June 4, 2026

The Ram Community Radio Finds a New Home at WhipperSnappers

Share

Borrego Valley Community Radio – The RAM has moved from its previous location at the Community Resource Center and is now broadcasting from a studio inside WhipperSnappers at 794 Circle J Drive in Borrego Springs.


The station, owned by Monica Rue and operated by Mike Rue, continues to serve listeners throughout Borrego Springs and the San Diego County backcountry with a mix of music, community information, local conversations, and volunteer-driven programming.


The move gives The RAM additional space to grow while continuing its mission of providing hyper-local radio "by the community, for the community." Mike Rue recently invited residents from Borrego Springs, Julian, Warner Springs, Santa Ysabel, Descanso, Wynola, Mount Laguna, Pauma Valley, Ocotillo Wells, and surrounding communities to get involved.


One of the station's goals is to encourage more people to spend time behind the microphone. Rue hopes to provide opportunities for others to share their interests, stories, music, and perspectives with listeners across the region.


As The RAM settles into its new location, the station is sharing a short wish list to support its next stage of growth:


  • A Numark dual CD player so volunteer hosts can bring in and play music from their own CD collections during broadcasts
  • Donations of records and CDs to help build a shared community music library for future programming
  • A professional ultra-portable field recorder that can connect to wireless lapel microphones for higher-quality interviews outside the studio
  • Sponsorships from local businesses, organizations, and individuals, including programming blocks, on-air commercials, and regular acknowledgements during broadcasts
  • Good-faith supporters willing to invest in the station’s growth and help create more opportunities for local voices to be heard


For Mike Rue, the new studio is about more than equipment or location. It is about creating a place where local voices can be heard and where communities throughout the backcountry can stay connected through music, conversation, and shared experiences.


Listeners can listen online at TheRamRadio.com and hear local music, community conversations, interviews, event announcements, and programming created for the San Diego County backcountry.



------------------------

Multiple Voices Strengthen Borrego Springs

KRAM 90.5 FM is Borrego Springs’ local FM public radio station, founded by Gabriel Wisdom and operated by RAM Media Foundation in association with KPBS Public Media. KRAM brings KPBS and NPR programming to the Borrego Valley. Turn on. Tune in... Located at 730 Christmas Circle .


The RAM is a separate, independent online radio station owned by Monica Rue and operated by Mike Rue. Broadcasting from its new studio inside WhipperSnappers at 794 Circle J Drive , The RAM focuses on local music, volunteer hosts, interviews, community conversations, and backcountry programming.




Learn More About Borrego Springs

By Andrea McKenna June 5, 2026
From Norway to Spain: Sylvia Maas Rides for Borrego Springs Students On June 20, 2026, the NorthCape–Tarifa race will begin at 12:01 a.m. at the North Cape in Norway. Described as the world's longest bicycle race, the event follows a route of nearly 7,000 kilometers to Tarifa, Spain, the southernmost point of mainland Europe. Among the riders will be Borrego Springs ultra cyclist Sylvia Maas , who will be riding for her Bike4BorregoKids initiative. Track Sylvia Here The race begins at the North Cape in Norway and ends in Tarifa, Spain. Along the way, riders pass through several major checkpoints, including: Helsinki, Finland Hill of Crosses, Lithuania Torun, Poland Bregenz, Austria Col du Galibier, France Nice, France Port d’Envalira, Andorra Pico del Veleta, Spain Tarifa, Spain The route covers nearly 7,000 kilometers and includes mountain passes, historic cities, and some of the most demanding cycling terrain in Europe.
By East County News Service June 1, 2026
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/ .
Charles Robert Starrett – The Durango Kid of Borrego Springs
By Jake Hinton May 28, 2026
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.
By Andrea McKenna May 27, 2026
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
By San Diego County May 23, 2026
County Funding Shapes Fire Protection, Roads, Libraries, and Emergency Services in Borrego Springs
May 23, 2026
Former San Diego City Manager and Casa del Zorro partner weighs in on county charter reforms that could reach voters this November.
May 22, 2026
Source: PBS SoCal
By Andrea McKenna May 19, 2026
The desert nation built on joy and imagination.
Show More

Share This Post