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

By Dennis Mammana Week of July 5-11, 2026 There's a constellation in our night sky right now that is somewhat unknown to stargazers. Despite being huge — it's the 11th-largest in all the heavens — it has no stars brighter than the North Star, so you won't find it easily without a pretty dark sky. Its name is Ophiuchus (oh-fee-YOU-kuhs), and if you'd like to find it this month, you'll need to get away from the city lights and gaze midway up in the southeast shortly after dark. Ophiuchus (the serpent-bearer) represents Aesculapiu, the ancient Greco-Roman god of medicine, healing and physicians, and its brightest star is named Rasalhague, which is Arabic for "Head of the Snake Charmer." Draped from one side of Ophiuchus to the other lies Serpens — the only two-part constellation in the heavens — with its head on one side (Serpens Caput) and its tail on the other (Serpens Cauda). I admit that it requires quite an imagination to find these star groupings, but once you do, you'll know them forever. In fact, you may even recognize this shape, especially if you've ever searched online for the name of a physician. Quite often, you'll find the image of two serpents wrapped around a vertical staff that appears topped by a round knob and is flanked by wings. It's known as the "caduceus," and since 1902, when the U.S. Army adopted it as the insignia of its Medical Corps, it has been the familiar emblem of the American medical profession. Many medical associations — including the World Health Organization — use what some consider to be the "correct" and traditional symbol of medicine: the staff of Asclepius, with a single serpent encircling a staff. Either way, people have long associated the serpent with medicine. Once you find its stars, you'll see that Ophiuchus lies along some of the thickest star clouds of the Milky Way. If you've managed to get yourself to a rural location with a non-light-polluted sky, you'll have little trouble finding the hazy band of the Milky Way passing near this constellation, along with the bright reddish-orange star Antares (the heart of Scorpius, the scorpion) just to its lower right. Be sure to take binoculars with you so you can scan this celestial region. Here you'll find countless "faint fuzzies" (as amateur astronomers affectionately call deep-sky objects). Many of these are star clusters — collections of dozens, hundreds or even thousands of stars held together by gravitation — and interstellar nebulae, where stars and planetary systems are constantly forming. Now, while you're gazing at the stars of Ophiuchus, here's a little tidbit to wrap your head around: This constellation is not one of the official signs of the zodiac, but it should be. Why, you ask? Because the sun spends three times as many days in front of the stars of Ophiuchus as it does in Scorpius. So why, then, is this constellation missing from the official zodiacal signs in horoscope tables? Your guess is as good as mine. Just remember, if you were born between Nov. 29 and Dec. 17, you're not a "Scorpio" or "Sagittarius," as you might have thought. You're actually an Ophiuchan! Make of that what you will... Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com . Learn More About Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs is part of the newly redrawn 48th Congressional District, making the race directly relevant to local voters.

America at 250: Reflecting on the Experiment of Independence

American Legion Post 853 Commander Dennis O'Leary (left) and Bob Scribner, owner of Bob's Lock & Key

San Diego History Center Opens America 250 Exhibit Celebrating the Nation's 250th Anniversary

A December 1939 travel magazine captured Borrego Valley as one of Southern California's emerging desert destinations. One of the many historic items preserved with the Borrego Sun collection is a rare issue of Motor and Outing Magazine , published by the Los Angeles Examiner on Sunday, December 3, 1939 . The "Motor and Outing Magazine" was a popular recurring Sunday supplement distributed in the Los Angeles Examiner during the mid-20th century. It primarily featured regional travel guides, automotive lifestyle stories, and outdoor recreational content showcasing destinations and weekend trips across Southern California. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park was officially established by the State of California in 1933 . This particular page shows how Borrego Valley was presented to Southern California travelers in 1939. The accompanying caption describes the valley as “a spectacular cactus scene” and notes that it was part of Anza Desert State Park, highlighting the desert’s seasonal beauty with “spring flowers” blooming in winter. Nearly 90 years later, the image offers a rare glimpse of Borrego as an early desert destination promoted to motorists exploring Southern California by car. The photographs in the feature are credited to John H. C. Stingle , who documented several scenic locations throughout San Diego County for the publication. Historic items like this help tell the story of how Borrego Springs was introduced to visitors long before it became the community we know today. They provide a unique glimpse into early tourism, desert travel, and the publications that showcased the region's beauty nearly 90 years ago. ---- These documents are part of the Borrego Sun materials acquired by Ram Media Foundation . Separately, The Borrego Sun archives are being preserved and digitized by the San Diego History Center , ensuring that decades of Borrego Springs history will be preserved for future generations. To support the future of local media and preserve the past, please contact Andrea at andrea@rammediafoundation.org .

Local barber and cosmetologist Maribel Tellez is donating her time to honor those who have served. As a way to give back to the community that has supported her, Maribel Tellez of Maribel's Chair will be offering free haircuts for veterans on Saturday, July 26, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at American Legion Post 853 , 4515 Borrego Springs Rd., Borrego Springs, CA 92004. "I've been fortunate to receive so much encouragement from this community as I've built my business," said Maribel. "Offering free haircuts is my way of saying thank you to our veterans for their service. I hope you'll stop by and let me give back in a small way." Haircuts are free for all veterans . While there is no charge, donations are welcome and will help support future community outreach efforts. Maribel is a licensed barber and cosmetologist and recently opened Maribel's Chair inside Alicia's Desert Spa . A recipient of the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award , she has built her business while balancing family, work, and a commitment to serving the Borrego Springs community. She is also an active member of OLAX – Organización Latinos , volunteering her time to support local events and families. The event is made possible through the partnership of American Legion Post 853 , which continues to expand its community outreach by hosting programs and services that support both local veterans and Borrego Springs businesses. Event Details Free Haircuts for Veterans Saturday, July 26 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. American Legion Post 853 590 Palm Canyon Drive Borrego Springs, CA Cost: Free for veterans. Donations are appreciated but never required. Maribel looks forward to welcoming local veterans for an afternoon of appreciation, conversation, and community.

Providing temporary cooling units while residents repair their air conditioning systems or explore HVAC financing options.