Celebrating Tacos, Lotería, and Community

From Norway to Spain: Sylvia Maas Rides for Borrego Springs Students On June 20, 2026, the NorthCape–Tarifa race will begin at 12:01 a.m. at the North Cape in Norway. Described as the world's longest bicycle race, the event follows a route of nearly 7,000 kilometers to Tarifa, Spain, the southernmost point of mainland Europe. Among the riders will be Borrego Springs ultra cyclist Sylvia Maas , who will be riding for her Bike4BorregoKids initiative. Track Sylvia Here The race begins at the North Cape in Norway and ends in Tarifa, Spain. Along the way, riders pass through several major checkpoints, including: Helsinki, Finland Hill of Crosses, Lithuania Torun, Poland Bregenz, Austria Col du Galibier, France Nice, France Port d’Envalira, Andorra Pico del Veleta, Spain Tarifa, Spain The route covers nearly 7,000 kilometers and includes mountain passes, historic cities, and some of the most demanding cycling terrain in Europe.

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church expands its ongoing collaboration with Rostros y Corazón For the first time, Fr. David Madsen and Jan Naragon of St. Barnabas (Borrego Springs) are leading a regular Eucharist service at Rostros y Corazón in Salton City. The gathering will take place the first and third Wednesday, creating a new opportunity for worship, fellowship, and community connection. The service builds on an existing relationship between the two organizations and reflects the many connections already shared between Borrego Springs and Salton City. Many West Shores residents work in Borrego Springs, attend school here, shop here, receive services here, or have family and friends in the Borrego Valley. The two communities are neighbors in many ways. The new service reflects St. Barnabas's commitment to extending ministry beyond its church walls while continuing to support relationships throughout the desert region. By gathering regularly at Rostros y Corazón, organizers hope to create a welcoming space for prayer, conversation, encouragement, and connection. Rostros y Corazón , led by Graciela Mendivil Ramos, is a nonprofit community center serving Salton City and the surrounding West Shores area. The organization is known for supporting families and connecting residents with needed resources. For upcoming service dates or questions, contact Graciela Mendivil Ramos at gracielamramos@gmail.com .

Discover Borrego Springs County Park, a pet-friendly haven with separate areas for small and large dogs, ample play spaces, safety features like double-gate entries, and amenities including water faucets and waste bags. Enjoy clean, spacious areas for pets and scenic views, making it the perfect destination for relaxation and fun..

Congratulations to the newly elected officers of the Sons of the American Legion

ABF’s latest blog explores the surprising chain of events that led to the creation of Camp Borrego.

By: Andrea McKenna

By Fr. David Madsen St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Borrego Springs

East County News Service May 31, 2026 (San Diego) – You’re invited to see James and Anne Hubbell’s acclaimed home and art studios near Julian, California. Docent-led tours are offered each Thursday through Saturday in June, starting at 10 a.m.An immersive art and nature experience, each 90-minute tour covers the art and architecture of famed architect and artist James Hubbell amid the surrounding unspoiled natural beauty of the Santa Ysabel landscape. Admission fees go entirely to support Ilan-Lael Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit dedicated to preserving the Hubbell property and its legacy of bringing art and nature to the community. Reservations are required. For tickets ($45) and details, visit https://ilanlaelfoundation.org/ .

Community recycling moves forward

Charles Robert Starrett was an American actor and singer, best known for his role as “The Durango Kid” in over 100 Western films. Born on March 28th, 1903 in Athol, Massachusetts, Starrett began his acting career in the silent era before transitioning to sound films. He passed away on March 22nd, 1986, in Borrego Springs, California.

SDVoyager feature recognizes the leadership behind the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center Martha Deichler, executive director of the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center (CRC), was recently featured by SDVoyager for her years of service helping families, seniors, workers, and individuals throughout the community. In the feature, Deichler shared how the CRC grew from a small food bank effort during the COVID-19 pandemic into a major hub for community support services. As unemployment and hardship spread through the area during the pandemic, local residents began turning to the food bank not only for groceries, but also for help navigating unemployment applications, vaccine appointments, Medi-Cal, transportation needs, and other essential services. What started as emergency food assistance eventually evolved into the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center, which today offers a wide range of programs including food distribution, English and Spanish classes, citizenship classes, grief counseling, transportation assistance, computer literacy support, AA meetings, and caregiver training programs. Deichler described herself in the article as a “connector,” someone who helps match people with resources, services, and support systems. Her background working in the school district and her ability to speak Spanish have helped her build trusted relationships with families throughout the community. One program highlighted in the story addresses the growing need for caregivers for older adults who wish to remain in the area as they age. Through the CRC’s caregiver initiative, local residents can receive training and assistance connecting with In-Home Support Services (IHSS) opportunities, helping seniors remain independent while creating employment opportunities locally. The article also emphasized the generosity of the community and the support that has allowed the CRC to continue expanding services over the past several years. At 77 years old, Deichler shared that she has no plans to slow down, continuing her work to respond to the changing needs of the community and strengthen programs that help residents access food, healthcare, transportation, education, and support services. The full SDVoyager feature can be viewed here: Read the SDVoyager feature on Martha Deichler

American Legion Post 853 leads a day of remembrance and tribute

Free summer program for kids ages 3–11, with youth volunteer opportunities

Borrego Ministers Association prepares to help residents stay safe

Every third Monday of the month, the Food Bank at St. Barnabas comes to life as volunteers set up tables and prepare for the truck’s arrival.

Discover Fr. Michael Plekon’s reflections on ministry and how the Borrego Ministers' Association serves as a powerful example of faith in action. Read more on Living Lutheran.

County Funding Shapes Fire Protection, Roads, Libraries, and Emergency Services in Borrego Springs

Former San Diego City Manager and Casa del Zorro partner weighs in on county charter reforms that could reach voters this November.

Source: PBS SoCal

Congratulations to Borrego Village Association (BVA) on being named a 2026 Career Pathways grantee. This funding will help local high school students gain hands-on training, internships, certifications, and real-world experience at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Read below to learn more about this exciting opportunity for Borrego Springs. California State Parks and Parks California Award $2.4M in Career Pathways Grants to Prepare Next Generation of Park Leaders: Funding supports 13 organizations to provide paid training and expand access to careers in parks and public lands For Immediate Release: SACRAMENTO — California State Parks and nonprofit partner Parks California today announced the award of more than $2.4 million to 13 community and tribal organizations across the state as part of the Career Pathways grants program. The funding will support paid training opportunities expected to prepare approximately 380 participants for careers in parks and public lands and includes seven returning grantees and six new partners. Career Pathways enables statewide training that helps early-career adults and people exploring new directions to see parks as part of their future. The 13 grant recipients will work collaboratively with State Parks, with support from Parks California, to offer experiences and training in park operations and stewardship, such as wildfire resilience projects, trail building, habitat restoration and visitor services. Through hands-on learning, mentorship and career guidance, Career Pathways equips participants with the skills, experience and professional networks needed to pursue meaningful careers in public lands. “Our joint efforts to expand access to the outdoors is doing more than just reducing barriers for visitors – it’s also creating pathways to grow a skilled and diverse workforce of the next generation of stewards,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero . “These grants help plant the seed that will blossom into deeply rooted careers caring for California’s parks and public lands.” Grant funding is supported in part by State Parks’ Waterway Connections Initiative – part of the California Natural Resources Agency’s Outdoors for All Initiative – which focuses on expanding access to rivers, lakes and other inland waterways, including through workforce development. The Career Pathways grants program will provide approximately $5 million through 2029 to support the planning, development and implementation of workforce training programs statewide. “Careers in parks and public lands should be visible and accessible to everyone, not just those who already have a connection to these spaces,” said Kindley Walsh Lawlor, president and CEO of Parks California . “Career Pathways opens doors by creating real opportunities for people to gain experience and build necessary skills. By investing in community and tribal partners, we’re helping ensure future park leaders reflect the diversity of California.” “Expanding access to the outdoors also means expanding access to the careers that care for these places,” said California Secretary for Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot . “Programs like Career Pathways help connect Californians – especially those from underserved communities – to real opportunities to care for public lands, building a workforce that reflects our entire state and is prepared to meet California’s climate and conservation goals.” In addition to providing hands-on experiences, Career Pathways grantees also connect participants to job networks and provide career advice and additional resources, such as equipment, wages, meals and travel reimbursement. 2026 Career Pathways Grantees include: Lomakatsi Restoration Project – Northeastern California – Planning and Development grantee: Works with the Ajumawi Band of the Pit River Tribe and State Parks to develop a tribal workforce training program and restoration plan at Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park, focused on reducing wildfire risk, improving ecological health, enhancing First Foods and other cultural resources, and creating career pathways for tribal young adults. Foundation for California Community Colleges – Statewide – Planning and Development grantee: Works with community colleges and State Parks to create training and internship opportunities that help build pathways to careers in interpretation, education, facilities and maintenance. Borrego Village Association – Inland Empire – Implementation grantee: Provides high school students with hands-on training and internships at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, including field-based learning, park operations experience and industry-recognized certifications. Eastern Sierra Conservation Corps – Eastern Sierra – Implementation grantee: Offers a paid apprenticeship for corpsmembers to work alongside State Parks trail crews on large-scale projects, building leadership skills and hands-on experience to prepare for careers in park operations and conservation. --------------------- “The program allows us to provide an innovative initiative that prepares students and helps them gain the skills needed for careers with California State Parks, as well as in hospitality, public service and environmental interpretation,” said Jim Dion, executive director of Borrego Village Association . “Students in isolated communities such as ours often face limited access to career exploration opportunities, professional certifications and paid work-based learning. With this support, we can address these gaps by providing structured pathways into local and regional employment, particularly in public lands management, tourism and community-based organizations.” -------------------- “The funding from Parks California allows us to design an innovative pilot program to connect California State Parks with nearby California Community Colleges," said Courtney Cagle, workforce development manager at the Foundation for California Community Colleges. “With this support, we can build a robust pipeline of well-trained students to fill needed roles in education and interpretation, and facilities and maintenance at State Parks, while providing them the support to access sustainable and meaningful career pathways.”” A complete list of 2026 Career Pathways grants recipients is available online . Organizations have worked in partnership with selected state parks to implement multi-month training programs that provide participants with on-the-ground experiences. Results Snapshot 2024 Career Pathways grants program by the numbers: $1.7 million-plus invested in local partners. 15 grantees statewide. Approximately 250 participants. 93 percent of participants expressed interest in future parks careers. “I look at this program as a second chance for me and for other people who may not have the same opportunities as others, like getting a high school diploma,” said Julian Garcia, a 2024 Career Pathways participant with grantee Greater Valley Conservation Corps . “I get a lot of hands-on training with a lot of equipment that we run on projects and work sites. This program is really going to help me get to where I need to be in life.” Contact: California State Parks Newsroom@parks.ca.gov Parks California Media@parkscalifornia.org

Source: San Diego History Center

The desert nation built on joy and imagination.

Borrego Bob’s weather station data has helped track conditions in Borrego Springs for years through BoblandUSA.com.

New sign by artist John Richen is planned for installation before Borrego Days weekend 

Borrego Springs, CA, May 2nd, 2026 by Jim Dion The Borrego Springs High School Interpretation Course and Internship Program is an innovative Career Technical Education (CTE) initiative that prepares students for careers in hospitality, public service, and environmental interpretation. Launched in the 2019–2020 school year, the program integrates classroom instruction, industry-recognized certification, and hands-on internships. It is implemented through the Borrego Springs Unified School District and aligned with its Hospitality CTE pathway. Students in isolated communities such as ours often face limited access to career exploration opportunities, professional certifications, and paid work-based learning experiences. This program addresses those gaps by providing structured pathways into local and regional employment sectors, particularly within public lands management, tourism, and community-based organizations. The program is a two-year sequence: Year 1: Certification and Coursework Students complete an in-class, for-credit course culminating in interpretive guide and host certification through the National Association for Interpretation. Participants also earn Emergency First Aid and CPR certification through American CPR Training. Year 2: Paid Internship Experience Students who successfully complete Year 1 transition into internships conducted in partnership with Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Interns rotate through operational units, gaining exposure to park management, visitor services, and interpretive programming. Additional placements include the Borrego Water District, Anza-Borrego Foundation, and Borrego Art Institute. Goals and Objectives of the Program Provide students with industry-recognized certifications and workforce-ready skills Expand access to paid, career-aligned internship opportunities Increase awareness of careers in public lands, hospitality, and local government Strengthen partnerships between schools, public agencies, and community organizations Outcomes and Impact By the end of the 2025–2026 school year, 75 students will have completed the certification and internship program Students gain hands-on experience, professional mentorship, and exposure to career pathways The program has demonstrated sustained student interest and strong community support Funding and Sustainability The Borrego Village Association recently secured a grant from Parks California, securing funding through the 2028 school year. This funding enables the program to provide paid internship opportunities, ensuring equitable access for all students. Additional support is, and has been since 2018, provided by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, Borrego Springs Rotary Foundation, Borrego Springs Education Foundation, and the Borrego Valley Endowment Fund. Program Leadership and Partnerships The program is led by local educator Stacy Valdez and supported by district leadership and community partners, including California State Parks. We greatly appreciate California State Parks - Colorado Desert District Supervisor, Ray Lennox for his dedication to making this program a success and making available his staff and resources, to support the youth of our community. These collaborations ensure high-quality instruction, mentorship, and real-world learning experiences. An Opportunity for Students! Due to demonstrated success, the program will continue into the 2026–2027 academic year, expanding to serve new cohorts of sophomores, juniors, and seniors. If you are a student at Borrego Springs High School that is interested in participating in this two year CTE, for credit course elective, please contact Borrego Springs Hogh School Principal Victoria Baay.

La Casa del Zorro has named Borrego Springs local Tony Cecena as its new General Manager. A familiar face in the local hospitality industry, Tony brings more than two decades of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the community he’s always called home. Cecena began his hospitality journey as a high school student working in guest services at La Casa del Zorro. Now, after 22 years at Borrego Springs Resort—rising through the ranks and managing multiple departments—he’s come full circle, returning to where it all started. In his own words, here’s what Tony shared about his background, vision, and commitment to Borrego Springs:

May 17, 2026 (Mount Laguna) — Star parties are back at Mount Laguna with the return of the Summer Visitors Program at the Mount Laguna Observatory. The public programs will be held on Saturday nights from 8 to 11 p.m., May 23 through August 15, with a special bonus mid-week viewing scheduled for Wednesday, August 12. Operated by the San Diego State University Department of Astronomy in partnership with the United States Forest Service, the outreach initiative has been connecting the public with the cosmos in various forms since the observatory’s dedication in 1968. According to Dr. Robert Quimby, MLO Director and Professor in the SDSU Department of Astronomy, each event will feature a public lecture at the Harrington Visitors Center. If weather permits, the lecture will be followed by direct stargazing through the observatory’s 0.5-meter (21-inch) Reginald Buller telescope. While MLO boasts larger instruments for deep-space science, the Buller telescope is specifically dedicated to instructional use and public outreach. Nestled in the Cleveland National Forest roughly 45 miles east of downtown San Diego, MLO sits at an elevation of 6,100 feet. The site is highly regarded by astronomers for its pristine dark skies, exceptional atmospheric conditions, and vital distance from city light pollution. Beyond its public outreach, MLO is a premier research and training facility. The mountain hosts an impressive array of cutting-edge technology, including the 1.25-meter Phillips Claud Telescope, which is used alongside the observatory’s 1.0-meter and 0.6-meter Clifford Smith telescopes to collect critical data on the age of and distance to star clusters. MLO also houses one of only two EvryScopes in the world. This specialized multi-camera array monitors the entire accessible sky simultaneously, making it an exceptional tool for detecting stellar activity and eclipsing binaries (co-orbiting star systems). Because the observatory is a functioning research station located in a rugged forest environment, organizers emphasize that safety and preparation are paramount for attendees. Visitors are advised to bring a small flashlight and park at the lower visitors parking lot located on Morris Ranch Road, follow the short trail from the parking lot to Observatory Road, and from there, look for the white dashes painted on the ground and follow them for a quarter-mile uphill to the Harrington Visitors Center. Note that visitors must remain on the designated road at all times. Morris Ranch Road is located off Sunrise Highway (S1) between mile markers 21.5 and 22, directly across from the Wooded Hill Campground sign. All stargazing events are weather-permitting. For daily operational updates, weather delays, or cancellations, visitors should call the observatory hotline at (619) 594-1415 before making the drive up the mountain.

A Fun Find in the Old Borrego Sun Boxes

Stuart Resor’s story showcases a harmonious blend of preserving history and embracing innovation, inspiring Borrego Springs and beyond.

Experience the Walk of the Cosmos in Borrego Springs—a journey through the solar system in a beautiful desert park with playgrounds, sports courts, and stargazing opportunities.

More than $135 million is available countywide to support students

There are photographers who chase spectacle, and there are photographers who quietly ask people to slow down and look more carefully. The work of Brice Weaver belongs firmly in the latter. Through film photography, remote landscapes, abandoned spaces, layered histories, and reflective atmosphere, Weaver explores ideas surrounding memory, impermanence, and the traces humanity leaves behind. His images often feel suspended somewhere between documentary observation and emotional archaeology, asking viewers not simply to look at a place, but to consider who stood there before, what remains after time passes, and how photography itself becomes evidence that something briefly existed. From trekking to Everest Base Camp carrying the cremated remains of a fallen Marine Corps brother, to diving with great white sharks in fulfillment of a childhood dream inspired by Jacques Cousteau, Weaver’s photographic journey is deeply tied to exploration, personal reflection, and the emotional relationship between people and place. We spoke with Weaver about photography, memory, travel, film, and the evolving body of work he calls Evidence. Photography & Creative Beginnings “My interest in photography really began long before I ever owned a serious camera,” Weaver says. “Growing up around Washington D.C., some of my earliest school field trips were to places like the Smithsonian and the National Gallery of Art.” Those early experiences left a lasting impression. “I still vividly remember standing in front of the massive Megalodon jaws at the Smithsonian as a kid, completely in awe, and thinking, ‘That’s what I want to do someday.’ At the time, I was obsessed with the expeditions of Jacques Cousteau and dreamed about exploring the ocean and diving with sharks myself one day.” He also recalls standing in front of paintings such as Daniel in the Lions’ Den at the National Gallery and being struck by the emotional atmosphere they carried. “At home, I would spend hours in my grandparents’ basement reading old National Geographic magazines and musty volumes of Encyclopaedia Britannica, completely fascinated by exploration, history, wildlife, and distant places.” Photography eventually entered his life during a period of uncertainty. “At the time, I was working on an ambulance and had taken time off to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. Around mile 250, an old hip injury from the Marines resurfaced badly enough that I eventually needed surgery. Suddenly I went from constantly moving and working in high-intensity environments to being laid up in bed wondering what came next.” During recovery, he reflected on the photographs he had casually taken during his travels. “People had responded well to photos I was taking on my phone and GoPro, and eventually I thought, why not actually buy a real camera and take it seriously?” What began as a creative outlet quickly became something deeper. “I realized the camera was changing the way I observed the world. I became less interested in simply documenting places and more interested in atmosphere, memory, light, and the emotional weight certain environments carry.” Exploration, Travel & Perspective For Weaver, travel has always represented more than movement. “A lot of my creative influences came less from photography specifically and more from exploration, atmosphere, and visual storytelling,” he explains. “There was always this sense of discovery, history, and wonder tied to imagery for me.” That fascination eventually took him across environments ranging from the Amazon and Peru to Nepal and Patagonia. One journey in particular remains deeply personal. “Trekking to Everest Base Camp was deeply meaningful for me,” he says. “One of my closest friends from the Marine Corps, someone I served with in Iraq and who was like a brother to me, and I used to talk about making that journey someday.” After his friend was murdered unexpectedly, Weaver decided to carry some of his cremated remains with him to Everest Base Camp. “So the trek became much more than just travel or adventure. There were moments on that mountain where I found myself thinking about friendship, mortality, memory, and how small we really are within landscapes that have existed for thousands of years.” Those experiences altered not only his worldview, but the way he approaches photography itself. “The more I’ve explored the world, the more I’ve realized how small we are within the larger scope of history, nature, and time. I think that perspective has shaped not only the way I photograph, but the way I move through life in general.” Travel, he says, has also taught him adaptability. “Travel places you into unfamiliar environments constantly, different cultures, languages, conditions, and situations where you have to learn to navigate uncertainty and trust yourself. There have been moments ranging from communication barriers in remote places to genuinely dangerous situations, including one experience in Nepal that almost resulted in me being kidnapped, which is probably a story for another day.” A Full Circle Beneath the Surface One of the most unforgettable moments of Weaver’s career came underwater at Guadalupe Island. “Growing up, I had spent countless hours fascinated by sharks, ocean exploration, and the expeditions of Jacques Cousteau ever since I was a kid standing in awe beneath the Megalodon jaws at the Smithsonian,” he says. Years later, that childhood fascination came full circle while photographing great white sharks. “One experience I’ll never forget was diving with great white sharks and photographing the image that later became known as Great Bite . What stayed with me most was the sense of respect and presence you feel underwater with an animal like that. There’s an intensity to it, but also an incredible calm. Everything becomes very quiet and focused.” The photograph would later receive international recognition and become one of his most widely known images. “Looking back, I think that photograph became meaningful to me not just because of the recognition it later received, but because it represented the realization of something that had lived in my imagination since childhood.” Atmosphere, Memory & Evidence Much of Weaver’s work focuses on subtle details, quiet environments, and traces of human presence. “What usually stops me first is light, specifically the way it interacts with a subject or environment and creates atmosphere,” he explains. “But beyond that, I’m often drawn to places because of the sense of history and human presence they carry.” He recalls sitting on a hillside overlooking the Acropolis in Greece and imagining the continuity of human experience across centuries. “I found myself thinking that I could quite literally be standing in the same place where someone like Socrates once stood thousands of years ago. Moments like that change the way you experience a landscape. It stops feeling like scenery and starts feeling connected to memory, history, and human continuity.” That fascination with traces of existence has become central to his evolving body of work. “I think I’m often responding to evidence of people more than the places themselves. When I encounter an abandoned building, a quiet landscape, or subtle traces left behind, I find myself wondering who those people were, what their lives were like, and what that place felt like in its prime.” For Weaver, photography exists in a complicated relationship with time. “Memory plays a significant role in my work because I think photography exists in this strange space between preservation and impermanence. On one hand, a photograph acts as evidence that something existed, a place, a moment, a specific atmosphere in time. But at the same time, even the things we photograph remain vulnerable to change, decay, and disappearance.” He points to his award-winning photograph Deserted Refuel as an example. “I recently went back to that location after the image had already received recognition. Part of the building had burned down, and even the graffiti on the gas station canopy had completely changed from what appears in the photograph. It was a reminder that the image had already become a document of something that no longer fully exists in the same way.” That realization helped shape the conceptual direction of his broader body of work, Evidence . “If I had to summarize my work philosophically, I think it revolves around evidence of existence and the fleeting nature of time. We are only here for an incredibly brief moment within a much larger continuum of history and existence, and photographs become small records of those moments before they disappear or change.” Film, Presence & Intentionality Although Weaver works across both film and digital formats, analog photography remains deeply important to his process. “What keeps me connected to analog film photography is the level of presence and intentionality it requires,” he says. “With film, every frame matters. When I press the shutter, I’ve consciously decided that particular moment is worth preserving.” For him, film photography changes not only the image, but the photographer. “With digital, there’s often an element of instant gratification, you can immediately review images, adjust, and continue shooting. Film removes that safety net entirely.” The uncertainty, he says, is part of the emotional connection. “With film, there’s always a degree of trust involved. So many factors exist outside your control, from how the film was stored, to lab processing, to whether airport security refuses to hand check it and sends it through scanners. You don’t fully know what you captured until much later.” Oddly enough, that unpredictability has become part of the appeal. “Getting scans back from a roll of film almost feels like opening a Christmas present because there’s still an element of discovery involved. Sometimes imperfections or unexpected moments become part of what gives the image character and emotional weight.” Recognition & Creative Growth Recognition arrived relatively quickly after Weaver first picked up a camera. “Not long after buying my first DSLR, I was already being published in places like Backpacker Magazine, and then receiving recognition such as the International Photography Awards Honorable Mention for Great Bite in 2019.” One moment still stands out vividly. “I remember attending the IPA gala in New York City wearing a black tie tuxedo and suddenly finding myself standing next to Annie Leibovitz. It was one of those moments where I had to pause and think about how unexpected the entire journey had been.” Despite the accolades, Weaver says recognition has not fundamentally changed his creative direction. “I still create the work I feel personally drawn to and photograph environments the way I naturally see and experience them. I think if you start chasing recognition too heavily, it can pull you away from authenticity and toward trying to predict what other people want to see.” The greater challenge, he says, has been visibility. “One of the biggest challenges in growing as a photographer has been simply being seen in an environment where attention moves incredibly fast. Social media algorithms tend to reward constant output, speed, and short attention spans, while a lot of the work I’m interested in creating is slower, more reflective, and asks people to spend time with an image.” Reflection & What Comes Next When asked what he hopes viewers experience through his work, Weaver’s answer is simple. “Curiosity and reflection.” “I’m more interested in creating images that invite people to slow down, look more carefully, and spend time thinking about what they’re seeing.” As for inspiration, he still returns to the same sources that shaped him early on. “I think staying creatively inspired starts with staying true to yourself and remaining curious about the world around you. For me, inspiration often comes less from social media and more from physically experiencing places, museums, galleries, history, travel, and simply paying attention.” And his advice to younger photographers? “Don’t become overly consumed with gear or the idea that equipment alone creates meaningful work. Far more important is developing your eye, learning how to observe, recognize atmosphere and emotion, and tell a story through an image.” Looking ahead, Weaver is preparing for the next chapter of his creative journey. “Right now, one of the things I’m most looking forward to is attending Les Rencontres d’Arles in France. It’s an opportunity to immerse myself in a space centered around photography, conversation, and creative exchange at an international level.” He also plans to continue expanding Evidence , the interconnected body of work exploring memory, atmosphere, and human presence through film photography. “I’m increasingly interested in creating work that feels interconnected conceptually rather than just individual images,” he says. And perhaps no place reflects those ideas more naturally than the desert community he now calls home. “What I love about Borrego Springs is the silence, the space, the light, and the sense of time that exists there. It’s an environment that constantly reminds you how temporary we are compared to the landscapes around us. I think that perspective inevitably finds its way into my work.” Learn more about Brice Weaver here: briceweaverphotography.com

A desert sanctuary for women’s wellness, healing, connection, and personal renewal. More than a wellness center or spa where women can go for temporary self-care, Yellow Woman Ranch (YWR) is a sanctuary where women can get in touch with who they truly are and heal from anything that’s come before as they look to reach their full potential--at whatever age. Our focus is on holistic wellness. To that end, we offer a wide range of practices, classes, and events that help integrate body, mind, and spirit. Our menu of offerings is varied and always growing: meditation, tai chi, sound healing, biofield tuning, acupuncture, Tui Na massage, reiki, and kundalini yoga, to name a few. We also partner with medical professionals who are available for consultations, specifically in naturopathic medicine and pelvic, digestive, and women’s health. YWR is a magical place to just come and be, to quiet the mind, to find solace, to connect with nature, with yourself and others and we love to share it with couples, groups, or anyone looking to rent it for a special occasion: a retreat, corporate event or team building, birthday party, wedding–you name it. It is an enchanted space that lends itself to countless options and comes with several unique lodging selections, as well. Most recently we launched Experiences – a custom combination of wellness practices, outdoor activities, and specialty social events that can be tailored to meet the needs of a single couple or a large group. For more information, please email rossy@yellowwomanranch.com or call/text 760-399-7159. 

Discover the military history of Borrego Maneuver Area in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, highlighting its role from 1942 to 1959 as a crucial military training and testing ground.

Watch the video to hear Briem Cole's story and learn about his goals.

The Bike4BorregoKids fundraiser is ongoing and continues to support graduating seniors at Borrego Springs High School with financial aid f

BY: Colt Knedler Rams Hill Golf Club

Explore Alta Jones DuVall’s life, personal journey, and the historical context of Borrego Valley.

In Memory of Kevin Key: An Interview with a Photographer Who Saw Beauty in Forgotten Places Kevin Connolly Key, a photographer known for documenting the Anza-Borrego Desert and Salton Sea, passed away on April 20, 2026, at age 54. Known as “Kevin LiT!,” he was part of the Bombay Beach artistic community and captured the region’s beauty and change through his work. In a 2023 interview, Kevin described the Salton Sea as “an amazing place for photographers,” encouraging others to look beyond ruins and find inspiration in its evolving landscape. Who Was Kevin Key? Kevin Key was a real estate and fine art photographer known for documenting the Salton Sea, abandoned buildings, desert landscapes, and night scenes. After starting as a software developer, he became a full-time photographer in 2017. His work captured the beauty, history, and mystery of places many people overlook.

More than 400 people served through a coordinated community effort at the CRC

Soroptimist awarded Marina Lopez $1,500 to help grow her baking business.

Sexually Violent Predator Hearing – Borrego Springs

BSCCA Brings Music to Community and Students The Marcia Forman Band performed a free community concert on Sunday, April 12, at the Borrego Springs Library, followed by an interactive concert for local students on Monday morning. The Sunday performance provided open access to live music for the community, while the Monday program brought musicians directly into a school setting, where students experienced a more hands-on and educational presentation. Student concerts are a core part of what the Borrego Springs Community Concert Association (BSCCA) provides each season. In addition to public performances, the organization coordinates programs that introduce students to live music, instruments, and different styles in a structured environment. Founded in 1975, BSCCA is an all-volunteer nonprofit that produces concerts for the community while also supporting music education for local youth. The elementary school concert reflected that mission in action, connecting Borrego Springs students with professional musicians and live performance. Elizabeth Renner and Jinny Perrin, both retired music teachers and BSCCA board members, help guide the student programs by bringing hands-on music education and experience directly to local students. The weekend highlighted both sides of BSCCA’s work: expanding access to live music locally and creating meaningful exposure to the arts for the next generation.