Bishop Susan Brown Snook Celebrates Fr. David Madsen's Ministry at St. Barnabas, Borrego Springs

Providing temporary cooling units while residents repair their air conditioning systems or explore HVAC financing options.

Longtime Borrego Springs resident remembered for her photography, artistic leadership, and community service.

Extreme Heat Expected as Highs Near 121°F This Weekend Triple-digit temperatures are expected to continue through the week, with highs climbing from 111°F Tuesday and Wednesday to 114°F Thursday , 119°F Friday , and 121°F Saturday , according to the National Weather Service . Need a Place to Cool Off? The Borrego Springs Library is serving as a Cool Zone , offering an air-conditioned place to escape the heat. The library has also scheduled free Saturday matinee movies during August from 2–4 p.m. , providing another opportunity to stay cool while enjoying a film. Help Is Available for AC Problems The Borrego Ministers Association is continuing to work closely with licensed HVAC professionals to help residents experiencing emergency air conditioning failures. The program provides temporary portable AC units while evaluating longer-term solutions for qualifying households. With temperatures expected to remain above 110 degrees for several days, residents are encouraged to: Stay hydrated. Limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day. Check on neighbors and older adults. Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles.

Help Keep Borrego Springs Safe This Summer When the desert heat becomes dangerous, your support can save lives. For the past two summers, the Borrego Ministers Association (BMA) has provided emergency portable air conditioners at no cost to Borrego Springs residents whose home cooling systems unexpectedly fail. Units are delivered, installed, and evaluated by licensed HVAC professionals to provide immediate relief. Right now, 6 portable air conditioners are already deployed in homes across Borrego Springs, helping keep local residents safe during extreme heat. With demand increasing rapidly, we urgently need to expand our inventory. Your gift provides immediate protection: $1,000 provides 2 high-powered portable air conditioners $2,000 provides 4 high-powered portable air conditioners Every donation helps protect vulnerable neighbors from heat-related illness and potentially life-threatening conditions. About the Borrego Ministers Association The Borrego Ministers Association is a coalition of local faith communities working together to serve Borrego Springs through emergency assistance, community outreach, and programs that support residents in times of need. To learn more contact: Andrea McKenna 619-892-0393 Donations may also be made online through the Borrego Ministers Association.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE $10,000 awarded to seven Borrego Springs students pursuing health and wellness careers. Functionally Fit for Life has awarded $10,000 in scholarships to seven Borrego Springs students pursuing careers dedicated to improving the health and well-being of others. Through a partnership with the Borrego Valley Endowment Fund (BVEF) , which served as fiscal sponsor and administrator of the scholarship program, 100 percent of donated funds were distributed directly to scholarship recipients. BVEF waived all administrative fees, ensuring every dollar raised supported local students. Originally established to support students pursuing degrees and careers in kinesiology, exercise science, and nutrition, the scholarship program expanded this year to recognize the strong interest among Borrego students pursuing careers in healthcare. As a result, two scholarship categories were created. Category 1: Kinesiology, Exercise Science, and Nutrition Scholarships ($2,000 each) This year's recipients are: Peter Rodriguez , who recently completed his sophomore year at Palomar College and is pursuing a degree in kinesiology with plans to attend physical therapy school. Angel Vilchis , who earned an associate degree in University Studies in Health and Fitness from Palomar College and plans to transfer to California State University San Marcos to complete a bachelor's degree in kinesiology and pursue a career in physical therapy. Christopher Alcaraz Arias , a recent Borrego Springs High School graduate who plans to attend Palomar College and pursue a degree in kinesiology with the goal of becoming an athletic trainer. Category 2: Healthcare Career Scholarships ($1,000 each) This year's recipients are: Abigail Gonzalez , who completed her freshman year at Chico State University and is completing prerequisite coursework for admission to the university's nursing program. Anavey Gonzalez , a recent Borrego Springs High School graduate who plans to attend California State University Fullerton and pursue a career as an MRI technician. Lylamae Gutierrez , who recently graduated from Borrego Springs High School and is enrolled at Mt. San Jacinto College pursuing a nursing degree. Evelyn Cordova , who recently graduated from Borrego Springs High School and is enrolled at Mt. San Jacinto College studying diagnostic medical sonography. “All seven recipients have chosen a career in which they will have significant positive impacts on people’s lives—physically, mentally and emotionally—and I am thrilled we were able to support them in the pursuit of their dreams,” said Mike Puzzo, founder of Functionally Fit for Life. “What makes philanthropy so meaningful is that it allows a community to invest directly in the dreams, ambitions, and futures of its people,” said Anna ABatzoglou, Executive Director of the Borrego Valley Endowment Fund. “Scholarships like these send a powerful message to students: we see your hard work, we're proud of what you've accomplished, and we're rooting for your success. We're grateful to Functionally Fit for Life for making this opportunity possible and honored to help support these students as they pursue their education and career goals." About Functionally Fit for Life Functionally Fit for Life is dedicated to promoting health, fitness, and wellness while supporting educational opportunities for students pursuing careers in kinesiology, exercise science, nutrition, healthcare, and related fields. About the Borrego Valley Endowment Fund The Borrego Valley Endowment Fund is a community foundation dedicated to improving the quality of life in Borrego Springs through philanthropy, healthcare access, community investment, and strategic partnerships that strengthen the future of the community Learn More Community members interested in learning more about future philanthropic opportunities that support Borrego Springs, are encouraged to contact the Borrego Valley Endowment Fund at info@bvefund.org or at (760)-315-8330.