5 Best Restaurants in El Cajon, California You Need to Try Before Everyone Else Finds Them

El Cajon, California — a city where the foothills cradle neighborhoods stitched with memory and migration, where the sun leans golden on Spanish-tiled roofs and the laughter of families drifts through palm-lined streets. Here, the scent of carne asada mingles with the sweetness of baklava, and every block hums with the stories of newcomers, old-timers, and dreamers who gather at tables to share more than a meal.

Large fire engulfs abandoned ‘nuisance' building in San Diego's Mountain View area

MTS moves to adopt new penalty program for passenger violations

The Metropolitan Transit System board of directors approved a new administrative penalty program for fare evasion and certain passenger conduct violations on Oct. 15, according to a press release from the agency. Under the program, eligible citations will be moved out of the criminal court system and into an administrative review process instead. Riders who receive these citations will pay a fine and can contest it through the agency rather than face a criminal charge. This process is similar to how San Diego handles parking tickets as civil matters and not crimes.

Veterans Day to bring observances, holiday closures to San Diego County

San Diego County residents planning to take care of government business, visit a library or use certain recreation facilities will need to plan around Wednesday's Veterans Day holiday. San Diego city and county offices will observe the holiday, with many public services and facilities closed for the day. The federal...

A tax hike on La Mesa weed biz

The La Mesa City Council unanimously approved a 1% retail cannabis tax rate hike at a recent meeting, Documenter Alicia Bennett reports. The tax applies to commercial cannabis businesses’ revenue and is not a sales tax on customers. The decision changes the tax rate from 4% to 5% effective Jan. 1.

Now they have to solve the TJ River crisis

San Diego County supervisors just got a lot more power and money — and have a major new promise to keep. County governance reform Measure A and a countywide sales tax increase Measure B each passed with about 52 percent of the vote. Measure B is a half-cent countywide...

San Diego families struggle to keep up with housing and grocery costs

For many San Diego families, the rising cost of living is making it increasingly difficult to afford everyday necessities, from housing and groceries to energy and medical expenses. An NBC 7 Responds affordability survey, completed by more than 1,100 people, reveals the financial pressure facing local households. Housing remains the...

Downtown San Diego offices get new life as affordable housing

As San Diego sees a growing need for affordable housing, developers are getting creative in their approach to help meet the demand. Some are acquiring downtown high-rise office buildings and converting them to affordable housing. “It’s really fun to walk by the building that I used to work in about...

New low-cost veterinary hospital to break ground in San Diego

The San Diego Humane Society will host a wall-breaking ceremony this week to launch its new low-cost Community Veterinary Hospital & Spay/Neuter Center, announced Monday. The new facility will serve as a single destination where pet families can access low-cost, high-quality medical care, spay/neuter services and support, the SDHS said.

Where To Get Thanksgiving Dinner in San Diego, 2026

At its core, Thanksgiving is about family, friends, and being thankful for everything you have. But, let’s be real. It’s also, absolutely, about the food. Whether you’ve had tried-and-true traditions since childhood or are hoping to begin a few of your own this year, our list of 30 local restaurants are doing the heavy lifting of creating a feast for your family with dinner specials, buffets, and take-home meals.

Free Spay/Neuter, Vaccinations Offered to Homeless People's Pets in San Diego

A San Diego nonprofit has received a $30,000 grant to pay for spay/neuter procedures, microchips and vaccinations for 180 pets of homeless people in the region, the group announced Saturday.

Early returns show several San Diego County school bond measures passing

School district leaders throughout San Diego County are waiting to see whether voters have approved their bond measures. As of Monday morning, “yes” votes are leading in most districts, including Mountain Empire Unified. “We’re cautiously optimistic,” said Patrick Keeley, superintendent of Mountain Empire Unified. “We're excited about the...

Mission Beach residents prepare as another coastal flood advisory hits

A new coastal flood advisory is in effect for San Diego, with tides predicted above 7 feet as Mission Beach residents prepare for more flooding.

U.S. Veterans helping veterans: San Diego food drive supports military families

A Veterans Day food drive at Liberty Station, Sunday, brought together a Christian group of veterans, active-duty service members and volunteers to support thousands of people and their loved ones facing food scarcity while serving the country. As the uncertainty continues over the war in Iran and other U.S. conflicts...

Number of rabid animals in California skyrockets to the most cases in nearly 30 years

Your browser does not support the video tag. California has seen the number of rabid animals skyrocket, with the most cases in nearly 30 years, according to state officials. At least 368 rabid animals were found in the Golden State so far this year, breaking a 28-year record, the California Veterinary Medical Association announced Saturday. Most of the rabid animals were bats or skunks from Southern California, according to the veterinary association. San Diego County health officials sounded the alarm in July after a rabid bat landed on the table where a family was eating lunch at the rustic Yellow Deli chain in Vista. Another diner quickly grabbed the bat with a towel and brought it to the Humane Society in Oceanside. Last month, local health officials reported the first two raccoons to test positive for rabies in Los Angeles County in more than 50 years. At least 368 rabid animals were found in the Golden State so far this year, breaking a 28-year record, the California Veterinary Medical Association announced Saturday (Getty Images) The first raccoon was found in someone’s backyard in the Westlake Village area, officials said on October 5. The raccoon reportedly appeared sick but not aggressive

2026 California midterm election results

The UCSD Guardian compiled the results of the 2026 midterm election. Multiple races and propositions remain to be called as votes continue to be counted. San Diego Measures A and B have also not been called. California state governor. Former Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra (D) won...

El Niño Just Pushed California’s Ocean to the Highest Levels Ever Recorded, and NOAA Says More Is Coming

Roads flooded, water pushed into homes and businesses, and tide gauges that have been recording for more than a century logged numbers they had never seen before. That was the California coast between Oct. 24 and 30, and NOAA has now explained what made it happen. The NOAA National Ocean...

Volunteers fulfill donation goal of 25,000 lbs at NTC Park food drive

More than 200 volunteers gathered at NTC Park to host a Veterans Day food drive organized by the World Mission Society Church of God and the International Military Bible Academy to benefit the San Diego Food Bank.

Honoring veterans and their continued service

Each Veterans Day, we take time to recognize the service and sacrifice of the millions of Americans who have served in our nation’s military. That recognition is especially meaningful here in San Diego County, where the military is an important part of our community. Many of us have veterans in our families, workplaces and neighborhoods, and we are proud to have veterans on the Helix Water District team.