Pandas Set To Return; Horse Rescued From Sinkhole: 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

5 Baby Farm Animals Born At Riverside County Fair, Date Festival: 2024

Spring is in the air as twin lambs and triplet goats are born at the fair at the corral, outside the livestock barns.

Chopped Meets Shark Tank In High-Stakes Teen Cooking Competition

Students from all over the state converged in the Long Beach Convention Center to show their chops in the 2024 California ProStart Cup.

Giant Pandas Could Soon Return To San Diego Zoo

"We are humbled by the potential opportunity of continuing our collaborative conservation efforts to secure the future for giant pandas."

Horse Rescued After Falling Into Sinkhole In LA Backyard

See video of dozens of rescuers working to free a 1,200-pound horse from a sinkhole.

Injured Golden Eagle Rehabilitated At San Diego Humane Society

The eagle was unable to fly when it arrived at San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Wildlife Center.

Arts and Entertainment

Hollywood-Themed Fashion Show Coming To Palm Springs Art Museum

"View fashion masterpieces from celebrity designers and mingle with designers and models at a cocktail after-party," museum officials said.

Pete Davidson's 'Wellness Check Tour' Heads To Coachella Valley In May

Tickets go on sale this week for the upcoming comedy tour, with the live comedy show planned for May 11 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.

San Diego County Fair Announces 2024 Summer Concert Series Lineup

The 2024 Toyota Summer Concert Series lineup includes Little Big Town, Ludacris, Old Dominion, TLC and more.

Stagecoach Days Rodeo Dates Announced For 2024

Banning's annual Stagecoach Days Rodeo dates were announced by the association this week.

Business

Carlsbad Chamber Of Commerce Names CBAD Award Finalists

The Carlsbad Business, Achievement and Distinction Awards recognize and celebrate achievements in Carlsbad.

Handel's Ice Cream Celebrates Grand Opening, Ribbon Cutting Friday

"Three lucky Handel's Homemade Ice Cream fans will have the chance to win Free Ice Cream for a Year," a spokesperson for the chain said.

Hawthorne Country Store To Celebrate Chick Day At San Diego Stores

More than 100 varieties of baby poultry will be available during the event at locations in Escondido, Fallbrook and Santee.

Massive Menifee Warehouse Project Can Move Forward After Appeal Denied

The large-scale project on 44 acres is expected to total 1,138,638 square feet — with nearly all of the space dedicated to warehousing.

Mechanics Bank Coming To Jensen’s Shopping Center on Highway 111

The financial institution is moving from its Cook Street location in Palm Desert into a newly constructed building on Highway 111.

Community

$7.2M Wall To Be Built Along Train Tracks In South OC After Landslide

The "catchment wall" will be built at a landslide area in northern San Clemente to hold back the moving hillside.

Hollywood's First Public Bathroom Gets $1M Boost From City

The first-ever public bathroom is set to open in Hollywood after the City Council voted to spend $1 million on the project.

Murrieta Council Agrees To Aid Wildomar With Homelessness, Services

Wildomar and Murrieta will "erase the border" during a 6-month pilot program of street outreach, emergency shelter, and case management.

Temecula Creek Trail Park Playground Reopens With Fanfare

The city of Temecula celebrated the reopening of the park playground in between rainstorms this week, bringing updated fun for all.

Temecula's Mayor Tries Out New Temecula Creek Trail Park Playground

The City of Temecula celebrated the reopening of the park playground in between rainstorms this week, bringing updated fun for all. Especially the mayor.

Events

Annual La Quinta Hot Rod And Custom Car Show Rolls In Feb. 24

The free event takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at La Quinta Community Park, 77-865 Avenida Montezuma.

Hello Kitty Cafe Truck Tour Continues This Weekend In San Diego County

The pop-up event features edible goodies and limited-edition collectibles.

Lake Elsinore 'Pick A Truck' School Supply Giveaway This Weekend

The rescheduled Pick A Truck event will be held Saturday at Launch Pointe. Here's what to know when you go.

Public Invited To Opening Of Laguna Beach Dog Park

The city is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Moulton Meadows Park Dog Play Area this month. What to know.

Wildflower Festival Coming To Palm Desert

Friends of the Desert Mountains presents the "18th annual Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival" on March 2 in Palm Desert.

Schools

Los Alamitos Students Honored By Rossmoor Woman's Club

Both students were honored as students of the month for December and January and awarded $500 scholarships.

Sports

8 New Pickleball Courts Coming To Carlsbad

The city already has six outdoor pickleball courts at Poinsettia Community Park.

Dodger Stadium Gondola Plan Moves Forward — But Not Everyone Is Happy

A controversial plan to build a gondola over Los Angeles to shuttle passengers to Dodgers games moved forward Thursday.