Andrea McKenna • June 25, 2026

Did You Know Ken Kramer Featured Borrego Springs?

Share

The Emmy Award-winning host called the sculptures "the most remarkable metal sculptures to be found anywhere in the world."

If you've ever admired the giant metal sculptures scattered across Galleta Meadows, you may remember that Ken Kramer's About San Diego featured them in a 2018 episode titled "Episode 71 - Metal Monsters in Borrego Springs."


Kramer introduced viewers to what he called "the most remarkable metal sculptures to be found anywhere in the world," describing how they seem to stand naturally in the desert landscape, "unaffected by blowing sand and scorching heat."


The episode tells the story of the late Dennis Avery, who envisioned filling his Borrego Springs property with public art celebrating prehistoric creatures and whimsical desert creations. To bring that vision to life, Avery found sculptor Ricardo Breceda, whose imagination and craftsmanship transformed the desert into one of Southern California's most recognizable outdoor art experiences.


Traveling to Breceda's workshop, Kramer discovered not only the artist behind Borrego's sculptures but also the joy that drives his work. Breceda explained, "The best pay for an artist is when people like what you do, when people enjoy what you do." He summed up his philosophy simply: "I make people smile. I make people happy."


Kramer also reflected on what makes the sculptures so special, calling them "an inspiration to think large, think fearlessly," before leaving viewers with Breceda's own advice: "Focus on something, make it happen. Do it. Just do it. And most of all... have fun."


Earlier this year, the Emmy Award-winning series celebrated its 100th episode on Feb. 19, 2026, marking nearly half a century of uncovering little-known stories that help viewers see San Diego County in a new way.

Ricardo Breceda's sculptures on display at the San Diego County Administration Center's Waterfront Park during the 2025 traveling public art exhibit.


The story of Breceda's work in Borrego Springs continues to grow. In October 2025, Borrego Community Builders led a public art installation featuring Ricardo Breceda sculptures that traveled throughout San Diego County, with stops at the San Diego County Waterfront Park, Logan Heights, the Gaslamp Quarter, and the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. The traveling exhibit concluded at the Borrego Days Parade, bringing the sculptures home to Borrego Springs.



"Battle of the Desert," commissioned by Rams Hill and installed in December 2025, is the newest public Ricardo Breceda sculpture installation in Borrego Springs.


Just a few months later, in December 2025, Borrego Community Builders celebrated the installation of two new Ricardo Breceda sculptures commissioned by Rams Hill. Titled "Battle of the Desert," the impressive new works became the newest public Breceda installation in Borrego Springs, adding another chapter to the community's growing collection of world-renowned metal sculptures.


Today, the collection has grown to more than 130 sculptures and remains one of Borrego Springs' most photographed attractions, drawing visitors from around the world.


Watching Ken Kramer's episode today is a reminder of how one visionary landowner, one gifted artist, and one remarkable storyteller helped introduce Borrego Springs to audiences across San Diego County.


And it leaves us wondering: Will Ken Kramer return to Borrego Springs to discover the next chapter of our desert story?



-----------



Learn More About Borrego Springs

By Andrea McKenna August 9, 2026
New communications tower supports stronger local connectivity
By Andrea McKenna August 8, 2026
www.youtube.com/@Desertusa
By Andrea McKenna August 8, 2026
Historic protections proposed amid Lithium Valley development.
By Andrea McKenna August 8, 2026
Cool Down at the Library
By Andrea McKenna August 8, 2026
The countdown is on for Borrego Days 2026! The 60th Annual Borrego Days Desert Festival will take place October 17–18, 2026 , bringing two days of free entertainment, a hometown parade, live music, cultural performances, art, food, family activities and more to Borrego Springs. Produced by the Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce , the annual festival will be held at Christmas Circle Community Park on Palm Canyon Drive . Admission and parking are free. Saturday Starts with National Anthem, Flyover and Parade Saturday, October 17, begins with a whirlwind of activity along Palm Canyon Drive. The National Anthem and flyover begin at 8:45 a.m. , followed by the Borrego Days Parade at 9 a.m. The parade travels down Palm Canyon Drive and ends at Christmas Circle. The theme for the 60th annual parade is “Reach for the Stars.” Festival activities continue Saturday until 6:30 p.m. Free live entertainment will be offered throughout the day, including DJs, PHT and the Honky Tonk Nights , followed by Nacho Bustillos & Band , performing in both English and Spanish. Sunday Features Music and Cultural Performances Borrego Days continues Sunday, October 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday entertainment includes Ballet Folklorico dancers, Mariachi Estrella , and music from the Borrego Academy of Music and Art . Art, Food, Kids' Activities and Car Show Festivalgoers can experience much more than the parade and live entertainment throughout the weekend. Activities and attractions include art exhibits, a kids' zone, food vendors, artisans, educational displays, an adult beer garden and a free-to-enter car show . The Borrego Days Desert Festival is a family-friendly event with activities and entertainment for all ages. Experience Borrego Springs Borrego Springs is located in the unincorporated area of San Diego County and was the second community in the world to receive International Dark Sky Community designation . It is also home to the approximately 600,000-acre Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and the world-famous Galleta Meadows Sky Art metal sculptures . Visitors to Borrego Springs can explore hiking, biking and equestrian trails along with arts and culture, shopping, dining, historic downtown walks, a Certified Farmers Market and community festivals. Other attractions and activities include the Borrego Springs Film Festival, art festivals, top-ranked golf, camping, glamping, resorts, tennis, mid-century modern architecture and expansive desert views. Additional visitor information and a Borrego Springs visitors guide are available at VisitBorrego.com . 60th Annual Borrego Days Festival Details Event: 60th Annual Borrego Days Desert Festival Dates: October 17–18, 2026 Saturday: 8:45 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Sunday: 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m. National Anthem and Flyover: Saturday at 8:45 a.m. on Palm Canyon Drive Parade: Saturday at 9 a.m. on Palm Canyon Drive 2026 Parade Theme: Reach for the Stars Festival Location: Christmas Circle Community Park, Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004 Admission: Free Parking: Free parking is available surrounding Christmas Circle and within walking distance of the festival. Festival Information: BorregoDays.com or 760-767-5555 Media representatives are invited to attend. About Borrego Days The Borrego Days Desert Festival is a project of the Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce & Welcome Center , which has served the needs of the Borrego Springs community since 1950. The festival is presented with the support of its 501(c)(3) public benefit fiscal sponsor, the Borrego Festivals Foundation (BFF.NGO). More information about the Chamber is available at BorregoSpringsChamber.com , and visitor information is available at VisitBorrego.com . Media Contact For media inquiries, photographs or interviews: Françoise Rhodes Executive Director Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce 786 Palm Canyon Drive Borrego Springs, CA 92004 760-767-5555 borregochamberdirector@gmail.com BorregoSpringsChamber.com
By Cassie N. Saunders, County of San Diego Communications Office August 7, 2026
By Cassie N. Saunders, County of San Diego Communications Office Nearly 200 older adults will start receiving a $500 a month in rental assistance next year through the County’s third round of the Shallow Rental Subsidy Program . The County is now accepting applications and will continue until 195 qualified households are accepted. Monthly payments to landlords are expected to begin in early 2027. The program offers $500 a month for 18 months to low-income older adults age 60 and older who are struggling with rising rental costs and are at risk of losing their housing. “This rental support gives older adults a better chance to stay in their homes and avoid homelessness. It is a practical step toward meeting the needs of our aging community,” said Dijana Beck, director of County Office of Homeless Solutions. To qualify, applicants must be severely rent burdened with a household income at or below 30 percent of the Area Median Income .
By Christmas Circle Foundation Board August 7, 2026
Help restore and preserve one of Borrego Springs' most treasured gathering places Christmas Circle Community Park began repairing and upgrading an aging irrigation system in early August 2026. This work will not only get our irrigation system working more efficiently, but also begin to transform the look of the park. The Board of Directors is making an appeal to the Borrego Springs Community and visitors to the park to make a generous one time donation to help fund this project. Our goal is $25,000 by December 31, 2026. Please consider making a donation and keeping the Park we all love and enjoy looking its best now and for years to come.
By Andrea McKenna August 6, 2026
A firsthand account of the Beaty family's homestead, ranching life, the original Borrego school, General Patton's desert training, and the people who helped shape the Borrego Valley.
By Andrea McKenna August 6, 2026
Anza-Borrego Night Hike Experience Anza-Borrego after dark on a guided 2–3 mile hike across natural desert terrain. Participants may observe shifting shadows, nighttime sounds, and nocturnal wildlife such as bats, owls, and scorpions. Event Details Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026 Time: 6:30–9:30 p.m. Meeting Location: Anza-Borrego Foundation Store, 587 Palm Canyon Dr. #110, Borrego Springs Cost: $28 ABF members, $33 non-members, $17 students The group will meet at the ABF store and carpool or caravan to the trailhead. The hike will be led by Wilderness First Responder Matt Nagy. Bring sturdy closed-toe shoes, a flashlight or headlamp, at least 2 liters of water, and snacks.  Register Today Space may be limited, so early registration is recommended.
Show More
Subscribe for Free Updates!

Share This Post