Ramona

RAMONA BANK ROBBERY SUSPECT ARRESTED

 

November 24, 2015 (Ramona) -- San Diego Sheriff's Deputies assigned to the Ramona station working with FBI agents have made an arrest as a result of the investigation into the November 19th robbery of the Bank of America branch located at 1407 Main Street, Ramona. Timothy Grahman, 64, was arrested Friday on Hanson Lane in Ramona and has been booked into San Diego Central Jail.


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SENIOR CITIZEN ROBS BANK IN RAMONA

 

November 21, 2015 (Ramona) – The Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I.)  and the Sheriff’s Department seeks public help to locate an elderly white man, age 60 to 80, who robbed  the Bank of America at 1407 Main St. in Ramona Thursday morning.  He gave the teller a note demanding cash around 11:17 a.m. and brandished what was believed to be a handgun.


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TREE-LIGHTING, SLEIGHT RIDES AND MORE IN RAMONA'S OLD TOWN DEC. 5

East County News Service

Photo, left: historic buildings at the Guy B. Woodward Museum in Ramona's Old Town

November 23, 2015 (Ramona)--The Ramona Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Christmas tree lighting event on December 5th from 5-8 p.m. in Old Town Ramona. The event features sleigh rides, carolers, Santa’s Village, performers and Santa Claus.

The tree-lighting will be at the Guy B. Woodward Museum (645 Main St..),  which includes a collection of historical buildings form Ramona's western past. The Holiday Craft Village with Santa will be in Ramona’s Town Hall.  Around town, watch for other activities and shops competing for the best-dressed window contest.

In addition, Old Town Ramona shops invite you to join in a “Find the Elf” contest from 3 -8 p.m. on the same day.


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PHOTO OF THE WEEK: RAMONA RAINBOW

 

November 11, 2015 (Ramona) – Nicole Bridges, founder of Capability Ranch, sent in this photo of a rainbow arcing over the facility. Capability Ranch provides activities and events for special needs children and adults.


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BLACK FRIDAY IS THE NEW “HUMP DAY”: POMEGRANATE DAYS AT THE OASIS CAMEL DAIRY NOV. 27-29

 

East County News Service

November 7, 2015 (Ramona) – One of East County’s most unique holiday traditions is Pomegranate Days at the Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona. 

Instead of battling crowds at the mall on the post-Thanksgiving weekend, why not head up to the Pomegranate Festival to enjoy feeding pomegranates to camels, camel rides for kids 3-14 (just print the coupon below)  watching a turkey stampede  (as seen at the county fair),  tropical bird show, and this year, circus performers as the high-flying McCandles family brings their aerial show to the site.

You can also buy holiday gift items such as a new product this year, Camel Milk Bath Bombs. Owners claim, “Cleopatra herself never had such a luxurious milk bath!”


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SCARE UP HALLOWEEN FUN AT DOS PICOS PARK’S HAUNTED TRAIL IN RAMONA OCT. 17

 

October 16, 2015 (Ramona)--Armed with just flashlights, our fearless hikers hit the trail under a night sky to brave the cobwebs, spiders and … wait! What was that sound?

They made it back out but will you? Hit the Haunted Trail at Dos Picos County Park in Ramona starting this weekend and find out.

County Parks is bringing back the Haunted Trail for some family-friendly Halloween fun on Saturday, Oct. 10 and Saturday, Oct. 17. The hike starts at 6:30 p.m. and lasts until about 8:30.


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BALD TIRES BLAMED IN SENIOR VAN COLLISION

 

East County News Service

Photo: Ambiguous on Flickr

October 9, 2015 (Ramona)--Bald tires are being blamed for a collision in which a Mercedes Benz sedan struck a county van that was transporting five senior citizens for the Ramona Senior Center.


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GIANT PUMPKINS SOUGHT FOR RAMONA "PICK OF THE PATCH" CONTEST

 

September 9, 2015 (Ramona)--Attention, pumpkin patch owners!  If you’ve got the great pumpkin growing in your patch, the Ramona Home Journal invites you to enter its “Pick of the Patch” contest and win cash prizes.


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READY, SET, STOMP! HACIENDA DE LAS ROSAS WINERY CELEBRATES REOPENING

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Miriam Raftery and Kristin Kjaero

September 7, 2015 (Ramona) -- Members of the Hacienda de las Rosas Winery's wine club kicked up their heels on Labor Day at the winery's 8th annual grape stomp.  The occasion also marked the grand reopening of the winery, which was closed over the summer following the death last winter of winemaker William Holzhaur.

Today, however, was a day of festivities as guests stomped grapes, sipped wine, savored tacos and enjoyed horse-drawn carriage rides.  The event also included a silent auction and donations to benefit the Ramona Humane Society.


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DESTINATION EAST COUNTY TOP FESTIVALS AND EVENTS JULY 28 - AUG. 14

 

Listen to this week's Destination East County broadcast from the East County Magazine Show on KNSJ radio 89.1 FM! Click the orange link above.(note: sound files make take a few moments to load.)

By Miriam Raftery

July 28, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)--This week’s Destination East County features a once in a blue moon hike, a vocal and jazz trio concert, and a watermelon festival at a camel dairy. Plus we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including movies at Santee Lakes, a Sip of Julian, the reopening of Rancho San Diego’s Farmer’s Market, and a rollicking new Lamplighters Theatre production.  So stay tuned for all of these events and much, much more!

Audio: 

Destination East County7-31-15

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COUNTY TO CHALLENGE FOREST SERVICE’S REFUSAL TO LAND NEWEST AIR TANKERS IN RAMONA DURING A WILDFIRE

County News Service

Photo: NIFC.gov

Update July 21: Supervisors voted unanimously to ask the Obama administration to take action and allow USFS air tankers to land in Ramona.

July 20, 2015 (Ramona)—The U.S. Forest Service is refusing to fly its newest air tankers in and out of Ramona Air Attack Base – and the Board of Supervisors may turn to the White House for help.  

On Tuesday, July 21 at 9 a.m. Supervisors will consider a proposal from Chairman Bill Horn and Supervisor Dianne Jacob to appeal the decision to the Obama Administration. With the high-risk fall fire season approaching, they say flying the next-gen tankers in and out of Ramona could help save lives and protect property.


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DINING IN THE VINEYARD AT GRANT JAMES

 

July 16, 2015 (Ramona)—The winemakers at Grant James Vineyard in Ramona say the best way to experience wine is dining in the vineyard. So they’re serving up Friday night dinners all summer long with a host of creative chefs.  Below are the delicious details on upcoming culinary events in the vineyard.


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WATERMELON DAYS AT OASIS CAMEL DAIRY JULY 31-AUG. 2

 

July 16, 2015 (San Diego's East County) - The Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona invites you to Watermelon Days on July 31st through Aug. 2 from 1 to 7 p.m.


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MEDICAL MARIJUANA COLLECTIVES' PERMITS APPROVED IN RAMONA

 

 

East County News Service

July 13, 2015 (Ramona)—The County has approved building permits for two medical marijuana collectives in Ramona, the Ramona Sentinel reports. But before the facilities can open their doors to dispense or grow medical marijuana, they must first obtain approvals from the Sheriff’s Department.


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WINERY OWNERS VOICE ALARM OVER PROPOSED ORDINANCE CHANGES

Update:  Hear our interview on KNSJ radio with Micole Moore, Ramona Valley Vineyards Association, and Elaine Lytleton, Hatfield Creek Vineyards and Winery, here:

http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/fmpwoizmfi/Newsmakers-Wineries-ElaineLytle....

 

Are the County's proposed changes rooted in 'sour grapes' complaints filed by competitors of successful new wineries?

By Miriam Raftery

July 12, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – Several years ago, the County adopted a tiered winery ordinance designed to promote agriculture and help small “boutique” winery owners.  But now the County is proposing drastic changes.  At a packed hearing last week, numerous winery owners and heads of vintners’ associations turned out, most warning of dire harm to the region’s wine industry if the proposal is adopted.

“Should the changes proceed as written, many fear for the death of our budding wineries, eliminating our potential growth, impact and long-term commitment to our communities,” a letter to County program manager Joseph Farace signed by Teri Kerns and Micole Moore states. Moore is president of Ramona Valley Vineyard Association, which has over 100 members. Kerns is Editor in Chief of the Ramona Valley Wine Region Magazine. Together, the couple also owns Ramona Ranch Vineyard and Winery.


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RAMONA FIREWORKS SHOW SAVED

 

By Miriam Raftery

July 3, 2015 (Ramona) – On June 29, we reported that this could be the last year for the Ramona fireworks show, since the Ramona Rotary Club had fallen short of raising the enormous funds needed for the display.  Fortunately, the Club has now reached its fundraising goal, the Ramona Home Journal reports in an e-mail sent to its readers.


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3 YOUNG PEOPLE SERIOUSLY INJURED IN HEAD-ON CRASH ON HIGHWAY 67

 

By Miriam Raftery

June 27, 2015 (Ramona) – A 21-year-old Ramona man driving a new 2015  Honda Civic was struck head-on Friday night at 10:34 p.m. on State Route 67.  A Kia driven by a 16-year-old San Diego teen with a provisional driver’s license crossed the center line after the driver lost control.  The two drivers, along with a 16-year-old passenger in the Kia, all sustained serious injuries.


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PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD OPENS ON RAMONA SOLAR PROJECT: JULY 6 DEADLINE

 

East County News Service

June 18, 2015 (Ramona) – A proposed 18.3 acre solar energy facility is proposed in Ramona at the northwest corner of Creelman Lane and Ashley Road.  The developer is asking the County to adopt a mitigated negative declaration that would exempt it from California Environmental Quality Act review, declaring the impacts to be insignificant.


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ANIMAL TALES: ROY TOFT, WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER AND TOUR GUIDE

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click here to hear our exclusive radio interview with Roy Toft during our show on KNSJ 89.1 FM:  https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/au... .  Scroll down to view his fabulous photos and read more.

By Mimi Pollack

May 28, 2015 (Ramona)--Many of us lead mundane lives, but not Roy Toft. This amiable Ramona wildlife photographer has had enough adventures for many lifetimes. His pictures have appeared in National Geographic, Audubon Magazines and Zoonooz, gaining him international acclaim.

Audio: 


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TRESSPASS CALL ENDS IN DEATH IN RAMONA

 

East County Magazine

April 26, 2016 (Ramona) –Sheriff’s deputies responded to a trespass call Saturday afternoon at a home in the 600 block of "D" street in Ramona, where they found an 57-year-old man who appeared agitated, according to the deputies.


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OLÉ! A SPANISH FIESTA APRIL 26 WITH EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE: FABULOUS PRIZES ADDED!

 

 

 

April 19, 2015 (Ramona) – You’re invited to East County Magazine’s Spanish Fiesta celebration on Sunday, April 26th from 12-2 p.m. at the beautiful Hacienda de las Rosas Winery in Ramona!

Your ticket includes wonderful wine-tasting, live flamenco guitar music by Myles Moynier, Peruvian Paso equestrian demonstration by Jorge Valenzuela, fabulous lunch by Jeremy’s on the Hill, delightful desserts from Grove Pastry Shop,  plus a silent auction and fabulous opportunity drawing prizes!

This event is limited to our subscribers--subscribe free at http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/wild-fire-alerts for our weekly newsletter, wildfire alerts or both.  Proceeds benefit our wildfire reporting for fire season. 

RSVP by Wednesday to enter a drawing for a Spanish guitar CD by the famous Romeros family. 

SDG&E will also be on hand with free gifts and energy saving tips.

For detail on the event, our fabulous line-up of prizes and more, click "read more" and scroll down.

Fabulous prizes! Olaf Wieghorst signed Western print, barbecue grill and accessories, Hacienda de las Rosas wine basket, happy hour at Hatfield Creek Vineyard, Ramona Ranch Vineyard wine, vintage jewelry from Antiques in the Village, arrowhead jewelry from Mountain Gypsy, earrings from Warm Hearth, Hand-wove scarves from Weaving Works in Santa Ysabel, gift certificate from Kathy’s Dress Shop, Array Mbira music lessons, guitar or vocal lessons from Ed Barrena, craft items, gift baskets, tickets to Julian Wild & Scenic Film Festival, tickets to Sage & Songbirds garden tour and festival, Circle Players "Cafe Murder" theater tickets, wine and tastings from Woof 'n' Rose Winery, and more!

 


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RAMONA TEEN PITCHES PERFECT GAME--AND HITS HOMERUN

 

By Miriam Raftery

April 20, 2015 (Ramona)--Move over, Babe Ruth.  There’s a new pitcher-slugger on the mound.


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VINEYARD GRANT JAMES ANNOUNCE EVENT SERIES IN RAMONA

 

East County News

April 19, 2015 (Ramona) –Vineyard Grant James in Ramona announces a series of events. Whether your tastes run to a winemakers’ dinner to a mother’s day weekend with flowers and chocolates for Mom, you’ll find plenty to savor. The winery also offers a yoga and writing regreat, gourmet foodie potluck, a fundraiser for Ramona high school and a summer of sangria kick-off at the winery, as well as several events off-site.  In addition, Grant James has live music every Sunday afternoon.

For a full list of events and details, click read more and scroll down.


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RAMONA OLD WEST DAYS: LIVING HISTORY ENCAMPMENTS & SKIT COMPETITION MAY 9-10

 

April 17, 2015 (Ramona)-Step back in time at Ramona Old West Days, featuring living history encampments  as well as a gunfighters’ skit competition at the Ramona Rodeo grounds (421 Aqua Lane, Ramona).


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RAMONA OPEN STUDIO TOUR APRIL 11-12

 

April 9, 2015 (Ramona) – The 12th annual Ramona Open Studios tour will be held this Satudray and Sunday, April 11-12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If you've ever wondered what an artist's studio looks like, now is your opportunity to see for yourself. During the Ramona Open Studios Tour, artists in Ramona will open their studios to curious visitors, inviting them to talk, check out how they work, and buy artwork if they're interested.


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HELEN STODDARD, A POWERFUL WOMAN IN EAST COUNTY'S PAST

 

By Miriam Raftery

April 8, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) –April is Women’s History Month.   It’s an appropriate time to share a story about a remarkable woman from East County’s past. Helen Gerrells Stoddard, a former resident of La Mesa , Lemon Grove and Ramona, was a prominent leader in the fight to win women the right to vote,  as well as in the temperance movement. She even earned a place in history at the national political level.


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CHILD DROWNS IN RAMONA

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 28, 2015 (Ramona)—A 4-year-old boy drowned in a swimming pool March 21st at a neighbor’s home in Ramona.


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ENVISION COLOR, NEW ARTWORKS STUDIO AND SUPPLIES, OPENS IN RAMONA

 

March 26, 2015 (Ramona) --Envision Color, creative artworks studio and supplies is now open for business at 733 Main Street.  Proud owners Carli Walsh and Donna Parsons have teamed up to provide Old Town Ramona with a much needed multimedia art studio offering artistic opportunities to all ages and abilities. No experience is required, just the passion for creating.


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CALIFORNIA'S FIRST DUNKIN' DONUTS AND BASKIN-ROBBINS COMBO DRIVE-THRU

 

RESTAURANT TO OPEN ON APRIL 7 IN RAMONA

New Ramona restaurant to commemorate grand opening with ribbon cutting, giveaways and more

March 26, 2015 (Ramona) – Soon, Ramona residents will be able to dip and dunk in a single stop.


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MEDICAL POT SHOP APPLIES FOR PERMIT IN RAMONA

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 24, 2015 (Ramona) - An application for a medical marijuana collective in Ramona has been submitted to the County of San Diego. If approved, it would be the county’s second legally licensed medical marijuana facility, situated in an industrial-zoned building at 1210 Olive Street.


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