May 21, 2026 (San Diego) – This week’s roundup of top stories in other media includes repeal of Balboa Park parking fees, a hateful manifesto left by teens behind the deadly Islamic Center shootings, ICE’s removal of over 16,000 San Diegans, a border wall project desecrating Kumeyaay cultural resources, weedkiller Roundup sprayed in California forests, potential disaster at Lake Hodges, a gun violence prevention program in Spring Valley, an AI data center cutting off power for Lake Tahoe residents, immigration facility controversies and more. (more…)
Historic Borrego Sun expands to 24/7 free digital community platform
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by Eliza Bethalper | May 21, 2026 6:44 pm
East County News Service
May 21, 2026 (Borrego Springs) — The historic Borrego Sun is expanding into a continuously updated digital community media platform delivering free online access to local news, weather updates, events, tourism information, community features, social media content, and things to do throughout Borrego Springs and surrounding desert communities.
The expanded digital platform combines the longstanding journalism legacy of the Borrego Sun with the community-focused online resources of GoToBorregoSprings.com.(more…)
May 21, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – June is jumping with joyful events including Santee Summer Knights—a Medieval festival, star parties on Mount Laguna, Wild in the Country at Lions, Tigers and Bears in Alpine, open farm tours at Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona, a ballet production of Snow White at Kroc Theatre, Cajon Cruise nights, La Mesa’s classic car show, Laurel and Hardy comedy film showings, Julian’s Town Square Music Festival, Santee Summer Concerts, and rock legends Three Dog Night at the Magnolia in El Cajon.
East County residents challenge SANDAG vision for state Route 94 corridor plan
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by Karen Pearlman | May 21, 2026 5:26 pm
By Karen Pearlman
May 20, 2026 (Jamul) — The future of state Route 94 is being mapped to better manage traffic, decrease greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and keep the region moving more safely, but a recent presentation by the San Diego Association of Governments to the Jamul Dulzura Community Planning Group highlighted some disconnect between state-level planning mandates and the realities of traveling in and around East County.
Screenshot of May 19 Jamul Dulzura Community Planning Group meeting(more…)
Reader’s Editorial: National Military Appreciation Month–an opportunity to advance protections for toxic-exposed veterans
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by Eliza Bethalper | May 21, 2026 4:45 pm
By Christina Johnson
May 21, 2026 (San Diego) — Essentially, the ties between San Diego County, California, and the armed forces have never been confined to uniforms, deployments, or ceremonial tributes alone. In many ways, the region has grown alongside the military sector itself—honed by generations of Navy personnel, aviation crews, shipyard workers, veterans, and their families who helped make the county one of the most concentrated military communities. Regrettably, that long-standing presence has also carried less visible consequences that often receive far less public attention—most notably illnesses attributed to prolonged toxic exposure.
San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector race features four candidates seeking to watchdog public money
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by Miriam Raftery | May 20, 2026 10:20 pm
San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector Race Features Four Candidates
By Paul Levikow
May 20, 2026 (San Diego County) — The race for San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector[1] in the June 2 primary election is drawing increased attention as candidates debate how best to oversee billions in public funds, modernize tax systems, and safeguard taxpayer dollars during uncertain economic times. (more…)
Al Awael Brings Authentic Iraqi Cuisine to El Cajon
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by Miriam Raftery | May 20, 2026 9:49 pm
Review by Philicia Tonangoye
May 16, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) –On the corner of Avocado and Chase Ave in El Cajon, Al Awael is a new family-owned Mediterranean restaurant that offers a wide range of flavorful and affordable Middle Eastern food options for individual diners or family occasions.
Al Awael, meaning “the first,” holds special significance for the owner. When leaving Iraq for Jordan, he chose to name the restaurant “the first Iraqi restaurant” to mark this milestone before moving to the United States.
The menu has a variety of dishes from appetizers, salads, Al Awael cookies, sandwiches/ wraps, entrees, fries plates, and fish options. Prices range from $11 to $30 for single plates and combos and from $54 to $159 for catering/ larger options.
We ordered a Mediterranean Fatoush salad for $10.99 and two cheese burek ($4 each) as appetizers, and a lentil soup is offered to every customer dining in before placing their order. The salad was good and fresh, well-seasoned but a bit heavy on balsamic vinegar, the cheese burek was also delicious; I recommend eating it when warm.
Next, we ordered an Iraqi Kebab entree ($17.99) and a Qouzi Laham entree ($28.99); both plates were served with rice, salad, and the Qouzi had a curry stew on the side. Portions are reasonable, the food tastes very good, and is totally worth the price.
I personally appreciate the plates’ presentation; there’s incredible work that goes into dressing up the plates when dining in. We were offered tea at the end of our dinner.
The restaurant itself has a charming and warm atmosphere overall, the dining area is well-maintained, and the service is fast with a friendly staff.
I returned a few days ago and had a take-out of Iraqi kebab entree, cheese burek, and gave a try to chicken burek. The amount of food is the same as dining in, reasonable portions, and the same nice service.
California State Senate unanimously passes Senator Weber Pierson’s early math screening bill
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by Eliza Bethalper | May 20, 2026 9:07 pm
Source: Senator Akilah Weber-Pierson
AI image via Pixabay
May 20, 2026 (San Diego) — The California State Senate has unanimously passed SB 1067, legislation authored by Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D. to strengthen early identification of math learning challenges for students in kindergarten through second grade.
Cannabis affects childhood brain development, is ‘real risk’ for teens, UCSD finds in long-term study
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by Eliza Bethalper | May 20, 2026 9:01 pm
By Thomas Murphy, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association[1]
Photo: “Time Machine” cannabis pre-rolls have a high THC content, 23.51%. The packaging warns pregnant women that the drug can affect their babies. Photo by Thomas Murphy/Times of San Diego
May 20, 2026 (San Diego) – Experts have warned against childhood cannabis use since before America first said “Just Say No,” but its effects on brain development are not fully understood.
That’s changing, as new research from UC San Diego sheds light on how cannabis impacts youth and their ability to maintain attention, react and retain information.
By Thomas Murphy, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association: https://timesofsandiego.com/health/2026/05/16/cannabis-uc-san-diego-childhood-brain-development/
Firefighters hold Tusil Fire to 1,000 acres overnight despite difficult conditions; some evacuations remain in place
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by Miriam Raftery | May 20, 2026 2:54 pm
Story and Photos by Josh Stotler; Miriam Raftery contributed to this report
May 20, 2026 (Campo) – Wind-driven flames crossed Interstate 8, forcing temporary shutdown of the freeway in both directions late yesterday as crews battled the #Tusil Fire in rugged terrain. As of this morning, the number lane on both eastbound and westbound I-8 are reopened, but other lanes remain closed.
Overnight, crews held the fire to 1,000 acres; it is now 25 percent contained. (more…)
We ordered a Mediterranean Fatoush salad for $10.99 and two cheese burek ($4 each) as appetizers, and a lentil soup is offered to every customer dining in before placing their order. The salad was good and fresh, well-seasoned but a bit heavy on balsamic vinegar, the cheese burek was also delicious; I recommend eating it when warm.
Next, we ordered an Iraqi Kebab entree ($17.99) and a Qouzi Laham entree ($28.99); both plates were served with rice, salad, and the Qouzi had a curry stew on the side. Portions are reasonable, the food tastes very good, and is totally worth the price.
I returned a few days ago and had a take-out of Iraqi kebab entree, cheese burek, and gave a try to chicken burek. The amount of food is the same as dining in, reasonable portions, and the same nice service.