SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA \u2014 To keep your weekend light, Patch presents some positive Southern California stories from the past week \u2014 many that hopefully will brighten your day.<\/p>\n
Arts and Entertainment <\/p>\n
Actress Katherine Heigl And Her Mom Commit To Helping Riverside County Pets<\/a><\/p>\n The family’s foundation, named in honor of the screen star’s older brother, will bring low-cost spay and neuter services to the desert.<\/p>\n Find out what’s happening in Santeefor free with the latest updates from Patch.<\/p>\n Marshmello, Good Charlotte And More Set For 2026 San Diego County Fair<\/a><\/p>\n Additional headliners for the Grandstand series are expected to be announced in March and April.<\/p>\n Find out what’s happening in Santeefor free with the latest updates from Patch.<\/p>\n OC Boy Played Young Bad Bunny In Super Bowl Performance<\/a><\/p>\n The 5-year-old boy who played a young Bad Bunny in the Super Bowl halftime show is from Orange County.<\/p>\n San Diego Museum Month Offers Half-Off Admission At Over 70 Sites<\/a><\/p>\n Participating sites include museums, aquariums, gardens, historic sites and state parks.<\/p>\n Seven Seas Food Festival Bringing Global Flavors, Concert Series To SeaWorld San Diego<\/a><\/p>\n This year’s menu features more than 150 food and drink options inspired by dishes from around the world.<\/p>\n Business <\/p>\n Fantasy Springs Resort Casino Plans Two Career Expos This February<\/a><\/p>\n Hiring managers will be on-site to conduct interviews for Public Safety, Food & Beverage, and Culinary roles.<\/p>\n Murrieta’s Restaurant Month In Planning Stages For March Opening Day<\/a><\/p>\n Restaurants are invited to take part in this citywide celebration. Which restaurants do you hope will participate in 2026?<\/p>\n New Costco Plans Underway In Lake Forest After Vote<\/a><\/p>\n Plans to create a new 165,000-square-foot Costco Wholesale building were just solidified, thanks to the city’s planning commission.<\/p>\n Oscar Mayer Wienermobile Plans February Stops In SoCal<\/a><\/p>\n Oscar Mayer’s 27-foot-long hot dog on wheels is heading to Southern California.<\/p>\n Community <\/p>\n County Launches Homelessness Data Dashboards<\/a><\/p>\n The data tracks progress on multiple programs, as well as outcomes for people served by county outreach teams.<\/p>\n Funding Sought For CA State Parks Library Pass Program To Keep Parks Accessible To All<\/a><\/p>\n Through 2026 you can check out a CA State Parks library pass and visit 200 parks for free, but that could change if a new bill doesn’t pass.<\/p>\n Lunar New Year Celebration Set As Annual Tet Parade Comes To OC<\/a><\/p>\n More than 15,000 people are expected to attend the annual parade in Westminster. What to know.<\/p>\n Marilyn’s Birthday Toast Guinness World Record Attempt Planned For 100th Birthday Anniversary<\/a><\/p>\n Grab 500 of your favorite friends, your Marilyn costume, and head to Palm Springs in May to help set a Guinness World Record.<\/p>\n NICU Babies Dress Up For Valentine’s Day At Rady Children’s Hospital<\/a><\/p>\n The babies celebrated their first Valentine’s Day with a special photoshoot. See the adorable photos.<\/p>\n Orange County Cities Rank Among Safest In CA For 2026<\/a><\/p>\n SafeWise released its 2026 Safest Cities report. See where cities in Orange County ranked on the list.<\/p>\n This San Diego-Area City Ranks Among Safest In CA For 2026<\/a><\/p>\n SafeWise released its 2026 Safest Cities report. One city in San Diego County ranked on the list.<\/p>\n Health <\/p>\n $30M Hoag Donation To Fund Affordable Housing For Nurses<\/a><\/p>\n The Orange County-area hospital has received $30 million from longtime supporters Ron and Sandi Simon, officials said this week.<\/p>\n Schools <\/p>\n 4 Encinitas High School Students Honored During ‘Rising Star’ Event<\/a><\/p>\n The Rising Star program is a monthly breakfast that honors seniors from high schools in the San Dieguito Union High School District.<\/p>\n Black College Expo To Offer Scholarships, On-The-Spot Admissions<\/a><\/p>\n Students will have the opportunity to meet with college representatives, apply for scholarships, attend seminars and more.<\/p>\n Over $160K In Scholarships Available For San Diego, Riverside Students Through Cal Coast Cares Foundation<\/a><\/p>\n “These scholarships open doors for students who are working hard to achieve their dreams, often while overcoming significant challenges.”<\/p>\n San Diego County School District Earns ‘Green Achiever’ Award<\/a><\/p>\n Only five schools or school districts in the Golden State earned the highest distinction as Green Achievers.<\/p>\n Torrey Pines Wins San Diego County High School Mock Trial Competition<\/a><\/p>\n More than 850 students participated in the 20th annual program at San Diego Superior Court’s Central Courthouse.<\/p>\n Seasonal <\/p>\n 8 Great Ways To Spend Valentine’s Weekend In Temecula Valley: Gift A Year Full Of Experiences<\/a><\/p>\n From dinner and a laugh to strolling and shopping on Old Town Front St., here are some unique ways to spend Valentine’s Day in Wine Country.<\/p>\n Celebrate Valentine’s Day In Downtown Disney With Red Velvet CraftShakes<\/a><\/p>\n Might we suggest a red velvet mini CraftShake? This is topped with cream cheese\u2013frosted rim, cake crumbs, topped with a red velvet cupcake.<\/p>\n Sports <\/p>\n Banning Broncos Boys Soccer Team Secures League Victory, Makes School History<\/a><\/p>\n The Banning High School Broncos secure the program\u2019s first Sun Valley League Championship in school history.<\/p>\n College-Athletes Plan Humanitarian Aid Across The Globe<\/a><\/p>\n Westmont College Women’s Soccer shows its heart, fundraising for a May, 2026 mission trip to Uganda and Kenya to support a women’s shelter.<\/p>\n High School Seniors Urged To Apply For CalKIDS College, Career Training Scholarships<\/a><\/p>\n Students completing financial aid applications are encouraged to check for available CalKIDS scholarships before the March 2 deadline.<\/p>\n MSJC Menifee Campus Celebrates New $50M STEM Building, Completion Of Measure AA<\/a><\/p>\n The new Math and Science Building is the final project funded by the $295 million bond measure.<\/p>\n Release The Kraken! Coachella Valley Firebirds Nod To NHL Team Alliance<\/a><\/p>\n “Kraken Night,” presented by Alaska Airline, shines a spotlight on the shared commitment to player development and on-ice success.<\/p>\n Seahawks Celebrate Super Bowl LX Win With Disneyland Visit<\/a><\/p>\n Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker the III and Orange County-born quarterback Sam Darnold will make the traditional visit Monday.<\/p>\n Temecula Dog Handler, Former Dog Show Winner, Judges Junior Handlers At 150th Westminster Dog Show<\/a><\/p>\n Penny, a Doberman Pinscher, secured the top title at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, besting over 2,500 entries.<\/p>\n