By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Daren Sefcik

March 9, 2011 (San Diego's East County) -- You just never know what you might encounter on the trails in East County!  Photographer Daren Sefcek headed out to the Anza-Borrego Desert to take photos of wildflowers in bloom--and captured a close-up of this yellow-backed spiny lizard on the trail. 

February 23, 2011 (San Diego's East County) -- What can be more welcoming than a warm sunny day after the winter rains?  Our readers and photographers have documented the wonders of nature--and human nature, from the sands of Anza-Borrego Desert to the top of Palomar and Laguna Mountains.  We had so many great shots this week, we're posting a bonus edition of our "photos of the week" feature just for your enjoyment!

February 1, 2011 (San Diego's East County)--This week, we bring you some beautiful images of nature.

This egret paid a visit to Robin Kendall's home in San Carlos, wading right in to take a dip in a swimming pool in her backyard. 

January 18, 2012 (San Diego's East County) -- Here are a few of our favorite shots from January--early signs that spring is on the way.

  Please send us your best images for publication in a future issue!  E-mail your top shots taken in East County or San Diego's inland regions to editor@eastcountymagazine.org.  

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Billy Ortiz

January 4, 2011 (Mt. Laguna) - Yesterday's storm brought snow to Mount Laguna in San Diego's East County--along with a flurry of snow-goers eager to enjoy the seasonal treat. 

This dramatic image of waning storm clouds reflected in Lindo Lake at sunset was captured on film by Dennis Richardson. 

Want to see your photos published in East County Magazine? Submit your best images taken in East County to editor@eastcountymagazine.org.

December 4, 2010 (San Diego's East County) – This fall, as part of the Helix Water District’s watershed awareness campaign, a photo contest was held for residents that live within the Lake Jennings watershed. The District has now announced the winner—Sid Cavey who lives near the reservoir and submitted a spectacular photo of a rainbow over the Lake, which is located in Lakeside.

Send us your best photos!  Submit images of 500KB or less to editor@eastcountymagazine.org.

 October 22, 2010

No kidding! Youngsters had a great time at the San Miguel Fire open house in Spring Valley earlier this month, where this boy got a close-up look at goats owned by Johnny Gonzalez; the four-footed brush clearing team is used to create firebreaks in East County’s rural areas. Photo by Miriam Raftery.

“My son grew up here in Boulevard and loves what God gave us,” wrote reader Leslie Mauris, who submitted this photo of boulders balanced as if by divine design.

Scroll down to see more amazing images of East County.....

September 30, 2010 (San Diego's East County) -- Wild weather created the perfect storm for some spectacular skies over East County during the past couple of days. Here are a few of our favorites.  

Scroll down for more amazing images of skies over East County.