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