San Diego County Deserts are Turning Colorful

East County News Service June 1, 2026 (San Diego County) — The San Diego Humane Society is clearing a path to make the road to a forever home less bumpy for hundreds of companion animals. The SDHS is waiving all adoption fees Saturday, June 6, as part of the third annual California Adopt-a-Pet Day .  As shelters across the state struggle with overcrowding, this statewide initiative — hosted by California Animal Welfare Association (CalAnimals) , the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals — aims to clear kennel space while connecting pets with new families. The San Diego Humane Society currently has more than 800 pets waiting for adoption across its campuses in El Cajon, San Diego, Escondido and Oceanside. On Saturday, all campuses will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with no adoption fees. SDHS is encouraging prospective adopters to arrive early, as all adoptions will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. The annual adoption event has seen consistent growth since its inception. In 2024, the initiative facilitated 3,609 adoptions across California, a figure that climbed to nearly 5,000 in 2025. Last year alone, the SDHS successfully placed 293 pets in a single day, and organizers are setting their sights on exceeding that number this weekend. “Waiving adoption fees for a day can transform hundreds of lives, both for the animals who find homes and the people who welcome them,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of SDHS. “We’re proud to join shelters across California to spotlight the incredible pets in our care and help more families discover their perfect companion.” To ensure each pet gets off to a healthy start, the SDHS includes several services with every adoption. These include spay/neuter surgery, current vaccinations, permanent microchip identification, post-adoption training support and a complimentary veterinary exam at participating clinics. Prospective adopters can preview local animals currently awaiting homes by visiting sdhumane.org/adopt .

East County News Service May 31, 2026 (San Diego) – You’re invited to see James and Anne Hubbell’s acclaimed home and art studios near Julian, California. Docent-led tours are offered each Thursday through Saturday in June, starting at 10 a.m.An immersive art and nature experience, each 90-minute tour covers the art and architecture of famed architect and artist James Hubbell amid the surrounding unspoiled natural beauty of the Santa Ysabel landscape. Admission fees go entirely to support Ilan-Lael Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit dedicated to preserving the Hubbell property and its legacy of bringing art and nature to the community. Reservations are required. For tickets ($45) and details, visit https://ilanlaelfoundation.org/ .

The closest federal protected land is the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge , located about 60 to 75 miles northeast of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in Calipatria, CA. This refuge serves as a vital stopover for the Pacific Flyway and features birdwatching trails and a multi-story observation tower. 

How one Borrego Springs teen is using music, service, and storytelling to make a difference

What a difference 10 days makes! May 20th to May 30th.

A Historic Day for Borrego Springs Athletics

A first season built on quality, trust, and community support Starting a new business in a small community takes more than equipment and ideas. It takes trust, relationships, consistency, and a willingness to show up for people. During their very first season in business, Dark Sky Printing has done exactly that. Since launching in Borrego Springs, Matt and Melissa of Dark Sky Printing have taken the time to connect with local businesses, nonprofits, organizations, and community members to better understand what people actually need. From business cards and flyers to banners, posters, and printed materials for events and fundraising efforts, they quickly became a dependable local resource for quality printing and personal service. Borrego Springs has long been fortunate to have strong local printing and design support. For decades, Ellen Fitzpatrick of Graphics You Can Trust has been a trusted staple and pillar in the community, helping local businesses, organizations, and nonprofits share their messages with care and creativity. She continues to take on projects while also generously donating time and support to causes throughout Borrego Springs. Dark Sky Printing has also become a valued resource for the community, adding another dependable local option for quality printing and personal service. What stands out most is not only the quality of their work, but the way they do business. Customers know what to expect when they contact Dark Sky Printing: clear communication, professionalism, reliable turnaround times, and orders delivered on time. Over the past season, Dark Sky Printing has also quietly supported the community through donated printing, volunteer support, and helping multiple nonprofits and organizations with materials for events, outreach, and local programs. Their willingness to give back has not gone unnoticed. Recently, Matt and Melissa shared a heartfelt message thanking the community for supporting their first season in business: Thank You for an Incredible First Season! When we launched Dark Sky Printing, we had a vision: to deliver high-quality printing with care, precision, and a personal touch. What we didn’t fully anticipate was just how much your support would mean to us. To every customer who trusted us with your business cards, letterhead, banners, flyers, posters, and everything in between, thank you. You didn’t just place an order; you placed your trust in a brand-new business, and that means the world to us. Your repeat business, your referrals, and your kind words have been the fuel that kept us going through the challenges and celebrations of our first season. We are truly grateful for each and every one of you. As we look ahead, we are more committed than ever to delivering the quality and service you deserve. The best is truly yet to come, and we can’t wait to continue growing alongside you. Here’s to many more seasons together. Matt and Melissa The Dark Sky Printing Team --------------------- Borrego Springs is fortunate to have local businesses that invest not only in their own success, but in the success of the community around them. Dark Sky Printing has already become an important part of helping organizations, events, and businesses share their message professionally and effectively.

Neighbors helping keep Borrego beautiful, one cleanup at a time.