Santa Rosas Poppy Bank opened a Novato branch and says it will reach 50 California locations by yearend 2026 while adding staff and competitive shortterm CDs.

The DOJ and California Attorney General filed a proposed settlement requiring three San Diego ready‑mix plants be sold to Holliday Rock to preserve competition in the region.

Santee’s big Memorial Day block party returns Saturday with a beer garden, live music and more than 300 vendors. The free, family-friendly festival draws roughly 30,000 people.

A 29‑year‑old was arrested in Chula Vista after two separate stabbings left two people hospitalized; police say both victims are now stable.

Lightning in a Bottle returned to Buena Vista Lake May 20–24, drawing thousands for five days of music, art and camping while organizers and health officials emphasize precautions.

The Margot Hotel opened Wednesday in the Gaslamp Quarter as one of Hilton’s first Outset Collection properties, offering 135 all‑suite rooms, kitchens and a rooftop terrace.

The Pentagon wants $54.6B to mass drone swarms; senators warn policy, training and accountability may be lagging the tech. Near‑term demos and hearings are now in focus.

Scripps researchers report a months‑long marine heat wave off San Diego, with daily temperature records at Scripps Pier and seabirds washing ashore emaciated.

Marines at Miramar tested UH‑1Y and AH‑1Z helicopters as airborne motherships to launch and control Neros Archer FPV drones, showing a way to strike from farther away while keeping crews safer.

A Chula Vista officer has been charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter in the June 20, 2025 crash that killed a local motorcyclist; he pleaded not guilty Thursday. Civil and criminal cases are now moving forward.

A fatal collision closed westbound I‑8 east of Lakeside, scattering wreckage and forcing detours onto Olde Highway 80. CHP investigators are on scene.

A woman died after a Saab struck her disabled Camry on Fairmount Avenue in the Talmadge neighborhood. Police say impairment did not appear to be a factor.

The owner of Escondido’s notorious "Trump House" was rushed to a trauma center after a violent confrontation outside his Buchanan Street home. Police arrested a suspect and investigators have cordoned off the scene.