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…)
Educator Dr. Mark Jeffers honored as 2026-27 San Diego County Teacher of the Year
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by Karen Pearlman | May 20, 2026 1:33 am
East County News Service
May 19, 2026 (Spring Valley) — Longtime Mount Miguel High School English teacher Dr. Mark Jeffers was named a 2026-27 San Diego County Teacher of the Year.
Dr. Jeffers is one of five educators selected for this honor from a large pool of teachers across the county.
Dr. Jeffers was given his award during a surprise presentation on May 15 at Mount Miguel. The presentation was coordinated in part by the San Diego Community Credit Union, a key partner of the annual Excellence in Education program, and featured a gathering of distinguished guests, including San Diego County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gloria Ciriza, Grossmont Union High School District Superintendent Dr. Kirsten Vital Brulte, and GUHSD Governing Board Trustees Robert Shield, Gary Woods, Scott Eckert and Chris Fite.
Update 3:45 p.m.: The #TusilFire is now 500 acres and has burned within 1/4 mile of I-8, which is closed in both directions. Motorists can expect significant delays. A temporary evacuation center has been set up at Golden Acorn Casino.
May 19, 2026 — Homes are immediately threatened and evacuations have been ordered in Campo due to the #Tulsi Fire. View evacuations at the Genasys Evacuation map. [1]
The fire began at Crestwood Road near Old mine Road in Campo. It has burned 30 acres with zero containment so far. It is approximately one-half mile from Old Highway 80 and is heading toward Interstate 8, according to Cal Fire. (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.