Thunderstorm over East County

By Miriam Raftery

April 15, 2010 - Yes, you can still see wildflowers in bloom in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Thanks to readers Jerry and Marlene Fisher for sending us shots taken this week of the desert floor in bloom--and a flowering ocotillo.

We also spotted a profusion of spring blooms at Summers Past Farm, which hosted its annual Sweet Pea Festival last weekend. Local residents Cindy and Juliana Houser, Laura Butcher, and Bonnie Henselmeier snipped fragrant sweat peas shown in the photo at right.  The crowd quickly grew so large that cutting was stopped for the day, but not to worry--more sweat peas will be available to the public this weekend. 

January 5, 2009 (San Diego's East County) - Festivals and events held in East County in 2009 showcased our region's growing cultural and ethnic diversity.  Below are a few highlights:  

The Chaldean Food Festival in El Cajon featured cuisine and entertainment reflective of the Iraqi Chaldean community.

December 29, 2009 - At year's end, we'd like to share with our readers a few of our favorite images taken along East County's backroads and byways during the four seasons in the past year.

This month, we bring you the many faces of our community - plus some holiday spirits!

Check out these hot shots--we've got some real beauties this month!
 

 
Deerhorn Valley: photo by Rob Deason
 
 
 
Divine Bovine: Artist Lionel Talaro mugs for the camera alongside his creation, "Elvis Cow", on display at O'Dunn Fine Art Gallery, La Mesa
photographer: Miriam Raftery
 
View more great shots.....

Dear Readers - Please send your favoritie photos taken in East County or San Diego's Eastern Regions to editor@eastcountymagazine.org for consideration in our "best photos" section.
Here are a few of our favorite pics for July:
 
La Mesa Democratic Club leaders pose in front of "The Swamp" refreshment stand during a "M*A*S*H Bash held in honor of a visit from Mike Farrell, star of the popular TV show.

Hundreds turned out for a wearin’ of the green, Irish fare and festivities at Hooleys Irish Pub & Grille in Rancho San Diego and La Mesa.  From kilts to kitch, East County party-goers got into the holiday spirit!

By Miriam Raftery

On a January morning, while people in much of the nation were shivering in sub-zero tempatures, I took a drive and basked in the glorious sunshine of an East County winter's day.

Story and photos by Miriam Raftery
View our fun-in-the-snow videos | View our "snow day" photo gallery

(Miriam Raftery)

December 21, 2008 — Something about snow brings out my inner child.  So on Thursday, the first clear day after last week's storm descended on East County, I couldn't resist taking a "snow day" and heading up to our beautiful mountain areas.  The snowfall was the heaviest I'd seen in this region, transforming dry brushy hills and even fire-ravaged areas into a winter wonderland.