April 17, 2025

In Memory of Carlos Medina

Share

Carlos Augusto Medina, a Borrego Springs resident for many years, passed away peacefully at his home here on April 13, 2025. He was 86.

Carlos Augusto Medina

Obituary: Carlos Augusto Medina, 86

Longtime Borrego Springs Resident

Carlos Augusto Medina, a Borrego Springs resident for many years, passed away peacefully at his home here on April 13, 2025. He was 86.

Borregans may recognize Mr. Medina because he frequently rode his motorized scooter from his home to the local post office. Aside from the errand, he enjoyed talking to people and asking them if they knew his son. He is the father of now retired Sheriff’s Sergeant Carlos E. Medina, who began serving as the local Resident Deputy in 2004.

Mr. Medina was born August 14, 1938, in Honduras. He came to the United States as a teenager and lived in the Los Angeles area with his parents.

Mr. Medina made his living by selling cars, rising up the ranks to manage the sales departments at numerous automobile dealerships in Los Angeles.

He moved to Borrego Springs upon retirement to live with his son, Carlos. He was incredibly proud of his two sons who both had careers in law enforcement.

In addition to sun bathing on his scooter, Mr. Medina enjoyed waking near dawn six days a week to meet for coffee with the landscaping crew managed by Jose Arias. Mr. Arias, a neighbor, welcomed Mr. Medina into the fold and became a good friend.

Mr. Medina enjoyed watching horse racing, The Price is Right , and having animated prolonged conversations with random solicitors who frequently called his phone. He had a lifelong desire to strike it rich and awaited a visit from Publisher’s Clearinghouse (sometimes in the driveway). He took pride in being called the “Ranch Manager” of his son’s property, and he helped care for it as best he could.

In mid-2024, Mr. Medina’s health declined to the point where he temporarily left the valley for skilled nursing. His final wish came true when he returned home to Borrego Springs before he passed.

Mr. Medina was preceded in death by his parents, Enrique and Julia Medina, brothers Enrique Jr. and Mario, sister Sylvia, and his stepdaughter Dorianne Garcia.

In addition to his son Carlos, of Borrego Springs, he is survived by his son Christopher Medina and daughter-in-law Teresa Glancy of Chino Hills. He left two cherished granddaughters, Nicole and Sarah Medina, a grandson Travis Garcia, and his former wife Loretta Salazar (mother to his sons). He is also mourned by his son Carlos’ longtime partner, Borregan Maris Brancheau, and her daughter, Sita.

His family and friends will forever miss him, and no public memorial is planned.

Learn More About Borrego Springs

By Andrea McKenna June 5, 2026
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.
By East County News Service June 1, 2026
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/ .
Charles Robert Starrett – The Durango Kid of Borrego Springs
By Jake Hinton May 28, 2026
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.
By Andrea McKenna May 27, 2026
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
By San Diego County May 23, 2026
County Funding Shapes Fire Protection, Roads, Libraries, and Emergency Services in Borrego Springs
May 23, 2026
Former San Diego City Manager and Casa del Zorro partner weighs in on county charter reforms that could reach voters this November.
Show More

Share This Post