SPRING+SUMMER 2015
Lifestyles
Ramona:— Hotbed of Music + Birds of Spring + Confession of a Prankster + What's in a Name? Winemakers know RAMONA LIFESTYLES • WWW.RAMONASENTINEL.com
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Celebrating 35 Years of Tradition
2015 Ramona Rodeo Main Street Parade • Saturday, May 16th at 10am
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welcome
Lifestyles
spring + s u mmer 2 0 1 5
W
e now know what happened one day in the 1950s. Joe Thompson says the Sentinel got it wrong. It wasn’t a sonic boom that frightened those chickens. Read his “confession” on page 14. Also in this issue of Ramona Lifestyles, photographer and birder Nancy Christensen shares her beautiful photos and expertise in “Ramona’s Birds of Spring,” Jessica King shares what’s going on in our 22,000-squarefoot library in “More Than Just Books,” and Karen Brainard interviews musicians for “Ramona — Hotbed of Music” and Carol Fowler for “Citizen of the Year.” Read about Ramona’s gun culture in Regina Elling’s “Shooting from the Hip,” and learn the story behind the wine labels in her “What’s in a Name?” Marta Zarrella tells about a unique fitness workout in “Getting Fit on a Pole,” and parents find an array of options for their children in “Summer Camps Galore.” We hope you enjoy the stories in this issue and encourage you to support the advertisers who made it possible. We welcome suggestions for upcoming issues at editor@ ramonasentinel.com or Ramona Sentinel, 425-A 10th Street, Ramona, CA 92065. —Maureen Robertson
Douglas F. Manchester Publisher Phyllis Pfeiffer President & General Manager Don Parks Chief Revenue Officer Michael Raher General Manager Ramona Sentinel Maureen Robertson Editor Amy Stirnkorb Design Jennifer Mikaeli Graphics Manager Laura Bullock Danielle Lasauskas Graphics Sandra Gansch Advertising Executive Stephanie Holas Administrative Assistant Karen Brainard Nancy Christensen Regina Elling Jessica King Joe Thompson Marta Zarrella Writers On the Cover This idyllic scene from Boundary Avenue shows some of what Ramona offers: rural atmosphere, open space, neighborhoods, blue sky and mountains.
inside this issue
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RAMONA LIFESTYLES • SPRING+summer 2015
Photo by Maureen Robertson
425-A 10th Street Ramona, CA 92065 760-789-1350 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. www.ramonasentinel.com background photo by DOUG SOOLEY
6 More Than Just Books 10 Birds of Spring 10 14 What Really Frightened Those Chickens 18 Shooting from the Hip 20 Getting Fit on a Pole 22 Ramona — Hotbed of Music 24 Citizen of the Year 26 What’s in a name? 29 Advertiser Index 30 Summer Camps
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Copyright © 2015 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.
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JESSICA KING AND SENTINEL PHOTOS
Ramona Library is many things — Among the classes offered is yoga (above). Families work on craft projects together in the children’s section (below left). Teens play covers and original songs during the library’s free Music Shop (below right).
More Than Just Books
Ramona Library doubles as community center Stories by Jessica King
T
he notion that libraries are becoming obsolete is pure fiction in Ramona, where on any given day residents are enjoying free services and classes that go way beyond just book rentals. “This is an active place with quiet places and
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noisier places,” said Ellie Slade, Ramona Library Branch manager. “In any case, everyone is welcome.” Open six days a week, the library at 1275 Main St. is a 22,000-square-foot community center that features appropriately adorned children’s and teen’s sections, several private meeting rooms, a computer lab
RAMONA LIFESTYLES • SPRING+summer 2015
and larger activity spaces used for everything from grandma’s exercise class to junior’s drum lessons. “A lot of our stuff is community building in here, and I think we’re the center of the hub of Ramona,” said Slade. “In fact, I’m sure we are and that took time, but many, many groups have been very helpful to us, not just the Friends of the
Ramona Library, though they’re the supreme group.” Though the county bankrolled construction of the 4-year-old library, the nonprofit Friends of the Ramona Library raised money for its many programs, furnishings and exterior embellishments. Dr. Michael Barker, Friends’ president, also believes that the library has
morphed into a community center. “I really think it’s become a focal point for the community — and for the entire community, not just one segment of the community,” said Barker, adding that there really is something for everybody in the library. Other groups that help support the library include the Ramona school district, art guild and garden club. Also, many of the library’s programs are moderated by volunteers from throughout the community, many of whom are professionals in their fields. Among the library’s most popular offerings are exercises classes from Zumba to tai chi; a free computer lab — that this month was expanded into the Dick Wayman Technology Center with iPads, laptops and a MakerBot 3D printer that can create 3D sculptures from design software; scrapbooking, chess and book clubs; storytime hours for babies and older children designed to promote early literacy; and a teen music workshop. Assistant Branch Manager Michael Voss runs the music shop and said it is designed to have the teens help each other learn music just as much, if not more, than he teaches. The program draws a diverse crowd of ages, ethnicities and school backgrounds, from traditional public school students to homeschoolers. Many teens also flock to the library to gain community service hours and
to participate in a teen action council. “This is not a lazy group … we’re really proud of them and I’m excited to know where they’ll be in five years,” Slade said of her teen volunteers. Among additional free offerings through the library are legal clinics, citizenship, bilingual and health classes, and other social services, said Slade. “It isn’t just about people who have no place to go, though for those people we do provide them with resources,” said Slade, referring to social workers she brings in to help with everything from unemployment to mental illness. “This really helps a lot of people who are lost.” Mother of two, Tracy Rathgeber regularly brings her 8-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter to the library for the free children’s activities. “I think it’s awesome for the kids and for us, the parents,” said Rathgeber, adding it’s a great place for parents to meet and talk. Ramona Library, one of 33 branches of the San Diego County Library system, is open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. A full list of monthly activities can be found on the San Diego County Library system’s website at sdcl.org. For more information, call 760-788-5270.
Well-traveled librarian chooses Ramona
Branch Manager Ellie Slade runs Ramona Library like a community center.
O
nce upon a time, educator Ellie Slade took a career aptitude test that showed she was nearly 100 percent suited to be a librarian. It was that test, among other things, that led to her role today as branch manager of the Ramona Library. As branch manager, Slade oversees 10 paid library employees, about 75 volunteers, and a bustling line-up of programs offered to the community for free — from art and storytelling activities to exercise and technology classes. “I’m lucky,” said Slade. “People want to work at this RAMONA LIFESTYLES • WWW.RAMONASENTINEL.com
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There are plenty of books for every taste and every age in Ramona Library. 8
RAMONA LIFESTYLES • SPRING+summer 2015
Friends — Passionate about Ramona Library JESSICA KING AND SENTINEL PHOTOS
library in San Diego County. I don’t have trouble finding people who want to volunteer or work here because it’s a beautiful facility but we have a really good team. It’s real innovative.” Before joining the San Diego County Library system, Slade worked in school and law libraries and for the Los Angeles Times. She was transferred to the Ramona branch from Escondido Library in 2007 at her own request, and she oversaw the opening of the new Ramona branch in 2011. “I liked the concept of a community center, not just a library where you checked out books, so it was a good fit,” said the bilingual Slade, who was also drawn to Ramona’s rural side and large Spanish-speaking population. A hands-on manager, Slade rolls up her sleeves frequently to teach a variety of arts and crafts classes. “Librarians are universalists,” said Slade. “We definitely don’t sit around a lot.” Slade has lived all over North America and chooses to call Ramona home. “I’ve lived on the East Coast, Maine and Massachusetts. I’ve lived in Mexico and Michigan, LA and Seattle, so this is my place of choice,” said Slade. “It’s one of the most beautiful places in Southern California and affordable, and people are very, very friendly and that’s benefited the library as well.” When she’s not working at the library, Slade enjoys gardening, traveling, photography, and arts and crafts. “I have a lot of interests,” said Slade. “I don’t always have a lot of time.”
Dr. Michael Barker (above) presides over the Friends of the Ramona Library and one program he is most proud of is Authors’ Day. (Below) Ramona Roundabout Author Charles LeMenager.
V
isitors to Ramona Library are likely to notice the small used bookstore that sits across the hall, but what visitors may not know is that bookstore, among other things, is responsible for most of the free activities, and programs that the library offers. The Friends of the Ramona Library runs the bookstore. The Friends, a group started in the mid-1980s, supports the library’s needs beyond what the county supplies. The 18-member Friends’ board meets regularly to decide how best to spend the money the group raises via bookstore sales, membership fees and larger donations. Around 200 people belong to the Friends, paying anywhere from $10
a year for students and seniors to $250 for lifetime memberships. Because the group is nonprofit, the cost of membership is tax deductible, and 100 percent of funds raised go to support the library, said Dr. Michael Barker, Friends’ president. “I’m very fortunate to have an organization that’s been running very
smoothly for many years,” said Barker, referring to the group’s members who volunteer time to handle business needs. Members also work the bookstore, and more helpers are welcome. Fortunately, the Friends have not had to do much in the way of donation solicitation. “Most of it is by word of mouth,” said Barker. “People who are members, people who are aware of the Friends and what they do, and that’s another thing we’d like to do this year … make the public more aware of all the things that the Friends do rather than just think that these programs just come about by themselves.”
With plans to push for more membership this year, Barker said he expects membership to easily exceed the 200 mark. Among the programs Barker said he is most proud to support is Authors’ Day, an event that celebrates local writers. “Something that the community may not know as much about as they should is that we have a number of local authors who have put out some very good material,” said Barker, who is also proud the Friends supports children’s and holiday programs. To learn more about the Friends, visit www.friendsoframonalibrary.org or call membership chair Cheryl Storey at 760-789-1164.
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Oriole
Tricolor Blackbird
Roadrunner
House Finch feeding a baby
California Quail
Ramona’s Birds of Spring S
Story & Photos by Nancy R. Christensen
ong fills the air. Spring arrived on the wings of the birds. The seasons have changed, and the birds that visited Ramona for the winter have migrated north. No longer do flocks of geese fill our skies. Most of the raptors are gone, and the white-crowned sparrows have departed. Resident bird species such as woodpeckers, jays, and roadrunners have begun to nest. Additionally, tropical species such as orioles, grosbeaks, and buntings have arrived from Central and South America and have set up housekeeping. Birds can be found almost anywhere in Ramona, from kingbirds at the grocery store parking lot to the hummingbirds in your garden — and the crows perched on your roof. The largest local variety of birds can be found at Ramona Grasslands on the Wildflower Loop trail.
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RAMONA LIFESTYLES • SPRING+summer 2015
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Bunting
Ninety-two bird species have been recorded there during the months of May and June. This trail has a good cross section of habitats: grassland, oak woodland, riparian, and chaparral. Western meadowlarks singing from fence posts will welcome visitors to the grasslands. Seen from behind, the meadowlark is streaked brown and blends with the drying grasses, but from the front it is sunburst yellow with a black chevron on the breast. Acorn woodpeckers, house wrens and oak titmice chatter from amongst the oaks. Riparian areas with willows and sycamores attract some lovely blue-colored birds — lazuli bunting and blue grosbeak. In most years, the small pond near the trail is home to a colony of tricolored blackbirds. These birds closely resemble red-winged blackbirds, but have a narrow white edge to the red shoulder patch. The tricolored blackbird is declining in number, and has been designated a “species of interest.” Visiting birders often come to Ramona hoping to find this bird. The chaparral hillsides are home to some hard to see birds such as the rufous-crowned sparrow and the bluegray gnatcatcher. Overhead on the Wildflower Loop you may see whitetailed kites, American kestrels or redtail hawks. You may be even see the pair of bald eagles that is nesting just 12
RAMONA LIFESTYLES • SPRING+summer 2015
Wilson Warbler
Meadowlark
east of Rangeland Road. Nesting birds tend to be secretive, sneaking to and from their nests, or sitting absolutely still to avoid detection. This can make birding in the spring very challenging. Luckily for birders, birds advertise their presence loudly through song, often perching conspicuously. Birds sing to attract mates and to establish territories. Some of the plainest birds, such as the house wren, have the most elaborate songs. Other birds, such as the spotted towhee, “sing” with a raspy buzz that is difficult to call a song at all. Spring is the season of love, and for the northern mockingbird, love is a
Acorn Woodpecker
24-hour commitment. Male mockingbirds may sing for hours during the night, as well as all day long. Since they are mimics, they often sing the songs of other birds as well as their own, repeating each phrase three or four times before moving on to the next song on the playlist. We are fortunate in Ramona to live away from the constant sound of traffic. When we step outside at night, we can actually hear the familiar hooting of the great horned owl. Other night singers in our quiet countryside include three more owl species which also nest here. Barn owls screech and Western screech owls toot a song that speeds up like a dropped ball. The eerie, wavering call of the long-eared owl is guaranteed to raise the hair on the back of your neck. The final night singer in Ramona is the common poorwill, who calls its own name repeatedly, mournful and lonely — “poor-WILL…..poorWILL.” As you go about your daily life, keep an eye out for our feathered friends. The soccer fields, Collier Park, and Dos Picos are other great places to enjoy our avian neighbors. Birds are most active early in the morning, or in the early evening, dropping out of sight during mid-day. The early bird gets the worm, and the early birdwatcher will see the most birds — just a word to the wise!
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What really frightened those chickens Editor’s note: Jan Clark, who still lives in Ramona, verifies this story, saying, “One thing about growing up in Ramona back then, you had a lot of experiences you would never have gotten anywhere else. It was a great place to grow up, but you sometimes wonder how we survived. I could tell you some stories that would turn your hair white.”
Story & Photos by
Joe Thompson
I
was about 14 years old and we lived on Creelman Lane. I used to hike the hills behind Creelman with a bow and arrow, doing what boys did before iPhones and iPads. One fine day I came across an old abandoned well on the side of a hill. It was boarded over and I noticed a rope tied to one of the boards. I pulled up the rope and there on the end I found the remains of a case of Hercules dynamite, 24 feet of primer cord and a box of copper blasting caps. I could hardly contain my joy as I packed my find together and took it home and hid it under an old trailer on our property. I experimented with a few short pieces of primer cord and the blasting caps, but soon found that the exploding copper would raise havoc, blowing pinholes in everything within 10 feet. My experiments led me to conclude that the primer cord went into the blasting cap and the cap went into the dynamite. Now all I needed was something to blow up. I called together my buddies, Jon and Jan Clark, my partner in crime Bill Bowers and a couple of others, and it was decided that one of the large boulders around Ramona would be a good target for my 13 sticks of dynamite. I knew of the perfect boulder. It was about 20 feet high and 10 feet wide and sat perched above Creelman Lane just up the road from Old Man Creelman’s house. One cool Ramona day (it was either winter or spring), I packed the dynamite, caps and primer cord into a
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RAMONA LIFESTYLES • SPRING+summer 2015
Joe Thompson, about age 14, (above left) and his buddies Bill Bowers and Frankie Groggins on Creelman Lane.
pack sack and we hiked off into the hills. I later learned that the weather being cool that day probably saved our lives. The dynamite was probably from the late 1800s. It had crystals of white nitroglycerin forming on the sticks from the sticks degrading and it wouldn’t have taken much to blow us all to smithereens. We made it to the selected rock. There was a crevice under the boulder where it sat upon solid Ramona granite. I stuffed in the 13 sticks of dynamite and then, just to make sure it would all go off, I placed a blasting cap along with about 2 feet of primer cord in each stick of dynamite. I then wrapped the primer cord all together and lit a Blue Diamond matchstick to the whole outfit. We all ran for cover between the other rocks about 50 feet from what was to become ground zero. We figured in typical boy fashion that we were plenty safe there. The guardian angels had their hands
full that day. I remember waiting for the explosion. It was taking forever — maybe 3 minutes. I told Jan that I was going to go and take a look, and I guess my life was saved again that day because of the look I saw on Jan’s face. All of a sudden it was deadly silent and there wasn’t any air left. Then a huge explosion. From my position behind the protective rocks, I watched the boulder rise about 4 feet into the air while it rained thousands of rocks all around us, some like pebbles and some like loaves of bread. The boulder came back down and split into two halves — right in the same spot, now split in half instead of a huge boulder. We were pretty disappointed that it didn’t roll down toward Creelman Lane. We all went home. The next issue of the Ramona Sentinel came out with the headline, “SONIC BOOM FRIGHTENS SANTA MARIA VALLEY CHICKENS.” It seems that a guy named Chuck Yaeger had broken the sound barrier several years earlier and the boys at Miramar Naval Air Station were all eager to break the sound barrier. Due to complaints of egg production being down from frightened chickens, the Ramona Valley was off limits to Miramar jets. According to the news article, Miramar denied having any jets breaking the sound barrier in that area, but the chicken farmers of Ramona knew better. Well, that was about 57 years ago, so I guess it’s time to tell the truth of the matter. I went on to join the CHP and retire after 33 years. My brotherin-law Ed Keyser says he remembers a huge explosion when he was a young boy back in the 50s. Wayne Channon probably recalls it. I know Jan Clark and Bill Bowers recall the day egg production took a dive in Ramona. Who knows? Maybe even Chuck Yeager got chewed out that day. Joe Thompson lives in Eureka, Calif.
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17
Shooting from the Hip: Backcountry Gun Owners Story & Photo by
Regina Elling
A
s the owner of Bravo 4 Tactical Armory in Ramona, Zach Fetterolf has heard nearly every reason someone might want a gun. The reasons are often not consistent with how gun enthusiasts are portrayed in the media. “We have heard all the stereotypes of gun owners in general being rednecks who can’t wait to start shooting at anybody or anything,” he says. “But that is not the type of customer we have. We find our clients are smart, educated and many are knowledgeable collectors.” Fetterolf’s ever-growing list of customers proves his point: Bravo 4 serves a client base that is broad and farreaching. “Some people want a gun for self-protection or to protect their home or livestock. Many are hunters. And many just enjoy tactical or competitive shooting.” Jeff Milton, store manager, explains that many of their clients come from Ramona and the backcountry. But they have also provided firearms for such prestigious groups as the El Cajon SWAT team and other law enforcement groups. Numerous law officials, both active and retired, live in the area and like to keep up 18
their skill level. A large number of competition shooters, hunters, and retired and active military personnel are among others who round out their customer base. “We build our own line of AR-15/LR-308 style rifles. We have custom bolt-action rifles and we can also customize factory guns. Our guns can be used for preda-
ing through their doors are repeat customers, another sign their personalized style of business works, say Fetterolf and Milton. “Often individuals buy one gun for one purpose and then buy another gun for something else, or simply want more supplies,” says Fetterolf. “We sell a full line of cleaning supplies, ammunition, storage options and more.” Knowing full well the stereotypes against gun owners, the men also pride themselves on the welcoming environment they have
Bravo 4 Tactical Armory manager Jeff Milton, left, and owner Zach Fetterolf, say they appreciate the fellowship and education they’ve received from local gun enthusiasts.
tor control, hunting, home defense or whatever the customer needs,” says Milton. The rifles are made in the Ramona shop, built from the ground up. “We can customize the barrel lengths, hand guard lengths, optic options, butt stock and trigger configurations, and provide different calibers for varying needs,” says Fetterolf. “Nearly everything can be customized to a client’s specifications.” Many of the people walk-
RAMONA LIFESTYLES • SPRING+summer 2015
created at Bravo 4. “We want our customers to be happy,” says Milton. “We are really into education. Especially for our first time gun owners, we will spend whatever time it takes to cater to the individual and find out what they really need and want from gun ownership before we sell them anything,” Milton explains. “Our store has become like an old-time barber shop, and many of our regulars
just like to hang out and talk guns, politics, whatever,” he continues. “They share a lot of knowledge amongst themselves and with us. It’s really great.” The clients not only share the scope of their hobby, but also discuss such topics as current and potential gun laws and their impacts on local gun ownership. For example, after listening to their clientele and recognizing the need for such a service, Bravo 4 will host a Hunter Safety Course. Individuals typically have to travel outside of San Diego to take the courses necessary for gun ownership. “We welcome individuals with questions and concerns about gun ownership,” says Milton. “We would rather you leave our shop a safer person with your questions answered than not come in at all.” Fetterolf was born and raised on a farm in Colorado. He says he has been hunting since he was old enough to hold a gun. Milton was born in Minnesota and also began his gun hobby at a young age. He also took extensive IED (improvised explosive device) training for the military. Between the two, they believe they understand why so many individuals purchase guns, and how those guns are used. “Our typical customers are your friends and next door neighbors,” says Fetterolf. “We get all different types, and we try to keep a good relationship with everyone.”
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19
Getting Fit on a Pole
Mandy Sterns is Glisten Studio’s strength and stretch instructor.
Photo & Story by
Marta Zarrella
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amona is a place for active people. Fitness matters. The community has abundant trails and a variety of gyms and fitness programs. From yoga to CrossFit, individuals can find a facility and trainer to help meet their fitness goals. Even with all of those options, there was still a void for some. Not everyone enjoys the traditional gym, not everyone has the time to devote to long hikes and rides. While living and working in North Carolina, Ramona High School Class of 2006 graduate Breanna Bradbury discovered pole dancing fitness training, and she was hooked. Adult-oriented pole dancers are often seen in movies and television shows, generally in a bar or strip club. Even in the seedy darkness, the grace, power and strength required to do pole dancing is obvious. 20
It was after breaking up with a boyfriend while living and working in North Carolina, when she needed an outlet to redirect her energy, that Bradbury asked a friend to go with her and try the new pole dancing fitness studio that had just opened. “I loved it!” she said. “It was hard and it was fun. The environment was inviting and so full of woman power. Everyone there was having so much fun dancing. It was great just to be there.” She worked out at the pole dancing studio five days a week because it was convenient and she enjoyed it so much. The mother of 3-year-old Crystal, Bradbury decided last year that it was time to bring Crystal “back home to Ramona” where they now live. Upon her return in 2014, the only pole dancing fitness studio she found was in North Park, which would require her to leave her daughter with someone else for way too long. To con-
RAMONA LIFESTYLES • SPRING+summer 2015
tinue her fitness program, Bradbury installed a pole in her home and continued her workouts using Internet videos as inspiration. She began inviting Ramona friends over to exercise on the pole with her. That was when she realized how much strength and flexibility the sport had given her while in North Carolina. “I was so much more fit and noticeably stronger than my friends who had always been the athletes when we were in high school, especially my friend Mandy (Stearns),” she said. “Mandy is my best friend and was always a fitness buff. Mandy is one of my instructors at Glisten Studios now.” Bradbury’s friends convinced her to open a pole dancing studio in town. Unsure how the community would respond, she left the idea to faith and fate. “Many people only know pole dancing from strip clubs,” she said. “I didn’t know what to expect. I de-
cided to apply for a business loan. If I got the loan, I’d open the business.” Bradbury opened Glisten Studios on Main Street across from the Chevron Station in January. She used her loan to remodel the facility. The business has between 40 and 50 loyal students and a schedule of classes seven days a week. She said everyone in town has been welcoming and supportive. Stearns, the studio’s strength and stretch instructor, is her biggest supporter, said Bradbury. She credits Stearns as being the inspiration for the studio. Pole dancing classes are really just women having fun together, encouraging each other and getting fit in the process, said Stearns. Instructor Alex Eckert began dancing at age 2. Her dance background includes gymnastics, ballet, tap and jazz. She teaches a number of classes at the studio, which also offers burlesque dancing, yoga and belly dance as well as stretch, strength training, weight training and many levels of pole dancing. Last month they started a pole class for men. The most common feedback from clients is that they have a better outcome than they expected, said Eckert. Clients have incredible stories to share she said. One lost 7 pounds in one and a half months. Another bragged about losing 8 pounds in three weeks — and her husband noticed. Every client, no matter how old or how fit, says the classes are fun and full of good energy.
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21
Ramona:— A Hotbed of Music Story & Photo by
Karen Brainard
R
amona’s wide open spaces aren’t just good for horseback riding and growing grapes — they’re also conducive to making music. Jon Hasz, co-owner of Ramona Music Center, estimates there are at least 100 different bands in the Ramona area, and musician Jim Nau agrees. “I think musicians are attracted to it because it’s so wide open and you can play any time of day and night,” said Nau, owner of Full Sail Sound and Recording LLC and Blue Horse Records. Nau is one of several musicians who have recording studios in Ramona. His Blue Horse Records is in a barn on his property that is tucked away on the west side. “I’ve been a lifelong musician and I originally built it for me and then it turned into a commercial operation.” By the studio door is the sign from his former music store, Blue Horse Music Inc., now Ramona Music Center. Owned now by Hasz and Baylee Strayer, the music center has a recording studio called Afterhours Studio. “I started our studio out of a need to record me and my friends originally,” explained Hasz, “but then quickly found that I really enjoyed working with bands, and it started adding a great dimension to our store.” The studio’s name reflects its hours — only open when the store is closed. 22
Clients come from all over the county, said Hasz, and the studio puts out one or more albums per month. “I like meeting and helping to support, get bands to the next level,” said Hasz, a 2004 Montecito High School graduate and a talented musician who plays such genres as gypsy jazz, classic rock, folk, bluegrass and western. When El Cajon-based western singer and cowboy
up with,” he said. At Ramona Music Fest 2015, Back to the Garden performed the music of Eric Clapton. The band also does a tribute series to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and to Woodstock. Soldi, who likes the creative opportunity that recording presents, started a studio about 12 years ago. Just as his music interests vary — he and Whyte also play in a Celtic band — so
Jim Nau, left, and Jess Gonzalez lay down the bass and drum track for the Chosen Man song "Upon a Time" at Blue Horse Records.
balladeer Tom Hiatt wants to record his songs, he heads to Jim Soldi’s The OutHouse recording studio in Ramona. “This man’s vast knowledge of music is simply indescribable,” said Hiatt. “I know when I come in here he can create any sound I want.” The unassuming backyard building housing the studio belies the talent operating it. As a guitarist, Soldi has played with such music greats as Johnny Cash and Ricky Skaggs during his lengthy career. He and his wife, Sharon Whyte, perform in the band Back To The Garden, formerly Cactus, Twang & Whyte, and enjoy focusing on tribute music — “stuff that we grew
RAMONA LIFESTYLES • SPRING+summer 2015
does the type of music he records. “I think probably the reason people come to me, it’s more a matter of imagination. I kind of end up being this mad scientist-producingtype of guy,” said Soldi. “He can go from almost a bluegrassy sound to almost a rock sound and that’s why I’m here,” said Hiatt. “I’m in awe of this man.” Soldi and Nau said they don’t advertise their studios, but attract clients through word of mouth, or record the music of people they know. Nau, who opened his studio in the early ’90s, plays in two bands: Mega Trip, psychedelic rock, and Chosen Man, R&B or jazz/rock.
On a Saturday afternoon this spring, he and band mate Jess Gonzalez worked on recording bass and drums for their Chosen Man song, “Upon a Time,“ a combination of R&B and rock. Guitar and keyboard would be added later, Nau said. Recording music is different today. No longer do you need the entire band in the studio. Piece by piece, sounds can be added digitally and files can be emailed, Nau noted. Soldi said he will receive tracks from other producers who want him to add bass or Whyte to add piano. What clients find when they come to a studio in Ramona is a laid-back atmosphere. “It’s a very relaxing place to come out and record,” said Nau. No pressure and no overhead, he added. “At first they don’t understand this Ramona vibe,” Soldi said of his clients. Larger studios can be expensive and intimidating to many people. “There’s a lot of home studios that are popping up all over the place,” said Soldi. “There’s a lot of music going on here. Lot more than I thought,” added Soldi. While many music stores around the county have closed or downsized, Hasz noted that Ramona Music Center, which he bought in 2007, is going strong. Hasz attributes its success to “a great sense of community, a lot of local pride, and getting involved in every musical event we can contribute to.”
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23
Ramona Citizen of the Year: Carol Fowler By Karen Brainard
D
espite her active role in the community, Carol Fowler is almost apologetic about being Ramona Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year. “I always thought that it shouldn’t be a director,” said Fowler, who is a chamber director but has also been involved in many local organizations. “It was twofold for me,” she said of the award, “because I’m sure there are a lot more deserving people out there, but at the same time, it’s nice to be acknowledged by your peers.” In addition to serving on the chamber board and chairing its economic development committee for years, Fowler has been president of the Ramona Rotary Club and Ramona Senior Center, vice chair of the Ramona Village Design Group, and president of the Ramona Air Fair. With an interest in creating a more thriving community, she has worked with the county and other government agencies to lower fees such as the Transportation Impact Fee (TIF) and sewer connection/ mitigation fees, and to resolve environmental issues that impede economic development. “I think it all started with the chamber,” said Fowler. Originally from Rancho Palos Verdes west of Long Beach, Fowler moved to Ramona in 1996 because her brother, Jim Garcia, was living here. By coincidence, her father, who was a grading contractor, at one time worked for Ray Watt, developer of San Diego Country Estates in Ramona. “I remember Ray Watt coming over to our house as a kid,” she said. “My parents actually came up to the opening of San Diego Country Estates. Isn’t that weird? It kind of comes around.” She took the job as secretary of the chamber and later became its executive director. “I loved that job. It was my all-time favorite job,” she said.
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RAMONA LIFESTYLES • SPRING+summer 2015
Fowler saw that, like Palos Verdes, Ramona is an equine area. Although it doesn’t have Palos Verdes’ ocean views, Ramona offers a panorama of mountain scenes. But what differed between the two communities was economic development. From that, Fowler said she began seeing a vision for Ramona. As Fowler was raising three sons in Ramona, she decided to go into real estate, calling the move “kind of a natural progression.” She knew all the business owners and had knowledge and a vision for the commercial sector.
Today, she is a Realtor with Stage Presence Homes where her focus is more on commercial development and attracting businesses than dealing in residential sales, and she works all over the county. So, what does she tell businesses that want to locate in Ramona? Fowler laughed and said, “Well, that’s the Catch 22. This whole process when you actually get into the nuts and bolts of commercial real estate in Ramona, you start realizing what the hurdles are.” Those hurdles have included high TIF charges, high sewer connection/ mitigation fees and environmentallyprotected vernal pools on Main Street parcels. Having knowledge of the hurdles, Fowler said she can educate clients on what to expect. “Because a lot of people come up here and think they can develop in Ramona, and they realize it’s more
cost-effective to go someplace else,” she noted. While she is not chairing the chamber’s economic development committee this year, she is chamber board secretary and is chairing the government affairs committee. “I’m excited about that,” she said. “I’m looking at it like you’re our representative and here’s what Ramona needs.” As to what Ramona needs, Fowler said she is willing to listen to any ideas. As vice chair of the Ramona Village Design Group, Fowler worked for years with group members, county staff and a consultant to create the Ramona Village Center Form-Based Code, which replaced traditional zoning for the town center. The code is aimed at promoting character within the village core and revitalizing economic opportunities. Because the code just went into effect late last summer, Fowler said she and other village design group members have joined the Ramona planning group’s Current Urban Development Area (CUDA) Subcommittee “just to make sure the form-based code and village design turns out to be a good document,” and to make some changes. Fowler has fond memories of the Ramona Air Fair she oversaw for 10 years that over the years featured F-18s, skydivers, aerobatics, hot air balloons, fireworks, thousands of people, and even a dance one year with a 14-piece orchestra. Her vision for Ramona is to make it a destination for a lot of things — wineries, hiking, biking, golf, maybe indoor event centers like bocce ball. “I’d like to see Old Town with signage over, I’d like to see the park benches, maybe traffic calming with one lane going back and forth, maybe parallel parking, treescapes. My vision is to get some sort of funding mechanism going so that we could have public art and sidewalk cafes, shade trees, park benches and gathering spaces.”
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25
By Regina Elling
F
or many Ramonans, choosing to live in an unincorporated community in San Diego County is more than just a place to live — it’s a lifestyle. This is certainly true of the many residents who plant vineyards, build wineries or open tasting rooms on their property. Part of the Ramona lifestyle often involves putting an “R-town” spin on personal endeavors, with local grape growers and winemakers being no exception. When it comes to naming their vineyards, their wineries and even their wines, you can count on creative, unique monikers that often have deeply personal meanings to the owners. The following is just a sampling of the many local wine labels. Rest assured that there is generally a story behind nearly every labeled bottle of wine. Horses and pets are a huge part of the Ramona lifestyle and dear to the hearts of many a winery owner. For Ramona Ranch Vineyard and Winery, good horses and good friends just naturally go together, and they also make for interesting wine names. “Tickled Pink, a dry rosé wine, is just a fun name that makes us laugh,” says Teri Kerns, owner. “On the label is a picture of Lisa Whitebread, me and Deb Schott laughing in the wildflowers on the Pacific Crest Trail in Warner Springs. These are my cowgirl pals. We ride together, and they help with harvesting the grapes. 26
What ’s in a name? A wine by any other name wouldn’t be from Ramona “Cadillac Cab with a Kick of Sin is named after our vintage Cadillac, and the fact that some consider it just wrong to put Zinfandel into Cabernet Sauvignon, but it really works well. On the label is a picture of Micole Moore, my partner and our winemaker. He is shown with Rocky, also on the Pacific Crest Trail. This label is a tribute to Micole and all he does.” And although the name might suggest otherwise, horses are also at the center of the Cactus Star Winery at
RAMONA LIFESTYLES • SPRING+summer 2015
Scaredy Cat Ranch. Owned by Becky and Joe Cullen, the ranch has plenty of cacti, and one starry night the name of Cactus Star Winery was born, says Becky. But Scaredy Cat had a more unusual story. “Although I had ridden horses all my life, I didn’t get my first horse until I moved to Ramona,” she says. “He was a rescue, and scared of everything. He jumped and spooked all the time. He was a big black and white paint horse, and I wanted a very specific black and white
saddle to go with him.” After several months of not riding for lack of the justright saddle, Joe finally realized that perhaps there was something else going on. “He declared that since I was a scaredy girl with a scaredy horse, we were living on Scaredy Cat Ranch.” The name stuck. However, the name of one of their wines, Two Dogs Barking, turned out to be more of a joke than they realized, Becky admits. “One of our neighbors gave everyone here nicknames, and because of our pair of wire fox terriers, he called me ‘Two Dogs,’ short for ‘Two Dogs Barking.’ As a tribute to him, we named the wine, produced all the labels and bottled it. We couldn’t wait for all our friends to see it.” Dogs also are the star of Marilyn and Stephen and Kahle’s winery names. “I’ve loved dogs all my life, and my nickname is Woofy,” says Marilyn. “I also love roses, and since we have roses by the winery and by the house, Woof‘n Rose became our name.” All of Woof’n Rose’s blended wines have dogrelated names such as Happy Tails and Puppy Love. “And although not everyone realizes it, our red wine Bordeaux blend, Eglantine, is also a dog-related name. Eglantine is a variety of briar rose grown in Europe, but its Latin name is the dog rose, so we are still keeping with our theme,” says Marilyn, adding with a laugh, “And I did my research before just accepting it as a fact. I wanted to make sure I didn’t name one of our wines after a weed!”
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27
Family has a strong presence on the names of two of the wines produced by Milagro Farm Vineyards & Winery, owned by Kit and Karen Sickels. Kami Evora, assistant tasting room manger, explains that, while most of the wines are named after the grapes they are made from, a few are just a bit more special. “For example,” Evora says, “our winemaker, Jim Hart, made a wine to honor Karen’s love of buttery, French oaked Chardonnay, and it’s called Karen’s Reserve Chardonnay.”
by Hart from Gala and Fuji apples grown here. It’s been a huge hit, especially during Julian apple season.” Friends — whether they are new or old — also serve as inspiration for wine names and fun labels. At Hatfield Creek Vineyards and Winery, partners Elaine Lyttleton and Norm Case have named one of their favorites, Fonzi Field Blend, after good friends and supporters. “When we first bought the property in 2006, we started marketing right away. Two of our projects include ‘Adopt
Creek fire inspired the name of a favorite wine of Jennifer J. Lane, owner of Pamo Valley Winery. “When the 2007 fire started, we had started making a wine which we had to abandon,” Lane says. “Fortunately, a friend, Matt Murphy, who stayed behind, came by the winery each day to watch over the fermentation and saved this wine.” Pamo Valley Cab on Fire sold out quickly, she says, and “lots of the local firemen were customers of this wine.” While a friend saved one wine, Lane says it has been
Another Milagro specialty is Raggio Rosso. “Raggio is Karen’s maiden name, and Jim blended one of her favorites with one of Kit’s for this nice red blend.” A blend of 60 percent Sangiovese and 40 percent Barbera, the wine is described as earthy and spicy with notes of cherry, black currant and other berries. Another label found in the Milagro winery is their Manzana de Milagro, which translates into “apple of Milagro.” Evora explains, “This is a sparkling wine made
a Vine’ and ‘Adopt a Row’ as fundraisers,” says Lyttleton. “Row No. 5 was adopted by a friend with the last name of Linehan and the maiden name of Fonzi, so the sign at the end of that row reads Fonzi-Linehan. Zinfandel and Petit Syrah grapes are both grown on that row.” More an enemy than a friend, however, are wildfires. Whether it is the destruction of past blazes or the constant vigilance against future ones, wildfires are ingrained in the Ramona psyche. The 2007 Witch
the dedication of generations of women in her family that has kept the winery operating through the years. “Pamo Valley 3 Jenerations is aptly named in honor of Ellie Whitcomb (now deceased), Sharon Uran, Jennifer Lane and Ella Mae Lane of our family. Since spelling generations with a ‘G’ was already taken, ‘J’ seemed to work just as well and was suited for winemaker Jennifer,” Lane says. “The 3 also stands for the three varietals used in this blend; 52 percent Merlot, 24
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RAMONA LIFESTYLES • SPRING+summer 2015
percent Syrah and 24 percent Cabernet Franc.” A love of fun and humor also figures into the naming scheme of many local wines, although it doesn’t always show on the labels. All the wines at Mahogany Mountain Vineyard and Winery have their official names, but husband and wife Kim and Michael Hargett, along with son, Jeoffrey, also give each varietal a nickname. “I’m in charge of bottling the wines, but one of our red wines was delayed,” Kim says. “It was during the coal miners crisis—when the 33 coal miners were trapped in the Chilean mine. I just couldn’t get away from the news. Los No. 33 turned out really well, despite my delay! “We offer combinations of wines and produce for sale. We try to give each combo a fun name. For example, our Zinful Indulgence package contains different vintages of Zinfandel with chili chocolate; King Cab contains vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon with aged cheddar; Tour de France combines our French varietals Syrah, Mourvedre and Cabernet Sauvignon with olives; and Que Syrah Syrah is vintages of Syrah with olives.” Naming their wines is as much a labor of love for the vineyard and winery owners as any of the other myriad tasks they undertake. The back-stories are endless and as individual as the establishment they represent. Of course, we suggest you visit each one of the many Ramona wineries to discover not only your favorite wines, but also your own personal favorite wine label.
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Available for barrel and private tasting during the week 1007 Magnolia Ave., Ramona 858-204-3144 www.barrel1.com
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 – Commitment to finding 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 • WWW.RAMONASENTINEL.com
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Summer Camps Galore Families looking for activities this summer don’t have far to look. With arts and crafts, horseback riding, tennis, golf, swimming and other outdoor activities, there is a camp in or around Ramona for just about every age and interest. Here’s a sampling of camps in the area:
Pacific Crest Cub Scout day Camp If not already a Cub Scout, sign up during camp registration. Ages: Boys 7-10 Dates: June 15-19 Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Meeting House, 527 9th St., Ramona Info: amandacthayer@yahoo. com or pacificcrest.sdicbsa.org Girl Scouts San Diego overnight camps Variety of weekly camps for different age groups. If not already a Girl Scout, registration is available. Ages: Girls in grades K-12 Dates: 5-day camp sessions running from June 22 to Aug. 14 Where: Camp Winacka, 4720 Boulder Creek Road, Julian and Camp Whispering Oaks, 4949 Pine Hills Road, Julian Info: 619-298-8391, camp@ sdgirlscouts.org or visit www. sdgirlscouts.org Boys & Girls Club Ultimate Summer Camp Daytime week-long camps with different themes. Field trips include The Wave Water Park, USS Midway, bowling, Boomers, and Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. Must be a Boys & Girls Club member, but can join when signing up. Ages: Grades K-8th Dates: Weekly sessions from June 12 to Aug. 21 Hours: 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Where: Boys & Girls Club Ramona, 622 E St. in Collier Park. Info: Stop by the branch at Collier Park, 760-788-7564 or www.sdyouth.org/Ramona.aspx Sebesta’s Rocking K Ranch Horseback Riding Day Camps 5-day sessions. Different riding styles, horse care and negotiating horsemanship patterns covered. Ages: 5 and older; all ability levels Dates: June 15-19, July 20-24 and 27-31; Aug. 3-7, 10-14 and 17-21 Hours: 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. 30
tecture while playing with Legos. Jedi Engineering: 9 a.m.-noon, July 20-24. Mine Craft: 1-4 p.m., July 20-24
Where: Sebesta’s Rocking K Ranch, 16656 John Henry Lane, Ramona Info: 760-579-1260, sebestasrockingk@aol.com, or visit sebestasrockingk.com Blue Apple Ranch day camps Week-long camps at 300-acre horse rescue ranch. Ride horses, spend time in the on-site veterinary clinic, learn about being ecofriendly, and garden, harvest and create small cooking projects. Ages: 7-12 Dates: Weekly sessions from June 22 to Aug. 21 Hours: 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Location: Blue Apple Ranch, Ramona Registration: Through Mission Valley YMCA, 619-298-3576. Do not have to be a YMCA member. Info: Blueappleranch.org GaineyGolf junior player development clinics Professional instruction by PGA Apprentice and Ramona High School golf coach Michael Gainey, along with golfer’s starter kit and end of summer tournament. Ages: 7-12 Dates: June 17-20, July 15-18 Hours: 3-4 p.m.; 4:30-5:30 p.m. Ages: 12-17 Dates: June though August, one Monday per month Hours: full day golf camps from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Info: Michael Gainey 760-4841488, michael@gaineygolf.com, or visit gaineygolf.com Tennis/Golf/Swim Camps with the faillas
RAMONA LIFESTYLES • SPRING+summer 2015
Greg and Katrina Failla teach basic tennis strokes and scoring, putting, driving and chipping in golf, and swimming. Ages: 4-18 Dates: June 22-26, July 13-17, and Aug. 3-7 Hours: 9 a.m.-noon Where: Tennis on San Diego Country Estates tennis courts, golf at San Vicente Golf Course, and swim lessons at the SDCE pool. Tennis Only Night Camp: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Riviera Oaks, $75. Info: 760-703-2218, or email faillatennis@cox.net San Diego Country Estates camps Open to non-SDCEA residents. Summer Imagicamp Weekly camps with “Night at the Museum” themes plus crafts, exploring science and nature, preparing food and playing games. Ages: 5-11 Dates: Weekly camp sessions from June 15 to Aug. 21 Hours: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Where: SDCE Recreation Center, 25386 Pappas Road, Ramona Info: Stop by recreation center or call 760-789-4146 Also at the Recreation Center: • Amazing Athletics for ages 2½-6, six-week session June 22 to July 27 • Watercoloring with Gail for grades 1-3 from 9-11 a.m.; grades 4-6 from noon-2 p.m., July 13-17 • Play-well Technologies Lego Camp for ages 7-12. Explore concepts in physics mechanical/ structural engineering and archi-
Junior Golf Program Professional instruction in putting, chipping, pitch shots, full swing, rules, etiquette and sportsmanship with tournament in August. Dates: June 16-18, July 7-9, and Aug. 4-6. Where: San Vicente Golf Course Info: 760-789-3477 YMCA camps in Julian Week-long overnight camps. Do not have to be YMCA members. Raintree Ranch Summer Horse Camp Focuses on horseback riding, caring for horses and camp fun. Summer weekly themes. Ages: 9-16 Dates: June 14 to Aug. 14 Where: Raintree Ranch, 2315 Frisius Road, Julian CAMP MARSTEN Traditional style summer camp with outdoor experiences and focusing on core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Ages: 7-17 Dates: Weekly sessions from June 21 to Aug. 14, no camp June 28 to July 3 Where: Camp Marston, 4761 Pine Hills Road, Julian Info: 760 765-0642 or www. camp.ymca.org Capability Ranch for special needs Capability Ranch is a nonprofit activities center for teens and young adults with developmental disabilities. Must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Dates: Wednesdays and Saturdays, 2-5 p.m. Activities: Arts, crafts, music, dancing, cooking, hikes and educational presentations. Where: Capability Ranch, 18030 Highland Valley Road, Ramona
COUNTRY Wine & Spirits
Buy 1 Get 1 Penny Deals! $
9.99 get a 2
nd
Cavit Cabernet, Chardonnay & Moscato - 750ml
for a penny!
Beringer & Los Hermanos Chardonnay - 750ml
Callaway Cabernet, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Hybrid Red Blend - 750ml
120 Cabernet & Pinot Noir - 750ml
Be Wines - 750ml
Stone Cellars Red Moscato & Pink Moscato - 1.5L
Stone Cellars Pink Moscato & Red Moscato 750ml
$9.98
get 2 more for 2 cents!
$9.98
get 2 more for 2 cents!
Pinnacle Vodka all flavors - 750ml $9.99 get 2nd for a penny!
3 Locations to Serve You! www.cwspirits.com
Midori 750ml $9.99 get 2nd for a penny! WEST END 17718 Hwy 67, Ramona 760.789.DELI
Monte Alban Tequila $9.99 get 2nd for a penny! MAIN STREET 1350 Main St., Ramona 760.789.1336
Chi Chi’s Churro 1.75L $9.99 get 2nd for a penny! COUNTRY ESTATES 23658 San Vicente Rd., Ramona 760.789.4918
RAMONA LIFESTYLES • WWW.RAMONASENTINEL.com
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RAMONA LIFESTYLES • SPRING+summer 2015