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A Unique Stop Just Outside Borrego Springs

Emmy-winning mixer Mark Hensley leads development on “Sundown at the Salton Sea,” the first flagship feature from the Blockreel Studios production pipeline EIN Presswire LOS ANGELES — Blockreel Studios, the production and distribution division of the filmmaker-owned operating system Blockreel DAO, announced the development of its first flagship feature film, Sundown at the Salton Sea. The project is being led by founding advisor and Emmy-winning re-recording mixer Mark Hensley (Genius: Picasso, The Last of Us), who serves as the project’s lead creative force. Sundown at the Salton Sea is an elevated gothic horror-thriller that weaves together a tragic 19th-century love story with a modern-day descent into terror. Bound by reincarnation, memory, and an ancient curse, the film explores the terrifying reality behind the myth of Nosferatu. As a group of friends becomes stranded in the California desert, they discover that the classic cinema legend was not fiction but a desperate, plagiarized attempt to exploit a real-world tragedy that has haunted the shadows of history for over a century. “Sundown at the Salton Sea represents a new hybrid model for independent cinema,” said Mark Hensley. “By utilizing Blockreel’s end-to-end production ecosystem during this development phase, we are creating a blueprint that allows for complete creative integrity while accessing a global network of vetted, high-caliber talent. We are building a model for how the next generation of features will be packaged and produced.” A new blueprint for independent production With a target budget of $5 million, the film serves as a lighthouse project for the Blockreel ecosystem. The production leverages Blockreel’s integrated infrastructure, designed to replace legacy industry fragmentation with a unified workflow: Vetted Talent Ecosystem: Utilizing Blockreel’s network of 560+ vetted professional filmmakers, including award-winning talent, to assemble the creative team. End-to-End Transparency: Incorporating decentralized production management to streamline transparent reporting, real-time budgeting, and global distribution workflows from the ground up. Industry-Standard Quality: Ensuring all creative and technical aspects meet the highest standards required by global theatrical and streaming partners. “Independent film is at an inflection point,” says Osman Arslan, founder and CEO of Blockreel DAO. “Hollywood output is shifting, and the next generation of breakout independent hits will come from creators who own their rails. With this feature, Blockreel Studios is moving from the platform layer to the production layer—delivering high-velocity, high-quality IP that the market is starving for.” The project currently serves as the anchor title for the Blockreel ecosystem, creating a closed-loop pipeline from development through to future exhibition.

We’re having a heatwave - 1933, song written by Irving Berlin. Last March brought on unprecedented temperatures here in Borrego Springs, Ca. thus residents sourcing “we’re having a heatwave.” Oh joy! what inspiration and motivation to forecast what’s up ahead this coming summer at The Gallery at The Palms. HEATWAVE : Leslie Duncan, Debbie Gallerani, Mike Horton and Paul McGilly, May 1 - September 27, 2026. Opening reception Friday, May 1 at 5-8 pm. ARTTALK with the artists Saturday, May 2, 3:00 pm ARTWALK Saturday, May 2, 5-7 pm The Gallery at The Palms is open every day!

Free compost and mulch available May 3–9 while supplies last.

Low counts, valuable research, and strong community support.

BSFI Free Movies Continue at BSPAC with May Screenings of Ordinary People and Mother

By Miriam Raftery www. eastcountymagazine.org April 28, 2026 (Borrego Springs) – “California’s largest state park — and one of the last true wild places in Southern California — could face one of the biggest industrial threats in its history,” states a website set up by the Anza-Borrego Foundation at https://theabf.org/park-threat/ . “A proposed 500-kV transmission line, the Golden Pacific Powerlink, could cut through Anza-Borrego Desert State Park — impacting wilderness, wildlife habitat, scenic landscapes, dark skies, and cultural resources.” SDG&E released a proposed route map on April 13, 2026 and is accepting stakeholder feedback through early November 2026. You can learn more about what’s at stake, and how you can help defend the park, at the ABF’s site. Below are details. As ECM previously reported , including an interview with SDG&E’s manager for the project, the California Independent Systems Operator (CAISO) has identified the high-voltage line as necessary to meet the state’s future electrical needs. The line would begin at the Imperial County substation and end at a new substation to be built in Orange County. SDG&E’s proposed route would cut through the heart of California’s largest state park before traveling northeast along State Route 79 in the Warner Springs and Santa Ysabel areas, then into Riverside and Orange Counties. A 500 kV line is the highest-voltage class of transmission infrastructure built in California. The towers required to carry these lines can stand 150 to 200 feet tall, the height of a 15- to 20-story building with a cleared right-of-way stretching hundreds of feet wide. According to the ABF, “For context, the only existing transmission line within the Park today is a 69 kV line on modest wooden poles, barely visible against the landscape. That line was constructed before the Park was established in 1933 and before the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) existed (1970) — it would not be permitted today.” The cost of the line is an estimated $2.3 billion. Strong opposition to another SDG&E high voltage line, Sunrise Powerlink, led to rerouting of that line, which was also originally proposed to go through the state park. What you can do The ABF’s website recommends several actions for those concerned about the proposed route at https://theabf.org/take-action/ Right Now: Stakeholder Feedback Period (Through Early November 2026) Your participation now helps ensure stakeholders who care about the Park are part of the conversation before the project is formally submitted. Make a Donation : This work is costly and ABF needs your support to ensure we can continue to engage. Attend a Virtual Open House: SDG&E is hosting virtual open houses on May 12 and May 14, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. All sessions present the same content. Visit www.sdge.com/GoldenPacific to register or learn more. Attend an In-Person Open House: SDG&E will hold in-person community meetings later in 2026. Specific dates and locations will be announced. Show up and ask questions about impacts to the Park. Sign up here for updates Submit Stakeholder Feedback to SDG&E: Email the project team at GoldenPacific@sdge.com to share your input on the proposed route and raise questions about project impacts and the clean energy commitment (download letter template here) . Stay Informed: Sign up for email updates to receive the latest news on the project timeline, public meetings, and opportunities for engagement. Spread the Word : Share this page. Talk to your friends, family, and community. The more people who understand what is being proposed, the more informed the process becomes. Download our “Not Through Our Park” graphics to share and use on your social media profile. After the CPUC Application Is Filed (Expected Fall/Winter 2026) Once SDG&E submits its application, the project enters formal regulatory review. This is when the rigorous environmental and public review process begins under CEQA and NEPA, with multiple opportunities for public participation. Submit Written Comments to the CPUC: Email the CPUC at public.advisor@cpuc.ca.gov or use the online Docket Card to submit your comments on the record. We will keep you informed when and how to do this when the time comes . File a Formal Protest: Within 30 days of the application filing, anyone can file a formal protest with the CPUC. Attend Public Participation Hearings: The CPUC will hold hearings where members of the public can speak directly to the decision-makers reviewing this project. Your testimony becomes part of the official record. Contact Your Representatives: Share your concerns about this project with your state legislators and the Governor’s office (download letter template here) . Help them understand what Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is, why it matters, and what is being proposed — so that the significance of this landscape is well understood as the project moves through the regulatory process in the months ahead . Find your State Senate and Assembly representatives here. Find your San Diego County Supervisor here. Find your Riverside County Supervisor here. Email Governor Gavin Newsom here. For questions or to get involved or volunteer, contact Anza-Borrego Foundation at info@theabf.org.

End of Season Open House at Studio 628 May 2, 5:00–7:00 PM  An End of Season Open House will be held this Saturday, May 2, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Studio 628 , located at 628 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004 . The event will feature the artwork of Robert Landry , along with new work by Kippi Leonard and Wil Gardner . The open house offers an opportunity to view current and new artwork on display at the studio.

New state body will coordinate long-term restoration, habitat management, and air quality work  California launched the Salton Sea Conservancy this April to support long-term restoration work at the Salton Sea, California’s largest inland lake. The new conservancy was created through Senate Bill 583 and operates within the California Natural Resources Agency . The Conservancy is responsible for helping manage completed restoration and mitigation projects, including habitat and dust-control work. Its duties include managing land and property rights, including easements and water rights, within the Salton Sea region after projects are built. The Salton Sea has been shrinking as inflows have declined, exposing lakebed that can contribute to dust and air quality concerns in surrounding communities. Rising salinity has also affected habitat for wildlife, including birds that use the Pacific Flyway. State officials say the Conservancy is intended to strengthen coordination, provide long-term stewardship, and help sustain work already underway through the Salton Sea Management Program. That includes restoration projects designed to create habitat, reduce exposed playa, and address public health concerns tied to dust. The launch also included the appointment of a 20-member board with representatives from state agencies, Riverside and Imperial counties, local water districts, tribal groups, and public organizations. The board is expected to guide future planning and project priorities. The creation of the Salton Sea Conservancy marks a shift toward more centralized, long-term management of restoration, air quality, and habitat projects in the region.

Live Your Dream Awards Recognize Education and Determination at Ram’s Hill On Monday, April 27 at 9:30 a.m., Soroptimist of Borrego Springs hosted a buffet-style breakfast at Ram’s Hill Restaurant to recognize this year’s Live Your Dream Award recipients. With desert and mountain views surrounding the room, the gathering brought together community members to celebrate women working toward educational and career goals while supporting their families. Recognizing Determination and Progress This year’s honorees include: Graciela Castro, criminal justice Sandra Quintero, nursing Betty Gonzalez, culinary arts During the breakfast, all three recipients shared their stories, goals, and appreciation for the support. Their remarks reflected determination, gratitude, and the importance of education as they work toward stronger futures for themselves and their families.

A community celebration is planned for Sunday, May 3, from 5–8 p.m. at Christmas Circle in Borrego Springs, hosted by OLAX. We are celebrating Mother’s Day , with an evening focused on music, youth performances, and family activities. What to Expect The program includes live performances by: Eli Hernandez Mia Lopez BAMA Youth Folklorico Youth ASES Dance Group In addition to performances, the event will offer: Gifts for all moms An opportunity drawing with prizes Opportunity Drawing A fundraiser drawing will be held during the event, with a suggested donation of $10 per ticket . Prizes include: 2-night hotel stay in Rosarito (for two people; transportation not included) 55” TV iPad Mini (6th generation) Participants do not need to be present to win. There is a maximum of five tickets per person. Supporting OLAX Proceeds from the drawing support OLAX and its programs serving the Borrego Springs community. Event Details Date: Sunday, May 3 Time: 5–8 p.m. Location: Christmas Circle, Borrego Springs For more information: info@olaxdeborrego.org 442-240-1129

“Thank You, Dolly”: 10 Years of Early Literacy in Borrego Springs Borrego Springs marked a milestone on April 9 with a community celebration of 10 years of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL) , hosted by BASIC (Basic Assistance to Students in the Community). Held at Borrego Springs High School, the event brought together families, educators, and community partners to recognize a program that has quietly shaped early childhood learning across the valley. Why Early Literacy Matters The focus of the celebration was clear: early reading changes outcomes. Research shows that about 90% of a child’s brain develops before age five . During those years, children who are read to regularly are exposed to significantly more words, helping build language skills, reading ability, and readiness for kindergarten. These aren’t abstract benefits. They happen in everyday moments—reading on the couch, at bedtime, or in a parent’s lap—where children begin to associate books with comfort, curiosity, and confidence. What the Program Does Since 2015, the Borrego Springs Imagination Library program has mailed one free, age-appropriate book each month to enrolled children from birth to age five. The program is made possible through a partnership between The Dollywood Foundation, the State of California, and BASIC , ensuring there is no cost to families . To date, the program has: Enrolled 272 local children Delivered more than 6,475 books directly into homes Put into perspective, those books would stretch farther than the length of the dragon sculpture at Galleta Meadows—a “dragon made of storybooks.” Books That Mark the Journey Each child’s reading journey begins and ends with meaningful titles. The first book: The Little Engine That Could, Dolly Parton’s childhood favorite The final book: Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come!, preparing children for their next step Together, these books create a consistent and familiar pathway into reading. A Program Rooted in Personal Experience During the event, a short video shared Dolly Parton’s motivation for launching the program. Her inspiration came from her father’s inability to read, leading her to create the Imagination Library so children could grow up surrounded by books and a belief in their own potential. Local Impact: A Family Perspective The program’s impact was illustrated through local families, including Dylan Garcia and his mother, Leyssa . Leyssa shared that Dylan’s early language development was shaped in part by reading his Imagination Library books repeatedly from infancy. Dylan, now six, read a thank-you note during the event: “Thank you for helping kids like me get a book every month… My favorite book was The Gruffalo because it’s so fun and silly.” Community Recognition The event also highlighted the people who helped bring and sustain the program in Borrego Springs. Joann Stang , whose early research and advocacy led BASIC to adopt the program, was recognized for her role in making Borrego the first Imagination Library affiliate in San Diego County . Chrissy Green , Community Engagement Coordinator for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of California, spoke about Borrego’s place within the broader state network and noted the community’s strong participation. She also introduced Tom Stinson , representing Senator Kelly Seyarto’s office, who presented BASIC with a Certificate of Recognition from the California State Senate honoring 10 years of impact. A Community Effort The celebration reflected broad community support. Recognition was given to: BASIC board members and volunteers Local coordinators and program champions School district staff who supported the event Donors and partners who have funded the program over the past decade Looking Ahead While the milestone marks 10 years of progress, the need continues. New children are born in Borrego Springs each year, and families continue to move into the area—many of whom may not yet be enrolled. The message from BASIC was simple: the work continues. Families with children from birth to age five are encouraged to enroll and take part in the program. To learn more or support BASIC’s efforts, visit: www.borregobasic.com

Free listings for residents, visitors, and local businesses

Park visitors are asked to help keep Christmas Circle clean and enjoyable for everyone A serious trash problem at Christmas Circle Community Park has led to the removal of the park’s trash cans. For some time, household trash has been brought to the Circle and placed in park trash cans, left near dumpsters, or placed on top of dumpsters. The issue has increased trash removal costs and created additional cleanup work for the park. The Christmas Circle Community Park Board of Directors made the decision to remove the trash cans in order to stop household dumping and protect the park for residents, part-time residents, visitors, and tourists. Visitors are asked to take their trash with them whenever possible. If you have trash service at your home or residence, please dispose of your trash there. If you are staying at a hotel, motel, or vacation rental, please take any trash from your visit back to where you are staying. Christmas Circle remains a community space for picnics, gatherings, and enjoying Borrego Springs. Helping keep the park clean ensures it can continue to be enjoyed by everyone. Christmas Circle Board of Directors Contact Christmas Circle Community Park PO Box 1025 Borrego Springs, CA 92004 Call (509) 936-1592  Donate Christmas Circle Community Park is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations are tax-deductible. EIN 91-1774674

Community Members Explore Borrego Springs’ New Dark Sky Space

A fun, community shopping day supporting the Borrego Children’s Center

In Memory of Kevin Key: An Interview with a Photographer Who Saw Beauty in Forgotten Places Kevin Connolly Key, a photographer known for documenting the Anza-Borrego Desert and Salton Sea, passed away on April 20, 2026, at age 54. Known as “Kevin LiT!,” he was part of the Bombay Beach artistic community and captured the region’s beauty and change through his work. In a 2023 interview, Kevin described the Salton Sea as “an amazing place for photographers,” encouraging others to look beyond ruins and find inspiration in its evolving landscape. Who Was Kevin Key? Kevin Key was a real estate and fine art photographer known for documenting the Salton Sea, abandoned buildings, desert landscapes, and night scenes. After starting as a software developer, he became a full-time photographer in 2017. His work captured the beauty, history, and mystery of places many people overlook.

Community Members Explore Borrego Springs’ New Dark Sky Space

More than 400 people served through a coordinated community effort at the CRC