by Karen Pearlman | June 10, 2026 2:22 am
Story and photos by Karen Pearlman
June 9, 2026 (La Mesa) — One day before the city of La Mesa unveils a “Bill Walton Way” street sign near Helix High, community members gathered in the La Mesa Village for a sign Walton would have loved — the long-awaited downtown district sign archway on La Mesa Boulevard at Palm Avenue.
Following about eight years of planning, community fundraising (to the tune of $400,000) and anticipation, the massive Downtown La Mesa District Sign was officially presented to several hundred members of the public late Tuesday afternoon.
More than a standard municipal marker, the archway serves as a mosaic of the city’s residents and businesses as well as its fans from across San Diego County. The structure’s two massive support columns are visually anchored by a “Community Quilt” featuring 1,512 hand-painted 4-inch by 4-inch tiles.
The sign and tiles became reality thanks to the community, and particularly because of the work of the La Mesa Village Association and the La Mesa Park & Recreation Foundation, said La Mesa Mayor Mark Arapostathis, creating “a distinct focal point that will help define the village for years to come.”
Source URL: https://eastcountymagazine.org/its-a-sign-of-the-times-la-mesa-now-up-on-la-mesa-boulevard/
by Miriam Raftery | June 9, 2026 9:31 pm
This week’s World Watch features top U.S. issues including inflation and falling wages, a court blocks payoffs to January 2 insurrectionists, the SAVE Act fails passage, judges block key immigration policies, an ICE agent is arrested, administration corruption evidence mounts, mail-in voting issues raised, depletion of U.S. weapons stockpiles, plus top international stories. (more…)
Source URL: https://eastcountymagazine.org/ecms-world-watch-u-s-and-international-news/
by Miriam Raftery | June 9, 2026 9:15 pm
June 9, 2026 (San Diego) – Top regional and state stories include La Mesa transit issues, security for houses of worship, efforts to save a foster care center good news for local winemakers, a lawsuit and voter rejection of an AI data center in Imperial County, ballot protections, a proposal to reintroduce grizzly bears in Calif., a UC push to restore standardized testing, a hot supervisorial race, money in politics controversies, and more. (more…)
Source URL: https://eastcountymagazine.org/east-county-roundup-local-and-statewide-news-449/
by Miriam Raftery | June 9, 2026 9:09 pm
By Miriam Raftery
June 9, 2026 (La Mesa) – AMC has announced that it will acquire and fully renovate the movie theater space long occupied by Reading Cinemas at Grossmont Center, though the site won’t reopen until early next year. (more…)
Source URL: https://eastcountymagazine.org/125282-2/
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/
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