How big is Anza-Borrego Desert State Park?

More than 600,000 acres, or roughly 1,000 square miles. It is the largest state park in California and the third largest in the United States, spanning parts of San Diego, Riverside and Imperial counties.

How much does it cost to enter Anza-Borrego?

Day use is $10 per vehicle, collected at the Visitor Center, developed campgrounds and several popular trailheads including The Slot and Hellhole Canyon. The park has no entrance gates and much of it can be accessed without a fee.

When is wildflower season at Anza-Borrego?

Annual wildflowers can appear from January through mid-April, with peak bloom most often between late February and early April. Timing varies year to year based on rainfall and temperature.

Is Anza-Borrego a Dark Sky Park?

Yes. The park was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2018 at Silver tier. Borrego Springs, the town at its center, has been an International Dark Sky Community since 2009, the first in California.

Do I need four-wheel drive at Anza-Borrego?

Not for the paved roads, the Visitor Center or the main campgrounds. The vast majority of the park's roughly 500 miles of dirt roads do require a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Is Anza-Borrego Desert State Park open at night?

Yes, the park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. The Visitor Center is open daily 9am to 5pm October through May, and weekends and holidays only June through September.

Jake Hinton • April 8, 2024

Update on SDG&E Billing Structure from Supervisor Jim Desmond

Supervisor Jim Desmond Shares Changes to SDG&E Billing Policy

On April 8, during the notable eclipse event, Supervisor Jim Desmond of San Diego County District 5 shared an important update regarding the billing structure of San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E). Addressing concerns previously voiced by the community and himself, Supervisor Desmond highlighted the planned changes to the fixed rate portion of the SDG&E electric bills.

Originally, the billing was proposed to be income-based, with three tiers affecting the fixed rate portion. This meant that households with higher incomes would incur higher fixed charges on their electric bills, regardless of their actual electricity usage. This proposal faced significant opposition from the community.

In response to community pressure and numerous petitions, the California Public Utilities Commission, which oversees electricity rates, has decided to revise this approach. Instead of an income-based tier system, a flat rate of $24 will now be applied to all households for the fixed rate portion of the electric bill. This change means that the fixed charge will no longer be tied to household income or electricity consumption levels.

Supervisor Desmond emphasized that this adjustment, although not a complete solution, is a move in the right direction. He advocates for a billing system where charges are based solely on actual electricity usage, rather than fixed rates that apply even to those who may not be using the grid, such as solar panel owners.

The final decision on this new billing structure is expected to be made in May. Desmond's message underscored the impact of community engagement and the importance of voicing concerns to elected officials. He thanked the community for their involvement, marking the announcement as a positive development on eclipse day.

For more updates from Supervisor Jim Desmond, you can visit his official YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@supervisorjimdesmond or the sign up for updates from the official website of Supervisor Jim Desmond.

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By Deborah Brennan, CalMatters • September 9, 2026

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Some Like It Hot: DWR Scientists Endure Extreme Heat

By Department of Water Resources • September 8, 2026

Specially-trained California Department of Water Resources staff members Vanessa Velasco (left) and Nicholas Burgos (right) support California Department of Fish and Wildlife staff member Sharon Keeney to set and collect traps for pupfish during a survey conducted by CDFW at a drain north of the Salton Sea in Riverside County

Before the First Storm: What We're Doing, and What I Need From You

By Supervisor Jim Desmond • September 7, 2026

Get ready for El Niño in Borrego Springs. Learn about storm preparations, free sandbags, & flood insurance. Stay safe and informed!

The Two Mile Radio Telescope on Clark's Dry Lake | Historic Borrego Sun

By Andrea McKenna • September 6, 2026

A portion of the two-mile antenna array on Clark Dry Lake used to study radio emissions from outer space. Weights kept the long copper wires taut on their frames. Borrego Sun, July 15, 1961.

County Launches Online System for Property Assessment Appeals

By County of San Diego Communications Office • September 6, 2026

By County Communications , County of San Diego Communications Office The County has launched a new online system that lets property owners file property tax assessment appeals quickly and securely. Residents can now submit, review and track their appeals online, anytime, from any device. An assessment appeal allows property owners to request a review of the taxable value assigned to their property by the County Assessor. When Residents Can File an Appeal The regular filing season is from July 2 through Nov. 30. During that period, the Office of the Clerk of the Board accepts Assessment Appeals Applications from property owners. To apply, property owners need: Parcel or tax bill number Property address Their opinion of the property’s market value How Online Filing Helps Residents The new system streamlines the appeals process, reduces delays and offers more convenience than traditional paper applications. With the new system, property owners can: Submit an appeal form any device, including smartphones and tablets. Track their appeal status anytime. Sign up for updates without calling or emailing the office. Keep their information secure through the online portal. This upgrade supports the County’s ongoing effort to modernize public services and make them easier, faster and more accessible for all. A New, Easier-to-Use Website A redesigned Assessment Appeals website has launched alongside the new system. It features: A simple, clean layout Step-by-step instructions to reduce filing errors Tutorial videos and helpful resources for first-time filers A more streamlined filing experience through the new portal What Happens After You File Once your appeal is submitted: The Clerk of the Board reviews the application and contacts the property owner if anything is missing. When the application is complete, it is sent to the Assessor’s Office. An appraiser reviews the case and may request additional information. An independent appeals board hears and decides the case. By law, the board has up to two years from your filing date to issue a decision. Have questions? Contact the Clerk of Board of Supervisors’ office at AssessmentAppeals@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Borrego Valley & The Salton Sea – Ten Years From Now

By Gabriel Wisdom, Ram Media Foundation • September 5, 2026

Explore the future of the Salton Sea by 2036. Join us in envisioning a revitalized ecosystem and sustainable practices.

‘Wolves and Wine’ gala on Oct. 17 to celebrate California Wolf Center’s work, expansion

By East County News Services • September 4, 2026

Source: East County News Services

Old Borego Open House Celebrates the Valley’s Historic Heart

By Martha Deichler • September 4, 2026

Please join the Civic Foundation for its annual Old Borego Days celebration No, Borrego is not misspelled in the title above. This is the way Borrego was spelled back in 1928, when the first post office opened in what is now called “Old Borego.” The site is located at 1580 Rango Way. Please join the Civic Foundation for its annual Old Borego Days celebration of the historic heart of the Borrego Valley on Sunday, November 8, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The turnoff from Rango Way will be marked with a sign. Please note that no restrooms are available. Visitors will be able to enter the old post office and general store, originally run by Eslie Wynn, and view a fascinating video from the 1950s extolling the virtues of life in Borrego Springs. One of the first homes in Borrego Springs will also be open for public viewing, offering a nostalgic look back at life in the community’s earlier years. In addition, Borrego Springs Elementary School fourth graders, who study California history, will have their essays on display. Three students will receive awards for their writing on “Borego Now and Then.” Old Borego Days Sunday, November 8, 2026 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. 1580 Rango Way, Borrego Springs

NWS monitoring possible tropical cyclone that could affect San Diego County

By City News Service • September 2, 2026

The National Weather Service is monitoring Tropical Storm Marie, which developed near Baja California and could bring a chance of showers to San Diego County over Labor Day weekend.

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