Ramona Home Journal

FROM THE PUBLISHER

PUBLISHER MICHAEL RAHER

Things are starting to get back to normal here in Ramona with the kids going back to school, Ramona’s fall sports teams hard at work and another Ramona Rodeo in the books. But now, it’s time to bring on some cooler weather and the chance to crank up the fire and watch some leaves change color. Fingers crossed, right?

In this month’s issue of the Ramona Home Journal, Cathryn Curry Hasz (or “Cat,” as we like to call her around here) asked some very small humans near and dear to her heart what they were looking forward to in the upcoming school year. To read that Violet is “looking forward to seeing my friends, doing more art, learning more things and meeting my new teacher,” and that Finn “loves his teacher the best” brings a huge smile to my face. But I have to agree with Spencer — my favorite subject was lunch, too!

Tim Connelly blessed us with an article this month about Wellfield Park, which is the heart of Ramona. Tim interviewed Ramona Municipal Water District General Manager Erica Wolski and newly hired Wellfield Park Facilities Administrator Megan Sandven, who shared some of the new initiatives they will be undertaking in the coming months. Great article, Tim, and thank you to Erica and Megan for their leadership and vision for such an important part of Ramona.

Finally, I threw my hat into the ring and wrote a story about “a sliding doors moment” that changed my life forever. For those of you who don’t know what “a sliding doors moment” is, here’s how Wikipedia describes it: “The term ‘a sliding doors moment’ became a term popularized in the late 20th century meaning seemingly inconsequential moments that nonetheless alter the trajectory of future events.” You’re just going to have to read it to find out what I’m talking about!

I always forget to mention, if you have an idea for a story, please feel free to email it to me, along with your contact details, to michael@journalpubs. com. But, remember, it’s got to be positive and uplifting about something or someone in Ramona. Sorry, no bad news or gripes printed in this publication!

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the students and teachers the best of luck for the coming school year and to all the Ramona sports teams for their fall season.

Have a great month, Ramona!

Vol. 26 • No. 2

Owner & Publisher

Michael Raher

Copy Editor

Annette Williams

Contributors

Tim Connelly

Cathryn Curry Hasz

Charlene Pulsonetti

Peter San Nicolas

Paul Zawilenski

Advertising Sales

Michael Raher

Advertising Coordinator

Breanna Hecker

Layout & Graphic Design

Eva Popcke

Accounting

Sarah Hine

Kayli Hine

Distribution

Adrian Enriquez

Kyle Patenaude

RAMONA HOME JOURNAL 1410 Main Street, Suite C P.O. Box 2214 Ramona, CA 92065 760-788-8148 ramonajournal.com

To advertise, please call 760-788-8148 ext. 101 or email michael@journalpubs.com

To submit a story idea or press release, please email michael@journalpubs.com

Ramona Home Journal is direct mailed FREE to more than 12,900 homes, condos, apartments and businesses in Ramona every month, or you can pick up your FREE copy at one of many locations throughout Ramona.

100% Ramona owned and operated

© 2022 Ramona Home Journal & Julian Home Journal. Ramona Home Journal and Julian Home Journal are published every month, and distributed free of charge. Advance written permission must be obtained from the publisher for partial or complete reproduction of any part or whole of the Ramona Home Journal or Julian Home Journal magazine, including advertising material contained in its pages. Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily the opinions of this publication. The publisher is not responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints or typographical errors in editorial or advertisements printed in the publication. We reserve the right to edit submittals. Editorials and information on calendar events are welcome. Send to the Journal Publications LLC, 1410 Main St., Ste. C, Ramona, CA 92065; phone 760-788-8148; or email michael@journalpubs.com.

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RAMONA HAPPENINGS SEPTEMBER

Tuesdays: ESL Beginners Class

Ramona Library, 1275 Main St.

From 5 to 6:45 p.m., an instructor will lead a class for non-English speakers. Clases de inglés como segundo lenguaje Clase dirigida por una instructora para personas que no hablan inglés. Por favor, regunte en la recepción para obtener más información. Visit sdcl.org.

Wednesdays: Ballet Folklórico

Ramona Library, 1275 Main St.

Instructor Aida Perez will teach children and teens the traditional Mexican dance style from 4 to 5:45 p.m. Visit sdcl.org.

Thursdays: Tai Chi

Ramona Library, 1275 Main St.

From 9:45 to 10:45 a.m., practice the art of Tai Chi with instructor Rose Evans. No cost to attend. Visit sdcl.org.

1–3: 51st Annual Barona Powwow

Barona Sports Complex, 1095 Barona Rd., Lakeside

Dancers and drummers will gather to celebrate traditions and compete in several categories. Free admission and open to the public. Food and vendors are also available. Visit facebook.com/BaronaPowwow.

2: Friends of Ramona Library Bookstore Sale

Ramona Library, 1275 Main St.

Every first Saturday, items priced above 25 cents are half o . Proceeds from the store are earmarked for Ramona Library programs and the purchase of new books, media and resources. Visit friendsoframonalibrary.org.

4: Ramona Ramblers Travel Club

Ramona Senior Center, 434 Aqua Ln.

The nonprofit travel club for individuals 50 years of age and older meets the first Monday of the month at 1 p.m. Monthly trips are planned for events in Southern California within a one- to two-hour driving distance. Guests are welcome, and club dues are $10 per year. Call Judy Walsh at 760-484-8517.

6: Story Time Engineers

Ramona Library, 1275 Main St.

From 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., children ages 3 to 5 and their guardians can enjoy a story time focused on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) topics, presented by the San Diego Air & Space Museum. Visit sdcl.org.

7: Ramona Woman’s Club

524 Main St.

At 1 p.m., members and guests are invited to the club’s welcome back lunch and introduction of new board directors. Visit ramonawomansclub.com.

8: Free Farmer’s Market

First Congregational Church of Ramona, 404 Eighth St. From 12:30 to 2 p.m., pick up free produce, canned goods and more. Visit fccramona.org.

Thursdays: Cool Cursive Club

Ramona Library, 1275 Main St.

From 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., children 5 and older can practice their cursive handwriting skills with teacher Marsha. Visit sdcl.org.

Saturdays: Ramona Certified Farmers’ Market 424 Letton St.

From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., enjoy live music, food trucks, fresh produce, local vendors, artisans and more. Visit facebook.com/ramonacertifiedfarmersmarket.

Saturdays: Kiwanis Club of Ramona Denny’s, 1946 Main St. Meeting starts at 7 p.m. Email ramonakiwanis@gmail.com.

9: Saturday Family Craft

Ramona Library, 1275 Main St.

Families can enjoy a complimentary craft from 11 a.m. to noon. Visit sdcl.org.

9: Free Family Art Class at The Art Center 438 Main St.

From 9:30 to 11 a.m., children and their adult guardians are invited to learn the art of printmaking. Class is free, thanks to a grant from the Ramona Community Foundation. Space is limited. Register at theartcenterramona.com.

12: Ramona Municipal Water District Board Meeting

Ramona Community Center, 434 Aqua Ln. Meeting begins at 6 p.m. Visit rmwd.org.

13: Ramona Garden Club: Cacti and Succulents of Baja Mountain View Community Church, 1191 Meadowlark Wy. Dean Karras, owner of Gnosis Nursery, will speak about research projects he worked on in Baja California. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., and meeting begins at noon. The club supports many community projects, o ers scholarships and more. Visit ramonagardenclub.com.

13 & 27: Friends of Ramona Unified School District Montecito High School, Nico Diaz Center, 720 Ninth St. At 6 p.m., meet FORUS members and learn how the nonprofit organization helps raise funds for deferred maintenance projects that impact the health and safety of students and sta in Ramona Unified School District. Search “FORUS (Friends Of Ramona Unified Schools)” on facebook.com.

14: Ramona Unified School District Board Meeting

RUSD O ce, 720 Ninth St. Visit ramonausd.net for meeting details.

15: Ramona Lions Club

Ramona Library Community Room, 1275 Main St. Club meets the second Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. Guests are welcome. For general information, call President David L. White at 760-315-2187. For membership, call Je LeClair at 619-895-1849.

16: 15th Annual Bow Wow Pow Wow

Ramona Outdoor Community Center, 421 Aqua Ln. Presented by the Kiwanis Club of Ramona, the event will feature food, refreshments and ra es, while dogs and their owners compete in fun categories like Best Tail Wagger, Best Costume, Most Handsome and Beautiful, and more. Event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Proceeds are earmarked to benefit the club’s community causes. Visit ramonakiwanis.org or email ramonakiwanisbwpw@ gmail.com.

16: Outdoor Movie Night: ‘Vivo’

Dos Picos County Park, 17953 Dos Picos Park Rd. The festivities begin at 5 p.m., with pre-show activities running until 7 p.m. Limited snacks o ered, and picnics are permitted. Visit summermoviesinthepark.com.

20: Republican Women of California – Intermountain Presents Carl DeMaio

Hatfield Creek Vineyards & Winery, 1625 Highway 78, Ramona

KOGO Radio host Carl DeMaio will speak at the club’s yearly fundraiser. Meet-and-greet starts at 5 pm., dinner is served at 6 p.m., and the meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $30, and reservations are required. Call Nancy at 760-315-3291.

26: Ramona Valley Vineyard Association Meeting

Prospective members are welcome to attend. Email teri@ ramonaranchwines.com for time and location.

30–Oct. 1: California Hunter Education Course

Ramona Town Hall, 729 Main St.

A California Department of Fish and Wildlife instructor will provide 10 hours of education at no cost. Upon successful completion, students can use their certificate when applying for a hunting license. Registration is required. Visit register-ed.com/events/view/201630. For information, email garydaranger@hotmail.com.

RAMONA CONCERT ASSOCIATION PRESENTS ITS 38TH SEASON

PHOTO COURTESY OF SAXOPHOBIA

jazz while featuring unique instruments, such as the small sopranino sax, the 6 ½-foot-tall contrabass sax, and everything in between — including an original 1880 saxophone from Adolphe Sax, the instrument’s creator.

The North County Wind Ensemble will return Dec. 1 with a popular Christmas program. Under the direction of Vince Hernandez, the group will perform traditional and popular hymns and holiday melodies.

Sharon Whyte, Jim Soldi, Glen Fisher and Bob Sale.

On April 2, 2024, JACA Duo’s Portuguese-Canadian clarinetist Wesley Ferreira and award-winning guitarist Jaxon Williams will connect the audience with music and cultures from around the globe.

Concerts begin at 7 p.m., and will take place at Mountain View Community Church, 1191 Meadowlark Wy.

The Ramona Concert Association has announced four shows as part of its 2023-24 season, which will begin in October.

On Oct. 6, saxophonist Rob Verdi will lead the Saxophobia quartet. The group will explore more than half a century of

On March 8, 2024, the six-piece Highland Way band will entertain with a mix of favorite songs, jigs, reels and more, mixed with a healthy dose of friendly banter. Members include Scotsman Brian Caldwell (from Glasgow by way of Escondido), Paul Graham Castellanos,

Tickets are $20 for adults, and free for children of high-school age and younger. Season tickets are o ered at $50 per adult, and sponsorships are also available.

Call 760-789-7474 or 760-788-0434, or visit ramonaconcerts.com.

NEW UKULELE CLASSES AT RAMONA LIBRARY

PHOTO COURTESY OF KARLA BRUSTAD

Two new Ukulele classes will start in the Ramona Library homework room, 1275 Main St., beginning on Tuesday, Sept. 12. All classes are free, and no experience is necessary.

Participants are invited to bring their own ukulele or borrow one from the library. All music material will be provided at no cost.

“You don’t have to know how to read music to play the ukulele,” said Karla Brustad. “It is the easiest instrument to learn.”

The adult beginners’ class will be held from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., and the youth class, for ages 7 to 17, will follow from 3 to 4 p.m.

The Ukulele Jammers will resume classes on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. to noon in the library’s Community Room. This class is for people who know how to play a few chords and want to have fun singing and strumming with new friends.

Whitney and Sierra Tryon attended ukulele class at Ramona Library in April.

FROM THE CHAMBER

Chamber of Commerce

SUBMITTED BY PAUL ZAWILENSKI, PRESIDENT

The Ramona Country Fair was a huge success again this summer. I hope you had a chance to come out and have some fun. In addition to the traditional carnival rides and vendors, we had a full lineup of bands throughout the weekend, and we finished Sunday night with the first-ever Banda Night. The o -road show keeps growing, and we brought some mini-bikes and motorcycles into the Rodeo Arena for some two-wheel fun. Congratulations to Stephanie Macdonald, our event chair and fearless leader. Stephanie and her husband, Colin, own Kit Fox Outfitters located on Main Street. If you want to enjoy the outdoors a little more, be sure to stop by their store.

I really want to thank all the volunteers who made the fair happen, from the Ramona Chamber of Commerce board members who do the heavy lifting and spend all day working, to our community volunteers and groups that come out to help. That being said, we can always use more help. Most of our first-time volunteers said how much fun

they had. We have many opportunities throughout the year to volunteer, so check in with the Chamber o ce and see what is available. The need for volunteers got us thinking about creating a central resource for volunteer groups and individuals for Ramona. Contact the Chamber o ce if you or your organization would like to be part of this community resource. If you are in need of volunteers, let us know, and we will try to connect you with the resources you need. We are Ramona, and we help each other out.

The Chamber of Commerce website has many resources available for members and the community. Take a tour around ramonachamber.com, and see what we have added for you. Follow us on social media for up-to-date community information.

The Chamber of Commerce is here to serve our members and the community of Ramona. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help support and grow your business.

Ramona Students Ramona Students

IT’S BACK-TO-SCHOOL SEASON IN RAMONA

WRITTEN BY CATHRYN CURRY HASZ

Ihave three recurring dreams that creep in when I’m particularly stressed or have consumed evening cheese, which we all know is never a good life choice.

The first dream is that I’ve gone back to work at Trader Joe’s and am stocking the frozen section, but we were always out of Mandarin chicken.

The second involves an ex who shall not be mentioned further lest they barrel their way once more into my subconscious. (Note, if you’re an ex from Ramona reading this, fear not, it isn’t you.)

And the third dream is set at Ramona High School.

I only attended Ramona high for two years and have since continued my educational journey, but for some reason, my anxiety-riddled brain enjoys plaguing me with the threat of failing senior year, and the elusive locker combination I will never be able to remember.

Luckily, the bright-minded youths of Ramona aren’t dreaming of locker combinations or frozen chicken. They are looking forward to heading back to class for the new school year!

Spencer and Violet are both entering sixth grade and are excited in di erent ways: Spencer’s excited to see his friends and take part in his favorite subject, lunch, and Violet said she is “looking forward to seeing my friends, doing more art, learning more

Everly, photo by Lindsey Dahl From left are Cat Curry Hasz and Gabriel and Emma Chandroo, photo by Cathryn Curry Hasz

things and meeting my new teacher.” (Violet was also curious if participating in this article would make her famous, so please be sure to stop and say hi to her in the supermarket!)

Everly has been enjoying her summer with her parents and little brother Tripp, but is also “excited to see all my friends,” as she starts the first grade!

On a recent pool excursion with my niece and nephew, Emma and Gabriel Chandroo, they told me — in-between relay races and thoroughly drenching my sun hat — that they, too, were looking forward to school.

“I’m excited about sixth-grade camp, and the talent show!” Emma told me, as she and her brother tested the limits of my waterproof eyeliner.

“And I’m excited to see my friends, and for math!” Gabriel said, as his sister tried to drag him to the depths. “I like numbers!”

Finn is also very excited to start transitional kindergarten, because school is “Fun!” When pressed further for the hard-hitting facts of what makes school “fun,” Finn advised that they “do work and play with toys. It’s fun!” I also learned that he “loves his teacher the best.”

There are lots of things to be excited about in back-to-school season! I personally miss brightly colored rainbow zebra folders, fresh packages of new pens, college lined pape… stationery Apparently, I miss stationery, which as an adult, I could absolutely reenact this euphoria at a Staples any day of the week, but it’s just not the same!

Mechanical pencils aside, the takeaways to remember as summer comes to a close are:

• Write down your locker combination somewhere real smart, and keep it by your bedside to assuage night terrors well into your 30s.

•Do work and play with toys.

• Study hard, mind your teachers, make new friends and give your all at the sixth-grade camp talent show.

• And last (and maybe most importantly), don’t eat cheese before bed.

Spencer, left, and Violet, photo by Kimberly Mangin Finn, photo by Katie Rice

WELLFIELD PARK IS THE HEART OF RAMONA

WRITTEN BY TIM CONNELLY | PHOTOS BY TIM CONNELLY

I’ve walked around Wellfield Park every day for nearly two decades. It’s where I watch the sunrise. It’s where I taught my son to drive, learned to coach soccer and played softball. It’s where I go to the fair, where my family saw their first rodeo, where my nephew sold his goat, where my neighbor bought his pig, where my daughter learned to be a referee, where my son learned to juggle, and where I had my son’s memorial. It’s where I go to clear my head, and where I go when my head’s clear.

Wellfield Park is the centerpiece of our community, and it’s only getting better.

The 166-acre property was deeded to the town by the Watkins family some say with the condition: to serve the community. It was vacant land at that point, but it was good land due to the fact it had lots of water, was level, and was located near the center of town.

Under the direction of Art Thompson, the park grew for decades, acre by acre and nonprofit by nonprofit, into what we have today. We wouldn’t have the park we have today without Art Thompson’s determination and hard work and Ernie Fila’s tireless upkeep. The community will forever be in their debt.

Today, there are new visionaries helping shape Wellfield Park — new leaders with new visions and new talents.

Continued on page 26

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Remax Balloon rides at the Ramona Country Fair 2023

Ramona Municipal Water District General Manager Erica Wolski brings her talents as an engineer and communicator, and newly hired Wellfield Park Facilities Administrator Megan Sandven comes to us with many successful years of experience in parks and recreation and private enterprise. Together, they o er new takes on old challenges.

Wellfield Park grew piece by piece over the years, as needed. It was the right solution for the time. But growing in this manner creates its own challenges.

The new vision of the park is one of unity, access and improvements. For example, pest control for the entire park is now handled under one contract. This makes it less likely that any area gets neglected and helps deter gophers from proliferating and adversely impacting neighboring sports fields. Field maintenance is being handled the same way, and the end results are better sports fields for everybody.

These and other commonsense changes are already happening. Broken fences are being repaired, new water bottle filling stations are being installed, and the children’s playground has been repaired. There are new security measures in place and more are on the way. New trees are being planted, and unsafe trees are being removed.

But that’s just the start!

Wolski is actively pursuing our share of funding from Community

Art Thompson

Resilience Program funds, DAC funds and others. Advocates like Wolski and Sandven are essential in unincorporated communities like ours in order for us to receive our due share. Without their alert eyes, opportunities like these can easily be overlooked. With them, we’re now planning new walking paths, functional restrooms, more events, an expanded disc golf course and possibly even a dog park.

The new broader management of our park will move all the park’s partners forward like never before. The new organizational structure also gives the community a seat at the table, which has been missing. The Parks and Recreation Community Advisory Committee (PRCAC) provides community members a way to express local needs and concerns. PRCAC meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Ramona Community Center, 434 Aqua Ln. Public input is welcome.

There are more than a dozen di erent nonprofit organizations that consider Wellfield Park their base of operation. Each has its own needs and concerns. With so many diverse interests at stake, it stands to reason some organizations may not be interested in all the changes.

But at the end of the day, everyone wants the same thing: a clean, safe, vibrant park that can serve as a community hub.

Megan Sandven

Erica Wolski

Feeding families, communities, and the future.

Proud Sponsors of the Ramona Rodeo since 1983

Partnering wi our Community

THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS

MY SLIDING DOORS MOMENT

WRITTEN BY MICHAEL RAHER

Irecently received a social media notification from “The Living End,” an Australian band that I follow, informing me of the 25th anniversary of the release of their debut album, which to this day holds the record for the highest-selling debut album in Australian recording history. Whilst Australian record sales are nowhere near what they are in the U.S., they are still considerable and can be quite rewarding. To celebrate the anniversary, The Living End is playing a sold-out show to more than 10,000 fans in their hometown of Melbourne, Australia.

You are probably asking yourself, “Where are you going with this, Michael?” Well, you see, I played drums for this band a few years prior to the release of this album and, had I not made one decision that changed my life forever, I could be celebrating the anniversary with them and performing to 10,000 screaming fans. Truth be told, I probably wasn’t good enough to remain in the band once they experienced success and made it their fulltime career, but one can always dream, right?

My sliding doors moment (remember, “inconsequential moments that nonetheless alter the trajectory of future

events”) came down to a decision to move to the United States literally on a whim. I made inquiries with the owner of a San Diego-based clothing company that I was licensing in Australia who, from what I found out later, had the most amazing immigration attorney who was able to fast-track my immigration paperwork (for a fee, of course!) and provide me with a work visa as soon as I entered the country.

The reason for such urgency was due to a girl. Yep, you heard me, a girl. I had been in a relationship (around the same time I joined The Living End) for around a year, but throughout most of the relationship, we would break up, get back together, break up, get back together… You see where I’m going with this. Well, there came a time when I said to myself, “I need to put an ocean between us, and there’s no bigger ocean than the Pacific!” In that instance, I contacted “my guy” in the U.S., purchased an airline ticket from my best friend, who also happened to be a travel agent, and before you know it, I had landed in the U.S. with one suitcase and a name and telephone number of a person I had never met.

At the same time of my move, the other two members of the band were looking for me, as they had recently

“The term ‘a sliding doors moment’ means seemingly inconsequential moments that nonetheless alter the trajectory of future events.”

- Wikipedia

The Living End, photo courtesy of The Living End Instagram page

been o ered to be the opening act for the multi-platinum U.S. band, Green Day for their sold out Australian tour. Needless to say, they found a new drummer who became the drummer on their successful debut album. They toured all over the world, performed on “The Late Show with David Letterman” and “Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” and opened for Blink 182, The Stray Cats and AC/DC, to name a few.

Fast-forward to 2023, and I regularly look back (okay, all of the time if I’m being honest!) and ask myself: “What if?” But you know what? I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m glad for their success. The band deserves it, as they have worked hard and have continued to stay humble throughout the process. Had I not made the split-second decision to come to the U.S., I would not have met my beautiful wife, Laurie, or become the father to my two amazing sons, Noah and Jacob, or be the proud owner of our wonder dog, Milo! The list goes on of what might have been had I’d stayed in Australia.

I am so thankful that I threw caution to the wind (okay, so my parents called it “irresponsible”) and went for it. My dream has always been to come to America — especially Southern California — ever since I was a teenager. Now, I have become a citizen (since 2017) and consider the U.S. “my home.”

And recently, I started playing music again with two local bands, “The Beard & The Bird,” with my dear friends Jon and Cat Hasz (who writes for this publication), and “Big Sky Moon.”

So I guess the moral of the story is embrace the decisions you make in life, whether they are the right decisions or the wrong decisions. You can’t go back and change them, but they are a part of you and your journey in life. And it’s okay to ask yourself, “What if?” now and again — just don’t dwell on it.

For me, I have four beautiful reasons not to dwell so much, and their names are Laurie, Noah, Jacob and Milo.

Journal publisher Michael Raher performs at The Barn with The Beard & The Bird.

Photo by John Hancock

Raher accompanies Big Sky Moon at the Ramona Country Fair. Photo by Ashley E. Norton

ALISHA SIROIS SENIOR LOAN OFFICER NMLS #223936

WHY DO I NEED A PRE-APPROVAL LETTER FIRST?

I

JUST

There are many reasons why a Realtor will not view a home with a buyer before they are pre-approved, and many benefits to a homebuyer to get a pre-approved before they begin to look at homes.

Inventory of homes for sale is limited, and competition among buyers is fierce. If a home is priced right, it is sold within days. When a Realtor has a new listing it’s very exciting and fastpaced. If a buyer hasn’t started the approval process but wants to make an o er, the home is usually sold to someone else before they can get that done. Falling in love with a home you can’t buy is heart-breaking.

The time it takes to get pre-approved depends on how organized you are with your paperwork. An online

WANT TO SEE THE HOUSE, I’M NOT EVEN SURE IF I WANT TO BUY IT

application can be completed at any time, documents uploaded, and pre-approval issued the next day in a perfect world. Most consumers need a little more time to gather their paperwork. In person or over the phone applications are also an option, based upon scheduling a time and place that works for everyone.

The fast answer may not be the answer everyone is looking for. If your first pre-approval doesn’t deliver the price you need, there may be things you can do by increasing income and/ or reducing debt to get a better result.

The pre-approval is not just about qualifying. During the application process we also review monthly payments, and amount of funds you will need to close. There are many

programs to choose from, your Loan O cer will review what is best based upon your qualifications. If there are steps you can take to qualify for other or better programs, we make a plan to get you there.

When you make an o er, you may run into a bidding situation where o ers are being made above the asking price. The winning buyer is the one who can react the most quickly and confidently with their o er, so you’ve got to know your numbers going in.

The seller has reasons as well for limiting the viewing of their home only to pre-approved buyers. While they are trying to make the home available for buyers to see, they are not interested in opening their home to people who just want to see how

they’ve decorated or remodeled. Being pre-approved and represented by a Realtor shows you are serious, and opens all the doors for you.

While open Houses are a way to view homes prior to working on your preapproval, not every home o ered for sale will host an open house so you may miss an opportunity if you haven’t taken this important step.

Starting the process for pre-approval is simple, give us a call, or begin your application online at:

www.alishasirois.com

We are here to help and happy to be a resource.

I am authorized to do business in the state of California. Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the CA Residential Mortgage Lending Act; Guild Mortgage Company: NMLS#3274. Equal Housing Opportunity: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. All information, loan programs & interest rates are subject to change without notice. All loans subject to underwriter approval. Terms and conditions apply. Always consult an accountant or tax advisor for full eligibility requirements on tax deduction.

WRITTEN BY PETER SAN NICOLAS

PERFECTION STIFLES PROGRESS

I want to send Ramona a word of encouragement to go after your dreams no matter how big or small they may be.

Dreams start as a mere thought in the mind and are forced into reality by taking action. This action may not be perfect, but I believe perfection stifles progress.

I’ve heard it time and time again: “Once I get A done, I’ll do B.” Or, “Once I get in better shape, I’ll hire a coach to help me get in the best shape.” “Once I have everything just right, I’ll start on my goals or dreams.” “Once interest rates come back down and I fix my credit, then I’ll buy a house.”

There’s nothing wrong with having a well-laid-out plan that will foster good results, but waiting to take action until perfection happens is a surefire way to never take the first step.

Of course, there are certain situations that require precise planning and execution, such as performing brain surgery or engineering a space shuttle — actually, Elon Musk has been able to make enormous strides by taking a di erent approach than NASA.

For decades NASA took the perfection approach to building spacecraft. They were so careful and meticulous and quadruple-checked themselves so as not to make a mistake. Of course, when human lives are at stake, it’s best to follow this approach. Musk, on the other hand, accelerated his learning curve by taking incessant action and learned from the mistakes at a rapid pace. This approach did come at a financial cost, but he and the Space X team had numerous failures that led to learning. If they’d waited for perfection, they’d still be on version one of the Space X Starship, but they aren’t. They’ve created a reusable spacecraft that launches and lands with pinpoint precision, and they did so by taking rapid action.

Again, goals start in the mind as a thought and are brought into reality by action, not perfection. We only live once on this earth as it is now, with these sets of circumstances.

Stop putting o your dreams and vision for that perfect time. That perfect time will never come, so you may as well take that first step!

WRITTEN BY CHARLENE

LEARNING TO SEE THE WORLD

PAINTINGS BY JOEL COOK

While sitting in Collier County Park, artist Joel Cook showed me a photo of a painting in progress. It’s a still life of a metal teapot, a white ceramic cup and a vase filled with sunflowers on a table.

Cook calls my attention to the pot — it’s made of copper with a woodwrapped handle. He tells me it’s from an antique shop and was originally used over a home’s wood-cooking fire. The handle has wear from years of use, and below the spout, there is a patch placed to cover a hole where the surface was worn from rubbing repeatedly on the cooking surface.

He owned the pot for several years but wasn’t inspired to paint it until seeing the still life paintings of an artist in Santa Fe, N.M.

Much like the teapot, Cook held onto a copy of “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain” — a book with artistic exercises by author Betty Edwards — for some time before examining it closer. After retiring, he finally had time to explore it.

“Painting, any sort of art, is problem solving,” says Cook. “How do you show (what you’re imagining) without getting caught up in the details?”

This is a common dilemma for people dipping their toe into creativity. Oftentimes, they don’t even go that far — they just assume it’s something they lack the ability to pursue. But I find that hard to believe, because as children, we dance, sing and draw without a second thought. Cook recalls hearing that around the age of 13, children start to become their own worst critics.

Many of us can probably relate to this. When that critical voice comes around, people’s creative selves go into hiding. With e ort, we can pull that shy being back into the light.

Developing good technique is something Cook was taught when he began

working with local instructors like Pat Kelly. He explains that she started him o slowly until he was ready to take on more challenging pursuits, like plein air painting.

Learning a new skill may seem di cult, but it doesn’t have to be painful.

“They can have a pleasurable experience if they just do it,” Cook says of those who make the e ort to try. “It has to be a priority to develop that skill.”

Along with practicing technique and using good materials, he says that developing an ability to see the world is critical to being an artist.

For Cook, dramatic lighting is captivating, and when it comes to his own paintings, he says, “I like for people to say, ‘That really glows.’”

Throughout time, learning to notice the marvelous way color reacts in nature, and picking up on form and shape, have helped artists expertly express the world around them.

Just as Cook was inspired to paint the copper pot after seeing another artists’ still life, you, too, may be inspired to explore the arts by viewing his work. His painting can be seen at 2Create Gallery, 438 Main St., and he will also be part of a show at Coldwell Banker Country Realty from Sept. 30 to Oct. 30.

Though life sometimes gets in the way of our aspirations, if we keep our dream alive, there is hope.

“The (artists) that do the best are the ones that paint every day, or as much as they can,” says Cook. “What helps me is that I’m retired. All we can do is live life happening today. In my life today, I have time to paint.”

TYLER STAMETS

September 17

Ramona Family Naturals

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

CATHRYN BEEKS

September 5

Hosting Song Circle at Pamo Winery 5 – 8 p.m.

September 23

Hosting Sip, Shop & Sing

Song Circle and Maker’s Market at Old Julian Winery 1 – 5 p.m.

September 23

w/Medium High at Ramona Ranch Winery 5 – 8 p.m.

BLIND MILES BLUES

September 9

The Barn 8:30 – 11:30 p.m.

GIG GUIDE

September 12

The Barn

6:30 p.m.

September 29

Smoking Cannon Brewery, Host Open Mic

6 p.m.

MACKENZIE-TALLY DUO

September 24

Three Hills Winery

2 – 5 p.m.

DUSTY RECOR

September 1

Songbirds 2nd Anniversary, Ramona Ranch Winery 6 – 9 p.m.

September 7

Smoking Cannon Brewery 6 – 9 p.m.

September 10

Heroes Wood-Fired Pizza, Wynola 12 – 3 p.m.

September 24

Ramona Family Naturals 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

DESERT CROSSING

September 9

Pamo Valley Winery 5 p.m.

September 16

Carlee’s, Borrego Springs 7 p.m.

DANA DUPLAN

September 2

The Cooler 1 – 4 p.m.

September 3

Three Hills winery

2 – 5 p.m.

September 4

Shadow Mountain Winery, Warner Springs

1 – 4 p.m.

September 9

Shadow Mountain Winery, Warner Springs

1 – 4 p.m.

September 16

Smoking Cannon Brewery 6 – 9 p.m.

September 22

Smoking Cannon Brewery

Hosting Open Mic Night 6 – 9 p.m.

September 17

Shadow Mountain Winery, Warner Springs

DIRTY CONFETTI

September 1

KQ RV Ranch, Julian 7 – 9:30 p.m.

September 7, 14 & 21

Ramona Family Naturals

5:30 – 8 p.m.

September 8

The Pub at Lake Cuyamaca

5 – 7 p.m.

September 16

Pamo Valley Winery 5 – 8 p.m.

September 25

Ramona Ranch Winery 5 – 8 p.m.

SCARRY GARRY SHOW

September 23

Haunted Hill - 22142 San Vicente Rd. Ramona 7 p.m.

MICHAEL DEAN GOODRICH

September 1

Smoking Cannon Brewery, Open Mic 6 – 9 p.m.

September 2

Smoking Cannon Brewery, Solo 6 – 9 p.m.

September 9

Heroes Wood-Fired Pizza, Wynola 7 – 9:30 p.m.

CAREFREE HIGHWAY

September 9

Old Julian Vineyard and Winery 2 – 5 p.m.

September 23

Pamo Valley Winery

5 – 8 p.m.

THEA THE BAND

September 1

Songbirds 2nd Anniversary, Ramona Ranch Winery

6 p.m.

September 2

Ramona Ranch Winery 5 – 8 p.m.

September 10

Josie's Hideout, Santa Ysabel

11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

September 30

Ramona Ranch Winery

5 p.m.

September 17

Hosting JamboreeSeptember at Lavender & Olive

5 p.m.

September 21

Pamo Valley Winery w/ Daniel Neilsen

6 p.m.

September 24

Ramona Ranch Winery

2 p.m.

JUSTIN CRADDOCK

September 3

The Cooler, Wynola

1 – 4 p.m.

JON HASZ

September 15

Open Mic Host at Smoking Cannon Brewery

6 p.m.

September 18

Blues Jam Host at Reds Whites & Brews

6 p.m.

September 23

Vineyard Grant James 1 p.m.

ASHLEY E. NORTON

Every Wednesday at The Par Lounge, Country Estates

5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

September 1

Songbirds of Ramona Ranch Winery FULL BAND Anniversary Show

6 p.m.

September 2

Flousy at Julian Grape Stomp

3 p.m.

September 8

Hosting open mic @ Smoking Cannon Brewery

6 p.m.

September 9

Sunrise Vineyards

3 p.m.

September 9

Smoking Cannon Brewery

6 p.m.

BIG SKY MOON

September 23

Josie’s Hideout, Santa Ysabel 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Hey Ramona bands and musicians, send your gig information to Michael Raher at michael@journalpubs.com

Please include a photo, dates and gig location by the 15th of every month.

FINANCIAL FOCUS

SUBMITTED BY PATRICK MESKELL

WHAT SHOULD YOU ASK A FINANCIAL ADVISOR?

Managing your finances and investing for your future are important tasks — and they can be challenging. But you don’t have to go it alone. Many people benefit from working with a financial advisor, someone who knows their needs and goals and makes appropriate recommendations. If you’re considering getting some help, you’ll want to ensure a particular financial advisor is right for you, so it’s a good idea to ask questions. Here are some to consider:

• Have you worked with people like me?

All of us are unique individuals. Yet, you do share certain characteristics with others — age, income, family situation and so on. And you might feel comfortable knowing that a financial advisor has worked with people like you and can readily understand and appreciate your needs and specific goals: college for your children, a certain type of retirement lifestyle, the kind of legacy you’d like to leave and others. The more information

you can provide about yourself upfront, the better your chances of finding a good match.

• Do you have a particular investment philosophy? Some financial advisors follow a particular investment style, while others might focus on specific investments or categories. There’s nothing inherently wrong with these types of approaches, but you might be better served by working with someone who takes a broader view — one that emphasizes helping clients meet their goals over any particular philosophy or strategy.

• How will you communicate with me? Open and frequent communication are key to a successful relationship with a financial advisor. So, you’ll want to know what you can expect. Will you have annual or semi-annual reviews of your accounts? In between these reviews, can you contact your advisor at any time with questions you may have? How will an advisor notify

you to recommend investment moves? Is the financial advisor the individual you’ll communicate with, or are other people involved?

• How do you define success for your clients? Some investors track their portfolios’ performance against that of a specific market index, such as the S&P 500. But these types of benchmarks can be misleading. For one thing, investors should strive for a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds and other investments, whereas the S&P 500 only tracks the largest U.S. stocks. So, when you talk to potential financial advisors about how they define success for their clients, you may want to look for responses that go beyond numbers and encompass statements such as these: “I’m successful if my clients trust me to do the right things for them. And, most important, I’m successful when I know I’ve helped my clients reach all their goals.”

• How are you compensated? Financial advisors are compensated in di erent ways — some work on commissions, some charge fees, and some combine fees and commissions. There isn’t necessarily any best method, from a client’s point of view, but you should clearly understand how a potential advisor is compensated before you begin a professional relationship.

These aren’t the only questions you might ask a potential financial advisor, but they should give you a good start. When you’re trusting someone to help you with your important financial goals, you want to be completely comfortable with that individual — so ask whatever is on your mind.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC

MKT-58941-A

Life is full of moments that matter. Let us help you get ready for that next moment.

Planting bulbs in the fall invests in your garden’s future, filling your spring with vibrant blooms.

Taking advantage of the cool weather and preparing the soil ahead of winter lets you set the stage for a stunning display of flowers. Embark on a bulb planting journey this fall to fill your future garden with color.

SELECTING BULBS

There are many varieties of bulbs, each o ering unique colors, shapes and blooming times. Popular options for fall planting include tulips, da odils, crocuses, hyacinths and snowdrops.

You’ll want to look into bloom time, height and sunlight requirements of the di erent varieties to create a well-rounded and visually appealing garden. Opt for bulbs that are firm, free of blemishes and specific to your climate zone for the best chance of success.

PLANTING BULBS

PLANTING THE BULBS

Fall is the optimal time to plant bulbs because it allows them to establish roots before the ground freezes. Aim to plant bulbs six to eight weeks before the ground typically freezes in your area. This timing varies depending on your climate zone, so consult local gardening resources or ask experts at your nearby nursery for the ideal planting window in your region.

Prepare the soil to create the most favorable conditions for bulb growth. Find a well drained location that receives ample sunlight. Remove any weeds, rocks or debris from the planting area.

Loosen the soil and amend it with compost or organic matter to improve its fertility, drainage and overall health. Proper soil preparation contributes to healthy root development and robust blooms.

Di erent bulbs have varying planting depths, so it’s important to follow the

specific guidelines for each variety. As a general rule, plant bulbs two to three times their own height deep. Space them according to the recommendations on the package or from your local garden expert to allow for proper growth and air circulation. Planting bulbs in clusters or drifts can create a more natural and visually appealing e ect.

Dig a hole or trench deep enough to accommodate the bulb’s planting depth. Place the bulb in the hole with the pointed end facing upward. Avoid planting bulbs upside down, as this can hinder their growth. Gently backfill the hole with soil, ensuring there are no air pockets around the bulb. Water the area thoroughly to provide moisture for the roots and promote initial growth.

MAINTENANCE AND MULCHING

Protect the planted bulbs from extreme temperature and potential disturbances. Apply a layer of mulch such as straw or shredded leaves to insulate the soil and

provide a barrier against frost. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weed growth, which contributes to a favorable environment for bulb development.

Depending on your area, your bulbs might attract wildlife such as deer or squirrels who will want to eat your bulbs and destroy your hard work and planning. To deter them, install physical barriers like netting or fences. Some gardeners plant bulbs that are less appealing to local wildlife or use companion plants that repel pests.

Continue to care for your bulbs by watering them thoroughly after planting and monitoring soil moisture throughout the fall. Keep the planting area free from weeds as they can compete for nutrients and water. Avoid overwatering so that the bulbs don’t rot. As winter approaches, mark the planting areas to avoid accidentally disturbing the bulbs.

PUZZLES

CLUES ACROSS

1. Second sight

4. Standard electrode potential

7. Type of gibbon

8. John Joseph __: American industrialist

10. Manning and Whitney are two

12. Abrupt

41. No (Scottish)

42. Dialect of English

43. Former SteelersХ QB

44. Popular beer

45. It can make you sick

46. Tropical tree and fruit

48. Company o cer

49. Contact lens term

50. Your consciousness of your own identity

51. ТGhetto SuperstarУ singer

52. Piece of turf

CLUES DOWN

1. Number of players on each side in a football game

2. Containing salt

3. Reasoning or knowledge: a __

4. Car mechanics group

5. Leave a place

6. Southern Colombian capital

8. Old English letter

9. Tide

11. Walk heavily

14. Chemical compound (abbr.)

15. Artificial openings

18. Luteinizing hormone

19. Unit of energy

20. Circular movement of water

22. A way of holding

23. Popular book of words (abbr.)

24. StatesХ group

27. Dashes

28. Body part

29. Electronic countermeasures

31. Consumed

32. Small bird

33. Unhappy

34. Football's big game (abbr.)

35. Valued object o ered in good faith

36. Wild goats

37. Precede in place

38. Small edible fish 39. Notice of death

40. Body cavity of a metazoan

JOB SEEKING WORD SEARCH WORDS