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

East County News Service June 1, 2026 (San Diego County) — The San Diego Humane Society is clearing a path to make the road to a forever home less bumpy for hundreds of companion animals. The SDHS is waiving all adoption fees Saturday, June 6, as part of the third annual California Adopt-a-Pet Day .  As shelters across the state struggle with overcrowding, this statewide initiative — hosted by California Animal Welfare Association (CalAnimals) , the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals — aims to clear kennel space while connecting pets with new families. The San Diego Humane Society currently has more than 800 pets waiting for adoption across its campuses in El Cajon, San Diego, Escondido and Oceanside. On Saturday, all campuses will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with no adoption fees. SDHS is encouraging prospective adopters to arrive early, as all adoptions will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. The annual adoption event has seen consistent growth since its inception. In 2024, the initiative facilitated 3,609 adoptions across California, a figure that climbed to nearly 5,000 in 2025. Last year alone, the SDHS successfully placed 293 pets in a single day, and organizers are setting their sights on exceeding that number this weekend. “Waiving adoption fees for a day can transform hundreds of lives, both for the animals who find homes and the people who welcome them,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of SDHS. “We’re proud to join shelters across California to spotlight the incredible pets in our care and help more families discover their perfect companion.” To ensure each pet gets off to a healthy start, the SDHS includes several services with every adoption. These include spay/neuter surgery, current vaccinations, permanent microchip identification, post-adoption training support and a complimentary veterinary exam at participating clinics. Prospective adopters can preview local animals currently awaiting homes by visiting sdhumane.org/adopt .

By: Andrea McKenna

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/ .

The closest federal protected land is the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge , located about 60 to 75 miles northeast of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in Calipatria, CA. This refuge serves as a vital stopover for the Pacific Flyway and features birdwatching trails and a multi-story observation tower. 

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

What a difference 10 days makes! May 20th to May 30th.

A Historic Day for Borrego Springs Athletics

A first season built on quality, trust, and community support Starting a new business in a small community takes more than equipment and ideas. It takes trust, relationships, consistency, and a willingness to show up for people. During their very first season in business, Dark Sky Printing has done exactly that. Since launching in Borrego Springs, Matt and Melissa of Dark Sky Printing have taken the time to connect with local businesses, nonprofits, organizations, and community members to better understand what people actually need. From business cards and flyers to banners, posters, and printed materials for events and fundraising efforts, they quickly became a dependable local resource for quality printing and personal service. Borrego Springs has long been fortunate to have strong local printing and design support. For decades, Ellen Fitzpatrick of Graphics You Can Trust has been a trusted staple and pillar in the community, helping local businesses, organizations, and nonprofits share their messages with care and creativity. She continues to take on projects while also generously donating time and support to causes throughout Borrego Springs. Dark Sky Printing has also become a valued resource for the community, adding another dependable local option for quality printing and personal service. What stands out most is not only the quality of their work, but the way they do business. Customers know what to expect when they contact Dark Sky Printing: clear communication, professionalism, reliable turnaround times, and orders delivered on time. Over the past season, Dark Sky Printing has also quietly supported the community through donated printing, volunteer support, and helping multiple nonprofits and organizations with materials for events, outreach, and local programs. Their willingness to give back has not gone unnoticed. Recently, Matt and Melissa shared a heartfelt message thanking the community for supporting their first season in business: Thank You for an Incredible First Season! When we launched Dark Sky Printing, we had a vision: to deliver high-quality printing with care, precision, and a personal touch. What we didn’t fully anticipate was just how much your support would mean to us. To every customer who trusted us with your business cards, letterhead, banners, flyers, posters, and everything in between, thank you. You didn’t just place an order; you placed your trust in a brand-new business, and that means the world to us. Your repeat business, your referrals, and your kind words have been the fuel that kept us going through the challenges and celebrations of our first season. We are truly grateful for each and every one of you. As we look ahead, we are more committed than ever to delivering the quality and service you deserve. The best is truly yet to come, and we can’t wait to continue growing alongside you. Here’s to many more seasons together. Matt and Melissa The Dark Sky Printing Team --------------------- Borrego Springs is fortunate to have local businesses that invest not only in their own success, but in the success of the community around them. Dark Sky Printing has already become an important part of helping organizations, events, and businesses share their message professionally and effectively.

Neighbors helping keep Borrego beautiful, one cleanup at a time.

BSFI Free Movies Continue at BSPAC with June Screenings

More than two decades of storytelling from Borrego Springs For more than two decades, Dennis Noyes and his wife, Heidi, have called Borrego Springs home. Noyes continues a life shaped by words, racing, travel, and storytelling. Known especially in Spain for his decades covering the MotoGP World Championship, Noyes built an international reputation as a motorcycling journalist, former racer, road tester, and television commentator. But alongside that fast-paced career, he continued pursuing another lifelong passion: fiction writing. Words and storytelling have always been central to his life. His father wrote for Stars and Stripes, while his mother was a linguistics professor at Purdue University. Even as a teenager growing up in central Illinois, Noyes found himself torn between two passions: racing and writing. That passion for writing earned him the Atlantic Monthly Annual Writing Contest for Students in 1966 and a scholarship to the Bread Loaf Writers Conference. His early career included reporting for a daily newspaper in Caracas, Venezuela, teaching English in Guatemala, and eventually building a life and career in Spain. In Spain, Noyes became both a national championship-winning motorcycle racer and a respected motorcycle road tester for Solo Moto and Motociclismo magazines. Over the years, he traveled internationally covering the biggest names in Grand Prix motorcycle racing while becoming one of the most recognizable voices in motorcycle racing commentary. The Noyes family story also includes his son, Kenny Noyes, who followed in his father’s tracks. Kenny made his world championship debut in 2010 and won the Spanish national title in 2014. After a serious racing accident, Kenny turned to writing as part of his recovery, later publishing From Racer to Survivor: A Memoir. In the book, he shares his journey from competing on the racetrack to facing the challenges of recovery from a traumatic brain injury. Dennis and Kenny also co-wrote a book together, drawing from their shared years as journalists and racers.

By: Brice Weaver When photography emerged, painting did not disappear, but it undeniably changed. Portrait painters and masters of realism were no longer needed in the same way because photography could document reality faster and more accurately. Art evolved, but the expectations changed. A painter like Rembrandt or Monet spent years mastering light, form, and observation because there was no alternative. Photography changed the role of painting, and with it, what culture rewarded. Looking at photography today, I wonder if we are watching a similar shift happen again. This is not a film versus digital argument. I shoot both. Nor is it an argument against technology. Better cameras and editing tools have expanded what photographers can do. But we should also ask what those tools may be changing. Photography once demanded intentionality. You had to recognize light, anticipate moments, understand timing, and know when to press the shutter. As technology advanced, many photographers shifted from intentional decisions in the moment to fixing and shaping images later. Exposure could be recovered. Composition refined. Light reshaped. Moods built in post. Photographers like Ansel Adams heavily interpreted images in the darkroom, but the essence of the scene remained intact. The mountain was still there. The light existed. Dodging and burning shaped feeling, but the photograph remained tied to a real encounter with the world. Today, much of what is rewarded by social platforms and even professional organizations is no longer simply photography. Through editing, compositing, and AI-assisted tools, photographers are increasingly building scenes instead of witnessing them. At what point does a photograph stop being a photograph? And maybe the harder question: at what point does a photographer stop being a photographer and become something closer to a digital artist or graphic designer? If most of the light is created after the fact, skies replaced, atmosphere added, and moods manufactured, are we still talking about photography in the traditional sense? My bigger concern is that photographers may be slowly editing themselves out of relevance. If the profession increasingly rewards manufactured outcomes and visual perfection over patience, then AI becomes the logical next step. Why hire a photographer if the goal is simply a compelling visual result? AI will generate it faster, cheaper, and without travel, waiting, weather, or years spent learning how to see. Maybe the future value of photography will not come from those who can create the most visually perfect image, but from those who still choose to witness the world rather than manufacture it. Because eventually we may discover that what gave photographs meaning was never perfection, but presence and evidence that a particular moment, place, or truth once existed, and that someone cared enough to see it. briceweaverphotography.com

Charles Robert Starrett was an American actor and singer, best known for his role as “The Durango Kid” in over 100 Western films. Born on March 28th, 1903 in Athol, Massachusetts, Starrett began his acting career in the silent era before transitioning to sound films. He passed away on March 22nd, 1986, in Borrego Springs, California.

Public Input Opportunity The Golden Pacific Powerlink is a proposed 500-kilovolt transmission line being developed by SDG&E. The project would run from the Imperial Valley Substation in southern Imperial County to the border of San Diego and Orange Counties, near the decommissioned San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. Current route materials indicate that the line could pass through or near Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, raising concerns about potential impacts to wilderness areas, cultural resources, wildlife habitat, scenic views, dark skies, and sensitive desert landscapes. SDG&E released a proposed route map on April 13, 2026, and stakeholder feedback is being accepted through early November 2026. A formal CPUC application is expected later, followed by state and federal environmental review. This is an important time for residents, visitors, conservation groups, tribal representatives, ratepayers, and other stakeholders to review the proposal and share informed feedback. The project has been described as important for grid reliability, clean energy integration, and reducing transmission congestion across Southern California’s electrical system. At the same time, many community and conservation stakeholders are asking whether the current route can avoid unnecessary harm to one of California’s most significant state parks. A 500 kV transmission line is major infrastructure. The towers required for this type of line can be far taller and more visually prominent than the existing 69 kV line currently within the Park. That older line was built before the Park was established and before modern environmental review laws such as CEQA existed. The Anza-Borrego Foundation is encouraging the public to learn more, review available materials, and participate in the feedback process. Source: Information summarized from the Anza-Borrego Foundation’s “Park Threat” page: https://theabf.org/park-threat/ Take Action View the Action Toolkit

This video from Make Tech Future explores the changing future of the Salton Sea — a place long associated with environmental decline, toxic dust, and delayed restoration efforts. The documentary looks at how the shrinking lake unexpectedly became an important habitat for migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway, including a record-breaking shorebird count in 2023. It also covers California’s first major restoration ponds beginning to receive water in 2025 after years of stalled projects and debate.  The channel focuses on megaprojects, environmental restoration, and technologies shaping the future of ecosystems around the world.

SDVoyager feature recognizes the leadership behind the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center Martha Deichler, executive director of the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center (CRC), was recently featured by SDVoyager for her years of service helping families, seniors, workers, and individuals throughout the community. In the feature, Deichler shared how the CRC grew from a small food bank effort during the COVID-19 pandemic into a major hub for community support services. As unemployment and hardship spread through the area during the pandemic, local residents began turning to the food bank not only for groceries, but also for help navigating unemployment applications, vaccine appointments, Medi-Cal, transportation needs, and other essential services. What started as emergency food assistance eventually evolved into the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center, which today offers a wide range of programs including food distribution, English and Spanish classes, citizenship classes, grief counseling, transportation assistance, computer literacy support, AA meetings, and caregiver training programs. Deichler described herself in the article as a “connector,” someone who helps match people with resources, services, and support systems. Her background working in the school district and her ability to speak Spanish have helped her build trusted relationships with families throughout the community. One program highlighted in the story addresses the growing need for caregivers for older adults who wish to remain in the area as they age. Through the CRC’s caregiver initiative, local residents can receive training and assistance connecting with In-Home Support Services (IHSS) opportunities, helping seniors remain independent while creating employment opportunities locally. The article also emphasized the generosity of the community and the support that has allowed the CRC to continue expanding services over the past several years. At 77 years old, Deichler shared that she has no plans to slow down, continuing her work to respond to the changing needs of the community and strengthen programs that help residents access food, healthcare, transportation, education, and support services. The full SDVoyager feature can be viewed here: Read the SDVoyager feature on Martha Deichler

Preserving History, One Box at a Time

Helping Senior Dogs and Cats Find Love, Comfort, and Family in Their Golden Years

American Legion Post 853 leads a day of remembrance and tribute

The Borrego Springs Film Institute presents the 2026 Film Series. Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center 590 Palm Canyon Drive, ​Borrego Springs, CA, 92004 BORREGO SPRINGS, CA — The Borrego Springs Film Institute (BSFI) is proud to announce its Summer 2026 screening series, bringing free bi-weekly screenings, every other Wednesday, of exceptional cinema to the heart of the desert. All screenings take place at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center (BSPAC), 590 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004 , and begin at 7pm. The full 2026 BSFI schedule (April through December 2026) is now available at www.borregospringsfilminstitute.org . Please note that due to the vagaries of film licensing, all screenings are subject to change — we encourage patrons to check the website for the most current information before attending. 

Community theater production seeks actors and singers ages 16 and up for 2026 musical season

Free summer program for kids ages 3–11, with youth volunteer opportunities

Borrego Ministers Association prepares to help residents stay safe

Every third Monday of the month, the Food Bank at St. Barnabas comes to life as volunteers set up tables and prepare for the truck’s arrival.

Borrego Springs Golf Course Featured Among San Diego’s Best

San Diego Public Media is on KRAM 90.5 FM Borrego Springs 

Discover Fr. Michael Plekon’s reflections on ministry and how the Borrego Ministers' Association serves as a powerful example of faith in action. Read more on Living Lutheran.

County Funding Shapes Fire Protection, Roads, Libraries, and Emergency Services in Borrego Springs

Former San Diego City Manager and Casa del Zorro partner weighs in on county charter reforms that could reach voters this November.

Free listings for residents, visitors, and local businesses

Source: PBS SoCal

Congratulations to Borrego Village Association (BVA) on being named a 2026 Career Pathways grantee. This funding will help local high school students gain hands-on training, internships, certifications, and real-world experience at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Read below to learn more about this exciting opportunity for Borrego Springs. California State Parks and Parks California Award $2.4M in Career Pathways Grants to Prepare Next Generation of Park Leaders: Funding supports 13 organizations to provide paid training and expand access to careers in parks and public lands For Immediate Release: SACRAMENTO — California State Parks and nonprofit partner Parks California today announced the award of more than $2.4 million to 13 community and tribal organizations across the state as part of the Career Pathways grants program. The funding will support paid training opportunities expected to prepare approximately 380 participants for careers in parks and public lands and includes seven returning grantees and six new partners. Career Pathways enables statewide training that helps early-career adults and people exploring new directions to see parks as part of their future. The 13 grant recipients will work collaboratively with State Parks, with support from Parks California, to offer experiences and training in park operations and stewardship, such as wildfire resilience projects, trail building, habitat restoration and visitor services. Through hands-on learning, mentorship and career guidance, Career Pathways equips participants with the skills, experience and professional networks needed to pursue meaningful careers in public lands. “Our joint efforts to expand access to the outdoors is doing more than just reducing barriers for visitors – it’s also creating pathways to grow a skilled and diverse workforce of the next generation of stewards,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero . “These grants help plant the seed that will blossom into deeply rooted careers caring for California’s parks and public lands.” Grant funding is supported in part by State Parks’ Waterway Connections Initiative – part of the California Natural Resources Agency’s Outdoors for All Initiative – which focuses on expanding access to rivers, lakes and other inland waterways, including through workforce development. The Career Pathways grants program will provide approximately $5 million through 2029 to support the planning, development and implementation of workforce training programs statewide. “Careers in parks and public lands should be visible and accessible to everyone, not just those who already have a connection to these spaces,” said Kindley Walsh Lawlor, president and CEO of Parks California . “Career Pathways opens doors by creating real opportunities for people to gain experience and build necessary skills. By investing in community and tribal partners, we’re helping ensure future park leaders reflect the diversity of California.” “Expanding access to the outdoors also means expanding access to the careers that care for these places,” said California Secretary for Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot . “Programs like Career Pathways help connect Californians – especially those from underserved communities – to real opportunities to care for public lands, building a workforce that reflects our entire state and is prepared to meet California’s climate and conservation goals.” In addition to providing hands-on experiences, Career Pathways grantees also connect participants to job networks and provide career advice and additional resources, such as equipment, wages, meals and travel reimbursement. 2026 Career Pathways Grantees include: Lomakatsi Restoration Project – Northeastern California – Planning and Development grantee: Works with the Ajumawi Band of the Pit River Tribe and State Parks to develop a tribal workforce training program and restoration plan at Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park, focused on reducing wildfire risk, improving ecological health, enhancing First Foods and other cultural resources, and creating career pathways for tribal young adults. Foundation for California Community Colleges – Statewide – Planning and Development grantee: Works with community colleges and State Parks to create training and internship opportunities that help build pathways to careers in interpretation, education, facilities and maintenance. Borrego Village Association – Inland Empire – Implementation grantee: Provides high school students with hands-on training and internships at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, including field-based learning, park operations experience and industry-recognized certifications. Eastern Sierra Conservation Corps – Eastern Sierra – Implementation grantee: Offers a paid apprenticeship for corpsmembers to work alongside State Parks trail crews on large-scale projects, building leadership skills and hands-on experience to prepare for careers in park operations and conservation. --------------------- “The program allows us to provide an innovative initiative that prepares students and helps them gain the skills needed for careers with California State Parks, as well as in hospitality, public service and environmental interpretation,” said Jim Dion, executive director of Borrego Village Association . “Students in isolated communities such as ours often face limited access to career exploration opportunities, professional certifications and paid work-based learning. With this support, we can address these gaps by providing structured pathways into local and regional employment, particularly in public lands management, tourism and community-based organizations.” -------------------- “The funding from Parks California allows us to design an innovative pilot program to connect California State Parks with nearby California Community Colleges," said Courtney Cagle, workforce development manager at the Foundation for California Community Colleges. “With this support, we can build a robust pipeline of well-trained students to fill needed roles in education and interpretation, and facilities and maintenance at State Parks, while providing them the support to access sustainable and meaningful career pathways.”” A complete list of 2026 Career Pathways grants recipients is available online . Organizations have worked in partnership with selected state parks to implement multi-month training programs that provide participants with on-the-ground experiences. Results Snapshot 2024 Career Pathways grants program by the numbers: $1.7 million-plus invested in local partners. 15 grantees statewide. Approximately 250 participants. 93 percent of participants expressed interest in future parks careers. “I look at this program as a second chance for me and for other people who may not have the same opportunities as others, like getting a high school diploma,” said Julian Garcia, a 2024 Career Pathways participant with grantee Greater Valley Conservation Corps . “I get a lot of hands-on training with a lot of equipment that we run on projects and work sites. This program is really going to help me get to where I need to be in life.” Contact: California State Parks Newsroom@parks.ca.gov Parks California Media@parkscalifornia.org

Source: San Diego History Center

By Dennis Mammana Week of May 24-30, 2026 When you hear the phrase "once in a blue moon," what do you think? If you're like most people, you think of something that doesn't happen often. So what exactly is a blue moon, and why is it so rare? First off, a blue moon isn't all that rare. It occurs on average about once every 2.72 years. Secondly, the moon doesn't appear blue at all; it's just a regular ol' full moon that happens to be the second one in any particular month. You know this phenomenon if you receive a paycheck every two weeks. You'll usually get two checks a month, but occasionally you'll receive a third. It's not that uncommon, and neither is a blue moon, despite the popular meaning of the term. A second full moon in a month occurs occasionally because our calendar isn't synced with the lunar phases, even though the word "month" derives from the word "moon". What we call a month — approximately one-twelfth of a year — is longer than the moon's "synodic" period — the average time between one full moon and the next (29.53059 days). So every once in a while — every blue moon, one might say — two full moons will occur during the same calendar month. We'll see the next one on Saturday night, May 30. Be sure to watch as the moon rises in the southeast just after sunset that night. Chances are that it will first appear rather orange or red because its light must pass through a long column of air on its way to our eyes, and normal particulate matter suspended in the air scatters the moon's light and colors it orange. Some have defined the blue moon differently. Most seasons of the year will experience three full moons, but occasionally a fourth will sneak in. In that case, the fourth of the season would be known as a "blue moon." This seasonal definition may have originated from a 1943 question-and-answer column in Sky and Telescope magazine in which Laurence J. Lafleur traced the term to a 1937 "Maine Farmers' Almanac." Three years later, it seems, folklorist Philip Hiscock wrote in the same magazine an article that gave birth to the "second full moon in a month" idea. Neither of these situations is particularly unusual, so where did the rarity idea originate? Occasionally, especially thick smoke or volcanic ash particles suspended in our atmosphere can remove enough red moonlight to make the moon appear bluish. It is said that, after the Krakatoa volcanic eruption in 1883, the moon appeared blue for more than a year. As you might imagine, this is extremely rare. In fact, one might say that it happens ... only once in a blue moon! Now there's one more thing about the full moon that we'll see this coming weekend. It reaches its orbital "apogee" at 4:45 a.m. EDT / 1:45 a.m. PDT, its farthest point from the Earth (about 250,517 miles away). This means that it will appear as the smallest full moon of this year. You might hear it called a blue "mini moon," though most stargazers won't be able to see much difference from a normal full moon. 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

Speculative Fiction Grounded in Science Salton Sea Tales, a novel by Gabriel Wisdom A New Novel Rooted in Science and Imagination Author and broadcaster Gabriel Wisdom explores a timely environmental and geological premise in his latest novel, Salton Sea Tales. The book merges speculative storytelling with scientific research, weaving fact-based creative non-fiction into a “what if” scenario inspired by real evidence. From the Author Salton Sea Tales is a fast-paced adventure story which combines both the ‘what if’ elements of speculative fiction with more fact-based creative non-fiction, based upon verifiable geological evidence. An inland desert sea is drying up, causing an unlikely group of outlaws, stakeholders, and secretive Native Americans to join forces. The story imagines what would happen if geothermal and lithium mining operations at California’s Salton Sea were to accidentally set off the San Andreas Fault, which spans the 330 square mile lake perimeter. Half of the world’s lakes are less resilient to disturbance than they used to be (Advancing Earth and Space Sciences, 2024), impacting an estimated one in three people. Salton Sea Tales is a plot-driven fictional adventure based in part upon real events with a wildly plausible ending that hasn’t happened… yet. ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE RAM MEDIA FOUNDATION Salton Sea Tales Giving Back Salton Sea Tales is a creative, story-driven look at California’s inland sea. Net proceeds from all sales—paperback, Kindle, and Audible—are donated to Ram Media Foundation, supporting awareness of the ecological crisis at the Salton Sea. 

By: Sally Walsh At the center of our Borrego community are deep bonds to art. This has been a high performing arts season generating a strong sense of community pride and social connection through art. A successful art season boosts local businesses, benefits dining and hospitality, encourages philanthropy also supports tourism. Collectively our Borrego galleries have presented an excellent, engaging season of well attended shows. Highlighted by the 20th Anniversary Borrego Springs Plein Air Invitational. An astonishing show not only for the enormous attendance it generated and successful sales, but the breath taking quality of the artwork. Congratulations to the BAI team maintaining a high level of public engagement through the season.

Dedicated to Expanding Local Journalism and Digital Community Media FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BORREGO SPRINGS, Calif. — Ram Media Foundation, a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on strengthening community through media, has acquired the historic Borrego Sun , reinforcing its commitment to local journalism, public media access, and community storytelling in Borrego Springs and surrounding desert communities. Founded in 1949, the Borrego Sun has served as a local source of news for more than 75 years. Acquired in 1954 by Copley Press, the newspaper became part of San Diego’s broader media landscape while maintaining its strong local identity. Patrick Meehan purchased the Borrego Sun from Copley Press in 2011 and operated the newspaper until its acquisition by Ram Media Foundation. The newspaper’s legacy is also reflected in the Borrego Sun archives spanning from 1949 to the present, which were acquired by the San Diego History Center in February 2025 to help preserve the historical record of Borrego Springs and surrounding desert communities. “Local media plays a critical role in keeping communities connected and informed,” said Gabriel Wisdom of American Money Management, LLC. “We are honored to continue the legacy of Borrego Sun while expanding its reach through modern digital platforms that serve residents, visitors, and the greater desert region.” Wisdom, a general aviation pilot, and his wife Diana built an octagon-shaped vacation home adjacent to Borrego Valley Airport. Known locally as the “Borrego Pilot House,” the distinctive residence resembles a four-bladed propeller from the air and has become a recognizable visual landmark for pilots and aviation enthusiasts flying through or to the Borrego Valley. “Years ago, I read an article in the Borrego Sun explaining that Borrego Springs needed someone willing to build a non-commercial FM radio station licensed specifically to serve the community,” Wisdom said. “That idea eventually inspired the creation of KRAM 90.5 FM. It took nearly three years, numerous FCC engineering studies, environmental reviews, and considerable persistence, but today Ram Media Foundation owns and operates K-RAM 90.5, bringing KPBS Public Media to San Diego County’s isolated desert community.” “Preserving the historic Borrego Sun , expanding local journalism through modern digital platforms, and creating media and journalism apprenticeships for Borrego youth naturally aligns with the Ram Media Foundation’s initiatives of strengthening community through media, education, and public access to information,” Wisdom added. Digital media publisher Andrea McKenna, a full-time Borrego Springs resident, serves as Executive Director of Ram Media Foundation. Her online service, GoToBorregoSprings.com, has joined the Foundation’s media network as a companion community platform focused on events, culture, tourism, social media, and community information. Together, the platforms are expanding online access to local news, features, events, social media, and community information 24 hours a day. About Ram Media Foundation Ram Media Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to strengthening community through journalism, storytelling, public media access, education, social media, and creative communication. The Borrego Sun, GoToBorregoSprings.com and KRAM 90.5 FM are located at 730 Christmas Circle, Borrego Springs. Media Contact Andrea McKenna Executive Director 619-892-0393 Ram Media Foundation Andrea@rammediafoundation.org RamMediaFoundation.org BorregoSun.com

The desert nation built on joy and imagination.

Borrego Bob’s weather station data has helped track conditions in Borrego Springs for years through BoblandUSA.com.

New sign by artist John Richen is planned for installation before Borrego Days weekend 

Borrego Springs, CA, May 2nd, 2026 by Jim Dion The Borrego Springs High School Interpretation Course and Internship Program is an innovative Career Technical Education (CTE) initiative that prepares students for careers in hospitality, public service, and environmental interpretation. Launched in the 2019–2020 school year, the program integrates classroom instruction, industry-recognized certification, and hands-on internships. It is implemented through the Borrego Springs Unified School District and aligned with its Hospitality CTE pathway. Students in isolated communities such as ours often face limited access to career exploration opportunities, professional certifications, and paid work-based learning experiences. This program addresses those gaps by providing structured pathways into local and regional employment sectors, particularly within public lands management, tourism, and community-based organizations. The program is a two-year sequence: Year 1: Certification and Coursework Students complete an in-class, for-credit course culminating in interpretive guide and host certification through the National Association for Interpretation. Participants also earn Emergency First Aid and CPR certification through American CPR Training. Year 2: Paid Internship Experience Students who successfully complete Year 1 transition into internships conducted in partnership with Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Interns rotate through operational units, gaining exposure to park management, visitor services, and interpretive programming. Additional placements include the Borrego Water District, Anza-Borrego Foundation, and Borrego Art Institute. Goals and Objectives of the Program Provide students with industry-recognized certifications and workforce-ready skills Expand access to paid, career-aligned internship opportunities Increase awareness of careers in public lands, hospitality, and local government Strengthen partnerships between schools, public agencies, and community organizations Outcomes and Impact By the end of the 2025–2026 school year, 75 students will have completed the certification and internship program Students gain hands-on experience, professional mentorship, and exposure to career pathways The program has demonstrated sustained student interest and strong community support Funding and Sustainability The Borrego Village Association recently secured a grant from Parks California, securing funding through the 2028 school year. This funding enables the program to provide paid internship opportunities, ensuring equitable access for all students. Additional support is, and has been since 2018, provided by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, Borrego Springs Rotary Foundation, Borrego Springs Education Foundation, and the Borrego Valley Endowment Fund. Program Leadership and Partnerships The program is led by local educator Stacy Valdez and supported by district leadership and community partners, including California State Parks. We greatly appreciate California State Parks - Colorado Desert District Supervisor, Ray Lennox for his dedication to making this program a success and making available his staff and resources, to support the youth of our community. These collaborations ensure high-quality instruction, mentorship, and real-world learning experiences. An Opportunity for Students! Due to demonstrated success, the program will continue into the 2026–2027 academic year, expanding to serve new cohorts of sophomores, juniors, and seniors. If you are a student at Borrego Springs High School that is interested in participating in this two year CTE, for credit course elective, please contact Borrego Springs Hogh School Principal Victoria Baay.

La Casa del Zorro has named Borrego Springs local Tony Cecena as its new General Manager. A familiar face in the local hospitality industry, Tony brings more than two decades of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the community he’s always called home. Cecena began his hospitality journey as a high school student working in guest services at La Casa del Zorro. Now, after 22 years at Borrego Springs Resort—rising through the ranks and managing multiple departments—he’s come full circle, returning to where it all started. In his own words, here’s what Tony shared about his background, vision, and commitment to Borrego Springs:

May 17, 2026 (Mount Laguna) — Star parties are back at Mount Laguna with the return of the Summer Visitors Program at the Mount Laguna Observatory. The public programs will be held on Saturday nights from 8 to 11 p.m., May 23 through August 15, with a special bonus mid-week viewing scheduled for Wednesday, August 12. Operated by the San Diego State University Department of Astronomy in partnership with the United States Forest Service, the outreach initiative has been connecting the public with the cosmos in various forms since the observatory’s dedication in 1968. According to Dr. Robert Quimby, MLO Director and Professor in the SDSU Department of Astronomy, each event will feature a public lecture at the Harrington Visitors Center. If weather permits, the lecture will be followed by direct stargazing through the observatory’s 0.5-meter (21-inch) Reginald Buller telescope. While MLO boasts larger instruments for deep-space science, the Buller telescope is specifically dedicated to instructional use and public outreach. Nestled in the Cleveland National Forest roughly 45 miles east of downtown San Diego, MLO sits at an elevation of 6,100 feet. The site is highly regarded by astronomers for its pristine dark skies, exceptional atmospheric conditions, and vital distance from city light pollution. Beyond its public outreach, MLO is a premier research and training facility. The mountain hosts an impressive array of cutting-edge technology, including the 1.25-meter Phillips Claud Telescope, which is used alongside the observatory’s 1.0-meter and 0.6-meter Clifford Smith telescopes to collect critical data on the age of and distance to star clusters. MLO also houses one of only two EvryScopes in the world. This specialized multi-camera array monitors the entire accessible sky simultaneously, making it an exceptional tool for detecting stellar activity and eclipsing binaries (co-orbiting star systems). Because the observatory is a functioning research station located in a rugged forest environment, organizers emphasize that safety and preparation are paramount for attendees. Visitors are advised to bring a small flashlight and park at the lower visitors parking lot located on Morris Ranch Road, follow the short trail from the parking lot to Observatory Road, and from there, look for the white dashes painted on the ground and follow them for a quarter-mile uphill to the Harrington Visitors Center. Note that visitors must remain on the designated road at all times. Morris Ranch Road is located off Sunrise Highway (S1) between mile markers 21.5 and 22, directly across from the Wooded Hill Campground sign. All stargazing events are weather-permitting. For daily operational updates, weather delays, or cancellations, visitors should call the observatory hotline at (619) 594-1415 before making the drive up the mountain.

A Fun Find in the Old Borrego Sun Boxes

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..