March 14, 2024
Sustainable Borrego Springs: The Role of the Stewardship Council
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Borrego Springs Unites for Sustainability
In the heart of Borrego Springs, a collective commitment to a sustainable future has brought together diverse voices under the banner of the Borrego Valley Stewardship Council (BVSC). This council, formed in 2014, stands as a testament to the community's dedication to addressing pressing local issues, such as water conservation, air quality, and economic growth, all through the lens of geotourism.
The Stewardship Council's Vision:
- Community Engagement: Convening diverse community voices to address Borrego Springs’ most critical issues.
- Sustainability Goals: Enhancing the viability of Borrego Springs as a vibrant, resilient desert community.
- Geotourism: Promoting sustainable tourism that appreciates and preserves the unique geographical character of Borrego Springs.
Key Initiatives and Achievements:
- Educational Programs: Partnering with the Borrego Village Association to develop the Interpretive Host Program, offering training for tourism workers and high school coursework for students to become Certified Interpretive Guides.
- Water Sustainability: Direct involvement in forming the Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) and developing a Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) in response to SGMA legislation, aiming for a 75% reduction in water use by 2040.
- Integrated Planning: Facilitating integrated planning efforts to align groundwater management with land use, economic development, and community resilience, leading towards a sustainable future for Borrego Springs.
Challenges and Responses:
- Public Perception: Combating negative perceptions of Borrego Springs as a "dying community" by redefining it as a phoenix rising from adversity.
- Community Engagement in GSP Development: Ensuring community input in the GSP development process, setting a precedent for transparent and inclusive planning.
The Road Ahead:
- Interim Watermaster Board: Establishing governance and community representation to manage water resources effectively under the stipulated agreement awaiting DWR review.
- Community Plan Update: Collaborating with San Diego County to update Borrego’s Community Plan, integrating water management, economic development, and climate resilience into a cohesive vision for Borrego Springs.
The Borrego Valley Stewardship Council embodies the spirit of unity and perseverance, guiding Borrego Springs towards a future where sustainability and community thrive hand in hand.
Learn More About Borrego Springs
Jeanne & Jan Are Back at The Mall Offering Light Repairs for the Community Every first Monday of the month, they set up in front of Tubs Laundromat and Community Valley Bank at The Mall, offering helpful light repairs such as mending, patches, buttons, and hems. The service is always free. If you choose to donate, every donation goes directly to a local Borrego Springs charity. Check Borrego Events to confirm time & dates.
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
Support Women and Girls in Borrego Springs Raise your glass for a good cause at the 4th Annual Toast to Borrego , happening Saturday, December 13, 2025 , from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at the UCI Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center in Borrego Springs. Get Tickets! Enjoy an afternoon of fine wines, food, and music—all while supporting programs that empower women and girls in Borrego Springs. Event Highlights Six wines selected and introduced by Kimberly Jones Selections Catering by Carlee’s – delicious food and appetizers Live piano music by Steve Hunter Mocktails for non-drinkers One gift basket drawing ticket included Free parking Experiences and Auctions Shop creative themed gift baskets and bid on one-of-a-kind local experiences, including: Coffee Lovers New Grandparents Gourmet Foods Wine Lovers Tea Party And more to come Silent Auction Experiences: Pizza party for six with Wade of the Borrego Art Institute Olive oil tasting for five with Ingrid Tuxhorn of Borrego Olive Oil Co. Bike ride with Sylvia Maas, Kristi Sisson, and Peanut Paint Party for six with Cody from the Borrego Art Institute Tickets $75 Pre-sale until December 5 $100 General Admission Get your tickets early—attendance is limited. Cancellation Policy: All ticket sales are final. Rain or shine event. Details Location: UCI Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center 401 Tilting T Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004 Time: 1:00–5:00 PM (Pouring 1:00–3:30 PM) Note: Guests must be 21 or older. Children and pets cannot be accommodated (service animals welcome). Learn More About Borrego Springs
Learn about the Borrego Caregiver Corps, the community need it serves, caregiver training, key benefits, and future plans for supportive programs in Borrego Springs.
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.
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