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.
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
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Families gathered at Christmas Circle in Borrego Springs as OLAX hosted its Cinco de Mother’s Day celebration, an evening focused on honoring mothers, culture, and community connection. The event featured performances by Eli Hernandez, Mia Lopez, BAMA Youth, and Folklorico Youth. Guests also enjoyed free drinks, quick snacks, gifts for mothers, and an opportunity drawing. Mothers attending the event were able to choose their own gifts. Volunteers prepared hundreds of items for moms, creating a thoughtful and welcoming experience for local families. Mothers also received corsages made by Christina Portillo.
