East County News Service

January 3, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) – A New Year’s eve storm dropped temperatures to below freezing across most of East County, bringing snow and ice even to some low elevation areas.  Area residents took to social media with their icy images.

Anza Borrego Desert Research Center posted an image (left) of snow blanketing the ground around the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park’s landmark sign  The group reported snow flurries down to 2300 feet, with snow sticking above the 2500 foot elevation in the normally arid terrain.

December 14, 2018 (Ocotillo, California) -- Jim Pelley sent in this spectacular photo of a desert sunrise piercing periwinkle-hued clouds near his home in Ocotilo, near the border of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Palm farm in Borrego Springs, by Miriam Raftery

November 25, 2018 (Borrego Springs) – Borrego Springs is under a state mandate to submit a plan early next year to reduce the desert community’s water consumption by 75 percent by 2040. The town relies 100% on groundwater – and it’s using far more than is being replenished through rainfall.  Citrus and palm farms use 70 to 80 percent of Borrego’s water, so the only way to meet the staterequirement and save the town’s only water supply is to eliminate some or all of the farms.

By Miriam Raftery

November 8, 2018 (San Diego's East County) -- Two East County school districts appear to have reached the 55% majority needed for passage, but a third failed to meet the mark, with 100% of precincts counted but some mail-in and provisional ballots still to be tallied.

By Miriam Raftery

View full agenda

View minutes from last meeting

View letter from Mark Wardlaw on wind health impacts study

October 30, 2018 (Boulevard) – The Boulevard Planning Group will meet Thursday, November 1^st at 7 p.m. in the Backcountry Resource Center (39919 Ribbon Rd., Boulevard  behind the old fire station).  Action items include Chair Donna Tisdale’s request to respond to a letter from County Planning Department Director Mark Wardlaw in which Wardlaw advised that the County Health and Human Services Agency is preparing a report on human health effects of wind turbines.  The group will also vote on opposing placement of Alvin Quarles, a sexually violent predator, in Jacumba.

By Miriam Raftery

October 13, 2018 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – Judge David Gill on Friday approved the release of Alvin Quarles, a sexual predator dubbed “bolder than most” to a residence at 43050 Desert Ranch Road in Jacumba Hot Springs. The Department of State Hospitals had proposed Quarles’ release to the site on or before November 30^th.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: More than 50 Borrego residents made the long trip from the desert to show opposition to the project.

September 13, 2018 (Borrego Springs) – By a 3-2 vote, San Diego Supervisors rejected a request to upzone 169 acres in Borrego Springs. The proposed Borrego Country Club Estate project sought to build 169 homes on land currently zoned for just 16 residences.

The site known to locals as “Rudyville” is located in south Borrego Springs on land that includes ancient Ocotillo groves and endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep, among other species of concern.

The state has ordered Borrego to reduce its water consumption by 75 percent due to the community using more groundwater than is being replenished by rainfall, a fact that proved the key factor in blocking the project.

East County News Service

August 22, 2018 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – The Department of State Hospitals has proposed the release of Alvin Quarles, a sexually violent predator, at 43050 Desert Rose Ranch Road in Jacumba Hot Springs.  A serial rapist, Quarles attacked victims at knifepoint while they were sleeping in their homes or hotel rooms. He sometimes raped women in front of their husbands or boyfriends, and at times forced them to have sex while he watched.  Investigators suspect he was responsible for over a dozen assaults in San Diego County during the 1980s. In 1989, he was sentenced to 50 years in prison under a plea bargain.

By Michelle Mowad, County of San Diego Communications Office

Photo:  Volcan Mountain Wilderness 

July 30, 2018 (San Dietygo) - County Parks and Recreation will close several parks for the month of August, a precaution taken each year due to the season’s expected extreme heat.

By Miriam Raftery

July 1, 2018 (San Diego) — The National Weather Service predicts temperatures are likely to reach excessive levels by Friday and Saturday. There will also be a chance of thunderstorms in the mountains of San Diego County and other Southern California locations. Temperatures could reach 118 degrees in Borrego Springs, 101 in Ramona, 100 degrees in Alpine, and 97 degrees in Julian.

Be sure to stay well hydrated with plenty of water and avoid strenuous outdoor activities if possible.  If you must work outdoors, take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Bryan Hong via Wikipedia

Update June 26, 2018:  The deceased man has been identified as Manuel Lizarraga, who had been reported missing. His body was found four miles from his vehicle in a remote area of the park.

June 22, 2018 (Ocotillo Wells) – A 24-hour search for a man reported missing yesterday at 4:30 p.m. led to discovery of a male body at 5 p.m. today, four miles from the missing man’s vehicle.

A caller reported a man missing and presumably stuck in sand near Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area in San Diego County, between Borrego Springs and the Salton Sea. That prompted a search by park rangers and a Sheriff’s Astrea helicopter late yesterday.

Backcountry hidden pleasures:   Our guide to unique lodging adventures in San Diego’s beautiful backcountry

By Bobbi Zane

Photos courtesy of La Casa del Zorro and Miriam Raftery

May 27, 2018 (Borrego Springs) -- Luxury starts the minute you step into the lobby of La Casa del Zorro Desert Resort and Spa, where you’ll hear a cheerful “May I help you?” to begin your stay at this sumptuous resort, located in the heart of the beautiful and historic Anza Borrego Desert in San Diego County.

Backcountry hidden pleasures:   Our guide to unique lodging adventures in San Diego’s beautiful backcountry

Story and most photos by Jonathan Ronald Goetz

Photo, left: Borrego Valley Inn, courtesy of Bryre Roots

Photo, right: Palm Canyon Hotel and RV Resort with renovated Western theme

May 7, 2018 (Borrego Springs) -- Borrego Springs and the surrounding Anza-Borrego Desert State Park  are among the best places in the world to see the night sky, drawing visitors from across the globe.

Borrego Valley Inn, an intimate couples-only hotel and its sister property, Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort, a Western-themed, family-friendly hotel also offering ‘50s-style vintage glamping, both provide historic charm and comfort for guests seeking affordable lodging  as well as celestial night sights.

Backcountry hidden pleasures:   Our guide to unique adventures in San Diego’s beautiful backcountry

By Miriam Raftery

April 24, 2018 (Borrego Springs) – Located in the heart of the Anza-Borrego Desert in the furthest east reach of San Diego County, Borrego Springs is a place where visitors are surrounded by nature, can stargaze in an internationally designated “dark skies” region, enjoy spring wildflowers, visit the largest state park in California, gaze at whimsical statues across the desert and also find cultural attractions from art shows to musical programs in a performing arts center.

East County News Service