Community Corner
Rescued Seals Find New Home + Chocolate-Themed Fair + Beloved Theater Reopens After Fire: Saturday Smiles
Disneyland unveils festive treats; teen photographer captures whales; new veterinary hospital planned; 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
2 Rescued Ringed Seals Find Permanent Home At SeaWorld San Diego
The seals, which cannot return to the wild, will join a third ringed seal at the park's Wild Arctic exhibit.
Find out what's happening in Santeefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Humpback Whales Leap From Dana Point Waters: Photos
Whale watchers spotted at least 10 humpbacks breaching simultaneously, slapping their fins and rolling through the waters off Orange County.
Find out what's happening in Santeefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
San Diego Humane Society Urges Residents To Adopt Senior Pets
The organization is encouraging residents to consider adopting older dogs and cats during Adopt a Senior Pet Month.
Arts and Entertainment
Bay Theater Reopens This Week With 5 Screens, Luxury Amenities
The neighborhood theater, which has been closed since the Palisades Fire, will welcome moviegoers back this week.
Dua Lipa, Tame Impala, SZA To Scorch Coachella 2027 Lineup
Along with the power headliners, Madonna, Phoebe Bridgers, Weezer and Dom Dolla are on the schedule.
Hollywood Bowl Reveals Early 2027 Lineup: B-52s, Roots Picnic And More
The Hollywood Bowl announced several shows for its 2027 summer season Tuesday.
Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade Becomes Outdoor Digital Art Gallery
New video artworks are lighting up downtown screens, with live dance, music and special screenings planned for Saturday.
Business
Better Buzz Coffee Brews Up Holiday Drinks, Treats In San Diego
The San Diego-based coffee chain's seasonal lineup features peppermint, snickerdoodle, tiramisu and eggnog flavors.
Carlsbad Business Raises $10K To Fight Childhood Hunger
Alta Vista Insurance Agency received the donation through Liberty Mutual's Make More Happen Awards program.
Glass-Blown Ornaments Studio Opens First CA Store In Laguna Beach
Balsam Hill, known for its handmade glass-blown ornaments made in Europe, opened its doors in Laguna Beach this week.
'Graffiti Towers' Cleaned Up In DTLA As $517M Sale Moves Forward
Crews removed graffiti from some 250 balconies at the unfinished skyscrapers, clearing a major hurdle in plans to complete the development.
Play It Again Sports Opens In Murrieta With Grand Opening Giveaways
Longtime Murrieta residents are bringing the sporting goods resale franchise to Southwest RivCo with four days of grand opening festivities.
Community
Coastal Roots Farm To Host State Of The Farm Event In Encinitas
The event will feature seasonal food, new leadership and a look at the Encinitas nonprofit's future.
World-Renowned Body Worlds Exhibition Coming To San Diego County
The exhibition will feature real human specimens, interactive displays and an exploration of the connection between health and happiness.
Native American Dance Fundraiser Set For Oceanside Pier
The free event will feature Native dancers, drum groups, traditional food and crafts while raising money for children's dance regalia.
San Diego County Fair Unwraps Sweet Theme For 2027
The 22-day fair will feature a chocolate-themed exhibit, carnival rides, live entertainment, food and more.
San Diego Humane Society To Break Ground On New Low-Cost Veterinary Hospital
The new facility will offer affordable veterinary exams, surgeries, vaccinations and spay/neuter services.
Teen Photographer Captures Humpback Whales Off San Diego Coast: Photos
Diego Brooks, 14, photographed several humpback whales during a Veterans Day whale-watching trip with his father.
Torrance Named LA County's Most Business-Friendly Large City
Torrance beat six other finalists for the 2026 award, citing business growth, aerospace investment and support for local employers.
Health
Scripps La Jolla Unveils Rady Tower Signage Following $75M Donation
Doctors, donors and community leaders attended the unveiling, which also included the debut of a donor recognition wall.
Holidays
Claremont Holiday Promenade And Tree Lighting Ceremony Set for Dec. 4
Families will also have an opportunity to take holiday photos with Santa outside Claremont City Hall.
Disneyland Holiday Foodie Guide 2026: Adventureland To Tomorrowland And Beyond
From sandwiches and snacks to holiday dinner to eggnog and Old Fashioned spritzers, here's what's cooking at Disneyland this holiday season.
Downtown Arcadia Holiday Fair Set For Dec. 13 With Santa, Prize Giveaways
The event will include free carnival games for children.
Downtown Redlands Christmas Tree Lighting Returns Nov. 20
Families will also be able to take photos with Santa near the Christmas tree, the city said.
Lightscape Illuminates San Diego Botanic Garden For 5th Holiday Season
The popular holiday attraction returns Nov. 20 with new light installations and returning favorites along a 1-mile trail.
Little Italy To Celebrate Holidays With Tree Lighting, Christmas Village
The free event will feature holiday shopping, festive entertainment and a tree lighting ceremony at Piazza della Famiglia.
The parade will start north along Myrtle Avenue from Chestnut Avenue to Palm Avenue, the city said.
Santee To Kick Off Holiday Season With Tree Lighting, Festive Fun
The free event will feature sledding, live music, photos with Santa and a tree lighting ceremony at Santee Trolley Square.
Series Of Holiday Plays Comes To Haugh Performing Arts Center In Glendora
The production will feature holiday-themed performances inspired by the ideas and creativity of children.
Swiss Winter Village To Make San Diego Debut At Liberty Station
The new holiday market will feature shopping, Swiss-inspired food, live entertainment and family-friendly activities.
Temecula Chilled Returns With Holiday Lights, Ice Skating, Shopping And More In 2026
From Old Town storefronts to Wine Country wineries, Temecula's annual holiday celebration brings seasonal festivities, shopping, and more.
'The Nutcracker' Returns To Arcadia Performing Arts Center Dec. 19
The production will feature more than 70 dancers and the music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
Winter Choral Concert To Be Held Dec. 6 At Scripps College Performing Arts Center
Admission is free, and the performance is open to the public.
Restaurants
Hawaiian Bros To Open First CA Restaurants In San Fernando Valley
The San Fernando Valley will be the chain’s first California market.
Hawaiian Coffee Shop To Open Doors In Lake Forest
A family-owned coffee house is opening inside The Orchard shopping center in Lake Forest, according to a local real estate agent.
Schools
Santa Monica College To Feed 2,500 At Thanksgiving Celebration
Santa Monica College's Thanksgiving tradition returns Nov. 23-24, with a $250,000 fundraising goal and a coat drive for students in need.
Sports
World's Best Professional Women's Tennis Players Competing In Indian Wells
The WTA Finals competition takes place Nov. 8-15 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
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