2021 East County Calendar

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JANUARY ABOUT THE PHOTO: As the Laguna Mountains are above 4,000 feet, the region does receive snow at least once or twice a year, which accumulates on the alpine meadows and slopes of the mountain range... the area is a popular place for snowball fights, sledding, pictures, and all things winter (including the occasional cross country ski trip and snowshoe).” – Last Adventurer PHOTO CREDIT: Laguna Mountain snowfall by Miriam Raftery www.writerink.com FRONT COVER ABOUT THE PHOTO: “Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in Southern California is a perfect destination for wildflower chasing, especially during a spring super bloom. On a day trip, you can hike desert trails, drive the Borrego Badlands, and scout 130 Ricardo Breceda sculptures, as well.” – Back Road Planet PHOTO CREDIT: Borrego Springs wildflower and mountains, by Henri Migala www.henrimigalaphotography.com



ABOUT THE PHOTO: “The sky and the heavenly bodies were made by Tu-chai- pa.  He raised the sky from its previous resting point on the earth and formed an arc above the Kumeyaay people. Then he made the Sun to light the way and to chase away darkness when it was time to do so.” – Kumeyaay Look to the Sky, ViejasBandofKumeyaay.org. PHOTO CREDIT: Sunrise over East County’s mountains, by Jonathan Knight WANT MORE LOCAL CUSTOMERS? Learn how Local Umbrella can help you gain more credibility, more clients, and more referral partners in your local community. DELIVERED TO OVER 100,000 HOMES MONTHLY Email [email protected] to learn more!



ABOUT THE PHOTO: “The Sweetwater River is a long stream in San Diego County, California. From its headwaters high in the Cuyamaca Mountains, the river flows generally southwest, first through rugged hinterlands but then into the urban areas surrounding its mouth at San Diego Bay …The Spanish called the river “Agua Dulce”. -- Roadtrippers PHOTO CREDIT: Raccoons at Otay Reservoir fed by the Sweetwater River, by Debbie Merrill



ABOUT THE PHOTO: “Normally a super bloom comes along once every decade around these parts. It requires a significant amount of rainfall during the winter months followed by warm weather to open up the buds en masse…The super bloom offers the chance to see the magic that lies dormant in the desert through much of the year.” -- West Coaster PHOTO CREDIT: Superbloom in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, by Bob Kutscher http://www.boblandusa.com/ BorregoSuperbloom2019.html



ABOUT THE PHOTO: “Visiting Laguna Mountain is almost like visiting another part of the county as the terrain transitions from a desert environment to a mountain top conifer forest.  Within the recreation area is the Big Laguna Mountain Meadows – these meadows are truly beautiful and await your visit.” -- U.S. Forest Service PHOTO CREDIT: Laguna Mountain meadow, by Henri Migala www.henrimigalaphotography.com



ABOUT THE PHOTO: “Cedar Creek Falls is a spectacular waterfall plunging 80 feet into a large pool of water. The trails to Cedar Creek Falls lead hikers through the beautiful backcountry hills of eastern San Diego…It is important to assess physical condition before beginning this or any hike.” -- U.S. Forest Service PHOTO CREDIT: Cedar Creek Falls, by Elena Pena



ABOUT THE PHOTO: “The desert bighorn stands as a symbol of what is wild, remote and foreboding…The bighorn has adapted to a realm of the highest temperatures on Earth, in canyons on the scale of the Grand Canyon, in a land of little water, high winds, large stealthy predators, and the ever increasing pressure of humanity.” -- Mark C. Jorgenson, author of “Desert Bighorn Sheep, Wilderness Icon” and former Superintendent of Anza- Borrego Desert State Park PHOTO CREDIT: Peninsular Desert Bighorn Sheep, Anza Borrego Desert State Park, which holds an annual sheep count every July, by Daren Sefcik www.sefcik.com



ABOUT THE PHOTO: “Lake Jennings is known for being one of the most scenic parks in all of San Diego County. It is a welcoming recreation destination located in Lakeside, California offering fishing, camping, hiking, and picnicking activities…The scenic views of the lake and the wooded surroundings make it feel as if you are in the middle of the wilderness, right outside of town.” ” -- SanDiego.org PHOTO CREDIT: Fishing at Lake Jennings in Lakeside, by Miriam Raftery www.WriterInk.com



ABOUT THE PHOTO: “There is a trail out by Cuyamaca Lake called the Marty Minshall Trail or as I call it, the wildlife trail because of all the deer, turkeys, birds and even a Bald Eagle which flies around the lake. Along with the wildlife the landscape and scenery of the area is breathtaking especially now that the leaves are turning colors…It is an amazing hike.” -- Scott Lagace PHOTO CREDIT: Buck at Lake Cuyamaca, by Scott Lagace



ABOUT THE PHOTO: “Now is the season when the vineyard leaves transform into a sea of reds and golds. The vista is much like the scenery in Napa Valley at this time of year.” -- Miriam Raftery, ECM Editor, on a November visit to Warner Springs PHOTO CREDIT: Hawk Watch Winery near Warner Springs, by Miriam Raftery www.WriterInk.com



ABOUT THE PHOTO: “Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, forty miles east of San Diego, was the spring and summer home to bands of Kumeyaay Indians, who ranged throughout the Cuyamaca and Laguna Mountains in seasonal journeys from San Diego to the Salton Sea. The Kumeyaay called the beautiful oak and pine-covered mountains due east of San Diego, “Ah-ha Kwe-ah-mac,” which translates roughly as “the place where it rains” or “the mist behind the clouds.” -- Viejas.com PHOTO CREDIT: Autumn at Lake Cuyamaca, by Miriam Raftery www.WriterInk.com



ABOUT THE PHOTO: “In San Diego’s East County, we can enjoy all four seasons, including snowfalls that transform our mountain regions into winter wonderlands. A favorite destination is Julian, a picturesque Gold Rush town dating back to 1870. “ -- Miriam Raftery, editor, East County Magazine PHOTO CREDIT: Julian, San Diego’s historic gold rush town, by Miriam Raftery BACK COVER ABOUT THE PHOTO: “Lenticular clouds are frequently seen over desert mountain ranges…They are formed when a moving stream of air is deflected upwards by a change in topography, such as a mountain range. As the air rises, it cools. When its temperature reaches the dew point, its moisture condenses and forms a cloud...Because of the movement of the air stream, the cloud will take on a lens or saucer shape.” -- A Natural History of the Anza-Borrego Region PHOTO CREDIT: Lenticular clouds over Anza-Borrego desert, viewed from overlook on Sunrise Highway in the Laguna Mountains, by Henri Migala. www.henrimigalaphotography.com