Foodies in San Diego's North County are buzzing about the upcoming expansion of a beloved Thai eatery.

The Pad Thai Stand is set to open in San Marcos this late summer, transforming a former corn dog spot into a hub for authentic Thai flavors.

Chef Nattapon 'Ranma' Thitathan, with over 20 years of experience, brings regional pad Thai variations from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, featuring house-made tamarind sauces and customizable spice levels.

This cozy, quick-service spot mirrors its popular locations in Pacific Beach and Clairemont Mesa, emphasizing takeaway with proteins like classic meats or veggie options, plus twists like curry infusions.

Starting from a humble Oceanside market stall in 2017, Thitathan's venture now expands to 997 W. San Marcos Boulevard, aligning with the area's booming downtown developments and $2 billion community projects.

Amid rising food trends in 2025, including brewery expansions like Harland in 4S Ranch, this opening elevates North County's diverse dining scene, drawing locals and visitors alike.

As San Marcos grows with new homes and vibrant hubs, The Pad Thai Stand promises to become a neighborhood staple, spicing up summer outings.

San Diego County faces a dangerous heat wave, with inland highs in the mid-90s and desert temperatures soaring to 110–116°F.

Pet owners are urged to take extra precautions as the risk of heat-related illness rises sharply for animals.

The San Diego Humane Society stresses the need to keep pets hydrated, provide cool shelter, and never leave animals in parked cars.

Hot pavement can burn paws, so walks should be limited to early mornings or evenings.

Regular grooming, access to shade, and using pet-safe sunscreen are vital, especially for hairless or light-coated breeds.

Watch for signs of distress, like heavy panting or glazed eyes, and seek a vet’s help immediately if symptoms appear.

If an animal is spotted in a hot vehicle, call (619) 299-7012 or local law enforcement right away.

Stay vigilant until cooler weather arrives next week, ensuring pets stay safe in the extreme heat.

Thai cuisine continues to thrive across the United States, blending classic flavors with local innovations.

In Salt Lake City’s Marmalade neighborhood, Tuk Tuks delights with hearty servings and a warm atmosphere, boasting favorites like chicken tom yum and Thai-style wings.

The Curry Boys BBQ in Nashville’s Riverside Village offers creative curry bowls, pairing smoked Texas brisket with rich Thai curries, reflecting the fusion of cultures in every bite.

New Orleans’ Thaifood by Chef Orawin at St. Roch Market brings authentic street dishes like Pad Thai and Som Tum, adding to the city's vibrant culinary scene.

Meanwhile, Virginia’s NVA Thai Street Food & Culture Festival draws crowds eager to savor Thai cuisine, music, and dance, fostering community through shared tradition.

Boston’s Kiin Thai Sushi merges Thai and Japanese influences, offering inventive plates like crispy pork belly krapow and green curry mussels.

These developments underline Thai food’s growing influence, bridging cultures and tastes nationwide.

Mastro’s Ocean Club has launched in downtown San Diego, raising the bar for upscale dining with its first location in the city and tenth in California.

Set at 901 Bayfront Court beneath the InterContinental Hotel, the restaurant impresses with sweeping coastal views and a sleek, ocean-inspired ambiance.

Executive Chef Jennifer Jones oversees a menu featuring USDA Prime wet-aged steaks, towering seafood platters, and inventive sushi from Chef Angel Carbajal of Cabo’s Nick-San.

Highlights include caviar-topped oysters, A5 Wagyu beef carpaccio, and decadent sides like lobster mashed potatoes and truffle gnocchi.

The bar showcases more than 50 wines by the glass, 500+ spirits, and signature cocktails, while nightly live music in the Piano Lounge sets an elegant mood.

With strict dress code policies and premium amenities, Mastro’s offers an exceptional dining experience steps from Seaport Village and the convention center.

After years of neglect, Rancho Bernardo Community Park’s former lawn bowling green has been reborn as two new multipurpose fields, dramatically enhancing San Diego’s recreational landscape.

The July 15 ribbon-cutting drew families, young athletes, and community leaders, including members of the Friday Night Lights North San Diego flag football league who eagerly broke in the fields.

Thanks to a generous $250,000 donation from a local resident, the 38-acre park along West Bernardo Drive now features expanded green space, 12 benches, and water fountains, making it a true gathering spot for all ages.

Key figures like Robin Kaufman, President of the RB Community Recreation Group, and Leona Sublett of the San Diego Parks Foundation emphasized the community-driven revitalization, especially after city funding was redirected following January’s floods.

Local families and youth leagues from Rancho Bernardo, Poway, 4S Ranch, and Escondido now have more room for sports, events, and neighborhood connections — uplifting the entire area.

Las Cuatro Milpas, a legendary San Diego eatery serving locals since 1933, is facing serious financial and operational pressures that threaten its survival.

The restaurant owes over $60,000 in overdue property taxes, and with state and federal tax debts soaring past $190,000 total, it faces the risk of a forced asset sale if accounts aren’t settled by March 2026.

Operations took a hit in January 2025, when health authorities closed Las Cuatro Milpas for nearly three weeks after inspections revealed a severe cockroach infestation and other health violations. The location reopened only after resolving these urgent issues.

Founded by Petra and Natividad Estudillo, the restaurant remains a beloved Barrio Logan fixture, still drawing crowds for its homemade tortillas and traditional fare.

With the community watching and a key deadline approaching, the future of this cherished San Diego institution hangs in the balance.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects individuals uniquely, but diagnosis centers on persistent challenges in social communication and interaction, along with repetitive behaviors or restricted interests.

Clinicians assess symptoms and assign a support level, from Level 1 (requiring support) to Level 3 (requiring very substantial support).

Social difficulties may include trouble starting or keeping conversations, expressing emotions, or understanding others’ perspectives. Many individuals with autism feel discomfort with eye contact, struggle with reading body language, and have challenges making friends or understanding personal boundaries.

Community efforts are making a difference locally. In West Palm Beach, tailored swim lessons for autistic children help reduce the risk of drowning. In San Francisco, Supervisor Bilal Mahmood’s advocacy is preserving critical autism services. Across the US, Black fathers are building supportive networks to raise awareness and combat stigma.

These initiatives show how dedicated programs and public understanding create safer, more inclusive communities for individuals with autism and their families.

Casa Guadalajara shines as a hub for authentic Mexican cuisine in Old Town San Diego, inviting guests into a lively world of vibrant decor, mariachi performances, and lush patios.

Founded by Diane Powers in 1995 and part of the Bazaar del Mundo Restaurant Group, the restaurant’s stunning courtyard—anchored by a dramatic 300-year-old pepper tree—creates a unique dining setting that celebrates Mexico’s rich heritage.

Casa Guadalajara embraces the community with festive events year-round, including a heartfelt Día de los Muertos tribute in October 2024 honoring Padres’ owner Peter Seidler, and a vibrant Cinco de Mayo celebration in May 2025 with live music and traditional fare.

Recognized as one of San Diego’s top family-friendly restaurants, it offers a kids’ menu, engaging entertainment, and special promotions like “Kids Eat Free.”

For locals and visitors alike, Casa Guadalajara is a true immersion into Mexican flavors and tradition.