Water Management in Borrego Springs: The Role of the Watermaster

Auctions and raffles raised support for local student scholarships and Rotary programs Borrego Springs Rotary held a Mardi Gras–themed fundraising event on February 7, bringing together Rotary members, community supporters, and guests to raise funds for local scholarships and Rotary programs. The event featured live and silent auctions, raffles, and a community gathering centered on education support. Auction items included hosted dinners, private chef experiences, original artwork, photography, handcrafted quilts, wine collections, art, spa packages, and gift certificates donated by local businesses and individuals. Several offerings generated competitive bidding throughout the evening. A private chef experience led by Chef Kurt Hauser, a chef at de Anza Country Club, was among the most popular auction items of the night. Final bidding for the experience went to Jimmy Smith, of the upcoming Jimmy’s Front Porch Revue. Beer for the event was supplied by Julian Beer Co., contributing to the Mardi Gras atmosphere. Mike Rue of The RAM online radio DJ’d the event, keeping the music flowing throughout the evening. Event food, service, and décor were handled by Rams Hill Golf Club , with Jessica, Food and Beverage Manager, and Chef Eduardo overseeing hospitality and event operations. Their coordination contributed to the smooth flow and presentation of the evening. The Mardi Gras theme carried through the event, including a costume component judged by high school students. Monica Rue was named Best Dressed. Raffles ran throughout the night and included donated baskets, wine and dining packages, nursery gift certificates, and spa services. Participation in both the raffles and auctions contributed to scholarship funding. During the program, Rotarian Martha Deichler and the event auctioneer highlighted how local students often depend on multiple sources of support to continue their education. “Our students rely on multiple scholarships from Rotary, BASIC, Soroptimist, and Bike4BorregoKids to make it work,” Deichler said. Rotary’s scholarship structure was also explained, noting that awards increase as students continue their education. “First-year students receive $1,000. If they stay in school with good grades, the amount increases each year,” the speaker said. A student recipient shared how scholarships directly affect their ability to remain enrolled. “I don’t receive financial aid through FAFSA, so scholarships like this are how I’m able to continue my education,” the student said. “Every scholarship helps reduce the burden on my family.” “S-Interact students, Rotary’s youth service club, assisted throughout the evening, and members of the Miss Borrego Court also participated, helping support event activities and engagement.” The February 7 fundraiser served as one of Rotary’s ongoing local efforts to support education through community-based fundraising, continuing the organization’s focus on scholarships and service in Borrego Springs.

Live On Stage, Inc. and Borrego Springs Community Concert Association announce Sibling Bluegrass/Western band as part of their 2025-2026 Concert Season BORREGO SPRINGS, Cali. – (February 5, 2026) – Join the Waddington Brothers as they perform iconic Bluegrass and Western music with jaw-dropping authenticity in a live concert at Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. Individual tickets may be available in the lobby the night of the show. If you would like to get on the waiting list or for further information, please use the contact form on the website - borregoconcerts.org . Students are admitted for free. “…world-class musicians who connect with their audiences and bring sheer joy to those in attendance.” Michael Burgraff, Fergus Falls Center for the Arts The Waddington Brothers, a band of four brothers from rural North Dakota, perform what they live: music that is real to them, that takes listeners on a journey through the heart of the American West. Seth, Ethan, Jacob and Job skillfully blend cowboy and bluegrass music, creating a style that is timelessly classic and yet refreshingly new and unique. Their rich, stirring harmonies and instrumental versatility bring familiar favorites like “Old Home Town,” “Less Traveled Road,” and “Red River Valley” to life in way that is entertaining and engaging for audiences of all ages!

Director Colin Whitman discusses short documentary following screening and audience Q&A

Endurance, Adaptation, and Purpose International endurance handcyclist Fred Lacroix spoke at the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center on February 6. The event featured a talk followed by audience questions, offering insight into long-distance handcycling, endurance racing, and the role sport has played in shaping Lacroix’s life. Light snacks were provided as part of the evening program. Lacroix described how becoming a wheelchair user marked a complete reset rather than a detour. “It’s not a turn in your life. It’s a new life to start.” He explained that independence came through intentional daily choices, identifying a clear decision early in his recovery. “There were two choices: a couch, a television, beer, potato chips—or to try to move.” That choice led him first to racing wheelchairs, where he competed in road races and half marathons, and later to handcycling, which allowed him to train longer and focus on endurance. “Immediately, it was like a spark. I was comfortable, and I could ride for hours.” During the talk, Lacroix outlined what endurance racing requires—consistent training, goal-setting, and mental focus. He briefly discussed riding Pikes Peak, one of North America’s highest paved roads, explaining that success at altitude depends on long-term acclimation rather than last-minute effort. “You cannot decide on Friday night while eating a pizza. You have to train a long time to acclimate your body to the lack of oxygen.” Lacroix also explained how training in Borrego Springs led him to discover the 6–12–24 Hour World Time Trial Championships, a race where athletes compete over six, twelve, or twenty-four hours on a closed course, emphasizing strategy, concentration, and sustained effort. He later competed in the event and earned first place in his age division. He closed by clarifying why he wanted to speak publicly—not to focus on himself, but on possibility. “I asked to organize this presentation not to speak about me, but about what we can do—disabled or not. Sport is important for everybody.” The evening concluded with audience questions covering equipment, safety, training logistics, and race preparation, highlighting the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center’s ongoing role as a place for learning, conversation, and shared experience. 

Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026 Time: 8:30 a.m. – approximately 1:00 p.m. Location: Springs Amphitheater Dog Participation: Open to Roadrunner Club / Springs RV Park dogs only Public Attendance: Free and open to the public to watch and cheer

Free juried art show at Christmas Circle

PEG LEG SMITH LIAR’S CONTEST Since 1916 To Date The next saga of the Peg Leg Smith Liar’s Contest is a month away, Saturday March 7th . Location American Legion Post #853 4515 Borrego Springs Road Borrego Springs, Ca. Date March 7th, 2026 Time Dusk Who Thomas Long Smith , miner, horse thief, Indian fighter, and notorious liar. Google him for details or YouTube for videos. What A 100 plus year old event , a perpetuation of prevarication, where participants at the event manufacture the truth or a lie about a real person, Thomas Long Smith , aka Peg Leg Smith , who allegedly found, then lost, a gold mine in the Borrego Valley back in the mid-1800’s. He existed. The mine is what is in question. Why Must be fun. It’s been held here in the Valley nearly every year, give or take a few world wars and related interferences…… since 1916 . Rules None. Just make up a lie about him, or not even him—most anything—that is interesting, logical, entertaining, relatively short ( 10 minutes or less ). If it is good and you just show up and lie, you will receive a trophy (recycled) and a nice certificate good enough to frame . Judging There are three judges , all veterans of the event, all with 20 or more years doing so. The Chief Judge , me, has been judging since 1982 (no remuneration, free, poor judgement on my part). Winners are not chosen on bribery or status, but on three major categories : Quality of the lie ( 10 points max ) Performance in presenting it ( 10 points max ) Garb, stunts, random foolishness, helpers, music, or whatever ( 5 points max ) The last five points only separate the scores, as even last-minute sign-ups during the event are competitive. If we have children under 10 years of age , we will have a child judging category as well. Audience & Participation It is a liar’s contest. We can have 50, 100, 150 or more in the audience, but without liars…there is no contest . Sign up at the event Viewers bring a folding chair Bring non-alcoholic beverages (the Legion has a full bar) Sit outside near the campfire (held outside always—dress accordingly) Services Bathrooms, bar, and kitchen courtesy of the Legion and volunteers. Dinner is available—might be pulled pork again by popular demand , or not. It is a liar’s contest. Actually, I might be lying to you now. The Only Truth It will occur rain or shine , at the date and time , at the Legion . Bring a Lie It can be a short one, bad one, dumb one about anything you want to lie about—or even the truth is welcome. Just say his name, then run off in any direction you lie about best. You probably won’t know anyone there except a few friends that might have come along, so you can’t be embarrassed in front of strangers. Prepare to lie. We ALWAYS need liars . Even bad ones. Again, Google the contest to learn more. It is always fun and out of doors. What could be better than that? Oh, free as well. Jim McKenna Learn More About Borrego Springs

Hawk Watch Documentary Screening in Borrego Springs Hawk Watch documentary screening Feb. 18 at 7 PM at BSPAC. Free admission, donations encouraged, with a Q&A with the cast and crew. Hawk Watch screening facts Film: The Hawk Watch Documentary (locally produced) Event type: Fundraising screening Admission: Free Donations: Encouraged Date: Feb. 18 Time: 7:00 PM Location: BSPAC (Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center) Host: Borrego Springs Film Institute (BSFI) After the film: Q&A with the cast and crew More info: https://www.borregospringshawkwatch.com What the film is about The flyer describes the story as a look at a group of local birders working to help protect a global hawk migration as it passes through their valley—and whether their efforts can make a difference for both the birds and the community.  Learn More About Borrego Springs