events In Southern California: What's Happening Through July 4

Patch has the details on America250 and Independence Day events happening across Southern California.

Free Little Explorers Festival Returns To Carlsbad This Saturday

Organizers said the festival will feature hands-on activities, music and interactive entertainment for children of all ages.

'I Was Terrified, You Weren't:' CERT Trained Temecula Mom Spots Son's Medical Emergency

Shortly after completing the emergency training class, a Temecula mom used her knowledge to help her adult son get the proper medical care.

Oceanside Junior Lifeguard Program Begins: 800 Participants Arrive

The beaches were full on Monday morning with a program that began in 1949 with just four kids.

Old Town Temecula Schedule For 4th Of July Celebrations In 2026

To celebrate the 250th, Old Town Temecula has planned three days of Independence Day activities for visitors and residents.

Restaurants

6 CA Pizza Spots Are Among Best In Country, Study Finds

A slew of California-based pizzerias were named among the best places to get a pie in the country.

Los Angeles Restaurants, Chefs Named 2026 James Beard Winners

California eateries and wine destinations dominated this year's coveted awards.

McDonald's Bringing Back Fried Apple Pie To San Diego Locations Ahead Of America's 250th Birthday

"Bringing the Fried Apple Pie back for fans this summer to celebrate America's 250th just feels right."

Schools

2 San Diego Universities Earn Spots In Best Global Universities Rankings

The 2026-27 rankings evaluated more than 2,250 institutions across more than 100 countries.

Beaumont High Students Earn Simultaneous Diplomas, College Degrees

These Beaumont High School Middle College students both graduated and earned one or more associate degrees from Mt. San Jacinto College.

The Rhoades School Names New Elementary Principal

Joshua Henriquez said he plans to build on the school's existing strengths rather than make major changes.

Sports

$1.75 Rides To LA FIFA World Cup Soccer Being Offered By Riverside Transit Agency

Match tickets might not be affordable, but the rides are.

LA28 Is Looking For 60K Olympics Volunteers: How To Apply

"Volunteers are the backbone of the games,"the LA28 CEO said.