$5 Fair Tickets + Teachers Of The Year + Big Slot Machine Win + Summer Festivals: 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

Gray Wolf Spotted In Sequoia National Park For First Time In More Than 100 Years

California's wild wolf population grew 10 percent last year, according to wildlife officials.

Arts and Entertainment

P!nk Draws 25,000 To Petco Park For Curebound Cancer Research Benefit Concert

"Each ticket will help to fuel collaboration, drive innovation and bring us closer to lifesaving research for patients and their families."

'Plateau Palooza' Summer Concert Series At Santa Rosa Plateau: Concerts, Food, Fun

The reimagined summer concert series brings music, art, flavor & fun to support nature education programs across Southwest Riverside County.

San Diego County Fair Offering $5 Opening Day Tickets

Opening Day festivities will include ceremonies, unlimited rides with Pepsi Pay-One-Price wristbands, and the Charity Fair Horse Show.

Business

Disneyland Introduces Major Change To Ticketing

Come June, the Anaheim theme park is eliminating its 11 a.m. Park Hopper restriction.

Hawaiian Barbecue Chain Marks CA Milestone With New Carlsbad Location

"Reaching 100 locations in California is a proud moment for our brand but it also carries special meaning."

Luxury Grocer To Open Doors In Costa Mesa

A trendy Los Angeles-based grocery store is opening its doors at the former T-Shirts Warehouse in Costa Mesa.

Pechanga Resort Casino's 'Home Sweet Win Round 2' Ramps Up To Last Week: Big RivCo Winners Announced

Dive in! May has already been a lucky month for guests at Pechanga Resort Casino, as two more local guests have won over $670,000.

San Diego Hiring Events: U.S. Postal Service Seeking Automotive Technicians

The position requires an examination, according to USPS.

San Diego Wine Country's Big Winners Will Pour At San Diego Fair Competition 2026

These two Southern California wines went head-to-head at the prestigious San Diego Fair competition. See who came out on top.

Temecula's South Coast Winery Wins Big At San Diego Fair Competition 2026

See the other Temecula Valley Wine Country wineries that won awards at the prestigious San Diego Fair competition.

Community

Mermaid Pirate Pool Party Set For Memorial Day Weekend In Oceanside

The Mermaid Pirate Pool Party will feature mermaids, pirates, a treasure hunt, water games and other activities.

Michelle's Place In Temecula Named 'Nonprofit Of The Year' For 32nd Senate District

Every year, assemblymembers and state Senators honor a Nonprofit of the Year for their district.

Murrieta Resident Hits Big At Pechanga Resort Casino Penny Slot Machine In May

The Pechanga Resort Casino's second "Home Sweet Win" $2M House Giveaway is still in play for one more weekend.

Murrieta's Annual Father's Day Car Show Returns In 2026: What To Know

The event, held at Cal Oaks Sports Park, features classic cars, specialty vehicles, live music, vendors, and a kids' Hot Wheels contest.

The 10 Best Summer Festivals In Southern California

Mark your calendar for these arts, food and music events happening this summer across the region.

Restaurants

Hawaiian Barbecue Chain Marks CA Milestone With New Carlsbad Location

"Reaching 100 locations in California is a proud moment for our brand but it also carries special meaning."

Longstanding OC Family Restaurant Opens New South OC Location

After nearly four decades of operation, Zov's has opened its newest location in San Clemente.

Schools

5 Educators Named 2026-27 San Diego County Teachers Of The Year

"We are honored to recognize their extraordinary leadership and commitment."

RivCo Nonprofit To Award $95K In Scholarships During Award Ceremony

The award ceremony will also recognize nine students for special recognition selected from more than 300 nominees throughout the region.