Inspiring 11-Year-Old; Restaurant Reopenings: Saturday Smiles

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — If you need a little break from your holiday hustle and bustle, we are here to help. Patch has sweet Southern California stories we hope you will enjoy.

Carlsbad Girl's Passion For Pets Fosters Nonprofit Amid Pandemic

• Genevieve, an 11-year-old animal activist, recently launched A Purpose 4 Pets, a foster-based organization in San Diego County.

Laguna Beach Woman Helps Others With Vaccination Advice

• Orange County's hospitalizations are down as cases decline across the county. Meanwhile, a savvy local is helping find answers and vaccines.

Actor Anthony Hopkins Honored By Palm Springs Film Fest

• The organization recognized Hopkins for his performance in "The Father."

'HOLLYBOOB:' Six Arrested, Accused Of Altering Hollywood Sign

• Police said a group attached tarp to the letters "w" and "d" to change the meaning of the sign.

Patrick Reed Wins Farmers Insurance Open At Torrey Pines

• American Patrick Reed shot a 4-under-par 68 Sunday to win the $7.5 million Farmers Insurance Open by five strokes over five golfers.

La Casa Del Camino: Staycation Planning In Laguna Beach

• Where will you vacation this summer? How about this gem in Laguna Beach. She's 92-years-old and in her prime as a unique south OC retreat.

100 Gallons Of Blood Donated By Security Guard In Inland Empire

• A blood donor for more than 50 years, Dennis Hall is a gift who keeps on giving.

Ali MacGraw, Ryan O'Neal Receive Stars On Hollywood Walk Of Fame

• The two actors will receive the 2,692nd and 2,693rd stars in the first-ever double-induction ceremony.

San Diego County Schools To Honor 3 School Counselors Of The Year

• The three counselors were chosen out of 47 submissions.

Own A Bit Of Surf History On Balboa, Stuft Surfer Cafe, Surf Shop

• Live, work, play on Balboa Penninsula. A chance to own oceanfront property, the Stuft Surfer Cafe, The 15th St. Surf Shop & 3 residences.

Blaze Pizza Invites Temecula To Help Feed Hospital Workers

• For $5, residents can buy a pizza for Temecula Valley Hospital workers.

Leslie Odom Jr. Honored By Palm Springs Film Fest Organizers

• Odom was recognized by organizers for his portrayal of singer-songwriter Sam Cooke in "One Night in Miami."

Quieter Locomotives Prompt NCTD To Step Up Education

• A high percentage of accidents and fatalities that occur along the rail lines are preventable and unrelated to suicide attempts, NCTD said.

Dana Point Valentine's Day: Love Wall, Dine, Where To Stay 2021

• Find out where to stay and play, socially distanced, of course. Use the hashtag #DPHLoveWall and Instagram your weekend for harbor prizes.

Report Studying Student Data Could Lead To Better Outcomes

• A report studying San Diego County student data concerning preschool and kindergarten could lead to more effective teaching strategies.

Wildomar Big Sister Honored, Little Sister Stands Proud

• A college student learns about mentoring — and about herself.

Second COVID-19 Shot: Riverside County Reaching Out To Residents

• Anyone who received a first dose of the vaccine through a county-operated clinic can expect to be contacted for a second shot.

Super Bowl Recipes: Jackfruit Pizza & Eggplant Parm Sliders

• Bye-bye, boring burgers & weenies! Set a winning, Game Day spread with these easy & tasty halftime snacks.

Jeffrey Van Wagenen Jr. Tapped As CEO Of Riverside County

• Van Wagenen has been a county employee for 10 years.

Eisenhower Health Names New President, CEO

• Martin J. Massiello will take the helm starting March 1.

Historic 43-Acre Bible College Up For Sale In Murrieta

• The property on Murrieta Hot Springs Road was first developed into a luxury retreat in 1902.

El Paseo Businesses Get Free PPE Delivered From City

• Palm Desert City Council members Gina Nestande and Sabby Jonathan made the personal deliveries.

Reopenings

Downtown Disney, California Adventure Dining Open For Valentine's

• Disneyland Resort visitors now have the joy of the park's specialized treats as restaurants are now open just in time for Valentine's Day.

Casa Vega To Reopen On National Margarita Day

• The popular Mexican restaurant recently mourned the passing of its beloved founder, Ray Vega.

Living Desert Zoo Reopens More Amenities

• The further reopening of the Palm Desert facility follows Gov. Gavin Newsom's lifting of the state's stay-at-home order.

Bells Chime At Reopening Of Mission San Juan Capistrano

• Bells ringing announced that Mission San Juan Capistrano is once again open for those who wish to find solace within its walls.

Legoland's Castle Hotel To Reopen Feb. 12 In Carlsbad

• The Legoland theme park and Sea Life Aquarium remain closed.

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.