Jake Hinton • January 18, 2026
Supervisor Candidate Rebecca Jones Meets Borrego Springs Residents
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BBQ Luncheon at Rams Hill Golf Club
A community BBQ luncheon was held at Rams Hill Golf Club with Rebecca Jones, a candidate for San Diego County Supervisor. Hosted by Daniel and Nancy Wright, the luncheon included opening remarks by Daniel Wright, a brief address from Jones, and a community Q&A.
Opening Remarks
In opening remarks, Daniel Wright welcomed attendees and introduced Jones, explaining that the luncheon was intended to give Borrego Springs residents an opportunity to raise local issues directly and hear how county leadership could respond to rural needs.
Jones on Experience and Quality of Life
In her address, Jones outlined her background, noting nearly 20 years of service in San Marcos, including six years as deputy mayor and her election in 2018 as the city’s first female mayor.
“We need to focus on quality of life,” Jones said. “That means keeping people safe, making sure the community looks clean, and creating a culture where everyone can thrive.”
She cited public safety and service improvements in San Marcos, including becoming a Class 1 fire agency. “Everyone wants to feel safe when they walk out of their house or their business,” she said. “That’s true in every community.”
She also said she believes in spending public funds wisely and emphasized efficiency and accountability rather than raising taxes.
Jones emphasized listening as a core part of her work. “My job is to find out what your issues are,” she said. “I knock on doors because it helps me do a better job and understand what people actually need.”
Housing, Jobs, and Workforce Needs
Jones described housing and employment as interconnected challenges, especially in smaller and seasonal communities.
“Housing, jobs, and quality of life all fit together,” she said. She noted the importance of workforce housing so teachers and essential workers can live where they work and spend more time in the community.
On development, Jones said balance matters. “I’m not here to make developers rich or bankrupt,” she said. “I want to make sure we’re getting something high quality for the community.”
Education Programs and County Support
During the Q&A, Nidia Meza, Manager Director of BASIC (Basic Assistance to Students in the Community), asked about county support for education and youth programs serving Borrego Springs students.
Jones said prevention and early investment are critical. “Prevention has been proven to be really helpful in determining long-term outcomes,” she said, adding that investing early can reduce larger problems later.
Transportation and Busing Outside Borrego Springs
Transportation concerns were raised by Martha Deichler of the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center, who asked about busing for students and residents who must travel outside of Borrego Springs to access education and services.
Jones acknowledged transportation as a broader rural challenge. “Access affects education, healthcare, and daily life,” she said, noting that county coordination and funding decisions play a role in addressing transportation gaps for remote communities.
Borrego Springs as a Transitional Community
During the Q&A, Jessica Simpson, owner of Simpson’s Hair Design, spoke about Borrego Springs increasingly functioning as a transitional community, particularly for older residents.
Simpson said many people move to Borrego Springs when they retire but later find they cannot remain long-term because of limited access to healthcare and medical services outside the valley. She explained that residents are often forced to relocate once their health needs increase, even when they would prefer to stay.
Jones acknowledged that healthcare access plays a significant role in whether residents can age in place and said the issue affects housing stability, families, and the long-term sustainability of rural communities like Borrego Springs.
Additional Topics Discussed
- Workforce housing: Jones said housing, jobs, and quality of life are closely connected and emphasized the need for workforce housing that allows teachers and essential workers to live where they work.
- Short-term rentals: She acknowledged concerns about short-term rentals, noting they are an emerging issue that may require community-specific county policies rather than one-size-fits-all regulations.
- County permitting: Jones discussed delays in county permitting, saying lengthy and inconsistent processes can discourage development and increase costs.
- Public safety and healthcare: She highlighted prevention, wellness, and quality-of-life investments as especially important for rural communities located far from medical facilities.
Community Discussion
The luncheon concluded with informal discussion among attendees. While no specific policy proposals were announced, the event allowed Borrego Springs residents to raise local concerns directly and provided Jones with firsthand insight into the challenges facing one of the county’s most remote communities.
Jones encouraged residents to reach out with questions or concerns and said she welcomes direct communication. More information is available at www.jonesforsupervisor.org
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