Community Corner

$64M Lotto Win + Baby Sloth Born + Axolotl Exhibit Opens + Cat Rescued + Penguins Return: Saturday Smiles

Deputy saves unconscious cat from burning van; girl reunites with firefighters who saved her from drowning; and more nice SoCal news.

The San Diego Zoo announced the birth of a Linnaeus's two-toed sloth pup in celebration of International Sloth Day.
The San Diego Zoo announced the birth of a Linnaeus's two-toed sloth pup in celebration of International Sloth Day. (Ken Bohn/San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance)

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

6 Penguins Arrive At LA Zoo After More Than 4 Decades

Six Magellanic penguins have arrived at the Los Angeles Zoo, marking the return of a species that hasn't lived there in more than 40 years.

Find out what's happening in Santeefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Deputy Saves Unconscious Cat From Burning Van In Marina Del Rey

A sheriff's deputy administered oxygen to an unconscious cat rescued from a smoke-filled van Sunday.

Find out what's happening in Santeefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Killer Whales, Humpbacks Spotted Off San Diego Coast: Photos

A local photographer captured photos of killer whales and humpback whales during two whale-watching trips off San Diego.

San Diego Zoo Announces Birth Of Baby Sloth

Visitors may catch a glimpse of the baby and its mother at the San Diego Zoo.

Business

Amazon To Hire More Than 2,400 Workers In San Diego For Holiday Season

The jobs are among more than 34,000 positions available across California.

Fleastyle, 'The Original Hat Bar,' Celebrates Grand Opening In Laguna Beach

Community members and officials gathered to celebrate the opening of a new boutique opening in Laguna Beach.

Major Retailer To Open San Diego Store

The national brand is opening stores in 12 states, including two in California.

Popular Redondo Beach Farmers Market Could Become Year-Round Fixture

City officials will consider extending the weekly market after organizers reported thousands of visitors during its six-month pilot.

Trader Joe's Opens New South OC Location While Another Shuts Down

A couple of Trader Joe's grocery stores are due to open this week in Orange County. What to know.

Community

3-Day Art Fundraiser Returns To Monrovia's Old Town Oct. 23

Proceeds will benefit The Creative Compound, a free monthly gathering for local artists and creatives hosted at KGEM Television.

Arcadia Craft Fair Offers Handmade Gifts, Live Music Saturday

The event will include live music, craft demonstrations, and a raffle, the city said.

Blue Zones Week Block Party Brings Music, Dancing, Giveaways Thursday In Palm Springs

Blue Zones Project Palm Springs wraps Blue Zones Week Oct. 22 with live DJ music, healthy food, prizes and family-friendly activities.

DroneArt Show To Bring 1,200 Illuminated Drones To Arcadia In November

The event is open to all ages, with children younger than 3 admitted free.

Edward-Dean Museum & Gardens Reopens In Cherry Valley Following Multi-Million-Dollar Renovations

A grand reopening ceremony for the newly renovated facility is set for 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at the museum grounds, 9401 Oak Glen Road.

Girl, 3, Reunites With LA Firefighters Who Saved Her From Drowning

The 3-year-old girl had no pulse and wasn't breathing when firefighters arrived.

Monrovia Native Plant Sale To Include Giveaway Of 200 Trees

Local gardening experts also will be in attendance to answer questions and offer advice, the city said.

New Axolotl Exhibit Opens At Birch Aquarium In La Jolla

The new exhibit features endangered axolotls, colorful artwork and special programming through spring 2027.

Palm Springs To Host Native American Learning Day And Market Nov. 7

The event is designed to celebrate Indigenous traditions while providing opportunities for cultural education and community engagement.

Priceless Family Heirlooms Saved By OC Firefighters Amid Norte Fire Destruction

A south Orange County family devastated by the Norte Fire was able to find a silver lining, thanks to Orange County firefighters.

Redlands Conservancy To Host Annual Fall Social Oct. 24

The event will include a silent auction.

Tail-A-Thon Raises $35K For Coachella Valley Animals

Funds raised will support Palm Springs Animal Shelter, Desert Wildlife Center and Desert Community Animal Center and more.

Temecula's Hendo’s Barrel House to Host Boxing History

Three legends are scheduled to be at the gastropub from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24.

Winning $64M Lotto Ticket Sold In Orange County

One lucky Orange County resident won big this weekend after drawing all six numbers in Saturday night’s SuperLotto Plus drawing.

Restaurants

Cole's, One Of LA's Oldest Restaurants, Plans To Reopen After Closure: Report

The restaurant, which claims to have invented the French dip sandwich more than a century ago, could reopen as soon as November.

Iconic Porto's Bakery & Cafe Confirms It Is Coming To The Inland Empire

The expansion into the Inland Empire marks a major milestone for the family-owned business, which traces its roots to Cuba.

Schools

CSUSB Palm Desert Awards More Than $170,000 In Scholarships For 2026-27 Academic Year

The funding is aimed at expanding access to higher education and reducing financial strain for students at the Coachella Valley campus.

Riverside County Students Reaping Big Financial Benefits Of Nation’s Largest State-Funded Scholarship Program

More than $60 million in CalKIDS scholarships has already been claimed by Riverside County students.

Temecula High School Students Launch Free Community Closet For Families In Need

The student-led Rising Above club announced its inaugural free community closet offering clothes, shoes and accessories for anyone in need.

These Are The 25 Best Elementary Schools In CA: U.S. News

A new U.S. News & World Report ranking highlights the top 25 public elementary schools in California. See which schools made the list.

These Are The Best Middle Schools In CA: U.S. News Ranking

A new U.S. News & World Report ranking highlights the top 25 public middle schools in California. See which schools made the list.

Seasonal

Día De Los Muertos Celebration In Baldwin Park Moves Indoors

The event was originally going to take place at Susan Rubio Zocalo Park.

Glendora Library To Host Día De Los Muertos Celebration

The event is free and open for all to attend.

Glendora Village Holiday Stroll And Tree Lighting Set For Nov. 20

The event offers residents and visitors an opportunity to enjoy seasonal festivities while supporting local businesses.

'Halloween Spooky Night' To Bring Outdoor Movie, Games To Arcadia Friday

The family-friendly event is free to attend and will include spooky trivia.

Halloween Walk Creeps Back To Glendora Village Oct. 30

The event will also include trick-or-treating.

Monrovia's Annual Halloween Bash Scares Up Fun Oct. 31

Organizers encouraged residents to bring their families and dress in Halloween costumes.

The 6.7-mile light rail line will connect several San Fernando Valley communities to regional transit.

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