Borrego Springs Revitalization Updates

A Borrego Springs revitalization meeting was held March 26 at the Borrego Springs Library, bringing together county staff, local leaders, and residents to review progress on grants, environmental work, infrastructure, public health, and long-term planning efforts.

Grants and County Support

Supervisor Jim Desmond said his office continues to support local organizations, including Christmas Circle, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Chamber of Commerce. He encouraged groups to work with Candyce Yee, Grants Administrator and Community Liaison, on funding opportunities.

“Don’t hesitate to reach out to my office, particularly for grants and things like that,” Desmond said.

He also noted efforts to bring the county’s Live Well mobile unit to Borrego Springs to provide vaccines locally, coordinated with the library.

Revitalization Committee Structure

Committee leaders said revitalization groups are intended for residents actively working on solutions in coordination with county departments. Participation is based on involvement in small working groups focused on specific issues.

“We’re looking for people who want to do something and need help from the county,” Tammy Baker said.

Environmental Updates

Weed Management

County staff reported approximately 210 acres were surveyed and treated, with more than 500 hours of field work. Efforts focus on targeted treatment of invasive species, with long-term management required due to persistent seed banks.

Abandoned Wells

Staff reported that six wells have been destroyed and three remain in process. Challenges include cost, property access, and verification of previously unpermitted closures.

Illegal Dumping and Recycling

Residents were advised to report active dumping to local law enforcement, dumping along public roads to Public Works, and dumping on private property to Code Enforcement.

The Borrego Springs landfill accepts mixed recyclables at no charge, while fees may apply for bulky items.

Groundwater Management

Groundwater use has declined significantly, from approximately 20,000 acre-feet in 2015 to about 10,100 acre-feet in 2025. The basin remains on track to meet reduction targets by 2040.

The Mesquite Bosque is under evaluation as a groundwater-dependent ecosystem, with public review and additional meetings ahead.

Roads and Traffic Projects

County updates included a proposed Palm Canyon crosswalk pending pedestrian counts, a quick-build traffic circle at Country Club and Sunset, a longer-term roundabout at Palm Canyon and Country Club, and a Palm Canyon sidewalk gap that is identified but still awaiting funding.

A portable speed sign has also been installed.

Community Appearance and Code Concerns

Concerns raised included dead and unmaintained trees, illegal dumping sites, and code compliance issues. County staff noted efforts to contact property owners, along with limits on using public funds to address private property problems.

Public Health and Emergency Services

Bruce Kelley outlined ongoing efforts to strengthen local services, including continued support for clinic operations now under DAP Health, a study of relocating clinic services closer to the center, Mercy Air emergency access, COVID vaccination efforts, and the transition of fire services to CAL FIRE.

“It started in 2014 trying to get a clinic near the center of our town,” Kelley said, describing the long timeline behind the current work.

Land Use and Future Development

Dan Wright outlined plans for Wellsprings Community Foundation land, including four acres designated for a future fire station, two acres for a potential medical facility, and conceptual plans for approximately 66 long-term housing units.

“What you see here is just a conceptual plan. There’s nothing written in stone there,” Wright said.

Wright also noted that financing and policy changes continue to affect what can move forward. “We are making progress,” he said.

Fire Station Planning

County fire officials confirmed that a new Borrego Springs fire station is a priority project. The project is in early planning stages, funding is not yet secured, and approximately $500,000 has already been invested in the current station.

“That doesn’t mean it’s fully funded yet, but it means it’s next up,” said Bob Spanbauer.

Future steps include design, community input, and potential FAA coordination if a helipad is included.

Ongoing Coordination

The meeting emphasized continued coordination between residents, local organizations, and county departments as projects move forward.