April 25, 2024

Borrego Springs Runs on Non-Profits

Share

How Non-Profits Sustain and Enhance Life in Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs, a remote community in the California desert, relies heavily on non-profit organizations to address its unique challenges and support its residents. With limited resources, high utility costs, and an economy significantly influenced by seasonal tourism, non-profits play a crucial role in maintaining the community’s well-being and fostering development.


The Importance of Non-Profits in Borrego Springs


Addressing Economic Challenges

Borrego Springs is classified as a Severely Disadvantaged Community, with a median household income significantly lower than the state average. This economic disparity means many residents struggle to meet basic needs. Non-profits like the Borrego Valley Endowment Fund (BVEF) focus on supporting vulnerable populations, including seniors and children, by funding programs that ensure access to food, healthcare, and education.


Supporting Education

The Borrego Springs Civic Foundation and other non-profits recognize the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty. Due to the town's geographical isolation, consolidating with neighboring school districts isn’t an option, making local initiatives essential. Non-profits invest in innovative educational programs and partnerships with institutions like the University of California to enhance learning opportunities for local students.


Enhancing Community Services

Non-profits also contribute to the quality of life by providing essential services and organizing community events. For example, the Borrego Village Association offers programs like First Aid and CPR certification courses, ensuring residents are prepared for emergencies. These organizations also engage in efforts to improve local infrastructure and promote community pride through projects like the Community Identification Welcome Sign initiative.


Promoting Environmental and Cultural Preservation

Organizations such as the Anza-Borrego Foundation and the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA) focus on preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the area. They provide educational resources and conduct conservation projects within the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, ensuring that the park remains a valuable asset for both residents and visitors. ABDNHA also promotes environmental awareness and offers programs that highlight the rich history and biodiversity of the region.


Borrego Ministers' Association: A Pillar of Community Support

The Borrego Ministers' Association (BMA) is a cornerstone of support in Borrego Springs, uniting local churches and faith-based organizations to address both the spiritual and practical needs of the community. They provide essential services such as food distribution, emergency financial assistance, and utility payment support, which are critical during the challenging summer months. Additionally, the BMA offers spiritual guidance, counseling, and organizes community events that foster social interaction and mutual support. By collaborating with other local non-profits like the Borrego Valley Endowment Fund and the Borrego Springs Youth and Seniors Center, the BMA ensures a comprehensive approach to community well-being, making a significant impact on the lives of residents.


The Role of the Borrego Valley Stewardship Council (BVSC)

The Borrego Valley Stewardship Council (BVSC) is a coalition of local organizations—businesses, non-profits, associations, and government agencies—focused on broad community engagement. Formed in 2014, the BVSC addresses community-wide issues such as water quality, economic development, and governance through inclusive discussions and initiatives. It aims to celebrate, promote, and protect the unique character and resources of Borrego Springs.


Community Building and Support

The tight-knit nature of Borrego Springs is reflected in the collaborative spirit of its non-profits. Events and activities organized by these groups help foster a sense of community, bringing people together and encouraging mutual support. This is crucial in a place where residents often have to rely on each other due to the remote and isolated setting.


How You Can Help


Donate

Financial contributions to local non-profits can make a significant impact. Donations help fund vital programs and services that support the community’s most vulnerable members.


Volunteer

Volunteering your time and skills is another way to contribute. Whether it’s helping out at community events, participating in conservation efforts, or offering professional expertise, every bit helps.


Spread the Word

Raising awareness about the needs and initiatives in Borrego Springs is essential. Sharing information through social media, word-of-mouth, and other channels can attract more support and resources to the community.


Borrego Springs exemplifies how non-profits can be the lifeblood of a small, isolated community. Through their dedicated efforts, these organizations ensure that residents not only survive but thrive in this unique desert environment.






Learn More About Borrego Springs

Meet Betelgeuse: A True Superstar

March 6, 2026
By Dennis Mammana Week of March 8-14, 2026 If you hear the word "superstar," what immediately comes to mind? Perhaps names like Tom Hanks, Taylor Swift or LeBron James? That's certainly understandable; they are all undisputed superstars who attract the attention of paparazzi and fans alike. If you're an astronomer, however, you may answer this question differently. For example, when I hear the word "superstar," I think of UY Scuti, WOH G64 or RSGC1-F01. Yes, these are superstars, but not quite how people may think. These are some of the largest stars known in our galaxy and, for that reason, are quite intriguing to us celestial paparazzi. Regular readers of this column know that our sun is also a star. It appears big and bright in our daytime sky because not only is it rather close (about 93 million miles away), it's also pretty large (nearly a million miles across). It sounds huge, but our star is rather small on a cosmic scale, and believe it or not, there are stars out there that would dwarf our sun and make it look tiny. These are the true superstars! Until recently, the largest star known was given the hopelessly poetic name of UY Scuti. At a distance of some 9,500 lightyears from Earth, UY Scuti is what is known as a red hypergiant star, with a diameter some 1,700 times that of the sun! All that changed recently, however, when astronomers found a gargantuan star some 2,150 times larger than our sun! It's named Stephenson 2-18, and if you'd like to get a peek at this stellar behemoth, you'll need more than your eyes. At a distance of some 18,900 lightyears, it appears 5,100 times fainter than we can see without a telescope. If you have no telescope but would still like to see a celestial superstar, you're in luck. There's one shining in our night sky right now; it's one of the brightest up there and is named Betelgeuse. Betelgeuse sparkles brightly in the northeastern corner of Orion, the hunter, and you can see its orange light midway up in the southern sky after dark this week. With about 15-20 times more mass than our sun, Betelgeuse is known as a red supergiant star for good reason. While we could align 109 Earths across the face of our sun, we would need at least 700 suns to cross the face of Betelgeuse! Indeed, this star is so immense that if it replaced our sun at the center of our planetary system, Betelgeuse would engulf the orbits of Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars, and stretch part of the way to Jupiter! Yet it appears as a simple point of light in our night sky because of its tremendous distance from us — some 3,100 trillion miles, or about 520 lightyears. Betelgeuse is easily one of the largest known stars, though its size fluctuates by as much as 60% as the star shudders and pulsates on its way to an eventual supernova explosion, thousands or millions of years from now. Or tonight. We just don't know.  I hope you'll step out under the night sky soon to meet this remarkable superstar for yourself! Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com. Learn More About Borrego Springs

CANCELED: Planned power outages in Borrego Springs March 18 and 24

March 5, 2026
SDG&E Planned outage has been canceled. As part of SDG&E’s reliability initiatives in Borrego Springs, two planned outages have been planned. The first outage will occur Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 7:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Thursday, and the second outage will occur on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, from 7:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Wednesday for infrastructure maintenance and to make improvements to our system. “We understand these outages can be disruptive and appreciate your patience while we conduct this important work to build a more resilient electric system,” SDG&E states. Learn More About Borrego Springs

Karla Diaz Unity Project

March 5, 2026
Karla Diaz’s Unity Project returns for a 2026 festival in Borrego Springs with public portrait banners at The Mall, a Unity Walk, and a Community Unity Festival. Karla Diaz’s Unity Project returns to Borrego Springs in 2026 for its third community-responsive activation, continuing a unity-focused effort she launched in 2024. The project combines a community run/walk, public programming, and painting with the goal of creating safe spaces for healing, art, and collective storytelling. After a year-long residency, research, and a series of community-led workshops, the Unity Project culminates in three core components: a community run/walk event, two public portrait banners inspired by Diaz’s interactions and workshops, and an exhibition of her watercolor works on paper. Diaz’s work centers narrative, identity, and memory as a way to generate collaboration and dialogue among diverse communities. 

Lucky Tongue live at the Dreamweaver Amphitheater

March 5, 2026
Lucky Tongue at the Dreamweaver Amphitheater at The Springs Lucky Tongue is scheduled to perform live at the Dreamweaver Amphitheater at The Springs in Borrego Springs. Below are the confirmed event details plus a few on-site logistics so people know what to expect when they arrive. Event facts Event: Lucky Tongue (live music) Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026 Time: 5:00–7:00 PM Location: Dreamweaver Amphitheater at The Springs (The Springs at Borrego RV Resort and Golf Course), Borrego Springs, California Cost: Free show Amphitheater setup Seating is informal: sit on the grass, sit in chairs set-up for the event or bring your own chairs Guests may arrive by golf cart The setting is relaxing and outdoor Food and drinks The Springs Wine & Beer Bar will be open El Dorado Tacos will be selling food

COMING SOON: Armand Frederick Vallée: Native American Indian Drawings

By Elizabeth Rodriquez • March 4, 2026
COMING SOON: The Gallery at the Palms

BAI Plein Air Quick Draw at Rams Hill

March 4, 2026
Artists painted live during the Plein Air Quick Draw at Rams Hill in Borrego Springs.

Wendy Warren Quinn Memorial Service

March 4, 2026
March 7 • 11:00 AM

Borrego Valley Endowment Fund (BVEF) Job Opening

March 3, 2026
Borrego Valley Endowment Fund (BVEF) Job Opening BVEF is seeking a Part-Time Property Manager & Bookkeeper to support day-to-day operations of The Center commercial property. This role includes basic bookkeeping for The Frugal Coyote and general administrative support for BVEF as needed. For the full position description and application details, email anna@bvefund.org Please share!

Bridge & Wolak Bring “Scandalous Romantics” to Borrego Springs

March 3, 2026
Presented by Borrego Springs Community Concert Association

2026 Borrego Home & Garden Tour

March 2, 2026
Borrego Springs, CA The Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA) will host the 2026 Borrego Home & Garden Tour on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The public is invited to explore four private homes and gardens at their own pace in Borrego Springs. This annual tour is a fundraiser benefiting ABDNHA, the educational 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports interpretation, education, and stewardship connected to the Anza-Borrego Desert region. Event details Event: 2026 Borrego Home & Garden Tour Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026 Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Format: Self-guided tour of four private homes and gardens Tickets $30 General Public $24 ABDNHA Members $20 ABDNHA Volunteers Early purchase discount: Buy by March 8 and save $2 per ticket . How to purchase Tickets are available online at abdnha.org/gardentour and in person at the ABDNHA Desert Nature Center , 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs . Questions: (760) 767-3098 Important guidelines Tickets are non-refundable . For guest safety and property rules, no strollers or dogs are permitted. About ABDNHA The Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA) is a nonprofit organization that supports education and interpretation in and around Anza-Borrego Desert State Park through programs, exhibits, and community engagement. Media Contact: ABDNHA Desert Nature Center 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA (760) 767-3098 abdnha.org/gardentour

Roadrunner Club Association 38th Annual Senior Center Benefit Golf Tournament Raises $33,000!

March 2, 2026
Roadrunner Club Association Benefit The Roadrunner Club Association’s 38th annual Senior Center Benefit golf tournament raised $33,000 for the Borrego Springs Youth and Seniors Center , according to Executive Director Teresa West . West described the turnout as strong early in the day, writing that as the sun came up she was “surprised at how many participants were out playing golf.” She called it “an amazing sight” and said it “touched my heart.” Largest single fundraiser of the year West said the golf tournament is the largest single fundraiser of the year for the Borrego Springs Youth and Seniors Center. She credited golfers, sponsors, and volunteers for making the event possible. “To all the golfers who participated in the tournament I want to say thank you,” West wrote, adding thanks to those who “sponsored a hole, put up signs, handed out food and drinks, took pictures and did all the preparation behind the scenes.” Services supported by the fundraiser West highlighted how the Senior Center supports older adults in the community by providing “nutritious and healthy meals” for homebound seniors, activities at the Seniors Community Center, and a medical loan closet that offers free medical equipment . She also noted the importance of the Borrego Springs Children’s Center , which provides childcare for children from birth to age 5. West said that without the Children’s Center, “many of our local parents would not be able to pursue their chosen career paths,” and children could miss an early start on “social-emotional development.” Message to the community West closed with a message of gratitude from the center’s team: “We can’t say thank you enough,” she wrote. “We truly appreciate each one of you.” Learn More About Borrego Springs

‘Badwater Salton Sea’ Ultramarathon Run

March 2, 2026
The BADWATER® Salton Sea ultra running event returns Saturday–Sunday, April 18–19, 2026 , with a listed start time of 6:30 AM and a Borrego Springs audience-friendly stop point at Borrego Springs Resort . This is a team race for duos or trios who run together for the full course (it’s not a relay). The route spans 81 miles (130 km) from Salton City —about 234 feet (71 m) below sea level —to Palomar Mountain at roughly 5,500 feet (1,676 m) , with over 9,000 feet (2,740 m) of total climbing. For locals and visitors watching in the Borrego area: about eight miles of the course cut through Anza-Borrego Desert State Park , using a single-track section between near Borrego Springs and near Ranchita , making the overall route a mix of road and trail . Organizers note this is the 13th edition , capped at 100 runners . If you’re in Borrego Springs, this is one of those rare mornings when you can watch a world-class endurance event pass through the desert landscape you already know—then climb all the way to the cool air of Palomar. Expect a moving pack of two- and three-person teams running side-by-side , plus support vehicles and race staff along the road portions. For updates, photos, and official race info, follow BADWATER® on Facebook and Instagram , or check the organizer’s event page .
Show More

Share This Post