Pandas Return To SoCal + Reimagined Camp Snoopy Opens: 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

Endangered Baird's Tapir Born At San Diego Zoo

The female calf and her mother, Luna, can now be seen at Elephant Odyssey, sharing a space with the capybaras.

Pandas Arrive At San Diego Zoo

Yun Chuan and Xin Bao are the first giant pandas to enter the U.S. in 21 years.

Arts and Entertainment

Disneyland Genie+ Service Changing In July: What To Know When You Go

Fans of the Genie+ attraction reservation service will see updates starting July 24. Here's what Disneyland guests can expect with the App.

Irvine Nights Adds More Live Tribute Concerts Into July 2024

"Irvine Nights is an ultimate destination for unforgettable memories!" they said.

Knott's Camp Snoopy Opens Buena Park Boys & Girls Club Gets First Look

Camp Snoopy inside Knott's Berry Farm has reopened after a refresh and redesign.

Prince, Jane Fonda Named To Hollywood Walk Of Fame 2025 Class

A new round of celebrities were made eligible for Hollywood Walk of Fame stars Monday — but they won't automatically get them.

Time-Hop Back To 1950s With 'Bye Bye Birdie' At Palm Canyon Theatre

"Bye Bye Birdie" runs at Palm Canyon Theatre July 5-14.

Business

Kids Eat Free On Fourth Of July At Applebee's In San Diego County

Customers can get two free kids' meals with the purchase of an adult entrée.

Long Beach's Oldest Restaurant Celebrates 70 Years

Domenico's Italian Restuarant, opened in 1954, was one of the first restaurants to serve pizza in California.

Community

Fundraiser For OC Soccer Player Killed In Jet Ski Crash Raises $41K+

The incoming Trabuco Hills junior died this month while on vacation. Now, family, friends and teammates are rallying to "cement her legacy."

High-Speed Rail Segment In LA County Earns Key Approval

The segment will shuttle riders through a portion of LA County in 17 minutes — a trip that takes an hour by car.

Long Beach To Host 94th Annual U.S. Conference Of Mayors

Mayors from 1,400 cities throughout the country will meet in Long Beach in 2026 to advocate for policies and share insights.

One Metro West Skyrise Apartments Nears Groundbreaking In Costa Mesa

With a planned opening date of 2028, the development could begin construction in 2025.

San Diego County Fair Offers $5 Bite-Sized Fair Foods

Every fair food stand will offer a $5 option during "Taste of the Fair" from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Events

Annual Concert In The Park Returns To Mission Viejo

Residents can save the date for the annual Symphony in the Cities and Prelude in the Park, which takes place this August.

'Discovery Days' Summer Series To Return To The Forum Carlsbad

The free summer series, which returns in July, is designed to ignite creativity and curiosity in children.

Free Summer Movie Series Starts Thursday In Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach residents of all ages were encouraged to bring beach chairs, blankets and refreshments for Thursday's screening of "Trolls."

Iconic Fireworks Show Returns To Redondo Beach For 2024

After the iconic show over the Redondo Beach harbor was canceled last year, fireworks will glitter over the ocean this July 4.

July 4th Fireworks 2024 In Los Angeles County

Patch has your complete guide to Independence Day fireworks shows, parades, concerts and celebrations in and around Los Angeles County.

July 4th Fireworks 2024 In Orange County

Patch has your complete guide to Independence Day fireworks shows, parades, concerts and other celebrations in and around OC.

July 4th Fireworks 2024 In San Diego County

Patch has your complete guide to Independence Day fireworks shows, parades, concerts and other celebrations in San Diego County.

Santee Salutes To Light Up The Sky On Fourth Of July

The Independence Day tradition will feature food, live entertainment, rides and a fireworks show.

Schools

For First Time, CA Prison Inmates Earn UC System Bachelor's Degrees

The achievement marked a first-of-its-kind partnership with the University of California and the state prison system.

Sports

Bronny James Drafted To Lakers, Making NBA History: Report

LeBron and Bronny James make history by becoming the first father-son pair to play in the NBA at the same time.

NFL's Mr. Irrelevant Visits OC In Annual Charity Fundraiser: 2024

Jaylen Key — drafted #257 as the famed "last pick of the NFL 2024 draft"— spends some quality time in Newport Beach for Mr. Irrelevant Week.