Borrego Springs

BORREGO SPRINGS WATER SHORTAGE LOOMS LARGE AFTER WATER BOND FAILURE

 

 

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 communitywater consumption by 75 percent by 2040. The town relies 100% on groundwater  and its using far more than is being replenished through rainfall.  Citrus and palm farms use 70 to 80 percent of Borregos 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.


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SUPERVISORS REJECT UPZONING FOR COUNTRY CLUB ESTATE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN BORREGO SPRINGS

 

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.


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AIR PARADE TO SWEEP SKIES AT 53RD ANNUAL BORREGO DAYS FESTIVAL OCT. 20

 

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 53rd annual Borrego Days Desert Festival on October 20th will feature an all new gravity-defying air parade.


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LA CASA DEL ZORRO: FIRST AND FINEST IN THE DESERT

 

 

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.


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BORREGO VALLEY INN AND PALM CANYON HOTEL & RV RESORT: WEEKEND GETAWAYS FOR STARGAZING COUPLES AND FAMILIES

 

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.


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BORREGO SPRINGS HELICOPTER CRASH INJURES THREE

 
By Paul Kruze, Contributing Editor
 
April 30, 2018 (Borrego Springs) -- Emergency response vehicles from Cal Fire, the San Diego County Sheriff, Borrego Fire, and State Parks were called to the scene this afternoon of a helicopter crash north of Borrego Air Ranch airstrip, east of Borrego on Stinson Road at about 1:30 p.m.

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THE BEAUTY OF BORREGO

 

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.


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PHOTO OF THE WEEK: RAINBOW OVER BORREGO SPRINGS

 

East County News Service

Photo:  © 2018 Peter Tellone – photographer

January 9, 2018 (Borrego Springs) – Photographer Peter Tellone sent in this postcard-perfect image of a rainbow after the storm in Borrego Springs.

You can view more of his works at petertellone.com.


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NEW YEAR’S DINNER/DANCE AT RAM’S HILL IN BORREGO SPRINGS

 

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 31st 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.


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HERE WE COME A -CAROLING, BORREGO STYLE DEC. 9-10

East County News Service

December 1, 2017 (Borrego Springs) – Borrego Springs Performing Ars Center will present “Here We Come A-Caroling, Borrego Style” on Saturday, December 9 at 7:30 and 9 p.m. and again on Sunday, December 10 at 3 and 4:30 p.m. 

You’re invited to come sing carols with neighbors and friends while being entertained by Borrego's finest musicians and orators.  A program of songs, heartwarming stories and surprise appearances will lift your spirits and add joy to the Holiday season as you celebrate, Borrego style.


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BORREGO SPRINGS BREAKS GROUND ON NEW PARK, LIBRARY AND SHERIFF STATION

 

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


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COUNTY AND RURAL FIRE AGENCIES AWARDED $100,000 FOR VITAL FIRE EQUIPMENT IN ALPINE, JULIAN AND BORREGO

 

East County News Service

October 1, 2017 (San Diego) -- San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) this week announced a $100,000 charitable grant to purchase essential equipment and medical apparatus for San Diego County Fire and rural fire agencies to better serve local communities and protect the region from future fires.


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FORWARD SPREAD HALTED ON FIRE NEAR BORREGO

 

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. 


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SUNSET TO STARS: DINNER EXCURSIONS IN ANZA BORREGO DESERT AUG. 11 AND 16

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Dennis Mammana

July 26, 2017 (Borrego Springs) – California Overland Adventures invites you to a 5-hour sunset-to-stars excursion to experience the Anza-Borrego Desert on August 11 or August 16  from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. including an off-road adventure to rugged badlands, dinner and stargazing in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, which USA Today has called a “stargazer’s paradise.”

Overnight camping options are also available on separate dates.


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BORREGO BIGHORN SHEEP COUNT NEEDS VOLUNTEERS AND HELP RESTORING MAILING LIST AFTER DEATH OF RANGER BIER

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Daren Sefcik

June 1, 2017 (Borrego Springs) – The 47th annual Anza Borrego bighorn sheep count is set for  June 29th through July 1st,  with a mandatory orientation on June 17th 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.


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WILDFLOWER JAMS: VISITORS FLOCKING TO BORREGO SPRINGS CAUSE LONG TRAFFIC DELAYS

 

East County News Service

March 12, 2017 (Borrego Springs) – The recent rainstorms have created quite a sight in the Borrego Springs area: a desert wildflower bloom that hasn't been this vibrant in years. But those blossoms are also attracting huge crowds, the San Diego Sheriff’s Department warns, and that’s led to traffic problems on roadways in and around Borrego Springs.


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CIRCLE OF ART SHOW AND SALE MARCH 18-19 IN BORREGO SPRINGS

 

East County News Service

February 26, 2017 (Borrego Springs) — The 28th 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.


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BORREGO LIBRARY, PARK AND SUBSTATION PROPOSED DESIGNS NOW ONLINE: PUBLIC COMMENTS ACCEPTED THROUGH FEB. 24

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo:  Library entrance, Proposal A

February 19, 2017 (Borrego Springs) -- Proposed designs for the new Borrego Springs Library/Park/Sheriff's Substation project are be viewable online from February 18, 2017 to February 24, 2017. The public is invited to view the three proposed designs at: http://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/general_services/Facility_Planning_Design_Construction.html


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DESERT WILDFLOWERS SET FOR BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS SOON

 

East County News Service

February 13, 2017 (Borrego Springs) – This year’s heavy rains may result in one of the most spectacular wildflower seasons in recent memory in the Anza Borrego Desert State Park. 


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BORREGO DAYS MAY BE CANCELLED

 

East County News Service

February 12, 2017 (Borrego Springs) — The Borrego Days Desert Festival faces possible cancellation this year due to a shortage of sponsors, the Borrego Sun reports. The festival has taken place for the past 52 years as a tradition to welcome snowbirds who flock to the desert each winter with a parade and other activities. 


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HEAR OUR INTERVIEWS ON 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF ANZA BORREGO FOUNDATION--AND COLORFUL TALES OF DESERT LORE

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

Listen now to our interviews, originally aired on KNSJ radio, by clicking the audio link .

February  7, 2017 (Borrego Springs)—In April, the Anza-Borrego Foundation will celebrate its 50th anniversary.  We recently interviewed Paige Rogowski, ABF’s executive director, on exciting events coming up to celebrate the occasion. In addition, we interviewed Diana Lindsay, a historian who has written extensively about Anza Borrego Desert State Park. 

They shared some fascinating history with us about our desert region, and the colorful characters from the region’s past, info on the State Park, as well as the Foundation’s successes and continuing efforts to purchase and preserve privately owned lands within the largest state park in California.

Audio: 

Anza Borrego Foundation 50th anniversary interviews

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MOUNTAIN LIONS, VALLEY FEVER, EARTHQUAKES AND MORE HIGHLIGHTED IN ANZA-BORREGO FOUNDATION’S RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM AND EDUCATION TALKS

 

Programming November 2016 through April 2017 Showcases 50 Years of Conservation at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Beyond

East County News Service

October 19, 2016 (Borrego Springs) – How do arthropods create micro-communities in cacti? What is the state of the puma population in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park? How did places in the Park like “Alcoholic Pass” and “Hellhole Canyon” get their names?


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NIGHT SKY PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP JUNE 25-26 IN BORREGO SPRINGS



By Miriam Raftery

May 26, 2016 (Borrego Springs) –In June, the Milky Way will be  a spectacular sight to behold in the night sky over Borrego Springs.   You can join world famous night sky photographer Dennis Mammana  to learn the fine art and science of capturing the Milky Way with your camera, along with many other remarkable celestial sights visible in the clear, dark desert sky at a night sky photography workshop June 25-26.


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18TH ANNUAL BORREGO DESERT GARDEN TOUR

 

East County News Service

February 23, 2016 (Borrego Springs) - It’s Garden Tour time in the desert and the 18th Annual Borrego Springs Garden Tour invites visitors to experience private gardens and homes at their own pace from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 19.


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LOVE IS IN THE AIR AT LA CASA DEL ZORRO RESORT

 

 

East County News Service

February 4, 2016 (Borrego Springs)--From a romance-filled Valentine's Day special dinner to an exceptionally beautiful wildflower season just around the corner, there are plenty of reasons to fall in love with La Casa del Zorro Resort in Borrego Springs this month.


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CIRCLE OF ART CELEBRATES 27TH YEAR IN BORREGO SPRINGS MARCH 12-13

 

By Miriam Raftery

 

January 12, 2016 (Borrego Springs) - The 27th annual Circle of Art Show & Sale will take place March 12th & 13th in beautiful Borrego Springs.  This free outdoor art show is staged at Christmas Circle, in the heart of the village.


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SUPERVISORS TO CONSIDER JOINT JURISDICTION OF BORREGO GROUNDWATER

 

East County News Service

January 2, 2016 (Borrego) -On Wednesday January 6th,  San Diego Supervisors’ agenda  includes a public hearing on authorizing the County to become a groundwater sustainability agency, giving it jurisdiction over the Borrego Valley groundwater basin—the sole source of water for the Borrego region, jointly with the Borrego Water District.

The Borrego Valley area uses four times more groundwater than is replenished annually, on average.  As a result, groundwater levels have declined over 100 feet in some parts of the Borrego Valley, due to heavy water use for irrigated agriculture, residential, and commercial users including golf courses and resorts that draw tourists to the region, as well as Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, according to a  U.S. Geological Survey study on the Borrego Valley groundwater basin from 1945-2010, done in cooperation with the Borrego Water District. View study  here.


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DESERT JEWEL: LA CASA DEL ZORRO RESORT SHINES ANEW

 

By Miriam Raftery

October 22, 2015 (Borrego Springs) – Treasure hunters have long been drawn to the Anza-Borrego Desert, seeking gold and precious gemstones. But the real treasure to be found today is La Casa del Zorro Resort, restored to its former splendor with a hospitality that welcomes all—a sparkling oasis amid the desert sands.

Whether you’re heading out for this weekend’s 50th anniversary Borrego Days Desert Festival and parade, or seeking an off-season adventure in summer, spring or fall, La Casa del Zorro provides a delightful haven year-round.


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50TH ANNIVERSARY BORREGO DAYS DESERT FESTIVAL: “THOSE WERE THE DAYS” OCT. 23-25

 

By Miriam Raftery

September 19, 2015 (Borrego Springs) -- The Borrego Days Desert Festival has a long history of launching the peak season for Southern California’s desert region—welcoming snowbirds and enticing locals to join together after a long summer for a weekend of celebration.

 This year, the festival marks its 50th anniversary with a theme of “Those Were the Days” Oct. 23-25, aiming to create new memories for young and old alike. Live entertainment on the main stage, artists, a children’s fun zone, outdoor shopping, gourmet food trucks, beer and beverage garden, vendors, as well as a Saturday parade featuring flyover, equestrians, marching bands, floats, clowns, dancers, classic cars and more are all planned.


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BOTTLE BLAZE

 

East County News Service

August 23, 2015 (Borrego Springs)--A fire in Borrego Springs over the weekend serves as a remind that in extreme heat, it’s wise not to leave reflective materials around your home.


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