June 5, 2026
Rams Hill's Commitment to Community Runs Deep
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How Rams Hill Supports Schools, Sustainability, and the Community It Calls Home
In Borrego Springs, Rams Hill is recognized as both a golf destination and a local employer with ties to schools, families, and community organizations.
Rams Hill representatives describe giving back as part of the organization’s culture, shaped by the philanthropic approach of the family that owns Rams Hill.
Borrego Springs faces significant economic challenges. Local school officials have noted that the school population is about 95% Latinx/Hispanic and that the district ranks among the highest in poverty among San Diego County school districts.
Rams Hill has worked with local leaders to identify ways to support employees while also benefiting the community. One example involved coordinating summer work opportunities that helped keep employees working while supporting school facilities. Projects included painting, campus improvements, cleanup, and work on the football field.
Rams Hill has also addressed sustainability through efforts to reduce waste. One example is replacing single-use plastic water bottles with aluminum alternatives as part of a broader effort to reduce environmental impact.
Water conservation remains an important issue in the Borrego Valley. Rams Hill has participated in local efforts and discussions around reducing water use, including reducing turf and exploring creative ways to conserve water.
Businesses, schools, nonprofits, and community organizations all play a role in Borrego Springs’ future. Rams Hill’s involvement reflects the importance of local partnerships, employment opportunities, sustainability efforts, and support for community institutions.
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From Norway to Spain: Sylvia Maas Rides for Borrego Springs Students On June 20, 2026, the NorthCape–Tarifa race will begin at 12:01 a.m. at the North Cape in Norway. Described as the world's longest bicycle race, the event follows a route of nearly 7,000 kilometers to Tarifa, Spain, the southernmost point of mainland Europe. Among the riders will be Borrego Springs ultra cyclist Sylvia Maas , who will be riding for her Bike4BorregoKids initiative. Track Sylvia Here The race begins at the North Cape in Norway and ends in Tarifa, Spain. Along the way, riders pass through several major checkpoints, including: Helsinki, Finland Hill of Crosses, Lithuania Torun, Poland Bregenz, Austria Col du Galibier, France Nice, France Port d’Envalira, Andorra Pico del Veleta, Spain Tarifa, Spain The route covers nearly 7,000 kilometers and includes mountain passes, historic cities, and some of the most demanding cycling terrain in Europe.
www.youtube.com/@Road2
By Karen Pearlman June 3, 2026 (Julian) — Roots rock and Americana tunes are coming to fill the mountains of East and North County with original music this weekend during the Fifth Annual Julian Town Square Music Festival . The free community celebration will run from noon until 6 p.m., Saturday, June 6 at 2712 Washington St. in Julian. Organized by the nonprofit Julian Community Heritage Foundation , with more support from the Julian Chamber of Commerce , the festival is the main fundraiser for the support of the continued development of the Julian Town Square — a historic corner lot becoming a permanent outdoor park and performance space. The emerging Julian Town Square represents a 10-year, grassroots preservation effort to safeguard the town’s mountain heritage. The site dates back to 1912 when it housed the Silvers Supply Store, before eventually operating as a Chevron gas station in the 1970s. In 2017, a small group of local neighbors formed the JCHF to buy the abandoned corner lot and revitalize it. The foundation has been molding the plot into a permanent cultural epicenter for theater, art and community gatherings. While admission to the festival is free — with parking available for $10 at Frank Lane Park, 2645 Farmer Road in Julian — organizers are looking to the community to help fund the next phases of development. Attendees making on-site or online donations of $300 or more will have their names permanently etched onto the Town Square’s upcoming donor wall. Local artisans, handmade goods, and backcountry vendors will line the venue, alongside food from QUECHO Elevated Mexican Eatery and craft beverages provided by The Toasty Tap . Original music, local artists This year’s festival is anchored by a heavyweight lineup of roots music icons, led by former San Diego Padres fan favorite-turned-Americana-troubadour Tim Flannery and his band, the Lunatic Fringe . For local audiences, Flannery represents a unique intersection of San Diego sports history and grit. Long before he was touring the country with his blend of blue-eyed Irish soul and California country, Flannery (photo, right) spent over three decades in Major League Baseball. He played 11 seasons as a versatile infielder for the Padres (1979-89). He later transitioned to coaching, serving as the third-base coach for the San Francisco Giants during three World Series championships in 2010, 2012 and 2014. Beyond his athletic feats, Flannery’s presence on stage carries a deeper emotional weight for fans following his severe medical crisis. In late 2020, Flannery was hospitalized in San Diego, fighting a life-threatening staph infection that required seven major surgeries and an extensive recovery period. After publicly sharing his battle — during which he credited music and his guitar as vital pieces of his healing process — Flannery’s return to the stage with the Lunatic Fringe marks a triumphant milestone in resilience. Sharing the marquee is Sara Petite, (photo below, left) an award-winning singer-songwriter who has become a fixture of the Southern California Americana scene. Originally from Sumner, Wash., Petite is widely recognized for her raw, roadhouse-rock style of outlaw country. A five-time finalist in the International Songwriting Competition and a frequent winner at the San Diego Music Awards , Petite brings an authentic twang heavily influenced by Loretta Lynn and Lucinda Williams. The afternoon’s diverse musical program will also feature performances by Elizabeth Bowersox , whose album California Queen just won Best Country or Americana Album at this year’s San Diego Music Awards; Salinas Road , Rootful and Donn Bree and friends. For more information on the organization and on the event, visit juliantownsquare.org. For more information on Julian, visit https://visitjulian.com.
St. Barnabas Episcopal Church expands its ongoing collaboration with Rostros y Corazón For the first time, Fr. David Madsen and Jan Naragon of St. Barnabas (Borrego Springs) are leading a regular Eucharist service at Rostros y Corazón in Salton City. The gathering will take place the first and third Wednesday, creating a new opportunity for worship, fellowship, and community connection. The service builds on an existing relationship between the two organizations and reflects the many connections already shared between Borrego Springs and Salton City. Many West Shores residents work in Borrego Springs, attend school here, shop here, receive services here, or have family and friends in the Borrego Valley. The two communities are neighbors in many ways. The new service reflects St. Barnabas's commitment to extending ministry beyond its church walls while continuing to support relationships throughout the desert region. By gathering regularly at Rostros y Corazón, organizers hope to create a welcoming space for prayer, conversation, encouragement, and connection. Rostros y Corazón , led by Graciela Mendivil Ramos, is a nonprofit community center serving Salton City and the surrounding West Shores area. The organization is known for supporting families and connecting residents with needed resources. For upcoming service dates or questions, contact Graciela Mendivil Ramos at gracielamramos@gmail.com .
Borrego Valley Community Radio – The RAM has moved from its previous location at the Community Resource Center and is now broadcasting from a studio inside WhipperSnappers at 794 Circle J Drive in Borrego Springs. The station, owned by Monica Rue and operated by Mike Rue, continues to serve listeners throughout Borrego Springs and the San Diego County backcountry with a mix of music, community information, local conversations, and volunteer-driven programming. The move gives The RAM additional space to grow while continuing its mission of providing hyper-local radio "by the community, for the community." Mike Rue recently invited residents from Borrego Springs, Julian, Warner Springs, Santa Ysabel, Descanso, Wynola, Mount Laguna, Pauma Valley, Ocotillo Wells, and surrounding communities to get involved. One of the station's goals is to encourage more people to spend time behind the microphone. Rue hopes to provide opportunities for others to share their interests, stories, music, and perspectives with listeners across the region. As The RAM settles into its new location, the station is sharing a short wish list to support its next stage of growth: A Numark dual CD player so volunteer hosts can bring in and play music from their own CD collections during broadcasts Donations of records and CDs to help build a shared community music library for future programming A professional ultra-portable field recorder that can connect to wireless lapel microphones for higher-quality interviews outside the studio Sponsorships from local businesses, organizations, and individuals, including programming blocks, on-air commercials, and regular acknowledgements during broadcasts Good-faith supporters willing to invest in the station’s growth and help create more opportunities for local voices to be heard For Mike Rue, the new studio is about more than equipment or location. It is about creating a place where local voices can be heard and where communities throughout the backcountry can stay connected through music, conversation, and shared experiences. Listeners can listen online at TheRamRadio.com and hear local music, community conversations, interviews, event announcements, and programming created for the San Diego County backcountry. ------------------------
----------- The closest federal protected land is the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge , located about 60 to 75 miles northeast of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in Calipatria, CA. This refuge serves as a vital stopover for the Pacific Flyway and features birdwatching trails and a multi-story observation tower. -----------
Discover Borrego Springs County Park, a pet-friendly haven with separate areas for small and large dogs, ample play spaces, safety features like double-gate entries, and amenities including water faucets and waste bags. Enjoy clean, spacious areas for pets and scenic views, making it the perfect destination for relaxation and fun..
