KPBS Announces Return to Borrego Springs

Event Raised $65,000 Borrego Springs Rotary held a Mardi Gras–themed fundraiser on February 7, raising about $65,000 to support local scholarships and Rotary programs. Rotary Club President Diane Johnson welcomed guests and highlighted Rotary’s work in the Borrego Springs community. The event was also supported by Rotary Foundation leadership, separate from Rotary club leadership. The evening centered on education support and featured live and silent auctions , raffles, and community gathering activities. Auction items included hosted dinners, private chef experiences, original artwork and photography, handcrafted quilts, wine collections, spa packages, and gift certificates donated by local businesses and individuals. Several packages drew competitive bidding throughout the night. One of the most sought-after offerings was a private chef experience led by Chef Kurt Hauser of de Anza Country Club . Final bidding for the experience went to Jimmy Smith , of the upcoming Jimmy’s Front Porch Revue . Beverages also reflected local support. Beer was supplied by Julian Beer Co . , and wine was donated by Borrego Outfitters . Food, service, and décor were provided by Rams Hill Golf Club , with Jessica , Food and Beverage Manager, and Chef Eduardo overseeing hospitality and event operations. The Mardi Gras theme carried through the program, with music DJ’d by Mike Rue and a costume element judged by high school S-Interact students along with Miss Borrego and her court. Monica Rue was named Best Dressed. Raffles ran throughout the evening and included donated baskets, wine and dining packages, nursery gift certificates, and spa services. Participation in both the raffles and auctions contributed to scholarship funding. During the program, Rotary Foundation President Martha Deichler and the event auctioneer noted that local students often rely on multiple sources of scholarship support to continue their education. “Our students rely on multiple scholarships from Rotary, BASIC, Soroptimist, and Bike4BorregoKids to make it work,” Deichler said. Rotary’s scholarship structure was also outlined, noting that awards can increase as students continue their education. “First-year students receive $1,000. If they stay in school with good grades, the amount increases each year,” the speaker said. A student scholarship recipient described how community scholarships directly affect their ability to remain enrolled. “I don’t receive financial aid through FAFSA, so scholarships like this are how I’m able to continue my education,” the student said. “Every scholarship helps reduce the burden on my family.” S-Interact students assisted throughout the evening, and members of the Miss Borrego Court supported event activities and engagement. The February 7 fundraiser continued Borrego Springs Rotary’s local focus on education, service, and community-based fundraising.

Live On Stage, Inc. and Borrego Springs Community Concert Association announce Sibling Bluegrass/Western band as part of their 2025-2026 Concert Season BORREGO SPRINGS, Cali. – (February 5, 2026) – Join the Waddington Brothers as they perform iconic Bluegrass and Western music with jaw-dropping authenticity in a live concert at Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. Individual tickets may be available in the lobby the night of the show. If you would like to get on the waiting list or for further information, please use the contact form on the website - borregoconcerts.org . Students are admitted for free. “…world-class musicians who connect with their audiences and bring sheer joy to those in attendance.” Michael Burgraff, Fergus Falls Center for the Arts The Waddington Brothers, a band of four brothers from rural North Dakota, perform what they live: music that is real to them, that takes listeners on a journey through the heart of the American West. Seth, Ethan, Jacob and Job skillfully blend cowboy and bluegrass music, creating a style that is timelessly classic and yet refreshingly new and unique. Their rich, stirring harmonies and instrumental versatility bring familiar favorites like “Old Home Town,” “Less Traveled Road,” and “Red River Valley” to life in way that is entertaining and engaging for audiences of all ages!

Director Colin Whitman discusses short documentary following screening and audience Q&A

Endurance, Adaptation, and Purpose International endurance handcyclist Fred Lacroix spoke at the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center on February 6. The event featured a talk followed by audience questions, offering insight into long-distance handcycling, endurance racing, and the role sport has played in shaping Lacroix’s life. Light snacks were provided as part of the evening program. Lacroix described how becoming a wheelchair user marked a complete reset rather than a detour. “It’s not a turn in your life. It’s a new life to start.” He explained that independence came through intentional daily choices, identifying a clear decision early in his recovery. “There were two choices: a couch, a television, beer, potato chips—or to try to move.” That choice led him first to racing wheelchairs, where he competed in road races and half marathons, and later to handcycling, which allowed him to train longer and focus on endurance. “Immediately, it was like a spark. I was comfortable, and I could ride for hours.” During the talk, Lacroix outlined what endurance racing requires—consistent training, goal-setting, and mental focus. He briefly discussed riding Pikes Peak, one of North America’s highest paved roads, explaining that success at altitude depends on long-term acclimation rather than last-minute effort. “You cannot decide on Friday night while eating a pizza. You have to train a long time to acclimate your body to the lack of oxygen.” Lacroix also explained how training in Borrego Springs led him to discover the 6–12–24 Hour World Time Trial Championships, a race where athletes compete over six, twelve, or twenty-four hours on a closed course, emphasizing strategy, concentration, and sustained effort. He later competed in the event and earned first place in his age division. He closed by clarifying why he wanted to speak publicly—not to focus on himself, but on possibility. “I asked to organize this presentation not to speak about me, but about what we can do—disabled or not. Sport is important for everybody.” The evening concluded with audience questions covering equipment, safety, training logistics, and race preparation, highlighting the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center’s ongoing role as a place for learning, conversation, and shared experience. 

Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026 Time: 8:30 a.m. – approximately 1:00 p.m. Location: Springs Amphitheater Dog Participation: Open to Roadrunner Club / Springs RV Park dogs only Public Attendance: Free and open to the public to watch and cheer