Borrego Revitalization Committee Meeting: Jan 2025

Key Updates on Infrastructure, Broadband, and Community Initiatives

The Borrego Springs Revitalization Committee convened on January 23, 2025, to discuss ongoing community initiatives and improvements. Led by Supervisor Jim Desmond, the meeting covered key topics such as infrastructure projects, broadband expansion, environmental efforts, and public health. The committee continues to play a crucial role in addressing local concerns and ensuring Borrego Springs thrives as a connected and sustainable community.

Borrego Springs Revitalization Meeting Brief Notes

Opening Remarks

Shaina:
Good morning, everyone. Thanks for being here today. I appreciate all the staff who jumped in last minute to prepare for this. Normally, we have about a month to plan these meetings, so I truly appreciate the effort from everyone.

I’ll now turn it over to Supervisor Jim Desmond to get us started.

Supervisor Jim Desmond

Jim Desmond:
Thank you, Shaina, for organizing this and getting everyone together. We initially hoped to meet in person, but the timing didn’t work out.

Before we begin, I want to take a moment to acknowledge that this will be Shaina’s last Revitalization meeting with us. She’s moving on to bigger things as an entrepreneur, and we wish her the best. Thank you, Shaina, for your incredible work in organizing these meetings.

I’d also like to introduce Alyssa Formolo, who will be taking over from Shaina. She has been with my office for over a month now, so you’ll be seeing her as the new point of contact for these meetings.

Now, I want to welcome all the folks from Borrego and county staff. I appreciate you taking the time to be here.

Power Shutoffs & Community Concerns

Supervisor Desmond addressed concerns over SDG&E power shutoffs affecting Borrego Springs, particularly businesses like grocery stores and restaurants. Due to ongoing fire responses, SDG&E representatives were unavailable. Desmond encouraged residents to contact his office for assistance in obtaining information. He also mentioned the Watch Duty app as a faster way to receive fire updates.

Committee Leadership & Structure

There are four subcommittees with community leaders serving as chairpersons:

Economic Development: Betsy Knaak

Public Health: Bruce Kelly

Environment: Tammy Baker

Infrastructure: Marcia Boring

Infrastructure Subcommittee Updates

Marcia Boring (Chair, Infrastructure Subcommittee):
The committee is working on traffic calming solutions. With the Palm Canyon Road and Shadeway projects nearing completion, discussions are underway to propose new traffic calming measures that align with county regulations.

County staff provided updates on planned road resurfacing projects:

Completed Projects (2018-2023): Roads shown in blue on the resurfacing map. See video here: Completed Projects.

Current Projects (2024, shown in green): 6 miles of resurfacing work, temporarily paused due to low temperatures but resuming in March/April.

Upcoming Projects (2025, shown in purple): 8 miles of additional resurfacing, currently in the design phase, expected to begin in summer 2025.

A proposal was made to display a large printed resurfacing map at the Borrego Springs Library for public reference.

Village Campus Development

Daniel Wright:
The Village Campus concept includes a firehouse, medical clinic, and affordable housing near the library. More information can be found at Wellsprings Community Foundation.

- Firehouse: 4 acres donated for a new station, with planning underway.

- Medical Clinic: A long-term goal to relocate healthcare services closer to downtown.

- Affordable Housing: Plans for a 60-unit development to support low-income residents and seniors.

A new nonprofit, Wellsprings Community Foundation, has been formed to oversee this project.

Economic Development & Public Health Updates

Betsy Knaak & Bruce Kelly:
Efforts focus on medical services and emergency response. Updates on the Borrego Springs medical clinic:

New full-time physician hired: Dr. Joseph Cerjan

Clinic undergoing renovations: New flooring and upgraded equipment.

Pending insurance contracts approval: Expected to resolve issues with patient billing.

Long-term plans include the development of a firehouse clinic, but funding and logistical challenges remain. The committee is also exploring a resource center model similar to Ramona’s.

Environmental Subcommittee Updates

Tammy Baker (Chair, Environment Subcommittee):

Invasive Weed Control (Volutaria): Over 220 acres treated, but additional funding is needed after 2025.

Abandoned Wells: 5 out of 8 wells destroyed; 3 in legal resolution.

New Committee on Homelessness: A new effort is forming to address homelessness in Borrego Springs.

Closing Remarks

Supervisor Jim Desmond:
Thank you all for your updates and ongoing efforts. If you need follow-up, Alyssa Formolo is now your primary contact.

See you all at the Boys & Girls Club Golf Tournament in February!