There is something magical about Ricardo Brecedas metal sculptures. Perhaps because they evolved from his little daughters request for her father to build a dinosaur for her, not many fathers would acquiesce to such a request. But his little girl was his princess and he aimed to please. He built the dinosaur and went on to build many more dinosaurs, horses, and elephants. His small menagerie caught the attention of millionaire Dennis Avery who commissioned Breceda to build 131 different metal sculptures scattered on his property in Borrego Valley with the most dramatic creature being a fantasy giant dragon that dives under the road and has a rattlesnake tail. The Borrego Valley sculptures have become a major attraction for Borrego Springs. Today, Ricardos sculptures can be found scattered about southern California in such places as Twentynine Palms at the entrance to Joshua Tree National Park, Cabazon and the Palm Springs area, La Quinta, Norco, Temecula, Aguanga, Ocotillo Wells, Idyllwild, and even Jacumba. Now you can add your own magical touch to stagecoaches, Pleistocene animals, historical characters, dinosaurs, bighorn sheep, snakes, monkeys, and various other assorted animals. Diana Lindsay is the author, co-author, or editor of over 10 books that delve into the cultural and natural history of San Diego County. Her research and writing career began with the publication of her master’s degree from San Diego State University by Copley Books in 1973 as Our Historic Desert. Among her many award-winning books are the guidebook entitled The Anza-Borrego Desert Region, Anza-Borrego A to Z: People, Places, and Things, Marshal South and the Ghost Mountain Chronicles, and Ricardo Breceda: Accidental Artist. Her other latest projects include the best-selling Coast to Cactus: The Canyoneer Trail Guide to San Diego Outdoors, and a sixth edition of the guidebook Anza-Borrego Desert Region, which she co-authored with her husband, Lowell.