Blessing of the Animals – Borrego Springs

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By Dennis Mammana Week of March 1-7, 2026 Attention, night owls and insomniacs! The sky show this week is just for you! Much of North America is about to see the moon experience one of nature's most beautiful sky shows: a total lunar eclipse. A lunar eclipse occurs when the full moon slips into the Earth's shadow far out in space, either partially or completely, and that's just what will happen during the wee hours of March 3. Skywatchers throughout North America will see the start of this eclipse (weather permitting, of course), but depending on where you live, you may see only a portion of the sky show. In general, the farther west you live, the more of the eclipse you will see before the moon sets behind the western horizon. The eclipse begins at 12:44 a.m. PST (3:44 a.m. EST), when the moon enters the Earth's light outer shadow (known as the penumbra), but this shadow is so thin that no one will notice a darkening of the moon's appearance. Within an hour or so, that will change significantly. As the moon approaches the dark inner shadow of the Earth (known as the umbra), skywatchers will notice the eastern side of the moon beginning to darken slightly. The real show begins at 1:50 a.m. PST (4:50 a.m. EST) when the moon officially enters the umbra. No one gazing skyward will have any doubt that a "bite" has been taken out of the moon — a bite that will grow larger with each passing minute. For the next hour or so, the moon will dim as it slips more deeply into our planet's umbra, until 3:04 a.m. PST (6:04 a.m. EST) when it's completely engulfed and the total eclipse begins. Unfortunately, those in the far eastern part of North America may miss this since the moon will lie quite close to (or even below) the western horizon. During the total phase, the moon will take on a dim coppery hue. This occurs because sunlight passing through our atmosphere is reddened and bent inward toward the darkened surface of the eclipsed moon, now suspended eerily against the stars of Leo, the lion. Only those viewing from the Midwest to the West Coast will see mid-eclipse, which occurs at 3:33 a.m. PST (5:33 a.m. CST). Those in the Midwest may miss the end of totality at 4:02 a.m. PST (6:02 a.m. CST), however, as the moon will be setting in the west. The entire event will end at 5:17 a.m. PST (4:17 a.m. MST) with the moon approaching the western horizon for viewers in western North America. Unlike an eclipse of the sun, a lunar eclipse is perfectly safe to view without protective filters. Your eyes are all you need to enjoy the show, but you'll have even more fun viewing through binoculars or a small telescope. If the sky is cloudy that morning, or if you live where the eclipse won't be visible, you can watch a livestream of the sky show online. Visit timeanddate.com and click on "Sun, Moon & Space" at the top to find details for your location, as well as links to view the eclipse live online. 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 continues to expand its wellness community with the arrival of Mountain Healing Acupuncture, led by Lara Koljonen, a dedicated practitioner of holistic medicine since 2008. Lara brings more than 15 years of experience in acupuncture and integrative care, focusing on empowering patients to better understand their bodies and take an active role in their health. Her philosophy centers on the idea that life is like a garden. The more we care for it, the more vibrant and resilient it becomes. Through education, treatment, and ongoing support, she helps patients cultivate long-term wellness. Her approach blends eastern and western methods, bridging traditional acupuncture with modern health understanding. Treatments are designed to support pain relief, stress reduction, balance, and overall vitality in a safe and nurturing environment. Mountain Healing Acupuncture emphasizes continued learning and integrating new therapies to best serve patients. Lara works to both heal and educate, encouraging clients to build sustainable habits that strengthen their physical and emotional well-being. Contact: Mountain Healing Acupuncture 619.980.0745 Borrego Springs continues to grow as a destination for wellness, and the addition of a long-practicing acupuncturist adds another valuable resource for those seeking holistic support close to home. 

East County Magazine Highlights Borrego and Backcountry Loop East County Magazine recently published a feature on a full day scenic drive through San Diego County’s backcountry, with Borrego Springs at the center of the experience The article outlines a 12 hour loop connecting desert, mountain, and lake destinations, positioning Borrego as a key stop within a broader regional itinerary. Destinations Featured in the Article Borrego Springs and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center, 200 Palm Canyon Drive Christmas Circle visitor information location, 587 Palm Canyon Drive Wildflower viewing along Henderson Canyon Road Hiking areas including: Borrego Palm Canyon Coyote Canyon Hellhole Canyon The Slot Font’s Point Wind Caves Elephant Tree Trail Yaqui Well Trail Cactus Loop Nature Trail ‘Ehmuu-Morteros Trail Public Art and Local Highlights Ricardo Breceda metal sculptures in Borrego Springs The Pilot House near Borrego Valley Airport Christmas Circle K-RAM 90.5 FM Resorts and Dining La Casa del Zorro Backcountry Route Stops Dudley’s Bakery in Santa Ysabel Ranchita and the Rancheti Yeti statue Montezuma Grade, S22 scenic descent Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area Julian and Banner Grade Julian Pie Company Mom’s Pie House Eagle Mining Company Menghini Winery Historic Julian downtown Banner Ranch Lake Cuyamaca The Pub at Lake Cuyamaca Wildlife viewing including pelicans, heron, vultures, and deer Why This Coverage Matters The feature presents Borrego Springs as a central anchor within a larger backcountry journey. It connects wildflowers, desert art, scenic mountain drives, Julian’s historic district, and Lake Cuyamaca into one enjoyable day trip. For full route details, travel logistics, safety tips, and seasonal notes, read the complete article published by East County Magazine. Learn More About Borrego Springs

The Borrego Springs ArtWalk is held the first Saturday of each month, November through May, from 5–7 PM.