New Members-Only Hotel + 'Taffy' Installation + Major Change For 'Star Wars' Land: 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

Dog Rescued From Hollywood Hills Apartment Fire

A fire broke out at a Hollywood Hills apartment building on Wednesday afternoon.

Sea Lion Cheats Death Again: Rescued Pinniped With 2 Bullets In Its Head Fights Off Infection

After looking at the X-rays, the rescue nonprofit realized “this was actually the second time he had narrowly escaped death.”

Arts and Entertainment

BeachLife Returns To Redondo Beach This Spring With Touch Of 80s Rock. See Lineup

The festival has announced its lineup for the annual three-day event in May.

'Chewie, We're Home.' Disneyland Makes Major Change In 'Star Wars' Land

Beloved characters from one of the world's most well-known franchises are returning to Disneyland.

Fast Cars, Cash Giveaways, Asian Fare: Celebrate Lunar New Year At Pechanga Resort Casino

Pechanga Resort Casino will host an array of Year of the Horse activities to ring in the Lunar New Year. in February. Here's what to expect.

John Legend Plans Solo SoCal Performance Amid 20th Anniversary Tour: When, How To Get Tickets

John Legend will play one venue in California during his upcoming tour. Look inside for advanced ticket sales info for the upcoming show.

San Diego Skater To Bring Disney Magic Home In Disney On Ice Tour

Patch talked with Hannah Clark, a 25-year-old skater from La Mesa who is bringing Disney magic to San Diego.

'Taffy' Installation Planned In Palm Desert

The large-scale artwork was installed at the 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio.

Business

Ice Cream Shop Celebrates New Ownership In RSM

A ribbon-cutting celebration will be held to commemorate the new ownership of Baskin-Robbins on Antonio Parkway. What to know.

IKEA To Celebrate 25 Years In San Diego With Special Anniversary Event

As part of the celebration, IKEA Family members can get 25-cent hot dogs, plant dogs and veggie dogs.

New Members-Only Hotel Opens For $4K A Night In CA: Report

Members of Guesthouse can enjoy a luxury vacation experience in this beloved ski town.

Community

19th Stars Of The Valley Charity Golf & Gala Returns To Temecula

The date is set, the beneficiaries are selected, and volunteers are working to bring Temecula's heartfelt charity event to life.

Cocktails On The Page: 'Lucy And Desi: The Love Letters' Signing Planned

Plan your trip behind the scenes, toasting one of television's favorite couples, Lucy and Desi Arnaz.

EBT Theft Drops 84% In San Diego County After State Issues Chip Card

CalFresh, CalWORKs and General Relief recipients are among those who use EBT.

Lucky Player Wins Big To Start The New Year At Sycuan Casino Resort

The winner played a table game called Face Up Pai Gow Poker.

San Diego Foundation, Dr. Seuss Foundation Launch Joint Grant Application

"We are pleased to align in support of efforts that help to ensure that children develop a lifelong love of learning."

SoCal Lake Ranks 3rd Place To Camp In National Survey: 'Sunshine Without Crowds'

In 2026, travel will be all about reconnection, and this Riverside County lake is just the place for a spring or summer camping getaway.

Wayfarers Chapel May Find New Home In Rancho Palos Verdes: Bill Aims To Save The Landmark

Just months after receiving its National Historic Landmark status in 2023, land movement damaged the structure, forcing it to close.

Restaurants

13 LA County Restaurants, Chefs Named 2026 James Beard Semifinalists

Check out which restaurants and chefs are in the running for this year's "Oscars of food."

How To Score A Free Chick-Fil-A Sandwich This Week In San Diego County

Customers can get a free Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich, spicy chicken sandwich or grilled chicken sandwich.

Kids Now Eat Free At This La Jolla Restaurant

In addition to the Kids Eat Free special, the oceanfront eatery is offering Margarita Mondays.

New Coffee Shop To Celebrate Opening In Laguna Beach

The coffee chain will feature a special menu tailored for Laguna Beach when it opens Thursday.

San Diego Restaurant Ranks Among Yelp's Top 100 For 2026

The 13th annual list showcases a wide mix of spots across 34 states.

South Bay Restaurant Tops Southern California Eateries On Yelp's Top 100 For 2026

The restaurant’s menu features everything from oxtail fried rice to pho.

Schools

High School Students Face Off In San Diego County Mock Trial Competition

A record 850 students will be faced with a realistic trial scenario at the San Diego Central Courthouse in downtown San Diego.

Travel

Over 3 Million Travelers Flew Through Palm Springs Airport In 2025

The airport handled a record 3.3 million passengers in 2025. Guess which month was the busiest.