April 9, 2025
Anza-Borrego Women Writers Workshop
Share
April 25–27, 2025 | Borrego Springs, CA
A three-day, two-night immersion in the magic and mind-altering beauty of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
"Join us in a land of sweeping vistas in the lowest desert of the United States. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park—one of the largest state parks in the country—is the ideal setting for explorers of the written word. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced writer, this immersive retreat invites you to discover your voice in a supportive, creative space."
Workshop Includes:
- “Writing Faster Than You Can Think” – a process developed by Katya Williamson, MFA
- Facilitated by women who intimately know the desert landscape
- Energy work and guided support by Suzanne Grant, gifted healer
- Optional 3-hour Jeep tour of the park (Friday before or Sunday after) – $50
Accommodations:
All participants stay at Stanlunds Inn and Suites in Borrego Springs (except commuters).
Continental breakfast included. All other meals are no-host.
Rates:
- $775 – Workshop + Single Room
- $650 – Workshop + Shared Room
- $375 – Commuter Rate
Deposit due by April 11, 2025
Register here
Hosted by
Celebration of the Circle &
Spirit Mountain Retreat
Celebrating 25 years of empowering the voices of writing women
Founded by Katya Williamson, MFA
International Retreat Leader | Writer-in-Residence at Spirit Mountain Retreat
Contact Mary Morse, Director, Spirit Mountain Retreat: 951-634-4048
Learn More
More than 400 people served through a coordinated community effort at the CRC
Soroptimist awarded Marina Lopez $1,500 to help grow her baking business.
HEATWAVE arrives May 1 at The Gallery at The Palms
Sexually Violent Predator Hearing – Borrego Springs
BSCCA Brings Music to Community and Students The Marcia Forman Band performed a free community concert on Sunday, April 12, at the Borrego Springs Library, followed by an interactive concert for local students on Monday morning. The Sunday performance provided open access to live music for the community, while the Monday program brought musicians directly into a school setting, where students experienced a more hands-on and educational presentation. Student concerts are a core part of what the Borrego Springs Community Concert Association (BSCCA) provides each season. In addition to public performances, the organization coordinates programs that introduce students to live music, instruments, and different styles in a structured environment. Founded in 1975, BSCCA is an all-volunteer nonprofit that produces concerts for the community while also supporting music education for local youth. The elementary school concert reflected that mission in action, connecting Borrego Springs students with professional musicians and live performance. Elizabeth Renner and Jinny Perrin, both retired music teachers and BSCCA board members, help guide the student programs by bringing hands-on music education and experience directly to local students. The weekend highlighted both sides of BSCCA’s work: expanding access to live music locally and creating meaningful exposure to the arts for the next generation.
A 1943 classic Western exploring justice, morality, and mob rule in a powerful story of law and consequence
2025 scholarship recipients
Donate Blood, April 30 A community blood drive is scheduled at Borrego Springs High School on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Hosted in partnership with the San Diego Blood Bank, the event offers residents an opportunity to donate locally and support regional medical needs. Donors will receive a limited-edition Disney Goofy T-shirt while supplies last. Event Details Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026 Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM Location: High School Gym Parking Lot Cahuilla Road Borrego Springs, CA 92004 Appointments are encouraged, though walk-ins are accepted. Donors should bring a photo ID, be at least 17 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and arrive hydrated. How to Participate Appointments can be scheduled online at sandiegobloodbank.org/donate or by calling (619) 400-8251. A QR code is also available on event materials for quick access. Blood donations collected at local drives support hospitals across the region, making community participation an important part of maintaining a stable blood supply.
Creative Workshop Begins
Volunteer-Run Community Park Christmas Circle Community Park sits at the center of Borrego Springs and remains one of the most recognized public spaces in the area. The park was established in the early 1950s when the DiGiorgio family donated the land in honor of Alphonse A. Burnand, tying the space directly to the early development of Borrego Springs. A Park Run by Volunteers Today, the park is managed by a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization led by a volunteer board of directors. The organization is supported through grants and donations from both residents and visitors who use the park. Jeff Sloan, president of the board, said, “There’s a group of people who really love the park and they put their effort into making it a wonderful place to visit.” What It Takes to Maintain the Park Maintaining Christmas Circle is an ongoing responsibility. The board oversees landscaping, lawn care, tree trimming, and water management to keep the grass maintained throughout the year. The park also provides regularly cleaned public restrooms, requiring daily attention and consistent upkeep.
