Getting Rid of Drain Flies in Borrego Springs: Naturally

Borrego Sun youth intern Mia Garcia talks with Martha Deichler about the Community Resource Center, the people it serves and what Borrego Springs needs for the future. When Martha Deichler first came to Borrego Springs about 20 years ago to work as an elementary school principal, she quickly noticed something that would shape much of her work in the community: opportunities and services readily available in larger cities were often difficult to access in Borrego Springs. Deichler went on to serve as superintendent of the Borrego Springs Unified School District. After retiring, she found she wasn’t ready to stop working for the community. “There’s just too much work to do,” she told Borrego Sun youth intern Mia Garcia during a recent interview at the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center. That work became especially urgent during the COVID-19 pandemic. As residents lost jobs and struggled to navigate unemployment, vaccinations and online government services, a local food distribution effort began growing into something much larger. Computers were made available to help residents access online services, and assistance expanded to include unemployment applications, English classes, employment resources and other programs. Today, the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center connects residents with a wide range of services and opportunities. Deichler said the center helps connect people with programs including CalFresh, Medi-Cal and CalWORKs, while also providing classes, community activities and access to visiting county services. But for Deichler, the impact is best understood through individual lives. She recalled watching a local worker improve his English and advance from dishwasher to busser, then waiter and eventually cook. “That’s what we’re about,” Deichler said, “giving people the opportunities they need to go to the next step of success in their life.” Why Borrego? Garcia also asked Deichler what she loves most about Borrego Springs. Her answer came quickly. “I came out here to work because I love the desert,” Deichler said. “I knew nothing about the people, but I stay because I love the people.” She recalled another resident who once asked where she could learn English. With access to classes and continued education, the woman eventually learned enough English to work for the school district, drive a school bus and advance in her career. She later purchased a home, and her daughter went on to graduate from UCLA. For Deichler, stories like that demonstrate what community support can accomplish. “You can make a difference and you can see it,” she said. One Gift for Borrego Springs Garcia ended the interview with a bigger question: If you could give the Borrego Springs community one gift, what would it be? Deichler chose transportation. She envisions a reliable transportation system that would allow young people — and adults — to reach educational and workforce opportunities outside Borrego Springs, including College of the Desert and Imperial Valley College. Her concern is not simply helping young people leave Borrego. It is giving them the ability to gain skills and education and then bring those opportunities home. “You need to be able to get out, get what you need, but come back and live in this beautiful place,” Deichler said. For Garcia, the interview offered a firsthand look at how one community organization — and the people behind it — can help create opportunities in a geographically isolated town. It also underscored a theme that runs throughout Deichler’s work: sometimes helping a person take one next step can change much more than one moment in their life. 

Simple steps to prepare for an emergency.

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Borrego Sun Youth Intern Mia Garcia Talks with Martha Deichler About Community, Service and Opportunity During a visit to the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center while a dog training class was underway, Director Martha Deichler reflected on education, community service and why transportation could shape the town's future. As part of the Borrego Sun Youth Internship Program, Mia Garcia prepared the interview questions, discussed the topics in advance and selected the questions she wanted to ask, gaining hands-on experience in community media.

The historic farm offers fresh local products, farm tours, and a chance to experience sustainable agriculture in the heart of the desert. Riviera Farms continues to bring new life to one of Borrego Springs' historic properties. Originally established in 1975 by Knute and Gloria Quvale , the 22-acre farm has been revitalized with a focus on regenerative agriculture, sustainability, and caring for rescued animals. Visitors can stop by the farm to purchase fresh products, meet the animals, and take a tour of the property. For those who can't make it in person, many of the farm's products are also available through its online store. Riviera Farms offers a growing selection of organic eggs, seasonal produce, herbs, nopales, handcrafted seasonings, soaps, bath products, honey, apparel, and other farm-made goods . Inventory changes throughout the year based on what's in season and available. Supporting Riviera Farms means supporting a local Borrego Springs business that is helping preserve the community's agricultural heritage while producing fresh, locally grown products. To learn more, schedule a tour, or browse available products, visit rivierafarms.com . Riviera Farms 2021 Borrego Springs Rd. Borrego Springs, CA 92004

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

By Sandra Sterling, Retired R.N. Many health care professionals consider dementia one of the greatest challenges facing older adults and their families today. Millions of Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, and as our population ages, that number is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. Families often do not know what to expect when a loved one receives a dementia diagnosis. Most people have heard stories about memory loss, confusion, poor judgment, personality changes, and wandering, but the reality of caring for someone with dementia is often much more complex. Dementia affects more than memory. Individuals may experience changes in behavior, communication, sleep patterns, mobility, and their ability to perform daily tasks. Caregivers frequently find themselves providing increasing levels of support over many years. One of the greatest challenges facing families is caregiver burnout . Providing care can be emotionally, physically, and financially exhausting. Many caregivers put their own health and well-being aside while focusing on the needs of their loved one. Education and support are essential. Understanding the disease process, learning effective communication techniques, and connecting with available resources can make a significant difference for both caregivers and those living with dementia. In Borrego Springs, caregivers do not have to face these challenges alone. The Alzheimer's Dementia Caregiver Support Group meets at the Borrego Seniors Community Center on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at 12:00 p.m. The group provides a welcoming environment where families can share experiences, discuss concerns, learn coping strategies, and find encouragement from others who understand the journey. Over the years, I have seen how important it is for caregivers to have a place where they can speak openly about their struggles and successes. Many participants tell me that simply knowing they are not alone brings comfort and hope. My interest in dementia care became deeply personal after losing a family member to the disease. After more than 40 years as a registered nurse, I found a renewed purpose in helping other families navigate the challenges of caregiving. Through the support group and caregiver respite visits, I strive to provide practical assistance, education, and encouragement. There is no single solution for dementia, but there is help. Families can benefit from support groups, respite care, community resources, and the guidance of healthcare professionals. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it is an important part of providing the best possible care. When a loved one is living with dementia, remember that quality of life matters. Patience, compassion, understanding, and support can make a meaningful difference for both the individual and their family.  Alzheimer's Dementia Caregiver Support Group The Alzheimer's Dementia Caregiver Support Group meets at the Borrego Seniors Community Center, 580 Circle J Drive, on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 12:00 p.m. Families share stories, struggles, helpful coping skills, and resources in a supportive environment. Sandra Sterling, a retired registered nurse with more than 40 years of experience, also provides caregiver respite visits for relief and support. After losing a family member to dementia, she found purpose in helping other families navigate the challenges of caregiving. For information about the support group, call the Borrego Seniors Community Center at 760-767-3116 . For caregiver respite visits and support services, contact Sandra Sterling at 760-803-2212 .

Beat the heat and keep moving all summer long. As temperatures climb in Borrego Springs, Prajna Yoga is offering a full summer schedule with air conditioning and a variety of classes designed for all experience levels. Whether you're looking for a gentle stretch, a relaxing slow flow, or a more active sculpt and flow class, there are options throughout the week. The summer schedule includes Slow Flow classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, Sculpt & Flow on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Gentle Stretch on Wednesdays, Vinyasa on Monday evenings, and a Sunday evening Restorative class. Prajna Yoga also offers flexible pricing options, including $15 drop-in classes, a two-week trial for $39, class packs, and unlimited monthly memberships. With triple-digit temperatures arriving in Borrego Springs, summer is a great time to stay active indoors while focusing on strength, flexibility, balance, and relaxation. The studio's air-conditioned space provides a comfortable environment to maintain a healthy routine throughout the season. Whether you're new to yoga or have been practicing for years, Prajna Yoga invites the community to stay connected, stay moving, and enjoy a healthy summer.

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..

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.

Discover freshly made pizza in Borrego Springs at Carlee’s and Calico’s, two family-run spots offering delicious options for both vegetarians and meat lovers in casual, welcoming settings.