Best Places To Live + New Stadium Foods + Hero Awarded Medal + Bananas At Disneyland: 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

2 Orphaned Bear Cubs Sent To Ramona Wildlife Center After Mother Euthanized

DNA testing linked their mother to two separate public safety incidents in the past year, officials said.

3 Burros Saved Amid Deadly Dog Attacks In RivCo's 'Triangle Of Death'

A $50,000 reward is available for anyone who can provide information leading to the ID of those responsible for the trained dog attacks.

Birch Aquarium Celebrates First-Ever Settlement Of Red Octopuses

"This is an exciting opportunity to be a pioneer in the largely unknown early life stage of red octopuses."

Arts and Entertainment

'Like A Rolling Stone', Bob Dylan Announces Riverside County Concert

Dylan has been an important fixture and influence in the music world since the early 1960s.

Long Beach-Area Band Wargirl To Perform Free Show At Fingerprints Music

The band Wargirl, whose music crosses over between indie rock, dance, pop and other music genres, is playing a free show this Saturday.

Long Beach City College Unveils Jenni Rivera Performing Arts Center

LBCC's new performing arts center is a $102M facility named after the late Latin music icon Jenni Rivera, who's an alumnus of the school.

Massive $3M Donation Gifted To Laguna Art Museum

The donation is the largest in the Laguna Beach museum's history, officials said.

Business

McDonald's Bringing Dueling KPop Demon Hunters-Themed Meals To San Diego

The themed menu items, collectibles and exclusive digital content will be available at participating locations.

Redondo Beach Grill Launches Soft Opening, Full Reopening In The Works: Report

The restaurant formerly known as Ragin Cajun Grill has relaunched with a new name and menu.

Community

3 LA County Neighborhoods Among Top 50 Best Places To Live In US: Ranking

LA County is home to three of the best places to live in the U.S. and 21 of the best places to live in the state, a new ranking says.

180 'Build-To-Rent' Homes Open This Week In Riverside County

A ribbon cutting was held at Tricon in Winchester for the 180 new rental homes. Come by and check out the models.

Help Support Baby Wildlife At Annual Wetlands & Wildlife Free Event

The annual "Wildlife Baby Shower" will feature a slew of food trucks, activities, tours and — of course — baby wildlife.

Library Opens After 2-Year Renovation In Aliso Viejo

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for the newly-reopened Aliso Viejo Library Wednesday.

Oceanside Resident Appointed As New Executive Director Of FACE Foundation

"I am honored to join the Foundation for Animal Care and Education at such a pivotal moment," Kerstin Lynam said.

San Diego Native Who Died Saving 2 Boys Honored With Carnegie Medal For Heroism

Jeffery Edward Brady, 51, drowned July 5, 2025, while rescuing two boys struggling in the Colorado River.

These San Diego Area Neighborhoods Are Among The Top Places To Live: Ranking

Niche looked at factors like outdoor activities, public schools, diversity, health and more to determine the top spots.

Health

New Health Center Opens Doors In South OC: What To Know

Providence Mission Hospital has just expanded its reach into South Orange County with a new health center.

Schools

'Skill Under Pressure' RivCo Speller Wins County Bee For 2nd Year In A Row

This Riverside County 7th grader is once again headed to the Scripp's National Spelling Bee in 2026.

South Bay-Based University Pledges Free 4-Year Tuition For Many Incoming Students

Cal State Dominguez Hills' Toro Tuition Pledge, which covers both new and transfer students, is scheduled to take effect in Fall 2026.

Sports

Dodger Stadium Unveils New Food Items For 2026 Season

From loaded fries inspired by a Chinese favorite to a brand-new spicy margarita, Dodger Stadium is offering many new items this season.

LA In Full Bloom: Olympics Organizers Debut Visual Identity Of LA28

See the images, fonts and colors that will define the 2028 Olympics.

Savannah Bananas Clown Around At Disneyland Resort Thursday

Two Banana Ball teams enjoyed the day and entertained the crowds at Disneyland.

US Rowing Teams Commit To Big Bear Lake Training In Advance of LA 28 Olympics

The mountain air, the flat and cool water of Big Bear Lake make this the perfect place for Team USA's Spring Training for the next 3 years.