Borrego Springs

WELCOME, DESERT DENIZENS!

Our deserts section covers the Anza Borrego Desert State Park and the communities of Borrego Springs, Ocotillo, Ocotillo Wells and Jacumba.


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BEAUTIFUL BORREGO BLOOMS: OUR GUIDE TO WILDFLOWER VIEWING

Story and photos by Miriam Raftery

March 16,  2024 (Borrego Springs) – Those heavy winter rains have resulted in one of the most beautiful bloom seasons in recent memory in the Anza-Borrego Desert.  I visited earlier this month, finding the desert floor along Henderson Canyon Road bursting with colorful purple verbena, white primroses and yellow sunflowers.

Many of the most spectacular wildflower fields are not in the Anza-Borrego State Park, but just outside it on the outskirts of Borrego Springs.

Tips for your visit:


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MAN ARRESTED FOR MURDERING HIS MOTHER IN BORREGO SPRINGS

East County News Service

Update November 21, 2023: The victim has been identified as Leona Guevara, 63.

November 19, 2023 (Borrego Springs) – Jacob Guevara, 41, is under arrest for the murder of his mother.

The victim’s daughter had requested a welfare check on her mother, 63, due to living conditions in  her residence, according to the Lieutenant Joseph Jarjura with the San Diego County Sheriff’s department.


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DE ANZA COUNTRY CLUB DESTROYED BY FIRE

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left, via Cal Fire

October 31, 2023 (Borrego Springs) – Yesterday morning’s fire destroyed the historic clubhouse at de Anza Country Club in Borrego Springs.  The club posted on Facebook, “Sad news to report. Our beautiful clubhouse at de Anza has burned…Bighorn Room,  Coyote Den, Ballroom, offices, locker rooms were all ruined.  Golf Shop is okay. We are all devastated; members, employees and friends of de Anza.”


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57TH ANNUAL BORREGO DAYS DESERT FESTIVAL OCTOBER 21-22

East County News Service

October 10, 2023 (Borrego Springs) – The 57th annual Borrego Days Desert Festival, produced by the Borrego Chamber of Commerce, will be held Saturday, Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Christmas Circle Community Park on Palm Canyon Drive in Borrego Springs.


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COUNTY FIRE NOW SERVES BORREGO SPRINGS AFTER LOCAL DISTRICT DISSOLVES

East County News Service

July 17,2023 (Borrego Springs) -- The community of Borrego Springs is now served by San Diego County Fire through its partnership with CAL FIRE. County Fire increased staff to expand services to the area.


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COURT APPROVES PLACEMENT OF SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATOR IN BORREGO

By Miriam Raftery

March 30, 2023 (Borrego Springs) – Sexually violent predator Douglas Badger will be housed at a residence on Zuni Trail in Borrego Springs starting in May. The placement was approved by Superior Court Judge Theodore Weathers, over vocal objections from community residents and officials.

Badger has been convicted of kidnapping and raping young male hitchhikers and sexually assaulting a young girl.  He’s been diagnosed as a sexual sadist, served several terms in prison and the past 18 years in a state mental hospital, but he has been approved by the Dept. of State Hospitals for release.


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WILDFLOWER WATCHING: TIPS FROM ANZA BORREGO FOUNDATION

East County News Service

March 17, 2023 (Borrego Springs) -- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is beginning to have pockets of blooming wildflowers as well as cacti blooms. The Anza Borrego Foundation offers these tips for those planning to come view wildflowers:

  1. Check the weather forecast before heading to the Park. Make sure to dress in layers and pack plenty of water.
  2. Call the Wildflower Hotline at 760-767-4684 for weekly updates on the best viewing locations.
  3. Print the most recent wildflower map at home. You can click here to find printable wildflower maps.
  4. You can also get printed wildflower maps and viewing tips at the State Park store at 587 Palm Canyon Drive between 11 .am. and 3 p.m. Fridays through Sundays.
  5. Check road conditions, including the surrounding mountains for any road closures or chain requirements.
  6. Make sure to visit our State Park store, open daily 9 AM - 5 PM for any needed information or to purchase Park maps.

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PEG LEG LIARS CONTEST IS BACK: MARCH 4 IN BORREGO SPRINGS

East County News Service

Photo: Pegleg Smith state historical marker;  CC by SA-NC

February 17, 2023 (Borrego Springs, CA) – Telling a whopper is usually taboo.  But at the Peg Leg Liars Contest, named for the purported discoverer of a yet-to-be-found treasure in black gold, you can win prizes for spinning the best tall tale.

After a two year hiatus due to COVID, the contest will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at the American Legion Post, 4515 Borrego Springs Road in Borrego Springs (across from La Casa del Zorro). The contest starts at dusk.

Begun informally in 1916 and formally in 1948, the event is the longest ongoing story-telling competition in the West.


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PINE VALLEY MOTORCYCLIST DIES IN BORREGO CRASH

East County News Service

February 2, 2023 (Borrego Springs) – A Pine Valley man, 68, died January 25 in a crash that occurred around 3 p.m. in Borrego Springs.

He was driving a 2015 Indian Roadmaster motorcycle south on Great Overland Stage Route north of Agua Caliente Springs Road when he missed a curve and crossed over the double yellow lines, then onto a field on the opposite side of the roadway.


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10TH ANNUAL BORREGO SPRINGS FILM FESTIVAL JAN. 12-16 ADDS COMMUNITY AND FILMMAKER PANELS TO LINEUP

East County News Service

December 26, 2022 (Borrego Springs) - The 10th Annual Borrego Springs Film Festival will take place on January 12 – 16, 2023, in Borrego Springs, California - a small town in the northern end of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, in San Diego County.  The five-day festival presents screenings of selected short films, features, documentaries, animated shorts and Hispanic/Latin films, shown in Blocks at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center.  


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ANZA BORREGO DECEMBER ACTIVITES: HIKES, STARGAZING, CHILI FEST AND MORE

East County News Service

November 22, 2022 (Borrego Springs) – The Anza Borrego Desert Natural History Association has an array of classes, outings and activities planned for December during the coolest time of the year.  From moonlit desert walks to bike rides, birdwatching and photography sessions, there’s something for everyone coming up.  Find full details and register at https://www.abdnha.org/calendar1.htm#baron3, and scroll down for highlights.


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DRAWING CLASSES IN BORREGO SPRINGS IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER

East County News Service
 
October 24, 2022 (Borrego Springs) – The Borrego Art Institute will host drawing classes for beginner and intermediate art students with artist Susan Martin Spar in November and December.

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COLD CASE SOLVED IN BORREGO SPRINGS

DNA evidence helps detectives solve 1994 murder.

Source:  San Diego County Sheriff

October 17, 2022 (Borrego Springs) - On March 21, 1994, 72-year-old Claire "Kay" Holman was found murdered in her home located in the 700 block of Tilting T Drive in Borrego Springs.


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ECM FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: RAMPAGE IN THE DESERT AS BORREGO RUNS OVER JULIAN 51-0

Story and photos by Liz Alper
 
September 2, 2022 (Borrego Springs) - For week three, ECM Sports took a journey far, far out into the desert for the only matchup between two East County schools this week, Julian and Borrego Springs.  Both teams have a loss on the season, which only started last week.

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BAD NEWS FOR BORREGO HEALTH, WORSE NEWS FOR 82,000 PATIENTS: THE STATE IS SUSPENDING 100% OF BORREGO HEALTH MEDI-CAL SERVICES

 

Action follows fraud investigation, impacts Borrego Health clinics across East County

By Nikki Symington

Originally published in the Borrego Sun

August 31, 2022 (Borrego Springs) -- On Friday, Aug. 19, Borrego Health’s administrative offices, individual clinics, and others outside of the organization were notified by the State of California Health and Human Services Agency – Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) that the state intends to reimpose its 100% payment suspension on all Borrego Health Medi-Cal services beginning Sept. 29. 2022


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56TH BORREGO DAYS DESERT FESTIVAL SLATED FOR OCTOBER 22-23

Event includes expanded entertainment, but no parade this year

East County News Service

August 29, 2022 (Borrego Springs) – The 56th annual Borrego Days Desert Festival offers a weekend filled with activities October 22-23. The festival takes place at Christmas Circle Community Park and Palm Canyon Drive in Borrego Springs.


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JUDGE APPROVES PREDATOR PLACEMENT IN BORREGO SPRINGS

East County News Service

July 23, 2022 (Borrego Springs) -- Michael Martinez, a 69-year-old man classified by the state as a sexually violent predator, will be released and placed in a home on Running M Road in Borrego Springs


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EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING FOR DESERTS TODAY AND TOMORROW

July 21, 2022 (San Diego's East County) -- The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for San Diego County Deserts, starting at 11 a.m. today until Friday 7/22/22 at 8:00 p.m. Hot conditions with high temperatures of up to 116 degrees may be reached.

Borrego Springs Branch Library will be open as Cool Zone. For location information, hours of operation, and tips to beat the heat, visit: www.coolzones.org.


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STARGAZING EVENTS IN BORREGO AND BEYOND WITH NIGHT SKY EXPERT DENNIS MAMMANA

By Miriam Raftery

July 11, 2022 (Borrego Springs) – Famed night sky photographer, columnist and instructor Dennis Mammana is offering several fascinating events sure to put stars in your eyes.  They include a Nightfall Star Party, Borrego Night Sky Tours, and Celestial Overnight Campout all in Borrego Springs. For the adventurous at heart, Mammana is also leading an astronomy trip to Alaska to view the Aurora Borealis, or Norther Lights.

Below are details.


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THE EPIC CYCLING EVENT RACE ACROSS AMERICA ROLLS THROUGH BORREGO SPRINGS

By Daniel Smiechowski

June 19, 2022 (Borrego Springs) -- It is called one of the most brutal endurance events in the world. The Race Across America, a cycling event of over 3,000 miles from coast to coast found a home in Borrego Springs. Dozens of foreign countries were represented this year, as testament to the prestige attached to becoming a winner or even finisher in this punishing test of endurance.


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JONES ASKS JUDGE TO BLOCK PLACEMENT OF PREDATOR IN BORREGO SPRINGS

East County News Service

Photos: Michael Martinez, sexually violent predator proposed for release in Borrego Springs

June 14, 2022 (Borrego Springs) -- State Senator Brian W. Jones (R-Santee) has sent a letter to San Diego County Superior Court Judge David Gill asking that sexually violent predator (SVP) Michael Martinez not be paroled out of the State Hospital and into the community of Borrego Springs.

Martinez was convicted between 1979-2004 in four separate cases of child molestation, lewd or lascivious acts on a child under 14, and has been designated a sexually violent predator by the state.


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TIPS FOR VISITING THE ANZA-BORREGO DESERT

 

By Kylie Dees

May 21, 2022 (Anza-Borrego Desert) - Anza Borrego Desert State Park, located in San Diego County is just two to three hours east of San Diego. It’s the largest state park in California – and nearby Borrego Springs also has much to offer. There is definitely something for everyone of every age to experience and enjoy.


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88 FILMS TO BE SHOWCASED AT BORREGO FILM FESTIVAL MARCH 24-28

Festival Chair share insights in interview with East County Magazine 

By Matthew Manosh

 

Photo: Borrego Springs Film Festival 2022 Poster

 

March 23, 2022 (Borrego Springs)  -- A desert town away from the city, with films by independent artists from around the globe. It sounds like the perfect setting for a film festival. That’s the backdrop for the Borrego Springs Film Festival, which normally takes place in January, but was pushed back due to the COVID pandemic to this week, starting Thursday, March 24 and continuing through Monday, March 28.

 

East County Magazine got a chance to sit down and talk with the chairman of the film festival, Fred Jee who discussed the early days of the festival and what’s yet to come.


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ANZA BORREGO FOUNDATION’S HIKES RETURN: FIRST HIKE DEC. 14

By Miriam Raftery

December 5, 2021 (Borrego Springs) – The Anza Borrego Foundation’s member hikes are back starting Tuesday, December 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The first hike of the season will explore Sentenac Canyon and Cienega, including the Pacific Crest Trail and views of Earthquake Valley, Whale Peak, Volcan Mountain, Granite Mountain and Sentenac Canyon as well as Cienega, a rare desert wetland where habitat restoration is underway.


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BORREGO ART INSTITUTE SEEKS WORKS BY LATINO ARTISTS FOR JANUARY SHOW

East County News Service

December 5, 2021 (Borrego Springs) – The Borrego Art Instituted has issued a call for artworks by artists of Latino heritage or art strongly influenced by Latino culture.


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55TH ANNUAL BORREGO DAYS DESERT FESTIVAL WELCOMES BACK VISITORS OCT. 23-24

East County News Service

August 21, 2021 (Borrego Springs) – The 55th annual Borrego Days Desert Festival is slated to take place October 23 and 24 at Christmas Circle Community Park on Palm Canyon Drive in Borrego Springs. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Admission and parking are free.


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PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: DUST STORM IN BORREGO SPRINGS

East County News Service

August 31, 2021 (Borrego Springs) – “Strong thunderstorms east of Borrego and subsequent downdrafts has created a Haboob in Borrego Springs, see progression below over several minutes,” says Bob Kutscher, who sent in these photos. A haboob is an intense dust storm carried on an atmospheric gravity current or weather front; haboobs occur commonly in dry land areas around the world. 

 

Kutscher runs a weather station and is a severe weather spotter for the National Weather Service.


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HEARING ON PREDATOR PLACEMENT IN BORREGO POSTPONED; WAKEFIELD TO RECEIVE SIX MONTHS OF IN-PATIENT TREATMENT BEFORE FEB. HEARING

By Miriam Raftery

August 27, 2021 (Borrego Springs) – A hearing on the proposed placement of sexually violent predator Merle Wakefield has been posted to February 22, after Liberty Healthcare/CONREP withdrew its request to place him at 1575 Yaqui Road in Borrego Springs.


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PHOTO OF THE WEEK: SUNRISE AFTER A DESERT STORM

East County News Service

August 20, 2021 (Borrego Springs) – Bob Kutscher snapped this photo on August 11, the morning after a storm dumped three quarters of an inch of rain accompanied by thunder and lightning – all preceded by a Haboob, or dust storm that left particles to intensify the sunrise hues.


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