Update:  Supervisor Jim Desmond introduced a mtion to approve this mesaure, which was passed unanimously by Supervisors with one amendment:  the withdrawal will take effect when the stipulated agreement is submitted to a court, or on December 31, 2019, whichever occurs first.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Citrus growers and other farmers in Borrego use 75% of the area’s groundwater. A new plan proposes allowing large water users to buy or trade water use credits. 

October 14, 2019 (Borrego Springs) – Faced with a state mandate to reduce water use by 75 percent after years over over-pumping groundwater, major water users in Borrego Springs have submitted a stipulated agreement for reducing the desert community’s water use by an estimated 75 percent. On Wednesday, San Diego County Supervisors will vote on withdrawing as a groundwater sustainability agency for the Borrego Valley Groundwater Basin, with a goal toward transitioning into water management.

By Miriam Raftery

September 23, 2019 (Borrego Springs) -- The 52nd annual Borrego Days Desert Festival in Borrego Springs will be blossom Friday through Sunday, October 18- 20^th. This year’s theme is “Bloom in Borrego” to pay homage to the beauty of Borrego Springs and the surrounding 600,000 Anza Borrego Desert State Park. Festivities include a parade, live music, arts and crafts, kids’ activities and much more.

East County News Service

April 2, 2019 (Borrego Springs) – The Alice Wallace Band will perform a free outdoor concert this Sunday, April 7 at the Springs At Borrego (2255 DiGiorgio Rd.) in Borrego Springs.  Recently named female vocalist of the year in the California Country Awards, Alice Walker is a singer/songwriter who mixes modern folk, classic country, American and blues into a genre all her own.

Source: Caltrans

Photo:  Detour will route motorists onto Montezuma Valley Road

March 30, 2019 (Borrego Springs) — Construction crews will close a 13-mile segment of State Route 78 (SR-78) from San Felipe Road/ Great Southern Overland Stage Route (S-2) located just east of Julian to Borrego Springs Road for 24 hours beginning Wednesday at sunrise. The closure is needed for rock scaling to remove boulders and loose soil from highway slopes to ensure that they remain stable.

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.

East County News Service

August 28, 2018 (Borrego Springs) -- What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of a parade—a holiday? Decorated floats? Marching bands? What about thousands of people gathered in the middle of the desert for a parade themed “eyes to the skies?” Far from your average hometown parade, the 53^rd annual Borrego Days Desert Festival on October 20^th will feature an all new gravity-defying air parade.

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

December 30, 2017 (Borrego Springs) – Rams Hill Golf Resort in Borrego Springs is hosting a New Year’s Eve dinner/dance on December 31^st starting at 5:30 p.m.   Before the ball drops, you can enjoy live Sinatra-esque music from the Golden Era.

The evening begins with tray pass hors d’oeuvres, followed by a three-course meal at $99 a person.

East County News Service

October 23, 2017 (Borrego Springs) -- The County broke ground over the weekend on a public park, a new library and a Sheriff’s station in Borrego Springs. 

The modern library will be 13,500 feet and equipped with energy efficient features for zero net energy use—also provided plenty of air-conditioned space for residents to escape extreme heat. The new library will be three times the size of the old one that it will replace and will also include a homework center, children’s area, community room and more.  Read details: http://www.sdcl.org/PDF/sdcl_br-faq.pdf

East County Wildfire and Emergency Alerts

Photo:  Ranchita Sheriff substation

Update August 27, 8 a.m.  The fire is now 80 percent contained and Montezuma Valley Road is reopening.  Full containing is expected later today, Cal Fire reports.

Update 9:30 p.m.  The Montezuma fire is now 60 percent contained.

August 26, 2017 (Borrego Springs) -- The Montezuma Fire has charred 62 acres and is now 20 percent contained, with forward spread stopped, Cal Fire reports.

The blaze began this afternoon when a Jeep Fire ignirted dry brush along Montezuma Valley Road near Borrego Springs. 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Daren Sefcik

June 1, 2017 (Borrego Springs) – The 47^th annual Anza Borrego bighorn sheep count is set for  June 29^th through July 1^st,  with a mandatory orientation on June 17^th for all new counters and recommended for those who participated in the past.   The count will go on despite the death of its long-time leader, Ranger Steve Bier. 

“We were unable to find the master sheep count mailing list,”  states a letter from Anza Borrego Desert State Park Superintendent Kathy Dice and volunteer Sheep County Coordinator Mark Jorgensen, who are organizing a new sheep counting team. If you know of counters,  please forward their contact information to AB.Sheepcount@parks.ca.gov.

East County News Service

February 26, 2017 (Borrego Springs) — The 28^th annual Circle of Art Show and Art Sale celebrating art in the desert will take place Saturday March 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. .and Sunday, March 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Christmas Circle in the heart of Borrego Springs.