JOURNAL January 26, 2017 • Volume 19 • Number 21
Ramona Home
The Long and Short View ~ How One Artist Sees Volcan Mountain ~ Page 20
Varsity Basketball Team Focuses on Success, Looks Forward to League Play ~ Page 2 Racing to Excellence ~ Dragster Project Inspires STEM Students ~ Page 6
RMWD Board Elects Slate of Officers ~ Page 15
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Varsity Basketball Team Focuses on Success, Looks Forward to League Play By Jack Riordan ~ THE JOURNAL
C
oming off of a red-hot season last year — which earned them a 25-6 overall record and a Valley League Championship — the Ramona High School Boys Basketball team knew they would have a steep climb to try and improve upon their previous success. Returning seven players from last year’s roster certainly gave them a solid foundation to start with. Nearly half of the team is composed of seniors, including team captains Blake Seits, Jake Newman and Austin Pierce, all three of whom have been playing varsity-level basketball since their freshman year. “I am more of the quiet captain,” says Pierce.“I lead by example for this team and try to motivate the guys if they get down.” This senior leadership, along with significant contributions from an improving group of underclassmen, was augmented by the transfer of 6-foot, 5-inch Skylar Marushige, a three-sport star athlete from Julian who can clog up the key and give the Bulldogs more muscle in the middle. Now, as they look toward the final stretch of their season, the Bulldogs
stand with a 10-12 overall record, with seven games left to play, as of Jan. 19. The team seeks a bit of refuge from a challenging schedule as they finish the 2016-17 season with eight Valley League games. Though their record may not be quite on par with last year’s squad, this season’s Bulldogs still have a very good chance to add another mark
on the League Championship banner hanging proudly in the Dawg House gymnasium. In fact, with a strong finish, the Bulldogs could very well find themselves back in the CIF playoffs where, as they say, “Anything can happen.” For players, it’s tricky trying to focus on the next game on the schedule while also staying motivated
by the bigger picture. “It’s a mixture of the two,” says Jake Newman. “I definitely want to win CIF this year, but I know that we have to take it one game at a time, and every game is important from here on out.” Today’s Bulldogs play an exciting brand of basketball, with a fast-paced, run-and-gun style of offense that sees
RHS senior shooting guard Blake Seits (24) sets up the Bulldogs’ offense during a Jan. 11 game against Escondido-based Orange PHOTO BY JACK RIORDAN Glen High School.
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Sophomore guard Cameron Necochea earned a trip to the free-throw line. PHOTOS BY TRACY ROLLING
Blake Seits drives hard to the hoop.
them draining long-range threepointers and sending down the occasional thunderous fast-break slam dunk. Combine this with a relentless, high-intensity defense, and you’ve got the recipe for some thrilling action. Of course, the ball doesn’t always bounce your way. Nobody knows this JANUARY 26, 2017
better than Head Coach Dan Marshall, who took over the boys’ basketball program this year after more than two decades of success managing the girls’ side. Such a balanced record typically comes with some ups and downs, but on the positive side, Coach Marshall commends his team’s coachability, selflessness and effort. “This is a team that is willing to hit the open guy, and I think that what I am most proud of is how these guys are really coming together as a team,” said Marshall, as he watched his team warm up for a Jan. 11 matchup against rival Orange Glen High School. Still, he admits that they have plenty of work to do to, and a couple of areas to improve on. “Rebounding and defense,” he states, emphatically. “That’s an easy answer.” That is the challenge Coach Marshall puts forth for his team, as they look down the home stretch of the 2016-17 season. “We know how to score points, they all know how to run the floor, they are all in great shape, and they are all willing to be the good teammate and make the extra pass,” he says. “So now it’s just a matter of them being willing to play tough defense and get on the boards at both ends of the floor. If we’re able to do that, we can have some fun in league and into the playoffs.” Sharpshooting senior guard Blake Seits knows that he is a giant target on every opponent’s scouting report, and he welcomes the challenges that lie ahead. “I’ve had to adapt my game and be able to play through a lot of contact because they try to hold me,” says Seits. “But it’s also something that I like, because knowing that the other players want to stop me, but they can’t — it’s a lot of fun.” The Ramona Boys Basketball team will wind down the regular season with three of its last four games at home. They will play San Pasqual High School Feb. 3, Escondido High School Feb. 7, and Valley Center High School Feb. 17. Games begin at 7 p.m. in the RHS gym at 1401 Hanson Ln. The team welcomes the community’s support as they fight to earn another League Championship, a spot in the playoffs and the opportunity to set the bar as high as possible as motivation for next year’s team. n
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S “Pancho” the peregrine falcon gives a flight demonstration.
oaring the skies in graceful flight with powerful wings beating the air, birds of prey are an impressive sight — and winter is the perfect time to observe them in Ramona’s own backyard. The season of raptor-watching officially took flight, as the first Hawk Watch of 2017 was held Jan. 7. It was a beautiful day for the event — the sun was shining, the weather was warm, and the birds were plentiful. Visitors were treated to stunning panoramas of the Ramona Grasslands Preserve, and several long-range scopes were set up for viewing. Guests were able to spot a bald eagle and other raptors. Dave Bittner, the director of
Wildlife Research Institute, led the initial presentation with the help of biologist Katie Quint. They shared information about different types of raptors that can be found in the area and talked about what makes the grasslands a unique area for raptor activity. The event also featured three licensed falconers who provided information on the different hunting techniques used by the birds, types of prey, areas where the raptors may be found, lifespan and breeding ages, and the birds rewarded guests with live flight demonstrations. The list of raptors that visit the area is impressive. It includes two young red-tailed hawks, a common
By Angela McLaughlin ~ THE JOURNAL
Dave Bittner, left, and Katie Quint kick off the first Hawk Watch of the year on Jan. 7. PHOTOS BY ANGELA MCLAUGHLIN
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“Pancho” the peregrine falcon perches on his Falconer’s hand.
A red-tailed hawk is present at the event.
sight around Ramona. Guests learned a little more about these remarkable birds that share our community. Falconers Charles Gailband, Spencer Ferguson and Cisco Clibourne shared many interesting facts about the red-tailed hawk, American kestrel, gyrfalcon, Harris’s hawk and peregrine falcon, all of which made an appearance at the event. Guests were wowed during flight demonstrations, as two Harris’s hawks swooped over the crowd. While most hawks hunt alone, Harris’s hawks are social by nature and hunt cooperatively — their simultaneous flight display was captivating. A lure brought them back to the ground, where guests got a close view of them after flight.
A Harris’s hawk is eager to fly.
A gyrfalcon stunned crowds with its snowy-white feathers.
during the event. Wildlife Research Institute, along with fellow biologists and falconers, started Hawk Watch in 1990. “This was before the Ramona Grasslands Preserve was anything but a concept, and we wanted to educate Ramona’s residents about this unique resource that was about to be developed into an industrial complex, along with an expansion of the Ramona Airport into a regional hub,” said Bittner. The event has grown in popularity over the years, with both seasoned birders and newcomers enjoying the activity. “This is our 27th year — every Saturday in January and February — the peak of winter hawk migration, with no cancelations for weather,”
The beauty, speed and agility of the peregrine falcon — which can fly up to 240 mph — stunned the audience, as “Pancho,” whose falconer is Clibourne, gracefully flew over the crowd. After the presentations were finished, guests were invited to go into the field to view wild raptors in their habitat by following a guide car in their own vehicles. “We have six or seven ferruginous hawks, a pair of bald eagles getting ready to nest again, and a pair of golden eagles getting ready to nest,” said Bittner. “Right now, we have prairie falcons out here, and we have burrowing owls.” These were in addition to the Cooper’s hawks, red-tailed hawks and turkey vultures that flew overhead
The American kestrel is the smallest falcon in North America.
said Bittner. Hawk Watch takes place at Begent Ranch, 18528 Highland Valley Rd., starting at 10 a.m. Bittner suggests that guests arrive by 9:30 a.m. Visit www.wildlife-research.org for details. Hawk Watch not only gives visitors a chance to see some amazing raptors up close, but also appreciate the beauty and diversity of the grasslands. “We’ve got rain coming regularly — that’s very good for the hawks, because it keeps the mammals up and active,” he said. “The hawks should stay all winter, so we should have a good number. This year looks like it’s going to be very good.” n
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RACING TO EXCELLENCE
Dragster Project Inspires STEM Students By Lindsay Santa ~ THE JOURNAL
M
ost of us remember middle school days of sanding a woodshop project or painting a picture of a vase sitting on the teacher’s desk. Fast-forward to today, where students at Olive Peirce Middle School can choose to participate in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) program on campus, with the high point of the semester being a CO2 dragster race on a 70-foot racetrack. The STEM program, which began at OPMS in 2014, offers two classes: Gateway to Technology, A — design and modeling, and Gateway to Technology, B — automation and robotics, both taught by Shane Helmich. These unique courses operate under and are supported by the Ramona Unified School District, with parents often donating funds and materials to assist with the projects. “The most exciting part of the CO2 Dragster Project is seeing my students build their dragsters,” said Helmich. “After the students design their prototypes using our computeraided design program Autodesk Inventor, they get to go outside and build it from a block of balsa wood.
Some students are able to 3-D-print their dragsters to race.” Using a variety of tools, such as dremels, coping saws, files, electric sanders and drills, students get to bring their prototypes to life. “Students are always engaged in the engineering design process,” he said. “I rarely see students not engaged, because they know that there is a competition in the near future, and they want to win.” For the project, students were given an outline. They started by making a rough-sketch design of what their dragster would look like. Then, they created their dragsters in the classroom using the design program. Next, they printed out their working drawings — prototypes — on a 3-D printer. Finally, the tools were used to perfect and shape their creations. The wood blocks the cars are made from come with a pre-drilled hole in the back for a CO2 cartridge. CO2 — carbon dioxide — is a colorless and odorless gas that is used as the force to propel the cars down the track. Helmich noted that he closely followed safety guidelines throughout the project. Three of the teacher’s classes participated in the annual race this month. Students were able to test 1st Place Winner!
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Olive Peirce Middle School teacher Shane Helmich, left, and students get ready for the PHOTOS BY LINDSAY SANTA race to begin.
their speed and endurance while competing against each other on the racetrack. The fastest recorded time was .88 of a second, accomplished by seventh-grader Jakob Harp. “It is important for students to enroll in STEM classes at an early age, so they can decide if they want to pursue a STEM career,” Helmich said. “There is a shortfall of American graduates who qualify for a STEM career. Students are not able to
decide if they want to pursue STEM classes or a career, because they are not given opportunities. By allowing students to explore software programs, 3-D printers, computer programming and the general-engineering design process, they will have a foundation to decide if they like science, technology, engineering and math. If they like it, they can make the choice to take STEM classes at Ramona High School and potentially at a college.”
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Race No. 1 is ready to begin.
There are a few challenges that distinctively stand out during the CO2 Dragster Project. For one, using a software program geared toward engineers can be tricky. Autodesk Inventor is designed for adults, not middle school students. However, the majority of Helmich’s students rose to
the challenge. “Allowing students to work in groups of two usually helps,” he said, adding that some students and their families decided to attempt the dragster project individually. Similar projects have been conducted for many years in industrial technology classes across the country. However, sometimes schools are unable to participate due to lack of funds and the cancelation of industrial technology electives. But it’s going strong in Ramona, as the CO2 Dragster Project has been enhanced at OPMS with the full support of the school district. The teaching staff has been able to alter the project to incorporate many of the important elements of science, technology, engineering and mathematics that make the program a success. n
Livi Rosenblum, left, and Lindsey Diamond worked on their dragster together. It finished the race in 1.3 seconds.
Seventh-grade student Douglas Culpepper’s dragster finished in 1.292 seconds.
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Walk-ins Welcome Students gather around for the start of the race, as Helmich prepares to announce the outcome.
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Rotary Helps Fund Local Programs By Annette Williams ~ THE JOURNAL
T
he Ramona Rotary Club service organization supports many community groups that serve diverse age groups and demographics. This month, youth programs were the focus the club’s philanthropy. Rotary President Kim Lasley personally delivered checks for $250 to the Ramona High School
agriculture class, accepted by teacher Alyson Connolly; Navy Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, accepted by Commander Bradley Davis and Chief Bob Richardson; Ramona High School culinary arts class, accepted by teacher Laurie Ivers; Montecito High School construction class, accepted by teacher Nick Jordan; and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater San Diego, Ramona Branch, accepted by site
supervisor Simone McCune. Lasley says these programs will make good use of the funds. For example, the Montecito construction class plans to use the money to help support their projects at Hanson and James Dukes elementary schools, and help cover the costs to attend their first SKILLS USA competition. She is proud of the fact that the local club has been active for 75
years, and has been “doing stuff for the community forever.” The group has been a source of support for a long time, she says. “We do this every year for the community.” In addition to the club’s 75th anniversary, this year will mark the 25th anniversary of the local Fourth of July Fireworks event, and the 100th year of the Rotary Foundation. n
Ramona Rotary Club President Kim Lasley presented checks this month to support youth-oriented programs. Teacher Alyson Connolly, Ramona High School agriculture program.
Commander Bradley Davis and Chief Bob Richardson, Ramona High School Navy Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.
Teacher Laurie Ivers, Ramona High School culinary arts class.
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The 1980s
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Teacher Nick Jordan, Montecito High School construction class. PHOTO BY ERIN KENT
The 2000s
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Site Superintendent Simone McCune, Boys and Girls Club of Greater San Diego, Ramona Branch. PHOTOS COURTESY OF KIM LASLEY
2017 Stephanie Norvell
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COMMENTARY
San Diego Chargers Are the County’s Loss
O
wner Dean Spanos uprooting the Chargers for Los Angeles soil undoubtedly struck a nerve with San Diego County fans. On the other hand, the Chargers now must battle for entertainment bucks with the Rams, pro-basketball’s Lakers and Clippers, pro-hockey Kings, plus USC and UCLA. That’s a bunch. Many say it’s a strange maneuver when you realize that poor L.A. support was the reason that then-owner Barron Hilton decided to take a chance on San Diego. It’s a shame that the efforts of a small band of civic leaders to pave the way for major league sports in 1961 could be dashed so swiftly. Back then, it might be said that I had a minor role as a member of a small sports staff at the old San Diego Union newspaper. The campaign to bring the Chargers to San Diego was spearheaded by a young transplant from Omaha, Jerry Magee, who was the paper’s sports editor. Hilton and his coach, Sid Gilman, said they would make the move with the proviso that a large stadium would be built. It was a gamble on both sides, but Jack Murphy generated interest with his columns and speeches before
civic organizations, and importantly, he formed a strong, spirited group of city and county leaders. The newspaper’s sports staff was drawn into this project to make San Diego a big-league town. The early games were played in 24,000-seat Balboa Stadium, built in 1914 for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. A second deck was constructed to accommodate 10,000 more fans. It was interesting that building inspectors declared that the upper section would not meet the earthquake codes. No matter, Murphy had other ideas. Following this Pied Piper, the city council placed a bond before the public to build a stadium. No problem — it passed. By 1967, the stadium in Mission Valley had been completed and the Chargers had moved in. It has gone by several names, including San Diego Stadium, Jack Murphy Stadium, and currently, Qualcomm. In those days, things moved swiftly. Baseball writer Magee was reassigned to cover the Chargers, and I replaced Magee to cover the minor league Padres. Magee’s football experience stemmed from his days in Oklahoma covering the Sooners.
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JULIAN JOURNAL Mailing Address: P. O. Box 1318, Julian, CA 92036 760-788-8148 Fax: 760-788-8413 julian@ramonajournal.com
WRITERS: Darrell Beck | Ann Reilly Cole | Jim Evans | Ruth Lepper Johnny McDonald | Angela McLaughlin | Tiffany Pressler | Jack Riordan Tracy Rolling | Lindsay Santa | Rev. Andy Schreiber | Annette Williams PHOTOGRAPHER: John Jones
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RamonaJournal.com | JulianJournal.com | RamonaGuide.com | JulianGuide.com © 2017 The Ramona Home Journal & Julian Journal. Ramona Home Journal is published every other week and Julian Journal every 4 weeks, and distributed free of charge. Advance written permission must be obtained from the Publisher for partial or complete reproduction of any part or whole of the Ramona Home Journal or Julian Journal newsmagazine, including advertising material contained in its pages. Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily the opinions of this publication. The publisher is not responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints or typographical errors in editorial or advertisements printed in the publication. We reserve the right to edit submittals. Editorials and information on calendar events are welcome. Send to the Ramona Home Journal, 621 Main Street, Ramona, CA 92065; or phone (760) 788-8148; email sales@ramonajournal.com or send to Julian Journal, P. O. Box 1318, Julian, CA 92036 or email julian@ramonajournal.com JANUARY 26, 2017
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RAMONA HOME JOURNAL 621 Main St., Ramona, CA 92065 760-788-8148 Fax: 760-788-8413 news@ramonajournal.com PUBLISHERS: Darrel & Carol Kinney
Dodger business manager “Buzzie” Bavasi as an emissary to convince Major League Baseball hierarchy that San Diego was ripe to be an expansion team. It was done, and Bavasi came down to be president and part owner of the San Diego Padres as part of the package. It was a struggle, and at one point, the Padres’ had their bags packed,
When he retired, the city acknowledged his years of coverage with a special celebration. But Murphy wasn’t through. He wanted another tenant in the big stadium. He obtained permission to move baseball writer Phil Collier to Los Angeles to cover the Dodgers and Angels. But it was important that Collier establish a stronger relationship with Dodger officials. A liaison was established with
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RAMONA HOME JOURNAL 9
A HIKER’S PARADISE
Stonewall Peak
By Angela McLaughlin ~ THE JOURNAL
W
ith the many wonderful hikes that Ramona has to offer, one may question the desire to leave town in search of a different trail. However, the dramatic views of our next hike will explain it all. As you venture out of Ramona and through Julian, take Highway 79
south toward Lake Cuyamaca. Just beyond the lake you will find Paso Picacho Campground on your right, and the trailhead for the next hike — Stonewall Peak — on your left. The most convenient place for hikers to park is in the Paso Picacho day use area. As both the trail and campground are part of Cuyamaca
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Rancho State Park, there is a fee of $10 to park for the day. After carefully crossing the highway, you will reach the trailhead for Stonewall Peak. The impressive sight of the peak rising up may seem daunting when you think about hiking it, but it is well worth the effort. The start of the trail presents the steepest climb and may lead hikers to believe it will continue for the entirety of the trail. However, after a short distance, the path levels out and numerous switchbacks make for a pleasant and gentler hike. As you work your way up to the peak, take time to appreciate the view — it is stunning. Large boulders and trees provide shady areas along the way, creating convenient resting spots. The narrow dirt path winds its way upward until it meets the last 100 feet — a rocky climb with a metal guardrail. After two miles and 850 feet in elevation gain, you will reach the summit at 5,730 feet. The spectacular 360-degree view of the
surrounding landscape will take your breath away. A metal guardrail surrounds the top of the peak, and there are several informational plaques describing the distant landmarks. Lake Cuyamaca, Anza-Borrego Desert, and Laguna and Palomar mountains are all on full display from this vantage point, and on a clear day, visitors will be granted a glimpse of the distant ocean. Hikers are often also rewarded with aerial acrobatics from hawks, turkey vultures, crows and ravens, which enjoy soaring the thermal air currents. Once you’ve had your fill of the impressive sights and are ready to head back, watch your footing as you carefully make your way down the rocky section and back onto the dirt path. As you descend, it is important to stay on the designated path to avoid causing soil erosion. Many visitors will try to take a shortcut down by climbing between the switchbacks. This not only causes issues with trail erosion, but also poses safety risks — for those creating the shortcuts
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and those who may be hiking below them. Falling rocks and debris can be hazardous. Though the hike has a respectable gain in elevation, the abundant switchbacks make for an easier trek, therefore, Stonewall Peak Trail is
families, and it may be busy on the weekends — especially on days when the weather is nice. The trail is kid-friendly, but parents should stay close, especially when they are near the summit. Rattlesnakes and mountain lions have been spotted on the
Passion. People. Purpose. That’s what drives us.
Lake Cuyamaca and distant mountains are visible from the top of Stonewall Peak. PHOTOS BY ANGELA MCLAUGHLIN
considered moderate in terms of difficulty. It is an out-and-back hike totaling four miles round trip. Visitors should be aware that dogs and horses are not allowed on the trail. As with any hike, it is important to be prepared. Make sure to bring enough water, especially in warmer weather when hikers may need at least a gallon per person. Sturdy shoes and a first aid kit are also essential. Remember to bring out what you bring in — keep the trail enjoyable for everyone by not littering. Stonewall Peak is popular with
trail. Hikers should be aware of their surroundings and educate themselves on what to do if a situation arises. After enjoying the eye-catching views from the top, consider spending time in the campground. Paso Picacho has well-kept picnic areas and a short nature trail, among other amenities. Fantastic views from the world above make the trek to Stonewall Peak worth the drive! Keep this hike in mind the next time you are looking for a new adventure. n
Offering the best possible care to our community is our passion. And it starts with our highly skilled doctors and staff. By joining the Mayo Clinic Care Network, we can collaborate on complex cases to offer you the highest level of expertise, right from home. We always put people and patients first by being here when you need us most. So we’re providing hospitals, health centers, and Expresscare clinics across North County. And our purpose is keeping you healthy, so you can live life to its fullest. We are more than a health system. We are your neighbors. We are your advocates. We are Palomar Health.
SDG&E Warns Customers About Phone Scam San Diego Gas & Electric issued a warning about a national “pay-byphone” scam that continues to target the company’s customers. Criminals call customers and threaten to shut off power immediately in an attempt to scare them into making a payment to the thieves. They demand that customers purchase a prepaid debit card or make a wire transfer, and direct them to call another phone number with the payment information. “We want our customers to know about this scam and protect themselves and their families from becoming a victim,” said Scott Crider, vice president of customer services for SDG&E. “While anyone can be a target, we’ve seen higher instances of scammers targeting small businesses, the elderly and non-native English speakers.” SDG&E offered guidelines for consumers: • If a payment to SDG&E is past due, the company will notify customers in writing before taking any action to disconnect service. JANUARY 26, 2017
Additionally, the company’s Energy Service Specialists are trained to work with customers to arrange for a payment plan or other payment process. • Customers should never give anyone their credit card information over the phone. Instead, SDG&E recommends that customers should hang up and call SDG&E’s main customer service line at 800-411-SDGE. • Scammers often have personal information about the people they’re targeting, such as addresses and phone numbers, which can be obtained through simple Internet searches, making it difficult to recognize a call as fake. Customers should protect their information by safely disposing of anything that may have an account number, balance, password or other financial information. SDG&E encourages anyone who has been a victim of this scam to report it to local law enforcement agencies. Additionally, SDG&E investigates the reports they receive in an effort to help protect customers. n
To find a doctor near you or to learn more, call 760.576.2008 or visit PalomarHealth.org.
© Palomar Health
RAMONA HOME JOURNAL 11
Palomar College Classes Begin Next Week
S
ix Palomar College classes will begin Jan. 30 at the Ramona Community Campus, according to Kathryn Gunderson, who is principal of Mountain Valley Academy and Ramona Community Montessori School, which share the campus at 1010 Ramona St. “All classes transfer to four-year universities and can also count for high school credit in various areas,” she said, adding that classes are free to high school students, but textbooks are not included. Tuition for adults is $46 per unit, or $138 for a threeunit class, plus the cost of
books. Classes are American Sign Language (ASL) II, Tuesday and Thursday; college success, Tuesday; computer concepts and application, Monday; U.S. history since the Reconstruction, Monday; fundamentals of music, Thursday; and English composition, Monday and Wednesday. Gunderson said that the ASL I class will be offered this year during the fall semester, followed by ASL II in the spring semester of 2018. Five classes will also be offered at Ramona High School, 1401 Hanson Ln., including Literacy/Adult Basic Ed I and II, Monday through
Thursday; and Beginning English as a Second Language (ESL) I, II and II, Monday and Wednesday. ESL classes are free to all local residents. Classes will start at 6 p.m. at both campuses. Those who are interested in enrolling may visit the Palomar Office at Ramona Community Campus from 2 to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday, before Jan. 30. Office hours change to 5 to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday, on Jan. 30. Visit www2.palomar.edu/ pages/ramonacommunitycampus. n
Author Don Winslow to Speak at Julian Library
Don Winslow PHOTO BY MALARRAMA, LICENSED BY CREATIVE COMMONS
The Friends of the Julian Library group announced that New York Times bestselling author and Julian resident Don Winslow will be the guest speaker for its annual meeting on Feb. 25. The most recent of his 17 novels, “The Cartel,” was awarded the LA Times Book Award and the Ian Fleming Steel Dagger Award, and is slated to be a film. The meeting will begin at noon, and Winslow is scheduled to speak at 1 p.m. Julian Library is located at 1850 Highway 78, Julian. Call 760-765-0370. n
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RAMONA CLUB NEWS Ramona Woman’s Club will meet Feb. 2 at 1 p.m., with Kathie LePage presenting the legend of tea. Meetings include the bridge club, Feb. 9 at 11:45; literary group, Feb. 13 at 1 p.m.; and Ladybugs garden section, a Feb. 23 presentation about Ramonagrown plants at 10 a.m. Meetings are held at 524 Main St. Call President Betty Shaw at 760-789-4515 or visit www.ramonawomansclub.com. Ramona Garden Club will meet at noon on Feb. 8 at Mountain View Community Church, 1191 Meadowlark Wy. Guest speaker Marcia Van Loy will talk about attracting birds and butterflies to the garden. Call 760-789-8774 or visit www.ramonagardenclub.com/ general-meetings-and-topics.html. Ramona Art Guild will meet the third Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 7 p.m. at
Ramona Library, 1275 Main St. Call 760-787-1962 or visit www.zhibit. org/rag. Ramona Pioneer Historical Society will hold its potluck meeting Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the Guy B. Woodward Museum Barnett Barn, 645 Main St. Guest speaker will be Richard Carrico, professor of American Indian Studies at San Diego State University, who will talk about his new book, “Of Wine on the Lees Well Refined: A History of the Wineries of San Diego County.” The public is welcome. Those attending the potluck are asked to bring a main dish, salad or dessert for eight. Call 760-789-7644. Intermountain Republican Women Federated will meet Monday, Feb. 27, at 11 a.m. at the San Vicente Resort, 24157 San Vicente Rd. Guest speaker
will be Michael Barry, who will talk about homeland security, including homegrown violent extremism and counterterrorism. He is an infrastructure liaison officer from the private sector who acts as a conduit of information to the public sector regarding terrorism and critical infrastructure issues. The group welcomes members, spouses and guests from Ramona, Julian, Santa Ysabel and surrounding areas. RSVP by Feb. 22 to 760-7039963 or 760-788-5801, or email sandylandrid@hughes.net. Visit www.intermountainrwf.com. San Vicente Valley Club will hold its next luncheon meeting Feb. 22 at the San Vicente Resort, 24157 San Vicente Rd. Guest speaker will be Jon Erro, one of the club’s scholarship recipi-
ents from 1997, who is the owner and broker of The Home Team. He will talk about the importance of giving back to the community with the topic “Gone Full Circle.” RSVP to Pam Molthen at 760-789-6659 by the Friday before the meeting. Check-in is at 11 a.m. The public is welcome. Visit www. sanvicentevalleyclub.com. Ramona ACBL Bridge Club offers sanctioned bridge games open to the public. The group meets Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m., Thursdays at 6 p.m. and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. at 1721 Main St., Ste. 101. Lessons are held Tuesdays at 2 p.m., with classes for different levels, from beginning to advanced players. Visit “Ramona ACBL Bridge Club” on Facebook. n
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By Greg Dill
Don’t Get Stuck with Medicare Late Fees
T
his past holiday season, I found myself in line at the airport counter, waiting to check a bag prior to a flight to visit family and friends.The gentlemen in front of me got frustrated when the customer agent said he had to pay more to check a bag because he hadn’t paid for it online beforehand. I could relate to his irritation, since I’d had a similar experience years ago. After talking to a manager and reviewing the terms of his ticket purchase, the man paid the extra fee. The rest of us in line sighed quiet relief as the clock ticked down to our departure times. The gentleman’s reaction made me think of a Medicare beneficiary I encountered a while back. He’d decided not to enroll in Medicare Part B — which helps pay for doctor fees, outpatient treatment and preventive-care services — when he was first eligible. At the time he declined his Part B benefits, he was in good health. He rarely saw a doctor, didn’t take prescription drugs and never had been admitted to a hospital. Part B carries a monthly premium, about $109 for most people in 2017, and the man didn’t think he should pay for something he didn’t need. Several years later, his health declined and he wanted Part B. He signed up in March but learned that his coverage wouldn’t start until July. And since he waited five
Greg Dill
years to enroll after he was initially eligible, and didn’t have job-based insurance during that time, he discovered that he’d have to pay a late penalty equal to 50 percent of his monthly premium. He was very surprised, to say the least. He reached out to Medicare to reduce the penalty, but unfortunately we couldn’t do anything to help. When the beneficiary turned down Part B five years earlier, he signed a document explaining the penalty and the potential for higher costs. He now must pay this surcharge on his Part B premium for as long as he has Part B. Why does Medicare have such penalties? Like private insurance, Medicare spreads its costs across a “pool” of insured people that includes both those who are healthy and those with medical problems. Late-enrollment penalties are meant to ensure that people join the risk pool when they’re healthy, not just when they get sick. Thus, premiums paid by healthy people help offset the costs of those who have illnesses, keeping the program’s overall expenses as
low as possible for everyone. Late-enrollment penalties can add up. Your Part B premium may go up 10 percent for each full 12-month period that you could have had Part B but didn’t sign up for it. Note that you don’t usually pay a late penalty if you defer Part B while you’re covered by employer insurance. So please remember: If you don’t sign up for Part B when you’re first eligible, you may have to pay the late penalty for as long as you have Part B. Late penalties also apply to Medicare Part A, which covers hospitalization. Although the vast majority of people with Medicare don’t pay for Part A, those who do must sign up when they’re first eligible or face a potential penalty. You can also get hit with a penalty for late enrollment in Medicare Part D, which helps pay for prescription drugs. The way it’s calculated is more complicated than Part B, but this penalty can add up, too. For details, see the 2017 Medicare & You handbook, mailed to every person with Medicare in the fall. It’s also online at www.medicare.gov/pubs/ pdf/10050-Medicare-andYou.pdf. Or call toll-free 24 hours day at 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227). n Greg Dill is Medicare’s regional administrator for Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada and the Pacific Territories.
Free Fitness Program Offered Refit — Ramona Revolution opened to the public this month. The free, communitycentered fitness program is being offered by longtime residents and certified Refit instructors Lori Piedra and Traci Adams, who are sisters. The program is billed as “a music and movement fitness experience that rocks the body, heart and soul.” Classes are held Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Thursdays 5:30 p.m. at Grace Community Church, 1234 Barger Pl. The hour-long workouts are structured around cardio-
dance movements, and they incorporate toning, flexibility, strength training and stretching. The movements are designed to be easy to follow for beginners, and challenging to fitness enthusiasts. The brand was built on positive values, according to Refit co-founder Catherine Ballas. “Whether it’s a 65year-old grandma or a 10year-old kid, we want to focus on the positive, valueinfused messaging in all that we say and do,” she says. As evidence, the music and messaging promote concepts
of self-respect, dignity and positive intentions. “We’ve heard from women in this area who want something more than just fitness,” says Adams. “Refit is a positive and family-friendly musicbased fitness program that is for everybody — and every body.” “We’re so excited to bring the Refit experience to our hometown,” says Piedra. “We welcome everyone from total beginners to seasoned athletes.” Visit www.refitrev.com. n JANUARY 26, 2017
RMWD Board Elects Slate of Officers
By Ruth Lepper ~ THE JOURNAL
T
homas Ace was elected to serve another term as president of the Ramona Municipal Water District Board of Directors in a meeting Jan. 10. However, he specified it would be for one year only, and then he would expect other directors to take over the leadership role.
Thomas Ace was reelected as president of the Ramona Municipal Water District Board of Directors.
RAMONA HOME JOURNAL FILE PHOTO
The unanimous vote included Joe Zenovic as vice president, Jim Hickle as secretary — moving over
from the treasurer’s position — and newcomer Jeff Lawler stepping in as treasurer. Brian Wadlington will serve as director at large. Wadlington also was appointed to be RMWD’s representative on the Joint Powers Insurance Authority Insurance Agencies Board of Directors, the district’s insurance carrier. Wadlington will serve as the director, and Tim Clements, human resources manager, will continue as alternate director, a position he has held since January 2014. Legal counsel Jennifer Lyons presented overviews to the board on potential conflicts of interest and the requirements of the Brown Act. The question of conflicts of interest arose when two members of the San Diego Country Estates Association Board of Directors ran for seats on the RMWD board in the November General Election. Neither man was elected, but had they been, they had previously announced that they
would have resigned from the homeowners’ governing board to avoid any conflict. Lyons also touched on the potential conflicts if current board members served on ad hoc committees that dealt with decisions affecting their divisions. None of the directors are on such ad hoc committees. Regarding the Brown Act, Lyons said the newly elected directors, Lawler and Wadlington, had already been briefed on the requirements, but the overview she was giving would serve as a reminder for the entire board. She gave examples of what would be violations of the Brown Act and told the board, “It is largely a team effort” that the directors work together to avoid any violations. The main requirement is that all district business related to the board be conducted at public meetings, with the exception of personnel and legal issues, which can be covered in closed sessions. Directors are not allowed to meet
Ramona Events
privately to discuss anything that would be coming up before the board. They are allowed to attend social functions as long as they do not discuss district business. District Chief Financial Officer Richard Hannasch reported on the annual audit that was completed at the end of December by an independent agency. The audit concluded that the district’s finances were all in compliance. The audit is available on the district website, www.rmwd.org, for public viewing. In other business, the board unanimously approved
adopting an ordinance to amend a chapter in the district’s legislative code requiring mandatory use of recycled water. The ordinance authorizes General Manager David Barnum to adopt and implement rules and regulations to govern the recycled water program. This includes any necessary provisions for mandatory recycled water use. The next general meeting of RMWD Board of Directors will begin at 2 p.m. on Feb. 14 at Ramona Community Center, 434 Aqua Ln. n
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Pregnancy Care Clinic to Present ‘Hush’ Film Friends of Ramona Pregnancy Care Clinic will host a screening of the award-winning documentary “Hush” at 7 p.m. on Jan. 27 at Ramona Southern Baptist Church, 838 Hanson Ln. A panel discussion following the
film will address questions from the audience and offer information about the long-term effects of abortion on women’s health. Call 760-789-7059 or email ramonapregnancy@att.net. n
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RAMONA HOME JOURNAL 15
Bacteria
ON MEMORY’S BACK TRAIL Judy Van der Veer
By Darrell Beck ~ THE JOURNAL
Author, Rancher and Naturalist
J
ulia “Judy”Van der Veer was born in Oil City, Penn., on Oct. 17, 1907. Her parents were Tunis Herbert and Alice (Case) Van der Veer. The family, including Judy and her brother, William, came to Southern California in 1919, where they lived in San Diego for a while before moving to Willow Road in Lakeside. In about 1940, they purchased a 240-acre ranch in the Ballena area, known as the “old Littlepage place,” located at the crest of the hill on Littlepage Road. While living in Lakeside, young Judy began writing poems and short stories while recovering from a broken leg, and she dropped out of school. As Judy was growing up at the Ballena ranch, she came to love the animals that she surrounded herself with and acquired a deep appreciation for ranch work, and the beauty and solitude of her beloved backcountry. By 1936, she had published her first book, “The River Pasture.” Like all of her fictional yet semiautobiographical stories, it was a tale about rural life, and the animals were the characters, complete with their own personalities. She went on to contribute stories to the Christian Science Monitor, eventually earning $100 per article. She also wrote poems and articles for Westways and local periodicals. Her second book, “Brown Hills,” was also published in 1936. Then came “November Grass in 1940; “A Few Happy Ones” in 1943; and “Hold
Judy Van der Veer’s book “November Grass” was originally published in 1943, and reprinted in 2001.
the Reign Free” in 1966. While Judy said she didn’t write for any particular age group, her books seemed to appeal to children and pre-teens. Her stories about animals and people were all taken from her real-life experiences while working on the ranch. For example, Wallace the pig, in “Wallace the Wandering Pig,” 1967, was named for a cowboy friend of hers; “My Valley in the Sky,” 1969, told a story about her inherited ranch; and “Higher Than the Arrow,” 1969, was a story about a native girl living in the mountains who overcomes her prejudice. Her final works were “To the Rescue,” 1969; “The Gray Mare’s Colts,” 1971; and “Long Trail for Francisco,” 1974. Judy certainly did march to her
own drummer. Some people believed she was a tad eccentric because she lived much like a recluse in an old ramshackle cottage, with her menagerie of animals all having the run of the house. She was an unusual character, all right, but she was a good character, as were many of the other people who chose to live isolated in the outback away from the crowded city. While she was a bit rough around the edges and was usually dressed in frayed ranch attire and wore dungencrusted boots, she did have plenty of friends who would stop by occasionally to keep her company or help with the chores. And she cleaned up pretty well when she had an appointment in town. It was a major event when the Bisher hay truck arrived at the ranch with its monthly load of feed, as the animals would all rush out to greet the truck driver and his helper. Wallace the pig was known to scurry through the house and bolt out the open door, while Domingo the donkey would start braying and then mosey out from his shady place under the porch to join the goat, sheep, cats, barking dogs and a fine gray mare, all crowding around the truck in an enthusiastic gathering, joining in the excitement and many nibbling at the loose hay. Judy always came out to tell the truck driver where to put the hay and grain, but before paying the bill, it was necessary to engage in a long, drawn-out discussion about the animals, the weather and city folks. Judy would tell and re-tell the same story of her dislike for hunters and trappers and the people who destroyed the land and hurt animals. She never failed to opine that that 80 percent of city people should not be allowed outside of the city limits, because once they got out in the country, they would try to turn the country into the city. While Judy had a soft spot in her heart for living things, some folks thought she would never make it by raising animals for market. However, she recognized the realities of life and death, of success and failure, and of hard work, and so she found
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her niche in country life. She was a naturalist who observed and wrote about the small details that others might overlook, helping make her an admired author of her time. Judy Van der Veer died of cancer at her ranch in November 1982. In October 2007, the old ranch house was destroyed in the Witch Creek fire. But that wasn’t the final chapter in the book of fate concerning this unusual and noteworthy pioneer woman, who was well remembered for one of her astute observations: “California is full of homesick people.” Almost 20 years after her death, “November Grass,” which was long out of print, was discovered in a secondhand store by author Ursula K. Le Guin, the acknowledged grande dame of American fantasy and science fiction. Le Guin was attracted by the eye-catching painting of the hills on the cover, prompting her to purchase the book. She was intrigued by the story of the girl who spent most of her life on a backcountry ranch near Ramona and was moved by the author’s modest style of prose that was, in her words, “Direct, plain, pure and strong,” noting that she vividly captured a picture of that long-ago era. Le Guin was so impressed with the merits of this hidden treasure that she thought the book should be revived for others to enjoy. In her view, it offered accounts of authentic California history unknown to many and forgotten by all but a few. Heyday Books resurrected “November Grass” in 2001, and Le Guin offered a complimentary introduction to the reprint, in which she wrote, “Van der Veer gives us a rural landscape as deeply known and lived in as Willa Cather’s ‘Nebraska’ or Sara Jewett’s ‘Maine.’ The valley ranches of John Steinbeck’s ‘Red Pony’ and ‘East of Eden’ are natural comparisons, but Van der Veer’s picture is truer, I think, to the patient obscurity of the lives and deaths of those who live on and from this austere land.” She went on to say, “Pain, suffering, grief are intense in her story, but not more intense than tenderness and praise.” n
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JANUARY 26, 2017
Ramona NJROTC Hosts ‘Up the Hill Drill’
Ramona High School Navy Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps hosted an “Up the
Hill Drill” event on Jan. 14, and invited teams from 17 other schools to participate. n
The Ramona group, led by Commanding Officer Jacob Powers, is the first unit on the inspection pad.
PHOTOS BY CORINNA POWERS
Journal Office is Moving to 621 Main Street The Ramona Home Journal and Julian Journal office is making a move back to Main Street — 621 Main St., next to CC Cycles — effective Feb. 1. From the start, the Journal has been located in Ramona’s busy commercial district, occupying offices on Main Street and on D Street, the business’ current location. “It’s a good move for us,” said publishers Carol and Darrel Kinney. “As we approach our 20th year in business, we’re looking forward to getting even closer to the heart of Ramona.” Ramona Home Journal was
established in 1998, followed by the Julian Journal in 2001, and The Guide to Julian and The Guide to Ramona. Call the Journal at 760-788-8148 or visit www.ramonajournal.com. n
San Diego Chargers
Continued from page 9
Utah as a new addition. Today, the city is considering tearing down Qualcomm Stadium to erect a 37,000seat major league soccer stadium, suitable for the Aztecs, as well. It might be said they don’t think as big as a one-time sports editor named Murphy. Leadership begets a following and can produce remarkable results. The same goes for towns, both small and large, that can generate enthusiasm. n
ready to move the team to Washington, D.C. However, McDonald’s hamburger chain owner Ray Kroc steeped up and bought the club. There were troubling years with Kroc — he even bashed his team via loudspeaker at Petco Park. Cancer struck down Murphy. Had he lived, there might have been more big plans. Who knows, he might have convinced the Pac-10 to accept the Aztecs instead of Operations Officer Christopher Murgiua commands the Unarmed Exhibition Drill Team.
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CAREER EXPO
Community Leaders Help Students Prep for the Future By Annette Williams ~ THE JOURNAL
M
ountain Valley Academy students participated in the school’s Career Expo on Jan. 9. Meeting with the school’s 88 high-schoolers were 10 community leaders who represent education, publishing, the restaurant industry, office management, the law, engineering and entrepre-
neurial endeavors. It was the culmination of a six-week project designed to help the young people set career goals and wade through the many postsecondary education options that are available to them. As the adults interviewed with the students, their goal was to help motivate them to
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Students Kirsten Nguyen, Sidney Honadle, Chloe Charles and Harley Charles are pictured with Career PHOTOS BY CARRIE TOMPKINS Expo displays.
consider their future beyond high school. “We believe the interview experience is one of the most important features of the Career Expo project,” said Principal Kathryn Gunderson. The adults’ interview stations were set up on stage at Olive Peirce Middle School’s performing arts center, and the students’ displays were arranged on tables through-
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out the room. A few of the students presented their projects on computer screens. “They were expected to stand by their displays and answer questions until it was their time to conduct interviews,” said Gunderson. “We’re trying to flip the way some people look at the college pathway, so they can look at a career, match it to a major, and then look at
their choice of college to see how it supports their career choice,” she said. Not only do the teens narrow down what fields might be a good fit for them, they also learn what careers do not interest them. Gunderson says it helps them make informed decisions, as they research which careers may support the particular lifestyle they seek, and what
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kind of training will help them reach their goals. The last two years, high school students and Gunderson brought the displays back to the Ramona Community Campus so the younger students would have an opportunity to look at them the next day. She estimated that about 300 children did so. The expo helps the school meet its Local Control Accountability Plan goals, which include engaging students in relevant, personalized learning opportunities, and increasing their college and career readiness. Students also receive credit in their English classes when they complete the project. “It gives our students the opportunity to think deeply
Hailey Rico and Chloe Lucas.
Sierra Marty and Jenna Jacobs.
about possible careers and post-secondary training,” Gunderson said. “I hear a lot of comments about how much they enjoyed it.” n
Sierra Marty and Frank Stewart. Marissa Major-Parkes and Alaina Ramirez.
Children’s Clothing Exchange Fiona Sayles and Stephen McCubbin.
Little People’s Learning Center preschool will host a community children’s clothing exchange on Saturday, Jan. 28, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Ramona United Methodist Church, 3394 Chapel Ln. “Bring your outgrown clothes, sizes
0 to 12, to the preschool office until Jan. 27, then pick up clothes that will fit your child’s growing body,” said director Jill Bacorn. Call Bacorn at 760-789-3435. n
Joseph Rico.
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RAMONA HOME JOURNAL 19
THE LONG AND SHORT VIEW
By Ann Reilly Cole ~ THE JOURNAL
J
How One Artist Sees Volcan Mountain
ust as the rainwater flows down from the top of Sky Island Trail at the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve on its way to the deep blue Pacific Ocean, a suite of 10 paintings by Laguna Beach artist Cynthia Fletcher is working its way along the very same watershed in a series of A Volcan Mountain exhibitions that series of paintings by began at the Cynthia Fletcher is on Julian Library exhibit at Ramona in December, Community Library. and continued on to Ramona Community Library in January. Her paintings will be on display through Jan. 31 at Ramona Library, 1275 Main St. Examples of her work are available on her website, www.cynthiafletcherart.com. With eyes firmly focused in the present moment and a goal to protect what she sees for future generations, Fletcher seeks to celebrate life on the mountain and inspire its preservation through her paintings.
Fletcher created the paintings over the past year as the inaugural artist in residence of the Joseph and Marjorie Rubenson Endowment for Art and Science at Volcan Mountain, which is sponsored by the Volcan Mountain Foundation. She is the first recipient to be awarded this opportunity for the purpose of promoting public appreciation of Volcan Mountain through art or scientific activities. In monthly treks to the preserve, Fletcher carefully observed and photographed the seasonal changes in the plant life along the Five Oaks Trail. A third-generation artist, Fletcher studied at the Laguna Beach School of Art, University of California at Santa Barbara and Saddleback “Gooseberries” Community College. VMF sustaining members Rubenson and Carol Pike discovered Fletcher and her work at the Laguna Beach Festival of the Arts and struck up a casual conversation with the artist. Her interest in the seasonal development of indigenous plants and trees, familiarity with the northern San
Diego area, her love of wilderness hiking and her mission to protect the wild lands all made her the ideal candidate for the residency they had in mind. So they invited her to consider applying for the position. Fletcher agreed and wrote up a proposal to study the plant life on Volcan Mountain over the course of one year and create a series of
IMAGES COURTESY OF CYNTHIA FLETCHER
paintings depicting its beauty during that time. Her eye for tightly focused scenes is matched by her ability to paint highly detailed imagery, right down to the veined wings and fuzzy body of a honey bee, the peeling bark of a manzanita tree and seed pods that
dance on the stems of the sun-dried summer grass. Using photos from her hikes as reference material, Fletcher begins by coating her panels in brown midtone. From there, she uses a brush to create a line drawing, then lifts off paint where she wants highlights and applies dark brown for the lowlights. At this point, the artist takes time to settle on the final composition before applying a broader spectrum of color to complete her work. “The final image tends to be a composite of several photos,” said Fletcher. “I am remembering more than any one specific photo is telling me.” Impressed with the people of the VMF, its efforts and accomplishments, Fletcher was thrilled that, with this project, the VMF could lift her work from a commodity to an advocacy for their important work. “It made magic in me,” she said. “I loved the change.” Fletcher is pleased that her paintings capture brief moments in the cycle of life on the mountain in order to inspire its preservation for lifetimes to come. n On the cover is Fletcher’s painting “Oak Catkins.”
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the success, and all the things that come along with that. “But there’s interest, and this is obviously the biggest opportunity in auto racing in North America — and, we would probably say, the world — so it’s always on some attention span one way or the other.” France was less optimisvictory circle. tic about the prospects of a Eric Jones, a 20-year-old new raceway joining the 23 who battled veteran Kyle Busch in the XFINITY series, facilities that currently host NASCAR Monster Cup Series heads a list that includes events, citing economic conRyan Reed, Ty Dillon, Darrell ditions. Those 23 tracks, plus Wallace and Ben Kennedy. the handful of venues that However, they’re ticketed for some major teams, so the host other national series company would have to offer events, have their race dates guaranteed through a fivea contract full of incentives. year sanctioning agreement. There would only be two In other news, Nissan’s or three Dodges in the field plan to improve self-driving — too few to finance the operation with customer cars. technology in the future After all, it can cost $100,000 per race to lease an engine from a top supplier. “There is some interest by a couple of different manufacturers,” NASCAR busman Brian France told the motoring press. “A lot of the car companies are understandably looking at the terrific job that Toyota has done by partnering with NASCAR, and
Behind the Wheel By Johnny McDonald
Dodge Ponders A Return
T
here’s a rumor being circulated around NASCAR’s ovals that Dodge is pondering a return to the Chase. Dodge dropped the wrench five years ago, when it allowed Ford to take away Roger Penske’s team with a cushy contract. Interestingly, Penske was prepared to re-sign with Dodge. Out in the cold, Dodge looked around to see if it could come up with the ingredients for a competitive operation. Sources say that a Dodge exec tried in vain to find anyone who deserved a $30 million check, the amount at stake. Now, it would appear that there are several possibilities among the many young drivers who might carry the company colors to the
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will require more than fancy software and hardware — it’s also going to include an autonomous vehicle “command center” remotely manned by people who are available to provide assistance. The automaker officially calls it the Seamless Autonomous Mobility system and detailed it recently at the 2017 CES consumer technology show in Las Vegas. Nissan continues to take a cautious approach with autonomous vehicles and says the technology will always require human intervention in the foreseeable future, especially in sticky situations. • U.S. automakers enjoyed stronger sales than expected in December, suggesting that the auto industry may set an all-time record of 319,108 vehicles for the month. Analysts at Edmunds.com and Kelley Blue Book had projected sales growth of 3.1 percent and 3.7 percent, respectively. The GMC brand increased 5.8 percent, Buick rose 2.8 percent, and Cadillac increased 3.2 percent. • Few people who buy the Ford GT, at roughly $450,000,
are going to care what kind of gas mileage it gets, but the EPA has rated the supercar, anyway. The GT is no fuel-sipper. But the numbers are close to the last-gen GT, despite the new model making more power. The 2017 GT is EPA-rated at 11/18 mpg city/highway. That’s less than the 2005 Ford GT, which was rated 12/19 mpg. Both cars have the same 14-mpg combined rating, likely due to the EPA averaging the pre-rounded numbers. The upcoming 2017 model is powered by a high-output, twin-turbo, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 that makes at least 600 hp and is backed by a sevenspeed, dual-clutch transmission. The first Ford GT used a supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 that made 550 hp and 500 poundper-foot of torque, which came paired exclusively with a six-speed manual. n Johnny McDonald’s book “San Diego Motorsports 100 Racing Years — A Johnny McDonald Collection” is back in print, published by Williams Savage Books and available on Amazon.com.
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RAMONA HOME JOURNAL 21
Family Gardening Provides More Than a Bountiful Harvest By Melinda Myers
G
ardeners know that digging, planting, harvesting and even viewing a garden are good for the mind, body and spirit. These activities improve strength and flexibility, lower blood pressure and elevate our mood. And this is true for all members of the family, even those who are very young. Studies show that children who grow their own vegetables are more likely to eat them. But gardening does even more. Research shows that children exposed to the outdoors and gardening are more focused, have fewer problems with attention deficit and score better on tests. Girls exposed to gardens and green spaces are more confident and better able to handle peer pressure. Here are a few ways to make gardening with the family more fun. Involve the whole family. When planning the garden, talk about the flowers everyone wants to grow and
vegetables they all like to eat. Then break out the paper, old catalogs and magazines, scissors, crayons, pencils and rulers. Young children can cut out pictures of their favorite vegetables and flowers and glue them on the paper. Older children can draw the garden to scale on graph paper and plot their choices in the garden. Make your own plant markers. Once you decide on the plants you want to grow, spend a rainy afternoon creating plant labels for the garden. Paint the names and pictures of your chosen flow- Gardening can be a great family activity. PHOTO COURTESY OF MELINDA MYERS ers and vegetables on flat ited. Just about anything can Hurry the harvest. To rocks, slats from discarded be planted. An old five-gallon avoid short-attention-span mini-blinds, paint sticks or bucket, a washtub with syndrome, grow some quickly other recycled items. holes drilled into the bottom, maturing plants such as radConsider individual garrecycled nursery pots and a ishes and lettuce that are den spaces. Let everyone colorful raised planter make ready to harvest in 30 to pick their own plants and be great gardens. 45 days, along with slower responsible for the mainteDirect foot traffic. Help growers like watermelon nance of their personal area. delineate pathways and garand tomatoes. You will keep Options include designing everyone interested if there individual plots, dividing larg- dens — and keep little ones is something growing, bloomer beds into smaller sections, from trampling the plants ing and ready to eat throughor giving each family member — by installing fun edging out the season. his or her own container. This materials, placing mulch on the pathways or raising the Patrol for pests. Enlist is a great option when plantplanting beds. my favorite “pluck, drop and ing space and time are lim-
stomp” pest-management strategy. Teach children the difference between good and bad insects, and let them burn off excess energy as they implement the process. Use plant-friendly fertilizers. Kids, like so many gardeners, often suffer from the more-is-better attitude. Avoid damage from over-fertilization by using an organic fertilizer like Milorganite, or another low-nitrogen fertilizer. They won’t burn your plants even if the weather becomes hot and dry. Celebrate success. End the season with a harvest party and use your homegrown produce to prepare a picnic or fancy dinner for family and friends. And when you set the table, be sure to add some of those beautiful flowers you grew. Melinda Myers is the author of more than 20 gardening books, a columnist for Birds & Blooms magazine, and the TV and radio host of “Melinda’s Garden Moment.” Visit www. melindamyers.com.
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theblindsspot.com 707 Main Street, Ramona 760-787-1406
CONTRACTOR LICENSE — California law requires that contractors taking jobs that total $500 or more (labor and/or materials) be licensed by the Contractors State License Board. Check contractors’ license status at www.cslb.ca.gov. Business and Professions Code section 7030.5 says that licensed contractors are required to include their license numbers in (a) all construction contracts;
(b) subcontracts and calls for bid; and (c) all forms of advertising, as prescribed by the registrar of contractors.
Carpet, Tile, Wood, Cork & Bamboo JANUARY 26, 2017
RAMONA HOME JOURNAL 23
Ransom Brothers Exciting News. . .
Spring is a Time of Renewal in Our Paint Department.
Introducing Our New Paint Line Coming to Ransom Brothers this Spring.
CLOSEOUT SPECIAL! We Are Closing Out Our Frazee Inventory to Make Room for Our New Paint Line
Only valid on Frazee brand paint and primers. Limited to stock on hand, no rainchecks. No limit on how many gallons you can purchase.
Good through 2/28/2017 ©2016 True Value® Company. All rights reserved.
FREE Shipping to our store on your TrueValue.com orders
1441 Main Street
532 B Street
760-789-7898
760-789-0240
(In the Albertsons Center)
Mon - Fri: 8 am - 7 pm • Sat & Sun: 8 am - 5 pm 24 RAMONA HOME JOURNAL
(Old Town Ramona)
Mon - Fri: 7 am - 5 pm • Sat & Sun: 7:30 am - 4 pm
www.ransombrothers.com
JANUARY 26, 2017