Out and About: Happy Hour + Free Movie Night in Borrego

Join Borrego Art Institute’s Life Drawing Class on June 22. All skill levels welcome. Live clothed model, any medium, $20 or free for members.

Astronomer Dennis Mammana Captures Stunning Rocket Sighting from His Front Yard On the night of June 16 , the skies over Borrego Springs lit up with a striking view of the Falcon 9 rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base —and local astronomer Dennis Mammana was ready. From his front yard, about 264 miles to the southeast of the launch site, Mammana captured the event on video, showing once again why Borrego Springs is one of the best places in California for skywatching.

$60 Rounds for Borrego Springs Residents This Summer Mondays just got better for Borrego Springs residents. Rams Hill Golf Club is offering $60 rounds of golf every Monday after 9:00 AM through the summer. Just show a valid local ID at check-in to receive the discount. Call (760) 767-3500 or stop by the Rams Hill Golf Shop to book your tee time. Set in the foothills of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Rams Hill is a Tom Fazio–designed course known for its lush fairways, elevated greens, and panoramic desert and mountain views. Consistently ranked among California’s top public courses, it offers a challenging and rewarding round in a quiet desert setting. Locals looking for a break from the heat can turn their Monday round into a full staycation with Rams Hill’s Stay & Play packages . It’s an easy getaway without the drive—offering new scenery, a peaceful night, and an early morning round with fewer crowds and cooler temps. Offer ends August 31. Valid local ID required at check-in.

June 16 Distribution Brings Relief—and Groceries—to Borrego Springs On June 16, the St. Barnabas Food Bank held its first indoor summer distribution at the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center , offering a cooler, more comfortable environment for both volunteers and recipients. With temperatures rising across the desert, the move from the church parking lot to the CRC made the process easier and safer for everyone. Inside, tables were filled with canned goods, fresh grapes, frozen chicken, and pantry staples. Volunteers welcomed each resident with a smile, scanned their check-in cards, and helped them gather the food they needed. Volunteer Diane Johnson made a point to hold boxes aside for those who couldn’t arrive during the regular window—particularly resort and golf course workers who often finish their shifts around 2:00 PM. Thanks to this kind of planning, even those with early morning jobs don’t miss out.

Celebrating the Class of 2025 On June 12, Borrego Springs High School hosted a heartfelt graduation ceremony for the Class of 2025, honoring academic achievement, leadership, and the support of the local school community. The stage was decorated in school colors, with festive balloon columns adding a celebratory touch as students prepared to walk. The simple setup reflected the care taken to honor the graduates. The ceremony began with “Pomp and Circumstance,” followed by opening remarks from Ailene Arias and Abraham Arambula. Melanie Urquidez and Anthony Thompson led the Pledge of Allegiance. Superintendent Dr. Mark Stevens welcomed families and guests. Brenda Jimenez and Gaby Cole introduced graduation speakers Mrs. Victoria Baay and Mr. Francisco Ramirez. Academic honors were presented by Mr. Ramirez and Vice Principal Mr. Tim White. Valedictorian Melanie Urquidez and Salutatorian Valentina Villareal delivered meaningful reflections on their class’s journey. As each graduate’s name was called, diplomas were presented by Dr. Stevens, Mr. Steve Dunn, and Mrs. Baay. Staff seated nearby looked on with emotion, having supported many of these students from the beginning of high school. The celebration concluded with closing remarks from Mrs. Baay and a tassel-turning moment led by Abigail Gonzalez and Ailene Arias—officially marking the Class of 2025’s graduation.