2014 Ramona Lifestyles Spring / Summer

Page 1

R

A

SPRING / SUMMER 2014

AMON L I F E S T Y L E S

business off the

year

Jewelry World

& Loan

Inside

Citizen of the Year Bob Krysak Page 10

Living the Dream The Jaguar Barn Page 18

Back on Course Ramona High’s Michael Gainey Page 38


2 Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014


Sharon Quisenberry’s Q’Nique Properties

Residential

1 - 4 Units

Land

33 Years in Real Estate Specializes in Residential, Commercial, 1 - 4 Units & Land Ranked #5 in Total Units Sold in California

Commercial

Ranked in Top 10 Real Estate Agents Nationwide for Coldwell Banker for the Past 20 Years Full Service Agent with Full Time Support Staff

Q’Nique Properties sharonquisenberry.com 2130 Main Street Ramona, CA 92065

Sharon Quisenberry 760.787.3177 CalBRE# 00768893

Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014

3


RAMONA

ABOUT RAMONA LIFSTYLES

L I F E S T Y L E S

How to reach us 425-A 10th Street Ramona, CA 92065 Phone: 760-789-1350 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

www.ramonasentinel.com

COMMUNITY We’re tooting Ramona’s horn in this issue of Ramona Lifestyles, bringing you in-depth stories about your neighbors, the business of the year, the citizen of the year, and a very special fourthgrader. You’ll learn about the woman behind the murals around town, the young man who’s paying forward what others taught him on the golf course, and the retired Navy fellow who spends so much time in his barn restoring Jaguar cars. A lot is happening in our town. Ramona’s wineries are a catalyst for changing the fabric of the community by sparking agritourism that is reviving our economy and keeping more of us employed in the town in which we live. We have a lot to boast about — beautiful mountain views, grazing cattle and horses, hiking and riding trails, open skies, exquisite sunsets, an art and music culture, our own rodeo, country fair, junior

facebook.com/ RamonaSentinel Follow us @ramonasentinel Copyright © 2014 U-T Community Press. All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this publication may be reproduced in any medium, including print and electronic media, without the express written consent of U-T Community Press.

Douglas F. Manchester Publisher Phyllis Pfeiffer Vice President & General Manager Don Parks Chief Revenue Officer Michael Raher General Manager Ramona Sentinel Maureen Robertson Editor Karen Brainard Assistant Editor Nancy Stegon Graphics Manager

fair and fireworks, and, as the head of the chamber’s economic development committee says, our own castle and an airport. We’re a community of independent and spirited people who are passionate about their town and striving to make it better. Ramona’s more than a place to live — it’s a lifestyle, and we celebrate it with you.

Lynn Sampson Advertising Executive Stephanie Holas Administrative Assistant

Contributors Regina Elling Jessica King

Photography Lindsey Spieker Cover Photo Tom & Kathleen Cole of Jewelry World & Loan Courtesy of Lezley Knott

4 Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014


spring / summer 10

in this issue

14 16 22 24 26 30 34

H.E.A.R.T. MURALS The Women Behind The Vision RAMONA REAL ESTATE Getting Better & Better 34TH ANNUAL RAMONA RODEO Tattoos On R Town FASHION IN RAMONA A Look at Spring Fashion ENTHUSIASM & SPICE The Perfect Recipe For Gardening WINERIES Creating A Destination

37 38 42 46 48 50

6

18

PAWS ON THE PATIO Pet Friendly Restaurants BACK ON COURSE Ramona High’s Michael Gainey HISTORIC TOWN HALL The Crown Jewel of Ramona GOD’S HANDIWORK Valley of the Sunsets LOOKING FOR TEN GOOD PEOPLE Alexavia Zetterberg RAMONA HIGH FUSION Students Making A Difference

HORSEBACK TOURS Another Way To Enjoy Ramona Wineries

Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014

5


Jewelry World

& Loan

Unveiled Jew Jewelry welry l W World ld and d LLoan Business u usiness of the Year

6 Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014


J

ewelry World and Loan is known to have a heart of gold, but there is much more to this store than precious metals. Owner Tom Cole and his wife, Kathleen, provide insight into the “jewelry world” and how their store is representative of Ramona’s small town lifestyle. Ramona Chamber of Commerce chose Jewelry World and Loan Business of the Year. Since 1985, Jewelry World and Loan has been a prospering business and active in the community. Tom and Kathleen said that longevity and their community support most likely contributed to the Business of the Year recognition. Among the many local events they have supported are Ramona Rodeo, Miss Ramona, Oktoberfest, Ramona Music Festival, H.E.A.R.T. Mural Project, and fundraisers for the Ramona Senior Center. Their red and green vintage 1937 Chevy truck is a familiar sight in town. They see it as a symbol of Ramona’s rustic character, and make it available to local organizations advertising their events. The Coles believe their company’s success in Ramona is due to the variety of services they provide customers. “New, estate and custom design jewelry offer our patrons the opportunity to fulfill all their jewelry needs,” says Kathleen. “Our expert fullservice jewelry repair is the key to keeping our customers coming back.” Jewelry World buys and sells precious metals, bullion and collectible coins. This allows their customers the luxury of not having to head down the hill to make that important investment. When times get tough, a collateral loan may help with that unexpected bill.

WE BUY

GOLD

Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014

7


Kathleen notes that Jewelry World has something for everyone. Musical instruments, electronics and tools, to name a few items, make for an interesting visit anytime customers stop by the store. “Jewelry World offers a wide variety of new, magnificent, modern jewelry designs in platinum, silver and gold,” she says. “Our estate jewelry is quite eclectic and promises to present collectors with a variety of rare finds. Beautiful loose gems, such as diamonds, sapphires, rubies, tanzanite and emeralds will inspire our ‘do-it-yourself’ customer’s imagination when looking to build that unique ‘dream piece’ they’ve always wished for.” Bridal Department Tom and Kathleen are proud of their bridal department and love being part of their customers’ important day. “Weddings are momentous occasions and we enjoy helping the bride and groom with that all-important selection,” says Kathleen. “Our bridal department offers our customers a stunning array of new, current designs for every budget. Also, our extensive collection of loose diamonds paired with the perfect mounting will enable our customers to custom design their own one-of-akind creation.” For the customer who has always envisioned a 2-carat diamond ring on her finger, Tom says, “We have it, GIA (Gemological Institute of America) certified, in our showcase right now.” Jewelry World’s “Guaranteed Best Prices on Diamonds” will ensure that the customer has made a wise investment, he adds. The couple is pleased to have their master jeweler, Sandra Wheeler, behind the bench. “Whether our customers are choosing a new ring, or having their vintage family heirloom updated, Sandra is on-site to assist in all aspects of their jewelry needs,” says Kathleen. Something new this season is Silvadium (silver/palladium) diamond engagement and wedding rings, she adds. “Young couples starting out can purchase these new diamond wedding sets for as low as $400. Also, contemporary metals such as titanium and tungsten steel can be a good choice for the groom. Strong and lightweight, these modern metals are a stylish alternative for the couple on a budget.” 8 Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014

Choosing a Diamond At the center of the bridal experience is choosing the bride’s diamond, agree the Coles, and that can be a daunting challenge. “Knowledge is the key,” says Tom, explaining that his 35 years of diamond broker experience increases customers’ confidence, especially as he teaches them the “Four C’s” of diamond buying — cut, color, clarity, and carat.

Back row from left: Loan Manager Reggie Costa, Mark Rumery, Store Manager Chris Waddell and Kenny Stewart. Front row from left: Curtis Green, Jeweler Sandra Wheeler, Jewelry Manager Tamie McMillan and Linda Lee

Gift Ideas for the Wedding Party Jewelry World can assist with gifts needed for the wedding party and offers these suggestions: •Pearls are great for brides and mothers. •Colored gem pendants can be made to match any bridesmaid’s dress. •An engraved watch, money clip, or cuff links is the perfect gift for grooms, fathers, and groomsmen. •A musical jewelry box for the flower girl and a country bolo tie for the ring bearer can complete the wedding party gifts.


Weddings are momentous

occasions and we enjoy helping the bride and groom with that all-important selection. Kathleen Cole Sandra Wheeler, Jeweler Master jeweler Sandra Wheeler is a GIA graduate gemologist, goldsmith, and bench jeweler. With 34 years in the jewelry business, she says, “I really love what I do. Every job has its own challenges and uniqueness. It makes me happy to restore people’s treasures.” Her skills include custom fabrication, stone setting, and repairs of all kinds in gold, silver, and platinum. She also handles appraisals and gemstone identification. “She is such a big part of our business,” says Kathleen. “Sandra is meticulous and strives for perfection on every job. She really is a joy to work with.” Loan Department There is a common misconception about pawn shops, and Jewelry World and Loan breaks that stereotype. “It is common for customers to make a few trips to our store before realizing that they’re in a pawn shop,” says Kathleen. Jewelry World buys and loans on most anything of value. The pawn business is one of the most regulated businesses in California. Rates are reasonable and it can be a good alternative when people need to raise some extra cash, notes Kathleen.

Fitting in with Ramona’s lifestyle To wrap up how they feel Jewelry World and Loan fits in with Ramona’s lifestyle, the Coles offer this summation: “Ramona lifestyle is about family. It is Jewelry World’s bridal department that brings families together every day while its jewelry repair department preserves family heirlooms for future generations to enjoy. The Ramona lifestyle is about rural living and being removed from the bustle of city life. Occasionally, outdoor life can cause unexpected bills. With an unforeseen emergency to the veterinarian or doctor, Jewelry World and Loan can provide a collateral loan quick and easy. “Ramona lifestyle is about small town living, where residents identify with the idea of community and small town values. Jewelry World and Loan is that small town store that knows its customers by name and probably knows their birthstone as well.” Located at 1338 Main St., Jewelry World & Loan can be reached at 760789-2048.

Tamie McMillan and Chris Waddell holding a one kilo, silver, 2008 Olympic coin.

—Karen Brainard

Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014

9


Citizen of the Year Bob Krysak

A

framed quote titled “Priorities” by teacher-scholar Forest E. Witcraft hangs in Bob Krysak’s office. It reads: “A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, what sort of house I lived in or the kind of car I drove. But the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.” “That’s for my family law clients, to focus on the children,” says Krysak, owner of Krysak and Associates law office. Healthy cats and a rescue dog, Lucky 4, greet clients. “She (Lucky) soothes the clients, and so do the cats. We like having the animals around. The clients are relaxed and at ease.” Lucky is Krysak’s fourth rescue dog. The last one cost him $95,000 in medical bills. A Labrador retriever, Lucky 4 was a breeder dog used in a puppy mill. When her owners were finished with her, “they threw her on the streets” and Krysak found her at an animal shelter. She sits under Krysak’s desk, snorts when she’s anxious, occasionally passes gas, and is on a diet. “I’m not buying her double quarter-pounders any more like I used to.” He doubts he’ll ever get another rescue dog, but one wonders. “Once you have them, once you fall in love with them, you can’t just dump them. That’s not my way.” Witty, bluntly honest and unpretentious, Ramona’s Citizen of the Year — Robert Krysak — is a family law and bankruptcy attorney whose interests range from ancient Rome and the Founding Fathers to scuba diving and community involvement. Born in South Bronx in New York City, he lived on the fifth floor 10 Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014

of a five-story walk-up apartment. “We used to sunbathe on the roof on the tar, hang our clothes on the lines up there, and roam the neighborhoods.” A framed picture of the apartment building is among the many photographs in his office. He traded the skyscrapers of New York for the mountains of Ramona. It was a colorful journey, and he shared it in a frank interview for Ramona Lifestyles. A self-described “wild kid,” his parents enrolled him in a Catholic high school operated by Jesuits, “and that kind of straightened me out a little bit,” he notes. He joined the ROTC as a political science student at Fordham University, first with the Army and then with the Marines, who allowed him to attend law school before basics training at Marine Corps Base Quantico. He spent the next four years at Parris Island as a second lieutenant Judge Advocate General (JAG) lawyer. Politically involved from age 12, when he distributed literature for Richard Nixon, he became president of the Young Republicans, was a ward leader in Yonkers, N.Y., and ran for city council at age 23 while still in law school. “I was a sacrificial lamb,” he said, explaining his opponent was a strong incumbent in a solid Democratic ward. After leaving the Marines, he was in line for a job as Westchester County attorney. While visiting his sister, Linda, in Rancho Penasquitos, he “went on a lark for a job interview in shorts and a T-shirt.” He got the job — in Del Mar. —Maureen Robertson


Q&A

with Bob Krysak

What brought you to Ramona and why do you stay? My office was on Carmel Valley Road, right down the street from Torrey Pines beach, so we had a beach view. I lived in Del Mar for three years. My parents had bought a condo on Green Haven (in San Diego Country Estates) to retire in. It was decided that I would move into the condo until they retired, so I moved to Ramona. My business moved to Rancho Bernardo, making the commute a little easier. Then in 1990, our company went bankrupt. My father died and a year or two later, rather than me move out and she (his mother)move in, we lived together until the day she died, 15 years later. I found out two weeks after I passed the (California) bar that the company was going bankrupt. So I hung out a shingle. I didn’t even look for a job. I decided to open my own business and I started by trolling 1212 H Street, the old people. I offered a legal service where for $175 a year they could get unlimited legal advice. For the first three years I operated out of my house. I advertised and things started coming in. You take what comes in. What came in the door to keep the lights on was family law and bankruptcy, so that’s what we still do today. Then I decided to run against Duncan Hunter for Congress. Of course I got walloped. That gave me name recognition and I ran for the water board. (That race ended in a tie. He won it with the flip of a quarter, and he called himself the “two-bit director.” The coin is framed with a newspaper article about the winning toss.) I lost my next race and I was set to hang out. Doug Wilsman came knocking on my door a couple of years later and said, “How about we recall Gurzy?” We did and I got back on. (He served 14 years on the board, nine as president.) During that time I didn’t involve myself in any of the activities in the town because I felt it would be a conflict. Why do I stay in Ramona? Honestly, I like being a big fish in a small pond rather than a small fish in a big pond. I remember living in New York City where 7 million people would be walking the streets and no two would be looking at each other. I used to take the subway to work and if you died you couldn’t fall down ‘cause you’re packed in so tight. You see the sun for a sliver of 15 minutes as it goes between the skyscrapers. I liked it at the time, but I didn’t realize how bad it was until I was out of it. Living here, my commute is seeing mountains, horses, cows and fields. It doesn’t get any better than that. Plus, I like being involved and I like knowing people. Ramona, this is the best place

in San Diego County to me. So that’s why I stay here, because I enjoy the people, I enjoy the town, and I enjoy being known. If you could change one thing about Ramona, what would it be? To create a greater coordination between the people that move and shake this town. I see a lot of organizations and people working sometimes in cross purposes, sometimes with duplicity, so I think the goal we need to strive for, and we are, actually, is to create a more cohesive community approach. The biggest thing to change is I would become incorporated, because we have no control over our destiny at all. But that grows from cohesiveness, a concerted approach, developing light industry out at the airport, have a job base here, but really it’s the consolidation of people toward a common goal. That’s what I would change. And everything else would flow from that. What’s the one thing about you that few people know? I’m really very shy. I’m really very withdrawn. I overcompensate for that and I manage to do it, but that is one thing that would probably surprise people. I am just as content sitting at home alone watching TV as I am being out and about. Who is your role model and why is that person your role model? I don’t think it’s one person. My role models are those who help others, who give selflessly of their time. There’s a lot of people, people in this town. There’s a lot of people I look up to, and I usually involve myself with them. The mural project, that’s a group of passionate people. The Town Hall, Woody (Kirkman), you don’t get any more committed to a cause than Woody is to the Town Hall. Who I look up to are people who are willing to put it on the line for selfless reasons, and that’s not one individual. I always worshipped Richard Nixon growing up. I think he was one of the most brilliant presidents we’ve ever had. Flawed? Yes, as we all are, but it was because of him that I wanted to become president, and I lived with that goal until I lost the congressional seat. Then I decided it probably wasn’t in the cards. I can’t say there’s one role model. It’s people who are willing to give of themselves selflessly to create a better environment. What do you think Ramona will be like five years from now and how will you help shape that vision? I don’t see much of a change in five years. Most of the change is very long term. In five years, I think it will be a tourist destination. I think we will promote the heck out of the wineries, because that’s going to be our major anchor industry here in terms of tourism. I’d like to see all the storefronts on Main Street filled. I’d like to see the downtown be vibrant. I’d like to see people in Ramona stay in Ramona and shop. The greatest committee that I’m involved with now in line with that is the Economic Development Committee. It’s a tremendous committee. We put together that regional marketing campaign last year. Now we’re looking at creating an insert to

Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014

11


market Ramona, because we really have to expand the tourism base here, because that’s going to be our future, I think. And my continued involvement in the Economic Development Committee is going to be the driving force for that. If you could have dinner with five people, who would they be? Anybody? The Dalai Lama. As an atheist, I’m not going to say Jesus Christ. Thomas Jefferson, one of my idols, all-time idols. John Adams. George Patton. That’s a full table right there, just with those. I am so curious about the Founding Fathers, because as much as people today think that they’re enshrined in some kind of bronze, they were people. They were men. They had their flaws. Benjamin Franklin said, “What will they think we were? Demigods? We’re just men doing the best we can.” That’s what I have against people who are so rigid, like with the Constitution. That document was written 250 years ago. It could not possibly have envisioned what we would become, the technology. Thomas Jefferson believed that we should have a violent revolution every 20 years, that no generation should force a government on a succeeding generation. So you had men back then that were always willing to grow. What advice do you have for the youth of Ramona? Get involved, not only for selfless reasons but for selfish reasons. Alexavia Zetterberg, she has a magnificent future, because not only is all that involvement going to look good on her resume, but it’s building her character. I would tell the young people of Ramona, get involved in your town, make a difference. I’m sure a lot of young people are going to get the heck out of here. I would imagine that a few are going to be the Ralph McIntoshes or the Woody’s that are born here and spend their whole life here, but just to make your life better today, get involved. What concerns do you have about Ramona? The school district. What’s going to happen with the enrollment in the school district and what impact that’s going to have. Water is always going to be an issue because we’re up here at the end of the pipeline up the hill. Water’s going to be an issue throughout the state, and particularly for us. The economy here. If you drive down Main Street, there’s so 12 Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014

many empty storefronts. I really don’t have any negative concerns about Ramona. I think we’re proceeding in the right direction, and I don’t see any catastrophic issues that can’t be addressed, so I think Ramona’s on a good course. It’ll take effort, it’ll take people becoming involved — young and old — but I think we’re heading in a good direction. Do you have a bucket list? If so what’s on it? Yes. There’s only a few items on it. My first was seeing the Colosseum and going to Rome. That met every one of my expectations and exceeded it. To walk in the same footsteps of Augustus Caesar and Julius Caesar. They actually have the pyre on which they burned Julius Caesar’s body. It’s still there — and people still put flowers on it. It’s a walk in that 2,000-year-old history. Pompeii, the Colosseum, one of the greatest engineering feats in the history of the world. That was always No. 1 on my bucket list, and I just got to do that a year and a half ago. The Galapagos Island is on my bucket list, to go there. African safari and Bora Bora. Those are the Big Four. How would you like to be remembered? As a good person, as someone who helped others. That’s it. Just a good person.

Community Involvement President of the Committee for A Better Ramona and the Ramona Bar Association, Bob Krysak was a catalyst for the monthly Free Legal Clinic in Ramona Library. Vice president of the Ramona Town Hall Board, secretary of the H.E.A.R.T. Mural Project Board and member of the Ramona planning group’s South Subcommittee, Krysak is fi rst vice president of Ramona Chamber of Commerce, chair of the chamber’s Government Affairs Committee and co-chair of the chamber’s Economic Development Committee. A member of the San Diego Country Estates Homeowners Association Water Resources Committee and Negotiating Committee for Water/Effl uent Issues, he recently served on the association’s San Vicente Valley News Review Committee. He spent 14 years as a Ramona Municipal Water District director, nine as board president and three as Ramona’s representative on the San Diego County Water Authority.


We’ve got the team that’s right for you! $ISJT "OEFSTPO

+PBO (BOTFSU (760) 518-2081

$BM#3&

$BM#3&

%FCPSBI )PTT (760) 822-2110

+JN .VOTUFSNBO

$BM#3&

$BM#3& 00910247

%JBOF .D,FF (760) 522-7872

-BSSZ .VOTUFSNBO

$BM#3& 00918535

$BM#3& 00762498

1SPQFSUZ .BOBHFS

/JDPMF .D,FF 8BSE (760) 275-6651 $BM#3& 01242326

4UFQIBOJF 1PXFMM (619) 922-8762

%FF .BSU[

.JMMJF (VS[J

$BM#3& 01495359

$BM#3&

$BM#3&

1VSDIBTF -PBOT t 3FÄ• OBODF -PBOT 7" -PBOT t ')" -PBOT 64%" -PBOT t *OUFSFTU 0OMZ -PBOT 'JOBODJOH -PBOT

5BOZB 4BO'JMJQQP (760) 789-9995 0QFSBUJPOT .BOBHFS

976 Main Street Ramona, CA 92065 (760) 789.9995 $BM#3& t /.-4

4UFQIBOJF /PSWFMM #SPLFS

www.TownAndCountryHomeLoans.com

Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014

13


H.E.A.R.T. Murals: The Woman Behind the Vision Elaine Lyttleton’s passion for economic development coupled with a chance meeting triggered the spirited Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Mural Project. So who is Elaine Lyttleton? A seven-year Ramona resident, she was a newbie to economic development when she received the economic development assignment as first vice president of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce years ago. “I had no idea what that meant and neither at the time did the city of Carlsbad,” she says. “What it is is creating an environment for employers to thrive.” She and Norm Case were establishing their vineyard and winery off state Route 78 when she became involved with the Ramona chamber’s economic development committee. She found the number of Main Street vacancies depressing. “We’ve got to get bodies in the buildings,” she said. “We’ve got to get people spending their money in our town, not down the hill or racing through on their way to Julian and other places to spend their money. “How do we get them to stop?” She knew of a town called Chemainus about 60 miles from where she grew up on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. With the decline of the logging industry, Chemainus was becoming a ghost town with Main Street vacancies and businesses closing. “A group of citizens came together and decided they would make it a tourist destination by launching this outdoor mural program,” she said. Now known as Mural Town, Chemainus has 42 to 45 murals, a performing arts center, a Best Western Conference Center, and “people come from all over the world to go to Chemainus and look at the art murals. They’re on every wall — little ones on side walls and big ones on main walls all over the place.”

So, she thought, “we need to start a mural project here because it would maybe get people to at least slow down through town.” Soon after, she and Case attended a Ramona Design Review Board meeting for approval of a barn they planned. That’s where she met Chris Anderson, who was preparing to leave the meeting when a board member asked her, “How’s your mural coming along for the Town & Country building?” “Mural?” Lyttleton said to herself, quickly asking Anderson for her business card, “and then we (she and Case) made our presentation.” The next day she phoned Anderson, who referred her to Stephanie Norvell, who owns the Town & Country Real Estate & Home Loans building. Lyttleton shared her mural program idea with Norvell and they agreed to form a committee. They discussed possible committee members. With one exception, Lyttleton recalls asking, “Who?” each time Norvell suggested a name. “So that’s how it all came about,” said Lyttleton, who already had suggested the H.E.A.R.T. acronym at a chamber economic development committee meeting. With Ramona as the geographical center of San Diego Country, branding Ramona as the “heart” of the county made sense. H = Historic building and Hiking trails E = Equestrian and Eco-tourism A = Arts, Antiques and Agriculture R = Rural country vistas, drives and life T = Tasting fine wines and cuisine Members of the Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Mural Project Board are Lyttleton, Norvell, Anderson, Bob Krysak, Judy Nachazel, Rob Lewallen and Donna Zick. They incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in December 2010. They “earned while they learned,” and through fundraisers and donations, raised

14 Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014

money for three murals — Casey Tibbs on the Town & Country building at 10th and Main, the Equine Industry mural on the Business Barn building at Fourth and Main, and the Historic Commerce mural on the Affordable Treasures building at 677 Main St. They will have three more by the end of 2014. In each is at least one heart for viewers to find. The goal is at least 30. Last year, Lyttleton thought, “I think Ramona’s ready for an art and wine festival.” And it was. Held at the Mt. Woodson

Castle, the festival was such a success that it will be an annual event and is slated for the first Saturday in November. Her latest vision? “A storefront, like a visitor information center, where people can pick up the wine tour map, the mural tour map, get other tourist information, but also have a retail presence, like a gift store where they could buy gifts, coffee table books on murals and art, posters of our murals, art cards, and Hearts and Crafts supplies.” It might be patterned after Habitat for Humanity ReStores. It would be a perpetual fundraiser for the mural project and art projects, because “once we’ve done murals, I want to see us expand to three-dimensional art ... other kinds of art.” —Maureen Robertson


Adobe Animal Hospital Is Committed To Providing The Best Possible Care For Your Furry Best Friends!

More pet care for your money, More pampering for your pet!

E

E READERS OF TH TH E BY

2013

Readers’ Choice

“Best of”

NTINEL

ED FIRST VOT PL

AC

6SD\ 1HXWHU 'H FODZ 'HQWDO &DUH 2UWKRSHGLF 6XUJHU\ 1RQ HOHFWLYH 6XUJHU\ 'HUPDWRORJ\ &KLURSUDFWLF $FXSXQFWXUH &DUH /X[XU\ &DQLQH %DWKLQJ 7KH %DWK+RXVH /X[XU\ %RDUGLQJ IRU &DWV 'RJV 'HGLFDWHG (GXFDWHG &RPSDVVLRQDWH 6WDII 4XDUWHUO\ /HDUQLQJ 6HPLQDUV IRU 2XU &RPPXQLW\ E NA S MO RA

Adobe Animal Hospital is here for you and your furry friends! We are a full service animal hospital whose mission is to provide the highest standard of quality and compassion in veterinary care for our clients.

The Veterinarians Your Pets Know & Love

,IKE US ON &ACEBOOK #HECK OUR &ACEBOOK PAGE FOR DAILY UPDATES LEARNING SEMINARS MORE

S T A T E

O F

Adobe Animal Hospital is equipped with diagnostic radiology (digital x-rays), stateof-the-art in-house diagnostic laboratory, and full dental services.

On-line Store for your shopping convenience @ www.adobeah.com

%TCHEVERRY 3TREET s 2AMONA #! /PEN TO SERVE YOU -ONDAY THROUGH &RIDAY AM PM 3ATURDAY AM PM www.adobeah.com

T H E

760.789.7090

A R T

F A C I L I T Y

DR. JAIME GONZALEZ, D.D.S. A Family Dentistry serving Ramona and surrounding communities. Un dentista para toda la familia al servicio de Ramona y sus alrededores.

Same Day - All Porcelain Crowns El mismo dia de su visita, le entragamos su corona en porcelana. Emergencies | Emergencias Digital X-Rays | Rayos X Digitales Oral Surgery | Cirugía Oral Dental Implants | Implantes Dentales TMJ Disorders | Problemas de Articulación Teeth Whitening | Blanqueamiento Dental Root Canals | Tratamiento de Nervio Cosmetic Dentistry | Cosmética Dental Repairs | Reparaciones

Special Offer

$

75

(In absence of gum disease)

Dental Exam, X-Rays and Regular Cleaning Offer applies to new patients only.

Dentures | Dentaduras

Special Offer

$

150

Financing Available

off

Office Hours: Monday - Friday: 8am to 5pm drjagowi@gmail.com

Teeth Whitening

1516 Main Street, Suite 106A, Ramona, Ca 92065

(760) 787-0962

Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014

15


Ramona getting

Better

Better

S

cott Norton, president of the Ramona Real Estate Association, understands the ebb and flow of a Realtor’s life — and he, like his counterparts, knows Ramona. And they like what they see. Business wise, it’s a healthy market, home prices are increasing but not spiking, contractors are starting to buy land for spec homes again, loan guidelines are a little more forgiving — but not near the loose practices that created the recent financial fiasco, and the rush of foreclosures and short sales is a thing of the past. “You hardly see any short sales any more, and the foreclosures are much slower than they were, so we’re through that,” says Norton. In the profession for 28 years, Norton has witnessed hot markets, soft markets, downturns and upswings — and he, like many Ramona real estate agents, have weathered them all. “The market is very healthy right now for Ramona,” says Norton. “The inventory is meeting the demand.” New listings are about 13 a week and about 11 are selling, “so that’s pretty even.” The median listing price of a single family home in Ramona over the past 90 days is about $450,400, with the selling price during that period about $438,391. While business is slightly skewed toward a seller’s market, it’s neither a buyer’s nor a seller’s market, another healthy sign, notes Norton. “It’s a good market for both.” Check Ramona Real Estate Association’s website at rrea.org and you’ll see “We know Ramona,” an important slogan for

home buyers and sellers to consider. “It’s best to use a local agent up here because of the different aspects we have as far as easements, septic systems and things of that nature, because we’re educated about that,” says Norton. Agents who work in other areas can find themselves “in over their heads because they don’t understand things ... We educate ourselves on this and we end up having to educate the other agents. It behooves people to list or buy through an agent who’s familiar with Ramona.” One way Ramona agents stay current is through Ramona Real Estate Association’s breakfasts that feature guest speakers the last Tuesday of each month. They also hold caravans twice a month — once in Country Estates and once in town — and every third Wednesday they get together at a networking mixer. “We’re all in the same boat together,” says Norton, explaining the spirit of camaraderie the association fosters. “We want to get properties sold, so we work together the best we can ... It’s hard enough to get through a transaction. We need to get along and see it to the end.” Getting listings probably is the most competitive aspect of the profession, “but for the most part we have a great group of agents up here.” Comparing the Ramona market to other parts of the county, Norton notes, “You get more bang for your buck in Ramona as opposed to closer to San Diego. The trade-off is you may have to commute, but some people don’t mind doing that.”

“The market is very healthy right now for Ramona”

16 Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014


Prospective buyers are looking for a rural atmosphere, a place to have horses or grow grapes, and some want a weekend retreat. “You can have more house for your money than pretty much most other places in San Diego — and the quality of life,� he said. “It’s not for everybody, but if you want to get away and have a nice place to live, this is it. A lot of executive-type people seem to be moving to Ramona as well.� Those who are buying “are making decent money. You have to these days to qualify for a loan.� Among reasons people are leaving Ramona: they’re retiring, want to downsize, face a job transfer, want to be close to children or grandchildren. Being a Realtor is a great profession, says Norton. “You can be your own boss.� But, he cautions, “it is commission based, so you have to be real disciplined.� You have to allow time for yourself when you have time, “because you do have to be available for people other times, when people are not working, and during a hot market you can get buried.� Being a people person is another Realtor quality, as is dedication. “You can be getting calls all night long and it’s very important to respond to the people, the people expect to be responded to. You have to be available for your client — but it is very rewarding.� Selling Ramona to clients comes easily.

Average Days on Market for Ramona

97 Days Median Home Price for Ramona

$

448,000

Home Inventory for Ramona

130

ÂŽ Altos Research as of March 18, 2014

“Ramona’s a great place,� says Norton. “It’s unique and it’s getting better all the time. It’s a great place to live.� He admits he can’t say enough good things about Ramona. “The people of Ramona are really great people. They’re helpful people. They’re friendly.� And it’s beautiful, he adds. “We have great views, nice landscapes.� Looking ahead, “I see it only getting better. It just gets better all the time.� He is impressed with the Village Design plans for town center. “What’s happening with the vineyards I think is great. The H.E.A.R.T. murals are awesome. It just gets better and better.� —Maureen Robertson

We believe you and your nails deserve to be pampered!

VO

E

2013

NowJust

Readers’ Choice

“Best of�

ENTINEL NA S MO RA

ST P LA C

/PEN $AYS A 7EEK s 7ALK INS 7ELCOME E READERS OF TH TH E BY

35

$

*

Pedicure with glitter gel or Pedicure* soak off gel

$

2 OFF

$

5 OFF

Brazilian Wax* -ANICURES s 0EDICURES s 7AXING s 'IFT #ARDS

Buying and Selling America’s Best Lifestyle...

ÂŁ{{xĂŠ >ÂˆÂ˜ĂŠ-ĂŒĂ€iiĂŒĂŠUĂŠ,>“œ˜>

RAMONA

(Located in the Albertson’s Center)

760.789.7448

/NE #OUPON PER PERSON %XPIRES

Scott Norton

CalBRE #00899612

760-789-3245 www.scottnorton.net

1306 Main St. Ramona

Ramona’s Hometown Grocer for 33 Years s 53$! #HOICE "EEF s &RESH 3EAFOOD s #ATERING 3ERVICES s &ULL 3ERVICE $ELI

s #USTOM #AKES s &RESH #UT &RUIT s &RESH &LOWERS s ,OCAL 7INES

Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014

17


Dream Grace,, space, p ,p pace...

Living the

For years, “Grace, Space, Pace” was the sales slogan for Jaguar large garden for personal enjoyment and entertaining. The Novak cars. Today, that slogan embodies the lifestyle of a Jaguar enthu- garden was among those featured on the Ramona Garden Club’s recent garden tour. siast and his wife, and their quest to restore vintage model Jags. To store his treasured vehicles, Paul constructed a unique build“I’ve always admired the cars because they are so beautiful,” Paul ing. His car barn, much like the Jaguars themselves, is all luxury Novak explains. Retired from the Navy after 26 years, he admits, “I’ve always and grace. The barn is 400 feet wide, 36 feet deep and approximately 20 been handy, and I love a complicated challenge.” feet high. It’s not a dusty, grimy pit full of The elegant, luxury saloon cars grace the homes of royalty and the rich. But it is the vin- “I have the tools, the manuals, messy parts and an oil-stained floor. Instead, tage models Paul finds fascinating. The com- the lift and barn. And there will it is part auto shop, part museum and part pany dates back to 1923, when it was busy be a big smile on my face when living room. Paul had RV doors installed on the front of building motorcycle sidecars. In 1935, the it works. I got a vintage Jaguar the building, and along with the windows, name Jaguar was introduced and the brand running, and I did it myself.” they flood the shop with light and air when became well-known for its series of eye-catchopen. A bright epoxy floor appears spotless. ing sports cars. One wall features large shelves that don’t quite reach the ceil“There are no computers in these vintage cars,” says Paul. “No check engine lights, no modern stuff. I want to get under the hood ing and are neatly stacked with assorted car parts. Another wall and know what is there. Jaguars really have an evolutionary path.” sports crisp cabinets. Across both cabinetry and shelves, Jaguar Car restoration requires space, which Paul and his wife, Deb- memorabilia and awards march in clean rows. They share space by, found in Ramona. On their 4.5-acre property surrounded by with vintage ads, posters, paintings and more. mountain views, they take life at their own pace. They developed a The full glass trophy cabinet attests to Paul’s skill at restoration. 18 Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014


He is well-known on the Southwest circuit of the Jaguar Club of North America, where he competes with his cars. There is also a car lift in place. “It saves a lot of time grunting and groaning on my back,� he comments. Although he doesn’t do paint or bodywork, Paul says he does everything else needed to return the cars to life. “It is hugely satisfying to have a complicated machine with thousands of pieces, take it apart, put it all back together — and it all works,� he says. “Of course, I have a lot of help from my friends — the thousands of Jaguar enthusiasts across the Internet. And I have mentors. But it really is just me and this complicated challenge.� When Paul works on the cars, he is usually accompanied by four large speakers, a massive CD collection and loud 1960s rock and roll music. And with a complete living room suite in the barn, Debby and their many friends often join him. “I’m a modern girl, and Paul’s a classic guy when it comes to the Jaguars,� says Debby. “Some of the cars are very beautiful, but are not my favorite for driving. I love the old ones especially. And for me, it’s also a social thing. I enjoy the club outings.� But the Novaks are quick to point out that their Jaguars are more than just luxury cars they collect. “Our cars are driven regularly,� says Debby. “We drive them and so do our kids. They have been our daily drivers for years.� “We have six cars total, and all are Jaguars,� Paul adds. “At least

three or four are drivable or running at any given time. I also have a couple of cars around for parts.� Their collection includes a 1957 Mark VIII in two-tone pearl grey and Old English white, a 1969 E-Type Fixed-head Coupe in British racing green, an Antelope color 1984 XJ6 Vanden Plas, a black 1987 XJ6 Vanden Plas, a 1990 Classic Collection XJ-S Convertible in signal red, and a 1990 V12 Vanden Plas in Jaguar racing green. Paul notes that vintage Jaguars are still affordable. “Many people probably don’t realize the Jaguars themselves are not that expensive,� he says. “They don’t need many tools, so their upkeep is well within the range of the do-it-yourself mechanic. For example, we purchased one early car for $350. For just a few months work, we now have a running car.“ The Novaks love the Grace, Space, Pace of their Jaguars, and the lifestyle they have built around their Ramona hobbies. “Thanks to my Internet friends and tech manuals, virtually nothing is beyond me when it comes to working on the older Jaguars,� says Paul. “I have the tools, the manuals, the lift and barn. And there will be a big smile on my face when it works. I got a vintage Jaguar running, and I did it myself.� —Regina Elling

Insurance Agent

(760) 789-0010

Office 760.870.7730

Email: Shelly.Heimer@wjbradley.com Web: www.shellyheimer.com

.BJO 4USFFU 4VJUF t 3BNPOB $" -JDFOTFE CZ UIF %FQBSUNFOU PG $PSQPSBUJPOT VOEFS UIF $BMJGPSOJB 3FTJEFOUJBM .PSUHBHF -FOEJOH "DU 3.- /P /.-4

E

E READERS OF TH TH E BY

2013

Readers’ Choice

“Best of�

ENTINEL NA S MO RA

Amber Ramirez

AC

Shelly Heimer

Branch Manager / Loan Officer

Ask About Our Discounts! ED FIRST VOT PL

Family and home...your pride and joy.

603 Main Street #7 Ramona, CA 92065 aramirez@farmersagent.com Lic# OD95247

Home t Auto t Business t Work Comp Life t Health t Bonds

Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014

19


Ramona Café Cherry Cheese Bars Ingredients 1 cup walnut pieces, divided 1 1/4 cups flour 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup Butter Flavor Crisco® 1/2 cup coconut 2 8-oz. packages cream cheese, softened 2/3 cup sugar 2 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla 1 21-oz. can cherry pie filling

Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 13x9-inch pan. Chop 1/2 cup of nuts finely and the other 1/2 cup coarsely. 2. For crust: Combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in Crisco until fine crumbs form. Add 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts and coconut. Mix well. Remove 1/2 cup and set aside. Press remaining crumbs in bottom of pan. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until edges are lightly browned. 3. For Filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs and vanilla at medium speed until smooth. Spread over hot crust. Bake 15 minutes. Spread cherry pie filling over cheese layer. Combine reserved 1/2 cup of coarsely chopped nuts with reserved crumbs. Sprinkle over cherry pie filling. Bake 15 minutes more. Cool, then chill. 4. Cut into 12 bars. Per serving: 326 calories.

About the recipe Ramona Café Owner Sonja Steiner credits her baker, Bonnie Kildare, for the cherry cheese bars. Kildare has worked for Steiner 27 years, starting just three months after Steiner bought the restaurant at 628 Main St. Steiner said Kildare and her mother, the late Betty Kildare, always brought trays of desserts to the cafe’s holiday parties. “Her mom and her used to make candy and they always had the cherry cheese bars,” says Steiner. “One of the main things people liked were the cherry cheese bars — they were so good.” The combination with the nuts and coconut makes the dessert especially delicious, she notes. Refreshing as a chilled treat in the summer, the cherry cheese bars are also pretty for the winter holidays. “It’s a pretty much all-around dessert,” says Steiner. You can find the cherry cheese bars most every day in Ramona Café and Bake Shop.

RAMONA’S #1 HANDGUN DEALER

BRAVO 4 TACTICAL ARMORY WE pay your DROS fee w/copy of this ad

WE OFFER

SPECIALIZING IN

Gun Sales Transfers Gunsmithing Handgun Safety Cards Custom Work

AR-15 • AR10 Tactical Bolt-Action 1911 Springfield Armory XD

New Store Hours: Tuesday - Friday 11 am - 6 pm Saturday 10 am - 3 pm ACROSS FROM

760.522.9248

THE 7/11 STORE

1140 Main Street, Suite 101 Ramona, CA 92065 BRAVO4.COM 20 Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014


FREE Implant Consultation! $

165 Valu

e

Expires 12

/31/14

ÝÛ ÝÛ ÝÛ ÝÛ ÝÛ ÝÛ

E]o]klÛK][`fgdg_q Fh]fÛ Û;YqkÛYÛN]]c <YjdqÛ¬ÛCYl]Û8hhgafle]flk =afYf[af_Û8nYadYZd] :Yjaf_Û¬Û>]fld]Û;]flakljq J]Û?YZd]Û<khY*gd

Bruce Laurie, DMD Christine Falkosky, DMD State of the Art 3-D CT Scan The only one in Ramona! Evening Appts. Available

Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014

21


Tattoos On R Town

education. A free dance follows. But don’t stay up too late. The Ramona Main Street Parade is not to be missed. The parade begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 17. After a great beginning to the day, the Saturday night rodeo, starting at 7:30, keeps the action going. Gates open at 6. Mutton bustin’ willllll aagain bust bu stin in’’ wi wil g be held. “On Saturday night, we ask everyone to wear their red, white “O On Sa Satu tu urd r aand blue for Patriotic Day,” says Georgeson. an A free dance concludes the night. “Kid’s Day Fun, Sunday, May 18, is from noon until 1:30 p.m.,” she says. “2014 Ramona Rodeo Queen Brittney Phillips, her court, several other RoQ deo d de eo o queens, and many of the cowboys will be interactwith the youngsters. For the first 100 kids under age 12, iing in ng g wi w there ther th eree will w be free cowboy hats, kerchiefs, back numbers and lariats, supplies last. Several special events are planned.” lari la riat ats, s, while w Thee af Th afte afternoon tern rn rodeo finale begins at 2:30; gates open at 1. “Dress code for Sunday is orange,” explains Georgeson. “We’re supporting James T. Dukes, an 8-year-old battling a rare form of cancer. He will also be the grand marshal of the Main Street Parade, so come on out and show your support for our own little competitive Ramona Cowboy.” Ramona Outdoor Community Center is at 421 Aqua Lane. For more information, visit the website or call Georgeson, rodeo director, at 760-788-0811. —Regina Elling

ED SECO ND VOT

22 Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014

HE READERS YT OF EB T AC

2013

Readers’ Choice

“Best of”

ONA SENTINE L AM ER H

PL

When country singer Jason Aldean croons “Tattoos on This Town,” Joani Georgeson, director of the Ramona Outdoor Community Center’s rodeo, can’t help but think he’s got Ramona in mind. “There are people that have left a mark on this town that will never go away, just like a tattoo,” she says. And with that in mind, the 2014 Ramona Rodeo eo promises to honor those who have — and who will — “tattoo” Ramona. This year’s parade and rodeo theme me is “Tattoos On R-Town.” Spectators are asked to dress in different colors to support the various nights’ events — a tradition that gives a nod to history, and a tip of the cowboy owb w oy hat to the future. The 34th Annual Ramona Rodeo takes place May 16-18. Honeycutt Rodeo Stock Contractor will provide stock for the traditional events, including bull, g, bronc and bareback riding, barrel racing, team roping, steer wrestling and tie down roping. Gates open at 6 p.m. for the Friday night performance on May 16; the event begins at 7:30 p.m. “We’ll have mutton bustin’ on Friday night, and it’s great fun,” says Georgeson. “Five- to 7-year-olds under 60 pounds ride a sheep out of the bucking chute, and, like their cowboy counterparts, timing and score count.” Friday night is also Tough Enough to Wear Pink, and patrons are encouraged to wear pink to support breast cancer research and


34th Annual

Ramona Rodeo FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

May 16 7:30 p.m.

May 17 7:30 p.m.

May 18 2:30 p.m.

Main Street Parade Saturday, May 17th at 10am Tickets Available at: Albertsons - 1459 Main St., Ramona Ramona Business Barn - 369 Main St., Ramona Boot Barn of El Cajon - 853 Arnele Ave., El Cajon or online at www.ramonarodeo.com Presented by:

RAM RODEO San Diego Ram Dealers

S D

Barns & Steel Buildings

an iego

Designed for Horsemen by Horsemen

Economizers

TD Dairy & Hay Sales MATTHEWS EQUINE SERVICES

Matt Parker Hay Co. Thomsen and Son., Inc

For more info visit

www.ramonarodeo.com

Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014

23


FASHION

in

Ramona

Model: Irene Chavez Top from Angel Skirt from YM! Accessories from Diva Shoes from Soda Purse from Diva Available at Kimi’s Fashions Upper Right: Ariat Legend Chocolate Chip Boots Middle Right: Model: Ally Elston Top from Red Flannel Ruby Mesa Ariat Jeans Available at Elston Hay & Grain Lower Right: Handmade tribal sterling silver jewelry Available at Squash Blossom

24 Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014


KIMI’S FASHIONS

Toddlers Ladies Shoes Teen Apparel Accessories Boots Backpacks Authorized SDG&E & AT&T Payment Location All Gas & Electric Bills. Past Due Notices Accepted. No Transaction Fee. Receive an SDG&E & AT&T receipt with your payment

1672-B/C Main Street 760-789-1099 Stater Bros Shopping Center

Great Prices! Great Products! with a smile!

20% Off

Entire Purchase

Everything for Horse & Rider, Large Animal, Dogs, Cats, Small Animals, Birds, Home and Ranch Care. Hay by the full or half loads available.

Must present ad to redeem. Expires 8/31/14

We Buy Quality

Antiques Estate Jewelry & Heirlooms Tribal & Fine Arts Estate Liquidations

Ramona Store -

Free Consultations & Free House Calls Experienced & Knowledgeable Staff!

Over 30 years Experience

Lic#37001305

Like us on facebook

2220 Main Street, Ramona, CA 760-789-5020 • M-F 9 am - 6 pm S 9 am - 5 pm • S 9 am - 4 pm Visit our website and check out our coupons and specials! www.ElstonHayandGrain.com info@elstonhayandgrain.com

.BJO 4USFFU Ĺ° 3BNPOB $" Ĺ°

CEREC is a revolutionary way to restore damaged teeth in a single visit. Eliminate impressions, temporaries and second visits.

ED FIRST VOT PL

one visit!

E

E READERS OF TH TH E BY

2013

Readers’ Choice

“Best of�

ENTINEL NA S MO RA

Beautiful results,

AC

“We Cater to Cowards�

Full range of cosmetic and all other dental services offered.

James L. Hill DDS, Inc. Malcolm J. Boykin DDS, Inc. 0DLQ 6WUHHW ‡ 5DPRQD &$

Email us with questions at mjb@BoykinDDS.sdcoxmail.com

Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014

25


Enthusiasm &

SPICE Quick recipe for a fantastic Ramona vegetable garden: In one cute dish, begin with a gardener with tons of enthusiasm, a spicy personality and vast knowledge. Combine with a sunny climate and a spot of good ground. Give it time and lots of attention. Add a love of cooking for even better results.

In this recipe, the gardener is Maggie Johnson. She’s been living — and gardening — here for 22 years. “I’m just a good ol’ home gardener that likes to eat what I grow and drink what I ferment,” she says. “The climate here is great for growing.“ It’s mid-April, and starts are just being planted. She covers the ground of her vegetable garden with strong, purposeful strides. “Come back in three months and be amazed. And if I didn’t have to work and travel so much, it would be even better.” The garden lies at the back of the picture perfect property, past the vineyard, pool, roses, workshop and fruit trees. She knows the plot intimately, and everything in it has a purpose. A less ambitious gardener might be happy to spend time here tilling, weeding and dreaming up new recipe combinations. But not Johnson. Her vision is clear, and there is lots more she wants to do. “In the summer, I grow lots of exotic squashes,” she begins. “I grow lots of tomatoes. I like a really inter-

26 Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014

esting array of heirloom, exotic and regular tomatoes. I grow garlic, fennel, Swiss chard, eggplant, onions, okra, beets. One year I grew potatoes. Another year I grew corn. And some years, it’s just a mess.” Her enthusiasm is contagious as her litany of produce continues. “I always grow lots of different types of chilies. This year, I’m trying Maule’s Red Hot Pepper, also known as a Lady Finger. It’s a bright red hot pepper, about 10 inches long. I’m also trying Anaheim College 64 peppers; I’m curious to see how they will do here.” The peppers join her vast collection of Jalapeños and other “hotties” she uses to make “incredibly different and eclectic salsas.” An array of pots lines the back patio. “I always plant tomatoes, peppers and herbs in containers,” she explains. Right outside her kitchen, they provide easy access to her delectable dishes. Surplus produce is used in jams or frozen; a compost bin ensures that nothing goes to waste. Her garden also includes a small vineyard. She and her husband Paul make about 15 gallons of their own red wine a year. Johnson grows her own food for a variety of reasons. “First, I love to cook; that is my avocation. I also love to experiment with food,” she says. “I love ethnic cooking, such as Thai, Mexican and Italian — all cultures that use a lot of tomatoes, basil, peppers and herbs.” She also enjoys the physical work. “I love to put my hands in the dirt. It is so therapeutic. A lot of times, working in the garden puts you in a Zen mood where you aren’t thinking about anything but pulling the weeds. Once you get into a rhythm, it’s very satisfying.” This year has been especially gratifying for her, as her husband purchased a Mantis tiller for her birthday. “It’s de-


signed for a woman, so I can do the work myself,� she exclaims. “It digs like heck.� Johnson comes from a long line of home gardeners and professional growers, and says her family has always had gardens. “Growing your own food is probably not cheaper or healthier,� she explains, “but you will eat a lot more veggies when you grow them yourself. The fresh taste is explosive in your mouth.�

—Regina Elling

“Protecting & Maintaining the Value of Your Life’s Greatest Asset�

ć BE $MFOEFOFO

,BSFO $MFOEFOFO

(760) 445-0958

(760) 213-0335

UIBE!DMFOEFOFOHSPVQ DPN

LBSFO!DMFOEFOFOHSPVQ DPN

$BM #3&

Average Days on Market

to Detailin 2 AuSince g 2002 K

15 OFF Complete Detail

$

$BM #3&

Industry

72

$MFOEFOFO (SPVQ

30.75

Sold at 100% list price

Sold at 97.7% list price

Sold at 99.4% list price

Sold at 98.6% list price

7Â…iÂ˜ĂŠĂžÂœĂ•ĂŠÂ“iÂ˜ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜ĂŠRamona LifestylesĂŠ>`°ĂŠĂŠ Ă?ÂŤÂˆĂ€iĂƒĂŠÂŁĂ“Ă‰ĂŽÂŁĂ‰ÂŁ{

>Ă€ĂƒĂŠUĂŠ/ÀÕVÂŽĂƒĂŠUĂŠ Âœ>ĂŒĂƒ ,6ĂƒĂŠ Ă•Â?Â?ĂŠ Â˜ĂŒiĂ€ÂˆÂœĂ€ĂŠEĂŠ Ă?ĂŒiĂ€ÂˆÂœĂ€ĂŠ ˜}ˆ˜iĂŠ iĂŒ>ˆÂ?ĂƒĂŠ

iÂ˜ĂŒĂŠEĂŠ-VĂ€>ĂŒVÂ…ĂŠ,iÂ“ÂœĂ›>Â?ĂŠ ĂŠ7ˆ˜`ÂœĂœĂŠ/ÂˆÂ˜ĂŒÂˆÂ˜} ĂŠ"Ă?ˆ`>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜ĂŠE "Ă›iĂ€ĂƒÂŤĂ€>ÞÊ,iÂ“ÂœĂ›>Â?ĂŠ

ĂžÂ?iĂŠ Ă€ÂœĂƒĂƒiĂŠÂ‡ĂŠÂœĂœÂ˜iÀÊÊUĂŠĂŠĂ‡Ăˆä‡{Ă“ä‡{™{{ĂŠĂŠUĂŠĂŠÂŽĂ“>Ă•ĂŒÂœ`iĂŒ>ˆÂ?ˆ˜}°Vœ“

.BJO 4USFFU 4VJUF t 3BNPOB $" XXX DMFOEFOFOHSPVQ DPN

Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014

27


Your home SOLD Less or I’ll Sel

in D L SO

Our Guarantee! UÊ

Õ V>Ì ÃÊ Õ>À> Ìii 9 ÕÊ ÜÊÜ >̽ÃÊ} }Ê ÊÜ Ì ÕÌÊ >Û }ÊÌ ÊV> ÊÕÃÊwÊÀÃÌ

>ÃÞÊ Ý ÌÊ ÃÌ }Ê }Àii i Ì** , - Ê , t

in D L SO

- >ÀÌÊ-i iÀÊ*À }À>

n Ê* ÌÊ >À iÌ }Ê* >

*À viÃÃ > Ê* Ì }À>« Ã

, Ê-Ì>} }Ê ÃÕ Ì>Ì

iÀÌ wÊi`Ê*Ài "Ü i`Ê iÊ*À }À> Ê ÊÊAsk me how we make your house a part of this program. Buyers LOVE to purchase a home with this certification attached.

> Ê iÊ>Ì\Ê info@StagePresenceHomes.com

ys a D 27

Still on the Fence? The Cost of Waiting…. Statistics of Ramona single family homes, and 30 year fixed-rate mortgages.

/ Ê ÕV Ê ÀiÊÌ Ê ÃÌÊ iÀitt

/ ÊÀiVi ÛiÊ Þ , Ê, *",/Ê>L ÕÌ 10 Things to Do Before Listing Your HomeÊ

ys a D 21

Date

Homes SOLD

Median Price

2013 Jan-June 2013 July-Dec. 2014 Year-to-Date

255 247 57

$355,000 $400,000 $420,000

Median Median Days Price PSF on Market

$184 $205 $203

34 27 72

If you purchased in the first half of 2013: $355,000 @ 3.5% ; monthly (P&I) Principle & Interest = $1,594.11 2nd half of 2013: $400,000 @ 4.3% ; monthly P& I = $1,979.49 Guesstimate end of 2014: $435,000 @ 4.75% ; monthly P& I = $2,269.17 *Monthly payment listed does not include property tax, insurance, and mortgage insurance (if applicable).

Deb Espinoza

Carol Fowler

Nancy Lund

Gloria Troidl

Broker/Owner Cal BRE# 01368091

REALTOR® Cal BRE# 01398595

REALTOR® SRS, CNE, ABR Cal BRE# 01312106

2IÀ FH 0DQDJHU Customer Care

Cal BRE# 01212141

SEARCH for Homes at: www.StagePresenceHomes.com

28 Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014


D in 59 Days or l it for FREE!**

Deb Espinoza REALTORÂŽ

619-913-7783

Deb@StagePresenceHomes.com

LD in

SO

ys a D 12

in D L SO

t t t t t

ys a D 27

t t

2011: 2012: 2013: 2 2 2 2

4FMMFS 3FQSFTFOUBUJWF 4QFDJBMJTU $FSUJĂś FE /FHPUJBUJPO &YQFSU (SBEVBUF 3FBMUPS *OTUJUVUF "DDSFEJUFE #VZFS 3FQSFTFOUBUJWF 7" 1SP "TTJTJUJOH .JMJUBSZ )PNF #VZFST BOE 4FMMFST 4IPSU 4BMF 'PSDMPTVSF 3FTPVSDF "DDSFEJUFE 4UBHJOH 1SPGFTTJPOBM

Become a Stage Presence Homes

VIP BUYER Benefits:

CONTACT US TODAY to be introduced to one of our Preferred Lenders to see about getting you Pre-Approved to purchase a home and still take advantage of historically LOW home prices and rates. Ramona qualifies for ZERO DOWN USDA loans, FHA minimum down payment is 3.5%, and there are conventional loans with as little as 5% down and 100% CAN BE A GIFT! There is NO COST to get approved.

t t t t

Preferred Access to Proprietary Listings! Buyer Satisfaction Guarantee One Year Home Warranty ($400 value) Referral Bonus Program (Earn up to $400 toward your closing costs)

FREE to Join! FREE REPORTS for Buyers: -7 Secrets for Saving Thousands When Financing Your Home Purchase -8 Buyer SECRETS

Our Secret.... Contact us TODAY to ďŹ nd out our SECRET to helping you list at the right price the ďŹ rst time. Sell FAST and don’t leave money on the table, avoid a ‘stale’ listing and don’t

Contact us today!

chase the market downward‌WE KNOW RAMONA and we know what buyers want. ** contact us for details

1721 Main Street, #101 | Ramona

619-247-2756

Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014 29


Wineries... Creating a Destination

ED FIRST VOT PL

E

E READERS OF TH TH E BY

2013

Readers’ Choice

“Best of”

ENTINEL NA S MO RA

AC

Like an engine moving a vehicle, Ramona’ss wineries are driving economic development in the community. “The wineries are like a catalyst,” says Carol Fowler, head of Ramona Chamberr of Commerce’s Economic Development Committee. “They’re having a huge impact. You’re creating a destination.” People come to Ramona to visit the e wine tasting rooms, but they often do more. Whether it’s to enjoy a meal in a Ramona restaurant and stop for gas on the way home or spend the night and then golf or enjoy the spa, they’re spending money here, giving other businesses a boost. A Realtor, Fowler sees the impact the vineyards and wineries have on property values. “They’re physically beautiful to look at,” she says. “Any time you improve your property or you even up the uses for your property, you’re expanding the value. It does have an impact on property values and surrounding property.” With 28 tasting rooms and approximately 100 vineyards, the eight-year-old Ramona Valley American Viticultural Area provides a solid base for agritourism. “That’s the whole idea with agritourism,” says Fowler. “It creates business, being able to preserve and use agricultural land for business.” And other businesses benefit, says vintner Teri Kerns at Ramona Ranch Winery. Vintners refer guests to local restaurants, direct them to where they can spend the night, t, and suggest other activities they can enjoyy

Enjoy Our Wines on Our Beautiful Tasting Terrace!

Voted Best Wine & Best Tasting Room in Ramona!

10% OFF

Friday, Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m. to Sunset or call for appt. Turtle Rock Ridge Vineyard Winery, Inc. turtlerockridge.com

Any Bottle of Wine

with a paid tasting Expires 9/30/14

18351 Woods Hill Lane Ramona, CA 92065 760-789-5555

30 Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014

while here. w In addition, says Kerns, they hire caterers to t do food collaborations, collaborate on wine packages with the timeshares and w others, and use Ramona businesses for o everything for fencing and signage to e business taxes and building construction. Her list of Ramona businesses t benefiting from vintner needs continues u with, among others, electricians, landscapers, cement masons, irrigation experts and graders. Her neighbors across the highway, for example, recently paid a Ramona grader nearly $7,000 to prepare their property for a vineyard. Other partnerships are with Ramona’s equine and art communities. The wine tasting rooms attract visitors from all over, Kerns says, pointing to her guest book. Of the 18 guests who signed one page, two were from Ramona. Others came from San Clemente, Redding, Mission Valley, Carlsbad, Poway, Murrieta, r Oklahoma, Illinois, Colorado, Ohio and Florida. Some are surprised to find the wineries, Kerns says, adding, “It “ wasn’t their destination — they were on their way to Julian or o Borrego Springs — but in some cases they end up changing their plans.” With the wine industry’s growth, “people are looking for land in Ramona” to start a vineyard and/or winery, and real l estate values are increasing, she adds. She’s also notice ing in that some prospective vintners live elsewhere and a are buying second homes here for their


Ramona Wine Country To Sutherland Dam

ie

Ra ng ela nd Ro ad

SCHWAESDALL WINERY Dos Picos County Park

ad

d

oa

R re

oo

M

EAGLES NEST WINERY WOOF ‘N ROSE SALERNO Air Mail WINERY Lane

Vicente Ro

gh

Chuparosa Vineyards 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat. & Sun. (FN -BOF t chuparosavineyards.com Eagles Nest Winery Noon to dusk 7 days a week $IBCMJT 3PBE t eaglesnestwinery.com

VINEYARD

Old Julian Hwy GRANT JAMES

Vis ta LENORA R WINERY Ro amo ad na

Gem Lane

MILAGRO FARM

Gated Entry Cinnamon Rock Road

LA FINQUITA

TURTLE ROCK RIDGE

Oa

kH Ro ollo ad w

HELLANBACK RANCH

Starlight Mountain Road Ra n Je ch R ep oa Tra d il

Dye Road MAHOGANY MOUNTAIN

Mahogany Ranch Road

San Vicente Golf Resort & Inn

W ild

ca tC an yo n

Ro

ad

Highland Hills 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat. & Sun. 18545 Rangeland Road 760-239-6515 highlandhillswinery.com Kohill Winery 11 to 5 p.m. Sat. & Sun. 17211 Highlander Drive t LPIJMM DPN Hatfield Creek Winery Opening late May 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat. & Sun. By appointment weekdays )JHIXBZ t hatfieldcreekvineyards.com

Edwards Vineyard & Cellars 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat. & Sun. )JHIXBZ t edwardsvineyardandcellars.com

La Finquita Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 23123 Vista Ramona Road 800-411-3732 Lafinquitawinery.com

Hacienda de las Rosas Noon to 5p.m. Sat. & Sun. 18011 Bluegrass Road sdwinery.com

Lenora Winery 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sat. & Sun. 4UFòZ -BOF t lenorawinery.com

Hellanback Ranch Vineyard Noon to 5:00 p.m. Sat. & Sun. 17287 Oak Hollow Road 760-787-9586 hellanbackranch.com

Mahogany Mountain Winery 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sat. & Sun. 14905 Mussey Grade Road 760-788-7048 mahoganymountain.com

Wineries in bold are advertisers in the Ramona Lifestyles magazine.

Oasis Camel Dairy

HATFIELD CREEK WINERY

CHUPAROSA VINEYARDS

These are the spring/summer hours. Check the wineries’ websites or call for winter hours. Most close an hour earlier. Cactus Star Vineyard at Scaredy Cat Ranch Noon to 4 p.m. Sat. & Sun. by appointment 17029 Handlebar Road (off Highland Valley Road) 760-787-0779 cactusstarvineyard.com

To Julian Little page Road

t

ee

tr PRINCIPE DI lan nS d V TRICASE ai M all CACTUS STAR ey Warnock Rd Drive

ch Ar

Mt. Woodson Golf Course

Gated Entry

Hi

KOHILL WINERY

PAMO VALLEY

San

HACIENDA DE LAS ROSAS

Ramon Ramona Airport

PYRAMID VINEYARD

d 3r eet r St

HIGHLAND HILLS

t Stree 10th

To Altipiano Winery

Magnolia Avenue

To Cordiano Winery

EDWARDS VINEYARD

RAMONA RANCH

To Barona Casino

Map is not to scale

Milagro Farm Vineyards & Winery 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fri. - Sun. Additional hours by appointment 18750 Littlepage Road 760-787-0738 www.milagrofarmvineyards.com

Schwaesdall Winery 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sat. & Sun. 17677 Rancho De Oro Road (at State Route 67) 760-789-7542 schwaesdallwinery.com

Pamo Valley Winery 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Mon. & Fri. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sat. & Sun. .BJO 4U t pamovalleywinery.com

Turtle Rock Ridge 10 a.m. to sunset Fri. - Sun. By appointment Mon. - Thurs. 18351 Woods Hill Lane 760-789-5555 turtlerockridge.com

Principe di Tricase Winery By appointment 18425 Highland Valley Road 858-336-0663 pineandwine.com Pyramid Vineyard Noon to 5 p.m. Sat. & Sun. 130 Magnolia Avenue 760-789-4682 pyramidvineyard.com Ramona Ranch Noon to sunset Sat. & Sun. Call to confirm )JHIXBZ t ramonaranch.net Salerno Winery Fri. to Sun. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 17948 State Route 67 760-788-7160 salernowinery.com

Vineyard Grant James Noon to 5 p.m. Fri. - Sun. 25269 E. Old Julian Highway 760-789-1907 vineyardgrantjames.com Woof ‘n Rose Winery & Vineyard By appt., available most days 17073 Garjan Lane t XPPGOSPTF DPN Nearby: Altipiano Vineyard Noon to 6 p.m. Fri. - Sun. 20365 Camino Del Aguila 619-857-7242 altipianovineyard.com Cordiano Winery 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wed.-Sun. 15732 Highland Valley Road 760-480-6673 cordianowinery.com

Ramona Ramo mo ona aL Lifestyles ifes if esty es tyle ty less Sp le Spri Spring ring ri ng - SSummer umme um merr 20 me 2014 14 4 Ra

31 1


grape-growing or winemaking ventures. Fowler calls Ramona’s boutique wineries “a much more personal experience,” unlike larger wineries found in other regions. For Ramonans, the boutique style provides a place to socialize outdoors. “You’re outside, you can see a beautiful view,” she says. “Younger adults who’ve never tasted wine before are comfortable at the boutique wineries,” comments Kerns. On Valentine’s Day weekend, for example, four couples came from the Los Angeles area, she says. They spent nights at the timeshares in San Diego Country Estates, used the shuttle service to visit Ramona wineries, ate at Ramona and Wynola restaurants, and the men golfed while the women went to the spa. Also coming to Ramona are wine connoisseurs who are interested in the emerging wine region, says Kerns. Ramona vintners in turn are visiting emerging wine regions in California, Oregon, Arizona and elsewhere. Kerns mentions Murphys in the Sierra foothills as a town that vintners helped revive. “People there said the town was dying,” she says of the old mining town that is a California Historical Landmark. “The wineries came in and completely revitalized the town. Now it’s a destination area.” Ramona has so much to offer, says Fowler, listing everything from trails, airport, antique shops and open studios tour to country fair, rodeo, golf courses, and art and wine festival. “We even have our own castle.” After attending a North County Economic Development

32 Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014

Council Summit recently, she invited the council’s executive director and assistant on a tour of Ramona. “They were flabbergasted at what they saw here and want to do an article on Ramona.” As Ramonans come together, “the wineries are key,” says Fowler. “They definitely are key.” Looking at the town’s brand as “the heart of San Diego County,” the wine industry “has added the T in heart,” says Fowler. “That’s like the final peg to get Ramona going.”

—Maureen Robertson


Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014

33


Horseback Tours Another A nother W Way ay to to Enjoy Enjoy Ramona R amona W Wineries ineries

Ramona R Ra mo m ona iiss fu full ll o off hors ho horsors rss es, es, tth the he pe peop people eop o le ew who ho llove ove ov e them th hem — a and nd w wine. in ne.. F For o or those thos th o e who os who enjoy wh en njo joy horses ho orsses e and a d good an good wine, win ne, e there’s the here rre e’s a way wa ay to oe enjoy njoy nj oy b both, oth, ot h a h, and nd d create cre cr eate llasting ea asti as asti ting ng m ng memories em emor mor orie orie ies es in n the the h process. pro roce cess ss.. Winery W ne Wi nery ry tours tou ours rss b by y hors ho horseback ors rseb ebac eb ack ha have ave turned turn tu rned rn ed into int nto o a un uniq unique ique ue spe specialty eciial a ty y o off ffered Trail Rides and fere fe red d by Vineyard Vin iney eyar ey ard ar d Tr T a l Ri ai ide es an nd Ad Ad-ventures on Horseback. Both vent ve nttur ures es o n Ho H ors rseb back. k B o h cater ot cate ca terr to visitors visi vi sito tors rss and and n locals. Riders Ride ders rs taking taking the th he tours to ourrs are are often offte ten n celebrating events ranging from birthdays birthday ys and holidays to to anniversaanniverssaan a ries ri and engagements. eng n ag agem e ents t . “Girls “Gir “G irrlss Night Nig i ht Out,” cowgirl-style, is extremely extr ex t em tr mely popular among non-horsey as well as horsey ey y women. wom omen e . Sabrina Sabrrina Fortyuné, Fortyu yuné yu né, an an equestrian for for 30 years, fo yea arss, has h s been ha b en leading be lea eadi d ng di g trail tra ail rides Milagro Winery the past r des ri des at M de ilag il agro ag ro W in ner ery y fo fforr th he p pa ast s year. ye ear. “We “ We “W e work wor together tog get e he her like a marriage,“ marrri riag age, ag e,““ e, she sh he says says of her sa he er relationship rela re atiionsh hip with h Milagro. Mila Mi lagr la g o. gr o “I bring b in br ng them th hem e business, bus u in nesss, and and n they th hey provide pro rovi vide vi de e guests guestss with with h a beautiful, bea aut utif i ul, if safe saffe sa fe place pla lace ce to to ride.” ride ri ide.” de.” She takes S e generally Sh g nerall ge l y ta ake es 10 to 12 rriders ider id errs e per pe er group, grou oup, ou p, and n their trip tri r p can ri can be anyany nywhere wher wh ere er e on the 110 1 acres acr c es of of the the MilaMila Mi la agro With 25 horses from grro property. g prop per e ty. Wi ith 2 5 ho hors ses fro om

34 Ra Ramona amo m na L Lifestyles ifes if esty yle less Sp Spring pri ring ng - SSummer umme um merr 20 2014


wh which hic ich h to t choose, she is able to match matcch ho horses orses and rriders i ers so id that at everyone has a good experie experience. ience. “As we explore Milagro oF Farm’s arm’ ar m s private priv vat a e esta estate, ate t , gu g guests ests can enjoy riding under the majestic majessti ticc oak k trees tre ees and d the the 30-acre 30 0-a acrre vine n yard rd. From tthe rd h property, y he o can ou a view the enti ire v alle al ley le y vineyard. you entire valley of Ramona. It’s justt beautiful. “It’s so fun to take people riding for the very verry first time, ti and to know that the heir experience is see e ing the views of, their seeing and from, Ramona a.” Ramona.” As the riders discover the h tasting g room, each participant p rticip pa ipan p nt receives six win ne tastings from Mi ila lagr g o’s aw a war ardd-wi w nning, wi wine Milagro’s award-winning, world-class wines, and n a selection of of chocolates. choc ocol oc olat atte ess. “Horses have always been nearr to my my heart,” hear art, t ” says sa s ForFororor tyuné. “If I can spread a bit of the e love lov ove e and an joy joy they the bring ng me, you can be b hat a ’s what I’ll be do doing.” bett th that’s Also a longtime horse professional, Deb b Schottt has as been been a tr rail guid de fo forr th tthe e past 30 years and has be een e o p ra pe ati t ng trail guide been operating Ad dventures on Horseback for th he past yea ar. r Adventures the year. “We offe inery y tour rid des and and real rea al ranch ra anch ridi d ng g,” offe err both w winery rides riding,” S Sc hott says. s. “We ride rid de at a diff i erent w ineriies, such as Turtle Schott wineries, Ro ock c Ridge. Rid idge g . One On of the greatest gre reat atest things about Turtle Rock Ro k is Rock th he pr p op perty h as o n o ne he hi h ghest viewpoints in Ramona. the property has one off th the highest T Th e views view ew ws are a e incredible. ar in ncr cred edib ed i le e. And An A nd we offer ffantastic a tastic pictu an ure The picture sp potts, w i h th it the great grea eat vi v ew a nd massi sive ve eb oulders all around.” spots, with view and massive boulders S Sc chottt p refe re fe ers to ta ake ssmaller m ller group ma ps be b tween 6 and 8 Schott prefers take groups between ride ers. She Sh S he says,, “I’ll “II’ll ta ake k ffewer ewer riders out ew ou ut if they they y are less exriders. take peri pe perienced, rien ri e ced, d so that th t everyone eve very ryon ry one has a good time. And I get a lot on of requests fo forr co oup u le less that th ha want to ride.” couples She e descri ribe bess her be h r horses he horsses e as family horses. “Our “Ou O r entire describes fa family amily iiss ab a able le e tto o ride each horse, ho ors r e, so we know they the are safe an nd en e jo oya yabl b e. bl e.”” and enjoyable.” F Fo her regular regu re gula gu lar riders la ride ri ders who de who don’t don n’t want to own a horse but Forr her ers do enjoy enj njoy oy y the the rides, rid des, she she off ffe ff ers r the semi-exclusive Wranglers Club Cl b. Club. ““Our “O urr cclub lub lu b members m mbers me mb b have lotss of great experiences. We beach more, ride the mountains, mount n ai ains, the desert, desertt, th the e be beac ach ch and d more re, and g cam go am mpi p ng g ttwice wice wi ce a year.” camping “W We love lo ove w hatt we ha we d o Iw o. antt to k an eep horses in th the e fo fore re-re “We what do. want keep foreffront fr ron on nt of R am mon ona, a, a nd k eep ee p Ramo R amo ona h orse or se ffriendly. rien ri e dl en dly. y. R idin id ing in g Ramona, and keep Ramona horse Riding the wineri th r es ri e is is a great grrea at wa way y to d o bo both th.”.”. th wineries do both.” —Reg —R e in eg ina a Elling Ellling El ling —Regina

Ramona amo mona na L Lifestyles ifes if e ty es ylees Sp Spri Spring r ng ri n - SSummer umme um merr 20 me 2014 14 Ra

35 35


Salerno Winery is a boutique winery owned and operated by retired opera singer Herman Salerno and his wife Rose. Over 25 years of wine making experience and over 63 international awards brings you a world-class winery with traditional hand-crafted wine making techniques. Our first vintage was 2002, our first award in 2005 and we continue to bring a full catalog of award-winning wines to the table. We take wine seriously and we promise you a grand time. Saturday and Sunday bring live music, freshbaked Italian bread and, of course, Herman’s famous woodfired pizza. Wine tasting, wine by the glass and by the bottle are always available.. Join the 2007 Italian American of the Year, Herman Salerno, for fabulous wine, amazingly great pizza and beautiful music. Don’t forget to see our new sculpture garden!

36 Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014


Paws patio on the

S

pring fever isn’t just for humans. Sometimes our furry friends seem to have a touch of it as well. And no matter how tempting their kibble — or our dinner — might be, sometimes a cool puppy just needs a night out. Ramona is a great place to enjoy chow with your Chow. From one end of town to the other, nearly every restaurant with an open patio accepts pooches, with a few tips in mind. Four On the Floor. Local restaurants are for people first, dogs second. Keeping Fido either on the ground or on your lap makes everyone more comfortable. Although you may think it’s cute as a fuzzy pup to have your pet sit in a chair and eat off a plate, it’s really a turnoff to most people. To keep complaints to the staff at a minimum, please keep your (dog) paws off the table. Three-Dog Night, Four-Dog Breakfast. As a dog owner, you may also find that you aren’t the only one who enjoys a meal out with Rover. Spot, Stinky and Spoiled may be at the tables nearby. If so, either let the dogs say a quick “Hello” to each other, and continue on with your fare, or keep them respectfully apart. It just takes one dogfight to ruin everyone’s appetite.

Keep ‘em on a Short Leash. One dog d off leash can an wreak havoc h for the other canine and human Not everyone wants n diners. di nt a hair ball with their hamburger. A trip to the dog park after the feast is a great way to reward a well-behaved pooch. A Little Petting Never Hurts. Socializing is a major benefit to taking our pets out for a meal. Whether it’s breakfast or dinner, it’s not unusual for other guests (and their kids) to want to cuddle your pups, ask questions and share their own dog tales. Keep your hound(s) under control and enjoy the extra attention. After all, showing off a bit is part of the fun. No, No, Bad Owner! Last, but certainly not least, be extra kind to the restaurant staff. Treating your poodle like a princess and the waiter — well, like a dog — is a good way to become unwelcome in a hurry — and it’s just in poor taste. Whether you routinely enjoy taking your pet out to local eateries or you reserve the trip for special occasions, make sure to have fun and keep it positive. The combination of happy owners and well-behaved canines goes a long way to keeping all of Ramona pet-friendly. And that’s a reputation we all want to keep our paws on.

—Regina Elling

#1 Selling & Listing Office in Ramona!

Susan Michalek 760.445.1270 Cal BRE #00800834

sdrealtor.info@gmail.com

Cathy Youngquist 760.420.4284 Cal BRE #01797380

cathyyoungquist@gmail.com

2130 MAIN ST., RAMONA

Jennifer Szewczynski 760.473.1557

Jessica Duran 760.440.8020

homesweetsandiego@gmail.com www.homesweetsandiego.org

jdurancb@gmail.com

Cal BRE #01943387

Cal BRE #01913877

Each office is independently owned & operated. Cal BRE # 00841062

Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014

37


Back on

Course Basking in rays of sunshine, the rolling carpet of green greets coach Michael Gainey and his players and they feel right at home as they head out on a weekday afternoon. San Vicente Golf Course is home course for the Ramona High School golf teams, but it’s more than that for Gainey, the new coach of the boys team. A 1985 Ramona High graduate, Gainey not only played the course as a member of the Bulldog team; he also worked there in various jobs including as lead instructor of the summer junior golf program, which drew about 100 participants each year. Some of those youths are now on his golf team. “Many kids on our golf team over the years have grown up on the course and the staff treats them like family,” says Gainey. “There’s no better place than the golf course to drop off your kids for the afternoon as a parent and not worry about your kid’s well-being.” Recalling his days on the high school team, he says, “One of my favorite things was just being outside on the golf course. The course was always in great shape and the weather was mostly sunny.” Ramona High senior Jason Morton echoes those thoughts: “I get to come out and play golf, which is always fun. Bad day at the golf course beats a good day sitting at home.” Gainey’s parents and grandparents introduced him to golf. “My earliest memories are of trying to hit the golf car that was driving through the practice range picking up golf balls,” he recalls with humor. When his stepfather let him tag along on Saturday morning rounds, Gainey learned the basics of the game and occasionally got to swing a club. Near the end of his senior year at Ramona High, he got a job as a golf car attendant at San Vicente through then head golf professional Robert Harchut. Gainey moved his way up the ladder to golf shop assistant, working under three head pros —Harchut, Greg Prudham and Mark Hayden, all of whom were active in the San Diego Chapter of the PGA.

38 Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014


“They taught me a lot about the discipline, professionalism, integrity and good people skills needed to be a great golf pro,” notes Gainey. He also learned about merchandising, tournament operations and golf swing instruction. “I spent many years working at San Vicente, on and off from 1995 to 2005. There were a couple of times in that time frame where I left to try other things and visit new places. My heart kept drawing me back to the golf course, though.” In 2005 he found himself ready for a change with a strong desire to work at a high-end private golf club. A big fan of the first season of Donald Trump’s show, “The Apprentice,” Gainey’s interest was piqued when he saw a proposed golf course renovation project in Palos Verdes. “When I saw that golf course on television and how beautiful it looked perched on the cliffs next to the ocean, I had to learn more about it.” After some Internet research about the course, Gainey discovered that Rick Brandt, a Ramona High grad and brother of a high school friend, was the head golf pro there. He called Brandt, drove up to meet with him, and came away with a job offer. Gainey says his time working at that club, Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles, was valuable to his growth in the golf industry. “It really helped sharpen my customer service skills as we were operating a very high-end facility and had many of Trump’s friends and fans visiting on a weekly basis.” Once again, he was lead instructor for a junior program, as well as tournament coordinator and interim head golf professional in 2006. As with many young people who leave Ramona, they find themselves drawn back to the community. So was the case with Gainey, who lives in San Diego Country Estates with his wife, Crystal, and six-month-old son, Vincent. He is a certified PGA apprentice and a certified fitness professional, specializing in golf fitness and junior fitness, and is a personal trainer at Ramona Fitness Center. “Golfers today now realize what it takes to get to the next level in their game, and fitness is it right now.” Gainey realizes that some of his players have their own golf instructors, so during team practice he tries to reinforce elements that they are already learning while teaching the “new guys” fundamentals of the game. When they’re not playing a match, he likes to focus on specific topics such as course management, putting, rules and golf fitness. During one golf practice, he limited the team to four clubs: 4 iron, 7 iron, pitching wedge and putter. Leaving their bags behind, the players carried their clubs and played four holes. The exercise was intended to help them overcome “paralysis by analysis,” a golfer’s tendency to over-analyze. Gainey says golfers find they can play a decent game with just three clubs and a putter. Junior Jacob Buckley supported that theory after he finished, announcing that he shot pars on all four holes. Gainey describes San Vicente as a course that is challenging but has a very fair design, and says he never tires of playing it. While the golf team plays other good courses during the season, Gainey says, “none have the great community spirit that ours does.” —Karen Brainard

we’ve got

Dr. Michael C. O’Dell

Your Back! Sports Injury Family Chiropractic Care Pregnancy Webster Technique Postural Correction Functional Nutrition Affordable Chiropractic Care Plans Available Medical Insurance Accepted

Convenient Evening and Saturday Hours Contact Us Today to Schedule an Appointment

1140 Main St., #205 | Ramona, CA 92065 | (760) 315-6123 www.ramonachiropractor.com

Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014

39


Did you know...

Amy Strong, born in 1860, built the Amy Strong Castle at the foot of Mt. Woodson. She came to San Diego in 1879, hoping there would be a need for one more dressmaker. Initially, it was a struggle. A bank refused to loan her money because she was a female. Fortunately, George Marston trusted her and loaned her $8 to buy yardage and thread. This was the beginning of the fortune she made sewing clothes for the wives of well-to-do business-

In 1934, Ramona turkey growers established the Ramona Turkey Growers Association to promote business for the turkey farms and processing plants and to provide high quality turkeys and eggs, free of diseases. Organizers of the first Turkey Day Celebration hoped for a turnout of 1,000 people: 5,000 hungry people arrived! Ramona Woman’s club rose to the occasion, putting together a fine dinner served later that day. In 1935, a Turkey Day Parade and Turkey Day Queen contest were added to the festivities. The first Turkey Day Queen was Gertrude Wilson Page. Turkey Day celebrations were held for nine years, from 1933 to 1941. In nine years, Ramona Turkey Day grew from a small show to one of California’s greatest, most attractive spectacles.

Pizza by the Slice

/DZ 2IĂ€FHV RI

Krysak & Assoc. ED FIRST VOT PL

E

E READERS OF TH TH E BY

2013

Readers’ Choice

“Best of�

ENTINEL NA S MO RA

AC

760-789-9314 #BOLSVQUDZ t 'BNJMZ -BX %JWPSDF t $IJME $VTUPEZ "EPQUJPOT t 1FSTPOBM *OKVSZ 1SPNQU 1FSTPOBM "UUFOUJPO 9RWHG /HJDO 6HUYLFHV

3FBTPOBCMF 'FFT 1BZNFOU 1MBOT

Ramona’s only full time bankruptcy attorney. Why go down the hill?

525 D Street, Ramona, CA 92065 40 Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014

Daily Lunch Specials!

Take-out & Catering Available

HE READERS YT OF EB T AC

2013

Readers’ Choice

“Best of�

ONA SENTINE L AM ER H

ANKRUPTCY COUNSELING & BBANKRUPTCY COUNSELING REPRESENTATION & REPRESENTATION

PL

Ramona’s first jail, on display at the Guy B. Woodward Museum on Main Street, originally served San Diego in Old Town. Then it was moved to Hotel Del Coronado’s historic Tent City. In 1880 the county moved the jail to Ramona. It was used until 1917. The jailhouse was behind Town Hall until it was moved to D Street. The county then took the jail back and it was used to store explosives — underground. Geneva Woodward recollected it was buried somewhere on Olive Street. Guy Woodward petitioned the county to get the jailhouse for the museum. The county agreed and deeded it to the museum. The jail weighs seven tons. It is made of sheets of steel.

men, opera singers, actresses and many other women of note. In 1907 she retired, leaving her time to design and build the castle. It is a mix of European castle and Spanish-style California ranch house. The castle, its design, furnishings and decor are unique, and it has become a sort of monument to her as well as a solid reminder to us of her unique life.

ED SECO ND VOT

In 1924, Ramona received its first electric lights.

EntreĂŠs made to order from the freshest ingredients

NOW OPEN!

Call ahead for large parties

Expanded Dining/ Banquet Room

Your Neighborhood Pizzeria! Open 11am - 8pm Closed Sunday

You’ll Taste the Difference!

'BNJMZ 0XOFE 0QFSBUFE

1IPOF t 'BY .BJO 4USFFU 3BNPOB $" *O UIF "MCFSUTPOT $FOUFS


Kritter Kamp Since 1989

Pickup & Delivery for San Diego County FREE Pickup & Delivery for Ramona

10% OFF First Time

Kountry Lodging for All Size Dogs & Cats

*

Boarding Stays Some restrictions may apply. Good for 1 time visits only. Expires 12/31/14

Used & Recomme nded by Veterin arians & Pet Care Profession als

Large Heated & Air Conditioned Indoor// Outdoor Runs 24 Hour Supervision

Discount for or Multi-Kampers rs & Extended Stays ays

760-788-6799

25155 Creek Hollow Drive, Ramona, CA

Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014

41


Historic Town Hall The Crown Jewel of Ramona

H

aving stood for well over a century, Ramona Town Hall is one of the oldest and last original town halls in California, and one of the largest and oldest adobe structures in the entire Southwest. The two-story, 6,727-square-foot building was gifted to Ramona — then called Nuevo — in 1894 by early residents Martha and Augustus Barnett. The story goes that Augustus thought it improper for dances to carry on all night at the schoolhouse, and that the growing town needed a place to serve that purpose as well as a library. In donating the Town Hall, the Barnetts specified that its operation and upkeep be the responsibility of a volunteer board of trustees consisting of five members. Membership is held for life — or until a trustee moves out of the area or has other reasons to resign — and new appointments are determined by the remaining board members. Today’s members are hard at work picking up the pieces of the past restoration movement tragically squashed by a 1995 arson fire that set the work back well over a decade. Today’s trustees are president W.T. “Woody” Kirkman, vice president Bob Krysak, secretary and treasurer Sandee Salvatore, and members-at-large Darrell Beck and Bob Hailey. Kirkman, a fifth generation Ramonan, is the third member

42 Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014

o f his family to serve on the board. In the past few years, the board has seen the completion of the hall’s east and west wings, the addition of a security gate, upgraded step handrails, the installation of heating and air condition systems in the front half of the hall and the near completion of the loft, which will eventually be used as an office for hall business. The finished west and east wings are bustling with community activities, from Zumba exercise classes to bridge club gatherings. Kirkman said the hall’s regular calendar of events is about two-thirds full for 2014. One of the renovation milestones about to be reached is the completion of a structural study that will enable the board to tackle its biggest challenge — renovating the main hall. —Jessica King


Let’ s Make a Deal! TRACTION TIRE IN RAMONA BEATS THE COMPETITION WE HONOR ALL COMPETITORS COUPONS

NITROG

N O W AV

SEE US F

EN

AIL ABL

OR DETA

E!

ILS

In Ramona! Open 7 days a week WE OFFER NATIONWIDE WARRANTIES

Layaway ! Available

MOST TIRES INSTALLED IN 30 MINUTES

1811 MAIN STREET (K-MART PARKING LOT) 760-789-8877 Monday-Friday 8am-6pm www.tractiontiresd.com 3ATURDAY AM PM s 3UNDAY AM PM Now accepting eet accounts! Call the store for details. Dealer reserves the right to ďŹ nal discretion with regard to prices. If you ďŹ nd an identical tire advertised for less, bring in the current competitors ad and Traction Tire will match or beat the price.

30% OFF EVERYTHING! Excludes color products. Must present coupon. Expires 12/31/14

A full service salon for all your hair & nail needs and a complete line of professional products

Proud sponsor of:

WK <HDU Participating

Serving Ramona Since 1986

0DLQ 6WUHHW ‡

Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014

43


1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

1.

Ramona High pole vaulter Brandon Hankins

2.

Young dancers win with “Bushel and a Peck�

3.

Lucy Randol shows produce at Farmers Market

4.

Maryam Shireman sells flowers at Saturday market

5.

Pop Warner Football and Cheer signups

6.

Elliott Pond duck

7.

Ramona High Principal Chris King

8.

Janet Pickle, school district employee of year

9.

Warming up for James Dukes Jogathon

10.

Crossing Main Street on foot or horse

44 Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014

10


It’s about you. It’s about your home. It’s about our community! 3BNPOB 4P$BM T /FXFTU 8JOF 3FHJPO t $IBNQJPOTIJQ (PMG $PVSTFT t %JTUJOHVJTIFE 4DIPPMT t .JMFT PG 5SBJMT t #SFBUIUBLJOH 4VOTFUT

Homes

Land

Condos

3BODI 4BMFT t 1SPQFSUZ .BOBHFNFOU t /PUBSZ 4FSWJDF $PNQFUJUJWF 'FFT t 3FGFSFODFT "WBJMBCMF

Nicholas Deseno Serving Ramona’s Real Estate Needs For 20 Years

CalBRE# 01179820

.BJO 4U 4UF t 3BNPOB t XXX .+/)PNFT DPN t $"--

Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014

45


God’s handiwork. That’s what Dr. Gary Myers, OD, calls the hundreds of Ramona sunset photographs he’s taken. A photographer since May of 1973, the Ramona optometrist says every sunset is different — like a fingerprint. “It’s His signature at the end of the day,” he comments, revealing his spiritual side. If he senses it’s a good day for a special sunset, Myers gathers his Canon EOS 60D, his lenses and his tripod and heads to the top of the Ninth Street hill or to one of his favorite spots near the airport. Much of what he captures is like art. He’s nonchalant about his photographs, preferring to credit the camera and a higher power. —Maureen Robertson

46 Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014


AC ED FIRST VOT PL

E READERS OF TH TH E BY

2013

Readers’ Choice

“Best of�

ENTINEL NA S MO RA

E

Voted #1 Carpet Cleaning Company

Proudly Serving Ramona for

23 Years!

FAST DRY TECHNOLOGY

BIGGEST BADDEST ALIGNMENT LIFT IN RAMONA UĂŠ UĂŠ UĂŠ UĂŠ UĂŠ UĂŠ

Carpet Cleaning Upholstery Cleaning Tile & Grout Cleaning Auto & RV’s Protectants - Carpet & Upholstery Pet Urine Treatment

20% OFF Ju

Lifts ups to 16,000 LBS s .EWEST 4ECHNOLOGY

st Men tion This A d!

For Quality Customer Service & Satisfaction CALL

760-788-1862 www.ramona-carpet-cleaning.com

Lic# 01398595

Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014

47


looking for

TEN good people

F

ew fourth-graders can say they’ve been nominated for their community’s Citizen of the Year award. But Alexavia Zetterberg is no ordinary fourth-grader. She didn’t receive the award — that honor went to a lawyer — but she was the first recipient of Ramona Chamber of Commerce’s Special Recognition Award. In making the presentation at its annual awards banquet, the chamber lauded Alexavia for her toy drives for Rady Children’s Hospital, her Believe in Miracles organization benefiting Ramona families in need, her volunteer work to assist military families, her 10G10 project to beautify Main Street, and her book drives for Barnett Elementary School, Ramona Library and Busy Bee Preschool. At 9 years old, Alexavia has accomplished more than most adults — and she isn’t finished.

48 Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014

It all started when her second-grade teacher read “Ready Freddy” to the class. It’s a story about a boy who helps those in need. “Then I wanted to do something to help people,” says Alexavia. She, her three sisters and her brother have what they need, but she knows not all children do. “It’s really important to give because we all have many things, all us kids, that we take for granted,” she says. “We would feel different if we didn’t have the things we have. We all should help so other kids can have things they enjoy.” Daughter of Regina and John Zetterberg, Alexavia earns top grades in school, where math is her favorite subject. In pursuit of her goal to be an actress and singer, she travels to Los Angeles for acting class each Monday after school. Her mother drives, and her brother and one sister go with her. They do homework while she’s in the two-hour class, and the three children sleep on the way home. She has an agent and is auditioning for roles in commercials, movies and TV series. Ramonans have seen her in Barnett Elementary School plays, and she and her 7-year-old brother Roger entertain at Christmastime when the Ramona Community Theater troupe performs. “I just love acting,” says Alexavia, a former Miss California Junior Princess, Miss California Princess and Miss American Starlet. “It’s so much fun. It’s something I love to do.” Engineering is her backup career plan. She has the support of her family and friends. Her 16-year-old sister Alyssa describes her as “one in a million,” her mother says “She’s wise beyond her years,” and Ramona Town Hall President Woody Kirkman and Honorary Mayor Sharon Davis see her as “a stand-out citizen making a very big difference at a young age.” Unaffected by the praise, Alexavia is looking for 10 good people for her 10G10 project. Each will lead a group of 10 volunteers to “help improve the town and increase business and employment” along Main Street. She’s walked Main Street from Sixth through 10th and made a list of everything that needs to be done, jobs such as weeding, picking up trash, painting buildings, and replacing a halfmelted trash can she found. “We have tons and tons of pictures,” she says, explaining this is just the beginning. “We found a lot of nails in the stop signs and pole and trees. We want to take all those staples and nails out.” “We need volunteers of all types, so please email me at Alexavia@BelieveinMiracles.org to become a ‘dove’ and to help,” she says. In addition, she’s looking for sponsors to contribute funds toward forming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. When she’s not busy with school, acting or helping others, Alexavia enjoys swimming, playing outside with Roger — her best friend and brother — and reading books. She particularly enjoys the “Dork Diaries” series.

—Maureen Robertson


:Zkhg @kb_Ă› g

– personal chef

ikboZm^ iZkmb^l

`hnkf^m BmZebZg \nblbg^l

ED THIRD VOT

READERS OF THE BY TH

2013

Readers’ Choice

“Best of�

NA SENTINEL MO RA

^q\enlbo^ pbg^(_hh] iZbkbg`l

CE

E

PL A

@enm^g ?k^^ :oZbeZ[e^

]^e^\mZ[e^ ^gmkÂŽ^l

10% OFF Booked Parties When you mention this ad Expires 4/30/15

0/ ) & + 0* & 2 / 1 - : g h ] h f b g b *+ 9 a h m f Z b e ' \ h f

™ %6* %FGFOTF ™ $SJNJOBM %FGFOTF ™ 5SBÄ? D 5JDLFU %FGFOTF ™ -BOEMPSE 5FOBOU *TTVFT ™ $JWJM -JUJHBUJPO ™ &NQMPZNFOU -BX ™ #VTJOFTT -BX ™ 1FSTPOBM *OKVSZ ™ %JWPSDF .PEJÄ• DBUJPOT

With over 40 years of combined legal experience, at Toothacre & Associates, APC, we pride ourselves on client satisfaction. We understand that not all legal issues are the same and success begins with hiring the right attorney. We work to provide individualized attention to each of our clients, so we treat each client as if he or she was our only client. For aggressive, experienced legal representation, contact us for a free consultation.

.BJO 4USFFU 4VJUF t 3BNPOB $BMJGPSOJB

PLU # XX

XXX UPPUIBDSFBOEBTTPDJBUFT DPN

Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014

49


Ramona High

Fusion Fusion: joining diverse elements into a unified whole. Fusion: one of the most active groups on the Ramona High School campus. Fusion Club president Ava Anderson describes it as “a collaboration of unique individuals who take the focus off of one’s self and place it on the common goal of helping, in any way possible, the needs of those around us.� “Developing leaders that transform the campus and community� is the group’s motto. Its 80 members are freshmen through seniors. During the past decade, the Fusion Club has taken that motto seriously, organizing campus and community service projects such as planting palm trees throughout the high school campus, building benches, painting bathrooms, cleaning Bulldawg stadium, sponsoring food and clothing drives, creating care packages for United States military troops, and mentoring and tutoring other students.

“

Fusion has empowered students to serve, lead and take responsibility and pride in their school and community�

“Fusion has empowered students to serve, lead and take responsibility and pride in their school and community,� said Jim Plum, club adviser and an academic counselor at the school. “For example, when local Eagle Scout Jake Mandich completed the RHS campus maps, our group decided RHS was in need of a facelift, so we looked for a project that would be useful as well as improve the appearance of our school.� The two large planter box/concrete sitting areas in front of the student entrance to the school are a product of Fusion’s school improvement plan. With a grant from the McBride Foundation, assistance from the Ramona Unified School District Maintenance Department and the hard work of Fusion Club members, trenches were dug, boulders moved, cement forms built, and large Jelly Palms and shrubs planted, creating a four-sided concrete planter box and sitting area for students. With the inside of the campus looking a bit brighter, the group turned its attention to the student parking lot, meeting on a Saturday morning to repaint the parking lines over the entire area. A few projects later found Fusion building a garden area for the school’s Life Skills Class. Students from Robert Grace’s welding class added a finishing touch to the garden project by creating a specially designed gate for the “Dawg Patch.� Collision Repair Experts!

10% Off

9OUR &IRST 6ISIT 12/31/14

fixauto.com Monday - Friday 7:30-5:30

facebook.com/ ďŹ xautoramona

453 Main Street, Ramona, Ca 92065 4 s &

Featuring

50 Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014


In their most recent endeavor, club members planted 32 giant queen palms along the Hanson Lane side of Ramona High’s football field. “The palms were supplied at a very reduced price and delivered with fertilizer by Jim Riley, who operates a palm farm here in Ramona,” said Plum. “Coach (Damon) Baldwin funded the project, and Fusion provided the time and brute strength to dig 32 holes 20 inches by 24 inches deep.” Although every member of the Fusion Club has the opportunity to participate in any undertaking, it is the Fusion Council comprised of juniors Keyshawn Crichlow, Megan Douglass, Valissa Espinosa, Brandon Gansch, Scott Lewis, Dylan Shields and senior Ava Anderson who meet every Monday to discuss possible projects. The ideas the council generates are then presented to the membership at a biweekly meeting and the group decides as a whole what to undertake. Plum uses the time with the Fusion group to help the students develop leadership skills as well as project plans. “We are about making transformational changes in our environment, but also within ourselves. At every group meeting we discuss effective leadership qualities: Serve, Humble, Bold, Wisdom, Influence, Personal Example, Resiliency and Vision,” explained Plum. “The success of our organization is directly related to the leader’s ability to lead. If Fusion dares to transform the campus and community, the leaders need to transform themselves.”

—Pixie Sulser

home Welcome

to

Country Living Call for Rental Information Quail Run Apartments

Ramona Village

Starlight Grove

Phone: 760-789-7490

Phone: 760-789-9660

Phone: 760-789-2542

quailrunramona.com

RamonaVillage.com

CanyonCrestApts.com

Silverado Apartments

Sun Valley

Phone: 760-789-5786

Phone: 760-787-9447

SilveradoApartmentHomes.com

SunValleyAptCommunity.com

Valle Del Sol

Canyon Crest

Phone: 760-788-0826 ValleDelSolApts.com

Phone: 760-789-2542 CanyonCrestApts.com

$

150

Referral Bonus Upon Move-in

Progress Management Properties www.progressmanagement.net

Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014

51


calendar May 3 & 4 RAMONA BLUEGRASS & OLD WEST FESTIVAL www.ramonabluegrassfest.com May 16-18 34TH ANNUAL RAMONA RODEO, Ramona Outdoor Community Center Fred Grand Arena, 421 Aqua Lane. www.ramonarodeo.net May 19 RAMONA SENIOR CENTER OPEN HOUSE to celebrate center’s 40th anniversary, 9-11 a.m., 434 Aqua Lane. 760-789-0440. May 26 MEMORIAL DAY, VFW services at Nuevo Memory Gardens cemetery, 532 Ash St., 10 a.m. 760-789-7888 June 4 LAST DAY OF SCHOOL June 5 CELEBRITY GOLF CLASSIC hosted by Padres’ Yonder Alonso. Benefits Ramona Branch of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater San Diego. www.playgolfwithalonso.com

Weekends and holidays traditionally are filled with activities in Ramona. Following is a sampling of upcoming events this spring and summer. For a complete list, see the weekly Sentinel or go online to the Sentinel website, ramonasentinel.com

June 7 DRILLE DIVAS HORSEPOWER for LIFE 2014, 9 a.m., San Diego Country Estates International Equestrian Center, 16911 Gunn Stage Road July 4 COUNTRY ESTATES PARADE, 10 a.m., Pappas Road; Rotary Club Family PICNIC AND FIREWORKS, 5-9:30 p.m., behind Olive Peirce Middle School, 1521 Hanson Lane July 14-18 TINY TOT MINI CAMP for preschoolers aged 3-5. More information: 760-789-4146 July 31 through Aug. 3 RAMONA COUNTRY FAIR AND JUNIOR FAIR/LIVESTOCK AUCTION, Fairgrounds, 400 block of Aqua Lane. 760-789-1311 July 26 NATIONAL DAY OF THE AMERICAN COWBOY, Mountain Valley Ranch, 842 Hwy 78, noon to 5 p.m. Aug. 25 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

BS the blinds spot Shades Shutters Draperies

Regal Floors

Carpet Tile Wood Cork Bamboo

Sales Installation Repairs 707 Main Street, Ramona 760-787-1406 www.theblindsspot.com

52 Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014


^ C. Dalton ^

R E L I E

FLOORING

ke a r B & Tire

F F O 20%Labor Any

-INIMUM

ES UTS /IL #HANG TR 3 s S K C O H 3 ING "ELTS !LIGNMENTS s IM 4 s S P M U ATER 0 4UNE 5PS s 7 NSMISSIONS RA 4 s S E H TC LU #

>Ă€`ĂœÂœÂœ`ĂŠUĂŠ >“ˆ˜>ĂŒiĂŠUĂŠ/ˆÂ?iĂŠUĂŠ >ÀiĂŒĂŠUĂŠ6ÂˆÂ˜ĂžÂ?

FINANCING AVAILABLE IRES -OST CARS %XP amona R -UST PRESENT UPON CO es Lifestyl

t n Stree i a M 3 174 8-7560 8 7 ) 0 (76

Contact:

Tues - Sat 10am - 5pm

Ă“{äxĂŠ >ÂˆÂ˜ĂŠ-ĂŒ°]ĂŠÂ›ĂˆU­Ă‡ĂˆäŽĂŠ{Ă“nÂ‡Â™Ăˆää GoGetFloors.com Lic# 659595

County of San Diego Department of Animal Services Serving the unincorporated County of San Diego and the cities of San Diego, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar and Santee

Patrol Services – Investigating regulatory animal law violations and state anti-cruelty laws Adoptions – %QOOKVOGPV VQ ſ PFKPI homes for all healthy, friendly animals Lost and Found – Providing a safe haven for reuniting owners with their pets Rabies Vaccination, Licensing and Microchipping – Protecting the health, safety and welfare of pets and our community Spay/Neuter Information – Encouraging responsible pet ownership. Spay/Neuter Coupons available while supplies last.

3 County Animal Care Facilities:

2481 Palomar Airport Rd, Carlsbad 92011

5480 Gaines St, San Diego 92110 5821 Sweetwater Rd, Bonita 91902

www.SDDAC.com | (619) 767-2675

Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014

53


advertiser’s index Aaron Griffin Catering...................49 Adobe Animal Hospital ................15 Adventures on Horseback ...........35 Albertson’s ........................................17 All American KTM ...........................40 Amber Ramirez................................19 Amici ...................................................40 Bella Mia ............................................51 Blinds Spot, The...............................52 Bob Krysak ........................................40 Bravo 4 Tactical ................................20 C. Dalton Flooring ..........................53 Carol Fowler......................................47 Carpet Lady ......................................54 Clendenen Group ...........................27 Coldstone ..........................................49 Coldwell Banker ..............................37 Costello, Becky.................................52 Country Tire ......................................47 Dr. Brilliant, DDS ..............................55 Dr. Gonzalez, DDS...........................15 Dr. Hill, DDS.......................................25 Dr. O’Dell............................................39 Dreamy Nails ....................................17 Economizers .....................................56 Eiler Tire..............................................53 Elstons ................................................25

E READERS OF TH TH E BY

ED FIRST VOT PL

E

2013

Readers’ Choice

“Best of�

ENTINEL NA S MO RA

AC

Fix Auto ..............................................50 Gainey Golf .......................................39 Heimer, Shelly ..................................19 The Good Life - SDCE ....................49 K2 Auto Detail ..................................27 Kamps Propane ...............................22 Kimi’s Fashon....................................25 Kirks Bike Shop ................................27 Kitchen Barn .....................................50 Kritter Kamp .....................................41 Los Amigos Restaurant.................55 Lindsey Spieker ...............................54 Mahogany Winery ..........................34 Milagro Farm Vineyards................2 MJN Real Estate ...............................45 Original Old Antique Mall............50 Pamo Winery ....................................32 Proflame Gas ....................................43 Progress Management Properties ......................................51 RAE.......................................................21 Ramona Beauty Supply & Salon 43 Ramona Cafe ....................................20 Ramona Dental Group ..................21 Ramona Disposal ............................55 Ramona Fitness ...............................41 Ramona Lisa’s Pizza........................55

Voted #1 Best Day Spa

riviera

Lindsey Marie Photography

760.533.8207 lindsmariephoto.com

WELLNESS SPA

Y Family Owned & Operated

t .BTTBHF 5IFSBQZ t #PEZ 5SFBUNFOUT t /VUSJUJPOBM $PVOTFMJOH t 'VODUJPOBM %JBHOPTUJD 5FTUJOH t "JSCSVTI 5BOOJOH t 4LJO $BSF t .BOJDVSFT t 1FEJDVSFT t 4IFMMBD

15 OFF 50 Minute

$

Relaxing Massage Must Present Coupon

25385 Pappas Road | Ramona, CA 92065

1MFBTF DBMM GPS BQQU

54 Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014

Ramona Oaks Family Medicine .55 Ramona Ranch ................................33 Ramona Rodeo ................................23 Ramona Valley Wine Region .......33 Ransom Brothers ............................41 Ramona Julian Academy of Dance .....................42 Riviera Wellness Spa ......................54 Salerno Winery ................................36 San Diego Animal Services .........53 San Vicente Resort .........................45 Scaredy Cat Ranch Winery ..........34 Scott Norton .....................................17 Sharon Quisenberry ......................3 Something Delicious .....................52 Squash Blossom ..............................25 Stage Presence Homes .................28-29 Sun Valley Florist .............................52 Toothacre & Assoc. .........................49 Town & Country Real Estate........13 Traction Tire ......................................43 Turtle Rock Winery .........................30 Unicorn Gifts ....................................43 Venus Nails........................................43 We Care Carpet................................47 Woof ‘n Rose Winery ......................30

a spontaneous soul in pursuit of capturing the uninterrupted moments of life


(Corner of San Vicente Road and Gunn Stage Road)

ramonadisposal.com

Ramona Lifestyles Spring - Summer 2014

55



Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.