Welcome Sign Design Finalists

From October 2023 - January 2024 the Borrego Valley Association (BVA) organized a grass roots committee and surveyed Borrego Springs’ residents, seasonal residents, and visitors to obtain input about what they would like to see in a welcome sign. To obtain a copy of the results of the survey contact borregovillage@gmail.com. In March 2024, the Borrego Valley Endowment Fund (BVEF) approved an application submitted by the BVA to provide a generous $6,000 grant to hire three professionals to submit designs based on the survey results. Simon Andrews, committee member, part-time resident of Borrego and owner of Graphic Solutions, was instrumental in procuring the designers.
In August fourteen incredibly creative and skillfully executed welcome sign designs were submitted. The three finalists are presented below. We need your input again. Instead of a “vote for your favorite” survey, the committee would like additional feedback from you on each design. The design elements are explained, followed by 3 questions about each design. At the end of the survey, please tell us your first and second choices. Also at the end of the survey is a chart showing how the designs met the criteria established by the first survey.

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* 1.
The Boulders

Designer Statement: “In creating a gateway monument concept for Borrego Springs, it is important to complement, not compete, with the beautiful landscape.”

Description: Monolithic boulders, artfully arranged to appear as if they are rising out of the ground, frame the sign panel,. The panel is steel with raised letters fastened on. The large boulder to the left of the sign features Native American “manos” or mortero indentations such as can be found in the village sites of the early inhabitants of the valley. (Note: this boulder was created to resemble authentic manos; it was not moved from its original site.) On the right-hand side, a Breceda-sculpted Borrego ram is climbing the rocks.

The Boulders
When you view this design, what impact does it have on you? Please rate from 1 = "Ho Hum" to 5 = "WOW!"

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* 2. What do you like best about this design? (Choose up to 3 elements)

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* 3. Other:

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* 4. What Do You Like Least of this Design?

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* 5.
The Mountain
Designer Statement : “The following design create a welcoming, identifiable landmark that reflects iconic images of Borrego Springs: the big horn ram, the mountains, and the star-studded night sky. The primary material used is steel, selected for its dramatically weathered appearance that convey a sense of the past, balanced with bright white lettering and the color elements that add freshness and look to the future.”

Description: The night sky is made from stainless steel. The stars, which include the constellation Aries (the Ram), are punched out. The mountain is weathered steel. “Welcome to Borrego Springs” in raised white metal contrasts with “Dark Sky Community” in raised brown metal. The Borrego ram at the mountain is stainless steel silhouette.
The Mountain

When you view this design, what impact does it have on you? Please rate from 1 = "Ho Hum" to 5 = "WOW!"

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* 6. What Do You Like Best About This Design? (Choose Up To 3 Elements)

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* 7. Other:

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* 8.
Moon Rising Over Borrego
Description: In this sign the full moon is rising
over the mountains of Borrego as the
constellation Aries (the Ram) twinkles in the
night sky. The sky is stainless steel; the stars
and moon are punched out. The steel
mountains give the appearance of
perspective - closer mountains leading to
distant mountains. All words are in white,
raised metal lettering.

MoonRisingOverBorrego
When you view this design, what impact does it have on you? Please rate from 1 = "Ho Hum" to 5 = "Wow!"

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* 9. What Do You Like Best About This Design?

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* 10. Other:

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* 11. What Do You Like Least From This Design?

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* 12. Please Rank Your Preferred Design Choice

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* 13. I am a

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* 14. Thank you for your time and input!

We look forward to presenting the final design in early Spring 2025. At that time, we will also be actively connecting with local donors, community organizations, regional and national grants and the County of San Diego to raise the funds to build and install Borrego Springs’ new welcome signs.

For more information or to make a donation, please contact Jim Dion at borregovillage@gmail.com. La versión en español se puede descargar en el sitio web BorregoVillageAssociation.org o comuníquese con Jim Dion en BorregoVillage@gmail.com para obtener una copia en español.

Any additional comments or remarks, please include here:

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