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Target recalls baby wipes due to contamination with bacteria that can cause life-threatening sepsis and pneumonia
By Miriam Raftery June 8, 2026 (San Diego County) – Target has recalled Up & Up 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
Rabies on the rise: 14 rabid bats found in San Diego County this year: latest cases include Santee, Zoo, and Safari Park
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
News Issues
World Cup fever heating up in San Diego
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
Lakeside man, 2 others arrested for plot to support ISIS and kill American service members
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.
Politics
Tight race in 5th Supervisorial district race to fill Desmond’s seat
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
Campa-Najjar concedes Congressional primary race; Desmond and von Wilpert advance to November run-off
By Miriam Raftery June 3, 2026 (San Diego) – In the race to fill the redrawn 48th Congressional district seat being vacated by the retirement of Republican Darrell Issa, a a redrawn district that Democrats hope to flip from red to blue, the November run-off will be between Supervisor Jim
Wildfires and Emergencies
County Fire celebrates 17 new EMS graduates
By Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office June 5, 2026 (San Diego) – Seventeen young adults earned their graduation certificate from County Fire’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Corps program, completing more than 400 hours of training designed to launch them into careers in the medical field. Printer-friendly version
New eco-friendly fire station opens in Jacumba
Photos courtesy County of San Diego East County News Service June 3, 2026 (Jacumba) — San Diego County officials and fire chiefs recently gathered in the county’s high desert area to break ground on a new, state-of-the-art county fire station. Fire Station 43, spearheaded by San Diego County Fire and
Events & Arts
La Mesa plans patriotic activities to celebration nation’s 250th birthday
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
Ethan Talks to Animals: Be Brave, Scared Shirley
Book by Nico Waters Review by Pennell Paugh June 5, 2026 (San Diego) – San Diego author Nico Waters has added another book to her Ethan Talks to Animals series. This one is titled, Be Brave, Scared Shirley. In second grade, Ethan wished on his birthday to be able to
Best of East County
Stonewall Peak in Cuyamaca renamed Cush-pii, its traditional Kumeyaay name
East County News Service June 7, 2026 (Cuyamaca) – A mountain in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park 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
Photos of the Week: Two winning shots from Lake Jennings Photo Contest
East County News Service May 17, 2026 (East County) — The Helix Water District has announced the winners of the Lake Jennings 2026 Photo Contest: Sunrise to Sunset! and East County Magazine is featuring two for our “Photos of the Week.” At left and top, first-place youth category winner Hannah
People
Lemon Grove Forward Club earns 13 prestigious awards and community honors
East County News Service May 7, 2026 (Lemon Grove) — The Lemon Grove Forward Club received 11 prestigious awards this past April from the GFWC Southern District, recognizing the club as a leading intermediate-sized organization for its outstanding servicepeop and impact. The Lemon Grove Forward Club achieved 16,829 volunteer service
Eight local women Honored at Soroptimist’s annual “Live Your Dream” Awards Celebration
Soroptimist International of Valley de Oro recognizes women overcoming extraordinary obstacles to build better lives through education By Henri Migala Photo: Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award winners. Seated (left to right): Dr. Peggy Fischer, DVM, Valley de Oro Club Chair; Tenisha Back row (left to right): Sue Bucheman (member); Nancy
Communities
Rabies on the rise: 14 rabid bats found in San Diego County this year: latest cases include Santee, Zoo, and Safari Park
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
Stonewall Peak in Cuyamaca renamed Cush-pii, its traditional Kumeyaay name
East County News Service June 7, 2026 (Cuyamaca) – A mountain in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park 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
Features
Stonewall Peak in Cuyamaca renamed Cush-pii, its traditional Kumeyaay name
East County News Service June 7, 2026 (Cuyamaca) – A mountain in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park 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
La Mesa plans patriotic activities to celebration nation’s 250th birthday
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
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Santa Barbara woman is big winner at Sycuan Casino — from $8 bet
East County News Service June 3, 2026 (El Cajon) — A Santa Barbara County resident walked away a millionaire after an $8 bet led to her hitting a seven-figure jackpot last month at Sycuan Casino Resort. The woman (shown in photo above, courtesy Sycuan) from Santa Barbara turned the $8 wager into a $1,278,830.66 payout while playing the “Dancing Drums
Campa-Najjar concedes Congressional primary race; Desmond and von Wilpert advance to November run-off
By Miriam Raftery June 3, 2026 (San Diego) – In the race to fill the redrawn 48th Congressional district seat being vacated by the retirement of Republican Darrell Issa, a a redrawn district that Democrats hope to flip from red to blue, the November run-off will be between Supervisor Jim Desmond, a Republican, and San Diego City Councilmember Marni Von
Evacuation warnings issued as Border 6 Fire spreads rapidly
Update June 3, 2026 1 p.m. —The fire has been mapped at a total of 2,616.7 acres by CAL FIRE Intel aircraft. Approximately 1,625 acres of the fire are located in the United States, while the remaining 991.7 acres are in Mexico, Watch Duty App reports. Evacuation warnings remain n place. Update 10 p.m. — Red Cross is opening an
Elliott leads in 40th State Senate district; two Republicans battling for second spot
Map of newly redrawn 40th district East County News Services June 2, 2026 (San Diego County) — Early primary election returns show Democrat Mara Elliott with a strong lead in the race for California’s 40th State Senate District to take the spot of Santee native Brian W. Jones, a Republican who is termed out. At the same time, two Republicans are
Desmond, Von Wilpert poised to runoff in battle for the 48th Congressional District
By Henri Migala June 2, 2026 (San Diego) — Early primary returns for California’s 48th Congressional District show Republican frontrunner Jim Desmond taking a significant early lead, with a crowded field of Democrats battling for a crucial second-place spot to advance to November. His likely opponent in the run-off is San Diego City Councilmember Marni Von Wilpert, a Democrat,
Cohen, Nakawatase appear headed for run-off in County Treasurer/Tax Collector race
By Miriam Raftery June 2, 2026 (San Diego) — If San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson had won a bid for County Treasurer/Tax Collector, it would have created a vacancy on the County Board of Supervisors. But Anderson is currently in third place with 16.01 percent of the vote, trailing well behind Democrat Larry Cohen, who has 45.79 percent, and
Hilton, Becerra secure strong leads in Governor’s race
By Karen Pearlman June 2, 2026 (San Diego) — With the polls closed for just over an hour in the California primary, early returns are painting the picture of a highly competitive, three-way shootout to succeed outgoing Gov. Gavin Newsom. Because of California’s nonpartisan voting system, the entire 61-candidate field has been a scramble. Only the top two vote-getters, regardless
Fast-moving Border 6 Fire crosses into U.S.
Updated 4:20 p.m. with latest acreage and details. East County Wildfire and Emergency Alert Service June 2, 2026 (Dulzura) — A wildfire called the #Border6Fire that began yesterday in Mexico has crossed the border into the United States. According to Cal Fire, it has now burned 200 acres on the U.S. side of the border in the vicinity of Marron
Seven local novelists to read from their books on July 11
East County News Service June 2, 2026 (San Diego County) — Crime fiction fans and those who love thriller-style tomes should book it over to the historic Kensington Club next month for the second installment of Noir at the Bar. The event will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Saturday, July 11 at the club at 4079 Adams Ave.
Grossmont Union High School District to graduate 4,725 students in June
East County News Service June 1, 2026 (El Cajon) – This week, 4,725 students will graduate from the Grossmont Union High School District. The matriculating students will be earning their high school diplomas on Wednesday, June 3 and Thursday, June 4, from the district’s nine comprehensive high schools, two independent charter schools, one middle college high school, one Project Based
MANY MORE INAUGURATION PARTIES PLANNED IN EAST COUNTY
In addition to private parties that are planned all over the county several national organiztions are mobilizing supporters to open their homes for viewing parties. To find out if there is a party in your neighborhood click on the following links. Moveon.org is planning many local house parties as well as some events in local restaurants: http://pol.moveon.org/event/events/index.html?action_id=158&rc=homepage The Presidential Inauguration
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA REGENTS CUT FRESHMAN ENROLLMENT BY 6%; EAST COUNTY EDUCATION LEADERS ASSESS IMPACT ON LOCAL STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY COLLEGES
By Miriam Raftery January 15, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) — Grappling with cuts in state funding, regents at the University of California voted yesterday to cut freshmen enrollment by 6%, eliminating 2,300 spots for students throughout the UC system. The cuts occur at a time when UC is receiving more applications than ever before, as fewer students can afford
STATE OF THE STATE: “CALIFORNIA FACES INSOLVENCY WITHIN WEEKS,” GOVERNOR WARNS
January 15, 2009 (Sacramento)–Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger refused to deliver a traditional state-of-the-state address today “because the reality is that our state is incapacitated until we resolve the budget crisis,” he said during today’s address in Sacramento. (Video of speech: http://msmedia.dot.ca.gov/governor/20090115_state.asf; text of speech: http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/capitolalertlatest/018621.html) Printer-friendly version
NEW CHANCELLOR NAMED FOR GROSSMONT-CUYAMACA COLLEGE DISTRICT
January 14, 2009 (EL CAJON–“Dr. Cindy Miles, president of the Hialeah Campus at Miami Dade College in Florida, has been unanimously selected by the governing board as chancellor of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District. Miles replaces Dr. Omero Suarez, who is retiring from a record term of more than a decade. Trustees voted 5-0 to approve a three-year contract with
CA REPUBLICAN PARTY CHAIR RON NEHRING SHARES GOP STRATEGY IN SAN DIEGO ADDRESS
January 13, 2009 (San Diego) – Ron Nehring, Chair of the California Republican Party, gave an update on the GOP’s priorities nationally and statewide during a San Diego County Republican Party Central Committee meeting January 12. Nehring reported that during the Obama administration, the Republican National Committee’s priorities will include limiting the scope of government, opposing higher taxes and maintaining
SENIORS INAUGURATION CHARTERTRIP OFFERED
January 12, 2008 (San Diego) — If you’re 55 or older and want to be part of history, you can join a charter trip to attend the inauguration of Barack Obama in Washington D.C. on January 20th. “The charter is for between 20 to 40 people, and it is just catching on,” said Mona Robinson of San Diego, coordinator of
OBAMA CALLS FOR NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE FROM ALL AMERICANS
To commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2009, President-elect Obama has created a national day of service and is calling on all Americans to renew America together. This call to service is extended to every American across the country, regardless of political party affiliation, to reignite our national spirit of volunteerism and community service not only on a single day
INAUGURATION CELEBRATION AND COMMUNITY BALL– PUBLIC WELCOME
Story and photo by Miriam Raftery San Diego (January 12, 2009) — Malcolm X Library will host an all day Community Inaugural Celebration to mark the momentous occasion of the Inaugural of President-Elect Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States on Tuesday, January 20th. The Library envisions San Diego residents from all walks of life attending the
OBÃMANOS! TRAVELS THROUGH AZTLAN WITH RITA AND RICHARD
Richard and Rita with Enrique Morones at a joint Latino African American press conference on the day they left for the battleground states. Enrique is the director of Border Angeles, an immigrant rights group in San Diego that provides water and food to immigrants in the desert. Kensington residents Richard Griswold and Rita Sanchez are among thousands of ordinary –
INAUGURATION BREAKFAST IN EL CAJON
January 12, 2008 (El Cajon) — The public is invited to celebrate Obama’s inauguration at the Hacienda Restaurant in El Cajon on Tuesday, Jan 20th, at 8 a.m. (main event at 9 a.m.) Organized by the East County Democratic Club. Open to the public. No cover, no-host; breakfast costs are each individual’s responsibility. The restaurant is located at 700 N.
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