About the Writer: Mia Garcia
Mia Garcia is 14 years old and lives in Borrego Springs with her parents, Esmeralda and Octavio, and her 15-year-old sister, Maria. She is a youth guitarist and singer with BAMA, the Borrego Academy of Music & Arts.
Mia Garcia | Borrego Sun Youth Intern • June 6, 2026
A Fun Night of Community Collaboration
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What Taco and Lotería Night Meant to Me
A Youth Perspective on Community Collaboration
By Mia Garcia, Borrego Sun Youth Intern
On May 30, 2026, Organizacion de Latinx (OLAX) hosted its first-ever Taco and Lotería Night at American Legion Post 853, bringing the community together through food, games, music, and laughter while creating a new partnership between local organizations.
My name is Mia Garcia. I am a Borrego Sun Youth Intern, and my family is involved with OLAX de Latinx, a local nonprofit that supports the Latinx community in Borrego Springs. I often help with OLAX events that bring people together through culture, connection, and service. This is my first submission to the Borrego Sun, and I wanted to share how local organizations can work together to support and strengthen the community.
My experience at Taco Night started the day before the event, when OLAX and American Legion Post 853 began setting up and preparing together. The American Legion Post 853 team welcomed OLAX as we started getting ready for the event. Whenever help was needed, Legion members were quick to lend a hand.
One moment that stood out to me was when Dennis O’Leary, the Post 853 Commander, stepped in to help with the food without being asked. I was really touched by that. Another was when my little cousin got his ball stuck on the roof, and three Legion members quickly grabbed a broom and helped get it down. Small moments like that showed the kindness behind the collaboration and made the event feel even more special.
Look at these happy faces & good food!
The Night of the Event
My responsibilities included taking photos, selling tickets, gathering feedback from attendees, and interviewing Dennis O’Leary, the commander of American Legion Post 853.
The main course was tacos, with carne asada, chicken, and vegetarian options. Rice, beans, soda, and water were also available. The food was prepared by the OLAX group, and there was a bar for adults.
Throughout the night, guests played games, sang karaoke, enjoyed tacos, and spent time together. One of the most special moments for me was when my friends and family surprised me by singing “Happy Birthday,” since it was my 14th birthday.
The event felt truly meaningful because it brought together people who might not usually share the same space or experience. It warmed my heart to see different parts of the community connect, share a meal, and learn more about one another.
My hope is that these community interactions open doors and help build a larger, more caring community.
Now, when I see some of the new people we met, I know we shared an experience together and have something in common we can talk about.
Overall, Taco and Lotería Night was a meaningful and unforgettable experience. It showed me how events like this can bring people together and create a
larger community. I am grateful I was able to be part of it and share this experience as a Borrego Sun Youth Intern.
Mentors Note:
This article is Mia Garcia’s Week 2 project as a Borrego Sun Youth Intern and her first article submitted to the Borrego Sun.
Throughout the week, Mia prepared by helping with Taco and Lotería Night, gathering photos, observing the collaboration between OLAX and American Legion Post 853, and thinking about the story she wanted to tell.
When Mia and I first discussed the article, we planned for her to write a factual recap of the event. But after spending a few hours working through her notes, photos, and reflections, it became clear that Mia had something more personal to share. What mattered most to her was not only what happened that night, but how it felt to see people come together.
As a young writer, Mia learned that sometimes the strongest story is not just a report of what happened, but a personal reflection on why it mattered.
Photos by Kym McNabb of American Legion Post 853.
"This partnership brings together two organizations dedicated to supporting students, veterans, and the Borrego Springs community." — Dennis O'Leary, Commander, American Legion Post 853
"OLAX is an organization that supports and celebrates Hispanic culture and provides scholarships." — Mia Garcia, Borrego Sun Youth Intern
Learn More About Borrego Springs
Source: East County News Services
Please join the Civic Foundation for its annual Old Borego Days celebration No, Borrego is not misspelled in the title above. This is the way Borrego was spelled back in 1928, when the first post office opened in what is now called “Old Borego.” The site is located at 1580 Rango Way. Please join the Civic Foundation for its annual Old Borego Days celebration of the historic heart of the Borrego Valley on Sunday, November 8, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The turnoff from Rango Way will be marked with a sign. Please note that no restrooms are available. Visitors will be able to enter the old post office and general store, originally run by Eslie Wynn, and view a fascinating video from the 1950s extolling the virtues of life in Borrego Springs. One of the first homes in Borrego Springs will also be open for public viewing, offering a nostalgic look back at life in the community’s earlier years. In addition, Borrego Springs Elementary School fourth graders, who study California history, will have their essays on display. Three students will receive awards for their writing on “Borego Now and Then.” Old Borego Days Sunday, November 8, 2026 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. 1580 Rango Way, Borrego Springs
The National Weather Service is monitoring Tropical Storm Marie, which developed near Baja California and could bring a chance of showers to San Diego County over Labor Day weekend.
New sign by artist John Richen is planned for installation soon!
As a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization, the store's proceeds benefit the Borrego Springs Children's Center, making every purchase impactful and meaningful.
The Ascent to Freedom celebration is OpiCure Foundation's inaugural cycling event, uniting riders and community in Borrego Springs, California. It will be held on November 21, to honor recovery and the power of the bicycle to heal. The event is a significant milestone in the Foundation’s journey, as brothers and founders Cullen and Griffin Easter welcome members of the community to La Casa del Zorro for a day of riding, reflection and conviviality, and to strengthen the message and work of OpiCure. A community spirit will be at the forefront of an event dedicated to raising awareness through on-site information and advice around recovery, activities including a pickleball tournament, and a ride for those who wish to participate. The ride will be led by the Easter brothers and will take in the stunning scenery of Borrego Springs – it will cater to all levels of ability, with the aim to highlight the empowering joy that riding can bring to anyone willing to jump on a bicycle. Cullen Easter: “Please join us for the inaugural Ascent to Freedom Celebration. This day has been a long time in the making, and we’re incredibly excited to begin what we hope becomes a yearly tradition. It’s a day for community, a day for adventure on the bicycle, and a day to celebrate recovery and the freedom that can come from simply moving forward. “Borrego Springs and the desert feel like the perfect place to begin this journey—open roads, big skies, and a landscape that invites you to get outside, connect, and experience something together. Whether you come to ride, learn, support someone you love, or simply spend the day with us, you are welcome. We can’t wait to see you out there.” Griffin Easter: “OpiCure Foundation’s Ascent to Freedom Ride will be a day in the desert with friends and family you won’t want to miss. A beautifully curated ride with desert vistas, unique lifesize art metalwork, post ride lunch and even a pickleball tournament, there’s something for everyone. We’re so proud to host this inaugural event and celebrate both recovery as well as the freedom a bicycle provides. Mark this ride on your calendar, November 21st. I can’t wait to see everyone there.” Further details will be announced in due course, with a full program confirmed closer to the event date of November 21. The official ride website can be found at opicureride.com OpiCure Foundation was established by the Easter brothers to utilize the bicycle as a tool to assist those struggling with opioid addiction in their recovery process. Through bringing awareness to opioid abuse, redefining best practices for addiction recovery and devoting resources to affect positive change, it is in partnership with the cycling community that we can make a difference. Cullen Easter is an Emergency Department-registered nurse with a Bachelors in Nursing, who has first-hand professional experience in addiction recovery. He is also a proud father, professional cyclist, and leads the mission. Griffin Easter is Director of the team's elite competitive racing program, and competes at the world’s top gravel events across four continents, bringing the OpiCure name to recognition on an international stage.
