Community Corner
Kids Free October + Dog Greets Intruder With Toys + Firefighters Build Ramp + New Lego Store: Saturday Smiles
Coaster wins top theme park honor; film festivals announce star-studded plans; local students earn scholarships; 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
Golden Retriever Greets Burglar With Toys During San Diego Break-In
The dog's owners watched the break-in unfold from a plane as their golden retriever repeatedly tried to play with the intruder.
Find out what's happening in Santeefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Arts and Entertainment
'9 to 5' Free Screening Offered As Palm Springs, Coachella Valley Remembers Beloved Stars
Wednesday evening, before National Dolly Parton Day, here's where you can pay tribute to the beloved star of stage and screen.
Find out what's happening in Santeefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
100+ Films And More: Newport Beach Film Festival Announces Lineup For 2026 Season
The film festival is one of the top destinations for Southern California awards contenders.
Artist To Have Route 66 Artwork Displayed In Mission Viejo In Honor Of Anniversary
The Laguna Beach artist has had her work displayed at numerous juried fine art exhibitions and Laguna Beach's Sawdust Art Festival.
Dolly Parton's Legacy To Be Celebrated During First Annual 'Dolly Day' In Temecula Friday, Sept. 25
To honor Parton's commitment to helping others, visitors can purchase tickets that will benefit Michelle's Place Cancer Resource Center.
Legoland California's Galacticoaster Wins Top Theme Park Honor
Amusement Today presents the Golden Ticket Awards annually based on voting by amusement park industry professionals and enthusiasts.
The documentary series is rated PG-13 due to mature historical subject matter.
Museum Of Redlands To Open Its Doors To The Public On Oct. 24
The museum was constructed at the site of the Redlands Daily Facts newspaper building.
Rooftop Cinema Club To Honor Dolly Parton With '9 To 5' Screening
The Little Italy screening will benefit Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, the children's literacy program she founded.
San Diego's Popular Kids Free In October Program Expands To Tijuana For First Time
More than 60 museums and cultural attractions on both sides of the border will offer free admission for children in October.
Viola Davis To Receive Gregory Peck Award At San Diego International Film Festival
Previous recipients include Mark Hamill, Penelope Ann Miller, Andy Garcia, Laurence Fishburne, Keith Carradine and Patrick Stewart.
Business
LEGO Store Ribbon Cutting, Opening Week Celebration Happening At Promenade Temecula Mall
The LEGO store celebrates its grand opening in Temecula with giveaways, activities and a sweepstakes offering a $1,000 LEGO gift card.
Support Local Marines By Shopping At Macy's In Mission Viejo
Mission Viejo residents can take advantage of the opportunity to help support their city's Marine Adoption Committee. What to know.
Work At Palm Springs International Airport: Job Fair Planned With These Open Positions
Meet employers directly, learn more about the jobs available and potentially take the next step in their career that same day.
Community
Battle Of The Burgers Returns To Pechanga Resort Casino In Temecula On Oct. 10
Last year, more than $12,000 was raised for the Temecula Valley Unified School District's Career Technical Education program.
'Birdie Bash Fore All' Event Encourages Free Play For All Ages: What To Know
The free adaptive golf day is designed for individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities and their families.
Encinitas Oktoberfest To Celebrate 30 Years With German Food, Beer And Family Fun
The free festival will feature more than 130 artisans and vendors, German food and beer, live entertainment, a dog costume contest and more.
Firefighters Build Wheelchair Ramp After Thief Leaves Woman Trapped At Home
The LAFD crew built and installed a custom ramp after learning a resident had been trapped inside her home for days.
How T. Rex Teeth Helped UCLA Scientists Take The Dinosaur's Temperature
UCLA researchers used an unlikely clue to possibly solve a 66-million-year-old mystery.
Live Music, Line Dancing & More At Rancho Family Fest: Save The Date
The annual event, held by the city's Chamber of Commerce, will feature a number of live music acts spanning all genres and fun for kids.
Long Beach Burger Week Returns With $10 Burgers, Wagyu, PB&J
More than 20 Long Beach restaurants, bars and other businesses are taking part in the city's sixth annual Burger Week through Sunday.
Pivot Point Learning is hosting a free, family-friendly community event this September.
Oktoberfest Returns To Lake Elsinore's Launch Pointe Oct. 17
The event is free to attend and includes free parking, the city said.
Restaurants
Great Taste Of Europa Sets The Table For Temecula Locals, Visitors Saturday
Let your taste buds journey across Europe as you sip, sample, and savor the food and wine at this much-anticipated festival this weekend.
Seasonal
Deadline Nears For Discounted Brews & Bites Tickets In Santee
The 21-and-older festival returns Oct. 17 with food, drinks, Halloween activities and live music.
Lake Elsinore's Annual 'Trunk Or Treat' Halloween Event Returns Oct. 10
Attendees of all ages were encouraged to wear costumes.
The family-friendly event will feature trick-or-treating from decorated vehicle trunks, inflatables, temporary tattoos and food vendors.
Schools
5 San Diego County Students Awarded Sustainability Scholarships
The students were recognized for their academics, leadership, public service and commitment to sustainability.
Encinitas Chamber Honors 5 High School Seniors As Rising Stars
The Rising Star program has recognized 114 students and awarded 25 scholarships since its inception.
Sports
2 New Dodgers Dreamfields Are Coming To Altadena's Farnsworth Park
The $1.4 million project will restore two ballfields at Charles S. Farnsworth Park as Altadena continues recovering from the Eaton Fire.
Coachella Valley Lakers Name 5 Founding Partners Ahead Of Team's Inaugural Season
The NBA G League team will play 24 home games at Acrisure Arena during its inaugural 2026-27 season.
Lake Elsinore Storm Win 2026 California League Championship
The team previously won the California League Championship in 2022.
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