Borrego Springs, California | Quick Facts

By Karen Pearlman, East County Magazine Aug. 4, 2026 (Descanso) — Three months after the San Diego Humane Society took custody of more than 700 neglected animals, including more than 150 horses, from the Villa Chardonnay property in Julian, some of the animals are trotting off to the next chapter of their lives. Eight of the horses have found a forever home in East County at Horses of Tir Na Nog in Guatay, near Descanso. Established in 2003, the volunteer-powered nonprofit is the longest-operating equine sanctuary in San Diego County, serving as a non-riding safe haven for horses with medical conditions and advanced age. The arrival of the new horses was a bittersweet moment for the rescued horses-focused sanctuary that is also home to alpacas, sheep, goats, llamas pigs, ducks, cats and dogs: Horses of Tir Na Nog is concurrently mourning the passing of several of its aging, longtime residents, including several horses and burros. “Although we are excited to welcome home the new horses from San Diego Humane Society’s Villa Chardonnay case, the joy of their arrival is tempered by the pain of a number of recent losses,” said Amy Pat Rigney, Administrator for Horses of Tir Na Nog. “As a forever home for residents with medical conditions and often advanced ages, saying goodbye is part of the nature of our sanctuary work. However, it never gets easier to lose a resident.” The San Diego Humane Society reports that other rescued horses are stepping into entirely new roles. Oscar, a horse previously highlighted by SDHS, left last week for the Unconditional Love Foundation in Murrieta, where he will serve as a therapy horse for veterans with PTSD, SDHS officials report. Oscar didn’t make the trip alone; he was accompanied by his pony “girlfriend,” Loretta Lynn, and a horse named Knight King Julian. They join Runner and Alfred, two other horses previously rescued from the Julian property by Unconditional Love Foundation. Of the roughly 165 horses and ponies originally rescued from Villa Chardonnay, 48 remain in SDHS care, with 37 currently ready for adoption. In July, the remaining horses were relocated from Julian to the Willow Glen Equestrian Centre in El Cajon to make them more accessible for staff, volunteers and potential adopters. Four horses requiring more advanced care are now housed at the SDHS Escondido Campus. The 37 horses waiting for homes are looking for patient, experienced owners, SDHS officials report. Because many received little to no veterinary care in the years prior to their rescue, they are being adopted out strictly as companion animals. SDHS notes their rideability is unknown, and riding should not be expected. Interested adopters must complete an application at sdhumane.org/horses and, if approved, make an appointment to meet the horses in El Cajon. The ongoing placements mark a significant milestone in what SDHS officials have called one of the largest and most complex rescues in their history that raised awareness throughout Southern California earlier this year. On May 1, SDHS carried out a massive, multi-agency rescue operation and authorities served a search warrant at the 40-acre Villa Chardonnay, Horses With Wings LLC property amid bankruptcy proceedings and mounting reports of extreme animal neglect. While the Julian area encompasses the County of San Diego and its Department of Animal Services’ jurisdiction, due to the scale of the situation, DAS handed the case to SDHS. The case was officially transferred from DAS to SDHS on April 24, due to the extreme scope of the rescue and complexities stemming from the bankruptcy issue. SDHS was subsequently granted legal ownership of all 728 animals on site — including cats, dogs, farm animals and equines — many of which were suffering from emaciation, untreated injuries and a severe lack of basic care. The investigation into the Julian facility remains ongoing.

Photo by Kamala Venkatesh

By Karen Pearlman, East County Magazine July 20, 2026 (Ramona) — San Diego County’s aerial firefighting capabilities have been boosted with the reopening of the modernized Ramona Air Attack Base, where state and local officials on Monday morning unveiled nearly $20 million in upgrades designed to get aircraft back into the air faster and expand around-the-clock wildfire response. The renovated base at 2498 Montecito Road now houses a new 4,000-gallon CAL FIRE C-130 Hercules air tanker, a night-capable S-70 CAL FIRE Hawk Helicopter, two S-2 air tankers and an OV-10 Air Tactical aircraft. The group of aircraft is creating what officials called one of California’s most advanced aerial firefighting hubs. The base’s aging infrastructure has been replaced with a modern retardant mixing plant capable of storing 20,000 gallons of fire retardant, redesigned aircraft loading bays that dramatically reduce turnaround times, and expanded ramp space to accommodate additional air tankers during major wildfire incidents. “This base is a regional asset,” CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire Chief Tony Mecham said at a press conference that was livestreamed on YouTube . “When there is smoke in the sky, the citizens don’t care what color the fire engine is or what patch is on the uniform. They just want people to show up quickly.” The improvements come as California faces increasingly destructive wildfire seasons fueled by hotter temperatures, prolonged drought and more extreme weather conditions. CAL FIRE Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler said the Ramona facility reflects years of investment in modernizing California’s aerial firefighting fleet. Over the past two years, CAL FIRE aircraft have flown more than 11,500 flight hours annually while maintenance crews logged more than 90,000 hours keeping aircraft mission-ready, Tyler said. Among the most significant additions is the C-130 Hercules air tanker, capable of dropping 4,000 gallons of fire retardant — more than three times the capacity of CAL FIRE’s traditional S-2 air tankers. The aircraft is part of the state’s new fleet of converted military transport planes that entered service beginning in 2024. Also based in Ramona is the county’s new S-70 Firehawk helicopter, which can perform water drops after dark — a capability officials said is already proving invaluable. It has an integrated 1,000-gallon water tank with hoist rescue capability and the ability to transport helicopter crews into remote terrain. San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chair Terra Lawson-Remer pointed to last week’s Thorn Fire, where the Firehawk flew nighttime suppression missions that slowed the fire’s progression and helped prevent flare-ups the following morning. “Our days are getting hotter, our nights are getting warmer, the winds are stronger and fuels are drier,” Lawson-Remer said. “Wildfire does not stop when the sun goes down.” She urged residents to prepare for wildfire emergencies by signing up for emergency alerts, planning evacuation routes and heeding evacuation orders when issued. For East County backcountry communities, the upgrades could mean quicker aerial response to fires threatening homes. Aircraft assigned to Ramona regularly respond throughout the county. Mecham twice shared the importance of coordinated and consolidated efforts between firefighting agencies across the county. “We fight fire without boundaries and without egos,” he said. Mecham said the modernization project focused on improving efficiency as much as expanding capabilities. Previously, air tankers were forced to maneuver awkwardly into a single retardant loading area, creating backups during major wildfire incidents. The redesigned facility features three drive-through loading pits that allow aircraft to taxi in, reload and immediately return to the fire. “The S-2s can reload in about two to three minutes,” Mecham said. “The C-130, under 10 minutes, it’s on the ground here at Ramona before it’s back in the sky responding to the next fire.” The expanded ramp now allows up to six air tankers to stage simultaneously. During last week’s Thorn Fire, officials said 11 air tankers were assigned to the incident, underscoring the need for increased loading capacity. Additional improvements are in the planning stages. Construction is expected to begin next year on a 14-person barracks to support future 24-hour operations, along with further expansion of the helicopter facilities. Monday’s ceremony also highlighted the historical significance of the Ramona Air Attack Base, which opened in 1957 as CAL FIRE’s first aviation base. While the facility received new buildings in 2000, much of its underground infrastructure — including water lines, electrical systems and retardant delivery equipment — had remained unchanged until the recent reconstruction. San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson, who lives in the fire-prone area of Alpine, thanked leaders for their understanding of the importance of the Ramona airport site… “not just in San Diego County but for Southern California in general.” “CAL FIRE has been an essential partner for the County Fire, providing joint fire protection in emergency services for more than 1.7 million acres,” Anderson said. “Since CAL FIRE’s creation in 2008, the Board of Supervisors have invested over a billion dollars into fire protection in emergency medical services. “In the years since we created County Fire, we have also expanded our partnership in collaborations. In 2022, CAL FIRE successfully collaborated with the Ramona Municipal Water District to establish the Ramona Airport as a hub for aerial firefighting teams, in addition to replacing fire engines and adding a third ambulance, which was so important to the backcountry and to all my constituents.” 

Photo courtesy County of San Diego

Marine Science Institute has named Lisa Biasillo its new Executive Director, succeeding longtime leader Marilou Seiff.

Photo courtesy County of San Diego

Chase the Perseids in Borrego Springs: Summer’s Best Getaway Is Under the Stars If you've been waiting for a reason to visit Borrego Springs, t he Perseid meteor shower is a pretty great excuse. If you live nearby, consider this your reminder to book a staycation, get out of the house, and look up. Summer is one of the best values of the year. You'll find lower hotel rates, fewer crowds, and a slower pace , making it the perfect time to experience one of nature's most spectacular events. The Perseid meteor shower is active from July 17 through August 24 and is expected to peak the nights of August 12–13 . With little moonlight during the peak and Borrego Springs' internationally recognized dark skies, conditions are ideal for viewing. Under clear skies, you may see 50 to 100 meteors per hour , including brilliant fireballs that leave glowing trails across the sky. Borrego Springs is California's first International Dark Sky Community , making it one of the best places in Southern California to experience the Perseids. No telescope is needed. Just bring a chair or blanket, find a safe location away from lights, let your eyes adjust for about 30 minutes, and enjoy the show. The best viewing is generally after midnight through the hours before dawn, although meteors can appear throughout the night. During the day, take advantage of summer savings with a stay at La Casa del Zorro , a Stay & Play package at Rams Hill , or seasonal rates at The Palms at Indian Head . Sleep in, relax by the pool, enjoy lunch or dinner in one of Borrego's air-conditioned restaurants, and check BorregoEvents.com for local happenings. Browse the locally owned shops that remain open year-round, visit art galleries, enjoy some night photography, or take a stroll down Palm Canyon Drive and browse homes for sale in the windows of Coldwell Banker and other local real estate offices. Summer offers a quieter, more relaxed way to experience Borrego Springs. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or just escaping for a night, there's no better time to discover why Borrego Springs is known for its dark skies, hospitality, and desert beauty. Come for the summer savings. Stay for the Perseids. Leave with memories—and maybe a few shooting stars.

Photo courtesy Christina Aiello /Wildlands Network

A Hollywood fun fact courtesy of longtime Park Ranger Fred Jee.

Don't Miss These Summer Night Sky Events

Prepared with information from ABDNHA's Dark Sky resources, Michael Poirier, Astrophotographer, and the Sky Calendar from Michigan State University. Learn more about Borrego Springs dark skies at: https://abdnha.org/darksky/sky / Note: You can subscribe to the Sky Calendar from Abrams Planetarium, Michigan State University, 755 Science Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824. Borrego Springs offers some of the darkest skies in Southern California, making summer an excellent time to observe the Milky Way, planets, meteor showers, and other celestial events. Here's what to look for in June and July 2026. Early June Sunrise: 5:38 a.m. Sunset: 7:50 p.m. PST Day Length: 14 hours 12 minutes June Highlights June 1 (Monday) Venus and Jupiter appear within 8° of each other in the west-northwestern sky after sunset. June 3–16 Milky Way viewing conditions are excellent, with dark, moonless skies after nightfall. The Milky Way rises at 10:57 p.m. on June 7 and as early as 10:30 p.m. on June 14. It remains visible for up to 4 hours and 29 minutes. June 6–13 Grand Canyon Star Party, Arizona. Learn more at www.grandcanyon.org . June 11 (Thursday) Venus, Jupiter, and Mercury span their shortest angle in the evening sky, just 13.2° apart. June 15 (Monday) New Moon — one of the darkest nights of the month for stargazing and astrophotography. June 15 (Monday) Mercury reaches greatest elongation, 24.5° from the Sun, making it the best evening appearance of the year shortly after sunset. June 21 (Sunday) June Solstice marks the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. It is the longest day of the year with 14 hours and 20 minutes of daylight. June 22–July 2 June Bootids Meteor Shower. June 29 (Monday) Full Moon rises at 8:17 p.m. and sets at 5:04 a.m. June 30 (Tuesday) Asteroid Day. Early July Sunrise: 5:41 a.m. Sunset: 7:59 p.m. Day Length: 14 hours 18 minutes July Highlights July 5 (Sunday) The Milky Way rises at 9:38 p.m. and remains visible for 3 hours and 58 minutes. July 12 (Sunday) The Milky Way rises at 9:34 p.m. and remains visible for 3 hours and 35 minutes. July 14 (Tuesday) New Moon — ideal conditions for stargazing and astrophotography. July 15 (Wednesday) Mercury reaches greatest elongation, 24.5° from the Sun. July 28–29 (Tuesday–Wednesday) Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower peaks. July 29 (Wednesday) Full Moon rises at 8:17 p.m. and sets at 5:04 a.m. The Planets and the Milky Way in June Evening Planets Venus and Jupiter dominate the western sky after sunset throughout June. Around June 8–9, the two planets appear in conjunction, creating a striking close encounter in the west-northwestern sky. Venus, often called the "Evening Star," shines brilliantly as it moves from Taurus toward Gemini and climbs higher in the evening sky each night. Jupiter remains nearby and is also easily visible. Mercury becomes visible low in the western sky during the second half of June. June 15 offers the best viewing opportunity, as Mercury reaches its greatest elongation and highest apparent position above the horizon. Morning Planets Saturn and Mars are visible before sunrise. Mars remains low in the east-northeast, while Saturn rises higher from the east to east-southeast. Early June provides a chance to see the two planets relatively close together. Summer Milky Way Summer is the prime season for viewing the bright central core of the Milky Way. From June through August, the galaxy's core rises in the southeastern sky and becomes one of the most spectacular sights available to dark-sky observers. June Bootids Meteor Shower The June Bootids occur annually from June 22 through July 2 and peak around June 27. Most years produce only one or two meteors per hour. However, this shower has occasionally surprised observers with dramatic outbursts. In 1998, rates briefly reached approximately 100 meteors per hour. The shower originates from debris left by Comet Pons-Winnecke, which orbits the Sun every 6.3 years. June Bootids are known for their unusually slow speed, entering Earth's atmosphere at approximately 14 kilometers per second. Asteroid Day – June 30 Asteroid Day is a United Nations-sanctioned global awareness campaign held annually on June 30. The event educates the public about asteroid impacts, planetary defense, and ongoing research into near-Earth objects. The date commemorates the Tunguska Event of June 30, 1908, when a massive airburst explosion flattened approximately 830 square miles of Siberian forest. The blast is estimated to have released energy equivalent to between 3 and 50 megatons of TNT, making it the largest recorded impact event in modern history. For more information, visit www.un.org. Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower The Delta Aquariids meteor shower peaks on the night of July 28 and the morning of July 29. This annual shower can produce up to 20 meteors per hour under ideal conditions and is associated with debris from Comets Marsden and Kracht. The shower runs from July 12 through August 23 each year. Unfortunately, the 2026 peak coincides with a Full Moon, which will wash out many fainter meteors. Patient observers may still catch some of the brighter meteors throughout the night. The meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Aquarius but can be seen anywhere in the sky. Learn More About Borrego Springs' Dark Skies Borrego Springs is California's first International Dark Sky Community and one of the best places in Southern California to experience the Milky Way, meteor showers, planets, and other celestial events. To learn where to observe, dark sky etiquette, upcoming programs, and more about stargazing in Borrego Springs, visit the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association's Dark Sky resources: https://abdnha.org/darksky/sky/