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Regional event celebrates the night sky, science, and dark sky preservation Borrego Springs residents who enjoy stargazing, astronomy, and protecting the night sky may want to mark their calendars for the 2026 San Diego Dark Sky Festival , scheduled for August 15 from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Julian Union High School in Julian. The festival will feature distinguished speakers, telescope viewing, hands-on activities, educational exhibits, and opportunities to learn more about the growing dark sky movement throughout San Diego County. The event is organized by DarkSky San Diego County and regional partners committed to reducing light pollution and preserving access to natural darkness. Activities are designed for families, students, amateur astronomers, and anyone interested in the night sky. Festival organizers describe it as a celebration of stars, science, and community. For Borrego Springs residents, the festival highlights a cause that has become part of the community's identity. Borrego Springs was California's first International Dark Sky Community , earning recognition for its efforts to reduce light pollution and preserve exceptional night-sky viewing. Julian followed with its own International Dark Sky Community designation in 2021, creating a network of dark-sky advocates in San Diego County's backcountry. The festival also showcases the growing regional movement to protect dark skies. Organizations from Borrego Springs, Julian, Fallbrook, Mission Trails Regional Park, and the Laguna Mountain area are working together to promote responsible lighting and preserve natural darkness for future generations. Visitors can expect telescope viewing, astronomy demonstrations, educational booths, and presentations on the importance of natural darkness for wildlife, human health, and energy conservation. Similar festivals have drawn large crowds and provided opportunities for the public to experience some of Southern California's best night skies. For many Borrego Springs residents, the event offers a chance to connect with neighboring dark-sky communities while celebrating one of the region's greatest natural resources—the star-filled skies that make both Borrego Springs and Julian special destinations for stargazing. ------------------ Fun Local Fact: K-RAM 90.5 FM at 730 Christmas Circle recently received a Night Sky Friendly Business Certificate of Merit from the Borrego Springs Dark Sky Coalition. The building also houses a Dark Sky visitor center and Borrego Valley Realty, where realtor Mary Watkins helps visitors learn more about protecting Borrego Springs' famous night skies.

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One of the things that makes Borrego Springs special happens after the sun goes down. Borrego Springs became California's first International Dark Sky Community in 2009 and was only the second community in the world to receive the designation. The certification recognizes communities that actively work to reduce light pollution and protect the night sky for future generations. Earlier this year, a Dark Sky presentation highlighted K-RAM 90.5, XL Fuel Stop, and Borrego Holiday Homes as examples of businesses using responsible lighting practices that help preserve Borrego Springs' internationally recognized night skies. Ram Media Foundation Updates Exterior Lighting The Ram Media Foundation building at 730 Christmas Circle, now home to K-RAM 90.5, the Borrego Sun, and Borrego Valley Realty, removed older unshielded, high-lumen fixtures that reflected light outward around the property. The updated lighting includes shielded fixtures and a downward-facing reflector along the front walkway. These improvements provide lighting where it is needed while reducing unnecessary glare and light escaping into the night sky. XL Fuel Stop Reduces Sky Glow XL Fuel Stop was highlighted for using fully shielded lighting that directs light where it is needed instead of into the night sky. According to the presentation, a bright light mounted atop a high pole was turned off, and after-hours lighting levels were reduced. These changes help minimize sky glow while maintaining safety and visibility for customers. Borrego Holiday Homes Improves Efficiency Borrego Holiday Homes was highlighted as another example of responsible lighting practices. The property reduced excessive brightness by lowering lumen levels and using shielding that directs light downward. The result is reduced glare, improved efficiency, and lighting that better serves guests without unnecessarily illuminating the surrounding area. Why Dark Skies Matter According to the Borrego Springs Dark Sky Coalition, light pollution is the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. Excessive brightness can create visual discomfort, affect wildlife behavior, disrupt human circadian rhythms, and diminish our ability to see the stars. Responsible lighting does not mean eliminating outdoor lighting. Instead, it means using the right amount of light, directing it where it is needed, and avoiding unnecessary brightness. The Borrego Springs Dark Sky Coalition was formed in 2007 by local residents seeking Dark Sky certification. Facilitated by the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA), the coalition continues to educate residents, businesses, and visitors about responsible lighting practices that help preserve Borrego Springs' exceptional nighttime environment. The improvements made by K-RAM 90.5 , XL Fuel Stop, and Borrego Holiday Homes demonstrate that protecting dark skies can go hand in hand with safety, efficiency, and good business practices. For residents and visitors alike, these efforts help ensure that Borrego Springs remains one of the best places in Southern California to experience a sky filled with stars.

A recent Hawk Alert shared through the Borrego hawkwatch community reports a significant number of Swainson’s hawks currently roosting in Borrego Springs. Estimates based on multiple counts suggest 200 to 300 hawks are gathered overnight. This is part of the annual spring migration, when large numbers of Swainson’s hawks pass through the Borrego Valley. The migration typically runs from mid-February through March and into April, with peak activity often occurring in mid to late March.