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What are PFAS? 'Forever chemicals' are common and dangerous.

What are PFAS? 'Forever chemicals' are common and dangerous.

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals, known as PFAS, consist of more than 12,000 chemical compounds that are used in consumer products.
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Experts Investigate Rare Cancer Cluster Affecting Children in California's Ladera Ranch

Experts Investigate Rare Cancer Cluster Affecting Children in California's Ladera Ranch

A rare and aggressive form of cancer, Ewing Sarcoma, has been identified in at least six children from the affluent community of Ladera Ranch in Orange County, California, since 2013. This bone cancer, which primarily affects individuals aged 10 to 20, has resulted in several fatalities in 2026 alone. Dr. Noah Federman, director of the pediatric sarcoma program at UCLA, has been involved in treating many of these cases. The cancer is caused by a genetic rearrangement of cancer cells, typically involving two genes from separate chromosomes. Despite its rarity, affecting less than 1,000 people annually in the U.S., the concentration of cases in Ladera Ranch has raised concerns about a potential cancer cluster. Residents suspect environmental factors, such as pesticide use, but no definitive link has been established. Federal prosecutor Bill Essayli has called for an investigation by the EPA to determine if environmental factors are contributing to the cluster.
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Study Links 'Forever Chemicals' to Gut Inflammation in Children

Study Links 'Forever Chemicals' to Gut Inflammation in Children

A new study from Mt Sinai's Icahn School of Medicine has found a probable link between prenatal and early life exposure to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) mixtures and increased intestinal inflammation in children. The research tracked 107 mother-child pairs in the U.S. and Mexico, revealing a strong correlation between elevated PFAS levels at birth and inflammation markers in children. PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals' due to their persistence in the environment, are used in products for water, stain, and heat resistance. The study highlights the potential health risks of these chemicals, which have been linked to various diseases, including cancer and immune disorders.
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COVID-19 Cases Rise in California Amid Seasonal Uptick

COVID-19 Cases Rise in California Amid Seasonal Uptick

California is experiencing a rise in COVID-19 cases, with increased test positivity rates and higher levels of the virus detected in wastewater in areas like San Francisco, San Jose, and Palo Alto. This seasonal uptick is consistent with patterns observed since 2020. Despite the increase, hospitalization rates remain low, though they are expected to rise. Health officials continue to recommend vaccinations, especially for high-risk groups. The current positivity rate is 3.4%, up from 1.15% a month ago, indicating a gradual increase in COVID-19 activity across the state.
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San Diego County Health Officials Alert Public After Rabid Bat Found in Restaurant

San Diego County Health Officials Alert Public After Rabid Bat Found in Restaurant

San Diego County public health officials are actively seeking individuals who may have come into contact with a rabid bat discovered at a restaurant in Vista, California. The incident occurred when the bat landed on a table at the Yellow Deli Restaurant while a family was dining. A fellow diner used a towel to capture the bat and subsequently delivered it to the San Diego Humane Society in Oceanside. The bat was then transferred to the County's Public Health Lab, where it tested positive for rabies. This bat marks the 22nd rabid bat identified in San Diego County this year, compared to 21 cases in 2025. Although no direct skin contact with the bat has been reported, health officials emphasize that only those who touched or held the bat are at risk of rabies exposure. Rabies is a serious disease that is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but post-exposure treatment is highly effective if administered before symptoms begin.
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COVID-19 Sees Summer Uptick in California, Raising Concerns for Vulnerable Groups

COVID-19 Sees Summer Uptick in California, Raising Concerns for Vulnerable Groups

COVID-19 is experiencing a seasonal increase in California and several other states, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Despite a significant reduction in COVID-19-related deaths since the pandemic's early years, the virus remains a concern, particularly for vulnerable populations such as older adults, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, and young children. The CDC reports that COVID-19 activity is rising in states like Texas, Florida, and Oregon, with test positivity rates and wastewater concentrations indicating an uptick. Health experts emphasize the importance of annual vaccinations to protect at-risk groups.
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California Enhances Utility Shutoff Protections Amid Extreme Heat

California Enhances Utility Shutoff Protections Amid Extreme Heat

The California Public Utilities Commission has approved new protections to prevent utility companies from disconnecting residential customers during extreme heat. The decision replaces the previous 100-degree temperature threshold with a ZIP code-based heat risk system, CalHeatScore, which evaluates localized heat risks. The new rules require utilities to suspend disconnections at CalHeatScore Level 2, offering greater protection during elevated heat risks. This change aims to better reflect local weather conditions and health impacts, ensuring vulnerable populations are safeguarded during dangerous heat events.
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Today Marks Annette Adams' Historic Oath as District Attorney

Today Marks Annette Adams' Historic Oath as District Attorney

Annette Abbott Adams was a pioneering figure in American law, breaking barriers and setting precedents for women in the legal profession. Born in 1...
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Ladera Ranch Residents Demand Action Over Child Cancer Cluster Linked to Pesticides

Ladera Ranch Residents Demand Action Over Child Cancer Cluster Linked to Pesticides

Residents of Ladera Ranch in Orange County, California, have raised concerns at a town hall meeting regarding a cluster of rare child cancer cases in their community. The meeting focused on the potential link between these cancer cases and the use of herbicides and pesticides in the area. Many attendees expressed their desire for the discontinuation of these chemicals, citing a lack of transparency about what is being sprayed. Residents shared personal stories of family members and pets affected by cancer, highlighting the community's growing anxiety. The discussion also touched on the responsibilities of state agencies in investigating these potential links and the steps needed to reduce or eliminate the use of these chemicals.
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Governor Newsom Urged to Investigate Rare Cancer Cases in Orange County

Governor Newsom Urged to Investigate Rare Cancer Cases in Orange County

California Governor Gavin Newsom is being urged to initiate a state-led investigation into a series of rare childhood cancer cases in Orange County. State Assemblymember Kate Sanchez has formally requested the governor to coordinate a comprehensive investigation following reports of at least six children diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma in Ladera Ranch. This rare bone cancer affects about 200 children and teenagers annually across the U.S. Concerns have been raised by community members about the potential role of herbicides used in the area. Despite these concerns, California health officials have not confirmed a cancer cluster or identified a cause. The Ladera Ranch Maintenance Corporation has paused the use of certain pesticides and herbicides for 60 days while reviewing its practices. Community meetings have seen residents demanding a thorough investigation, with calls for transparency and collaboration among state, local, and federal agencies.
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Heartbroken Families Demand Answers Over Rare Cancers in California Enclave

Heartbroken Families Demand Answers Over Rare Cancers in California Enclave

Families in Ladera Ranch, California, are expressing concern over a cluster of rare Ewing sarcoma cancer cases affecting children and young adults in the community. Brian Dalton, who lost his daughter Lily to the disease, is calling for an investigation into potential environmental causes, such as pesticide use. Residents have noted the heavy use of pesticides and herbicides in the area, which they suspect may be linked to the cancer cases. Despite previous inquiries, local officials have not confirmed any connection between the landscaping practices and the illnesses.
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Imperial County Court Rejects Defamation Suit by AI Data Center Developer Against Local Resident

Imperial County Court Rejects Defamation Suit by AI Data Center Developer Against Local Resident

An Imperial County Superior Court judge has dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by Imperial Valley Computer Manufacturing (IVCM) against Jake Tison, a local resident. The lawsuit accused Tison of conducting a defamation campaign against IVCM's proposed hyperscale AI data center project. The court ruled in favor of Tison under California's Anti-SLAPP statute, which protects individuals from lawsuits that aim to silence their participation in public discourse. The judge found that IVCM failed to provide sufficient evidence to support their claims. This decision also affected similar lawsuits filed by IVCM against other parties, including a local non-profit and a media outlet, which were also dismissed.