21 Incredible Reader Images From 2021: California In Photos

ACROSS CALIFORNIA — As we prepare to close the book on 2021, we paused to reflect on all the photos submitted by Patch readers throughout the year.

Here are 21 incredible reader images from 2021.

Lightning Strikes San Diego County

Patch reader Rick Hodge captured this photo of lightning in San Diego County.

The picture was taken Sept. 9 looking west toward Cowles Mountain, Hodge said. The lights on the horizon on the left are Grossmont College.

Beauty At Alameda Beach

Julie Castillo, who took this photo at Alameda Beach, told Patch: "I always try to catch beauty."

Napa Night Out

The Napa County Sheriff's Office took this precious photo in August at Napa's National Night Out.

Palm Springs: A Deserted Icon

Patch reader and Loma Linda-based photographer Jim Ponder captured this haunting and stunning image of an abandoned motel sign in Palm Springs — and in black and white.

"Opportunities for finding beauty in our state are limitless and wonderful," Ponder told Patch.

Life Is Beautiful Underwater

Patch reader Wendy Theders used her GoPro to take this shot of Laguna Beach marine life early one morning while she and the Laguna Beach Open Water Swimmers were out for their morning swim.

The best light (for photography) is in the morning when the sun is rising, Theders said.

Dixie Fire Front Lines

Photographer Casey Tholborn of the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff took this image in September while deployed to the Dixie fire in Plumas and Lassen counties in Northern California.

'Big Bay Boom' Lights Up San Diego Sky

Patch reader Chris Mannerino captured this stunning image during the "Big Bay Boom" Fourth of July fireworks show in San Diego. He took the picture from the La Playa neighborhood in Point Loma. See more of his photo gallery.

'Forever Chasing Light Rays'

Patch reader Beth Curasi took this image from Pigeon Point Lighthouse in the northern California community of Pescadero.

Vivid Orange Sunset At Venice Pier

Patch reader Gina Sommo captured this unreal, bright sunset from the Venice Pier.

Sizzling Venice Sunset

Leo Flores of the Operational Services Division of the County of Los Angeles Department of Beaches and Harbors captured this fiery view during a hot January weekend in Venice.

.Northern California Super Moon

Patch reader Dave Kornreich shared this photo of a luminous April Super Moon, captured from his back yard in Danville.

Bobcat Sighting

Patch reader Kendall Oei shared this photo of a recent bobcat sighting in the Diablo Foothills area of Concord.

Wildlife At Lindo Lake

Patch reader and local photographer Gary Schwartzwald captured this wildlife photo at Lindo Lake in Lakeside, near San Diego.

Hot Air Balloon Over Napa Valley

Patch local photographer Al Francis captured this colorful image of a hot air balloon taking off from Napa Valley on a clear October day.

Beautiful Oceanside

Patch reader and local photographer Ruben Araiza captured this stunning image at Oceanside Harbor.

After The Rain

Ken White captured this gorgeous rainbow over the Palos Verdes Peninsula after the rain.

Kaleidoscope Sunset In Santa Monica

Jill Woo captured an incredible kaleidoscope sunset over the summer near the Santa Monica Pier, while people slacklined in a delicate balance above the sand and setting sun.

'Fireball Sunset'

Patch reader and Carlsbad resident Cindy Blaser captured this "fireball sunset" photo Jan. 13 at South Carlsbad State Beach.

'Perfect Spring Day'

Patch reader Dione Tamura sent in this photo taken in April in Petaluma.

"We love Sonoma County because there are so many beautiful places to walk and enjoy nature," Dione told Patch. "It was a perfect spring day and I wanted to remember it."

Lion At San Diego Zoo

Patch reader and local photographer Gary Schwartzwald captured this photo of a lion at the San Diego Zoo.

View Of San Francisco From The Oakland Hills

Yogesh Jaiswal is a very fortunate man. This breathtaking photo was snapped from his home in the Oakland Hills. The colors and composition are amazing.