Ramona Home Journal & Julian Journal of California

A Role Model Mom

By Tracy Rolling — 05/01/2008

To be responsible for creating a happy, loving, organized home is no easy task. Yet there is an elite group of women well-known for carrying the weights of the world.

VFW Buddy Poppy Sales Support Veterans

By Tracy Rolling — 05/01/2008

Who knew that a poem written on April 15, 1915 by Col. John McCrae of Canada would inspire, honor and raise money for veterans around the world? The poem titled "In Flanders Fields" is more than just three short verses penned by a battle-weary solider. They are the sentiments of one man and his observation of life amidst a grave-ridden countryside.

Fantastic Flying Machines at the 2008 Ramona AirShow

By Regina Elling — 05/01/2008

It's a warbird! It's a fantastic plane! It's the 2008 Ramona AirShow, flying into town May 31 and June 1. This year promises to be even more exciting than in years past, according to Carol Fowler, air show coordinator. "Every year, we do our best to put on a different show for the public," she says. "Even if some of the same pilots return, the show is always fun and new.

Four Days of Excitement: Ramona Rodeo Begins May 8

By Regina Elling — 05/01/2008

Thursday, May 8 Rodeo Kickoff Party - Mega Mixer 6 p.m. at Fred Grand Arena Sponsored by the Ramona Chamber of Commerce Friday, May 9 6 p.m. Lawn Mower Races 7:30 p.m. Rodeo Performance (gates open at 5 p.m.

The Hunt is on for Some Julian History

By Tracy Rolling — 05/01/2008

What began nearly five years ago as a simple idea has flourished into a must-see by visitors and locals alike. The History Hunt, sponsored by the Julian Chamber of Commerce, invites tourists to walk the town seeking plaques that commemorate historical sites.

More to the Gypsies

By Tracy Rolling — 05/01/2008

Come one, come all for a unique cultural experience at the Julian Library. At 6 p.m. on May 6, the library will host "Gypsies of Romania," a discussion with visual arts and dance performance. The San Diego County Julian Library is at 1850 Highway 78.

Rodeo FUN Facts

05/01/2008

The word "rodeo" is loosely derived from the Spanish word for "round-up," or literally, rodear, to surround. The English word "rodeo" was first used around 1834 to refer to a cattle round-up. Rodeo events are based on the real-life skills of working vaqueros and cowboys, first in Spain and Mexico, and later in the United States, Canada and Australia.

New Library Site Celebrated

By Ruth Lepper — 05/01/2008

County library officials and community residents turned out on April 19 to celebrate the site of a new library planned for Ramona. The event-filled day was complete with a hot-air balloon to recognize the occasion as a "lift-off" for the proposed library.

Tying the Knot in Country Elegance

By Tracy Rolling — 05/01/2008

Can couples plan the happiest day of their lives creatively, elegantly and locally, while observing a sensible budget? "Sure they can," says Ashley Hall, a local preschool teacher, and Garrett Butler, a heavy equipment operator, who are counting down the days until their fall wedding.

Military Services Planned for George Ragsdale

05/01/2008

By Ruth Lepper Seven months after losing his wife to cancer, George Ragsdale succumbed to an apparent heart attack. He was 76. His wife of 40 years, Beverly Ragsdale, died Sept. 9, 2007. They were married in 1967 in San Diego and moved to Ramona in 1975.

The Santa Maria Land Grant

By Darrell Beck — 05/01/2008

The first recorded mention of the Santa Maria Valley (then known as Valley de Pamo) was found in Spanish records when, in March of 1778, Sgt. Guillermo Cabrillo and eight soldiers from San Diego mission came through the area to put down an Indian insurrection.

More Than Meets the Eye: Daily Writing Has Long Lasting Benefits for Student Writers

Submitted By Club Z — 05/01/2008

A writer's world is often an imaginary land, filled with extraordinary characters and endless possibilities. Even in the ugliest of circumstances, there is always hope for a happy ending, or at the very least, some sanity. Surprisingly, the creativity that students pour into the art of writing can significantly impact their well-being.

Riata Ranch Performance Clinic Comes to Julian

05/01/2008

Girls who like gymnastics or horses - or both - will find much to enjoy at the Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls Western Performance Clinic, coming to Julian, May 24 to 26. The Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls will demonstrate their amazing horseback feats, and will instruct girls in a few of their skills.

Harlem Ambassadors vs. Ramona Rockets

05/01/2008

The Harlem Ambassadors basketball team plays a game of musical chairs with children who attended the April 26 Ramona Rotary fundraiser. Photo by John Jones

Cornerstone Riding Center Plans Interactive Fundraiser

05/01/2008

Food, fun, kids corral and country music are highlights. Cornerstone Therapeutic Riding Center is holding an Equine Microchipping Clinic and Chili Cook-Off fundraiser on May 17. But that's only the beginning. "This is going to be a great family fun event!

Photo

05/01/2008

Elaine Pickle, wife of John Pickle, holds a posthumous award John received from the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. The award was in honor of his significant contributions to East County. John Pickle passed away January 2008. John's horse, Bud, is shown with Elaine.

Brian Jones Has Firefighter Support in Bid for Congressional Seat

05/01/2008

Brian Jones, candidate for the 52nd Congressional District currently held by Rep. Duncan Hunter, received support from a coalition of firefighters representing nearly every firefighter association, and nearly every city and unincorporated area in the 52nd District.

www.RamonaEvents.com

05/01/2008

Miss Ramona Scholarship Pageant The Miss Ramona Scholarship Pageant takes place at 7 p.m. on May 3 at the Charles R. Nunn Performing Arts Center at Olive Peirce Middle School, 1521 Hanson Ln. Tickets are $12 at the door. Call 760-789-7525 for information.

Little People's Learning Center Fundraiser

05/01/2008

Little People's Learning Center Director Jill Bacorn poses with student Luke Schwuchow during a fundraiser held to expand the preschool by 1,600 square feet and increase attendance from 45 to 65 children.

San Diego County Ford Dealers 2008 Scholarships

05/01/2008

The San Diego County Ford Dealers Salute to Education 2008 scholarships were awarded to six Ramona High School scholars in an awards ceremony on April 22 at Copley Symphony Hall. Checks for $1,000 were granted to 125 graduating seniors from San Diego County. Ramona's scholarship recipients are, front row from left, Jessica Schlumpberger, Automotive, and Emily Weaver, Arts. Pictured in the back row from left are recipients Troy Thompson, Automotive; Krystal Stewart, Business Management/ Administration; Monique Barrios, Arts; and Cole Sulser, Athletics. Photo by Robert Grace

National Automotive Technology Competition

05/01/2008

Ramona High School seniors Troy Thompson, left, and Trevor Calton, right, competed in the National Automotive Technology Competition finals held March 25 and 26 in New York City. Ramona High automotive class instructor Robert Grace, center, is proud of their fourth- place win, in competition with 36 two-student teams. Photo by Theresa Grace

www.RamonaEvents.com

05/01/2008

Jim Salvatore, seated center, celebrated his 90th birthday in April at the Ramona Senior Center. Surrounding Jim with birthday wishes are Nancy Walker, seated, and standing from left, Hazel Cardwell, Lorraine Crane, Connie Parham, Barbara Smith and Mary Black. Photo by Tom Parham

Ag Program Gets Some Star Power KOGO Broadcasts From Ramona

By Regina Elling — 05/01/2008

Ramona residents hit the airwaves in droves recently, all in support of agriculture and some local youth ag programs. The airwaves were accessible, in part, due to Roger Hedgecock, of AM 600 KOGO radio, bringing his popular show to town. From 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., he broadcast his show live from the Washington Mutual parking lot in the Albertsons shopping center on Main Street.

Ramona Students Earn Skills USA Medals

By Annette Williams — 05/01/2008

Ramona High School was well represented at the Skills USA State Skills and Leadership Conference competition, when 14 out of 25 RHS students attending earned medals, and one placed in the top five in two categories. The statewide competition was held in Fresno from April 10- 13.

San Vicente Valley Club Annual Home and Garden Tour

05/01/2008

The San Vicente Valley Club will hold its Annual Home and Garden Tour and Event on May 10. The tour takes in two beautiful homes, one condo and the Veraque House, home of the Guy B. Woodward Museum. Marilyn and John Wilson's French country design condo home in the San Diego Country Estates is filled with an assortment of antiques; the Verlaque House, home of the Guy B.

Ramona Concert Association Brings Quality Entertainment

05/01/2008

Ramona Concert Association marks 24 years of bringing quality musical entertainment to Ramona. Season tickets are on sale now, but discounted prices are available only through June 1. "The season promises to be filled with top quality music, entertainment and variety," said RCA President Marlene Robershaw.

Lacaze Learning Center Hosts Open House

05/01/2008

Lacaze Learning Center offers tutoring in all subjects for children of elementary and junior high school ages. Summer classes in chemistry and SAT preparation will be held for high school-age students, and students entering third grade through seventh grade may also elevate their skills in math and reading this summer.

Heritage is Earned, Learned and Celebrated

By Tracy Rolling — 05/01/2008

The Fifth of May translated in Spanish is none other than "Cinco de Mayo." It's a day of celebration, thought to have been the Day of Independence for Mexico, but in truth, it is really a day of Latino pride, heritage and religious observation.

Youth a Big Draw at Ramona Rodeo

By Regina Elling — 05/01/2008

It only took about 20 minutesfor all the available open spots in the Ramona Rodeo's Junior Barrel Racing category to be taken. "We began accepting signups at 10 a.m. on a recent Monday morning," says Vanessa Aspin, who has been the director of the Junior Barrel Racing at the rodeo for about 10 years. "By 10:20, the spots were all taken and we already had a waiting list started.

Annual Fire Preparedness

05/01/2008

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) and the Barona Fire Department conducted their annual Fire Preparedness Exercise April 21-23.

HIT THE TRAIL Oak Oasis

By Karen Carlson — 05/01/2008

Not far from Ramona, on Wildcat Canyon Road, lays a pearl to the trail community. Oak Oasis Open Space is a place you'd miss, driving toward Lakeside, if you didn't know what it was. The entrance is well marked with its own turn lane, but the area is so beautiful you'd miss it looking at the scenery as you drive along.

Duncan D. Hunter Candidate for 52nd Congressional District

05/01/2008

Duncan D. Hunter was born in San Diego and grew up in the 52nd District of California. He earned a degree in Business Administration from San Diego State University, then went to work full time in San Diego as a Business Analyst. On September 12, 2001, Hunter quit his job, and joined the U.S.

Colonel Rick Powell is Candidate for 52nd Congressional District Retired Federal Agent and Military Officer Seeks Hunter's Seat

05/01/2008

Colonel Rick Powell, a retired federal agent and longtime Ramona resident, has announced his candidacy for the 52nd Congressional District of California, a seat currently held by Rep. Duncan Hunter who is retiring after 28 years of service in the House of Representatives.

Business Briefs

05/01/2008

Luis Carbajal Opens Farmers Ins. Office Longtime Ramona resident Luis Carbajal has opened a Farmers Insurance office at 1410 Main St., Suite A, serving Ramona and backcountry customers. All types of residential and commercial insurance and financial services are offered.

Ramona Garden Club Tour

05/01/2008

The home of Norm and Sally Campbell was featured on the Ramona Garden Club Tour. The bench sits at a perfect spot for relaxing and enjoying the garden. Photos by Regina Elling

Wildflower Show Attracts Thousands of Visitors

By Ruth Lepper — 05/01/2008

Julian Wildflower Show is an annual spring event hosted by Julian Woman's Club that attracts thousands of visitors from around the world. It has been going on for more than 80 years but no one actually knows exactly when the first one was held.

Julian Stables: Horseback Riding on Top of a Mountain

By Regina Elling — 05/01/2008

For many Julian visitors and locals, horseback riding showcases the local scenery in a unique way. At Julian Stables, riders get more than fantastic views, as the entire experience is designed to be safe, fun and special for each person.

Two-Wheelers Roll into Town

By Tracy Rolling — 05/01/2008

First introduced during the 19th century, the pedal-driven, human-powered bicycle has widely become a popular mode of transportation and an excellent form of physical recreation. Rich Wolf agrees. He is the head of the R&B Bicycle Club and coordinator of the 20th Annual Julian Bike Festival scheduled for May 3 and 4.

Cross-Country Cyclists Ride Through Julian on Fundraising Adventure

05/01/2008

Julian is one stop on the 3,300-mile cross-country bicycle fundraiser planned by The Fuller Center for Housing, a non-profit organization providing homes for people in need.

Cabbages and Kings and Pie Town Gear Pair Up and Go Green!

By Annette Williams — 05/01/2008

Ginger Ranck of Cabbages and Kings and Linda Myers of Pie Town Gear Outdoor Adventure Equipment have blended their two stores at the Cabbages and Kings location, 2216 Main St., Julian. The change was finalized on May 1. An Open House and Grand Opening will take place Friday, May 16, from 5 to 8 p.m., with food and wine. A surprise is promised!

Julian a Haven for Birds, Birdwatching

By Regina Elling — 05/01/2008

Visitors of all types flock to Julian's peaceful mountain views - and the guests aren't even always human. Many birdwatchers have already discovered that many wild birds choose to call San Diego County, and Julian in particular, home.

Churness Castle House Blessing

05/01/2008

Mark Churness always promised his wife Pam a castle. Finally, her prince delivered one! Mark and Pam Churness are holding a time of blessing for Churness Castle on Sunday, May 18, at 2 p.m., followed by a potluck supper. There will be worship, music and lots of fellowship. Pentecost will be celebrated too, so red apparel is appropriate.

Tragedy of Cedar Fire is Told in Newly Published Book

By Ruth Lepper — 05/01/2008

Living through the Cedar fire in 2003 was an experience many people in Ramona will never forget. Losing your house to the damaging wildfire - and just about everything you own - was traumatic. Reliving all of it can be an ordeal, but it also is part of the healing process.

Community United Methodist Church Annual Fashion Show Fundraiser

05/01/2008

Kitchen crew poses for photo at the Community United Methodist Church Annual Fashion Show Fundraiser. Photos by Tracy Rolling

Harlem Ambassadors vs. Ramona Rockets

05/01/2008

The home team Ramona Rockets take on the Harlem Ambassadors in the Ramona High School gym at the Ramona Rotary-sponsored event. Ramona Rockets pictured, from left, are Jeff Jones, Larry Bringham, Tim White, going for the ball, and referee Tom Millwood.

Julian Events

05/01/2008

Julian Doves and Desperados Julian Doves and Desperados performs historic comedy skits at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. (weather permitting) Sundays at the stage area between Cabbages and Kings and the Julian Market and Deli. For information, call 760-765-1857.