Borrego Community Builders NEWS RELEASE • August 28, 2025

Borrego Community Builders Breaks Ground on First Model Home in Borrego Springs

Share

Rams Hill COO Harry Turner, Borrego Springs Unified School District Superintendent Mark Stevens, Rams Hill CEO Shannon Smith, Borrego Village Association Vice President Jim Wermers, Rams Hill / Borrego Community Builders Director of Development & Construction Rodney Bruce, Borrego Springs Community Resource Center Executive Director Martha Deichler, Borrego Water District Board of Directors Diane Johnson, Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce President Kirit Patel and founding member of OLAX Borrego Springs Esmeralda Lopez-Garcia. 


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 27, 2025

CONTACT: Gabriela Dow, Borrego Community Builders

(858) 735-2922, gdow@ardurra.com


Borrego Community Builders Breaks Ground on First Model Home in Borrego Springs


Borrego Springs, CA – (August 27, 2025) A groundbreaking ceremony held today by Borrego Community Builders (BCB), a Rams Hill initiative, marked the start of construction for the first model home in the Deep Well community of Borrego Springs. The event also served as the official launch of BCB’s efforts to build Borrego  Community Homes and lead projects that support Borrego Springs. More than 30 community members, local leaders and partners gathered for the ceremony, with remarks from Rams Hill leadership, a project overview and a Q&A session with light refreshments at the Rams Hill Golf Club.


BCB is building 150 to 200 affordable homes that will help support Borrego’s long-term vitality and resilience within a community of just over 3,000. Each home is designed to reduce long-term living expenses with full-home solar-powered energy and storage, straw bale insulation and low-water native landscaping in yards. “Today’s groundbreaking represents more than the start of construction, it reflects our commitment to the future of Borrego Springs and our wonderful neighbors here,” said Rodney Bruce, Director of Development & Construction at Rams Hill Golf Club.


“We are proud to partner with the community to build Borrego Community Homes and lead projects that strengthen Borrego Springs.” This first model home is part of BCB’s broader initiative to address the critical need for attainable housing in Borrego

Springs. A Community Advisory Committee is guiding the overall effort to ensure the project reflects local priorities and delivers meaningful benefits for residents.


Download PDF to share


Media Opportunities:

Photos and video from the groundbreaking are available upon request. Interview opportunities with project leadership can be arranged by contacting info@borregocommunitybuilders.com.


About Borrego Community Builders:

Borrego Community Builders (BCB) is a Rams Hill initiative focused on building Borrego Community Homes and leading projects that support the Borrego Springs community.


Follow #BuildBorrego hashtag for updates and learn more at: www.BorregoCommunityBuilders.com


Facebook: @BuildBorrego www.facebook.com/buildborrego


Instagram: @buildborrego www.instagram.com/buildborrego


X: @BuildBorrego https://x.com/BuildBorrego


Bluesky: @buildborrego.bsky.social‬ https://bsky.app/profile/buildborrego.bsky.social





Learn More About Borrego Springs

January 16, 2026
An Evening of Fine Dining, Scenic Views, and Live Music Whether shared with a partner or a group of close friends, Rams Hill’s Valentine’s Day dinner offers an elegant night out against the backdrop of the Anza-Borrego Desert. Guests will gather in the Santa Rosa Room for a thoughtfully prepared prix-fixe menu featuring locally inspired dishes—from the Urban Blend Berry Salad to a classic Surf & Turf entrée , and a decadent Mini Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake for dessert. Live music by Brooke Ramel adds to the ambiance, creating a warm, inviting setting for a memorable evening. Seating is limited, and this popular event fills quickly—plan ahead.
January 16, 2026
By Dennis Mammana 
January 16, 2026
Is a Super Bloom Coming to Anza-Borrego Desert? Fox 5 San Diego news recently spoke with Sicco Rood of the Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center about the vibrant wildflowers beginning to appear across the region. While the landscape near Henderson Canyon is already bursting with purple desert verbena , desert sunflowers , and white dune primroses , this is technically a fall bloom —not yet the rare and famous Super Bloom . A true Super Bloom spans many more square miles and requires a perfect combination of well-timed rain , cool temperatures , no drought , and minimal wind . If these conditions align, early March could bring a spectacular bloom like the last major one seen in 2019 . For now, visitors can enjoy the peace and beauty of this early bloom, with fewer crowds and great photo ops in areas like Coyote Canyon and the Badlands . But remember, a heat wave or lack of rain could still cut the season short. Now’s a great time to visit—just in case nature doesn’t go full Super Bloom this year!
January 15, 2026
Attend the Borrego Springs Film Festival The Borrego Springs Film Festival offers a rare chance to experience independent cinema in a single-venue setting with strong local attendance and direct access to filmmakers. This article explains what attendees can expect—from screenings and special events to awards and the festival’s distinctive Borrego Springs atmosphere—so you can plan your visit and enjoy the full festival experience. A Classic Festival Experience The Borrego Springs Film Festival (BSFF) is produced by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to celebrating cinematic arts in the community. The festival is intentionally intimate, favoring a traditional, old-fashioned model where films are screened in one venue and audiences regularly interact with filmmakers. As one director noted: “Best fest ever and we've been to many.” — Ronn Kilby, Dog Star  What Attendees Can Expect BSFF is designed for audiences as much as filmmakers, offering a full slate of events throughout festival week: Single-venue film screenings Catered opening gala Filmmaker networking event Catered Saturday party Panel discussions and workshops Informal hang-outs and conversations Catered awards ceremony The festival typically presents 70–80 films , providing a broad sampling of independent cinema across genres and styles. Films, Awards, and Audience Favorites Attendees will see films competing across multiple categories, including shorts, features, documentaries, animation, international films, youth films, and student work. In addition to juried awards, audiences help select the People’s Choice Award , making attendance an active part of the festival experience. The festival also presents the Golden Cookie Awards , reflecting films that resonate especially well with Borrego Springs audiences. A Festival Set in Borrego Springs Part of what makes BSFF special is its location. Borrego Springs provides a relaxed desert setting with mid-century modern neighborhoods, vintage trailers, camping options, and resort accommodations. Screenings and events are complemented by the surrounding landscape and the community’s welcoming, creative vibe. Why Attend BSFF stands out for its accessibility. Audiences don’t just watch films—they meet filmmakers, attend discussions, and share the experience in a setting that values conversation and connection. The festival is known for strong hospitality, engaged crowds, and a schedule that encourages people to stay, talk, and enjoy each other’s work. Passes On Sale Now Festival passes are currently available. Attending the Borrego Springs Film Festival means experiencing independent film in a way that’s personal, welcoming, and rooted in the Borrego Springs community. Get Your Passes Here! Learn More About Borrego Springs

Share This Post