Miriam Raftery • November 4, 2026
Pilot killed in Ocotillo Wells plane crash
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Video Credit: FOX 5 San Diego / YouTube
By Miriam Raftery, East County Magazine
(Ocotillo Wells) – The National Transportation Board is investigating a fatal crash of a Piper 22-150 near Ocotillo Wells n San Diego’s East County this morning, the NTSB posted on X.
Cal Fire crews discovered the body of the pilot, who was the only person on board, per Cal Fire and the Federal Aviation Administration, ABC 10 News reports. For unknown reasons, the small plane crashed into Blow Sand Hill within the Ocotillo Wells State Recreational Vehicle Area.
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The Registrar will post the local election night results on sdvote.com and the Registrar of Voters X account.
Jinny Perrin leads singers from churches across Borrego Springs in Lloyd Larson’s cantata, Friday at 5:00 PM and Sunday at 3:30 PM Borrego Springs’ community Christmas cantata returns this December with Morning Star by Lloyd Larson, led by Virginia “Jinny” Sloan Perrin. Performances are Friday, December 11 at 5:00 PM and Sunday, December 13 at 3:30 PM at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 2680 Country Club Drive. This is a return for Morning Star. The community choir last performed it in 2022, when more than 30 singers were joined by a chime choir and a flute trio. The cantata is about the hope of Christmas and Christ as the light of the world. It blends new music with familiar Christmas melodies, adds narration, and includes moments for the audience to sing along. Perrin, a longtime leader of Borrego’s music community, directs a choir of local singers from all over town, church members and community members alike. At a glance What: Morning Star, a Christmas cantata by Lloyd Larson Led by: Jinny Perrin When: Friday, December 11, 5:00 PM, and Sunday, December 13, 3:30 PM Where: St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 2680 Country Club Drive, Borrego Springs Admission: All are welcome; Free Want to sing? Rehearsals are Mondays at 6:30 PM, and new voices are welcome. You don’t need to belong to a church to join.
La Casa del Zorro Desert Resort & Spa in Borrego Springs is hiring a Maintenance Engineer. The resort is seeking an experienced individual with skills in electrical work, plumbing, HVAC and general building repair. The position offers an opportunity to join the maintenance team at one of Borrego Springs’ well-known desert resorts. How to Apply Interested applicants can email their résumé to clinton@lcdzresort.com or pick up an application at the resort's front desk. La Casa del Zorro Desert Resort & Spa Borrego Springs, California
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Actor Jon Hall, Borrego’s new honorary marshal (center), with the October 1949 Borrego Sun at the opening of Hoberg’s Desert Resort. From left: Sun publisher Paul Strand, Paramount starlet Mari Blanchard, actress Beverly Tyler and Jack Benson of Benson Tours. Photo by Gaylord Johnson, Borrego Sun, November 1949. Courtesy of the Fred Jee Collection.
Food, friends, entertainment and community spirit come together Friday, November 13, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center (CRC) in The Mall. The Borrego Springs Community Resource Center is opening its doors for its annual Friend-Raiser Open House, inviting residents, visitors and newcomers to stop by, meet some friendly faces and learn more about the organization. The CRC is an important part of the Borrego Springs community, providing food assistance, educational opportunities and programs that bring people together. From its food bank to citizenship classes, Spanish lessons, computer literacy, exercise and Ballet Folklórico, the center offers resources and activities for people of all ages. The Friend-Raiser is an opportunity to see what the CRC is all about, meet the people behind its programs and connect with neighbors in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Guests can enjoy food, wine and presentations featuring Las Flores del Desierto Ballet Folklórico , along with local dogs training for American Kennel Club (AKC) Rally Obedience titles. Whether you're a longtime supporter, new to Borrego Springs or simply curious about what the CRC offers, everyone is welcome to come by. Stop in, say hello, meet some friendly faces and celebrate the community connections that make Borrego Springs special! Event Details Friend-Raiser Open House Friday, November 13, 2026 5–8 p.m. Community Resource Center (CRC) Located in The Mall, Borrego Springs All are welcome!
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Six artists come together for a collective exhibition Check out the most recent review by Art Critic, Sally Walsh Gary Henderson Interiors Studio 628 will celebrate its season opening with Mixed Tempos, a collective exhibition featuring Kevin Goddess, Victoria Johnson, Kippi Leonard, Robert Landry, Wil Gardner and Marcy Gregory. Mixed Tempos at Studio 628 & Galeria el Patio 622 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs CA. Show goes through November, Gallery Hours Friday-Sunday 1:00-4:00 PM. Bringing six artists together in one exhibition, Mixed Tempos offers visitors an opportunity to explore their work and welcome the return of the local gallery season. The evening will also include a sneak preview of Galeria el Patio, adding another reason to stop by and see what’s ahead. Community members and visitors are invited to join the celebration, enjoy the exhibition and spend an evening connecting with Borrego Springs’ arts community.
From desert hikes and stargazing to educational lectures and guided tours, the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA) has posted its upcoming activities for the 2026–2027 season. The schedule offers opportunities for residents and visitors to explore the desert, learn about local history, observe wildlife and discover the natural wonders of Anza-Borrego. Programs include guided hikes, bird walks, four-wheel-drive excursions, astronomy presentations, nature journaling, cycling and educational lectures. Many outdoor activities are free, although advance registration is often required. November Highlights Nov. 2: Fern Canyon and Vandeventer Loop hike Nov. 6: Stargazing Borrego's Dark Sky Nov. 7: Deep Space Photography with Michael Poirier Nov. 8: Rainbow Wash & Beyond 4WD Tour Nov. 14–15: Annual Attic & Book Sale Nov. 21: Historic Borrego Walkabout Nov. 24: Full Moon Walk at South Palm Wash Nov. 27: The Fascinating Story of Borrego's Sky Art, with Diana Lindsay Nov. 28: Guided driving tour of Borrego's famous sculptures Looking Ahead December brings additional hikes, birding excursions, botany programs and lectures. The annual Desert Home & Garden Tour is scheduled for March 13, 2027, while a Mongolia tour is listed for June. Activities vary in difficulty, and some have participant limits or special vehicle requirements. Several programs offer discounted admission for ABDNHA members and volunteers. Explore the full schedule and register: ABDNHA Activities For reservations or additional information, contact the Borrego Desert Nature Center at 760-767-3098, or visit 652 Palm Canyon Drive in Borrego Springs.
