Here’s a visit to the San Diego Botanic Garden, and it’s a wonderful place if you’re in the San Diego, California area!

Here’s a few snaps and video from a visit to “Old Town” in San Diego, California in June of 2025! 🙂

Cabrillo National Monument is a U.S. national monument at the southern tip of the Point Loma peninsula in San Diego, California. It commemorates the landing of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo at San Diego Bay on September 28, 1542. This event marked the first time a European expedition had set foot on what later became the West Coast of the United States. The site was designated as California Historical Landmark #56 in 1932. The area was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1966.

Ann Lee is the co-founder of CORE and the driving force behind the organization!

CORE is a nonprofit humanitarian organization that responds to disasters around the world. They deliver life-saving resources in the immediate aftermath – and empower communities to be self-reliant in the long run. 

https://www.coreresponse.org

I have put together a video incorporating my still photographs and video footage that depicts the cleanup efforts undertaken at the Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church, which was destroyed by the wildfires that occurred on January 8th. The successful completion of this cleanup project was made possible by the invaluable contributions of CORE and Caterpillar.

This commendable work is being carried out by dedicated individuals and reputable companies who demonstrate a genuine commitment to social responsibility.

Over the past few months, I have been actively supporting the exceptional non-profit organization, CORE. I have had the privilege of being on the ground with them in Southern California, witnessing their efforts to secure funding and resources to assist in the cleanup and recovery efforts in this severely affected region of Southern California.

Presently, CORE is actively engaged in Kentucky, providing similar level of support to the communities of Laurel and Pulaski Counties, which were recently devastated by storms and tornadoes. Their commitment to assisting those in need is commendable, and I encourage those seeking a non-profit that goes above and beyond its responsibilities to consider contributing to CORE’s efforts to help the people who require assistance now more than ever.

https://www.coreresponse.org

“With nearly 100 years of flying history, the Torrey Pines Gliderport is the most historic aviation site in North America, and Southern California’s premiere location for paragliding, hang gliding, remote control models and sailplanes. The Gliderport provides a world class flying site, flight lessons, certifications, tandem flights, equipment sales, and repair services. We seek to promote all forms of flight and to make Southern California a destination for flight enthusiasts from around the world.”

https://www.flytorrey.com

Just got back last night from shooting more content for Caterpillar and CORE with the clean-up from the devastating fires in the SOCAL area!  It’s incredibly surreal to see all the destruction that has occurred from these fires. There’s a lot of great work being done to get the clean-up going, and then the rebuilding can get started, but it’s going to be years!

It’s the start of year 35 as a self-employed still photographer and videographer. Can you believe it? Time flies! I started this journey back in April 1990 when I decided to share my passion for photography and help others with their needs.

Over the past 35 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with so many amazing clients. I’m incredibly grateful for their trust and support. I could have retired financially nine years ago, but my passion for photography keeps me going. I have so many great people to work with, and I don’t want to stop now!

Here’s one of the first photos I took back in April 1990. It was a story about equipment security for Caterpillar and it’s still as relevant today as it was 35 years ago!

I want to thank all those who have worked with me over the past 35 years. I have the same passion and desire to keep creating and sharing my work as long as it brings joy and helps others. Thanks again, and I can’t wait to continue this incredible journey!

To celebrate the opening of The RAF Exhibit Gallery, the Garden presents its first-ever orchid exhibit, Orchid Fever presented by Barton Faber and Elizabeth Byrnes. The exhibit showcases colorful blooms, delightful scents and wild textures that engage all the senses. Stroll through the gallery to explore rare and elegant plants artfully paired with cactus and succulents in a bold display completely unique to the Sonoran Desert.

Be enthralled by striking swathes of orchids in brilliant pinks, oranges, yellows and purples set in a lush desert oasis. Visitors of all ages will learn about Arizona’s endangered and rare orchids and the efforts Garden researchers are taking to preserve them. This lush collection is sure to leave visitors inspired and renewed.