Community Corner
Pygmy Hippo Turns 50; 100 Families Celebrate Adoption: Saturday Smiles
Egyptian Theatre reopens after renovation, Legoland California to debut Dino Valley, and more nice SoCal news.
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
Chardonnay Hills Neighbors Find Lost Dog After 24-Hour Search
Neighbors searched the streets of this Temecula neighborhood after a dog was frightened out of its yard during Wednesday's thunderstorm.
Find out what's happening in Santeefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
De Brazza's Monkey Born At San Diego Zoo For First Time In 26 Years
De Brazza's monkeys are a distinctive and colorful species, known for their white facial hair that resembles a beard.
Find out what's happening in Santeefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Endangered Mountain Yellow-Legged Frogs Reintroduced Into SoCal Lake
The frogs were bred at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's Beckman Center for Conservation Research between 2020 and 2022.
Pygmy Hippo Celebrates 50th Birthday At Ramona Wildlife Center
Hannah Shirley is North America's oldest pygmy hippo in managed care, according to the San Diego Humane Society.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Responds To Return Of Giant Panda Rumors
The San Diego Zoo said goodbye to its pandas — Bai Yun, a 23-year zoo resident, and her then-6-year-old son Xiao Liwu — in 2019.
Arts and Entertainment
5 Of Mario Lopez's Favorite Spots In Temecula Valley Wine Country
The "Saved By The Bell" star and talk show host toured some of the best Temecula Valley Wine Country had to offer in November.
The Hollywood Boulevard gem has reopened after three years of renovations.
Jimmy Kimmel To Return As Oscars Host In Fourth Time As Emcee
"I always dreamed of hosting the Oscars exactly four times," Kimmel joked in a statement released by the Academy Wednesday.
Legoland California To Debut Dino Valley, Lego World Parade In 2024
Carlsbad-based Legoland California Resort will celebrate the theme park's 25th birthday with a new land and parade next year.
Young Actors Prepare For Debut Performance In Mission Viejo
South Orange County residents can witness the first performance of "Lion King Jr." by the Bravo Players Guild in Mission Viejo.
Business
New Hotel Under Construction On Temecula-Murrieta Border
The 120-room property is expected to be completed between 2024 and 2025.
The Abbey Finds New Owner Within West Hollywood LGBTQ Community
The founder of the iconic gay bar is handing over the keys to a West Hollywood entrepreneur.
Community
100 Foster Families Celebrate IE Adoption Finalization Event
Official adoptions were signed, sealed, and delivered in San Bernardino County this week.
5 Korean War Veterans In Menifee Receive Special Recognition
Deputy Consul General Kwon Songhwan, representing the Republic of Korea, awarded the Korean War Ambassador for Peace Medal to the veterans.
Betty Bash Named Riverside County's '2023 Champion for Children'
As a result of the accolade, $1,000 will be awarded in Mrs. Bash’s name to sponsor a community event of her choice.
Carlsbad Named 'Top Digital City' In 2023 Digital Cities Survey
The award highlights the city’s use of technology to enhance the lives of all who live, work and play in Carlsbad.
Mayor, Wounded Warrior Project Announce First-in-Nation Collaboration
The veterans nonprofit will sponsor a city position for a Post 9/22 veteran with a service connected disability.
Morongo Band of Mission Indians Gives Away 15,000 Thanksgiving Turkeys
The free turkeys went to nonprofit groups, churches and charities across the San Gorgonio Pass Area and Southern California.
Sages And Seekers Program Launches At CSUSB Palm Desert
The Sages and Seekers Program pairs experienced seniors, the "Sages," with young adults, the "Seekers."
San Diego City Attorney's Office Awarded OTS Grant
The grant will be used to fund a specialized team of prosecutors for drugged and alcohol impaired driving cases in Mara W. Elliott's office.
Southwest RivCo Dealership Supporting Temecula's Salvation Army
Temecula Valley Toyota's non-profit arm is handing out food boxes to families identified through a Salvation Army program.
Survey Of 850 Murrieta Residents Finds Good Life In Gem Of The Valley
Residents were asked to participate through a variety of methods including online, emails and text messages, and as a follow-up, calls.
Events
4th Annual RivCo Recycles Community Summit Scheduled This Weekend
The free online event is open to all. Updates include waste legislation, resources, and how to make Riverside County more sustainable.
Chamber Music Palisades Sets Classical Concert For Sunday
Chamber Music Palisades will host a free concert on Sunday, Nov. 19.
Christmas Comes To Banning's Downtown District: What To Know
The City of Banning is celebrating the holidays on Dec. 1, 2023.
IE Thanksgiving Turkey Trots: Guide To 2023
Run up an appetite, while supporting community charities along the way at races & fun runs throughout the Inland Empire.
Run up an appetite, while supporting community charities along the way at races & fun runs throughout Los Angeles County.
La Mesa To Hold Litter Cleanup This Weekend
The city will join with I Love a Clean San Diego for the event scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 18.
OC Thanksgiving Turkey Trots: Guide To 2023
Run up an appetite, while supporting community charities along the way at races & fun runs throughout Orange County.
Public Invited To Annual 'Santa Stroll' In South OC
The event takes place at Santa Margarita Catholic High School and benefits kids who are fighting against cancer.
Residents Invited To Annual 'Let's Be Thankful' Dance In Laguna Niguel
The "Let's Be Thankful" Fall Dance takes place this Saturday at the Crown Valley Community Center. What to know.
Road closures will be in effect for several days this week as part of the Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration.
San Diego County Thanksgiving Turkey Trots: Guide To 2023
Run up an appetite, while supporting community charities along the way at races & fun runs throughout the San Diego area.
Temecula Unveils Free Holiday Events 2023: Parade, Ice Skating, Lights
The holidays are "The Most Wonderful Time of The Year in Temecula," and there's a full line-up of offerings, according to the city.
Restaurants
10 SoCal Restaurants Among The Top 100 In U.S., New Ranking Says
OpenTable's "Top 100" list includes some of the hottest, in-demand restaurants in the country.
In-N-Out Burger Planned For 2nd Lake Elsinore Location
The new Dexter Avenue spot is located between Crane and Allan streets.
Thanksgiving Takeout: IE Restaurant Deals & To-Go Specials 2023
Where to eat on Thanksgiving in Inland Empire? Whether dining out Nov. 23 or thinking turkey takeout, eateries are making feasting easy.
Thanksgiving Takeout: LA Restaurant Deals & To-Go Specials 2023
Where to eat on Thanksgiving in Los Angeles area? Whether dining out Nov. 23 or thinking turkey takeout, eateries are making feasting easy.
Thanksgiving Takeout: OC Restaurant Deals & To-Go Specials 2023
Where to eat on Thanksgiving in Orange County? Whether dining out Nov. 23 or thinking turkey takeout, eateries are making feasting easy.
Thanksgiving Takeout: SD Restaurant Deals & To-Go Specials 2023
Where to eat on Thanksgiving in San Diego County? Whether dining out Nov. 23 or thinking turkey takeout, eateries are making feasting easy.
Schools
COD Earns Props For Championing Equity Among Black, Latinx Students
The college's academic programs are helping to close persistent gaps, according to officials.
A Santa Monica Elementary school ranked in the top 10 in California according to new results released this week by U.S. News & World Report.
The Best Elementary, Middle Schools In San Diego County: U.S. News
The U.S. News list includes data on more than 79,000 public elementary and middle schools nationwide.
Sports
San Diego Padres' Blake Snell Wins 2023 NL Cy Young Award
Blake Snell is the fifth Padre to win the award and first since Jake Peavy in 2007.
Weekend Events
IE Weekend: Outdoor Ice Rink; Turkey Trots; Holiday Home Tour & Market
Looking for some cool things to do this weekend, Nov. 18-19, throughout the Inland Empire? Patch has you covered.
LA Weekend: 'Lightscape' Winter Walk; Doo Dah Parade; Turkey Trots
Looking for some cool things to do this weekend, Nov. 18-19, throughout Los Angeles County? Patch has you covered.
OC Weekend: Turkey Trot; Swedish Christmas Fair; Cook's Corner Toy Run
Looking for some cool things to do this weekend, Nov. 18-19, in Orange County? Patch has you covered.
SD Weekend: Botanic Garden 'Lightscape' Stroll; Belmont Polar Plunge
Looking for some cool things to do this weekend, Nov. 18-19, in San Diego County? Patch has you covered.
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