by Karen Pearlman | June 9, 2026 7:41 pm
Photo courtesy of ABC 10 News, an ECM news partner
East County News Service
June 9, 2026 (El Cajon) – Students at Grossmont High School have a towering reminder that when it comes to achieving their ambitions, they can reach for the stars.
A new mural honors three alumni who became astronauts: Bill Anders, Ellen Ochoa and Rick Sturckow. The mural’s backdrop features the iconic Apollo 8 “Earthrise” photo taken by Anders.
Source URL: https://eastcountymagazine.org/grossmont-high-honors-alumni-astronauts-with-campus-mural/
by Miriam Raftery | June 9, 2026 5:32 pm
June 9, 2026 (San Diego) –Read updates on the Ebola outbreak, abortion drug restrictions, infant deaths tied to parents refusing Vitamin K shots, gabapentin controversy, colorectal and breast cancer screenings, measles, pushback on AI data centers, privacy and surveillance issues, a breakthrough to make plastic biodegradable, self-driving vehicle flaws, and explosion of a Blue Origin rocket. (more…)
Source URL: https://eastcountymagazine.org/health-and-science-highlights-352/
by Karen Pearlman | June 8, 2026 8:42 pm
By Miriam Raftery
June 8, 2026 (San Diego County) – Target[1] has recalled Up & Up[2] baby wipes, both fragrance-free and cucumber-scented, after consumers reported infections in infants and testing by the United States Food and Drug Administration found contamination with Burkholderia cepacia and Burkholderia gladioli. These bacteria can cause localized or systemic infections capable of spreading into the bloodstream, which can result in life-threatening sepsis and/or pneumonia.
The products were sold at Target stores nationwide and on Target.com. The recall includes packages in various sizes. Customers have reported discoloration of products, skin irritations, and infections. If used on broken skin, the FDA says[3], the risks are greater for newborns, babies and young children — those for whom baby wipes are primarily designed — as they have still-developing immune systems.
Source URL: https://eastcountymagazine.org/target-recalls-baby-wipes-due-to-contamination-with-bacteria-that-can-cause-life-threatening-sepsis-and-pneumonia/
by Miriam Raftery | June 7, 2026 11:07 pm
East County News Service
June 7, 2026 (San Diego) – County health officials are warning residents to avoid touching wild bats, due to an increase in rabies cases locally. You don’t have to be bitten to contract rabies, which is deadly virtually 100% of the time without prompt treatment and vaccination. Saliva on an infected bat’s fur can enter a cut or scrape, infecting a person – or transmit the disease if the person touches their eyes, nose or mouth.
If a rabies vaccine is administered immediately after exposure, before neurological symptoms begin, the vaccine is nearly 100% effective at preventing rabies. (more…)
Source URL: https://eastcountymagazine.org/rabies-on-the-rise-14-rabid-bats-found-in-san-diego-county-this-year-latest-cases-include-santee-zoo-and-safari-park/
by Miriam Raftery | June 7, 2026 10:42 pm
East County News Service
June 7, 2026 (Cuyamaca) – A mountain in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park[1] formerly called Stonewall Peak has officially had a name change. It is now called Cush-pii, which means “Sharp Peak” in the Kumeyaay language.
The California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names opted to rename the craggy landmark to restore its original Native Americna cultural meaning. (more…)
Source URL: https://eastcountymagazine.org/stonewall-peak-in-cuyamaca-renamed-cush-pii-its-traditional-kumeyaay-name/
by Karen Pearlman | June 7, 2026 8:18 pm
East County News Service
June 7, 2026 (San Diego County) — Westwind Brass[1] is celebrating its 40th anniversary by bringing live music to the region, including a group of free outdoor concerts in East County, spanning the summer and extending into the holiday season.
“At Westwind Brass, we are committed to transforming the musical landscape with inspiring performances and impactful educational initiatives,” said Barry Toombs, executive director of the group. “Join us as we harness the power of live music to make a profound difference in our community and elevate the joy of music for everyone.”
The season’s schedule spans multiple scenic venues, including Mission Trails Regional Park[2], Old Poway Park[3] and Mt. Helix Park[4].
Source URL: https://eastcountymagazine.org/westwind-brass-celebrates-40th-anniversary-with-free-outdoor-concerts/
by Eliza Bethalper | June 6, 2026 8:39 pm
East County News Service
June 6, 2026 (La Mesa) – To celebrate the 250th Birthday of America, the community is invited to a weekend of fun and festive family events in La Mesa June 12-13.
Events will kick off on Friday, June 12, with the summer’s first Movie in the Park at sunset in the Harry Griffen Park Amphitheatre. Showing on the big screen will be Top Gun: Maverick and the popcorn is on the house for the first 500 attendees.
Source URL: https://eastcountymagazine.org/la-mesa-plans-patriotic-activities-to-celebration-nations-250th-birthday/
by Karen Pearlman | June 6, 2026 6:46 pm
East County News Service
June 6, 2026 (San Diego) — The global stage is set for San Diego this weekend.
The local Major League Soccer team, San Diego FC, in partnership with Snapdragon Stadium, Sports San Diego and Lions Sports & Media, will host the “Countdown to ’26” international soccer weekend.
The event features two pre-World Cup friendly matches at Snapdragon Stadium in Mission Valley.
For fans unable to secure tickets to the actual World Cup this summer — or those who simply want to skip the drive to Los Angeles — this weekend offers a rare chance to watch top-tier national squads in person.
Source URL: https://eastcountymagazine.org/world-cup-fever-heating-up-in-san-diego/
by Miriam Raftery | June 6, 2026 3:50 pm
By G. A. McNeeley
Miriam Raftery contributed to this report
June 6, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – The County Board of Supervisors will soon have a new face representing the 5th district, since Jim Desmond is termed out and running for the 48th Congressional District. San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones[1], a Republican, has a strong lead with 39.62 percent of the vote as of Friday. But with 32.5% of votes counted, it’s not yet clear which other contender will advance to the runoff in November.
Kyle Krahel[2], the Democratic Party chairman, has 21.37%, followed closely by Vista Mayor John Franklin, [3] a Republican with 18.95%. Norma Contreras[4], a Democrat, has 11.59%, trailed by independent candidate Sasha Miller[5] with 8.47%. (more…)
Source URL: https://eastcountymagazine.org/tight-race-in-5th-supervisorial-district-race-to-fill-desmonds-seat/
by Miriam Raftery | June 5, 2026 10:58 pm
East County News Service
June 5, 2026 (San Diego ) – This morning, the FBI arrested three U.S. citizens who allegedly plotted violent attacks on U .S. servicemembers in a conspired with the Islamic State of Iraq and al–Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terror group.
According to the U.S. Justice Department, those arrested are Bereen Dzayee, 25, of Lakeside, California as well as Bisaam Ghafoor, 21, of Leawood, Kansas and Elias Shamsaldeen, 21, of Porterville Kansas. (more…)
Source URL: https://eastcountymagazine.org/lakeside-man-2-others-arrested-for-plot-to-support-isis-and-kill-american-service-members/
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