Photographers of all skill levels are invited to showcase the beauty of Anza-Borrego Desert and compete in the 2027 Anza-Borrego Desert Photo Contest. If you love capturing the incredible landscapes, wildlife, wildflowers, or night skies of Anza-Borrego Desert, now is the time to start planning your best shots. The 2027 Anza-Borrego Desert Photo Contest officially opens November 1, 2026 , giving photographers an opportunity to share the unique beauty of California's largest state park through their lens. Hosted by the Anza-Borrego Foundation , the annual contest celebrates the remarkable scenery, wildlife, and natural wonders that make Anza-Borrego Desert State Park one of Southern California's most treasured destinations. Whether you're a professional photographer or simply enjoy exploring the desert with a camera, everyone is encouraged to participate. Photo submissions will be accepted through theabf.org , with additional contest details, categories, rules, and deadlines available when the contest opens. The contest is made possible through the support of community partners, including Borrego Art Institute, Borrego Valley Inn, Community Valley Bank, Palm Canyon Resort, Rams Hill, Carlee's, and La Casa del Zorro . Now is the perfect time to start exploring the desert and capturing those unforgettable moments. Your next favorite photograph could be the one that earns recognition in the 2027 Anza-Borrego Desert Photo Contest. Learn more and submit your entries beginning November 1, 2026, at theabf.org .

Youth ages 10–17 can help choose this year’s Borrego Days Parade theme.

Through the Borrego Sun Youth Internship Program, Mia Garcia is learning how to tell community stories while building confidence, communication skills, and real-world media experience.

Tiered Winery - Rural Residential Expansion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE $10,000 awarded to seven Borrego Springs students pursuing health and wellness careers. Functionally Fit for Life has awarded $10,000 in scholarships to seven Borrego Springs students pursuing careers dedicated to improving the health and well-being of others. Through a partnership with the Borrego Valley Endowment Fund (BVEF) , which served as fiscal sponsor and administrator of the scholarship program, 100 percent of donated funds were distributed directly to scholarship recipients. BVEF waived all administrative fees, ensuring every dollar raised supported local students. Originally established to support students pursuing degrees and careers in kinesiology, exercise science, and nutrition, the scholarship program expanded this year to recognize the strong interest among Borrego students pursuing careers in healthcare. As a result, two scholarship categories were created. Category 1: Kinesiology, Exercise Science, and Nutrition Scholarships ($2,000 each) This year's recipients are: Peter Rodriguez , who recently completed his sophomore year at Palomar College and is pursuing a degree in kinesiology with plans to attend physical therapy school. Angel Vilchis , who earned an associate degree in University Studies in Health and Fitness from Palomar College and plans to transfer to California State University San Marcos to complete a bachelor's degree in kinesiology and pursue a career in physical therapy. Christopher Alcaraz Arias , a recent Borrego Springs High School graduate who plans to attend Palomar College and pursue a degree in kinesiology with the goal of becoming an athletic trainer. Category 2: Healthcare Career Scholarships ($1,000 each) This year's recipients are: Abigail Gonzalez , who completed her freshman year at Chico State University and is completing prerequisite coursework for admission to the university's nursing program. Anavey Gonzalez , a recent Borrego Springs High School graduate who plans to attend California State University Fullerton and pursue a career as an MRI technician. Lylamae Gutierrez , who recently graduated from Borrego Springs High School and is enrolled at Mt. San Jacinto College pursuing a nursing degree. Evelyn Cordova , who recently graduated from Borrego Springs High School and is enrolled at Mt. San Jacinto College studying diagnostic medical sonography. “All seven recipients have chosen a career in which they will have significant positive impacts on people’s lives—physically, mentally and emotionally—and I am thrilled we were able to support them in the pursuit of their dreams,” said Mike Puzzo, founder of Functionally Fit for Life. “What makes philanthropy so meaningful is that it allows a community to invest directly in the dreams, ambitions, and futures of its people,” said Anna ABatzoglou, Executive Director of the Borrego Valley Endowment Fund. “Scholarships like these send a powerful message to students: we see your hard work, we're proud of what you've accomplished, and we're rooting for your success. We're grateful to Functionally Fit for Life for making this opportunity possible and honored to help support these students as they pursue their education and career goals." About Functionally Fit for Life Functionally Fit for Life is dedicated to promoting health, fitness, and wellness while supporting educational opportunities for students pursuing careers in kinesiology, exercise science, nutrition, healthcare, and related fields. About the Borrego Valley Endowment Fund The Borrego Valley Endowment Fund is a community foundation dedicated to improving the quality of life in Borrego Springs through philanthropy, healthcare access, community investment, and strategic partnerships that strengthen the future of the community Learn More Community members interested in learning more about future philanthropic opportunities that support Borrego Springs, are encouraged to contact the Borrego Valley Endowment Fund at info@bvefund.org or at (760)-315-8330.

Free Summer Movies Continue in Borrego Springs This July

A Hollywood fun fact courtesy of longtime Park Ranger Fred Jee.

Don't Miss These Summer Night Sky Events

Celebrating another year of exceptional performances while bringing free concerts to local school children.

The historic farm offers fresh local products, farm tours, and a chance to experience sustainable agriculture in the heart of the desert. Riviera Farms continues to bring new life to one of Borrego Springs' historic properties. Originally established in 1975 by Knute and Gloria Quvale , the 22-acre farm has been revitalized with a focus on regenerative agriculture, sustainability, and caring for rescued animals. Visitors can stop by the farm to purchase fresh products, meet the animals, and take a tour of the property. For those who can't make it in person, many of the farm's products are also available through its online store. Riviera Farms offers a growing selection of organic eggs, seasonal produce, herbs, nopales, handcrafted seasonings, soaps, bath products, honey, apparel, and other farm-made goods . Inventory changes throughout the year based on what's in season and available. Supporting Riviera Farms means supporting a local Borrego Springs business that is helping preserve the community's agricultural heritage while producing fresh, locally grown products. To learn more, schedule a tour, or browse available products, visit rivierafarms.com . Riviera Farms 2021 Borrego Springs Rd. Borrego Springs, CA 92004

East County Performing Arts Association unveils six shows for its fifth season in Julian.

The Dutch monarch’s quiet visit to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park remained largely unknown until months later.

New Watermaster reports show measurable progress on groundwater conservation, alongside ongoing debate over the Mesquite Bosque.

A glimpse into Borrego Springs' history through music and song.

New leadership begins for St. Richard Parish and Christ the King Mission. 

Welcome to the official music video for the National Anthem of the Republic of Slowjamastan. Filmed entirely within the sovereign borders of the Republic of Slowjamastan, this video features appearances by The Sultan, The Chief, members of Parliament, proud citizens, and a healthy number of confused visitors who wandered in and accidentally became part of history. Whether you're already a citizen or just discovering the world's newest nation, this is your chance to experience the sights, sounds, and glorious absurdity of Slowjamastan. Stand proudly. Sing loudly. And remember... Crocs remain prohibited. Learn more, become a citizen, or plan your visit: 🌐 https://www.slowjamastan.org Slowjamastan: The world's most unnecessary nation... and we're perfectly fine with that.

A one-of-a-kind underground cocktail lounge beneath the hotel's iconic Olympic-size pool adds another reason to visit Borrego Springs.

Heatwave Pool Party Returns for an Evening of Music, Swimming, and Summer Fun Looking for a unique way to celebrate Independence Day in Borrego Springs? The Palms at Indian Head is hosting its annual Heatwave Pool Party on Saturday, July 4, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. , inviting guests to enjoy an evening of swimming, music, and poolside fun at one of the community's most iconic destinations. Known for its mid-century modern architecture and rich Hollywood history, The Palms at Indian Head has welcomed visitors to Borrego Springs for decades. Today, the boutique hotel continues to blend its historic charm with new experiences, including the recently opened Dive Bar, the award-winning Coyote Steakhouse, and special community events throughout the year. This year's adults-only celebration encourages guests to bring a swimsuit and towel and enjoy the Olympic-size pool under the desert evening sky. A no-host bar will be available, while Coyote Steakhouse will be serving food and beverages throughout the event. Outside food, drinks, and coolers are not permitted. The Heatwave Pool Party takes place at The Palms at Indian Head, 2220 Hoberg Road, Borrego Springs. For more information or to RSVP, call 760-767-7788.

By Dennis Mammana Week of June 28 - July 4, 2026 It was bound to happen: The heat of summer has arrived at my desert home. As I write these words, it's 115 F outside, and it's just the beginning of the blistering heat we'll experience for months. This is no surprise, of course. We're all quite familiar with this seasonal pattern; in fact, most of us learned in grade school about the seasons and what causes them, but you'd be surprised how little some people remember of those basic lessons. I was stunned when I first heard of a 1987 video in which filmmakers Matthew H. Schneps and Philip Sadler of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics interviewed recent Harvard University graduates, faculty members and alumni — some with science backgrounds — and asked them a simple question: What causes our seasons? Twenty-one of the 23 people interviewed did not know the answer. This is Harvard, people. Harvard! If you can't believe it, watch it online here. Oh, sure, they offered elaborate explanations and tried to be convincing, but it's obvious they had no clue. The most common reason they cited for the summertime heat was that the Earth lies closest to the sun at that time of year, and the cold of winter is caused by our greater distance from the sun. Sounds perfectly reasonable, doesn't it? But it's wrong. So very wrong. Now it is true that our planet orbits the sun not in a circular path but in an elliptical path, and that our distance from the sun varies throughout the year, but only by about 3%. What seems counterintuitive, however, is that we're closest to the sun not during our Northern Hemisphere summer but during our winter! In 2026, the Earth will reach its farthest point from the sun ("aphelion") on July 6, when we will lie 94,502,961 miles from our star. This occurs during the Northern Hemisphere summer. The Earth's nearest point ("perihelion") won't arrive until Jan. 2, 2027 (during our winter), when we'll be 91,406,556 miles from the sun. Of course, if you happen to live in the Southern Hemisphere, where seasons are reversed from those north of the equator, our planet's perihelion does occur during their summertime. But that's a story for another time. So, if our distance from the sun doesn't cause seasonal temperature changes throughout the year, what does? Well, as we all learned in third grade, it's the tilt of the Earth's axis. Our planet is tipped about 23.4 degrees to the plane of its orbit around the sun. From mid-March to mid-September, the Earth's Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun, allowing solar rays to beat directly down upon us. During these longer days, heat accumulates in our atmosphere while having little time to escape into space during the much shorter nights. In other words, it's not our changing distance from the sun that causes the buildup of summer heat; it's the tilt of our planet that produces long days and short nights — just as it always has. Unfortunately, few still seem to understand this simple phenomenon, and I suspect if we did this same interview today, we'd see even less informed answers than four decades ago! 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 Miriam Raftery - www.eastcountymagazine.org June 26, 2026 (San Diego’s East County)— The Society of Professional Journalists’ San Diego Chapter last night presented four Excellence in Journalism awards to ECM editor Miriam Raftery and associate editor Karen Pearlman. The awards honored ECM’s coverage of issues involving the El Capitan Dam in Lakeside, aerial firefighting readiness, the impacts of mass deportations, and our guide to travel in San Diego County’s desert regions. Raftery received a first place award for an audio feature titled “ Who will be there when they come for you ?” Hear the interview with immigration attorney Nora Milner, which aired on East County Magazine’s radio show on KNSJ. You can also read a summary of that interview by Alex Schorr. In the interview, Milner voiced alarm over blatant denials of due process for immigrants under the Trump administration, warned that even citizens are not safe, and offered tips for those concerned about being visited by ICE or detained for potential deportation. Pearlman took second place for investigative/enterprise story in the daily reporting category for “ Proposed Lakeside sand mine owner sues city of San Diego for damages from water release at El Capitan Dam .” Her investigative reporting detailed the dangerous conditions of the old earthen dam and the potentially catastrophic loss of life if it were to rupture. He report spotlighted how the city’s failure to repair or rebuild the dam necessitated releasing water which raised the water table, resulting in a downstream property owner suing the city for destroying the site’s sand-mining potential. Third place for investigative/enterprise reporting went to Raftery for her article, “ Does the San Diego region have adequate aerial firefighting capability for the coming season? ” Raftery initiated the investigative report after learning that Cal Fire’s Ramona air base would be closed for nearly a year and that an SDG&E air crane on which fire authorities had relied for aerial firefighting support was no longer available to the manufacturer declining to renew the lease. Pearlman and Raftery shared a third place award for travel writing for their comprehensive piece titled “ Our Guide to San Diego’s desert destinations .” The article was written as part of a series of regional guides for East County Magazine’s newly launched “ Visit East County ” section highlighting travel and tourism destinations in San Diego’s inland region.

Written bids are due July 20 for ongoing landscape maintenance services beginning Aug. 1, 2026.

Borrego Sun youth intern Mia Garcia shares a poem about courage and her first live performance.

FY 26/27 application and instructions will be available on July 1, 2026.

The Emmy Award-winning host called the sculptures "the most remarkable metal sculptures to be found anywhere in the world."

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

Soroptimist International of Borrego Springs representatives Sally Theriault, Scholarship Committee Chair, and Jenny Huntley, Treasurer, present scholarships to Borrego Springs High School graduating seniors during Awards Night.

Reserve a guided night sky tour with astronomer Dennis Mammana

Classic musical offers six performances at Julian High School's Little Theater

California Newspaper Publishers Association Merit Awards presented to the Borrego Sun for Best Front Page in 1966 and 1967.

Diane Johnson thanks guests and shares upcoming events during Borrego Art Institute’s Summer Solstice gathering.

Renowned plein air artist Geoff Allen found inspiration in one of Borrego Springs’ most iconic locations: The Palms at Indian Head pool.

Prepared with information from ABDNHA's Dark Sky resources, Michael Poirier, Astrophotographer, and the Sky Calendar from Michigan State University. Learn more about Borrego Springs dark skies at: https://abdnha.org/darksky/sky / Note: You can subscribe to the Sky Calendar from Abrams Planetarium, Michigan State University, 755 Science Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824. Borrego Springs offers some of the darkest skies in Southern California, making summer an excellent time to observe the Milky Way, planets, meteor showers, and other celestial events. Here's what to look for in June and July 2026. Early June Sunrise: 5:38 a.m. Sunset: 7:50 p.m. PST Day Length: 14 hours 12 minutes June Highlights June 1 (Monday) Venus and Jupiter appear within 8° of each other in the west-northwestern sky after sunset. June 3–16 Milky Way viewing conditions are excellent, with dark, moonless skies after nightfall. The Milky Way rises at 10:57 p.m. on June 7 and as early as 10:30 p.m. on June 14. It remains visible for up to 4 hours and 29 minutes. June 6–13 Grand Canyon Star Party, Arizona. Learn more at www.grandcanyon.org . June 11 (Thursday) Venus, Jupiter, and Mercury span their shortest angle in the evening sky, just 13.2° apart. June 15 (Monday) New Moon — one of the darkest nights of the month for stargazing and astrophotography. June 15 (Monday) Mercury reaches greatest elongation, 24.5° from the Sun, making it the best evening appearance of the year shortly after sunset. June 21 (Sunday) June Solstice marks the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. It is the longest day of the year with 14 hours and 20 minutes of daylight. June 22–July 2 June Bootids Meteor Shower. June 29 (Monday) Full Moon rises at 8:17 p.m. and sets at 5:04 a.m. June 30 (Tuesday) Asteroid Day. Early July Sunrise: 5:41 a.m. Sunset: 7:59 p.m. Day Length: 14 hours 18 minutes July Highlights July 5 (Sunday) The Milky Way rises at 9:38 p.m. and remains visible for 3 hours and 58 minutes. July 12 (Sunday) The Milky Way rises at 9:34 p.m. and remains visible for 3 hours and 35 minutes. July 14 (Tuesday) New Moon — ideal conditions for stargazing and astrophotography. July 15 (Wednesday) Mercury reaches greatest elongation, 24.5° from the Sun. July 28–29 (Tuesday–Wednesday) Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower peaks. July 29 (Wednesday) Full Moon rises at 8:17 p.m. and sets at 5:04 a.m. The Planets and the Milky Way in June Evening Planets Venus and Jupiter dominate the western sky after sunset throughout June. Around June 8–9, the two planets appear in conjunction, creating a striking close encounter in the west-northwestern sky. Venus, often called the "Evening Star," shines brilliantly as it moves from Taurus toward Gemini and climbs higher in the evening sky each night. Jupiter remains nearby and is also easily visible. Mercury becomes visible low in the western sky during the second half of June. June 15 offers the best viewing opportunity, as Mercury reaches its greatest elongation and highest apparent position above the horizon. Morning Planets Saturn and Mars are visible before sunrise. Mars remains low in the east-northeast, while Saturn rises higher from the east to east-southeast. Early June provides a chance to see the two planets relatively close together. Summer Milky Way Summer is the prime season for viewing the bright central core of the Milky Way. From June through August, the galaxy's core rises in the southeastern sky and becomes one of the most spectacular sights available to dark-sky observers. June Bootids Meteor Shower The June Bootids occur annually from June 22 through July 2 and peak around June 27. Most years produce only one or two meteors per hour. However, this shower has occasionally surprised observers with dramatic outbursts. In 1998, rates briefly reached approximately 100 meteors per hour. The shower originates from debris left by Comet Pons-Winnecke, which orbits the Sun every 6.3 years. June Bootids are known for their unusually slow speed, entering Earth's atmosphere at approximately 14 kilometers per second. Asteroid Day – June 30 Asteroid Day is a United Nations-sanctioned global awareness campaign held annually on June 30. The event educates the public about asteroid impacts, planetary defense, and ongoing research into near-Earth objects. The date commemorates the Tunguska Event of June 30, 1908, when a massive airburst explosion flattened approximately 830 square miles of Siberian forest. The blast is estimated to have released energy equivalent to between 3 and 50 megatons of TNT, making it the largest recorded impact event in modern history. For more information, visit www.un.org. Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower The Delta Aquariids meteor shower peaks on the night of July 28 and the morning of July 29. This annual shower can produce up to 20 meteors per hour under ideal conditions and is associated with debris from Comets Marsden and Kracht. The shower runs from July 12 through August 23 each year. Unfortunately, the 2026 peak coincides with a Full Moon, which will wash out many fainter meteors. Patient observers may still catch some of the brighter meteors throughout the night. The meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Aquarius but can be seen anywhere in the sky. Learn More About Borrego Springs' Dark Skies Borrego Springs is California's first International Dark Sky Community and one of the best places in Southern California to experience the Milky Way, meteor showers, planets, and other celestial events. To learn where to observe, dark sky etiquette, upcoming programs, and more about stargazing in Borrego Springs, visit the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association's Dark Sky resources: https://abdnha.org/darksky/sky/

Free Summer Movies Continue in Borrego Springs This July

Up to $75,000 Available for EV Charger Installations

Experienced, collaborative, mission-driven professional wanted

A new partnership brings worship, fellowship, and support to Salton City.

Hubbell’s dining room table bathed in warm light surrounded in beautifully crafted art in addition to surrounding heirloom art from Jones family. Photo courtesy Ilan Lael Foundation, 2020 East County News Services  June 18, 2026 (Julian) — Hidden among 10 acres of oak woodland in the mountains of Santa Ysabel sits an architectural marvel that bridges the boundaries between art and nature — and this local hidden gem has now received new national acclaim. The Ilan-Lael Foundation announced recently that the home and studio of its founders, the late artist James Hubbell and his wife Anne, has been officially accepted into the Historic Artists’ Homes and Studios program, a prestigious coalition under the National Trust for Historic Preservation . By achieving this designation, Ilan-Lael joins an elite group of 93 sites across 32 states, placing Hubbell’s property alongside the creative sanctuaries of renowned American artists such as Thomas Hart Benton, James W. Washington Jr., and Dorothy Riester. James Hubbell (1931–2024) was widely regarded as both a visionary artist and an organic architect. Over a span of more than six decades, he and Anne constructed 13 distinct structures on their Santa Ysabel compound. Often described as “habitable sculptures,” the buildings are defined by their deep roots in the surrounding landscape, utilizing found natural materials, intricate mosaics, stained glass, and custom ironwork. Hubbell’s ethereal designs extend far beyond his mountain retreat; his public and private works have graced hundreds of spaces across Southern California and the Pacific Rim. “We are beyond honored to have received this designation that will help us continue to commemorate Jim’s legacy,” said Marianne Gerdes, executive director at the Ilan-Lael Foundation. “Since his passing, we have strived to uphold his belief that art and nature work harmoniously. The property has always been the best hidden gem of San Diego, and now the recognition helps us to share the magic with the public.” Historic Artists’ Homes and Studios operates as a peer-to-peer museum coalition dedicated to preserving the primary residences and creative workspaces of notable American artists. As the only national entity focused on site-specific narratives in American art history, HAHS provides expertise in historic preservation, visitor programming, and community outreach. For the Ilan-Lael Foundation, this induction reinforces its ongoing mission to act as a community educator and arts advocate. Following James Hubbell’s passing in 2024, the foundation has actively expanded public access to his lifework. Historically, the private property was only open to the community during an annual Father’s Day weekend tour hosted by James and Anne. Today, the ILF has broadened its reach to include year-round tours with expanded access to the Santa Ysabel headquarters and studios; public exhibition showcasing Hubbell’s work at prominent locations (including the San Diego International Airport and the Oceanside Museum of Art); and educational partnerships, fostering continuous learning environments with local institutions such as UC San Diego, Palomar College and the Julian Union School District. Through these initiatives, the foundation continues to explore new avenues to engage the community, inspire creativity, and sustain Hubbell’s vision of a sanctuary where art and nature coexist perfectly. To learn more about the Ilan-Lael Foundation, explore James Hubbell’s artistic legacy or schedule a visit to the newly recognized historic property, visit ilanlaelfoundation.org

Source: East County News Services

How BAMA helps Borrego kids build confidence through music

Regional event celebrates the night sky, science, and dark sky preservation Borrego Springs residents who enjoy stargazing, astronomy, and protecting the night sky may want to mark their calendars for the 2026 San Diego Dark Sky Festival , scheduled for August 15 from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Julian Union High School in Julian. The festival will feature distinguished speakers, telescope viewing, hands-on activities, educational exhibits, and opportunities to learn more about the growing dark sky movement throughout San Diego County. The event is organized by DarkSky San Diego County and regional partners committed to reducing light pollution and preserving access to natural darkness. Activities are designed for families, students, amateur astronomers, and anyone interested in the night sky. Festival organizers describe it as a celebration of stars, science, and community. For Borrego Springs residents, the festival highlights a cause that has become part of the community's identity. Borrego Springs was California's first International Dark Sky Community , earning recognition for its efforts to reduce light pollution and preserve exceptional night-sky viewing. Julian followed with its own International Dark Sky Community designation in 2021, creating a network of dark-sky advocates in San Diego County's backcountry. The festival also showcases the growing regional movement to protect dark skies. Organizations from Borrego Springs, Julian, Fallbrook, Mission Trails Regional Park, and the Laguna Mountain area are working together to promote responsible lighting and preserve natural darkness for future generations. Visitors can expect telescope viewing, astronomy demonstrations, educational booths, and presentations on the importance of natural darkness for wildlife, human health, and energy conservation. Similar festivals have drawn large crowds and provided opportunities for the public to experience some of Southern California's best night skies. For many Borrego Springs residents, the event offers a chance to connect with neighboring dark-sky communities while celebrating one of the region's greatest natural resources—the star-filled skies that make both Borrego Springs and Julian special destinations for stargazing. ------------------ Fun Local Fact: K-RAM 90.5 FM at 730 Christmas Circle recently received a Night Sky Friendly Business Certificate of Merit from the Borrego Springs Dark Sky Coalition. The building also houses a Dark Sky visitor center and Borrego Valley Realty, where realtor Mary Watkins helps visitors learn more about protecting Borrego Springs' famous night skies.

Registrar conducts required hand count to verify June election results

Borrego Springs Community United Methodist Church Vacation Bible School is underway in Borrego Springs, bringing kids, youth counselors, adults, and volunteers together for four days of free summer fun. This year's Snowball Mountain Challenge includes Bible stories, arts, science, crafts, music, and hands-on activities for children ages 3–11. Ollie the Seal helps teach the daily lessons, along with the many volunteers who make the program possible. The program is free for all children and provides a positive, welcoming place for Borrego kids to stay engaged during the summer months. Children are creating art projects, exploring science activities, enjoying games, making new friends, and receiving a healthy lunch each day.

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

Shop clothing, artwork, home décor, books, and more while supporting the Borrego Springs Children's Center.

Supervisor Jim Desmond Fights Transmission Line Planned Through East County

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

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.

One of the things that makes Borrego Springs special happens after the sun goes down. Borrego Springs became California's first International Dark Sky Community in 2009 and was only the second community in the world to receive the designation. The certification recognizes communities that actively work to reduce light pollution and protect the night sky for future generations. Earlier this year, a Dark Sky presentation highlighted K-RAM 90.5, XL Fuel Stop, and Borrego Holiday Homes as examples of businesses using responsible lighting practices that help preserve Borrego Springs' internationally recognized night skies. Ram Media Foundation Updates Exterior Lighting The Ram Media Foundation building at 730 Christmas Circle, now home to K-RAM 90.5, the Borrego Sun, and Borrego Valley Realty, removed older unshielded, high-lumen fixtures that reflected light outward around the property. The updated lighting includes shielded fixtures and a downward-facing reflector along the front walkway. These improvements provide lighting where it is needed while reducing unnecessary glare and light escaping into the night sky. XL Fuel Stop Reduces Sky Glow XL Fuel Stop was highlighted for using fully shielded lighting that directs light where it is needed instead of into the night sky. According to the presentation, a bright light mounted atop a high pole was turned off, and after-hours lighting levels were reduced. These changes help minimize sky glow while maintaining safety and visibility for customers. Borrego Holiday Homes Improves Efficiency Borrego Holiday Homes was highlighted as another example of responsible lighting practices. The property reduced excessive brightness by lowering lumen levels and using shielding that directs light downward. The result is reduced glare, improved efficiency, and lighting that better serves guests without unnecessarily illuminating the surrounding area. Why Dark Skies Matter According to the Borrego Springs Dark Sky Coalition, light pollution is the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. Excessive brightness can create visual discomfort, affect wildlife behavior, disrupt human circadian rhythms, and diminish our ability to see the stars. Responsible lighting does not mean eliminating outdoor lighting. Instead, it means using the right amount of light, directing it where it is needed, and avoiding unnecessary brightness. The Borrego Springs Dark Sky Coalition was formed in 2007 by local residents seeking Dark Sky certification. Facilitated by the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA), the coalition continues to educate residents, businesses, and visitors about responsible lighting practices that help preserve Borrego Springs' exceptional nighttime environment. The improvements made by K-RAM 90.5 , XL Fuel Stop, and Borrego Holiday Homes demonstrate that protecting dark skies can go hand in hand with safety, efficiency, and good business practices. For residents and visitors alike, these efforts help ensure that Borrego Springs remains one of the best places in Southern California to experience a sky filled with stars.

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