Kids Get Free Zoo Admission + Olympic Torch Relay + Hot Wheels Stunt Show Coming To SoCal: 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

Killer Whales Make Surprise Appearance In South Orange County: Photos

An elusive pod of 13 killer whales — and two calves — was spotted in Orange County waters yesterday.

Arts and Entertainment

Classic Rock Legends Being Honored In Temecula

The city is celebrating Led Zeppelin, Tina Turner, and AC/DC.

Hot Wheels Stunt Show Coming To San Diego On First U.S. Tour

The live arena show will bring full-size Hot Wheels cars, jumps, drifting and a 45-foot loop to Pechanga Arena.

International Fashion Designer Jeremy Scott To Be Honored During Palm Springs Art Museum's 2027 Gala

Scott, known for his runway designs and tenure as creative director for the Italian luxury house Moschino, has deep roots in Palm Springs.

Business

AAA Top 10 Casinos: Pechanga Resort Casino Ranks High With Rooms, Food And Fun

Recognition comes as Temecula's Pechanga Resort Casino earns its 25th Four Diamond Award and Great Oak Steakhouse receives its 15th.

Limited-Edition Cookie Hits Newport Beach Bakery For 3 Days Only

A very special cookie is coming to Levain Bakery in Fashion Island this weekend for a limited time. What to know.

New Burlington Opens Doors In Lake Forest This Week

The discount retailer opened its doors in Lake Forest this past week, replacing a CVS drugstore.

New Feed & Pet Store Opens Doors In Costa Mesa

Kahoots, a family-owned feed and pet supply store, just opened its doors in Costa Mesa this week. What to know.

New Flea-Style Boutique To Celebrate Grand Opening In Laguna Beach

A self-described hat bar and clothing boutique will welcome the community during a grand opening ceremony this October.

Community

2 San Diego County Lottery Players Win Combined $8M

A Chula Vista ticket won $7 million, while a National City ticket scored a $1 million prize.

Bring Your Pets For Blessings At St. Thomas Episcopal Church Saturday

All are invited to bring their fur babies to St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Temecula on Saturday, Oct. 3, for a special blessing.

Dog Daze Canine Festival & Costume Contest Returns To Southwest Riverside County

The festival will feature local vendors, raffles, and various contests, highlighted by a popular pet costume contest.

Free Golf Event Geared Toward Accessibility Set In Lake Forest This Weekend

The free adaptive golf day is designed for individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities and their families.

Kids Get Free Admission To San Diego Zoo, Safari Park In October

Children 11 and younger can visit for free as HalGLOWeen and the Autumn Festival return.

Lake Elsinore's New $31.3M Civic Center Opening This Week In Historic Downtown

The new Civic Center forms a central component of downtown revitalization efforts.

Largest Mixed-Use Sports Complex In Southern California About To Open In IE

The sprawling 200-acre $850 million Ontario Sports Empire will host a grand opening on Oct. 24.

Pier Walk Supporting Breast Cancer Set For Seal Beach This Weekend

The event is hosted by the Pink Journey Foundation at the Seal Beach Pier.

Rose Haven Heritage Garden In Temecula Celebrating 35th Anniversary, Free Family Events Planned

Home to nearly 2,000 roses, the garden also features succulent displays, a produce garden, a labyrinth, a lily pond, and a pavilion.

Rotary Club Of Temecula Holds 7th Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser Oct. 9

The tournament supports the Rotary's mission in the Temecula Valley.

Temecula's Annual History Day Event Returns Oct. 10

The free event will include games, demonstrations, tractor racing for children, live music, and shaved ice.

Schools

4th Annual Inland Empire Black Parent Summit Returns To CSUSB

The event is supported by Cal State San Bernardino alongside the San Bernardino and Riverside County Offices of Education.

Seasonal

Santee's Brews & Bites To Return With Halloween Fun

The 21-and-older event will feature food and beverage tastings, live music and Halloween festivities.

Scout-Run Haunted Hotel Returns To Encinitas For 26th Year

Scout Troop 2000's annual fundraiser features four new haunted rooms, a Candy Mystery Trail and a Monster Hunt.

Woman's Club Of Carlsbad Holiday Market To Return For 13th Year

The November event will feature handmade gifts, decor, food and merchandise from local vendors.

Sports

LA28 Olympic Torch Relay To Visit All 50 States, Start In Atlanta

The Olympic flame will travel through all 50 states before arriving in Los Angeles for the 2028 Summer Games.

Olympics Expected To Drive $13B In Spending Across LA County

A new report projects billions in games-related spending, tens of thousands of jobs and major infrastructure investment ahead of 2028.

Transit

Metrolink To Offer Free Rides Across SoCal For Clean Air Day, With No Ticket Needed

Riders can travel free on Metrolink and Arrow trains on Clean Air Day, with several connecting transit agencies also waiving fares.