Destination East County: Joyful June events 10
By Miriam Raftery 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. Scroll down for full details. Printer-friendly version
10 viewsEast County residents challenge SANDAG vision for state Route 94 corridor plan 22
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 Printer-friendly version
22 viewsSan Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector race features four candidates seeking to watchdog public money 88
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 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. Printer-friendly version
88 viewsAl Awael Brings Authentic Iraqi Cuisine to El Cajon 18
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. Printer-friendly version
18 viewsCalifornia State Senate unanimously passes Senator Weber Pierson’s early math screening bill 8
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. Printer-friendly version
8 viewsCannabis affects childhood brain development, is ‘real risk’ for teens, UCSD finds in long-term study 16
By Thomas Murphy, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association 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. Printer-friendly version
16 viewsFirefighters hold Tusil Fire to 1,000 acres overnight despite difficult conditions; some evacuations remain in place 15
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. Printer-friendly version
15 viewsEducator Dr. Mark Jeffers honored as 2026-27 San Diego County Teacher of the Year 15
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. Printer-friendly version
15 viewsEvacuations ordered due to Tusil Fire in Campo 12
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. 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. Printer-friendly version
12 views‘I truly believe that’s what saved the 140 kids.’ SDPD details heroism of three Islamic Center shooting victims. 3
By Brooke Binkowski, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online Journalism Association Photo: A guard looks as on as a man and child leave flowers at the Islamic Center of San Diego the day after a mass shooting left three victims and two shooters dead. (Photo by Adrian Childress/Times of San Diego) May 19, 2026 (San Diego) — Officials have identified the three people killed in Monday’s shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego in Clairemont Mesa. Amin Abdullah, Mansour Kaziha and Nader Awad were killed Monday morning while protecting people inside the center from two gunmen, law enforcement officials outlined Tuesday. Printer-friendly version
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