Lifeguard Hero Awarded Medal; Beer Can Art: Saturday Smiles

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — If you need a little break from your holiday hustle and bustle, we are here to help. Patch has sweet Southern California stories we hope you will enjoy.

Los Angeles County Lifeguard Receives Governor's Medal Of Valor

• A Los Angeles County lifeguard Monday received the prestigious Governor’s Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor for his brave cave rescue.

$90K In Scholarships Available For San Diego, Riverside Students

• The scholarships, which range from $2,000 to $2,500 each, are being offered by the Cal Coast Cares Foundation.

Dana Point Awarded Prestigious Whale Heritage Site

• The World Cetacean Alliance has acknowledged Dana Point as the first Whale Heritage Site in the Americas.

Life Can Be A Picnic: Vista Murrieta Teen Leads The Way

• To ward off the 2020 blues, VMHS sophomore Ava Dittmar launched the luxury picnic business Hoku Hospitality.

Rosario Dawson Sells Waterfront Marina Del Rey Home

• Actress and activist Rosario Dawson sold her Marina del Rey home and moved to New Jersey to be with her boyfriend, Sen. Cory Booker.

Santa Monica Pier To Reopen Over Weekend

• The Santa Monica Pier will reopen following closures due to the ongoing pandemic.

MiraCosta College Finishes Nearly $10M Track And Field Renovation

• MiraCosta College has completed an 18-month renovation of the athletic track and field at its Oceanside campus.

SD County Aims To Improve Health Outcomes For Black Moms, Babies

• Black Legacy Now is an education and outreach campaign to improve health outcomes for Black babies and their mothers in the region.

Marriott To Buy Welk Resorts: Cathedral City, N. County San Diego

• The deal is valued at approximately $430 million, including approximately 1.4 million Marriot Vacations Worldwide common shares.

7 Popular Outdoor Recreational Sites Reopen In Riverside County

• The sites were closed during wildfire season.

Rancho Palos Verdes To Launch Meals On Wheels Program For Seniors

• Rancho Palos Verdes will develop a Meals on Wheels program for seniors, city officials announced.

5 Businesses Hiring On Main Street In Santa Monica

• Main Street business vacancies are increasing in the pandemic, but five retailers and restaurants are looking to hire.

San Diego County Supervisors OK More Rental Assistance

• County supervisors Tuesday unanimously voted in favor making rental assistance more available for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

'MyTurn' COVID-19 Vaccine Website Launches In San Diego County

• The MyTurn system is operating on a trial basis for residents in Los Angeles and San Diego counties.

Disney's Jungle Cruise Gets 'Gnu Magical' Revamps Underway

• The Imagineers are making some long-awaited changes to the Jungle Cruise at both Disneyland Resort & the Magic Kingdom.

'Our Epic Ocean' Founder Shares His Journey

• Rich German, a seasoned paddleboarder, shares encounters with marine wildlife and invites all to join him on his mission to save the ocean.

Palm Springs Film Fest Honors Riz Ahmed For 'Sound of Metal'

• In "Sound of Metal," he portrays a punk-metal drummer and recovering heroin addict who suffers rapid hearing loss.

These Businesses Are Reopening In Riverside County: See List

• Now that Gov. Gavin Newsom has lifted the Stay-At-Home order, Riverside County reverts back to the "Purple Tier," allowing some reopenings.

Photo: Kobe And Gigi Mural In Venice Honors Their Legacy

• On the one-year anniversary of Kobe and his daughter Gigi's death, a mural in Venice continues to honor their lives and legacy.

Culver City Sony Pictures Animation Campus Sells For $160 Million

• Culver City's Sony Pictures Animation campus sells for $160 million.

Exer Urgent Care Offers Virtual Line For Patients

• Exer Urgent Care offers a virtual line so patients can access in-person medical help by waiting in the comfort and safety of their homes.

County Supervisors Overturn Ban On Needle Exchange Program

• In reversing the county's 23-year-old ban, the board directed the chief administrative officer to present a comprehensive plan.

Eagle Scout Gathers, Retires Over 2,600 Old Flags Amid Pandemic

• Flying flags is a sign of national pride, but once they're tattered, they cannot just be thrown away. This OC Scout helped retire thousands.

Ocean Institute Hosts Virtual College Fair 2021

• Does your graduating senior want to study Marine Biology? See who is presenting & how to register for the Ocean Institute's virtual fair.

Here's $10 To Go Spend At A Palm Springs Restaurant

• A campaign is underway to jumpstart business as Palm Springs eateries.

Scholarship Dollars Available For Riverside County Students

• The funds are being offered by the Cal Coast Cares Foundation.

San Clemente Artist 'Can' Win Pabst Blue Ribbon Art Contest: 2020

• After a record number of submissions, artists in both San Clemente & the LA area are finalists in the Pabst Blue Ribbon can design contest.

'Let Them Play' California Lawsuit Fights For Youth Sports

• A lawsuit and state legislative campaign aim to force the state to address concerns that the school sports ban is hurting student health.

2 RivCo CHP Officers Honored After Gunfight With Beaumont Man

• Officers Robert Paul and Ryan Smith were honored Monday for their "extraordinary bravery, heroism and courage" in the face of danger.

Donations Sought To Replace 2 LifeStream Bloodmobiles

• As part of the effort, Palm Desert-based H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation is offering to match up to $50,000 in community donations.

Palm Springs Modernism Week To Offer New Online Auction

• The auction includes rare and unusual items and experiences.

Temecula Celebrates National African-American History Month

• Residents are invited to the month-long virtual celebration throughout February.

Western Riverside County Offering Myriad Of Outdoor Activities

• "Now is the best time to wander local and explore some unexpected outdoor experiences within the region."

Riverside County Sheriff Recovering From Coronavirus At Home

• Sheriff Chad Bianco said he is self-quarantining after the virus made its way through his family.

French Valley Airport Wildlife Deterrent Program Underway

• It's unknown how many wildlife encounters may have resulted in mishaps or damage to aircraft.

50-Year Lake Cahuilla Lease Extended By One Year

• The extension keeps Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park open while officials hammer out a longer-term deal.

Second Dose Of COVID-19 Vaccine: How Long Can I Wait?

• A Riverside County health official, federal agencies and the vaccine manufacturers weigh in.

Riverside County 'Work From Home' Policy Expands

• County employees currently telecommuting may be able to remain on remote status, while others will have to apply for assignment.

Rep. Ruiz Returns Home, Recovering From The Coronavirus

• Ruiz had been is Washington, D.C., to attend the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Palm Desert Names New City Manager

• Todd Hileman, the current city manager of Denton, Texas, is expected to be confirmed by the Palm Desert City Council on Thursday.

Palm Springs Taps Sedona, Arizona, City Manager For Top Job

• Justin Clifton will replace Palm Springs City Manager David Ready, who is retiring.

College Of The Desert Names Interim President

• Jeff Baker will lead the College while a search for a permanent replacement is made.

Berger Foundation Supports Cathedral City Senior Center Programs

• CCSC launched its "at-home" programming for the valley's aging population in response to the pandemic.

City SC Temecula Announces Strategic Partnership with Futsal Club

• Shared player development philosophies bring two local soccer organizations together.

Grants Available For Transit Services In Western Riverside County

• Specialized transit services serve as a lifeline for many Riverside County residents, helping them to be more mobile and independent.

If you have an idea for a nice news story in your town, let us know. Email your story tips to autumn.johnson@patch.com.