December 10, 2023
The Impact of Short-Term Rentals on Small Towns
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The Impact of Short-Term Rentals on Borrego Springs: A Comprehensive Analysis
The rise of short-term rentals in Borrego Springs, fueled by platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, has brought about significant changes in this charming desert town. These changes have sparked a debate on how best to manage the positive influx of tourism against the backdrop of housing and infrastructure challenges.
Pros and Cons of Short-Term Rentals in Borrego Springs
Pros:
- Economic Growth: The influx of tourists staying in short-term rentals has a ripple effect on Borrego Springs’ local economy. From restaurants to retail stores, various sectors benefit from increased spending.
- Homeowner Benefits: Residents of Borrego Springs who rent out their properties enjoy a supplementary source of income, which can be significant in a town with limited economic opportunities.
- Tourism Diversification: Short-term rentals diversify the type of tourists attracted to Borrego Springs, catering to those seeking a more 'local' experience.
- Property Value Increase: Homeowners may see an increase in property values due to the popularity of the area as a vacation destination.
Cons:
- Housing Market Pressure: As properties shift from long-term to short-term rentals, residents find it increasingly difficult to find affordable housing in Borrego Springs.
- Community Disruption: A high turnover of visitors can disrupt the sense of community, altering the small-town charm of Borrego Springs.
- Resource Strain: Increased tourist numbers can strain public resources like water, waste management, and emergency services.
- Cultural Erosion: The unique cultural identity of Borrego Springs risks being overshadowed by a tourism-focused economy.
Addressing the Housing Challenge in Borrego Springs
The challenge of maintaining affordable housing in the face of lucrative short-term rentals is significant. Borrego Springs needs strategies that protect both the interests of homeowners looking to capitalize on their properties and those of long-term residents who call the town home.
Proposed Solutions for Borrego Springs
- Zoning and Regulation: Implementing zoning laws that limit where short-term rentals can operate or setting a cap on the number of rental days per year can help maintain a balance.
- Affordable Housing Funds: Implementing a tax on short-term rentals that goes directly into an affordable housing fund can be a way to address the housing scarcity.
- Community Engagement: Involving residents in the decision-making process ensures that the needs and concerns of the community are addressed.
- Infrastructure Investment: Allocating a portion of tourism revenue to enhance and expand public infrastructure can help mitigate the added strain from visitors.
The Role of Tourism in Borrego Springs
While short-term rentals bring undeniable benefits to Borrego Springs, particularly in boosting tourism and the local economy, it's crucial to manage this growth sustainably. This means ensuring that the influx of tourists does not detract from the quality of life for residents or the natural beauty that makes Borrego Springs a unique place to visit.
Future Outlook for Borrego Springs
The future of Borrego Springs hinges on a balanced approach that embraces the benefits of tourism while safeguarding the town's character and long-term livability. Thoughtful policies, community collaboration, and a commitment to preserving the town's heritage and environment are key to achieving this balance. Borrego Springs stands at a crossroads, with the potential to model how small towns can thrive in the face of changing economic landscapes and tourism trends.
By Dennis Mammana Week of March 1-7, 2026 Attention, night owls and insomniacs! The sky show this week is just for you! Much of North America is about to see the moon experience one of nature's most beautiful sky shows: a total lunar eclipse. A lunar eclipse occurs when the full moon slips into the Earth's shadow far out in space, either partially or completely, and that's just what will happen during the wee hours of March 3. Skywatchers throughout North America will see the start of this eclipse (weather permitting, of course), but depending on where you live, you may see only a portion of the sky show. In general, the farther west you live, the more of the eclipse you will see before the moon sets behind the western horizon. The eclipse begins at 12:44 a.m. PST (3:44 a.m. EST), when the moon enters the Earth's light outer shadow (known as the penumbra), but this shadow is so thin that no one will notice a darkening of the moon's appearance. Within an hour or so, that will change significantly. As the moon approaches the dark inner shadow of the Earth (known as the umbra), skywatchers will notice the eastern side of the moon beginning to darken slightly. The real show begins at 1:50 a.m. PST (4:50 a.m. EST) when the moon officially enters the umbra. No one gazing skyward will have any doubt that a "bite" has been taken out of the moon — a bite that will grow larger with each passing minute. For the next hour or so, the moon will dim as it slips more deeply into our planet's umbra, until 3:04 a.m. PST (6:04 a.m. EST) when it's completely engulfed and the total eclipse begins. Unfortunately, those in the far eastern part of North America may miss this since the moon will lie quite close to (or even below) the western horizon. During the total phase, the moon will take on a dim coppery hue. This occurs because sunlight passing through our atmosphere is reddened and bent inward toward the darkened surface of the eclipsed moon, now suspended eerily against the stars of Leo, the lion. Only those viewing from the Midwest to the West Coast will see mid-eclipse, which occurs at 3:33 a.m. PST (5:33 a.m. CST). Those in the Midwest may miss the end of totality at 4:02 a.m. PST (6:02 a.m. CST), however, as the moon will be setting in the west. The entire event will end at 5:17 a.m. PST (4:17 a.m. MST) with the moon approaching the western horizon for viewers in western North America. Unlike an eclipse of the sun, a lunar eclipse is perfectly safe to view without protective filters. Your eyes are all you need to enjoy the show, but you'll have even more fun viewing through binoculars or a small telescope. If the sky is cloudy that morning, or if you live where the eclipse won't be visible, you can watch a livestream of the sky show online. Visit timeanddate.com and click on "Sun, Moon & Space" at the top to find details for your location, as well as links to view the eclipse live online. Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com. Learn More About Borrego Springs
Borrego Springs continues to expand its wellness community with the arrival of Mountain Healing Acupuncture, led by Lara Koljonen, a dedicated practitioner of holistic medicine since 2008. Lara brings more than 15 years of experience in acupuncture and integrative care, focusing on empowering patients to better understand their bodies and take an active role in their health. Her philosophy centers on the idea that life is like a garden. The more we care for it, the more vibrant and resilient it becomes. Through education, treatment, and ongoing support, she helps patients cultivate long-term wellness. Her approach blends eastern and western methods, bridging traditional acupuncture with modern health understanding. Treatments are designed to support pain relief, stress reduction, balance, and overall vitality in a safe and nurturing environment. Mountain Healing Acupuncture emphasizes continued learning and integrating new therapies to best serve patients. Lara works to both heal and educate, encouraging clients to build sustainable habits that strengthen their physical and emotional well-being. Contact: Mountain Healing Acupuncture 619.980.0745 Borrego Springs continues to grow as a destination for wellness, and the addition of a long-practicing acupuncturist adds another valuable resource for those seeking holistic support close to home.
East County Magazine Highlights Borrego and Backcountry Loop East County Magazine recently published a feature on a full day scenic drive through San Diego County’s backcountry, with Borrego Springs at the center of the experience The article outlines a 12 hour loop connecting desert, mountain, and lake destinations, positioning Borrego as a key stop within a broader regional itinerary. Destinations Featured in the Article Borrego Springs and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center, 200 Palm Canyon Drive Christmas Circle visitor information location, 587 Palm Canyon Drive Wildflower viewing along Henderson Canyon Road Hiking areas including: Borrego Palm Canyon Coyote Canyon Hellhole Canyon The Slot Font’s Point Wind Caves Elephant Tree Trail Yaqui Well Trail Cactus Loop Nature Trail ‘Ehmuu-Morteros Trail Public Art and Local Highlights Ricardo Breceda metal sculptures in Borrego Springs The Pilot House near Borrego Valley Airport Christmas Circle K-RAM 90.5 FM Resorts and Dining La Casa del Zorro Backcountry Route Stops Dudley’s Bakery in Santa Ysabel Ranchita and the Rancheti Yeti statue Montezuma Grade, S22 scenic descent Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area Julian and Banner Grade Julian Pie Company Mom’s Pie House Eagle Mining Company Menghini Winery Historic Julian downtown Banner Ranch Lake Cuyamaca The Pub at Lake Cuyamaca Wildlife viewing including pelicans, heron, vultures, and deer Why This Coverage Matters The feature presents Borrego Springs as a central anchor within a larger backcountry journey. It connects wildflowers, desert art, scenic mountain drives, Julian’s historic district, and Lake Cuyamaca into one enjoyable day trip. For full route details, travel logistics, safety tips, and seasonal notes, read the complete article published by East County Magazine. Learn More About Borrego Springs
San Diego Public Media is on KRAM 90.5 FM Borrego Springs
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026 Time: 8:30 a.m. – approximately 1:00 p.m. Location: Springs Amphitheater Dog Participation: Open to Roadrunner Club / Springs RV Park dogs only Public Attendance: Free and open to the public to watch and cheer
PEG LEG SMITH LIAR’S CONTEST Since 1916 To Date The next saga of the Peg Leg Smith Liar’s Contest is a month away, Saturday March 7th . Location American Legion Post #853 4515 Borrego Springs Road Borrego Springs, Ca. Date March 7th, 2026 Time Dusk Who Thomas Long Smith , miner, horse thief, Indian fighter, and notorious liar. Google him for details or YouTube for videos. What A 100 plus year old event , a perpetuation of prevarication, where participants at the event manufacture the truth or a lie about a real person, Thomas Long Smith , aka Peg Leg Smith , who allegedly found, then lost, a gold mine in the Borrego Valley back in the mid-1800’s. He existed. The mine is what is in question. Why Must be fun. It’s been held here in the Valley nearly every year, give or take a few world wars and related interferences…… since 1916 . Rules None. Just make up a lie about him, or not even him—most anything—that is interesting, logical, entertaining, relatively short ( 10 minutes or less ). If it is good and you just show up and lie, you will receive a trophy (recycled) and a nice certificate good enough to frame . Judging There are three judges , all veterans of the event, all with 20 or more years doing so. The Chief Judge , me, has been judging since 1982 (no remuneration, free, poor judgement on my part). Winners are not chosen on bribery or status, but on three major categories : Quality of the lie ( 10 points max ) Performance in presenting it ( 10 points max ) Garb, stunts, random foolishness, helpers, music, or whatever ( 5 points max ) The last five points only separate the scores, as even last-minute sign-ups during the event are competitive. If we have children under 10 years of age , we will have a child judging category as well. Audience & Participation It is a liar’s contest. We can have 50, 100, 150 or more in the audience, but without liars…there is no contest . Sign up at the event Viewers bring a folding chair Bring non-alcoholic beverages (the Legion has a full bar) Sit outside near the campfire (held outside always—dress accordingly) Services Bathrooms, bar, and kitchen courtesy of the Legion and volunteers. Dinner is available—might be pulled pork again by popular demand , or not. It is a liar’s contest. Actually, I might be lying to you now. The Only Truth It will occur rain or shine , at the date and time , at the Legion . Bring a Lie It can be a short one, bad one, dumb one about anything you want to lie about—or even the truth is welcome. Just say his name, then run off in any direction you lie about best. You probably won’t know anyone there except a few friends that might have come along, so you can’t be embarrassed in front of strangers. Prepare to lie. We ALWAYS need liars . Even bad ones. Again, Google the contest to learn more. It is always fun and out of doors. What could be better than that? Oh, free as well. Jim McKenna Learn More About Borrego Springs
