Community Corner
Cop Gets Purple Heart; Disneyland Plans Expansion: Saturday Smiles
A coyote stuck in a bucket was rescued from a flood, Big Bear's beloved bald eagle laid her first egg of 2024, and more nice SoCal news.
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's Beloved Bald Eagles Lay 1st Egg Of 2024 Season
All eyes were on Mama Bird Jackie and her mate, Shadow.
Find out what's happening in Santeefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Cats, Kittens Flood RivCo Shelters: Campaign Launches To Save Them
The county is embarking on a "5,000 Cats Challenge" to increase "live outcomes" for the felines.
Find out what's happening in Santeefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Coyote With Head Stuck In Bucket Rescued From San Diego Flood
The coyote was rescued from the flooded Tijuana River Valley during this week's storm.
With Mojave Maxine Predicting Spring, Who Needs Punxsutawney Phil?
What an East Coast rodent predicts doesn't mean much in SoCal, as a desert tortoise annually prognosticates Spring's arrival at a RivCo zoo.
Arts and Entertainment
BeachLife 2024: Sting, Incubus, My Morning Jacket To Headline Festival
The yearly festival takes place over three days from May 3 to 5 and features music, art and culinary experiences inspired by SoCal culture.
Disneyland Plans $1.9 Billion Expansion
The money would be spent on theme park lands, hotels, shopping, dining and attractions, according to KTLA.
Iconic Disneyland Ride Closes Indefinitely For Big Expansion
The grand re-opening date for the Haunted Mansion has yet to be set by park officials after the ride closed Jan. 22.
Legoland Unveils Lego Stegosaurus Model Ahead Of Dino Valley Opening
The Stegosaurus model is fully animated and features more than 119,000 Lego elements, according to the Carlsbad-based theme park.
Musical Theater West Brings Broadway To Long Beach With '42nd Street'
The theater company's production of "42nd Street" will run for a limited time for select dates in February.
Southwest Arts Festival Kicks Off At Empire Polo Club In Indio
Two hundred+ artists are featured at the four-day event, which showcases traditional, contemporary and abstract works.
Business
19 SoCal Restaurants, Chefs Named 2024 James Beard Semifinalists
The James Beard Foundation awards, sometimes known as the “Oscars of food,” are among the nation’s most prestigious culinary honors.
Five of the top 10 companies on Glassdoor's 2024 list were based in California, including In-N-Out.
Murrieta Family Opens Graze Craze Charcuterie In Village Walk Plaza
Graze Craze is open in Murrieta to owners Chris and Stephanie Stout. Here's why they are about way more than just Charcuterie boards.
Why Items Could Be 49 Cents This Week At Ross Stores In SoCal
One woman reported finding jeans for 49 cents and boots for $1.49.
Community
2 RivCo Players Win $25K Each In CA Lotto's 2nd Chance Drawing
Players in Corona and Moreno Valley were drawn as December winners of this second-chance California Lottery game.
Fire Captain's Disc Toss Saves Man From Flooded San Diego River
The rescue was one of many firefighters and lifeguards performed after heavy rain caused widespread flooding across the region.
"This week's 100-year flood left many residents without homes, clothing or food," said Mark Stuart, president and CEO of SD Foundation.
Good Samaritan Aids Spencer's Crossing Crash Victims: CHP
Several people in need of help after a Murrieta two-car crash were aided by a passer-by, CHP reports.
Lake Elsinore Street Cameras Linked To Sharp Decline In Vehicle Thefts
Vehicle thefts were down by more than 40% over the second half of 2023, according to data from the Lake Elsinore Sheriff's Station.
Large-Scale Homeless Facility Set For Summer Opening In Palm Springs
The Palm Springs Navigation Center will provide 80 interim housing units with full wrap-around services.
Morongo Accepting Applications For Community Outreach Awards
Selected organizations can receive up to $5,000 in funding.
Over 320 Units Of Blood Collected During Padres Winter Blood Drive
"We are so thankful to the Padres and all of the donors who came out today and donated blood during such a critical time."
SDPD Officer Gets Purple Heart For 2005 Iraq War Service
Francisco Roman Jr. received the military commendation at Camp Pendleton.
Temecula Culinary Student Dishes Sizzle In Burger Battle Competition
TVUSD culinary students went head to head in a "loaded fries" competition while restaurants vied for "best burger" in the Temecula Valley.
Events
'Culture Days' Return To Temecula
The events began in 2019 and have honored over 40 different cultures with food, arts, entertainment and activities.
Temecula Valley Barrel Tasting Weekend 2024: Winery List, Information
The Temecula Valley Winegrower's Barrel Tasting event is planned for the first weekend in February. Here's what to know when you go.
Health
Healthgrades evaluated and named America's Best Hospitals of 2024. Did your hospital make the grade?
Real Estate
Rare Midcentury Mountain Estate Hits Palm Springs Market: Look Inside
This Palm Springs Bougian Villa, built into the side of a mountain, is on sale for the first time in 65 years.
Schools
CEO's Murder: Murrieta, Temecula Students Go To Court For Mock Trial
Students from 22 high schools will adjudicate the fictional case in front of real judges and practicing attorneys.
Grossmont Union High School District To Host Career Fair
Current and future East County high school students can explore programs in 44 career pathways during the free event.
Weekend Events
IE Weekend: Sky Zone Opening Party; Lunar New Year Fest; Art Fair
Looking for some cool things to do this weekend, Jan. 27-28, throughout the Inland Empire? Patch has you covered.
LA Weekend: 'MJ' Michael Jackson Musical; Whale Watching; Cat Yoga
Looking for some cool things to do this weekend, Jan. 27-28, throughout Los Angeles County? Patch has you covered.
OC Weekend: Winter Whale Watching; LEGO Extravaganza; Camellia Week
Looking for some cool things to do this weekend, Jan. 27-28, in Orange County? Patch has you covered.
SD Weekend: Monster Jam; Circus Vargas; Discovery Day
Looking for some cool things to do this weekend, Jan. 27-28, in San Diego County? Patch has you covered.
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