Mom, Son Write Children's Book; Affordable Trees: Saturday Smiles
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — There was a lot of heavy news this week, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the mob takeover of the U.S. capitol. But there were also plenty of sweet stories this week — from hopeful signs at the capitol and coronavirus vaccines — to the re-emergence of a tortoise, and acts of kindness.
Here are a few of our favorites from the past 2 weeks —
Elvis Presley's Palm Springs 'Honeymoon Hideaway': Auction Slated
The auction will feature items from the oft-photographed Alexander Estate in Palm Springs.
San Diego Mom And Son Write First Children's Book Amid Pandemic
Inspired by their love of adventure and sloths, Nikki Pezzopane and her 7-year-old son, Cameron Fica, wrote "Slothee Wants Coffee" together.
San Diego Nonprofit, Local Nurseries Offer Affordable Trees
"Growing or gifting of trees demonstrates hope for the future, and planting a tree is such a positive way to start the new year."
SoCal Students Invited To Guess Mojave Maxine's 2021 Arrival
An annual predictor of spring, the region is awaiting Mojave Maxine's arrival at Palm Desert's The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.
Firefighters Rescue Special Needs Child Stuck In Menifee Elevator
Crews reached the location within a few minutes and pried open the elevator doors to free the 12-year-old girl.
It's A Match-A-Thon: Ocean Institute Fans Keep Things Afloat
The year 2020 is in the history books, but the Ocean Institute still needs financial support amid a wave of donation successes.
5 SoCal Women Look For Love In 'The Bachelor' Season #25
Women from OC, Studio City, Valley Village & LA join the bachelorettes cast vying for the affection of the first Black Bachelor, Matt James.
California Jobs That Have A Good Outlook In 2021
Here are some jobs and industries in California that have a good outlook for 2021, according to state data.
Join Santa Monica Black Leaders For An Anti-Racism Conversation
Black leaders in Santa Monica will lead a virtual anti-racism conversation on Jan. 28.
SD Has Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions By 25% Since 2010: Report
San Diego is one of the largest U.S. cities to adopt a Climate Action Plan setting goals for 100% renewable energy citywide and zero waste.
San Diego Foundation Awards Grants For Older San Diegan Programs
The San Diego Foundation has pledged to grow the adoption of "age-friendly" action plans by local municipalities throughout the region.
'They Were Banging At The Doors' Rep. Correa Talks Capitol Scene
"I saw Democrats, Republicans getting ready to defend that castle in case of a breach. I saw unity, unity of purpose, unity of Americans."
Helping The Helpers: South OC Company Funds & Feeds Thousands
Rainbow Sandals' founder Jay Longley has donated over $250K to help others in need amid the coronavirus pandemic, "happy to give back."
New Project At Temecula's Jacob's House Is A Sweet Tearjerker
A private message from a father to his departed daughter is part of the project.
Youth Invited To Show Off Artwork Honoring Palm Desert Police
Received artwork will be displayed in the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station lobby.
San Diego Graduating Seniors Can Apply For Cox Scholarships
Cox Charities is offering $75,000 in college scholarships to high school seniors in the San Diego area.
San Diego Senior Home Residents, Staff Receive COVID-19 Vaccines
Senior residents and staff members of St. Paul's McColl Health Center in San Diego received the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
Garden Nominations Sought For 2021 Newport Beach Tour
The tour of dazzling residential gardens, planned May 2021, is a major, annual fundraiser for Sherman Library & Gardens in Corona del Mar.
Laguna Beach Restaurant Adds Japanese, Pop-Up Menu
The Rooftop Lounge on South Coast Highway is featuring an array of SuperRich’s Onigiri for takeout & delivery.
24 Days In Hospital, Firefighter Injured In Indio Blaze Goes Home
Anthony Reyes was injured while fighting a fire at a single-family home on Dec. 8 in the 81100 block of Durango Drive in Indio.
Gifts That Give Back To Animals All Year Long
"Tribute" donations are a way to honor those you love while helping to ensure the protection of animals.
San Diego Increasing Minimum Wage In 2021
San Diego is among the cities in California that will adjust its minimum wage next year.
llumina And Helix Collaborate To Identify COVID-19 Variants
San Diego-based sequencing company Illumina and genomics company Helix are working to identify emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2.
Fuego Delivers Meals To Ronald McDonald House, Fire Crews
The Long Beach eatery at Hotel Maya treated families and fire personnel to chef-prepared holiday dinners.
Restaurant Week 2021: Guide To The Best In California
January typically kicks off "Restaurant Week" specials throughout Golden State cities. This year is a little different. The focus: takeout.
Eastern Municipal Water District To Receive $25M In Federal Funds
Lawmakers who helped secure the funding included Reps. Ken Calvert, R- Corona, Raul Ruiz, D-Palm Springs, and Mark Takano, D-Riverside.
Best Fitness Apps For 2021: Stay Healthy And Connected
Here's Patch's guide to some of the best fitness apps to keep you well in 2021.
If you have an idea for a nice news story in your town, let us know. Email your story tips to autumn.johnson@patch.com
This article originally appeared on the Lemon Grove Patch