Things To Do

Regional event celebrates the night sky, science, and dark sky preservation Borrego Springs residents who enjoy stargazing, astronomy, and protecting the night sky may want to mark their calendars for the 2026 San Diego Dark Sky Festival , scheduled for August 15 from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Julian Union High School in Julian. The festival will feature distinguished speakers, telescope viewing, hands-on activities, educational exhibits, and opportunities to learn more about the growing dark sky movement throughout San Diego County. The event is organized by DarkSky San Diego County and regional partners committed to reducing light pollution and preserving access to natural darkness. Activities are designed for families, students, amateur astronomers, and anyone interested in the night sky. Festival organizers describe it as a celebration of stars, science, and community. For Borrego Springs residents, the festival highlights a cause that has become part of the community's identity. Borrego Springs was California's first International Dark Sky Community , earning recognition for its efforts to reduce light pollution and preserve exceptional night-sky viewing. Julian followed with its own International Dark Sky Community designation in 2021, creating a network of dark-sky advocates in San Diego County's backcountry. The festival also showcases the growing regional movement to protect dark skies. Organizations from Borrego Springs, Julian, Fallbrook, Mission Trails Regional Park, and the Laguna Mountain area are working together to promote responsible lighting and preserve natural darkness for future generations. Visitors can expect telescope viewing, astronomy demonstrations, educational booths, and presentations on the importance of natural darkness for wildlife, human health, and energy conservation. Similar festivals have drawn large crowds and provided opportunities for the public to experience some of Southern California's best night skies. For many Borrego Springs residents, the event offers a chance to connect with neighboring dark-sky communities while celebrating one of the region's greatest natural resources—the star-filled skies that make both Borrego Springs and Julian special destinations for stargazing. ------------------ Fun Local Fact: K-RAM 90.5 FM at 730 Christmas Circle recently received a Night Sky Friendly Business Certificate of Merit from the Borrego Springs Dark Sky Coalition. The building also houses a Dark Sky visitor center and Borrego Valley Realty, where realtor Mary Watkins helps visitors learn more about protecting Borrego Springs' famous night skies.

Registrar conducts required hand count to verify June election results

Borrego Springs Community United Methodist Church Vacation Bible School is underway in Borrego Springs, bringing kids, youth counselors, adults, and volunteers together for four days of free summer fun. This year's Snowball Mountain Challenge includes Bible stories, arts, science, crafts, music, and hands-on activities for children ages 3–11. Ollie the Seal helps teach the daily lessons, along with the many volunteers who make the program possible. The program is free for all children and provides a positive, welcoming place for Borrego kids to stay engaged during the summer months. Children are creating art projects, exploring science activities, enjoying games, making new friends, and receiving a healthy lunch each day.

Exploring Goat Canyon Trestle Before It's Gone Adventure filmmaker Jeven Dovey documents one of Southern California's most remote railroad landmarks

Shop clothing, artwork, home décor, books, and more while supporting the Borrego Springs Children's Center.

Supervisor Jim Desmond Fights Transmission Line Planned Through East County

Martha Deichler, CRC Executive Director and Cristian Hernandez, CRC Team Leader

Items were discovered among boxes recently dropped off at Revivals. PALM SPRINGS, CA June 15, 2026 — DAP Health CEO David Brinkman will formally deliver two Holocaust-related artifacts to the Tolerance Education Center in Rancho Mirage during a Rancho Mirage City Council meeting on June 18 at 1:00 p.m., ensuring they are preserved, studied, and used for education. The meeting will be held in the Council chamber at Rancho Mirage City Hall, located at 69-825 Highway 111. Recently, volunteers at a Revivals resale store sorting donated items encountered two framed artifacts tied to the Holocaust: a Star of David badge and a set of paper notes identified as Lodz Ghetto currency from 1940. Recognizing the significance of what they had discovered, the volunteers ensured the items were protected and handled with reverence before delivering them to DAP Health CEO David Brinkman. The decision to transfer the artifacts to the Tolerance Education Center sparked a meaningful collaboration among community partners. The city of Rancho Mirage, DAP Health, the Jewish Federation of the Desert, and the Tolerance Education Center came together as organizations with different missions but a shared purpose: to protect human dignity and confront the consequences of hatred. “The collaborative work is stitched together because we all continue to fight for the human rights of people who were persecuted by the Nazis,” says Brinkman. “Both the Jewish community and the LGBTQ+ community still face discrimination, and there is a very significant thread that ties us all together.” Reflecting on the significance of the discovery, Brinkman adds, “For anybody who would ever doubt that the Holocaust happened, when you see items like this, the truth is undeniable. These artifacts personalize history, reminding us that real people lived through these heinous experiences.” Rancho Mirage City Council Member Eve Fromberg Edelstein, Esq., believes the artifacts have found the right home in Rancho Mirage. “Our community is committed to ensuring that this history is preserved, honored, and never forgotten." The Star of David badge represents one of the earliest and most visible tools of persecution used by Nazi authorities. Beginning in 1939 and expanding across occupied territories, Jewish individuals were forced to wear identifying symbols, often a Star of David, on their clothing. These badges marked Jewish people for public discrimination, restricted their movement, and made them more vulnerable to harassment, violence, deportation, and, for many, eventual death in ghettos and concentration camps. The second artifact, currency from the Lodz Ghetto, reflects another dimension of Nazi control. Established in 1940 in German-occupied Poland, the Lodz Ghetto confined more than 160,000 Jewish people in overcrowded and inhumane conditions. Within the sealed encampment, Nazi authorities introduced a closed monetary system, currency that held no value outside its borders. This “ghetto money” functioned as a tool of economic isolation and exploitation, stripping residents of real assets while tightly controlling access to food and necessities. In a time when Holocaust history is too often reduced to abstractions, artifacts like these insist on the concrete. They remind us that persecution was carried out through regulations and objects, paperwork and fabric, borders and receipts, each one with a link in a chain that led to deportation and murder. Tolerance Education Center Executive Director Michele Gold explains, “The enormity of lives murdered during the Holocaust can be overwhelming. Sharing stories with relatable artifacts such as these provides a powerful tool to help students learn that the Holocaust happened. It characterizes the events and holds emotional value to help students learn.” “As the organization responsible for overseeing all Jewish needs across the Coachella Valley, Jewish Federation of the Desert is proud to continue serving as a bridge-builder across different organizations, across nonprofits and municipal leadership,” says its CEO, Danny Labin. “We will deliver these artifacts with reverence,” concludes Brinkman, “placing historical evidence in the hands of expert professionals who can authenticate, conserve, and interpret with the respect owed to the victims and survivors of the Holocaust.” About DAP Health Since 1984, DAP Health has remained committed to protecting and expanding health care access. Guided by the voices and needs of the diverse communities it serves, the nonprofit’s nearly 1,000 team members provide medical, dental, and behavioral health care, plus social services and more, to almost 80,000 people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, orientations, and socioeconomic statuses at 23 fixed locations and six mobile units from the Coachella Valley to the San Diego coast. About the Tolerance Education Center The Tolerance Education Center was founded by Holocaust survivor Earl Greif in 2006 and opened its doors to the public in 2009. Its mission is to promote tolerance, civility, respect, and understanding by the elimination of hatred and bigotry. Programs, activities, and exhibits provide an educational opportunity for students and the community at large to expose prejudice, practice critical thinking, and be empowered to take an active role in creating a more just and humane society.

A recent KPBS report shared heartbreaking news: an endangered Peninsular bighorn sheep was found dead after becoming entangled in concertina wire near the U.S.-Mexico border in the Jacumba Wilderness. The story highlights growing concerns from wildlife biologists and conservationists about how border fencing and razor wire can affect protected species, including bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and wild horses. Wildlife biologist Christina Aiello has been among those warning that barriers can cut animals off from food, water, and safe movement corridors. This issue matters to Borrego Springs and the surrounding desert region because Peninsular bighorn sheep are part of our shared desert landscape. Protecting wildlife movement, water access, and habitat is essential to the long-term health of the Anza-Borrego region. Read the full KPBS report here: [ https://www.kpbs.org/news/environment/2026/06/10/endangered-ram-dies-after-getting-caught-in-concertina-wire-at-us-mexico-border ]

Art, History, and Scenic Views Just 38 Miles Away

Photo courtesy County of San Diego

Photos and videos from the event were shared by California Overland Desert Excursions and participating content creators on social media.

A Hand Up for Neighbors in Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs has a story worth sharing. Ram Media Foundation was created to strengthen community through media. As a nonprofit foundation, its mission is to foster connection, creativity, public engagement, and access to local information through projects that serve Borrego Springs and the surrounding desert region. Ram Media Foundation currently supports three main media initiatives: KRAM-FM 90.5 Borrego Springs — Radio KRAM-FM is Borrego Springs’ local radio station, created to support community connection through radio, storytelling, music, interviews, and public programming. Through KPBS Public Media, the name “Borrego Springs” is heard throughout San Diego County every day, reaching hundreds of thousands of listeners and helping introduce the community to a much wider audience. This regional exposure brings outside awareness to Borrego Springs while KRAM remains rooted in serving the local community. BorregoSun.com — News, Community Storytelling, and Youth Media BorregoSun.com focuses on regional news, local history, events, and community storytelling. It carries forward a name and legacy that has served Borrego Springs for generations while creating new ways to share the stories that matter today. BorregoSun.com also supports the Borrego Sun Youth Intern Program , which provides opportunities for local students to gain experience in journalism, photography, digital media, storytelling, and community reporting while helping share the next generation’s perspective on Borrego Springs. GoToBorregoSprings.com — Visitor and Community Guide GoToBorregoSprings.com highlights local events, businesses, recreation, arts, dining, lodging, and outdoor experiences throughout Borrego Springs and the surrounding desert region. This initiative is rooted in community immersion — showing up at local events, connecting with businesses and organizations, sharing photos and updates, listening to residents, and helping visitors discover what makes Borrego Springs unique year-round. Each platform has a different purpose, but together they help Borrego Springs be seen, heard, and connected. Why does that matter? Because awareness creates opportunity. When more people hear about Borrego Springs, read about it online, or discover it through social media, they learn about our businesses, events, nonprofits, schools, artists, athletes, volunteers, and attractions. Growing Reach During the past month alone, Borrego Springs content under Ram Media Foundation initiatives generated: 150,000 social media views Social media reach up 28 percent 95,300 website views More than 4,500 active website users Website traffic up more than 23 percent That visibility helps local businesses, nonprofits, community events, and organizations reach more people. It helps showcase the accomplishments of students, artists, athletes, volunteers, and community leaders. Most importantly, it helps keep Borrego Springs connected to the larger region. Ram Media Foundation also values, supports, and encourages other local media voices and community spaces, including the Borrego News, Mike and Monica Rue’s online radio station The Ram, and social media groups such as Borrego Springs 92004 and Borrego Out and About. Each platform brings something valuable to the community, helping people share updates, stay connected, and tell the story of Borrego Springs. Borrego Springs has many stories worth telling. The more people who help share them , the farther those stories can travel. This has long been a place where creativity, curiosity, and community come together. We are proud to help tell those stories and share them with the world. Our Ask Visit BorregoSun.com daily. We are committed to Free constant updates and ongoing coverage of local news, events, businesses, schools, sports, nonprofits, and community activities. Help us share your stories by sending in announcements, photos, ideas, and updates from your organization, business, school, club, or neighborhood. Send it in. We'll send it out. Consider becoming a sponsor. Sponsorship helps support community journalism, youth media opportunities, storytelling, and outreach. Let's talk about how we can help amplify your content , message, cause, concern, event, organization, or act of kindness.

Borrego Springs has a story worth sharing. RAM Media Foundation was created to strengthen community through media. As a nonprofit foundation, its mission is to foster connection, creativity, public engagement, and access to local information through projects that serve Borrego Springs and the surrounding desert region. Ram Media Foundation currently supports three main media initiatives: KRAM-FM 90.5 Borrego Springs — Radio KRAM-FM is Borrego Springs’ local radio station, created to support community connection through radio, storytelling, music, interviews, and public programming. Through KPBS Public Media, the name “Borrego Springs” is heard throughout San Diego County every day, reaching hundreds of thousands of listeners and helping introduce the community to a much wider audience. This regional exposure brings outside awareness to Borrego Springs while KRAM remains rooted in serving the local community. BorregoSun.com — News, Community Storytelling, and Youth Media BorregoSun.com focuses on regional news, local history, events, and community storytelling. It carries forward a name and legacy that has served Borrego Springs for generations while creating new ways to share the stories that matter today. BorregoSun.com also supports the Borrego Sun Youth Intern Program , which provides opportunities for local students to gain experience in journalism, photography, digital media, storytelling, and community reporting while helping share the next generation’s perspective on Borrego Springs. GoToBorregoSprings.com — Visitor and Community Guide GoToBorregoSprings.com highlights local events, businesses, recreation, arts, dining, lodging, and outdoor experiences throughout Borrego Springs and the surrounding desert region. This initiative is rooted in community immersion — showing up at local events, connecting with businesses and organizations, sharing photos and updates, listening to residents, and helping visitors discover what makes Borrego Springs unique year-round. Each platform has a different purpose, but together they help Borrego Springs be seen, heard, and connected. Why does that matter? Because awareness creates opportunity. When more people hear about Borrego Springs, read about it online, or discover it through social media, they learn about our businesses, events, nonprofits, schools, artists, athletes, volunteers, and attractions. Growing Reach During the past month alone, Borrego Springs content under Ram Media Foundation initiatives generated: 150,000 social media views Social media reach up 28 percent More than 4,500 active website users Website traffic up more than 23 percent That visibility helps local businesses, nonprofits, community events, and organizations reach more people. It helps showcase the accomplishments of students, artists, athletes, volunteers, and community leaders. Most importantly, it helps keep Borrego Springs connected to the larger region. RAM Media Foundation also values, supports, and encourages other local media voices and community spaces, including the Borrego News, Mike and Monica Rue’s online radio station The Ram, and social media groups such as Borrego Springs 92004 and Borrego Out and About. Each platform brings something valuable to the community, helping people share updates, stay connected, and tell the story of Borrego Springs. Borrego Springs has many stories worth telling. The more people who help share them , the farther those stories can travel. This has long been a place where creativity, curiosity, and community come together. We are proud to help tell those stories and share them with the world. Our Ask Visit BorregoSun.com daily. We are committed to free constant updates and ongoing coverage of local news, events, businesses, schools, sports, nonprofits, and community activities. Help us share your stories by sending in announcements, photos, ideas, and updates from your organization, business, school, club, or neighborhood. Send it in. We'll send it out. Consider becoming a sponsor. Sponsorship helps support community journalism, youth media opportunities, storytelling, and outreach. Let's talk about how we can help amplify your content , message, cause, concern, event, organization, or act of kindness.

Free hands-on clay, pottery, and glazing experiences planned for summer mornings in Borrego Springs. ArtPark continues to grow as a place for creativity, learning, and community in Borrego Springs. This summer, visitors can explore a new hands-on art experience as John DeLois, in partnership with the Borrego Art Institute, plans to offer free ceramics workshops at ArtPark. Participants will have the opportunity to work with clay, learn basic pottery techniques, try the pottery wheels, explore glazing, and have their creations fired and ready to take home. An open worktable will also be available for creative projects and demonstrations. Dates are still being finalized, but workshops are expected to take place on Saturday, and Sunday mornings throughout the summer. Located on the Borrego Art Institute campus, ArtPark combines community gardens, orchard space, outdoor learning areas, and public art, making it a unique place to discover something new. Whether you're interested in gardening, art, fresh produce, or simply enjoying the desert landscape, ArtPark offers opportunities to connect, learn, and create. Visitors are encouraged to stop by during the summer to see what's happening. You may find volunteers in the gardens, fresh produce available, a community project underway, or a pottery wheel spinning. For ArtPark information, contact Wade at (760) 767-5152 or email artfarm@borregoartinstitute.org .

Showing Up, Giving Back, and Inspiring the Next Generation At the Borrego Springs High School end-of-year awards ceremony, three women stood together who represent something deeply important in Borrego Springs: showing up for local students. Sylvia Maas, Corie Loera-Jaramillo, and Christina Portilla each serve the community in different ways, but their work shares a common purpose. They help educate, support, inspire, and encourage the children of Borrego Springs. Two of the women, Sylvia Maas and Corie Loera-Jaramillo, presented student awards that evening. Christina Portilla was there supporting her foreign exchange host students, but her presence reflected something even broader: she shows up for everyone. Whether through mentoring, volunteering, hosting students, or supporting local programs, Christina is one of the steady people helping Borrego Springs youth feel encouraged, included, and cared for. Sylvia Maas, an ultra-endurance cyclist and retired teacher, founded Bike4BorregoKids , an initiative that turns determination into opportunity for local students. Through scholarships, mentorship, leadership development, and educational experiences, Bike4BorregoKids helps Borrego Springs students prepare for college, careers, and life beyond high school. Through Bike4BorregoKids, Sylvia Maas has helped raise and award more than $30,000 in scholarships for Borrego Springs students for the third year, turning community support into real opportunities for local graduates. Her overall message to students is clear: don’t give up. In cycling, Sylvia often refers to the term DNF, meaning “Did Not Finish.” She uses that idea to remind students that school, work, and life will all bring difficult stretches — but the goal is to keep going, keep working, and finish what they started. Corie Loera-Jaramillo, who works at Borrego Outfitters in The Mall, has volunteered her time for over six years with the Interact Club at Borrego Springs High School , sponsored by the Rotary Club of Borrego Springs . Interact helps students build leadership skills, integrity, teamwork, and a commitment to giving back through service projects such as toy drives, field trips, community cleanups, and volunteer support at local events. Christina Portilla is known throughout Borrego Springs for her generous heart, creativity, and steady support of young people. She is a Girl Scout leader, foreign exchange student host, mentor, and volunteer for many local organizations, including OLAX, Soroptimist, American Legion, Bike4BorregoKids, and more. To many, she is like a mother to Borrego kids. Together, these women encourage teamwork, collaboration, service, and confidence. You will often see them at community events, not seeking attention, but working in the background, supporting students and helping programs succeed. Through scholarships, field trips, Dream It, Be It, service clubs, mentoring, and countless volunteer hours, Sylvia, Corie, and Christina remind Borrego Springs students that they are seen, supported, and capable of more than they may realize. Their work is powerful because it is consistent. They keep showing up. And for the children of Borrego Springs, that makes all the difference.