Big Change For Disneyland Ride + Rare Dove Hatches + Best Brunch Spots: 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

Bald Eaglets Named By Big Bear School Children: Meet Sandy And Luna

Sandy and Luna have been named! The two eaglets, hatched in March, are showing signs of walking, waddling and mischief making, experts say.

Mountain Lion Caught In Escondido Neighborhood Released Near Cleveland National Forest

The male mountain lion was between 2 and 3 years old and weighed around 112 pounds, officials told Patch.

Rare Dove Extinct In The Wild Hatches At San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Fewer than 180 Socorro doves remain worldwide, all in conservation-breeding programs at zoos across North America and Europe.

Arts and Entertainment

Comedian Kathy Griffin Taking Up Residency At The Plaza Theatre In Palm Springs

According to organizers, the shows will mark Griffin's first-ever residency anywhere in the world.

Demi Lovato, Warren Zeiders Added To 2026 San Diego County Fair Concert Lineup

In addition to the new performers, reserved seating in the Grandstand was announced for the America 250 Fireworks Spectacular on July 4.

Business

Nordstrom Rack Opening New North County Store With Grand Opening Celebration

A grand opening celebration will feature a DJ, light bites, gift card giveaways and more, a spokesperson told Patch.

Nordstrom Rack Plans To Open New Westside Store

A new Nordstrom Rack store is planned for the Westside.

Nordstrom Rack Plans To Open New South Bay Store

A new Nordstrom Rack store is planned for the South Bay.

Specialty Grocery Store Opens Doors In Dana Point

Mother’s Market, an Orange County-based grocer, opened its doors this past week.

Community

650 Pints Of Blood Collected During Padres Summer Blood Drive

The Padres have partnered with San Diego Blood Bank to host summer blood drives since 2017.

Disneyland License Plates Coming To CA: How To Get One

Sales from the license plates will go toward raising money for children's hospitals across the state.

Iconic Disneyland Attraction Gets Major Update

Disneyland officials announced plans to change an attraction that is as old as the park itself.

Murrieta To Celebrate City's 35th Birthday On June 27

The event will include live entertainment, vendors, and a fireworks show.

Temecula Celebrates 5th Annual CultureFest May 16

The event is free and open to all ages.

Restaurants

5 San Diego-Area Restaurants Rank Among Top 100 Brunch Spots

Just in time for Mother's Day, OpenTable has released its 2026 list of the top 100 brunch restaurants in the country.

Applebee's Thanks Teachers, Nurses With Free Appetizers At San Diego County Locations

Nurses and teachers can get a free appetizer or dessert with any entrée purchase.

Last Minute Mother's Day Brunch Ideas In The Pass Area, Riverside County: 2026

We've found some ideas for those of you who are late to the reservation game for Mother's Day. It's Sunday, for those of you who forgot.

Mother's Day Restaurant Options In Temecula Valley Wine Country: 2026

Reservations are still available at many of these Temecula Valley Wine Country restaurants open for brunch, lunch or dinner.

Schools

Menifee Union USD Dancer Wins Silver At International Dance Competition Held In Prague

Hans Christensen Middle School 8th grader represents the USA in a global stage at the World Tap Dancing Championships.

Sports

Murrieta Valley Football Player Is NFL Bound: Drafted To The Los Angeles Rams

Dean Connors dons the blue and gold following his stents at Riverside City College, Rice University and the University of Houston.