Rabies on the rise: 14 rabid bats found in San Diego County this year: latest cases include Santee, Zoo, and Safari Park 4
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. Printer-friendly version
4 viewsStonewall Peak in Cuyamaca renamed Cush-pii, its traditional Kumeyaay name 7
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 the craggy landmark to restore its original Native Americna cultural meaning. Printer-friendly version
7 viewsWestwind Brass celebrates 40th Anniversary with free outdoor concerts 15
East County News Service June 7, 2026 (San Diego County) — Westwind Brass 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, Old Poway Park and Mt. Helix Park. Printer-friendly version
15 viewsLa Mesa plans patriotic activities to celebration nation’s 250th birthday 30
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. Printer-friendly version
30 viewsWorld Cup fever heating up in San Diego 41
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. Printer-friendly version
41 viewsTight race in 5th Supervisorial district race to fill Desmond’s seat 82
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, 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, the Democratic Party chairman, has 21.37%, followed closely by Vista Mayor John Franklin, a Republican with 18.95%. Norma Contreras, a Democrat, has 11.59%, trailed by independent candidate Sasha Miller with 8.47%. Printer-friendly version
82 viewsLakeside man, 2 others arrested for plot to support ISIS and kill American service members 79
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. Printer-friendly version
79 viewsEthan Talks to Animals: Be Brave, Scared Shirley 16
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 understand what animals think and say. Printer-friendly version
16 viewsSelf-Therapy Poetry: A Heart-Centered Approach to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy 25
Book by Dharlene Marie Fahl Review by Pennell Paugh June 5, 2026 (San Diego) – Long-time San Diego author Dharlene Marie Fahl, using free verse poetry, has written three books to introduce readers to Self-Therapy Poetry. Her first book explains Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) k. The second introduces readers to Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Printer-friendly version
25 viewsCounty Fire celebrates 17 new EMS graduates 28
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
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