March 21, 2019 (Anza-Borrego) -- Our editor, Miriam Raftery, took these two videos of Bighorn sheep along Montezuma Valley Road, the steep grade into Anza-Borrego Desert State park.  If you're heading to Borrego, which means "Bighorn," keep a sharp eye out for these desert denizens along rocky slopes.

By Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego Communications Office

Video by James Kecskes

December 9, 2018 (Borrego Springs) - It’s official, the new County Library, park and Sheriff’s office are open for business in Borrego Springs. A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony took place this afternoon, kicking off a community celebration with music, artists, animals and tours of the new library and Sheriff’s office. The two buildings and park all share a 19-acre property.

The library branch is the larger of the two buildings and sits on 2.6 acres. The facility measures three times the size of the previous one and includes 2,215 square feet of community meeting space, a 330 square foot conference room, separate areas for children and teens, a technology center with a 3D printer, and a Friends of the Library Book Nook and Conversation Café.

By José Eli Villanueva, County of San Diego Communications Office

September 8, 2018 (Julian) - Get motivated to do the 3-mile hike to Volcan Mountain Summit near Julian by watching this 360-degree video.

Visit sdparks.org for information on all our County trails.

To watch 360-degree videos, you’ll need the latest version of Chrome, Opera, Firefox or MS Edge on your computer. For mobile devices, use the latest version of the YouTube app.

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Source:  San Diego Sheriff's Department

August 9, 2018 (Ramona) -  It has been a record-breaking hot summer in San Diego County.  With temperatures hitting triple digits in our backcountry areas, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, the U.S. Forest Service, CAL FIRE San Diego and other agencies have been busy rescuing hikers who didn't prepare for the heat and sometimes treacherous terrain.  

By James Kecskes, County of San Diego Communications Office

August 3, 2018 (San Diego's East County) - Coyotes always seem to be getting a bad rap. They’re usually villains in the movies and cartoons, and when they pop up in the news, it’s never good.

But recent coyote sightings are often due to things that we, as residents of the surrounding communities, are doing to attract them into our neighborhoods – like leaving dog food and cat food outside.

By Andy Tolley, County of San Diego Communications Office

July 2, 2018 (Lakeside) - Hit the trail at one of the oldest County parks: Lindo Lake County Park in Lakeside.

We’ve chosen a scenic 1 1/4 mile route that’s ADA-friendly and fun for the entire family. And if you’re looking to get more than just a stroll in, you’re in luck! There are 17 fitness stations along the trail.

You can take more virtual hikes here.

By Suzanne Bartole, County of San Diego Communications Office

June 2, 2018 (San Diego) - A park isn’t a park without some shady trees! And after seven years of drought in San Diego County, trees in county parks have weakened and pests are causing them to die.

We’re doing what we can to protect trees and be forward thinking when it comes to ways to save them. More than 450 trees have been removed and 4,000 have been planted in their place.

Watch these volunteers who came together to give new life to our parks.

By Andy Tolley, County of San Diego Communications Office

May 3, 2018 (Lake Morena) - Hop on the boat and take a ride around Lake Morena!

Lake Morena County Park is only an hour away from San Diego and a great spot to fish, hike, camp or even take a day trip out with the family. Here are some views from one of the boats you can rent at the lake.

Learn more about our parks and preserves at SDParks.org.

By Miriam Raftery, East County Magazine

February 9, 2018 (Alpine) -- The Viejas band of the Kumeyaay Nation celebrated the grand opening of  The Willows Hotel and Spa on January 31st with this dazzling pyrotechnics fireworks display.

December 21, 2017 (San Diego's East County)-- Local songwriter Paul Nichols noticed Santa and elves "running rampant" at shopping malls, but no mention of Jesus. So he wrote "Blues for Jesus' as his tribute to the reason for the sesaon. 

 By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Mark and Miriam Raftery

October 15, 2017 (Santa Ysabel) – The Laguna Mountain Rendezvous in Santa Ysabel continues this week through October 22nd, offering fascinating glimpses into the rugged skills of mountain men, frontiersmen and Revolutionary War era militia members. 

Video: Teams compete at the 2017 Ramona Grape Stomp Competition

By Miriam Raftery

September 10, 2017 (Ramona) – To the strains of songs like “Mountain Dew”,  teams of competitors vied to see who could crush the most grapes in two minutes and emerge champion at the first-ever Ramona Grape Stomp this weekend.

Teams chose names such as the “Juicy Lucys” or the “Toe Jammers.”  One team member stomped the ripe purple grapes, the other filled a cup with juice spurting out of a spigot on a wine barrel.

A Grape Stomp princess was also on hand to help officiate as contestants hopped in feet first, demonstrating their stomping skills on stage as the audience cheered them on with gusto.

Source: San Diego Sheriff

June 30, 2017 (Cleveland National Forest) -- The San Diego County Sheriff's Department is partnering with CAL FIRE and the U.S. Forest Service for a public safety video about hiking in the East County.  To watch the video, click https://vimeo.com/223528992.

By Miriam Raftery

Video, above: Open fiddling competition 2016 champion Shira Ellison in her winning performance

May 2, 2017 (Julian) -- Each year,  the town of Julian comes alive with the sounds  of music—fiddle music, along with banjos, guitars, mandolins and mountain dulcimers at the annual Julian Fiddle and Pickin’ Contest. 

This year’s event will be held on Saturday, May 20^th at the Julian Town Hall, plus on Friday night a Texas-style fiddle workshop will be led by two-time national grand fiddle champion Matthew Hartz.  (For details and a schedule visit www.SanDiegoFiddler.org)

Recently we’re seeing a revival of interest in the art of fiddling and more broadly, a Renaissance in traditional music both regionally and nationally.