Glendora Mountain Sunrise On My Mind: Patch Photo Of The Week

GLENDORA, CA — When he sees a sunrise that captures the heart, Diamond Bar resident Sam Patel grabs his Nikon. He was returning from a short hike (with too many tarantulas) when he noticed the golden rays of the sun and snapped a photo.

A Diamond Bar resident for the past 15 years, Patel is an entrepreneur and part-time Lyft driver. He loves hiking in the nearby mountains.
"We have a forest practically right in our backyards. Living in Diamond Bar makes it so much more accessible," he told Patch. "Many people don't venture out there and see all that beauty that's out there even though it's so close."

He aims to share it with them, through his photography.

"I want people to appreciate everything that we have available to us, that means mother nature as well," Patel said. "Nature shouldn't be taken for granted. We need to care a lot more."

When he sees a fire in the area mountains, it breaks his heart, he told us. Often, he's seen access roads closed due to dangerous fire conditions.

"I have hope that if people see what I see, they'll be a little more mindful of our world," he said. "I hope that they'll be willing to take care of nature, and not toss trash, or throw cigarettes out."

For Patel, he sees nature as relentless and fierce, but also beautifully fragile.

Do you want to show us a corner of your world? Send your favorite photo to Patch: autumn.johnson@patch.com for a chance to be featured in Patch Photo of the Week.