December 12, 2024

Borrego Springs Faces Power Outages with Community Support

Share

Borrego Springs Library at Night

Borrego Springs Extended Power Outages


Beginning Monday evening, December 9, 2024, Borrego Springs experienced widespread power outages as SDG&E initiated public safety shutoffs due to high fire risk. The outages, impacting all circuits in the area, lasted until approximately 2:30 PM on Wednesday, December 11. With temperatures dropping sharply at night, community members leaned on key resources to navigate the challenges.


Mirage Gas, Dollar General, XL Gas, and the Borrego Springs Library operated on generators—some provided by SDG&E—ensuring essential services were available. The library, designated as an official Community Resource Center, became a vital refuge, offering warm seating, spacious accommodations, Wi-Fi, free ice, water, blankets, charging stations, and meal kits.


Community Resource Center workers were friendly and helpful, encouraging residents to share information so others could access resources. Security was provided for both the library interior and the parking lot, ensuring a safe environment for all. Residents using library services were asked to sign in with their name, address, and contact information.


While Verizon and other phone services remained operational, AT&T users were without service until Wednesday morning, adding another layer of difficulty for some residents. The outages disrupted local events, and some visitors chose to leave early due to the conditions. Despite the challenges, the resilience of the community and the availability of these resources helped Borrego Springs weather this period of uncertainty.


The initial messaging from SDG&E warned residents to prepare for potential outages lasting until 5:30 PM on Friday, December 13, emphasizing the need for extended readiness.


If you feel you lacked access to support or connection during this time, please let us know so we can pass along feedback and help improve future emergency responses through community outreach.


Please feel free to share your experience with us, whether you’d like it posted publicly or kept private. Let us know how we can help pass along your feedback.





Learn More About Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs Film Festival Wraps January 2026

January 21, 2026
The 13th Borrego Springs Film Festival wrapped January 18, 2026, with sold-out screenings, red carpet moments, awards, and strong community turnout. The 13th Annual Borrego Springs Film Festival wrapped up January 18, 2026, closing five days of independent cinema, conversation, and community energy. Events were held throughout Borrego Springs, including free screenings at the Borrego Springs Library and ticketed block screenings and awards ceremonies at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center. Presented by the Borrego Springs Film Institute, the festival continued its traditional, theater-first format that brings people together to watch films in shared spaces and talk about them afterward. Several screening blocks sold out during the week, reflecting strong local interest and visiting attendance. That connection was clear during the live-streamed red carpet. Host Brianna Pinto described one of the festival’s defining qualities by saying, “Filmmakers get to interact directly with the audience,” noting that Borrego Springs draws viewers who truly watch and engage with the films. Filmmakers echoed that experience in different ways. A King’s Curtain director Grannan Johnson said it was especially meaningful to hear audience members tell him, “Oh yes, I saw your film,” calling Borrego Springs “a fun place to be” with “really nice, great people.” Documentary filmmaker Mitch Yapko (Watching Walter) described a moment when a full theater reacted together, saying the shared gasp from the audience made it clear they were fully engaged. The setting itself also left an impression. Actress Laura Bolin (Rage, Rhonda) called the enthusiasm of Borrego Springs audiences “contagious” and encouraged visitors to explore the landscape, describing the area as a place to “just wander” and take in the desert views.

Doobie Brothers Tribute | January 25th!

January 20, 2026
Event Overview The Doobie Doubles present The Ultimate Doobie Brothers Tribute, a live concert celebrating the music of the legendary rock band The Doobie Brothers . The performance recreates the sound, harmonies, and stage energy associated with decades of Doobie Brothers hits. The Band The Doobie Doubles is a professional tribute band known for faithfully performing classic Doobie Brothers material. Band members include Rick Erbe, Mike Leffler, Sheldon Bonada, Ray Bergstrom, Pete Hopkins, and Daniel Osterstock. Date, Time, and Venue Date: January 25, 2026 Time: 3:00 PM Venue: Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center Address: 590 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, California The Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center hosts a range of concerts, theater productions, and community performances throughout the season. Tickets Tickets: Available online Website: bspac.org Advance ticket purchase is recommended. Tribute concerts like this one offer audiences the opportunity to experience iconic music performed live in an intimate setting. With a focus on musical accuracy and stage presence, The Doobie Doubles deliver a performance designed for longtime fans and new listeners alike. 

Denim & Diamonds Gala in Borrego Springs

January 20, 2026
Event Overview The Denim & Diamonds Gala is a hoedown-style fundraising event celebrating three decades of community care by the Borrego Valley Endowment Fund (BVEF) . Proceeds from the gala support programs that strengthen the well-being of Borrego Valley residents, including healthcare, education, arts, environmental initiatives, and community development. Live Music and Entertainment Live music will be provided by Sean Oliu and the Coastline Cowboys. The program also includes cowboy poetry by Carey Peck, along with line dancing, auctions, and interactive activities throughout the afternoon. Date, Time, and Location Date: February 21, 2026 Time: 2:00–5:00 PM Location: The Center 590 Palm Canyon Drive Borrego Springs, California Tickets and Food Tickets: $100 per person Pre-order: give@bvefund.org Availability: Limited tickets available at the event  Food will be served by Pablito’s, with a cash bar available.

KRAM 90.5 Prepares to Launch at Christmas Circle

January 20, 2026
First day of mural work at Christmas Circle: Gabriel Wisdom with mural artist Anne-Sophie Gaudet and assistant Romain on site at 730 Christmas Circle.

Supervisor Candidate Rebecca Jones Meets Borrego Springs Residents

January 18, 2026
Supervisor candidate Rebecca Jones met Borrego Springs residents at a BBQ luncheon at Rams Hill to discuss housing, education, busing, healthcare, and quality of life.

2026 Borrego Springs Golf Classic

January 18, 2026
The 27th Annual Borrego Springs Golf Classic takes place on Friday, February 20, 2026, at de Anza Desert Country Club. Hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego , this annual event brings golfers, supporters, and community members together for a day of golf and giving in Borrego Springs. All proceeds from the tournament directly benefit the Borrego Springs Branch , supporting programs that help local youth succeed academically, build good character, and develop healthy lifestyles. The event features a scramble-style round of golf , on-course activities, auctions, and a hosted lunch. It’s designed to be both competitive and social, welcoming participants looking to enjoy a meaningful day on the course while supporting youth programs in the Borrego Valley. Sponsorship & Participation A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and individuals interested in supporting the event and the Borrego Springs Branch. Sponsorships provide visibility throughout the tournament and help fund essential youth services. Event Details Date: Friday, February 20, 2026 Location: de Anza Desert Country Club 509 Catarina Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004 Registration and additional event details are available through the event website.  Learn More About Borrego Springs
Show More

Share This Post