Celebrity Chef Opens Restaurant + Watch Party With Orcas + Groundbreaking Gorilla Surgery: 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

Groundbreaking Mastoidectomy Performed On Gorilla At San Diego Zoo Safari Park

The surgery was performed by a team of wildlife health experts from the Safari Park and surgeons from UC San Diego Health.

San Diego Humane Society Launches Annual Pet Photo Contest Fundraiser

San Diego Humane Society is looking for the region's most photogenic pets as part of its annual calendar photo contest and fundraiser.

SeaWorld San Diego Welcomes Dolphin Calf, Sea Lion Pup

"These births are an extraordinary testament to the dedication and expertise of our animal care and veterinary teams."

Arts and Entertainment

Sublime, The Killers To Headline Ocean Way Festival On Santa Monica Beach

The inaugural Ocean Way Festival is billed as the first-ever major music festival on Santa Monica Beach.

Business

Costco Rolls Out New Chicken Tenders At CA Food Courts

The new item has appeared at Costco locations across Southern California and the Bay Area.

IKEA Sets Opening Date For South Bay Location

IKEA has operated in the San Diego market since opening its Mission Valley store in 2000.

Tillys To Celebrate New Encinitas Store With Grand Opening Event

The event will feature a DJ, raffles and prize giveaways, according to the retailer.

Community

Carlsbad's Aloha Plunge Set For Saturday At Alga Norte Aquatic Center

The event will feature themed pool games, activities, giant inflatables, a splash pad and a Polynesian dance performance.

Children's Museum Of Discovery To Host Science & Engineering Night

The event will offer families an evening of hands-on activities focused on science, technology, reading, engineering, art and math.

Classic Cars, Coffee And Family Fun Roll Into Banning This Week

The Banning Chamber of Commerce’s Cars & Coffee event will feature classic, custom and specialty vehicles, vendors, raffles and more.

Coastal Roots Farm Names Longtime Leader As New CEO

"No one is better suited to lead the farm into its next chapter of growth than Kesha Dorsey," said Board Chair Michael Berlin.

Endless Summer Market Returning To San Diego's Liberty Station

The two-day event will feature more than 120 local artists, makers and small businesses offering handmade goods.

Family Movie Night Coming To Carlsbad

Before the movie, attendees can enjoy a Minecraft-themed FunZone with bounce houses, obstacle races, crafts, games and other activities.

Genealogy Class For Beginners Planned At Carlsbad Library

The class is intended for beginners and anyone looking to refresh their research skills.

SeaWorld San Diego To Host FIFA World Cup Final Watch Party With Orcas

"It's heartwarming to see the excitement from all walks of life, including our marine life, coming together to celebrate the world's best."

Restaurants

Celebrity Chef Opens Downtown Disney Restaurant

The new British-themed restaurant launched its soft opening in Downtown Disney Monday.

Better Buzz Opens New Santee Cafe

To mark the opening, customers can purchase an exclusive drink at the location for the next 30 days.

Michelin-Starred Chef Returns To San Diego For Exclusive Rooftop Dining Experience

The special event at Lumi will feature a multi-course rooftop dinner curated by Michelin-starred Chef Akira Back.

Old Town Temecula Kulturas Latin Kitchen & Cantina Arrives, Adios Kalaveras

The look and menu has changed, the location and the staff has not. Meet Kulturas Latin Kitchen & Cantina, above CoinOp in Old Town Temecula.

Schools

15 San Diego County Students Win College-Sponsored National Merit Scholarships

This year, 138 colleges and universities are sponsoring more than 3,250 Merit Scholarship awards.

Seasonal

SeaWorld San Diego's Howl-O-Scream Returning With 6 Haunted Houses, New Attractions

The theme park's nighttime Halloween event will return Sept. 11 with its largest lineup in the event's six-year history.