Planet Ultra steps in with a new 6-, 12- and 24-hour endurance race for Oct. 31–Nov. 1, pending permits

What happens at the Salton Sea over the next decade will very likely have a large effect on Borrego Springs, both environmentally and economically. The biggest immediate concern is air quality. The biggest potential opportunity is economic and tourism spillover from a transformed Salton Sea/Lithium Valley region. Clearly, the downside Borrego should take most seriously is air quality. This isn't hypothetical. San Diego County's own Borrego Springs Community Plan specifically instructs the community to monitor the Salton Sea because windblown sand and chemical particulates can reach the Borrego Valley. California's Water Resources Control Board (CARB) says the retreating shoreline creates public-health risks because dust can be emitted from soils containing decades of accumulated agricultural and wastewater material. CARB is now funding research specifically to determine how much Salton Sea dust reaches surrounding communities, what chemicals it contains, and how climate change could alter those exposures. That makes successful Salton Sea restoration directly beneficial to Borrego Springs. The new Salton Sea Conservancy , launched this year, is particularly important because it creates a permanent state institution charged with restoration, habitat management and air-quality improvement. California is also filling portions of the Species Conservation Habitat project with water and expanding dust-suppression work. If those efforts stabilize significant areas of exposed playa, Borrego could receive an environmental dividend without spending Borrego groundwater to obtain it. Conversely, if Colorado River cutbacks accelerate the Sea's decline faster than restoration can cover newly exposed playa, Borrego could experience worsening regional particulate pollution. Research modeling the shrinking Sea has projected significant increases in regional PM10 as additional playa is exposed. While the future is always unknown, here’s where things get interesting. Lithium Valley could change Borrego economically. The Salton Sea is no longer simply an environmental-restoration story. It is increasingly becoming an energy, minerals and infrastructure story. Controlled Thermal Resources (CTR) announced in March a $4.7 billion transaction intended to finance development of its Hell's Kitchen geothermal/lithium project. CTR is targeting 50 MW of electricity by 2028 and 25,000 metric tons of lithium annually by 2029. The technology still has to prove itself commercially, so those targets should not be treated as certain. Meanwhile, another part of the geothermal industry is looking increasingly toward supplying electricity to AI/data centers. If even a substantial portion of those plans materializes, southeastern California could develop something it has never really had before: a significant clean-energy/critical-minerals industrial cluster. Borrego could become the attractive western gateway to this emerging region. That potentially means more visitors, executives, investors, scientists, journalists, researchers, government officials and environmental organizations moving through the area. Some will want lodging, restaurants, meeting space and recreation without staying at the Salton Sea or an industrial operation. Borrego could offer precisely what the southern Salton Sea cannot: a beautiful, quiet desert destination next to a state park and protected landscape. Tourism could be the sleeper opportunity. There's another development that hasn't received nearly as much attention. California State Parks is developing a new long-term vision for recreation at the Salton Sea, potentially including more trails, camping, interpretation, wildlife viewing and other forms of public access. A draft general plan is expected in 2027. Combine that with Anza-Borrego and you could eventually have a much stronger regional tourism proposition. Imagine Borrego Springs, Gateway to the Salton Sea combining desert ecology, geology, energy technology, wildlife, water recreation, and dark skies. More to come as the Borrego Sun considers a number of plausible future scenarios. References Borrego Springs CP Salton Sea Program What one company’s shift towards data centers says about Imperial County’s lithium industry | KPBS Public Media More hiking trails, campgrounds could come to the Salton Sea

Originally published by KPBS.org on August 20, 2026.

Circle of Art Continues a Tradition of Art and Giving in Borrego Springs

New unscripted series highlights the Imperial County micronation created by longtime radio broadcaster Randy Williams Radio veteran Randy “R Dub!” Williams is launching a new unscripted series centered on the Republic of Slowjamastan, the micronation he established in Imperial County. Greetings from Slowjamastan premieres Thursday, August 27 at 5 p.m. PT on Slowjamastan State Television’s YouTube channel. New episodes are scheduled to be released each Thursday. Williams is Vice President of Communications and Media for Z90 and Magic 92.5 in San Diego and is the creator and host of the syndicated radio program Sunday Night Slow Jams. He has worked in radio for more than three decades as an on-air personality, programmer, executive and syndicated host. The premiere episode, “Big Trouble in Little Slowjamastan,” includes radio consultant Tim Richards and follows interactions between Slowjamastan representatives and local government authoritie s.

September 19 from 2–6 p.m.

Celebrating KRAM 90.5 FM and the Local Media Connecting Borrego Springs

The County of San Diego wants to hear from you. Join a virtual community meeting to learn how the County advocates for state and federal legislation and help shape the 2027 legislative program. The County’s Economic Development and Government Affairs (EDGA) office is asking residents to weigh in on the issues that matter most. Your input helps guide the County’s legislative strategy and helps ensure that the strategy reflects real community priorities. The legislative program outlines the Board of Supervisors’ policy goals and directs EDGA’s year-round advocacy on state and federal bills and regulatory actions. priorities. So far this year, the County has taken positions on 16 state and federal bills focused on key priorities: Safeguarding the social safety net Advancing housing solutions Bolstering the behavioral health system Ensuring safe communities Responding to the Tijuana River Valley Sewage Crisis The virtual community forum is set for Tuesday, Aug. 25, from 5 to 6 p.m. on Zoom. Register and learn more at Engage San Diego County . For disability-related modifications, language interpretation, or other accommodations, please email Legislative.Program@sdcounty.ca.gov . The County will record and post the session in full on the Engage San Diego site afterwards.  You can also submit your comments on Engage San Diego County through September 14. Beyond its legislative work, EDGA also drives the County’s economic development strategy, supports small businesses, leads to County’s binational affairs efforts in the California-Baja region, manages County grant programs, and updates and implements the County’s Strategic Plan and governance documents. For details, visit the EDGA website or call 619-531-5198.

Public comments focus on the proposed Golden Pacific Powerlink as Anza-Borrego Foundation is honored by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors Supporters of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park addressed the San Diego County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 18 as concerns continue over the proposed Golden Pacific Powerlink. Community members participated in person and virtually, submitted comments and spoke about potential impacts of the proposed project on the park and surrounding communities. Partner organizations involved in the broader advocacy effort include Save Temecula, Save Palomar Mountain, Save Fallbrook and Save Warner Springs. During the meeting, District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond brought the Anza-Borrego Foundation before the Board and proclaimed Aug. 18, 2026 , Anza-Borrego Foundation Day in San Diego County .

Supervisor Jim Desmond Opposes Proposed Transmission Route Through Anza-Borrego Desert State Park San Diego County District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond is opposing the current alignment of the proposed Golden Pacific Powerlink, a 500-kilovolt transmission line that would cross parts of North and East County, including Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Desmond says the proposal raises concerns about wildfire risk, environmental impacts, private property and the lack of local control over the project. He is encouraging residents to submit comments during SDG&E’s stakeholder feedback period and participate in upcoming public meetings.

Wing-Walking, Skydiving and Stunt Flying in Borrego Springs

Power Outages in Borrego Springs If you live in Borrego Springs, power outages are part of desert life. The electricity goes out, everything suddenly gets quiet, and the waiting begins. Borrego Springs resident and writer Shannon Cheesman , creator of Under the Borrego Sky , recently shared a video showing what one of these outages looks like from a local perspective. When the Power Goes Out Power outages can be especially noticeable in Borrego Springs, where air conditioning and other cooling systems are important during the warmer months. In her video, Shannon takes viewers along during an outage at her home, capturing the sudden quiet and uncertainty that comes with not knowing how long the electricity will be off. It is a simple look at an experience many year-round residents recognize. Managing Electricity in the Desert In a previous Under the Borrego Sky video, Shannon also shared how her household manages summer electric costs. Her strategies include using paid-off solar panels, avoiding laundry during peak hours, raising the thermostat while away, alternating between central air and a swamp cooler, and making monthly payments toward the household’s annual SDG&E bill. Together, the videos offer a practical look at two realities of living in the desert: managing the cost of keeping a home cool and being prepared for times when the power goes out. Under the Borrego Sky Under the Borrego Sky is Shannon Cheesman’s personal chronicle of life in Borrego Springs, California. Her videos feature seasonal nature reports, local discoveries, and everyday experiences filmed in and around Borrego Springs. Sometimes that means spectacular desert scenery. Other times, it is simply waiting for the power to come back on. Subscribe on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@under-the-borrego-sky Read more from Under the Borrego Sky, at: www.undertheborregosky.com

Finding Faith, Belonging and Purpose Beyond Sunday Services

Growing this Summer If you have landscaping or a garden, you have probably spent time this summer wondering if your plants are going to make it. There have been many days I’ve walked outside, looked at a plant and said, “Sorry little feller, I feel your struggle!”  Be patient with your plants. In Borrego, nighttime heat is one of the biggest challenges. During the summer, plants need cooler nights to breathe. When night temperatures stay in the 80s, plants struggle because they conserve water by closing their stomata, which are tiny pores used for gas exchange. On hot nights these pores stay closed to prevent plants from losing more water than they can afford. But then they struggle to breathe. Cool nights are what allow desert plants to absorb carbon dioxide so they can create energy. In simple terms, hot nights keep plants from breathing, which slows the creation of sugars they need to be happy and survive. Look at the plants that naturally grow around us. There is a reason so many desert plants have small, thick leaves covered in wax. A smaller leaf has less surface area where water can escape. Waxy leaves create another protective layer that helps hold moisture inside the plant. Creosote and other plants have spent a very long time figuring out how to live wisely in the desert. Other landscape plants are less adapted to living through a Borrego summer. Even cacti struggle with the heat and get sunburned. And when a plant looks stressed, giving it more water is not always the answer. Too much water can complicate problems even further for many desert plants. Summer is a good time to practice patience. Pause for a moment and let the plant tell you what it needs. Sometimes plants need an extra drink and some shade cloth. Other times a little pruning will focus good energy on what is still alive. And when all else fails, slow down for a moment and talk to your plants. They are good listeners and appreciate words of encouragement. It has been a hot summer, and the plants are struggling just like the wildlife and many of us are. Wander outside and offer a little extra attention to everything that is surviving this summer. A few caring words and a little patience can make all the difference.

Smoke from the Church 2 Fire near Campo rises into the sky on Aug. 17, 2026. A brush fire spread over swaths of brushy open terrain in the rural southeastern reaches of the San Diego area Monday, blackening scores of acres and threatening structures as ground and airborne crews worked to subdue the flames. Church 2 FireThe blaze, dubbed the Church 2 Fire, erupted for unknown reasons shortly before 2:30 p.m. off the 36800 block of Church Road in Campo, east of Lake Morena and about a mile south of Interstate 8, according to Cal Fire. Advertisement Within a half-hour, the fire had grown to encompass roughly 20 acres, the state agency reported. The flames were posing potential hazards to some developed areas as firefighters battled the blaze, officials said. As of 3:45 p.m., the size of the burn zone had grown to about 132 acres, Cal Fire advised. EvacuationsAuthorities issued an evacuation order for sparsely populated locales around the intersection of Live Oak Springs Road and Old Highway 80, and advised people living somewhat farther to the east to prepare to clear out of their homes on short order. A temporary shelter for the displaced was in operation at Golden Acorn Casino in Campo.

Wednesday, August 26

Wednesdays from 6 to 7 p.m.

Saturdays from 11 to 1 p.m

Monthly

Celebrating Young Artists and the Future of Creative Education 

UCI Nature Chief Administrative Officer Job Posting 

www.youtube.com/@under-the-borrego-sky

Comment by Aug. 18 on Golden Pacific Powerlink The San Diego County Board of Supervisors is accepting online comments on the Golden Pacific Powerlink through Aug. 18. Submit a comment here: https://sdcounty.granicusideas.com/.../6a7a375d7d79655936

BASIC (Basic Assistance for Students in the Community) is hiring a Managing Director to lead programs, fundraising, operations, and community partnerships that support education for students and families in Borrego Springs. This is a visible, hands-on leadership role for someone who can build trust, get things done, and champion BASIC's C2G cradle to graduation mission. Key Responsibilities Partner with the Board to set priorities and support strong governance. Manage general daily operations, including use of technology, tracking data and written information, running meetings and supervision of a small staff. Guide BASIC programs, including the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Learning Academy, and Scholarships. Manage fundraising and communications (external and internal). Build strong partnerships and serve as a trusted community ambassador. Ideal Candidate Bilingual in Spanish and English Proactive, organized, and comfortable in our small community. Strong communicator (written and verbal) and relationship-builder. Leadership experience in nonprofits, fundraising, programs, administration, education or community service. How to Apply Send your resume to basic2026job@borregobasic.org by September 15, 2026 Learn more about BASIC: www.borregobasic.org