Ramona Home Journal & Julian Journal of California

Miss Ramona 2008

06/02/2008

Miss Ramona Rachel McAllister is on the Dean's List at San Diego State University, where she majors in dance and studies child and family development. She plans to continue performing as a dancer and then become a full-time teacher and choreographer.

Seamed with Love

By Tracy Rolling — 06/02/2008

Without question, the Ramona community is incredibly generous. Likewise, we know generosity comes in a variety of forms. One such example is in the warmth of a blanket and in the comfort of a pillow. Nearly 100 years ago, a small group of women came together and the Thimble Club was born, bringing warmth and comfort to many.

Julian Townsite to Make History

By Bobbi Zane — 06/02/2008

Julian may get the national recognition it has long deserved as an historic site holding enough significance for the town to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

10th Annual Blues Bash is a 'Labor of Love'

06/02/2008

The sound of blues music will ring through the hills of Julian when Robb Bower holds his famous Blues Bash on Saturday, June 21. Menghini Winery off Farmer Road is the place to be, as Bower makes this Blues Bash a true "Labor of Love," the theme of this year's show.

Gold Rush Days Celebrates Julian's Prospecting Past

06/02/2008

Julian Gold Rush Days is a town-wide celebration of Julian's historic, gold-prospecting past, organized by the Julian Merchants Association. On June 14 and 15, downtown Julian will take a look back at its olden days, when a rare and fine grade of gold was discovered in 1869. The gold rush continued from 1870 to 1900 and the population quickly grew, creating the picturesque town.

Julian Fourth of July Parade Honors Hometown Heroes

06/02/2008

Julian will salute their hometown heros at the 2008 Fourth of July parade. Dubbed the "greatest little small town parade in America," the Julian event that frequently draws 10,000 viewers celebrates the Spirit of America: Hometown Heroes.

Who's Ready for Summer?

By Tracy Rolling — 06/02/2008

Most of us know the answer to the above question: THE KIDS! All year they've dedicated themselves to their academic careers, turned in their book reports, logged endless hours of homework and studied for numerous tests. Now that summer is here, it's their time to break away from the mundane and treat themselves to a little R and R - Ramona Recreation, that is.

Local Company Generates Big Excitement in Home Decor

By Regina Elling — 06/02/2008

As a child growing up, Christa DeMartini remembers being surrounded by colorful bolts of material and her mom's artistic skill. "My mom made canvas awnings for years," says DeMartini. "She was always playing with the material and coming up with creative solutions.

Dog Lovers Love Kiwanis Club's Bow Wow Pow Wow

06/02/2008

All Ramona area dogs - and those who love them - are welcome at the Fourth Annual Kiwanis Bow Wow Pow Wow, set for June 7 at the Ramona Fairgrounds on Aqua Lane.

It's a Dog-Race-Dog World for Local Ramona Couple

By Regina Elling — 06/02/2008

Everyone who owns a small breed of dog knows that their dog has two big loves in life - to run and to eat treats," laughs Ashley Hoskins. But not everyone has been able to take this knowledge and, literally, run with it.

Backcountry Writers Holds Conference in July

By Annette Williams — 06/02/2008

For those who are curious about writing, publishing, marketing, layout, Web presence and all the large and small details of getting something into print, Backcountry Writers has the answers.

Log Homes are Beautiful and Save Energy

06/02/2008

Thermal Mass Effect is an energy saving characteristic of dense material, like the logs used in log home construction. Simply put, it takes a long time for temperatures outside a log home to change the temperature inside. Heating and cooling equipment does not have to run as often. Thermal Mass Effect, in the long run, can save the log home owner thousands of dollars in energy bills.

Pacific Crest Trail - Eagle Rock

By Karen Carlson — 06/02/2008

June gloom is on its way and this is the perfect opportunity to hit the trail in Ranchita along the Pacific Crest Trail. A 45-minute drive from Ramona will take you and your equine to a most wondrous place. I heard talk of this area, but I was still surprised by the beauty and the actual "Eagle Rock" formation created by years of wind and rain.

Horsing Around at Butterfield Ranch Resort

By Jim Evans — 06/02/2008

Two years ago, Linda Grice, former general manager of the Riviera Oaks Resort, and her husband David purchased the old Butterfield Ranch in Julian and began renovating the forgotten park and campground at the edge of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

Two Old Friends Have a Talk

By Elizabeth Ponce de Leon — 06/02/2008

Well! Good morning, old girl Want to walk a little? You look better today The new diet must be agreeing with you Oh, I know you don't like it I don't like what my doctor wants me to eat,

Old Cattle Ranches Invaluable to Backcountry History

By Regina Elling — 06/02/2008

When driving around Ramona or the backcountry, few of us give the numerous icons of old ranch estates a second look. Fortunately, Heather Thomson does. And her "second looks" are documenting an important part of local history.

The Desert Dispatch

By Darrell Beck — 06/02/2008

The establishment of military posts in California following the war with Mexico made it essential that military dispatches and mail be delivered; thus, in 1849 a military mail route was established between San Diego and San Francisco to the north, and to Yuma to the east. These mail routes were the beginning of the regional road system.

Relay for Life

06/02/2008

Thirteen cancer survivors release white doves as a symbol of hope during the opening ceremonies at the Fourth Annual Ramona Relay For Life. Photos by Tracy Rolling

ACToR - Actors' Community Theatre of Ramona

06/02/2008

ACToR - Actors' Community Theatre of Ramona - has concluded its first successful stage production in Ramona, Steel Magnolias. Now, the non-profit organization is seeking sponsors for its complete 2008-09 season, which will include productions of A Night on the Town, Scrooge and Dickens, Greater Tuna, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Ramona Real Estate Brokerage

06/02/2008

Paul and Bryn Tarr are Ramona real estate specialists, so that's why they've opened Ramona Real Estate Brokerage. The Tarrs have extensive experience in real estate sales. Being licensed since 1988 and Ramona residents since 1989, they were busy as Realtors with the Keller Williams office formerly in Ramona.

Culinary Apprentices in the Making

By Tracy Rolling — 06/02/2008

From soufflés to sushi, students at Ramona High School have been studying the art of culinary for more than thirty years. Their repertoire includes beef Wellington, créme brulee, apple fritters, chocolate soufflés, and many more mouth-watering recipes.

Ramona's Field of Dreams

By Tracy Rolling — 06/02/2008

What started out as a dream more than five years ago could soon become a bona fide reality for Ramona PONY Baseball players, coaches and generations to come.

Ramona Rotary Club's 2008 July 4th Family Picnic

06/02/2008

Fundraising has begun for Ramona Rotary Club's 2008 July 4th Family Picnic & Fireworks Show, to be held on Friday, July 4, beginning at 5 p.m. The fundraising goal is $22,000, and to date, $3,400 has beenraised, said Thad Clendenen, 2008 July 4th chair.

When a Cup of Coffee Comes With Compassion

By Regina Elling — 06/02/2008

Stop in any Ramona coffee shop during a weekend morning, and you are likely to see small groups of friends sharing drinks and discussions. But one group is doing more than just getting their day on track by sharing their morning java. When the Coffee and Care group meets at Packard's II on Saturday mornings, they are, literally, getting their lives back on track.

Julian's 17-Passenger Motorized Stage Being Restored

By Regina Elling — 06/02/2008

Between today's fast cars and paved roads, it's hard to imagine the "buses" of yesteryear. They were without air conditioning or radios and they were slow and often uncomfortable. Even so, to their passengers, they were often a vast improvement over stagecoaches pulled by horses or mules.

Julian Stitch Chicks Knit Afghans for Afghans

By Bobbi Zane — 06/02/2008

They call themselves the Stitch Chicks, a group of Julian women who have taken on a very old-fashioned project: knitting blankets for needy people. In this case, the blankets take the form of afghans and other knitted and crocheted items that go to newborns in the CURE Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan.

A Cozy Getaway Created by Julian Interiors

By Tracy Rolling — 06/02/2008

If you're looking for a place to relax, unwind and embrace the beauty that surrounds the charming communities of Julian and Santa Ysabel, look no further than the new vacation rental called Shady Acres. Built in the early 1900s, this renovated guest home is situated on five acres and nestled under giant oak trees.

Julian Student Shoots for International Basketball Competition

By Annette Williams — 06/02/2008

Julian Union High School junior Jennifer Rainey knows what it's like to compete in basketball at the statewide level. Soon, she'll know what international competition is all about. Basketball players from the United States and Canada will meet in Columbus, Ohio for the 2008 Prep Basketball USA Junior Nationals International Sports Festival held July 21 to 27.

Who's Ready for

By Tracy Rolling — 06/02/2008

Most of us know the answer to the above question: THE KIDS! All year they've dedicated themselves to their academic careers, turned in their book reports, logged endless hours of homework, and studied for numerous tests. Now that summer is here, it's their time to break away from the mundane and treat themselves to a little fun in the Julian sun.

Memorial Day PONY Baseball Tournament

06/02/2008

The Julian All Stars, Pinto division, was one of the teams that played in the Memorial Day PONY Baseball Tournament in Ramona.

Manzinita High Mountain Rendezvous

06/02/2008

A father-and-son team attempts to boil water using primitive means during the Manzinita High Mountain Rendezvous Tea Party contest. Photos by Tracy Rolling

Living Trusts Are Not Just About Avoiding Probate

06/02/2008

The concerns over the high costs and long delays associated with probate are often central to the discussions of why living trusts are far superior to wills as estate planning tools, even for relatively small estates. For strictly probate avoidance purposes, however, a living trust may not always be needed.

Financial Focus

06/02/2008

It's that time of year when students across the country are graduating from college. It took a lot of effort to earn those degrees, but it took something else, too - money. It's this financial aspect of college that may concern you if you have children. How can you take some of the stress out of paying the high costs of higher education?

"Smart" Has Clockwork Performance

By Johnny McDonald — 06/02/2008

Maybe you knew this but we didn't. It turns out that the idea behind the diminutive "Smart car" began with Swiss watch manufacturer Swatch, and was originally nicknamed the "Swatchmobile." The name "Smart" is an acronym for Swatch Mercedes ART.

Senior Fitness

By Jim Evans — 06/02/2008

DEAR JIM: My husband has suffered some serious physical problems since he turned 70 - he's 72 now - and it has soured his attitude about life in general. In fact, he seems to be pessimistic about almost everything, and nobody wants to be around him anymore, including me. I love him dearly, but his negative attitude is dragging him and everyone else down around him.

Julian Events

06/02/2008

Graduations Julian Junior High School eighth grade graduation will be held June 10 at 6:30 p.m. at 1704 Cape Horn Drive in the elementary school Multi-Purpose Room. Julian Union High School graduation will be held June 5 at 6 p.m. at 1656 Hwy. 78 in the high school Quad.

Clubs & Organizations Section

06/02/2008

Old Time Country Fair Immaculate Heart of Mary Church will host its Old Time Country Fair, June 6 through 8, at 537 E St. For information, call the church at 760-789-0583. Bow Wow Pow Wow Kiwanis Club will hold its Fourth Annual Bow Wow Pow Wow on June 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ramona Fairgrounds on Aqua Lane. Admission is $3 for adults, $1 for children.

Photo

06/02/2008

Barnett Elementary School kindergarten students enjoyed farm day at the school, with a visit by Timothy Teichert, back row, left, owner of Triple-T Ranch in Ramona, and one of his prized myotonic, or fainting goat. Instructor Karen Johnson, back row, right, allowed the students to hold and pet the goat as they learned about the unique animals. Photo by Charles Teichert Jr.

Photo

06/02/2008

Radio personality Cliff and Company from KSON-FM 97.3 and 92.1 broadcasted live from Ramona Café last month as part of a special 16-week promotion called Hometown Handshake. Listeners voted on the Best of Ramona, and among their decisions were Mt. Woodson Elementary School as best school in Ramona, and Mt. Woodson Elementary kindergarten teacher Nicole Brown as best teacher in Ramona. Pictured are Cliff and Company, Nicole Brown, Mt. Woodson Principal Theresa Grace, and several teachers and students from Mt. Woodson Elementary. Photo by Tracy Rolling

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06/02/2008

VFW Post 3783 held a memorial service at the Post's Memorial Wall for former VFW member, George Ragsdale. Lieutenant George Ragsdale passed away April 10, 2008, and was interred at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery with full military honors on May 6.VFW Post Commander Dale Smith, right, presented the American flag to Ragsdale's daughter, Denise Sothman, who was accompanied by her husband, Matt Sothman, and their three children, Travis, Jordyn and Jami.Photo by Ken Dower

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06/02/2008

Ramona Kiwanis president Pete Casalegno, left, presents a $1,000 check to Ramona High School head wrestling coach Steve Koch to assist with the team's travel expenses as they compete in statewide wrestling meets. Photo by Charles Teichert Jr.

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06/02/2008

Ramona Rodeo Queen and Court, from left, Taylor Miville, Hannah Jones, Danielle Schramm and McKayla Brown (front).Photo by John JOnes

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06/02/2008

Ramona Chamber member Bob Murray and Executive Director Nelson MacWilliams shown with country music star Hal Ketchum at the Belly Up in Solana Beach. Kechum will be featured at "Hal Ketchum in Concert" Sunday, August 3 at 6 p.m. during the Ramona Country Fair. Pre-sale tickets are on sale in June at Ramona Chamber of Commerce, Ramona Pharmacy, Albertsons, Livery, Elstons and Java Hut. Call the Chamber at 760-789-1311 or go online www.RamonaChamber.com. Photo by Darrel Kinney

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06/02/2008

Intermountain Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department was honored with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from the office of Congressman Duncan Hunter. Pictured from left are Intermountain Fire Battalion Chief John Boyer; Rick Terrazas, District Chief of Staff for Duncan Hunter; Intermountain Fire President Charles Teichert Jr.; and Intermountain Fire Vice President Russ Meskell. Photo by Carol Kinney

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06/02/2008

Directors and ambassadors welcomed a new business to the Ramona Chamber of Commerce with a May ribbon cutting. Monette Dyar of Lacaze Learning Center. Photo by Darrel Kinney

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Photo by Ken Dower — 06/02/2008

The Ramona VFW Post 3783 celebrated its 18th Bi-annual Pig Roast fundraiser at the DaleMar Ranch on El Sol Road. Funds raised support the general fund of the Ramona VFW post.

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06/02/2008

Directors and ambassadors welcomed a new business to the Ramona Chamber of Commerce with a May ribbon cutting. General Manager Glenn Knowles, with scissors, and District Manager Alfonso Messina at the remodeled Sizzler Restaurant. Photo by Julie Israels