Exploring Goat Canyon Trestle Before It's Gone Adventure filmmaker Jeven Dovey documents one of Southern California's most remote railroad landmarks

Martha Deichler, CRC Executive Director and Cristian Hernandez, CRC Team Leader

Supervisor Jim Desmond Fights Transmission Line Planned Through East County

Helping Borrego Springs families access food, services, and new opportunities.

Items were discovered among boxes recently dropped off at Revivals. PALM SPRINGS, CA June 15, 2026 — DAP Health CEO David Brinkman will formally deliver two Holocaust-related artifacts to the Tolerance Education Center in Rancho Mirage during a Rancho Mirage City Council meeting on June 18 at 1:00 p.m., ensuring they are preserved, studied, and used for education. The meeting will be held in the Council chamber at Rancho Mirage City Hall, located at 69-825 Highway 111. Recently, volunteers at a Revivals resale store sorting donated items encountered two framed artifacts tied to the Holocaust: a Star of David badge and a set of paper notes identified as Lodz Ghetto currency from 1940. Recognizing the significance of what they had discovered, the volunteers ensured the items were protected and handled with reverence before delivering them to DAP Health CEO David Brinkman. The decision to transfer the artifacts to the Tolerance Education Center sparked a meaningful collaboration among community partners. The city of Rancho Mirage, DAP Health, the Jewish Federation of the Desert, and the Tolerance Education Center came together as organizations with different missions but a shared purpose: to protect human dignity and confront the consequences of hatred. “The collaborative work is stitched together because we all continue to fight for the human rights of people who were persecuted by the Nazis,” says Brinkman. “Both the Jewish community and the LGBTQ+ community still face discrimination, and there is a very significant thread that ties us all together.” Reflecting on the significance of the discovery, Brinkman adds, “For anybody who would ever doubt that the Holocaust happened, when you see items like this, the truth is undeniable. These artifacts personalize history, reminding us that real people lived through these heinous experiences.” Rancho Mirage City Council Member Eve Fromberg Edelstein, Esq., believes the artifacts have found the right home in Rancho Mirage. “Our community is committed to ensuring that this history is preserved, honored, and never forgotten." The Star of David badge represents one of the earliest and most visible tools of persecution used by Nazi authorities. Beginning in 1939 and expanding across occupied territories, Jewish individuals were forced to wear identifying symbols, often a Star of David, on their clothing. These badges marked Jewish people for public discrimination, restricted their movement, and made them more vulnerable to harassment, violence, deportation, and, for many, eventual death in ghettos and concentration camps. The second artifact, currency from the Lodz Ghetto, reflects another dimension of Nazi control. Established in 1940 in German-occupied Poland, the Lodz Ghetto confined more than 160,000 Jewish people in overcrowded and inhumane conditions. Within the sealed encampment, Nazi authorities introduced a closed monetary system, currency that held no value outside its borders. This “ghetto money” functioned as a tool of economic isolation and exploitation, stripping residents of real assets while tightly controlling access to food and necessities. In a time when Holocaust history is too often reduced to abstractions, artifacts like these insist on the concrete. They remind us that persecution was carried out through regulations and objects, paperwork and fabric, borders and receipts, each one with a link in a chain that led to deportation and murder. Tolerance Education Center Executive Director Michele Gold explains, “The enormity of lives murdered during the Holocaust can be overwhelming. Sharing stories with relatable artifacts such as these provides a powerful tool to help students learn that the Holocaust happened. It characterizes the events and holds emotional value to help students learn.” “As the organization responsible for overseeing all Jewish needs across the Coachella Valley, Jewish Federation of the Desert is proud to continue serving as a bridge-builder across different organizations, across nonprofits and municipal leadership,” says its CEO, Danny Labin. “We will deliver these artifacts with reverence,” concludes Brinkman, “placing historical evidence in the hands of expert professionals who can authenticate, conserve, and interpret with the respect owed to the victims and survivors of the Holocaust.” About DAP Health Since 1984, DAP Health has remained committed to protecting and expanding health care access. Guided by the voices and needs of the diverse communities it serves, the nonprofit’s nearly 1,000 team members provide medical, dental, and behavioral health care, plus social services and more, to almost 80,000 people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, orientations, and socioeconomic statuses at 23 fixed locations and six mobile units from the Coachella Valley to the San Diego coast. About the Tolerance Education Center The Tolerance Education Center was founded by Holocaust survivor Earl Greif in 2006 and opened its doors to the public in 2009. Its mission is to promote tolerance, civility, respect, and understanding by the elimination of hatred and bigotry. Programs, activities, and exhibits provide an educational opportunity for students and the community at large to expose prejudice, practice critical thinking, and be empowered to take an active role in creating a more just and humane society.

Proposal claims recycled wastewater could support Salton Sea restoration without using Colorado River water

A recent KPBS report shared heartbreaking news: an endangered Peninsular bighorn sheep was found dead after becoming entangled in concertina wire near the U.S.-Mexico border in the Jacumba Wilderness. The story highlights growing concerns from wildlife biologists and conservationists about how border fencing and razor wire can affect protected species, including bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and wild horses. Wildlife biologist Christina Aiello has been among those warning that barriers can cut animals off from food, water, and safe movement corridors. This issue matters to Borrego Springs and the surrounding desert region because Peninsular bighorn sheep are part of our shared desert landscape. Protecting wildlife movement, water access, and habitat is essential to the long-term health of the Anza-Borrego region. Read the full KPBS report here: [ https://www.kpbs.org/news/environment/2026/06/10/endangered-ram-dies-after-getting-caught-in-concertina-wire-at-us-mexico-border ]

Golf, Dining, and Summer Savings in Borrego Springs

By Sandra Sterling, Retired R.N. Many health care professionals consider dementia one of the greatest challenges facing older adults and their families today. Millions of Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, and as our population ages, that number is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. Families often do not know what to expect when a loved one receives a dementia diagnosis. Most people have heard stories about memory loss, confusion, poor judgment, personality changes, and wandering, but the reality of caring for someone with dementia is often much more complex. Dementia affects more than memory. Individuals may experience changes in behavior, communication, sleep patterns, mobility, and their ability to perform daily tasks. Caregivers frequently find themselves providing increasing levels of support over many years. One of the greatest challenges facing families is caregiver burnout . Providing care can be emotionally, physically, and financially exhausting. Many caregivers put their own health and well-being aside while focusing on the needs of their loved one. Education and support are essential. Understanding the disease process, learning effective communication techniques, and connecting with available resources can make a significant difference for both caregivers and those living with dementia. In Borrego Springs, caregivers do not have to face these challenges alone. The Alzheimer's Dementia Caregiver Support Group meets at the Borrego Seniors Community Center on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at 12:00 p.m. The group provides a welcoming environment where families can share experiences, discuss concerns, learn coping strategies, and find encouragement from others who understand the journey. Over the years, I have seen how important it is for caregivers to have a place where they can speak openly about their struggles and successes. Many participants tell me that simply knowing they are not alone brings comfort and hope. My interest in dementia care became deeply personal after losing a family member to the disease. After more than 40 years as a registered nurse, I found a renewed purpose in helping other families navigate the challenges of caregiving. Through the support group and caregiver respite visits, I strive to provide practical assistance, education, and encouragement. There is no single solution for dementia, but there is help. Families can benefit from support groups, respite care, community resources, and the guidance of healthcare professionals. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it is an important part of providing the best possible care. When a loved one is living with dementia, remember that quality of life matters. Patience, compassion, understanding, and support can make a meaningful difference for both the individual and their family.  Alzheimer's Dementia Caregiver Support Group The Alzheimer's Dementia Caregiver Support Group meets at the Borrego Seniors Community Center, 580 Circle J Drive, on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 12:00 p.m. Families share stories, struggles, helpful coping skills, and resources in a supportive environment. Sandra Sterling, a retired registered nurse with more than 40 years of experience, also provides caregiver respite visits for relief and support. After losing a family member to dementia, she found purpose in helping other families navigate the challenges of caregiving. For information about the support group, call the Borrego Seniors Community Center at 760-767-3116 . For caregiver respite visits and support services, contact Sandra Sterling at 760-803-2212 .

June 2026 Skywatching Highlights

Beat the heat and keep moving all summer long. As temperatures climb in Borrego Springs, Prajna Yoga is offering a full summer schedule with air conditioning and a variety of classes designed for all experience levels. Whether you're looking for a gentle stretch, a relaxing slow flow, or a more active sculpt and flow class, there are options throughout the week. The summer schedule includes Slow Flow classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, Sculpt & Flow on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Gentle Stretch on Wednesdays, Vinyasa on Monday evenings, and a Sunday evening Restorative class. Prajna Yoga also offers flexible pricing options, including $15 drop-in classes, a two-week trial for $39, class packs, and unlimited monthly memberships. With triple-digit temperatures arriving in Borrego Springs, summer is a great time to stay active indoors while focusing on strength, flexibility, balance, and relaxation. The studio's air-conditioned space provides a comfortable environment to maintain a healthy routine throughout the season. Whether you're new to yoga or have been practicing for years, Prajna Yoga invites the community to stay connected, stay moving, and enjoy a healthy summer.

Art, History, and Scenic Views Just 38 Miles Away

Photo courtesy County of San Diego

Photos and videos from the event were shared by California Overland Desert Excursions and participating content creators on social media.

A Hand Up for Neighbors in Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs has a story worth sharing. Ram Media Foundation was created to strengthen community through media. As a nonprofit foundation, its mission is to foster connection, creativity, public engagement, and access to local information through projects that serve Borrego Springs and the surrounding desert region. Ram Media Foundation currently supports three main media initiatives: KRAM-FM 90.5 Borrego Springs — Radio KRAM-FM is Borrego Springs’ local radio station, created to support community connection through radio, storytelling, music, interviews, and public programming. Through KPBS Public Media, the name “Borrego Springs” is heard throughout San Diego County every day, reaching hundreds of thousands of listeners and helping introduce the community to a much wider audience. This regional exposure brings outside awareness to Borrego Springs while KRAM remains rooted in serving the local community. BorregoSun.com — News, Community Storytelling, and Youth Media BorregoSun.com focuses on regional news, local history, events, and community storytelling. It carries forward a name and legacy that has served Borrego Springs for generations while creating new ways to share the stories that matter today. BorregoSun.com also supports the Borrego Sun Youth Intern Program , which provides opportunities for local students to gain experience in journalism, photography, digital media, storytelling, and community reporting while helping share the next generation’s perspective on Borrego Springs. GoToBorregoSprings.com — Visitor and Community Guide GoToBorregoSprings.com highlights local events, businesses, recreation, arts, dining, lodging, and outdoor experiences throughout Borrego Springs and the surrounding desert region. This initiative is rooted in community immersion — showing up at local events, connecting with businesses and organizations, sharing photos and updates, listening to residents, and helping visitors discover what makes Borrego Springs unique year-round. Each platform has a different purpose, but together they help Borrego Springs be seen, heard, and connected. Why does that matter? Because awareness creates opportunity. When more people hear about Borrego Springs, read about it online, or discover it through social media, they learn about our businesses, events, nonprofits, schools, artists, athletes, volunteers, and attractions. Growing Reach During the past month alone, Borrego Springs content under Ram Media Foundation initiatives generated: 150,000 social media views Social media reach up 28 percent 95,300 website views More than 4,500 active website users Website traffic up more than 23 percent That visibility helps local businesses, nonprofits, community events, and organizations reach more people. It helps showcase the accomplishments of students, artists, athletes, volunteers, and community leaders. Most importantly, it helps keep Borrego Springs connected to the larger region. Ram Media Foundation also values, supports, and encourages other local media voices and community spaces, including the Borrego News, Mike and Monica Rue’s online radio station The Ram, and social media groups such as Borrego Springs 92004 and Borrego Out and About. Each platform brings something valuable to the community, helping people share updates, stay connected, and tell the story of Borrego Springs. Borrego Springs has many stories worth telling. The more people who help share them , the farther those stories can travel. This has long been a place where creativity, curiosity, and community come together. We are proud to help tell those stories and share them with the world. Our Ask Visit BorregoSun.com daily. We are committed to Free constant updates and ongoing coverage of local news, events, businesses, schools, sports, nonprofits, and community activities. Help us share your stories by sending in announcements, photos, ideas, and updates from your organization, business, school, club, or neighborhood. Send it in. We'll send it out. Consider becoming a sponsor. Sponsorship helps support community journalism, youth media opportunities, storytelling, and outreach. Let's talk about how we can help amplify your content , message, cause, concern, event, organization, or act of kindness.

Borrego Springs has a story worth sharing. RAM Media Foundation was created to strengthen community through media. As a nonprofit foundation, its mission is to foster connection, creativity, public engagement, and access to local information through projects that serve Borrego Springs and the surrounding desert region. Ram Media Foundation currently supports three main media initiatives: KRAM-FM 90.5 Borrego Springs — Radio KRAM-FM is Borrego Springs’ local radio station, created to support community connection through radio, storytelling, music, interviews, and public programming. Through KPBS Public Media, the name “Borrego Springs” is heard throughout San Diego County every day, reaching hundreds of thousands of listeners and helping introduce the community to a much wider audience. This regional exposure brings outside awareness to Borrego Springs while KRAM remains rooted in serving the local community. BorregoSun.com — News, Community Storytelling, and Youth Media BorregoSun.com focuses on regional news, local history, events, and community storytelling. It carries forward a name and legacy that has served Borrego Springs for generations while creating new ways to share the stories that matter today. BorregoSun.com also supports the Borrego Sun Youth Intern Program , which provides opportunities for local students to gain experience in journalism, photography, digital media, storytelling, and community reporting while helping share the next generation’s perspective on Borrego Springs. GoToBorregoSprings.com — Visitor and Community Guide GoToBorregoSprings.com highlights local events, businesses, recreation, arts, dining, lodging, and outdoor experiences throughout Borrego Springs and the surrounding desert region. This initiative is rooted in community immersion — showing up at local events, connecting with businesses and organizations, sharing photos and updates, listening to residents, and helping visitors discover what makes Borrego Springs unique year-round. Each platform has a different purpose, but together they help Borrego Springs be seen, heard, and connected. Why does that matter? Because awareness creates opportunity. When more people hear about Borrego Springs, read about it online, or discover it through social media, they learn about our businesses, events, nonprofits, schools, artists, athletes, volunteers, and attractions. Growing Reach During the past month alone, Borrego Springs content under Ram Media Foundation initiatives generated: 150,000 social media views Social media reach up 28 percent More than 4,500 active website users Website traffic up more than 23 percent That visibility helps local businesses, nonprofits, community events, and organizations reach more people. It helps showcase the accomplishments of students, artists, athletes, volunteers, and community leaders. Most importantly, it helps keep Borrego Springs connected to the larger region. RAM Media Foundation also values, supports, and encourages other local media voices and community spaces, including the Borrego News, Mike and Monica Rue’s online radio station The Ram, and social media groups such as Borrego Springs 92004 and Borrego Out and About. Each platform brings something valuable to the community, helping people share updates, stay connected, and tell the story of Borrego Springs. Borrego Springs has many stories worth telling. The more people who help share them , the farther those stories can travel. This has long been a place where creativity, curiosity, and community come together. We are proud to help tell those stories and share them with the world. Our Ask Visit BorregoSun.com daily. We are committed to free constant updates and ongoing coverage of local news, events, businesses, schools, sports, nonprofits, and community activities. Help us share your stories by sending in announcements, photos, ideas, and updates from your organization, business, school, club, or neighborhood. Send it in. We'll send it out. Consider becoming a sponsor. Sponsorship helps support community journalism, youth media opportunities, storytelling, and outreach. Let's talk about how we can help amplify your content , message, cause, concern, event, organization, or act of kindness.

Borrego Springs ultra-endurance cyclist Sylvia Maas is preparing to take on one of the world's most demanding bicycle races while continuing her efforts to support local students through scholarships and mentorship. Maas will begin the NorthCape–Tarifa Race on June 20, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. from the North Cape in Norway. The self-supported race covers nearly 4,350 miles (7,000 kilometers) across Europe and finishes in Tarifa, Spain, the southernmost point of mainland Europe. The route includes checkpoints in Helsinki, Finland; the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania; Torun, Poland; Bregenz, Austria; Col du Galibier and Nice, France; Port d’Envalira, Andorra; Pico del Veleta, Spain; and Tarifa, Spain. Riders will cross multiple countries, mountain ranges, and some of Europe's most challenging cycling terrain. Maas, a retired teacher, is riding to raise awareness for Bike4BorregoKids , the scholarship initiative she founded after volunteering at Borrego Springs High School and recognizing the need for additional support for graduating seniors. The program provides scholarships, mentorship, leadership development opportunities, and educational experiences designed to help students prepare for college, trade schools, and careers.

The Military History of Borrego Springs and Anza-Borrego During World War II, the Borrego Valley became an important military training area for the U.S. Army and Navy. Between 1942 and 1944, large portions of what is now Borrego Springs and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park were used for troop training, aerial gunnery practice, bombing exercises, and anti-aircraft operations. Borrego Maneuver Area Established in 1942, the Borrego Maneuver Area covered approximately 400 square miles of desert extending across the Borrego Valley, the eastern Badlands, and areas reaching present-day Highway 86 and Highway 78. Army troops used the area for desert acclimatization, field exercises, and live-fire anti-aircraft training. Military activity occurred at locations including Borrego Valley, Ensign Ranch, Clark's Dry Lake, Borrego Sink, Coyote Canyon, Borrego Mountain, and the eastern Badlands. Observation posts were established on surrounding high points, including Yaqui Pass and Fish Creek Mountain. One lasting improvement from the military presence was the paving of Yaqui Pass Road and portions of Palm Canyon Drive to improve access to training areas. Navy Bombing and Gunnery Ranges The U.S. Navy leased several locations in the Borrego Valley for bombing, strafing, and emergency landing operations. Major target areas included Borrego Wash (Military Wash), Clark's Dry Lake, Benson Dry Lake, and the Borrego Hotel site near Half-filled Dry Lake. Clark's Dry Lake served as a shared Army and Navy bombing range, while Borrego Wash contained rock-circle targets and observation stations used to evaluate pilot accuracy. Benson Dry Lake and the Borrego Hotel site provided emergency landing fields and additional aerial target areas. Rocket Testing and Anti-Aircraft Training In 1943, scientists from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) conducted rocket experiments in the Borrego Mountain area to provide realistic targets for anti-aircraft units. Army gunners used .30-caliber, 40 mm, and 90 mm weapons during training exercises throughout the region. Carrizo Impact Area Following World War II, the military established the Carrizo Impact Area, which remained active from approximately 1945 through 1959. The U.S. Navy used more than 20,000 acres for bombing, rocket, and strafing exercises. Today, the Carrizo Impact Area remains closed to the public because unexploded ordnance may still be present. Legacy Although military operations ended decades ago, evidence of this history can still be found throughout the desert. Visitors should never disturb military artifacts or suspected ordnance. Any discoveries should be reported to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park staff. Today, these former training grounds are part of the protected landscapes of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, preserving both the natural environment and an important chapter of Borrego Springs history. 

Free hands-on clay, pottery, and glazing experiences planned for summer mornings in Borrego Springs. ArtPark continues to grow as a place for creativity, learning, and community in Borrego Springs. This summer, visitors can explore a new hands-on art experience as John DeLois, in partnership with the Borrego Art Institute, plans to offer free ceramics workshops at ArtPark. Participants will have the opportunity to work with clay, learn basic pottery techniques, try the pottery wheels, explore glazing, and have their creations fired and ready to take home. An open worktable will also be available for creative projects and demonstrations. Dates are still being finalized, but workshops are expected to take place on Saturday, and Sunday mornings throughout the summer. Located on the Borrego Art Institute campus, ArtPark combines community gardens, orchard space, outdoor learning areas, and public art, making it a unique place to discover something new. Whether you're interested in gardening, art, fresh produce, or simply enjoying the desert landscape, ArtPark offers opportunities to connect, learn, and create. Visitors are encouraged to stop by during the summer to see what's happening. You may find volunteers in the gardens, fresh produce available, a community project underway, or a pottery wheel spinning. For ArtPark information, contact Wade at (760) 767-5152 or email artfarm@borregoartinstitute.org .

Showing Up, Giving Back, and Inspiring the Next Generation At the Borrego Springs High School end-of-year awards ceremony, three women stood together who represent something deeply important in Borrego Springs: showing up for local students. Sylvia Maas, Corie Loera-Jaramillo, and Christina Portilla each serve the community in different ways, but their work shares a common purpose. They help educate, support, inspire, and encourage the children of Borrego Springs. Two of the women, Sylvia Maas and Corie Loera-Jaramillo, presented student awards that evening. Christina Portilla was there supporting her foreign exchange host students, but her presence reflected something even broader: she shows up for everyone. Whether through mentoring, volunteering, hosting students, or supporting local programs, Christina is one of the steady people helping Borrego Springs youth feel encouraged, included, and cared for. Sylvia Maas, an ultra-endurance cyclist and retired teacher, founded Bike4BorregoKids , an initiative that turns determination into opportunity for local students. Through scholarships, mentorship, leadership development, and educational experiences, Bike4BorregoKids helps Borrego Springs students prepare for college, careers, and life beyond high school. Through Bike4BorregoKids, Sylvia Maas has helped raise and award more than $30,000 in scholarships for Borrego Springs students for the third year, turning community support into real opportunities for local graduates. Her overall message to students is clear: don’t give up. In cycling, Sylvia often refers to the term DNF, meaning “Did Not Finish.” She uses that idea to remind students that school, work, and life will all bring difficult stretches — but the goal is to keep going, keep working, and finish what they started. Corie Loera-Jaramillo, who works at Borrego Outfitters in The Mall, has volunteered her time for over six years with the Interact Club at Borrego Springs High School , sponsored by the Rotary Club of Borrego Springs . Interact helps students build leadership skills, integrity, teamwork, and a commitment to giving back through service projects such as toy drives, field trips, community cleanups, and volunteer support at local events. Christina Portilla is known throughout Borrego Springs for her generous heart, creativity, and steady support of young people. She is a Girl Scout leader, foreign exchange student host, mentor, and volunteer for many local organizations, including OLAX, Soroptimist, American Legion, Bike4BorregoKids, and more. To many, she is like a mother to Borrego kids. Together, these women encourage teamwork, collaboration, service, and confidence. You will often see them at community events, not seeking attention, but working in the background, supporting students and helping programs succeed. Through scholarships, field trips, Dream It, Be It, service clubs, mentoring, and countless volunteer hours, Sylvia, Corie, and Christina remind Borrego Springs students that they are seen, supported, and capable of more than they may realize. Their work is powerful because it is consistent. They keep showing up. And for the children of Borrego Springs, that makes all the difference.

A Sunbelt Spotlight with Diana Lindsay  For 17 years, Marshal South and his family lived on Ghost Mountain, a remote, waterless mountaintop in Blair Valley, now part of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Their life of isolation, creativity, and survival became one of the desert’s most talked-about stories. Life on Ghost Mountain From 1930 to 1947, the South family lived in a handmade home on Ghost Mountain. Marshal South wrote about their primitive lifestyle in monthly articles for Desert Magazine, drawing thousands of readers into the family’s unusual desert experiment. A Writer, Poet, and Desert Storyteller South wrote poems, novels, essays, short stories, and more than 100 pieces for Desert Magazine. His writing celebrated the silence, beauty, natural history, and healthful qualities of the desert. The Story Behind the Legend Diana Lindsay, editor of Marshal South and the Ghost Mountain Chronicles, shares the history behind the South family’s life, the questions surrounding their years on Ghost Mountain, and why the story continues to fascinate readers today. About Diana Lindsay Diana Lindsay is an award-winning author, historian, editor, and president of Sunbelt Publications. Her work has helped preserve and share the history of Anza-Borrego and the remarkable story of Marshal South. .

By Dennis Mammana Week of June 14-20, 2026  The universe is a colorful place, but stargazers are often frustrated when they cannot see the glorious colors that appear in celestial photographs. These are all quite real, so why are we unable to see them? One reason is that the color receptors of the human eye (the cones) don't respond well under faint light. They need a significant amount of energy falling on them to become active. You can prove this to yourself by trying to see colors around you in a dark movie theater. Sure, those on the screen are vibrant — that's some pretty bright light hitting your eyes — but colors throughout the dim theater appear completely muted. The second reason that astronomical photographs show beautiful colors is that camera detectors are not affected by human physiology. They can "see" colors from even the faintest of light. This is important because these colors tell us a lot about the physical and chemical properties of celestial objects. This doesn't mean you can't see color in the night sky; it just means that you'll need to find bright stars to improve your chances. One of the brightest shines high in the eastern sky after dark this week: Arcturus. Follow the handle of the Big Dipper away from its bowl, and you'll soon encounter this star. If you have good color vision, you may notice that Arcturus shines with a yellow-orange light that indicates a temperature of about 7,200 F. Now look lower toward the northeastern sky. There you'll find Vega, a nearly white star that burns considerably hotter than Arcturus — about 17,000 F. Very low in the southeast after dark, you'll find a star even more orange than Arcturus. This is Antares, the brightest in the constellation of Scorpius, glowing with a temperature of "only" 6,100 F. Aim binoculars or a small telescope toward these stars, and their colors will appear to pop. This is because the optics gather much more light than your eyes, and this helps to stimulate your color receptors. Now if you'd like to see an intensely red star, you'll need to cast your gaze high overhead. Here you'll find a star that astronomers know as Y Canum Venaticorum. Most stargazers just call it La Superba (the magnificent), so named by the mid-19th century astronomer Father Angelo Secchi. To locate it, you'll need to start at the Big Dipper; just above it appear the two most prominent stars of Canes Venatici, the hunting dogs. About two-thirds of the way between the bend of the Dipper's handle (Mizar) and the westernmost star of Canes Venatici (Chara) lies a very faint star — one you may not be able to spot with your eyes alone from near the lights of a city. What makes this star unique is that it's what astronomers call a carbon star, one of the few visible to the unaided eye. Yes, it's a giant star like Arcturus, and it's also nearing its death, but, unlike "normal" such aging stars, La Superba has accumulated more carbon compounds in its outer atmosphere. Find this faint star and aim binoculars or a small telescope toward it. I promise you'll be delighted by what you see. 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

Photo via San Diego County News Service

A Day of Discovery at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Jeff Sloan, Christmas Circle Community Park Board President

Julian Performing Arts Company will present My Fair Lady from July 17–26, 2026 as part of its 2025/26 season. The classic Broadway musical follows Eliza Doolittle, a flower seller whose life changes after she meets Professor Henry Higgins. The show includes well-known songs such as “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly,” “The Rain in Spain,” and “I Could Have Danced All Night.” The cast includes performers from the region, including Gary Edwards , known locally as President of the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center Board of Directors. For Borrego Springs residents, the production offers a summer outing in nearby Julian and a chance to enjoy live theater "close" to home. Performance dates: July 17–26, 2026 Tickets: Available through Julian Performing Arts Company 

From Ancient Traditions to the Gobi Desert: Discover the Wonders of Mongolia

What You'll Find at The Mall in Borrego Springs

The Man Who Helped Shape Borrego Springs

What Taco and Lotería Night Meant to Me 

A Wine Tasting Fundraiser Supporting Women and Girls in Borrego Springs

Celebrating Tacos, Lotería, and Community

Source: Rams Hill Golf You Tube

www.youtube.com/@Road2

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church expands its ongoing collaboration with Rostros y Corazón For the first time, Fr. David Madsen and Jan Naragon of St. Barnabas (Borrego Springs) are leading a regular Eucharist service at Rostros y Corazón in Salton City. The gathering will take place the first and third Wednesday, creating a new opportunity for worship, fellowship, and community connection. The service builds on an existing relationship between the two organizations and reflects the many connections already shared between Borrego Springs and Salton City. Many West Shores residents work in Borrego Springs, attend school here, shop here, receive services here, or have family and friends in the Borrego Valley. The two communities are neighbors in many ways. The new service reflects St. Barnabas's commitment to extending ministry beyond its church walls while continuing to support relationships throughout the desert region. By gathering regularly at Rostros y Corazón, organizers hope to create a welcoming space for prayer, conversation, encouragement, and connection. Rostros y Corazón , led by Graciela Mendivil Ramos, is a nonprofit community center serving Salton City and the surrounding West Shores area. The organization is known for supporting families and connecting residents with needed resources. For upcoming service dates or questions, contact Graciela Mendivil Ramos at gracielamramos@gmail.com .

Borrego Valley Community Radio – The RAM has moved from its previous location at the Community Resource Center and is now broadcasting from a studio inside WhipperSnappers at 794 Circle J Drive in Borrego Springs. The station, owned by Monica Rue and operated by Mike Rue, continues to serve listeners throughout Borrego Springs and the San Diego County backcountry with a mix of music, community information, local conversations, and volunteer-driven programming. The move gives The RAM additional space to grow while continuing its mission of providing hyper-local radio "by the community, for the community." Mike Rue recently invited residents from Borrego Springs, Julian, Warner Springs, Santa Ysabel, Descanso, Wynola, Mount Laguna, Pauma Valley, Ocotillo Wells, and surrounding communities to get involved. One of the station's goals is to encourage more people to spend time behind the microphone. Rue hopes to provide opportunities for others to share their interests, stories, music, and perspectives with listeners across the region. As The RAM settles into its new location, the station is sharing a short wish list to support its next stage of growth: A Numark dual CD player so volunteer hosts can bring in and play music from their own CD collections during broadcasts Donations of records and CDs to help build a shared community music library for future programming A professional ultra-portable field recorder that can connect to wireless lapel microphones for higher-quality interviews outside the studio Sponsorships from local businesses, organizations, and individuals, including programming blocks, on-air commercials, and regular acknowledgements during broadcasts Good-faith supporters willing to invest in the station’s growth and help create more opportunities for local voices to be heard For Mike Rue, the new studio is about more than equipment or location. It is about creating a place where local voices can be heard and where communities throughout the backcountry can stay connected through music, conversation, and shared experiences. Listeners can listen online at TheRamRadio.com and hear local music, community conversations, interviews, event announcements, and programming created for the San Diego County backcountry.  ------------------------

Discover Borrego Springs County Park, a pet-friendly haven with separate areas for small and large dogs, ample play spaces, safety features like double-gate entries, and amenities including water faucets and waste bags. Enjoy clean, spacious areas for pets and scenic views, making it the perfect destination for relaxation and fun..

By Fernanda Lopez Halvorson , County of San Diego Communications Office People living in the South Bay, especially those near the Tijuana River Valley (TJRV), are experiencing high hydrogen sulfide (H2S) emissions, often recognized by the strong rotten egg smell produced by untreated wastewater flows. The rise in H2S emissions comes after a recent break in a sewage pipe in Tijuana called the Parallel Gravity Line. The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District (SDAPCD) monitors report that average hydrogen sulfide emissions in the Tijuana River Valley exceeded the 4-hr Level 1 Federal Acute Exposure Guideline Level (AEGL) threshold of 360 ppb for a period between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. earlier today and reached a one-hour average of 915 parts per billion between 1 and 2 a.m. Current and recent hourly H2S emissions are available online through the SDAPCD’s network of monitors. The U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) first reported the break over the weekend and has continued to provide updates. The agency says repairs are being expedited, and USIBWC is pressing Mexico to complete them as quickly as possible. While Mexican authorities have indicated repairs could be completed as soon as the end of the week, USIBWC continues to urge an accelerated timeline to halt excess flows to the Tijuana River. The flows are expected to cause an increase in stronger odors in the area. The Parallel Gravity Line is currently being rehabilitated end-to-end under a binational agreement, part of the U.S.-Mexico commitment to a permanent solution to transboundary flows. Visit the USIBWC official X site for the latest updates on the repairs. “We are working closely with our partners at the USIBWC, SDAPCD and others and staying in close communication,” said Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan, M.D., M.P.H., County Public Health Officer. “We really want to people who live, work or go to school in the area to know where they can find up-to-date information on H2S levels and what steps they can take to reduce their exposure to H2S.” According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , emissions exceeding the AEGL Level 1 can cause “notable discomfort, irritation, or certain asymptomatic non-sensory effects. However, the effects are not disabling and are transient and reversible upon cessation of exposure.” “We are continuously monitoring hydrogen sulfide levels in the Tijuana River Valley to ensure residents are informed and safe, said Paula Forbis, Air Pollution Control Officer for the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District. “We encourage residents to visit our website for the latest information on hydrogen sulfide levels. Our monitoring network provides current data so you can stay informed and take the necessary precautions to protect your health.” People in affected communities can take steps to reduce the impact of the hydrogen sulfide (H2S) by: Limiting their outdoor activities if odors are bothersome. Keeping doors and windows closed when odors are present and air out your home or building when odors improve. Increasing air circulation indoors using fans or air conditioning on recirculation mode. Running an air purifier with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter and activated charcoal with potassium permanganate, is particularly effective for H2S odors. Those purchasing air purifier can find a verified model with potassium permanganate on the California Air Resources Board (CARB) website and also get more information on a dedicated Tijuana River Valley website created by CARB. People who are more sensitive to air pollution like those with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other chronic lung conditions should keep rescue medication(s) readily available. Anyone with persistent, worrisome, or worsening, symptoms should reach out to their medical care provider or seek emergency care if symptoms feel life-threatening. To learn more and get additional resources: Sign up to receive email and/or text alerts when emissions surpass 30 parts per billion Current emission levels and other Tijuana River Valley pollution data are tracked on the County’s Tijuana River Valley dashboard Get Community Hydrogen Sulfide Guidance to follow when levels exceed 30 ppb River flows are monitored on US International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) dashboards A collaborative partnership that includes the USIBWC, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), California Department of Public Health (CDPH), San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board (SDRWQCB), San Diego County Air Pollution Control District (SDAPCD), and the County of San Diego has been working together since 2024 on the sewage treatment issues, progress updates and health concern guidelines. The County also continues to coordinate with the Tijuana River Coalition , healthcare providers and community organizations to support affected residents. More information about the ongoing pollution in the Tijuana River Valley and South County beach water is available from the SDAPCD, IBWC and the County’s dedicated Tijuana River Valley & Beach Water Sewage Crisis webpage. Most recently the County opened up a survey to measure the economic impact of the chronic pollution and entered into a contract with the University of California San Diego to better understand how the pollution is affecting people living and working in nearby communities.

Congratulations to the newly elected officers of the Sons of the American Legion

ABF’s latest blog explores the surprising chain of events that led to the creation of Camp Borrego.

New shade structure adds comfort to the Borrego Springs Community Dog Park.

Long-running golf tournament supports Borrego Springs Children’s Center with funds and supplies

By Dennis Mammana Week of June 7-13, 2026 During one of my recent night sky tours, an elderly guest gazed into the sky and asked if the stars ever move. He said the constellations look the same now as when he was a child, and he was convinced that nothing in the heavens ever changes. It was an excellent observation but one that didn't consider an important fact: Human time scales are considerably different than cosmic time scales. Even the healthiest of humans will live at most about a century, and during our lives, we measure time in seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years and decades. The cosmos, on the other hand, has been around for nearly 14 billion years, and everything takes much longer to occur. To recognize changes in the universe, astronomers must think on a more cosmic scale. When we do, we find that the universe is remarkably active. Stars are forming, consuming their nuclear fuel, and dying, and all are racing through our galaxy at tremendous speeds. Expecting to see changes in any star's appearance or the shapes of constellations over even a full human lifespan just isn't possible. To understand this, consider Barnard's Star, visible only through a telescope from the Earth's Southern Hemisphere. This star tears through our galaxy at a speed of some 88 miles per second, yet from our terrestrial vantage point six lightyears away, Barnard's Star requires three and a half centuries to cross a segment of the sky only the width of your outstretched little finger. Of course, we can't watch this movement with our eyes — or even through powerful telescopes — but by using sophisticated earthbound and satellite technology, astronomers can precisely measure these stellar speeds and directions of motion. Measure the speeds and directions of enough stars, and we find some interesting patterns. For example, stars that appear roughly in the direction of the summer star Vega (now shining low in the northeastern sky after dark) seem to be spreading out from a central point, while those on the opposite side of the sky (near Sirius, setting in the southwest around sunset) appear to be converging on one another. What this means is fascinating. Our sun's own motion is carrying it (along with the planets of our solar system) toward the stars near Vega — a point we know as the solar apex — and away from those near Sirius (known as the solar antapex). This phenomenon isn't difficult to visualize. Imagine you're driving along a highway from one city to another. The buildings in front of you appear to become more widely separated as you approach, while those behind you appear to converge more tightly. This is exactly what's happening in our section of the galaxy. Our sun is moving at some 12 miles per second toward a point in our sky not far from the bright star Vega. Of course, we can't see this movement, but it's fun to stand outdoors on a clear night and imagine our sun and Earth racing outward toward Vega. Now, if you're worried about a collision with this star ... well, fuhgetaboutit. Even at this remarkable speed, we'd need some 5,300 human lifetimes to get there! 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

By: Explore Always on YouTube

By: Andrea McKenna

By Fr. David Madsen St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Borrego Springs

East County News Service May 31, 2026 (San Diego) – You’re invited to see James and Anne Hubbell’s acclaimed home and art studios near Julian, California. Docent-led tours are offered each Thursday through Saturday in June, starting at 10 a.m.An immersive art and nature experience, each 90-minute tour covers the art and architecture of famed architect and artist James Hubbell amid the surrounding unspoiled natural beauty of the Santa Ysabel landscape. Admission fees go entirely to support Ilan-Lael Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit dedicated to preserving the Hubbell property and its legacy of bringing art and nature to the community. Reservations are required. For tickets ($45) and details, visit https://ilanlaelfoundation.org/ .

How one Borrego Springs teen is using music, service, and storytelling to make a difference