LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

PUBLISHER MICHAEL RAHER

Welcome to the February issue of Ramona Home Journal. In this issue, being that Valentine’s Day was upon us, I felt I would write a love letter to Ramona. I hope it provides that glimmer of what it means to you to live in Ramona, and, for some, rekindle what it meant when you first moved to Ramona. I would like to think most of us love living here, and my words are just that — a love letter to Ramona.

Our feature story this month is about Ashley E. Norton, Ramona’s Songbird. While relatively new to Ramona, Ashley, to put it bluntly, has taken entertainment in this town to a whole other level. Whether she’s performing as a solo act, as part of the Ramona Songbirds group or with her band Lady Psychiatrist’s Booth, Ashley puts everything into her craft and into the music scene here in Ramona.

In fact, Ashley has been instrumental (pardon the pun) in developing the Ramona Music Alliance with all-around great guy and brilliant musician Jon Hasz, owner of Ramona Music Center. You can read more about the Ramona Music Alliance in Charlene Pulsonetti’s Creative Connections column. And don’t forget to check out a new section of the Ramona Home Journal called “Gig Guide,” where you can find where your favorite band or performer is playing around town.

Our final feature story is about Ramona’s true Renaissance man, Chuck LeMenager, who recently passed away at his home in Arizona at 96 years of age. Angela McLaughlin had the chance to interview Chuck’s son Jack, who shared some amazing stories about Chuck’s life and his impact on Ramona, the San Diego Country Estates and the backcountry in general. They sure don’t make ‘em like Chuck anymore, and we are so appreciative of the fact that his family allowed us to honor him in the Ramona Home Journal. We hope you enjoy reading about Chuck as much as we enjoyed writing the story.

We were recently informed that we have been nominated for Business of the Year for the 2022 Ramona Chamber of Commerce Community Awards. By the time the Journal hits mailboxes, we’ll either be winners or runners-up for the third year in a row. I know I’m supposed to stay humble and be appreciative that we have been nominated but, man, I’d sure like to win it this year! Keep an eye out for next month’s Journal, as we’ll be featuring the winners — and maybe we’re one of them!

Have a great February, everybody, and happy Valentine’s Day!