April 10, 2024

Sen. Jones’ Bill on Predator Placement Clears Committee

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Today, the Senate Public Safety Committee unanimously approved Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones’s (R-San Diego) bipartisan Senate Bill 1074, called the “Sexually Violent Predator Accountability, Fairness, and Enforcement Act” (SAFE Act). Click here for SB 1074 the factsheet and here for more information about the bill and SVP issue.

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A Unified Front Against Sexual Violence

In an unprecedented display of bipartisan solidarity, the California Senate Public Safety Committee has given its unanimous nod to a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at fortifying community defenses against sexually violent predators. On April 9, 2024, the "Sexually Violent Predator Accountability, Fairness, and Enforcement Act" (SAFE Act), championed by Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego), sailed through the committee stage, marking a significant milestone in the state's legislative efforts to protect its residents.

Crafted with the intent to overhaul the current processes governing the placement of sexually violent predators (SVPs), the SAFE Act seeks to ensure such individuals are not surreptitiously placed into family-oriented neighborhoods, thereby safeguarding the sanctity and safety of community living spaces. Highlighting the act's essence, Senator Jones articulated, "The SAFE Act is designed to protect our neighborhoods and families from dangerous sexually violent predators, perpetrators of some of the most horrendous and violent sex crimes.”

Among the locales under the legislative spotlight is Borrego Springs, a serene community that epitomizes the essence of California's diverse and vibrant living environments. The SAFE Act's provisions are particularly relevant here, ensuring that areas like Borrego Springs remain sanctuaries of peace and safety, untouched by the potential threats posed by the inappropriate placement of SVPs.

Central to the SAFE Act are measures that elevate public safety as the primary criterion in the placement decisions of SVPs, alongside requiring the Department of State Hospitals (DSH) to actively participate in and approve placement locations before any contractual agreements are finalized. This legislative push comes in response to growing concerns over the discreet integration of SVPs into unsuspecting communities, sparking widespread alarm and calls for reform.

The act's progression, underscored by a unanimous 4-0 committee vote, is buttressed by an extensive coalition of bipartisan support, reflecting a collective legislative commitment to community welfare. Echoing the sentiments of support, Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (D-Jackson) affirmed, “As a state legislator dedicated to the safety and well-being of my district and California as a whole, I stand firmly in support of SB 1074. This bill not only prioritizes public safety as the paramount concern in deciding the placement of Sexually Violent Predators – it also ensures accountability by mandating the Department of State Hospitals' approval before any placement occurs.”

As the SAFE Act navigates its journey through the legislative corridors, its implications for communities like Borrego Springs and beyond are profound, heralding a new era of transparency, accountability, and safety in the management of sexually violent predators within the Golden State.

Battle of the Desert Unveiled

December 7, 2025

Ricardo Breceda’s New Sculptures Installed on Borrego Springs Road The community gathered on December 5 for the unveiling of Battle of the Desert, the newest addition to Borrego Springs’ iconic Sky Art by sculptor Ricardo Breceda. Installed at 4990 Borrego Springs Road, the pair of towering steel figures—a Greater Roadrunner and a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake—now join the region’s well-known collection of more than 130 Breceda sculptures that define the local landscape. Commissioned by Rams Hill and Borrego Community Builders, a Rams Hill initiative supporting community development and Borrego Community Homes, the installation highlights the wildlife and ecological relationships that shape the Anza-Borrego Desert. The roadrunner and rattlesnake are two of the desert’s most recognizable species, each playing a key role in rodent control and ecological balance. A permanent interpretive sign was also introduced during the event, explaining the meaning behind the sculptures and Breceda’s long-standing impact on desert art in Borrego Springs. Speakers included Rodney Bruce (Rams Hill), Wade Beane (Borrego Art Institute and Honorary Mayor of Borrego Springs), Gabriela Dow and Jennifer Sencion (Borrego Community Builders), Harry Turner (COO), and Ricardo Breceda, who spoke about the creativity and craftsmanship behind his work. The program acknowledged the collaborative planning behind the installation and the ongoing efforts to expand public art in the community. Following the unveiling, attendees were invited to a reception at Rams Hill. Breceda’s new roadrunner and rattlesnake join the larger Sky Art story—a regional landmark that continues to draw visitors, celebrate desert wildlife, and honor the artistic history shaped by the late philanthropist Dennis Avery’s original vision for large-scale, outdoor public sculpture in Borrego Springs.

Update on New Welcome Signs

November 25, 2025

Happy Thanksgiving! The Borrego Springs Welcome Sign committee is grateful to the many individuals and businesses who have supported efforts to construct the first new “Welcome to Borrego Springs” sign since the 1970’s. Because of their support, we have raised almost $29,000. Donations have ranged from $10 - $5,000 and we are thankful for every single dollar. Apparently costs to construct and install the signs have gone up significantly in the last year and a half. Therefore, when we thought we had almost reached our fundraising goal, we were told we might need as much as 50% more. The Borrego Village Association has got to work looking at alternative vendors, we are currently requesting estimates, and still hoping to get the job done for closer to the original estimate. If you pledged funds, that pledge will likely be requested in December or January. If you donated cash, please know that it is safely in an account earmarked for the welcome sign. If you haven’t donated yet, PLEASE DO! More funding is certainly needed and appreciated, especially as we have two more signs to construct after this one. To donate: The Borrego Village Association, a 501c(6) c, nonprofit organization, is leading the fundraising. Contributions checks can be made out to the Borrego Village Association and sent to Borrego Village Association. P.O. Box 1133, Borrego Springs, CA 92004. Donations can also be made via PayPal found on our website at BorregoVillageAssociation.org, or made via Zelle transfer. Pledges can be made using the form below. If you have any questions or require further information, email BorregoVillage@gmail.com Happy holidays and with many thanks to those who have - or will - donate, The Welcome Sign Committee - Jim Dion, Bruce Durbin, Nancy McRae, Alicia Wszelaki -- James Dion Executive Director Borrego Village Association Learn More About Borrego Springs

Remembering Patrick Grannan

October 13, 2025

Thank you Susan L Forsburg for sharing your photos of Patrick.

Borrego Community Builders Breaks Ground on First Model Home in Borrego Springs

By Borrego Community Builders NEWS RELEASE • August 28, 2025

Rams Hill COO Harry Turner, Borrego Springs Unified School District Superintendent Mark Stevens, Rams Hill CEO Shannon Smith, Borrego Village Association Vice President Jim Wermers, Rams Hill / Borrego Community Builders Director of Development & Construction Rodney Bruce, Borrego Springs Community Resource Center Executive Director Martha Deichler, Borrego Water District Board of Directors Diane Johnson, Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce President Kirit Patel and founding member of OLAX Borrego Springs Esmeralda Lopez-Garcia.