Community Corner

Free Zoo Admission + Viral Bald Eagles Expecting Again + Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour: Saturday Smiles

Athletes headed to the Olympics; local baker redefines craft cookies; theme park announces new restaurant; and more nice SoCal news.

Jackie and Shadow and their first egg of 2026, laid Friday, with a second laid Monday.
Jackie and Shadow and their first egg of 2026, laid Friday, with a second laid Monday. (Photo Credit: Friends of Big Bear Valley)

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 Expecting Again: Two Eggs Laid, More To Follow, Experts Say

Big Bear's Jackie and Shadow, the longtime eagle pair, have been feathering their nest this month, and her second egg arrived Monday.

Find out what's happening in Santeefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Pet Licensing Service DocuPet Gives $72K Donation To San Diego Humane Society

The donation will support animal care, medical care and programs that ensure pets find safe, loving homes.

Find out what's happening in Santeefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Arts and Entertainment

5 Concerts Coming To Yaamava' That Still Have Tickets

Violent Femmes, Chris Issak, Jim Gaffigan, Goo Goo Dolls, Babyface and more artists will soon take the stage at Yaamava' Theater.

Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour Coming To San Diego

Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego will host a stop on this year's tour.

SeaWorld San Diego To Celebrate Lunar New Year With 3-Week Festival

The festival will feature cultural performances, festive décor and authentic Asian cuisine.

Business

'Baked With Purpose': OC Baker Redefines Craft Cookies

An Orange County woman is channeling her love for bringing people together into something delicious: gourmet cookies.

Hello Kitty Cafe Truck Cruising Into San Diego This Weekend

The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is kicking off its 2026 tour across the country and cruising into San Diego for one day only.

In-N-Out Ranked CA's Best Employer Of 2026

Several Bay Area tech employers were in or near the top 10 on the national list, but In-N-Out ranked ahead of them.

Murrieta's New North Island Credit Union Opens With Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

The credit union celebrated its continued return to Riverside County at its opening event.

San Diego-Based North Island Credit Union Returns To Riverside County

The new branch serves members across Southwest Riverside County and North San Diego County.

Community

Appointments, Walk-In Weddings Welcome This Valentine's Day At San Diego's Waterfront Office

It's the first time the Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk's office will be open on a weekend for marriage licenses and wedding ceremonies.

Lake Skinner To Kick Off Fishing Derby With Ribbon-Cutting Of Boat Launch

This weekend, RivCoParks will unveil new renovations to the boat launch before the fishing derby, which will offer cash prizes.

Over 500 Pints Of Blood Collected During Padres Winter Blood Drive

"We're incredibly grateful for our continued partnership with the Padres and the donors who stepped up."

Seniors Get Free Admission To San Diego Zoo Safari Park In February

The Escondido-based park is offering people 65 and older free admission during Seniors Free Month.

Events

10 Things To Do In SoCal If You Don't Care About The Super Bowl

From game day races to Lunar New Year celebrations, check out Patch's guide to upcoming Super Bowl Sunday events in Southern California.

Temecula Barrel Tasting Event 2026: What To Know When You Go

Choose your own Temecula Valley Wine Country adventure as 30+ wineries open their cellar doors for sampling of never-before-released wine.

Health

9 CA Hospitals Ranked In Top 1% Nationally In New Report

The 2026 America's Best Hospitals awards from Healthgrades is a three-tiered ranking of the top 50, 100 and 250 hospitals.

Desert Regional Medical Center Unveils New Cardiology Center For Coachella Valley

Patients in the Coachella Valley often face long wait times to be treated for heart conditions. The center aims to limit that experience.

Restaurants

George's At The Cove To Reopen Remodeled Ocean Terrace

The iconic rooftop dining area and bar has been closed for three months for remodeling.

Hendo's Barrel House Happy Hour Menu Gets Rave Reviews, Big Game Event Selling Fast

If you're looking for a great happy hour spot with friends or family, might we direct your attention to Temecula's latest go-to spot.

Knott's Berry Farm Announces New Restaurant To Replace Johnny Rockets

The Buena Park amusement park will usher in the change at the conclusion of its popular Boysenberry Festival.

Sammy's Brings Back Popular Heart-Shaped Pizza Kits For Valentine's Day

Each pizza kit includes any Sammy's pizza with heart-shaped dough and all ingredients, along with baking instructions.

Schools

'Centenarians Class' Celebrates First 100 Days Of School In Riverside County

The 100th Day of school brought out all the hair-roller, handbag toting, suspender-wearing fun at this Riverside County Elementary School.

Field-Based Learning, Outreach, and Workforce Scholarship Program FLOWS Into Palm Desert Campus

This month, fellows partnered with Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Native American Land of Conservancy and the Audubon Society.

Sports

2 Inland Empire Olympic Athletes Are Headed For Milan, 2026

Cayla Barnes and Maddie Mastro, both two-time Olympians, are heading to Italy.

3 South Bay Athletes Qualify For 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics

A total of 232 athletes qualified for the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games.

5 Athletes From LA County Qualify For 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics

The Angeleno athletes include two previous gold-medal winners along with several newcomers.

'Curse Broken!' Temecula Valley Men's Soccer Clinches Southwestern League 1st Time In 19 Years

The TVHS Men's Soccer team clinched the Southwestern League, beating cross-town rival Great Oak High School, with more soccer left to play.

OC-Born Quarterback To Make Super Bowl LX Appearance

The Orange County-raised quarterback and USC alumnus is looking to make Super Bowl history in a battle against the New England Patriots.

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