May 10, 2026
Did You Know? Borrego Sun History
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Did you know the Borrego Sun was established in 1949 and has documented Borrego Springs for more than 70 years?
The newspaper has covered local life, community milestones, desert events, and stories from Borrego Springs, Julian, Ocotillo Wells, and the Salton Sea.
In 1954, Copley Press purchased the Borrego Sun and helped modernize the paper during an important growth period for Borrego Springs.
James Copley also played a role in promoting Borrego Springs as a desert resort community. Copley Press produced promotional films, featured Borrego Valley news, and helped bring wider attention to the area.
The historic Borrego Sun building was built in 1960 and originally housed both the newspaper offices and a bank.
Today, the Borrego Sun archive includes thousands of photos, articles, maps, and clippings that help preserve the story of Borrego Springs and the surrounding desert region.
More is to come for the historic Borrego Sun.
Learn More About Borrego Springs
The Bike4BorregoKids fundraiser is ongoing and continues to support graduating seniors at Borrego Springs High School with financial aid f
An extreme heat warning is in effect for the eastern edge of San Diego County, including Borrego Springs. The National Weather Service expects daytime highs to run well above average Sunday and Monday. Borrego Springs could reach about 103 to 104 degrees, while Ramona may see highs in the low to mid-80s. The heat is being caused by a strong high-pressure system. Temperatures are expected to ease by Tuesday, but another warmup may arrive later in the week. During extreme heat, the risk of heat-related illness rises. Residents and visitors should limit time outdoors, drink plenty of water, stay in air-conditioned spaces when possible, and watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Spend Memorial Day at Rams Hill Golf Club on Monday, May 25, with a full day on the course surrounded by the desert landscape of Borrego Springs. Players can enjoy morning rounds, a relaxed afternoon pace, food and drink specials, on-course games, and complimentary replays throughout the day. Special pricing: $120 — Military & First Responders $170 — All Players Whether you're planning a competitive round or simply looking to enjoy time with friends over the holiday weekend, Rams Hill offers a memorable Memorial Day experience in Borrego Springs. Reserve your tee time: https://tinyurl.com/RamsHillMemorialDay
BY: Colt Knedler Rams Hill Golf Club
Families gathered at Christmas Circle in Borrego Springs as OLAX hosted its Cinco de Mother’s Day celebration, an evening focused on honoring mothers, culture, and community connection. The event featured performances by Eli Hernandez, Mia Lopez, BAMA Youth, and Folklorico Youth. Guests also enjoyed free drinks, quick snacks, gifts for mothers, and an opportunity drawing. Mothers attending the event were able to choose their own gifts. Volunteers prepared hundreds of items for moms, creating a thoughtful and welcoming experience for local families. Mothers also received corsages made by Christina Portillo.
Hundreds of Animals Rescued From Julian Sanctuary During Major Investigation San Diego Humane Society officials say hundreds of neglected animals are now receiving care after a large-scale rescue operation at Villa Chardonnay in Julian. Villa Chardonnay had been described online as an animal sanctuary focused on giving animals a safe place to heal and live peacefully. But investigators say the conditions they encountered on the 40-acre property revealed widespread neglect involving hundreds of animals. According to San Diego Humane Society, the rescue effort began after concerns about conditions at the property continued for years. The case was transferred from San Diego County Animal Services to SDHS in late April due to the scale of the situation and legal complications connected to bankruptcy proceedings. Officials said a search warrant was served on May 1 after veterinary evidence documented severe neglect, including malnutrition, untreated injuries, infections, and lack of basic care.
Community joins global moment of reflection in Borrego Springs St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Borrego Springs marked World Labyrinth Day with visitors gathering throughout the day and at the shared “Walk as One” moment at 1:00 PM, joining others around the world in a quiet act of reflection and intention for peace. The church’s outdoor labyrinth, located just south of the main building, remained open all day, allowing people to walk at their own pace. Some came for a few minutes, others lingered, taking time in the center to pause, reflect, or pray. Fr. David Madsen described the experience as accessible to anyone. “You do not have to know the right words or follow a certain tradition. The labyrinth welcomes anyone seeking peace, clarity, or a moment to breathe.” Unlike a maze, the labyrinth offers a single path to the center and back out, encouraging a steady, intentional walk. “The labyrinth offers a quiet way to pause, pray, and listen for the presence of God in the stillness,” Madsen said. Modeled after the 11-circuit design at Chartres Cathedral, the Borrego Springs labyrinth sits in a peaceful desert setting that naturally invites stillness and reflection. Participants walked for many reasons, including seeking calm, releasing burdens, or simply taking a break from the pace of daily life. “In the desert quiet, the labyrinth becomes a place to release burdens, center the heart, and return to the world with peace,” Madsen said. World Labyrinth Day is observed globally each year, bringing people together through a shared act of walking with intention. In Borrego Springs, the day offered a simple but meaningful opportunity to connect, reflect, and step into stillness.
The emblem at Christmas Circle has been updated from the ram to the sun, along with a fresh coat of paint. Did you notice the update at Christmas Circle? The emblem has been refreshed, replacing the ram with the sun and adding a new coat of paint to brighten the sign. The work is maintained by the Christmas Circle Board, a local nonprofit that relies on community support. Frank Murillo, a board member and longtime resident, volunteers his time to keep the sign clean, current, and welcoming. His ongoing efforts are part of what helps maintain the appearance and pride of this central gathering place. Small details like this reflect the care people have for Borrego Springs—and the many volunteers who quietly keep things looking their best. The Board welcomes donations of all sizes to help continue maintaining Christmas Circle and its features for the community. Borrego Springs is fortunate to have dedicated individuals like Murillo helping preserve what makes the area special.
As the busy Borrego Springs season comes to a close and the community transitions into summer, the Rotary Club of Borrego Springs is reflecting on a year of meaningful impact. Through fundraising, partnerships, and volunteer efforts, the club continues to support programs that invest in students, develop leaders, and strengthen the community. A highlight of the season was the Mardi Gras gala fundraiser, which raised nearly $60,000 . Those funds are distributed throughout the club’s July–June fiscal year, supporting a wide range of local initiatives. This year, Rotary contributed to programs including the Christmas Toy Giveaway, the Youth and Seniors Center, Borrego Days Festival, the Borrego Springs Community Concert Association , the Borrego Springs History Museum, and the Borrego Ministers Association’s emergency air conditioner program, helping local families during extreme heat. Supporting Borrego youth remains a central focus. Rotary continues to fund scholarships for Borrego Springs High School seniors and students continuing their education, with a $50,000 allocation this year. Leadership programs such as Interact, RYLA, and LEAD also provide students with opportunities to build confidence, responsibility, and community involvement. Beyond Borrego Springs, the club remains active in international service, including long-standing support for an orphanage in Mexicali and contributions to Rotary International’s End Polio Now initiative. The Rotary Club has also launched a newly redesigned website , offering a clearer view of its work and making it easier for the community to stay connected. “Our Club is small but mighty — like Borrego itself,” said President Diane E.P. Johnson. “As we enter the new year, we intend to let the good times — and good works — roll on.” Save the date: The 2027 Rotary Gala will take place on February 6 at La Casa del Zorro — an event the community won’t want to miss.
