Community Corner

Killer Whales Spotted; Winning Lottery Ticket Sold: Saturday Smiles

Barbie Truck continues tour, SeaWorld offers an "Inside Look" at animals, students get full-ride scholarships, and more nice SoCal news.

A pod of orcas, including one calf, were spotted off the coast of south Orange County this past week.
A pod of orcas, including one calf, were spotted off the coast of south Orange County this past week. (Laura Lopez, Dana Wharf Whale Watching Courtesy Photo)

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

Killer Whales Spotted Off OC Coast In New Sighting: Video

A pod of orcas, including one calf, were spotted off the coast of south Orange County this past week.

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

Arts and Entertainment

Harrison Ford To Receive Critics Choice Career Achievement Award

Ford "has starred in many of the most successful and acclaimed films in cinema history," Critics Choice Awards, organizers announced.

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

How To Get An 'Inside Look' At Animals At SeaWorld San Diego

The San Diego theme park's Inside Look event is back with all-new and returning behind-the-scenes experiences.

'Oppenheimer,' 'Barbie' and 'Succession' Dominate SAG Award Nomination

"Oppenheimer" and "Barbie" scored four nods in top categories while 'Succession' leads TV nominations with 5.

When Peking Acrobats Come To Palm Desert, Human Limits Will Be Pushed

The group will take the McCallum Theatre stage on Jan. 28.

Business

Banning Celebrates PetSmart's Grand Opening

A multitude of pets and their people visited the new PetSmart to check out the many offerings at the Banning store location.

Cipriani Opens Beverly Hills Restaurant, Its First In California

The legendary global Italian hotspot has finally opened an outpost in California.

Old Walmart Building In Lake Elsinore To House New Boat Dealership

The long-vacant 126,661-square-foot building at 31700 Grape Street will have a tenant.

Pechanga Resort Casino's Great Oak Steakhouse Relaunches For 2024

Great Oak Steak House reopens with a 235-seat capacity, lounge, and bar at this AAA Four Diamond, Wine Spectator Awarded restaurant.

Community

Marker Honoring Historic Stone Placed At Clinton Keith Road Extension

A boulder bearing the markings of history was destroyed in June, making way for wider roads and ease of transit. It will not be forgotten.

Teacher Killed In Crash Won't Be Forgotten In Menifee

The under-construction Sally Buselt Elementary School at the corner of Briggs and Wickerd roads is named after the beloved teacher.

Winning Mega Millions Ticket Sold In Temecula: Match 5 Ticket Sold

If you bought a Mega Millions Lottery Ticket for Tuesday night's drawing, you could be $85,000 richer.

Events

Barbie Truck Dreamhouse Tour Rolls Into Carlsbad This Weekend

The pop-up event is "a continued celebration" of the 60th anniversary of "Barbie moving into her very first Dreamhouse" in 1962.

Elmo's Furry Fun Fest Kicks Off At Sesame Place San Diego

The all-new Elmo's Furry Fun Fest will offer 11 weekends of special family fun at the Chula Vista-based theme park.

Monster Jam Returns To San Diego For Stadium Championship Series West

Monster trucks are racing into Snapdragon Stadium for two action-packed weekends.

Health

Children's Hospital Commemorates Its 500th Liver Transplant

The 25-year-old Children's Hospital Los Angeles Liver Transplant Program has grown to one of the largest in the country.

OC Man Thanks Providence Mission Hospital Staff For Saving His Life

The crash survivor suffered amputation of both legs, third and second-degree burns, and broken bones after the Newport Beach collision.

Real Estate

Charlie Puth Lists Beverly Hills Home For $17M: Report

The Grammy-nominated singer has listed his 1965 Trousdale Estates home, which was designed by architect Rex Lotery.

Schools

$3M CSUN Grant To Increase Number Of Underserved Students

The federal grant aims to help the university to bolster underserved students in STEM studies.

2 Lake Elsinore High Schools To Compete In Annual Academic Decathlon

The theme of the 41st Annual Riverside County Academic Decathlon is “Technology and Humanity."

4 CSUSB Palm Desert Campus Students Get Full-Ride Scholarships

The scholarship program was established for graduates from the Coachella Valley USD, Desert Sands USD and Palm Springs USD.

Beaumont High School Set To Compete In 41st Annual Academic Decathlon

The theme of the 41st Annual Riverside County Academic Decathlon is “Technology and Humanity."

Great Oak High School Set To Compete In 41st Annual Academic Decathlon

The theme of the 41st Annual Riverside County Academic Decathlon is “Technology and Humanity."

Sports

PGA Pro Player Of The Year Award Goes To Michael Block For 2nd Time

Michael Block, PGA, Head Golf Professional at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club, wins 2nd consecutive PGA of America Professional Player of the Year.

Weekend Events

IE Weekend: 'PAW Patrol' On Stage; Kiss The Brides Expo; Rat Pack Show

Looking for some cool things to do this weekend, Jan. 13-14, throughout the Inland Empire? Patch has you covered.

LA Weekend: Dr. Seuss Experience; Food Truck Fest; Buddhas On Display

Looking for some cool things to do this weekend, Jan. 13-14, throughout Los Angeles County? Patch has you covered.

OC Weekend: Whale Walk & Talk; BrideCon; Breakfast At Tiffany's Brunch

Looking for some cool things to do this weekend, Jan. 13-14, in Orange County? Patch has you covered.

SD Weekend: Monster Jam; Barbie Dreamhouse Pop-Up; Winter WNDRland

Looking for some cool things to do this weekend, Jan. 13-14, in San Diego County? Patch has you covered.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.