Sustainable Borrego Springs: The Role of the Stewardship Council

Community Rallies Behind Austrian Cyclist Training for RAAM  You might have seen a focused cyclist zipping around Borrego Valley over the past few weeks. That rider is Lukas Kaufmann , a world-class athlete from Austria who’s chosen Borrego Springs as his training ground for the upcoming Race Across America (RAAM) —a 9-day, coast-to-coast endurance race starting June 10 in Oceanside and finishing June 19 in Atlantic City. Track his ride here: trackleaders.com/Team_Kaufmann While Peter Kellner was also out riding with his wife Tammy Baker , he spotted Lukas and could tell right away he wasn’t just another visitor getting in a few desert miles. Peter tracked him down, learned his story, and turned that curiosity into action. The result? A spontaneous community celebration: “Borrego Cheers for Lukas!”

One Course, Many Possibilities Rams Hill Golf Club in Borrego Springs, California , remains one of Southern California’s most reliable golf destinations—offering a championship-caliber experience in a setting that adapts easily to different types of getaways. Whether you're planning a golf-focused weekend or a slower-paced retreat with friends or family, Rams Hill provides the foundation.  It’s not uncommon for guests to return to the same rental, play the same number of rounds, and dine at the same favorite restaurant—yet walk away with a completely different experience. Golf Designed for Everyone Designed by Tom Fazio , Rams Hill’s 18-hole course features dramatic elevation changes, wide landing areas, and expansive views across the Anza-Borrego desert. Multiple tee options suit a wide range of players, from scratch golfers to those still learning the game. Small but memorable touches—like tacos at the turn and post-round cookies—round out the experience. Paired with Stay & Play homes like The Desert Escape, guests can enjoy the convenience of staying on site while having space to relax, cook, or host small gatherings between rounds. Repeat Stays, Fresh Experiences One trip may focus on competitive rounds with fellow golfers. Another might center around a mixed group, some playing full rounds, others enjoying shorter outings or relaxing at the rental. The shared element is consistency: excellent course conditions, helpful staff, and the option to shape your schedule any way you like. Even repeat visitors report that the experience shifts depending on the group, the season, and how the trip is planned—without sacrificing the sense of quality or hospitality Rams Hill is known for. Summer in Borrego: More Than Golf While winter and spring are peak golf seasons, summer in Borrego Springs offers a quieter experience with wide-open skies, minimal traffic, and more room to explore beyond the course. For those interested in art, photography, or stargazing , the summer months offer clear air, high contrast light, and dramatic desert color. Visitors often combine their golf plans with stops at the Borrego Art Institute , which hosts rotating exhibitions and operates a garden-focused ArtPark nearby. Just a few minutes away, The Gallery at The Palms presents contemporary shows in a mid-century modern setting surrounded by native landscaping. These creative spaces offer a thoughtful balance to a golf itinerary and allow non-golfers to enjoy the weekend just as much. Dining in Borrego Springs Borrego Springs also offers a variety of local dining options , from casual cafes to full-service restaurants. Onsite, Rams Hill Restaurant is open to the public and known for elevated fare with sunset views over the course. In town, diners will find locally owned spots offering everything from breakfast staples to seasonal specials—many of which are open year-round. Easy to Reach, Hard to Forget Just under a two-hour drive from San Diego , Rams Hill is a short trip that feels far removed. Guests often return to familiar settings—the same house, same course, even the same server—and still leave with a new favorite moment.

Borrego Springs CRC Food Bank offers weekly groceries, monthly health services, and improved facilities with help from community grants and donations. Open to all.

Sylvia Maas Ride Updates On June 1, 2025, Sylvia Maas, an ultra-endurance cyclist and Soroptimist from Borrego Springs, will embark on the Trans Am Bike Nonstop Check Point Edition (3,500 miles), a self-supported, coast-to-coast cycling challenge starting in Astoria, Oregon. Her mission is to raise funds for the "Bike 4 Borrego Kids" scholarship program, supporting Borrego Springs High School seniors pursuing higher education.

Community nonprofit completes construction phase, seeks funding for equipment The Borrego Springs Music Festival and its educational arm, the Borrego Academy of Music & Art (BAMA), have completed construction on a new recording studio in downtown Borrego Springs. The buildout included soundproofing and a technician window, with oversight provided by John Young, BAMA’s Technical Director and Vice President of the board. The studio is the latest milestone in the organization’s mission to provide music education to youth in a region where none of the local schools—elementary, middle, or high school—offer a formal music program. Borrego Springs serves a population of approximately 2,500 residents, and 87% of the 358 enrolled students in the school district are considered socioeconomically disadvantaged. John Young, a 34-year science center veteran and longtime volunteer, helped launch the studio space as part of his ongoing work with the music festival and its education efforts. He also teaches courses in piano, digital recording, and technology. 

Now hiring: Borrego Valley Endowment Fund is seeking an Executive Director to lead community development and nonprofit strategy in Borrego Springs.

When you shop in Borrego Springs, you're not just supporting local businesses—you now have the opportunity to invest in the future of our community's youth.

Weekly $25 food coupons are available every Wednesday in Borrego Springs through the Borrego Ministers Association at the Community Resource Center.