Borrego Springs, California: A Guide to Using Swamp Coolers

Dylan Salfer Blues Concert Borrego Springs Award-winning blues guitarist Dylan Salfer brings his high-energy, roots-driven sound to Borrego Springs for a live performance at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center. This brief overview shares why Salfer’s recognition at the Memphis International Blues Challenge matters and what to expect from his upcoming desert performance. Award-Winning Blues Guitar Salfer was named Best Guitarist at the Memphis International Blues Challenge, a respected international competition that highlights top blues talent. His playing blends classic blues traditions with a modern edge, making his live shows both accessible and musically compelling. Live Music in Borrego Springs This performance adds a standout blues concert to the Borrego Springs music calendar, offering audiences a chance to experience nationally recognized talent in an intimate venue known for strong acoustics. Event Details Date: January 9, 2026 Time: 7:00 PM Location: Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center 590 Palm Canyon Rd, Borrego Springs, CA Tickets: Available at bspac.org Learn More About Borrego Springs

A Charlie Brown Christmas piano concert with pianist, arranger, and conductor Steve Hunter at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church.

Holiday Gift Event in Borrego Springs On Sunday, December 14 , families gathered at Christmas Circle for the annual Santa at the Circle Gift Giveaway , a holiday event organized by OLAX – Organización de Latinx de Borrego Springs in collaboration with community partners. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived at the event aboard a Borrego Springs's San Diego County fire truck , while the Grinch made an appearance in a decorated truck , interacting with children throughout the afternoon. Holiday music played during the event, creating a seasonal backdrop as families moved through the activities. The Event was Open to all Families Children met Santa and Mrs. Claus for photos, received a stuffed animal, and then walked through a decorated toy tunnel , where they selected a gift to take home. Free cookies and hot chocolate were provided for everyone. Volunteers assisted with greeting families, guiding children through each station, and supporting gift distribution to ensure that each child received an age-appropriate gift in an organized and efficient way. Volunteers included members of OLAX , Miss Borrego and the Princesses , and S-Interact students , a Rotary–Soroptimist youth service group. Their coordination helped the event run smoothly and safely. The Santa at the Circle Gift Giveaway reflected continued community collaboration in Borrego Springs, bringing together local organizations, volunteers, and families for a shared holiday tradition.

The Borrego Springs Rotary Toy Giveaway is a long-standing holiday tradition that reflects the community’s commitment to caring for one another. A Day of Holiday Giving On Sunday, December 14, the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center was filled with holiday spirit as the Rotary Toy Giveaway welcomed families from across the community. The event was organized by the Borrego Springs Rotary Club , continuing a tradition that began in 2011. Originally created to support families facing financial hardship, the Toy Giveaway has grown over the years. Today, every child in Borrego Springs is invited to participate, reinforcing the Rotary Club’s commitment to inclusion and community care. Community Volunteers and Youth Leadership Rotary members were joined by Miss Borrego, the Princesses, and S-Interact students—a Rotary–Soroptimist youth service group—who volunteered their time to help distribute gifts and assist families. Together, volunteers ensured each child received a high-quality, age-appropriate gift in a welcoming and joyful setting. A Tradition That Brings People Together Each year, the Toy Giveaway highlights what makes Borrego Springs special: neighbors supporting neighbors and organizations working together for the common good. The smiles, gratitude, and shared moments captured during the event reflect the lasting impact of service rooted in compassion and collaboration. Learn More About Rotary Events like the Toy Giveaway are just one example of how the Borrego Springs Rotary Club serves the community throughout the year. Those interested in learning more about Rotary’s work—locally and beyond—are encouraged to explore how the organization supports education, youth leadership, and community enrichment in Borrego Springs.

Campaign fundraiser for Rebecca Jones

Ricardo Breceda’s New Sculptures Installed on Borrego Springs Road The community gathered on December 5 for the unveiling of Battle of the Desert, the newest addition to Borrego Springs’ iconic Sky Art by sculptor Ricardo Breceda. Installed at 4990 Borrego Springs Road, the pair of towering steel figures—a Greater Roadrunner and a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake—now join the region’s well-known collection of more than 130 Breceda sculptures that define the local landscape. Commissioned by Rams Hill and Borrego Community Builders, a Rams Hill initiative supporting community development and Borrego Community Homes, the installation highlights the wildlife and ecological relationships that shape the Anza-Borrego Desert. The roadrunner and rattlesnake are two of the desert’s most recognizable species, each playing a key role in rodent control and ecological balance. A permanent interpretive sign was also introduced during the event, explaining the meaning behind the sculptures and Breceda’s long-standing impact on desert art in Borrego Springs. Speakers included Rodney Bruce (Rams Hill), Wade Beane (Borrego Art Institute and Honorary Mayor of Borrego Springs), Gabriela Dow and Jennifer Sencion (Borrego Community Builders), Harry Turner (COO), and Ricardo Breceda, who spoke about the creativity and craftsmanship behind his work. The program acknowledged the collaborative planning behind the installation and the ongoing efforts to expand public art in the community. Following the unveiling, attendees were invited to a reception at Rams Hill. Breceda’s new roadrunner and rattlesnake join the larger Sky Art story—a regional landmark that continues to draw visitors, celebrate desert wildlife, and honor the artistic history shaped by the late philanthropist Dennis Avery’s original vision for large-scale, outdoor public sculpture in Borrego Springs. 

Happy Thanksgiving! The Borrego Springs Welcome Sign committee is grateful to the many individuals and businesses who have supported efforts to construct the first new “Welcome to Borrego Springs” sign since the 1970’s. Because of their support, we have raised almost $29,000. Donations have ranged from $10 - $5,000 and we are thankful for every single dollar. Apparently costs to construct and install the signs have gone up significantly in the last year and a half. Therefore, when we thought we had almost reached our fundraising goal, we were told we might need as much as 50% more. The Borrego Village Association has got to work looking at alternative vendors, we are currently requesting estimates, and still hoping to get the job done for closer to the original estimate. If you pledged funds, that pledge will likely be requested in December or January. If you donated cash, please know that it is safely in an account earmarked for the welcome sign. If you haven’t donated yet, PLEASE DO! More funding is certainly needed and appreciated, especially as we have two more signs to construct after this one. To donate: The Borrego Village Association, a 501c(6) c, nonprofit organization, is leading the fundraising. Contributions checks can be made out to the Borrego Village Association and sent to Borrego Village Association. P.O. Box 1133, Borrego Springs, CA 92004. Donations can also be made via PayPal found on our website at BorregoVillageAssociation.org, or made via Zelle transfer. Pledges can be made using the form below. If you have any questions or require further information, email BorregoVillage@gmail.com Happy holidays and with many thanks to those who have - or will - donate, The Welcome Sign Committee - Jim Dion, Bruce Durbin, Nancy McRae, Alicia Wszelaki  -- James Dion Executive Director Borrego Village Association Learn More About Borrego Springs

A Legacy for Borrego — Celebrating the Wermers’ Impact

Thank you Susan L Forsburg for sharing your photos of Patrick.

Rams Hill COO Harry Turner, Borrego Springs Unified School District Superintendent Mark Stevens, Rams Hill CEO Shannon Smith, Borrego Village Association Vice President Jim Wermers, Rams Hill / Borrego Community Builders Director of Development & Construction Rodney Bruce, Borrego Springs Community Resource Center Executive Director Martha Deichler, Borrego Water District Board of Directors Diane Johnson, Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce President Kirit Patel and founding member of OLAX Borrego Springs Esmeralda Lopez-Garcia.

Borrego Springs Groundwater Overview