Orphaned Cubs Rescued; Best Places To Live: 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

3 Orphaned Mountain Lion Cubs Have New Home At Safari Park

Because the cubs were orphaned at an early age, they cannot be safely reintroduced into their native habitat, according to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

5 Penguins Get New Home For The Holidays At Birch Aquarium

Two of the penguins arrived from Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, while the other three came from Adventure Aquarium in New Jersey.

Abandoned Goats Get New Chance At Life, Thanks To South OC Community

The two goats — now named Carson and Gus — were rescued from Saddleback Mountain thanks to the tireless efforts of concerned residents.

Help Empty The Animal Shelters Over The Holidays: Free Pet Adoption

All pet adoptions are free on Saturday, Dec. 16, at three county shelter locations.

Community

$17K SuperLotto Plus Tickets Sold In Southern California

SuperLotto Plus tickets with five numbers were sold at a grocery store in Riverside County and at a pharmacy in Los Angeles County.

90-Foot-Tall Snowman Graces Famous Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel

The super-sized snowman and other holiday-inspired animations will display merrily over the Pacific Ocean.

Gierson Ranch Next To Old Town Murrieta OK'd For 107 New Homes, ADUs

The property is the site of a ranch that dates back to the 1800s. Structures will remain but 107 new homes — 78 with ADUs — are planned.

Laguna Art Museum Expands Staffing For The Season

The staffing updates come as the Laguna Art Museum continues to strategically develop their team, Executive Director Julie Perlin Lee said.

Martha's Village And Kitchen, City Of PS Open Overnight Shelter

Unhoused residents can begin receiving overnight housing Dec. 15 at Palm Springs Access Center. The sheltering will run through March 15.

New Morongo Fire Station: Groundbreaking Ceremony Held

The Dec. 8 ceremony signified a milestone step for strengthening public safety in the region, officials said.

San Diego Named 'Best Place To Live' In U.S., Per Money Report

With a combination of low crime rates, excellent schools, a thriving local economy and more, San Diego stood above the rest.

South OC City Named 'Best Place To Live' In U.S., Per Money Report

With a combination of low crime rates, excellent schools, a thriving local economy and more, this Orange County city stood above the rest.

Shop-With-A-Cop In Banning Brings Smiles, Holiday Cheer To Families

It's the most wonderful time of the year for these Banning police officers who help area kids shop for themselves and their families.

Events

'Lights At The Lakes' Holiday Show In Full Swing At Santee Lakes

Guests have come from all over San Diego County as well as Riverside and Los Angeles counties for the show, according to event coordinators.

'The Nutcracker': Where To See The Holiday Ballet In IE 2023

Catch the Christmas classic on stage in the Inland Empire and throughout the Southland.

'The Nutcracker': Where To See The Holiday Ballet In LA 2023

Catch the Christmas classic on stage in Los Angeles County and throughout the Southland.

'The Nutcracker': Where To See The Holiday Ballet In OC 2023

Catch the Christmas classic on stage in Orange County and throughout the Southland.

'The Nutcracker': Where To See The Holiday Ballet In SD 2023

Catch the Christmas classic on stage in San Diego County and throughout the Southland.

Wine, Chocolate And Giving: This Pechanga Event Is The Perfect Gift

Tickets include a day filled with wine tasting with their choice of more than 100 varietals, sampling gourmet food and decadent chocolate.

Real Estate

Housing Styles Released For 'Storyliving By Disney' In Rancho Mirage

Storyliving by Disney shared the community's initial home designs, including floorplans, elevations, and information about home buying.

Rod Stewart Lists Beverly Park Home For $80M

See photos of the singer-songwriter's English country-style home, which includes a speakeasy and fully lit soccer field.

Restaurants

4 New SoCal Restaurants Added To Michelin Guide

The newly added restaurants offer Korean, vegetarian, Japanese and Californian cuisine.

35 Inland Empire Eateries Win 'Restaurants Care Resilience Fund' Grant

Each $5,000 grant is focused on aiding restaurants, fueled by donations from local energy corporations like SoCalGas, PG&E and others.

Schools

College Of The Desert Now Offering More Than 10,000 Online Courses

The mission is to reduce barriers to education for all students, with specific aims to improve enrollment and completion, COD reported.

College Of The Desert's Nursing Program Earns Important Accreditation

The accreditation enables COD nursing graduates to work in federal facilities, such as the U.S. Department of VA and U.S. Armed Forces.

Local Students Honored During Chamber Of Commerce 'Rising Stars' Event

The Rising Star program is a monthly breakfast that honors seniors from high schools in the San Dieguito Union High School District.

San Diego County Board Of Education Searches For New Superintendent

The San Diego County Board of Education is hosting a community forum Monday to gather input from educational partners and parents.

Vanderbilt University Recognizes CSUSB Palm Desert Nursing Instructor

Diane Vines received the Alma Gault Award for Public Service from Vanderbilt University, her alma mater.

Weekend Events

IE Weekend: Temecula On Ice; 'Christmas Story' On Stage; Toy Drives

Looking for some cool things to do this weekend, Dec. 16-17, throughout the Inland Empire? Patch has you covered.

LA Weekend: Car Wash Santa; 'Nutcrackers' Galore; 'Love Actually' Live

Looking for some cool things to do this weekend, Dec. 16-17, throughout Los Angeles County? Patch has you covered.

OC Weekend: Oceanfront Ice Skate; 'Capistrano Lights'; 'Nutcrackers'

Looking for some cool things to do this weekend, Dec. 16-17, in Orange County? Patch has you covered.

SD Weekend: 'Scrooge’s BIG Show' At Old Globe; 'Nutcrackers' Galore

Looking for some cool things to do this weekend, Dec. 16-17, in San Diego County? Patch has you covered.