Jeanne & Jan Are Back at The Mall Offering Light Repairs for the Community Every first Monday of the month, they set up in front of Tubs Laundromat and Community Valley Bank at The Mall, offering helpful light repairs such as mending, patches, buttons, and hems. The service is always free. If you choose to donate, every donation goes directly to a local Borrego Springs charity. Check Borrego Events to confirm time & dates.

A Musical Celebration at BSPAC

The Christmas Bazaar features local vendors, baked goods, tamales, and raffles to support the Borrego Children’s Center. Held December 6 at the RoadRunner Clubhouse. The annual Christmas Bazaar to benefit the Borrego Children’s Center will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the RoadRunner Club House, 1010 Palm Canyon. Local vendors will offer handmade items and seasonal treasures, providing an opportunity to get a head start on holiday shopping. The event will also include baked goods and tamales available for purchase. Raffle prizes will be offered throughout the morning, with all proceeds going directly to support the Borrego Children’s Center. Everyone is invited to stop by, shop from local makers, and contribute to an important community resource.

A Charlie Brown Christmas piano concert with pianist, arranger, and conductor Steve Hunter at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church on December 21 at 3 PM.

Cindie Horn – Textile Artist & Slow Fashion Creator Meet one of the makers featured at Desert Lovers & Co. Cindie Horn has spent years working with fabric, guided by an appreciation for slow fashion and craftsmanship built on time, patience, and intention. She sources and collects textiles gathered over the years and transforms them into pieces that feel personal, functional, and thoughtfully made. Her work at Desert Lovers & Co includes upcycled and embellished denim jackets, colorful phone and tablet pillows, and her popular fabric cactus sculptures. Each piece reflects her eye for detail and her interest in experimenting with textures, patterns, and new techniques. Cindie enjoys challenging herself creatively and exploring fresh ideas through fabric. Her belief that handmade items add comfort, character, and warmth to everyday life comes through clearly in her designs. Desert Lovers & Co is proud to feature the work of Cindie Horn both in the shop and online at DesertLoversandCo.com . Visit Soon: 583 Palm Canyon Dr. Suite D, Borrego Springs, CA, United States, 92004

A reflection on Advent’s meaning and the saints who show us how to wait with purpose.

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

Enter the 20th Anniversary Photo Contest Anza-Borrego Foundation’s Photo Contest celebrates two decades of photography that helps reveal what most visitors never see. This milestone year honors the images that have captured the Park’s hidden moments—fleeting blooms, rare wildlife, dramatic weather, and the quiet details across 650,000 acres of desert terrain. Below is a simple overview of what participants can expect this year. For full details and to submit your photos, visit ABF’s website. Why the Contest Matters Showcases what is often missed in the Park’s vast, remote landscapes Highlights the biodiversity and resilience of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Helps people connect more deeply with the land through visual storytelling Why Photography Supports Conservation 65% of people are visual learners Visual content increases engagement by 94% Images are processed 60,000x faster than text—one photo can say what pages cannot Awards & Recognition (Full descriptions available on the ABF website) Best in Show: Ribbon + resort stay + dinner + ABF program Category Winners: Ribbons + ABF membership Honorable Mention & People’s Choice: Ribbon + gallery display Winning photos will be exhibited at the Borrego Art Institute in early 2026 2026 Categories People Enjoying the Park Animals of Anza-Borrego Desert Black & White Landscapes Nightscapes Plants New: Youth Category (high school and younger) Cell phone photographs accepted in all categories How to Enter (Round 1 Overview) Submit up to 10 photos Upload JPEG files under 5 MB Photos from any year are eligible All online entries considered for People’s Choice Judges select finalists to move to Round 2 (print submission) Deadline Submit your photos by December 10, 2025. Learn more, read the full rules, and enter online: theabf.org/experience-anza-borrego/photo-contest/ Learn more and enter at: theabf.org/experience-anza-borrego/photo-contest/ Learn More About Borrego Springs

A full month of creative workshops, hands-on learning, and holiday projects  December at the Borrego Art Institute brings a full schedule of classes for all ages and skill levels—from drawing and sculpture to kids’ art, yarn-making, and an olive oil tasting at the ArtPark Café. Whether you’re a resident, seasonal visitor, or weekend explorer, Studio West offers plenty of ways to create, learn, and enjoy the season.

The Thanksgiving Eve Service brought the community together at Borrego Springs Community UMC for an evening centered on gratitude, reflection, and the shared bonds that carry Borrego Springs through each year. Guided by local clergy, and volunteers, the service offered a mix of music, readings, and stories that highlighted both faith and community care. Coming Together in Gratitude Pastor Mateo Mamea opened the service with a call to give thanks, setting the tone for an evening of reflection. Rev. Michael Plekon followed with the opening prayer, encouraging gratitude for daily blessings and the natural world that surrounds Borrego Springs. Readings, Music, and Reflections Scripture readings were shared by Cmdr. Dale Jones and Rev. David Madsen, with additional participation from Ellen Fitzpatrick. Pastor Mamea offered the homily, focusing on gratitude and living with intention. Music added depth and warmth to the service. Jennie and Gary Edwards performed “For the Beauty of the Earth,” and the combined choir, directed by Jinny Perrin, contributed an uplifting anthem. Voices From the Community Martha offered stories about the Borrego Ministers Association—how it began, how it supports people in crisis, and why its work matters. Her remarks helped newcomers and longtime residents better understand the BMA’s role in meeting urgent needs throughout the year. Supporting Local Needs An offering was collected to support the ongoing work of the Borrego Ministers Association , which provides emergency assistance and support services for individuals and families in Borrego Springs.

Support Women and Girls in Borrego Springs Raise your glass for a good cause at the 4th Annual Toast to Borrego , happening Saturday, December 13, 2025 , from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at the UCI Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center in Borrego Springs. Get Tickets! Enjoy an afternoon of fine wines, food, and music—all while supporting programs that empower women and girls in Borrego Springs. Event Highlights Six wines selected and introduced by Kimberly Jones Selections Catering by Carlee’s – delicious food and appetizers Live piano music by Steve Hunter Mocktails for non-drinkers One gift basket drawing ticket included Free parking Experiences and Auctions Shop creative themed gift baskets and bid on one-of-a-kind local experiences, including: Coffee Lovers New Grandparents Gourmet Foods Wine Lovers Tea Party And more to come Silent Auction Experiences: Pizza party for six with Wade of the Borrego Art Institute Olive oil tasting for five with Ingrid Tuxhorn of Borrego Olive Oil Co. Bike ride with Sylvia Maas, Kristi Sisson, and Peanut Paint Party for six with Cody from the Borrego Art Institute Tickets $75 Pre-sale until December 5 $100 General Admission Get your tickets early—attendance is limited. Cancellation Policy: All ticket sales are final. Rain or shine event. Details Location: UCI Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center 401 Tilting T Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004 Time: 1:00–5:00 PM (Pouring 1:00–3:30 PM) Note: Guests must be 21 or older. Children and pets cannot be accommodated (service animals welcome). Learn More About Borrego Springs

Learn about the Borrego Springs Community Concert Association's mission to enrich local youth through music. Discover how you can support and inspire the next generation.

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. Stay tuned for a review...If you want to review the book let us know!

Learn about the Borrego Caregiver Corps, the community need it serves, caregiver training, key benefits, and future plans for supportive programs in Borrego Springs.

A Free Outdoor Concert to Celebrate Michele and Bring the Community Together

Veterans Day Ceremony Honors Service and Sacrifice

Fr. Michael Plekon shares the story of his father’s D-Day heroism and the meaning of courage, faith, and freedom.

Low-cost spay/neuter clinic for Borrego Springs pets Dec. 22, 2025, at St. Barnabas Church. Appointments required. Call 760-366-1100 to register.

Music, fun, and community at BAMA The Borrego Springs Music Festival invites adults to Thursdays for Grown-Ups, a weekly gathering of music, learning, and good company. Starting in Nov, enjoy adult-only classes: Ukulele Group: 3–4 PM Guitar Workshop: 4–5 PM Jam Session: 5–7 PM Sharpen your skills, meet fellow musicians, and play together in a relaxed, encouraging space. All are welcome! Location: BAMA (Borrego Art and Music Association) Please note: BAMA is a family-friendly venue — no alcohol or drugs permitted. Learn More About Borrego Springs

Live Music in Borrego Springs: Year-Round Sounds in the Desert

Join Bingo Nights every Tuesday at The American Legion Post 853 in Borrego Springs!

Celebrate CRC’s two years of community service in Borrego Springs with food, wine, and good company on Nov. 22 from 4–7 PM.

Exhibition at The Gallery at The Palms

 Host Your Special Occasion Looking for a unique desert venue? Yellow Woman Ranch offers stunning sunsets, open desert views, and versatile spaces — perfect for weddings, quinceañeras, and special celebrations. Call 760-399-7159 or visit Yellow Woman Ranch to learn more.

Discover the exciting 2023-2024 activities offered by the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association, including hikes, stargazing, conservation efforts, and educational programs. Join us to explore the wonders of the Anza-Borrego Desert.

Borrego Springs Thrifting for a Cause: Support Veterans at Bargain Barn.

Mercy Air Celebrates Five Years of Lifesaving Service in Rural San Diego County

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

Did You Know? Rostros y Corazón Serves Salton City and Beyond

Coming Soon!

Celebrate St. Francis on his feast day, October 4, 2025 at the Blessing of Animals, at the Christmas Circle at 10am. Bring your pets!

BMA Late Summer/Early Fall Newsletter Father Michael Plekon, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, president, BMA Since the work of the Borrego Ministers Association (BMA) never takes a vacation, it’s time to tell what we’ve been up to lately. And it’s time as well to ask your help as we always do. You know doing good is never out of season. Just to remind us all, the BMA is the work of all God’s people—Methodist, Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Baptist, LDS, Jewish, Muslim, doubting, whatever faith you are or aren’t. All of us are “ministers,” not just Pastor Mateo Mamea, Fathers David Madsen, Michael Plekon or Tony Stanonik and other local pastors. Those who regularly meet on Zoom on Tuesdays are a cross section of the Borrego community, from Martha Deichler of the Community Resources Center (CRC) to Diane Johnson and Tammy Baker on the Water Board, Linda Stanley from Soroptimists, and Dale Jones of the American Legion, along with the pastors just named and other members like Pam and Mike McEvoy, George and Carole Thompson, Tery Neal, the Rev. Dr. George Abrams, Shirley Vialpando, and Joyce Merrick, our secretary and interim treasurer. Andrea McKenna is our gifted communications person. We check in with each other every Tuesday, pray for our sisters and brothers in need, go through the pastoral needs submitted since the last meeting, and review our upcoming events and services. Every month the Borrego Ministers Association provides about $4,000 in food coupons for The Desert Pantry and The Center Market. These coupons are distributed on Wednesdays at the Community Resource Center by Diana Fox. Each week, neighbors receive support through the “Let’s Go Borrego” program, operated by the CRC, to help offset medical transportation expenses. Donations also provide modest grants that help ease the burden of staggering utility bills and rent. This year, in coordination with a grant from the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, the BMA is administering a program providing temporary emergency AC units to families whose AC unit has broken down. These are “loaner” units, to be returned when home units are repaired or replaced, all this with the help of the HVAC business in Borrego. Those sisters and brothers who come to us are put in touch with County social workers to explore programs from which they might benefit. Likewise, people asking for help are connected with the food banks that operate every week at the CRC and St. Barnabas Church once a month. Connections to periodic dental and medical screening opportunities are made for our neighbors. The ways in which the BMA tries to assist neighbors is much larger. It can include connection with legal aid when a lawyer’s help is needed. Or consultation with a retired medical professional residing in Borrego. Connection with trained caregivers, with the English classes at the CRC and English as a Second Language (ESL) tutors in town. BMA members have linked neighbors up with special assistance available through The American Legion for vets and Soroptimists for women heading households. It may get tiring, reading all these works of love that the BMA tries to do. But what you cannot see in this newsletter are the smiles, the faces that break into joy when we are able to help with overwhelming costs. Summer is a very tough time for Borregans. The 100+ temperatures are matched by increased utility rates. This comes on top of so many residents being laid off from the hospitality and related businesses till the winter/spring “season” of snowbirds and tourists returns in October. Despite setting aside a reserve fund for summer needs of our neighbors, we at the BMA see our funds depleting as we help sisters and brothers in need. The BMA has no paid employees, minimal operational costs, so virtually all contributions go directly to neighbors in need. Please consider renewing your contribution or making one if you have not. Doing so makes, as the prophet Isaiah says, “the desert burst forth in flowers.” ~Father Michael Plekon, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, president, BMA >> Please consider donating to the BMA

As a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization, the store's proceeds benefit the Borrego Springs Children's Center, making every purchase impactful and meaningful. 

Find the class schedule for Borrego Academy of Music & Art. Explore music and art programs for all ages in Borrego Springs. Get involved today!

Borrego Springs CRC Food Bank offers weekly groceries, monthly health services, and improved facilities with help from community grants and donations. Open to all.

DAP Health’s Mobile Dental Unit will be in Borrego Springs on Sept 16, 10am–3pm, offering free dental screenings and protective treatment.

Borrego Springs Groundwater Overview

The Bike4BorregoKids fundraiser is ongoing and continues to support graduating seniors at Borrego Springs High School with financial aid f

DAP Health provided free screenings and support today at Borrego Springs Community Resource Center. Visit borregocrc.org for future events.

Apply by November 15 for the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award If you’re a woman living in Borrego Springs, Warner Springs, Salton City, Ocotillo Wells, or Julian , and you are working to improve your life through education, the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award is here to support you. This grant offers $1,000–$4,000 in financial assistance to help cover education-related expenses. The deadline to apply is November 15 . About the Live Your Dream Award The Live Your Dream Award , presented by Soroptimist International of Borrego Springs , provides financial help to women who are: The primary financial support for their families Enrolled in an undergraduate or vocational training program Experiencing financial need Funds can be used for a variety of expenses, including: Tuition and school books Transportation or gas Childcare Uniforms or tools needed for school or work A previous recipient shared, “The award helped me a lot with gas money and to get uniforms and tools for school and for work.” Who Should Apply You are eligible if: You are a woman with financial need You are the main financial support for your family You are currently enrolled in a vocational training or undergraduate program You live in Borrego Springs, Warner Springs, Salton City, Ocotillo Wells, or Julian How to Apply Deadline: November 15 Apply online at: www.soroptimist.org/LYDA-apply

Coyote Steakhouse is open for summer Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00–8:30 PM. Prime rib, steaks, seafood, prix fixe menu, and specialty cocktails available.

Food Bank Partnership Serving Borrego and Beyond

A Community Effort to Reflect Our Shared Spirit The Borrego Springs Welcome Sign Committee is leading a long-awaited effort to replace the aging “Welcome to Borrego Springs” signs with designs that better reflect the vibrant, diverse, and welcoming spirit of the community today. Below is their message, shared with residents, local organizations and businesses, explaining how you can be part of this legacy project.

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: