Obituary: Carlos Augusto Medina, 86

Longtime Borrego Springs Resident

Carlos Augusto Medina, a Borrego Springs resident for many years, passed away peacefully at his home here on April 13, 2025. He was 86.

Borregans may recognize Mr. Medina because he frequently rode his motorized scooter from his home to the local post office. Aside from the errand, he enjoyed talking to people and asking them if they knew his son. He is the father of now retired Sheriff’s Sergeant Carlos E. Medina, who began serving as the local Resident Deputy in 2004.

Mr. Medina was born August 14, 1938, in Honduras. He came to the United States as a teenager and lived in the Los Angeles area with his parents.

Mr. Medina made his living by selling cars, rising up the ranks to manage the sales departments at numerous automobile dealerships in Los Angeles.

He moved to Borrego Springs upon retirement to live with his son, Carlos. He was incredibly proud of his two sons who both had careers in law enforcement.

In addition to sun bathing on his scooter, Mr. Medina enjoyed waking near dawn six days a week to meet for coffee with the landscaping crew managed by Jose Arias. Mr. Arias, a neighbor, welcomed Mr. Medina into the fold and became a good friend.

Mr. Medina enjoyed watching horse racing, The Price is Right , and having animated prolonged conversations with random solicitors who frequently called his phone. He had a lifelong desire to strike it rich and awaited a visit from Publisher’s Clearinghouse (sometimes in the driveway). He took pride in being called the “Ranch Manager” of his son’s property, and he helped care for it as best he could.

In mid-2024, Mr. Medina’s health declined to the point where he temporarily left the valley for skilled nursing. His final wish came true when he returned home to Borrego Springs before he passed.

Mr. Medina was preceded in death by his parents, Enrique and Julia Medina, brothers Enrique Jr. and Mario, sister Sylvia, and his stepdaughter Dorianne Garcia.

In addition to his son Carlos, of Borrego Springs, he is survived by his son Christopher Medina and daughter-in-law Teresa Glancy of Chino Hills. He left two cherished granddaughters, Nicole and Sarah Medina, a grandson Travis Garcia, and his former wife Loretta Salazar (mother to his sons). He is also mourned by his son Carlos’ longtime partner, Borregan Maris Brancheau, and her daughter, Sita.

His family and friends will forever miss him, and no public memorial is planned.