The seed was planted in the mind of Israel Ochoa on the night two years ago when he attended Borrego Springs High School’s Awards/Scholarship Event. His daughter, Jimena, received numerous scholarships to further her education. As the proud father looked around at the recipients of the scholarships and the wonderful groups handing them out, he realized that although the majority of students receiving scholarships were of Latinx descent, the groups handing out the scholarships were not. Israel decided then and there that this would change and that he would soon be part of a group that also handed out scholarships to our students.

That evening marked the birth of OLAX or Organizacion de Latinx. The term “Latinx” refers to someone whose ancestry is in Latin America (Mexico, Central/South America and the islands in the Caribbean where Spanish is spoken) and the “x” is a non-gender connotation. In Spanish, words that end in “o” are masculine and “a” refers to feminine. The “x” is an alternative to Latina and Latino. The term “Hispanic” is not preferred by our locals as it refers to people from Hispaniola or Spain.

Israel is now president of our local OLAX (Organización de Latinx) and along with Vice President Alicia Ramirez, Secretary Esmeralda Garcia and Treasurer Carmen Ochoa they are

helping our Latinx population find their voice in Borrego Springs. Now a 501c3 through the help of an anonymous donor, OLAX is making its mark on Borrego Springs and giving our Latinx population opportunities to showcase their culture and traditions and to be a part of the decision making in Borrego Springs.

Although our Latinx population makes up the majority of our school population and represents the majority of our employees in the hospitality businesses, golf courses and agriculture, their voices are often not present at important decision making events in Borrego. This is changing as Alicia Ramirez has been appointed to the BVSC (Borrego Valley Stewardship Council) and Esmeralda Garcia is now serving on BASIC (Basic Assistance to Students in the Community), a 30+ years organization supporting our students from “cradle to college.”

OLAX is currently gearing up for Day of the Dead, a rich Mexican tradition of honoring one’s deceased loved ones by building altars in their memory. This colorful tradition will occur at the Community Resource Center on Nov. 1, 2 and 3. Stay tuned for opportunities for folks in our community who want to know more about this tradition or who want to construct an altar for a loved one, to learn all about it and how it’s done. OLAX will demonstrate how and what to create to place on the altars.

In December, OLAX will work with our local Rotary Club and the American Legion to receive Santa Claus at the Circle with hot chocolate and candy canes before heading over to the Community Resource Center to pick up gifts for all children thanks to Rotary. OLAX, the American Legion and Rotary are determined that every child in Borrego receives a gift from Santa.

This school year, OLAX is becoming more involved with the schools and academics. In collaboration with Jilbertos, OLAX is handing out ice cream certificates for students who read a certain quantity of books or pages for younger students. OLAX is focused on improving the success rate of our students in schools and finding out how they as parents can work with the school district to improve academic achievement.

As a 501c3, OLAX is focused on raising funds for their many wonderful events and causes. A Mariachi Concert fundraiser will occur on March 15, 2025 at the Performing Arts Center. The concert will feature a Mariachi group joined by local talented singers. Stay tuned for ticket sales as they will go fast! Rumor has it that Rams Hill has already promised to buy up the most prized seats – Tier Oro. Rams Hill has been a generous supporter of OLAX since its inception.

Israel’s dream came true last June when OLAX showed up at the High School’s Scholarship/Awards Event and proudly handed out two $1,000 scholarships to students heading to Cal State San Marcos. It felt good to be on the giving side as well as the receiving, stated President Israel Ochoa.

Stay on the look-out for OLAX activities in our village from Day of the Dead to Santa in the Circle to Dia de las Madres (Mother’s day) on May 10. Our Latinx community brings a rich array of traditions and customs to Borrego and these are part of the colorful fabric that is Borrego. OLAX wishes to embrace and celebrate our combined cultures together with joy and respect.