September events in the Anza-Borrego Desert
Photo of people checking out the Anza Borrego Desert courtesy Anza Borrego Foundation East County News Service Sept. 10, 2025 (Borrego Springs) — It’s September — and that means the heat is on in the Anza-Borrego Desert. With average daily high temperatures in the mid-90s°F and above, Borrego Springs will likely be too hot for comfortable outdoor activities, but the Anza-Borrego Foundation has two education events in the second part of the month. A night hike on Saturday, Sept. 13 at the South Fork Palm Wash will take participants into the moonlit desert for a guided exploration of the unique landscape of the area. And on Saturday, Sept. 20, the Foundation is holding “Anza-Borrego Under The Stars: Blair Valley.” The first event is an out-and-back 3 1/2-mile hike along uneven terrain. The hike will will be led by a certified Wilderness First Responder and have a 505-foot elevation gain. Hikers will descend into Palm Wash, passing a natural bridge and unique rock formations. The hike winds through sandstone corridors and open desert washes, offering a unique opportunity to experience the desert’s quieter side. With minimal light pollution, the area is also ideal for stargazing. The hike is scheduled for 7 to 10 p.m. with meeting spot at the Anza Borrego Foundation store next to Calico’s in Borrego Springs. The ABF store is at 587 Palm Canyon Drive #110. From that spot, hikers will carpool/caravan to the trailhead. The Foundation said the hike is for curious adventurers – anyone interested in exploring unique desert landscapes under the stars; for hikers who are comfortable with a moderate trail, uneven footing and light scrambling through a canyon; for nature enthusiasts who enjoy learning about desert geology and nocturnal wildlife; for amateur astronomers and stargazers who will appreciate excellent night sky viewing opportunities; and is ideal for locals and visitors alike. The ABF recommends bringing a headlamp or flashlight (the foundatin recommends one with a red light); sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes; at least 2 liters of water per person; and snacks. Optional items to bring include binoculars, a camera, a star chart and a black light to see scorpions. The cost for ABF members is $25, nonmember cost is $30 and students pay $15. Register here. The Under the Stars event is from 8 to 10 p.m. on Sept. 20 at the Blair Valley Campground in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, an official International Dark Sky Park. Stargazers will get to explore the night sky’s stars, planets and constellations with a guide and knowledgeable astronomer — Larry Bradley — who will bring his telescopes. Bradley is a Research and Development Engineer at UCLA, currently researching the future of fusion energy as a commercial source of electrical power. He also volunteers with the Anza Borrego Foundation as an astronomy guide and supports other events such as member hikes, driving tours, and family camps. The Foundation said that the event is for kids and adults, for nature and outdoor lovers, and anyone who enjoys spending time in scenic, natural settings; astronomy enthusiasts – beginners or experienced stargazers who want to observe the night sky in a designated Dark Sky Park and learn to use a telescope; and campers and adventurers and those looking to spend a night under the stars or camp nearby. The event is set in a relaxed atmosphere, and the Foundation suggests bring camp chair, snacks, and drinks. Eventgoers are welcome to hang out, ask questions and enjoy the desert night. The cost is $17 for ABF members, $20 for nonmemers and $10 for students. Registration can be found here. For more information on either event, visit the Anza Borrego Foundation, call (760) 767-0446 or email info@theabf.org Anza-Borrego Under The Stars: Blair Valley Date: September 20, 2025 Join Us for a Stargazing Adventure in Anza-Borrego!
City of La Mesa gifting trees, hosting education series
East County News Service Sept. 10, 2025 (La Mesa) — La Mesa is hoping more trees will sprout up after it hosts a four-event educations series from September through November. As part of the series, thanks to partner Tree San Diego, 100 free trees will be distributed to La Mesa residents. La Mesa is partnering with Tree San Diego for the series that is focused on bringing cleaner air, more wildlife habitat spaces and shade while reducing pollution in waterways through planting trees. The events are part of La Mesa’s ongoing commitment to sustainability with its Climate Action Plan and Strategic Plan goals. Trees are vital assets to a community. They improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants, and provide wildlife habitat. Similarly, healthy and robust green infrastructure systems can mitigate the urban heat island effect, lower building energy use, provide natural stormwater management and improve local air quality. The events — three in person and one virtual — are aimed at creating a healthier, cleaner and more beautiful community, and will highlight the many benefits of trees, including how they improve air quality, promote public health acl nd save energy. The events will offer guidance on how to plant and maintain trees. The series is as follows: 10 to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 27: Tree Planting & Steward Training at Harry Griffen Park; 10 to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 11: Tree Trek at La Mesita Park; 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct. 25: Free Tree Distribution at La Mesa Public Works Operations Yard; 9 to 10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 8: Tree Steward Training — virtual webinar. As part of the series, 100 trees will be given away to La Mesans who submit a request form in advance, available here. The city says that on the day of the event, the trees will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and note that the tree request form does not guarantee a tree. To register for the events, interested participants need to register at the Tree San Diego website. La Mesa residents who attend events on Sept. 27 or Oct. 11 will also be entered in an opportunity drawing for a free 5-gallon fruit tree. Tree San Diego is a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the quality, density, and sustainability of the region’s urban forests for the benefit of all communities and the environment. More about the benefits of trees The benefits of trees are myriad, including: They allow for cleaner air — 100 trees remove 53 tons of carbon dioxide and 430 pounds of other air pollutants per year. They combat climate change — By reducing energy demand and absorbing carbon dioxide, trees and vegetation decrease the production and negative effects of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The capture rainwater — 100 mature trees can capture and store about 139,000 gallons of rainwater per year. They promote cleaner water — A medium-sized tree intercepts up to 2,300 gallons of stormwater runoff per year. They improve public health — People are less likely to be hospitalized for asthma when they live in neighborhoods with many trees. They improve mental health — People living in neighborhoods with less than 10 percent tree canopy are more likely to report symptoms of depression, stress, and anxiety. They save energy — Strategically placed shade trees can help save up to 56 percent on annual air-conditioning costs for homes and businesses. They reduce urban heat island effect — Shaded surfaces my be 20°F to 45°F cooler than the peak temperatures of unshaded areas. The benefits of trees are myriad, including: They allow for cleaner air — 100 trees remove 53 tons of carbon dioxide and 430 pounds of other air pollutants per year. They combat climate change — By reducing energy demand and absorbing carbon dioxide, trees and vegetation decrease the production and negative effects of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The capture rainwater — 100 mature trees can capture and store about 139,000 gallons of rainwater per year. They promote cleaner water — A medium-sized tree intercepts up to 2,300 gallons of stormwater runoff per year. They improve public health — People are less likely to be hospitalized for asthma when they live in neighborhoods with many trees. They improve mental health — People living in neighborhoods with less than 10 percent tree canopy are more likely to report symptoms of depression, stress, and anxiety. They save energy — Strategically placed shade trees can help save up to 56 percent on annual air-conditioning costs for homes and businesses. They reduce urban heat island effect — Shaded surfaces my be 20°F to 45°F cooler than the peak temperatures of unshaded areas.
Readers’ Editorial: H.R. 1: Relief Now, Costs for Generations
A few thoughts by some of your Julian neighbors By Susan Stevenson, David Shorey, Greg Schuett, Carrie Danielson, Chris Reed Photo via White House: President Donald Trump signing H.R., the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”, on July 4, 2025 September 10, 2025 (San Diego) — When people talk about H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” it’s not just Washington politics to us. We think about what it means for our own pocketbooks, and the truth is, the bill isn’t so beautiful after all. The bigger standard deduction means we’ll see a little more money in our paychecks. The expanded child tax credit helps families like ours get by, and the promise that tips and overtime won’t be taxed gives us some breathing room. On paper, it looks like a win. But the other side of the coin is troubling. Nonpartisan experts say the bill adds trillions to the national debt, which our kids and grandkids will be stuck with. The benefits for families like ours expire in just a couple of years, while big corporations lock in permanent tax cuts. Ordinary people get short-term help; the powerful get long-term gains. And the consequences of the bill aren’t just about taxes. H.R. 1 opens the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas drilling, threatening one of the planet’s most fragile ecosystems. It preserves subsidies for fossil fuel companies and weakens support for renewable energy, slowing down the shift to clean power. By inflating the deficit, it also sets the stage for future cuts to environmental protections and climate programs. In short, the bill pushes us toward more drilling and pollution, not a cleaner future. Health care also takes a hit. By cutting government revenue, the bill slashes Medicaid funding, likely forcing states to cut care for children, seniors, and people with disabilities. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that nearly 12 million people could lose health coverage, while many families face rising premiums. With less funding, federal investments in public health, clinics, and Affordable Care Act subsidies are also at risk. This isn’t just our opinion. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) found H.R. 1 would add $1.5 trillion to the deficit in ten years with little impact on growth. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) showed the biggest winners were corporations and wealthy households, while most families only got temporary relief. The Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) estimated that by 2027, many middle- and lower-income taxpayers would actually pay more in taxes than before, while the richest continued to benefit. Beyond the financial impacts, these nonpartisan professionals warn that H.R. 1 could also affect healthcare by reducing funds for public health programs and make it harder to address environmental challenges, such as clean energy investments and pollution control, that protect our communities. So yes, H.R. 1 may give us a short boost today. But down the road, the bill comes due—and it’s our families, and yours, who will pay the price. The opinions in this editorial reflect the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine.