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The scenic mountain town of Julian was recently certified as California’s second dark-sky community, following the lead of nearby Borrego Springs.
Residents established the Julian Dark Sky Network in 2016, working with the county for several years to enact an outdoor lighting ordinance that met the standards of the International Dark-Sky Association.
The result was a detailed policy requiring, among other things, that homes and businesses use specific types of bulbs and timers. Light pollution can drown out views of the night sky while also confusing birds, bats and others nocturnal animals. Bulbs that emit warmer tones are preferred to those featuring a cooler blue spectrum.
Beyer s Byways: Dinosaurs and dark skies help define Borrego Springs
By John R. Beyer
For the Victorville Daily Press
I love driving in roundabouts because the concept of going around in circles, devil may care, waiting for an opening in the traffic to fearlessly exit is really enjoyable.
I loved them in Ireland. Loved them in Peru. Loved them in Turks and Caicos. And I love the one in Borrego Springs. Granted, Borrego Springs only has one, but if you don’t exit for 20 minutes, you can pretend the small Southern California desert community has dozens.
“You know, this is our third time around this roundabout,” Laureen asked, as I drove one more time around the beautiful Christmas Circle in downtown Borrego Springs.
EAST COUNTY
A brush fire that destroyed three homes after igniting Saturday in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park was 90 percent contained Wednesday, fire officials said.
The Southern fire scorched 5,366 acres over the weekend as it prompted evacuations and destroyed the houses as well as two “accessory” buildings, according to Cal Fire officials.
#SouthernFire off Great Southern Overland, Aqua Caliente in San Diego County remains 5,366 acres and 90% contained. @CALFIRESANDIEGOhttps://t.co/eN0mmuGTFjpic.twitter.com/50u5E7S6h6 CAL FIRE (@CAL FIRE) May 5, 2021
The acreage total of the blaze provided by Cal Fire Wednesday morning was about 48 acres larger than Tuesday evening’s estimates.
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Before and after the fire Photo: Courtesy
On April 18, Kemi Pavlocak woke to urgent buzzing from her phone. Ranchita locals were trying to reach her to tell her that her market was on fire.
Most people who have hiked the southern section of the Pacific Crest Trail are familiar with the Montezuma Valley Market. Situated near mile 100 on the PCT, it was an ideal spot for a resupply or a shower. But When Kemi finally laid eyes on the structure, it had burned to the ground.
The cause of the fire remains unclear, and Kemi says investigators haven’t shown much interest in figuring out what caused it.