Borrego Springs Local • February 26, 2022

1968 Borrego Mountain Earthquake

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A Look Back at Southern California’s Biggest Quake in Decades

As a resident of Borrego Springs, you know that living in southern California means living with the risk of earthquakes. Although you’ve probably felt your fair share of tremors over the years, there’s one quake that stands out in your memory: the Borrego Mountain earthquake of 1968.

A Seismic Event of Epic Proportions

On April 8, 1968, at 6:29 pm PST, the Borrego Mountain earthquake struck southern California with a magnitude of MW 6.5. The quake was caused by right-lateral strike-slip faulting, and its epicenter was located about 1 mile north of Ocotillo Wells, and 40 miles south of Indio. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 20 km and caused minor surface rupture along the Coyote Creek fault, which is a branch of the San Jacinto Fault Zone.

TYPE OF FAULTING:  right-lateral strike-slip
TIME: April 8, 1968 / 6:29 pm PST
LOCATION: 33° 09′ N, 116° 07.5′ W about 1.5 km (1 mile) north of Ocotillo Wells about 64 km (40 miles) south of Indio
MAGNITUDE: M W  6.5

DEPTH: 20 km
SURFACE RUPTURE LENGTH: about 33 km
FAULT RUPTURED:  Coyote Creek fault  (a branch of the San Jacinto Fault Zone); others offset slightly

Click to access report.pdf

The Borrego Mountain Earthquake: Facts and Figures

The Borrego Mountain earthquake was the largest and most damaging quake to hit southern California since the Kern County earthquake 16 years earlier. The quake was felt as far away as Las Vegas, Fresno, and Yosemite Valley, and it caused damage across most of southern California. The surface rupture caused by the quake was approximately 33 km long, and it triggered small displacements along several faults in the region.

Damage and Destruction Across Southern California

The Borrego Mountain earthquake caused significant damage and disruption throughout southern California. Power lines were severed in San Diego County, plaster cracked in Los Angeles, and the Queen Mary in drydock at Long Beach rocked back and forth on its keel blocks for 5 minutes. Close to the epicenter, the quake caused landslides, hurling large boulders downslope and damaging campers’ vehicles at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The quake also caused minor surface rupture, cracking Highway 78 at Ocotillo Wells. In total, the earthquake caused millions of dollars in damage and left a lasting impact on the region.

Triggered Slip: An Intriguing Result of the Quake

One of the most intriguing features of the Borrego Mountain earthquake was the small displacements it caused along several faults in the region. These fresh breaks and displacements were not noticed immediately after the mainshock, but they were likely caused by the quake. These are probably among the first noted instances of triggered slip, and they continue to be studied by scientists and researchers today.

Remembering the Borrego Mountain Earthquake

The Borrego Mountain earthquake of 1968 was a seismic event that shook southern California to its core. Although it caused significant damage and disruption, it also led to new discoveries and insights into earthquake science. As a resident of Borrego Springs, it’s important to remember this event and to be prepared for future seismic activity. By staying informed and taking the necessary precautions, we can help ensure the safety and well-being of our community.

The Borrego Mountain, California, earthquake of 9 April 1968: A preliminary report

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A Siesta at Christmas Circle in 1966 | Historic Borrego Sun

By Andrea McKenna • July 9, 2026
A 1966 Borrego Sun photo offers a glimpse of Christmas Circle during one of Borrego Valley's busy wildflower seasons. Published in the April 2, 1966 edition, the image shows visitors relaxing on the lawn near the iconic fountain after spending time exploring the desert in bloom. The original caption reads: SIESTA — One can get pretty hot and tired, looking at the wildflowers in Borrego Valley. Christmas Circle, with its inviting fountain, trees and green grass, is a nice place to take a break. This is the way it has been during the last few weekends. The photograph captures a quiet moment in Borrego Springs history, preserving the way visitors experienced Christmas Circle nearly 60 years ago. Images like this continue to document the community's past through the pages of the Borrego Sun archives.

Flashback: Bill & Jenny Wright’s Lasting Impact On Community Concerts

By Andrea McKenna • July 8, 2026
When the future of the Community Concert Association was uncertain, Bill Wright inspired a path forward through growth, volunteers and community support. As the Borrego Springs Community Concert Association announces its new season, it is worth remembering the people who helped keep this tradition alive. Founded in 1975, the all-volunteer nonprofit brings high-quality, eclectic music to Borrego Springs. Each season includes five public concerts and four free educational concerts for local students. Children are bused to the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center to experience professional live music, and musicians also visit local schools for interactive programs that introduce students to music up close. That tradition almost came to an end. When the Association had fallen on hard times (2015) and was preparing to disband, Bill Wright stepped forward. By reaching out to his many business associates, Bill raised enough money to help save the organization and keep professional musicians coming to the Borrego stage. Among his written correspondence with the board, Bill Wright repeatedly advocated for “growth, not reduction,” encouraged members to “recruit new volunteers” and “develop sponsorship opportunities,” and closed one letter with a promise that captured his commitment: “We will do more than our share to keep the great music series going.”

Christmas Circle Turns 25: A Look Back at Borrego in 1977 | Historic Borrego Sun

By Andrea McKenna • July 5, 2026
January 20, 1977 Xmas circle 25 years old By VIRGINIA DeMARAIS Under the supervision of A. A. Burnand Jr., the $10,000 Christmas Circle fountain was nearing completion 25 years ago this month. The fountain is in memory of J. A. Di Giorgio, pioneer agricultural developer of Borrego Springs. Other events twenty-five years ago: Lucy Hillyer of Borrego Springs is the new president of the North San Diego County Chamber of Commerce. Bill DeMarais was installed as president of the Borrego Springs Kiwanis Club. Other officers are L. W. Lindherr, vice-president; Fred Gardner, treasurer and Roy Gentel, secretary. Membership of the club is 32. The Cliff Boren Construction Company of San Diego has completed three new homes. Hal Martinez reports a start on a three-bedroom home for William Sanderson near the Desert Lodge. Harry LeClaire, tract manager for the Borrego Springs Company, reports 20 parcels of land sold during the holidays, totaling $50,000. Work has started on straightening Banner Summit Grade, reports Hugh Woods, vice-president of the Highway 78 Association. The Borrego Springs Square Dance Club is meeting at Hoberg’s Desert Resort. Wick Hauser is caller and teacher, Dick Wear – manager. Girl Scout Troop 441 of Borrego Springs serenaded the valley with Christmas carols, under the supervision of Mrs. Ralph Bell, Girl Scout leader, and Mrs. Charles Broeske, assistant. Mrs. Lola LeBard has started construction of a house and trailer court at Sunny Acres on Split Mountain Road. Borrego starts the new year with 18 telephones in the valley. Cover girl for the recently published Redbook Magazine is Dolores Smith Dalzell, daughter of the Borrego mail carrier, George C. Smith. Chamber of Commerce president Hugh Woods reports discussions at meeting of possibility of a bank by Perry Burnand, and suggestions and ideas on promoting television reception in the valley. Birdies are not eagles! Our typewriter slipped when we said W. D. Johnston got an eagle 3 on the par 4 18th hole at De Anza in the last edition. It was, of course, an eagle 2. A review of 1961 A review of 1961 indicates several construction projects: Bill Furlong’s El Patio Shopping Center; a new Post Office; Norman Gilbert’s Building Service Center; the new Road Department Station on Borrego Valley Road; a nearly completed drive-in cafe for J. J. Svoboda; a new swimming pool and remodeling of six units at La Casa del Zorro; a swimming pool added at the Park ’n Plunge; Sun and Shadows, grown to four duplex units and a swimming pool; seven new homes at De Anza Desert Country Club and construction started on expansion of clubhouse; a new subdivision “SunGold” opened by Carlson-Corey Co. This has been sale month: the Borrego Pharmacy was sold to Arthur Holzman, Hacienda del Sol sold to Donald King-Ellison, Borrego Village sold to Thomas Beaudry, Ed Rogers took over the painting business of Denis Such, the Chevron Station was taken over by Hugh Woods, the Union Station sold to Jack Barling. New openings were the Carlson-Corey Realty Company, the Marga-Reta Remembrance Shop, the Bottle Shop, the Bantam Market, and the Lazy V. Cafe. Service seminar Eleven local men recently were given certificates for attending a special electronic ignition service seminar sponsored by J & R Auto Supply in Borrego Springs. The seminar was designed to familiarize them with the new automotive electronic ignition systems, according to John A. Bowley of J & R. Besides Bowley, participants included Ted Townsend of Borrego Automotive; Joe Romas and John Guelke of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park; Billy Lawrence and Thomas Heiser of Borrego Springs Fire Department; John Petrich, Union 76 station; Paul Dellostrillo, Earl Cartier and Dale Cartier of Cartier Mobile Service; Angus Smith of De Anza Country Club, and Henry Barling Jr., Borrego Springs Dump Truck Service. Ewe goes to L.A.  The body of the Bighorn sheep ewe that was found in possession of a man on Montezuma Grade was donated to the Los Angeles County Museum and will become part of a diorama there. Salton Sea steady The Salton Sea water level (-229.3 feet) has remained at that level from Sept. 30 to early December, according to Craig Engel, manager of the State Parks Department Salton Sea Area. Engel said this indicates that “perhaps the water monitoring, higher water rates and fines imposed by the Irrigation District are working.”
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