A Big Ramona Welcome - New Sign in the Works
By Tracy Rolling

Artist Leslie Souza transfers her design from paper to steel. Photo by Cliff Fuerst

What started out as an idea more than two years ago has developed into a 1,200-pound steel monument ready to take its seat at the corner of Highland Valley and Highway 67 in Ramona.

John Degenfelder had an idea to create a "Welcome to Ramona" sign that symbolizes the qualities of the community and the interests of the people.

Together with the support of the Ramona Trails Association - whose mission is to beautify the community while improving, maintaining and developing multi-purpose trails - and with the talent of one local artist, they have turned that idea into a reality.

Long-time Ramona resident Leslie Souza says she hopes the town will be pleased with the creation.

Referred to by a mutual friend, Souza was approached by Degenfelder almost two years ago. On the spot, Degenfelder was impressed with the initial hand-sketched drawing of a horse, raptor, grape leaves and sun peeking through two mountain tops, each element reflecting an aspect of Ramona.

Souza uses a plasma cutter on part of the monument. Photo by Julie Miramontes Israels

Degenfelder watched the drawing transpire into a miniaturized version, which would be used to portray the idea at a Ramona Planning Group forum with San Diego County Supervisor Dianne Jacob.

"There was such a positive response" says Degenfelder. "And from there we went to the San Diego County Real-estate office, Caltrans, Ramona Chamber of Commerce, Ramona Municipal Water District and the Spirit of Joy Church, which owns the property directly behind where the monument will sit."

After much paperwork and the thumbs up from a structural engineer, who confirmed the sign would withstand various weather conditions, everyone went to work.

"All of the people were happy to work with each other and meet each other's needs," Souza says. "There was definitely unity in putting

this project together."

Degenfelder, along with other RTA volunteers, collected money to purchase building materials such as metal, concrete, rebar, powder coating and blocks for the welcome wall. Other expenses associated with manufacturing and grounding the 15-foot high, 22-foot long monument were the use of a bobcat, forklift and crane.

From left, Paul Tarr, Leslie Souza and John Degenfelder hold a mini-monument that was presented to Tarr at the 2007 Ramona Oktoberfest. A second mini-monument will be awarded at an opportunity drawing during the Ramona Trails Association Feb. 2008 fundraiser. Photo by Arvie Degenfelder

Arvie Degenfelder says that horses were donated then auctioned in an effort to raise a portion of the $10,000 estimated cost of the project.

Other donations include: San Vicente Saddle Club, $500, Cumming's Ranch owner for donating the property survey, Bennett Goldberg of Sun Valley Bobcat for digging holes for the posts, Robert Schulte and Eric Gunther for building the wall, John Quisenberry of Superior Concrete for setting the underground foundation and Ransom Brothers for providing a portion of the building supplies.

Cliff Fuerst welds Souza's artwork onto a metal frame. Photo by Julie Miramontes Israels

"It's been a long time in the making, but the plan is to have the welcome sign erected by Christmas," says John.

Drought-resistant landscaping will be designed and planted by the students at Montecito High School under the direction of Tom Serio, the science, horticulture and landscaping teacher.

Souza was responsible for the design and all of the plasma cutting while her husband, Cliff Fuerst, performed the welding.

Her company is Silhouwest Originals and she has been creating one-of-a-kind metal sculptures for years. Her Web site is www.silhouwest.com. She can be reached by calling 760-789-6668.

A second fundraiser is being planned for February 2008, when an opportunity drawing will allow one winner to walk away with a mini monument. For more information on the fundraiser date or to make a donation, visit the Ramona Trails Association Web site at www.ramonatrails.org.