RAAM Teams to Ride Through Borrego Springs on June 15

Borrego Springs ultra-endurance cyclist Sylvia Maas is preparing to take on one of the world's most demanding bicycle races while continuing her efforts to support local students through scholarships and mentorship. Maas will begin the NorthCape–Tarifa Race on June 20, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. from the North Cape in Norway. The self-supported race covers nearly 4,350 miles (7,000 kilometers) across Europe and finishes in Tarifa, Spain, the southernmost point of mainland Europe. The route includes checkpoints in Helsinki, Finland; the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania; Torun, Poland; Bregenz, Austria; Col du Galibier and Nice, France; Port d’Envalira, Andorra; Pico del Veleta, Spain; and Tarifa, Spain. Riders will cross multiple countries, mountain ranges, and some of Europe's most challenging cycling terrain. Maas, a retired teacher, is riding to raise awareness for Bike4BorregoKids , the scholarship initiative she founded after volunteering at Borrego Springs High School and recognizing the need for additional support for graduating seniors. The program provides scholarships, mentorship, leadership development opportunities, and educational experiences designed to help students prepare for college, trade schools, and careers.

Showing Up, Giving Back, and Inspiring the Next Generation At the Borrego Springs High School end-of-year awards ceremony, three women stood together who represent something deeply important in Borrego Springs: showing up for local students. Sylvia Maas, Corie Loera-Jaramillo, and Christina Portilla each serve the community in different ways, but their work shares a common purpose. They help educate, support, inspire, and encourage the children of Borrego Springs. Two of the women, Sylvia Maas and Corie Loera-Jaramillo, presented student awards that evening. Christina Portilla was there supporting her foreign exchange host students, but her presence reflected something even broader: she shows up for everyone. Whether through mentoring, volunteering, hosting students, or supporting local programs, Christina is one of the steady people helping Borrego Springs youth feel encouraged, included, and cared for. Sylvia Maas, an ultra-endurance cyclist and retired teacher, founded Bike4BorregoKids , an initiative that turns determination into opportunity for local students. Through scholarships, mentorship, leadership development, and educational experiences, Bike4BorregoKids helps Borrego Springs students prepare for college, careers, and life beyond high school. Through Bike4BorregoKids, Sylvia Maas has helped raise and award more than $30,000 in scholarships for Borrego Springs students for the third year, turning community support into real opportunities for local graduates. Her overall message to students is clear: don’t give up. In cycling, Sylvia often refers to the term DNF, meaning “Did Not Finish.” She uses that idea to remind students that school, work, and life will all bring difficult stretches — but the goal is to keep going, keep working, and finish what they started. Corie Loera-Jaramillo, who works at Borrego Outfitters in The Mall, has volunteered her time for over six years with the Interact Club at Borrego Springs High School , sponsored by the Rotary Club of Borrego Springs . Interact helps students build leadership skills, integrity, teamwork, and a commitment to giving back through service projects such as toy drives, field trips, community cleanups, and volunteer support at local events. Christina Portilla is known throughout Borrego Springs for her generous heart, creativity, and steady support of young people. She is a Girl Scout leader, foreign exchange student host, mentor, and volunteer for many local organizations, including OLAX, Soroptimist, American Legion, Bike4BorregoKids, and more. To many, she is like a mother to Borrego kids. Together, these women encourage teamwork, collaboration, service, and confidence. You will often see them at community events, not seeking attention, but working in the background, supporting students and helping programs succeed. Through scholarships, field trips, Dream It, Be It, service clubs, mentoring, and countless volunteer hours, Sylvia, Corie, and Christina remind Borrego Springs students that they are seen, supported, and capable of more than they may realize. Their work is powerful because it is consistent. They keep showing up. And for the children of Borrego Springs, that makes all the difference.

The Bike4BorregoKids fundraiser is ongoing and continues to support graduating seniors at Borrego Springs High School with financial aid f

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Photo Courtesy of Chad Foreman / Riviera Farms, Borrego Springs

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Holiday Gift Event in Borrego Springs On Sunday, December 14 , families gathered at Christmas Circle for the annual Santa at the Circle Gift Giveaway , a holiday event organized by OLAX – Organización de Latinx de Borrego Springs in collaboration with community partners. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived at the event aboard a Borrego Springs's San Diego County fire truck , while the Grinch made an appearance in a decorated truck , interacting with children throughout the afternoon. Holiday music played during the event, creating a seasonal backdrop as families moved through the activities. The Event was Open to all Families Children met Santa and Mrs. Claus for photos, received a stuffed animal, and then walked through a decorated toy tunnel , where they selected a gift to take home. Free cookies and hot chocolate were provided for everyone. Volunteers assisted with greeting families, guiding children through each station, and supporting gift distribution to ensure that each child received an age-appropriate gift in an organized and efficient way. Volunteers included members of OLAX , Miss Borrego and the Princesses , and S-Interact students , a Rotary–Soroptimist youth service group. Their coordination helped the event run smoothly and safely. The Santa at the Circle Gift Giveaway reflected continued community collaboration in Borrego Springs, bringing together local organizations, volunteers, and families for a shared holiday tradition.

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Music, fun, and community at BAMA The Borrego Springs Music Festival invites adults to Thursdays for Grown-Ups, a weekly gathering of music, learning, and good company. Starting in Nov, enjoy adult-only classes: Ukulele Group: 3–4 PM Guitar Workshop: 4–5 PM Jam Session: 5–7 PM Sharpen your skills, meet fellow musicians, and play together in a relaxed, encouraging space.  All are welcome! Location: BAMA (Borrego Art and Music Association) Please note: BAMA is a family-friendly venue — no alcohol or drugs permitted. Learn More About Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs Thrifting for a Cause: Support Veterans at Bargain Barn.