Distinguished Schools; Sea Lion Returns To Ocean: 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

California Bald Eagles Waiting For Egg Hatch: 25K+ Watching Livestream

The famed bald eagle couple Jackie and Shadow are awaiting the hatching of 3 eggs laid just over 30 days ago, and the world is watching.

Dog Found Tied To Tree With Pups Looks For New Home In South OC

Angel, a Siberian husky-German shepherd mix, was found tied to a tree in Aliso Viejo with her seven puppies in a box beside her.

Entangled Sea Lion Found In Redondo Beach Returns To Ocean

Rescuers spent several weeks trying to rescue one-year-old Baxter after she was discovered on the Redondo Beach barge.

Arts and Entertainment

Celebs Roll In For Annual Patrick Warburton Celebrity Golf Tourney

Patrick Warburton is best known for his recurring role as David Puddy on "Seinfeld" and as the voice of Joe Swanson on "Family Guy."

Dates Set For McCallum Theatre's Open Call Talent Project

The show will feature 42 community members between 8 and 79 years old, performing solo as or as members of a groups.

Lego Dinosaurs Fly Above Legoland Ahead Of Dino Valley Opening

Lego models were craned into the Carlsbad-based theme park's all-new land, Dino Valley, set to open this spring.

Business

Famed LA Burger Joint Opens Doors In Newport Beach

Residents can get a taste of Irv's Burgers for the first time in Orange County during the restaurant's Thursday grand opening.

Now Open In Hollywood: Mediterranean Chain Cava's Newest Location

The rapidly expanding Mediterranean fast-casual chain Cava just opened its newest location in Hollywood.

Southern California Wine Industry Touted In Washington DC

Congress is being made aware of the "resilience, achievement and prosperity of the Southern California wine industry."

Community

338 Pistachios In 8 Minutes: New Eating Record Set In Santa Monica

Australian James Webb bested the LA Chargers' Joey Bosa and other competitive eaters in the Get Crackin' Eating Championship.

Cheers Greet Last Firefighter Injured In Explosion To Leave Hospital

Los Angeles firefighter Dan Goen said he's blessed to be able to go home to his wife and children to continue recovering.

City Breaks Ground On New Lecture Hall In Newport Beach

The $23.4 million lecture hall will be located near the Newport Beach Public Library and is scheduled to be completed by 2026.

Encinitas Seeks Nominations For Senior Citizen Service Award

"Our city has grown in beauty, as a home to many, on the shoulders of the Encinitas seniors who believe in the spirit of volunteering."

FEMA To Open 2 Disaster Recovery Centers For San Diego Flood Victims

The centers will be at the Mountain View Community Center and the Spring Valley County Library.

San Diego Property Auction: A Rare Opportunity For Would-Be Homeowners

Over 400 tax-defaulted improved properties, townhomes, condominiums and timeshares are up for grabs in this March county auction.

Silverado Skatepark Reopens With New Improvements

The city celebrated the grand re-opening with improved facilities, concrete ramps and steps, new railings and a new mural by a local artist.

Temecula Leap Year 'Baby' Celebrates 20 Years On Earth, 5th Birthday

Though she's celebrating her 20th birthday on Leap Year a Temecula young woman is turning 5, with the fanfare of knowing the date is rare.

Temecula's Mayor Tries Out New Temecula Creek Trail Park Playground

The City of Temecula celebrated the reopening of the park playground in between rainstorms this week, bringing updated fun for all.

The Flower Fields At Carlsbad Ranch To Open For 2024 Season

More than 70 million flowers will be in bloom at the iconic springtime attraction, according to the ranch.

Trailblazing Black LA Architect Gets Recognition In Hollywood

A new square in Hollywood is named after Paul Revere Williams, the architect behind the Beverly Hills Hotel's iconic look.

Events

77th Annual Murrieta Firefighters BBQ Coming To Town

The community event is free to attend.

Hello Kitty Cafe Truck Tour To Make Final San Diego Stop This Weekend

The pop-up event will feature edible goodies and limited-edition collectibles.

Public Invited To Arbor Day Celebration In Laguna Beach

Residents who attend the celebration will enjoy tree planting, arbor activities and more.

San Diego Restaurant Week To Kick Off This Weekend

More than 100 restaurants are participating across San Diego County.

Schools

22 San Diego County Schools Named 2024 CA Distinguished Schools

"Excellent middle schools and high schools play a critical role in the life outcomes of our young people."

38 Orange County Schools Named California Distinguished Schools

The middle and high schools were awarded the 2024 prize for their work in academic excellence and closing the achievement gap

Torrey Pines Wins San Diego County High School Mock Trial Competition

Nearly 750 students participated in the 18th annual program at San Diego Superior Court's Central Courthouse.

Sports

17-Court Pickleball Complex Coming To Temecula

The complex will be part of the city's public parks system. The facility is considered the first of its kind in the region.