East County News Service

Photo: Rare winter snowfall in Ramona in 2011, by Mike Mulligan

February 20, 2019 (San Diego's East County) -- A storm tonight coupled with a cold front is forecast to drop snow as low as 1,500 to 2,500 feet, the National Weather Service predicts. That could mean rare snowfalls in Ramona, Alpine, or even atop Cowles Mountain.  At higher elevations, 2 to 5 inches are forecast above 3,000 feet in areas such as Julian and Descanso, 6 to 12 inches above 5,000 feet including Mount Laguna and Palomar Mountain, and  12 to 16 inches above 6,500 feet including Cuyamaca Peak.

The storm is expected to bring rainfall of .25 to 1 inch to San DIego County's coastal and desert areas. A frost warning has been issued for Thursday and Friday morning.

Rents for low-income seniors to range from about $476 to $978 a month; federal vouchers to cover portion

By Paul Downey, President & CEO, Serving Seniors

February 5, 2019 (Ramona) -- Serving Seniors may be most well-known for its meal program, which provides 2,500 meals a day to seniors across the county. In 2017, the organization served 600,000 meals, which can greatly assist seniors that may be on fixed incomes, yet their housing expenses continue to increase.

In addition to nutritious meals, Serving Seniors helps seniors in poverty live fulfilling and healthy lives by also providing health services and affordable housing. Early this summer, Serving Seniors will open its 62-unit Schmale Family Senior Residence in Ramona. Developed in partnership with Chelsea Investment Corporation, it will be the organization’s Seniors’ first affordable housing complex in east San Diego County.   

East County News Service

January 17, 2019 (Ramona) -- The Wildlife Research Center in Ramona will present “Hawk Watch” each Saturday in January and February.  This year the event will be held at the Begent Ranch in Ramona (18528 Highland Valley Road.)

Arrive at 9:30 a.m. for coffee and doughnuts before the program begins at 10 a.m. You will  meet birds of prey up close in the Ramona grasslands such as hawks, owls and eagles. Charles Gailband of Wild Wings, his apprentice, Spencer, and fellow falconer Cisco who bring their amazing raptors to share with the public.

Update: The driver of the Toyota has also died. He has been identified as Gonzalo Rodriguez.

The child who perished has been identified as Christian Diaz, per the San DIego County Medical Examiner.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo courtesy ECM news partner 10 News

December 24, 2018 (Ramona) – A small boy was killed in a two vehicle collision in Ramona late this morning on State Route 78 east of Haverford Rd. near Ramona. Four other people were injured in the Christmas Eve crash, including a second child who has been life-flighted to a hospital.

According to Officer Travis Garrow with the California Highway Patrol, a 44-year-old Ramona man was driving a 2002 Toyota Camry westbound, with three passengers, when his vehicle veered off the road onto the shoulder. According to witnesses, he over-corrected and crossed the center lines into the path of an eastbound 2014 Dodge Ram SUV driven by a 77-year-old man from Falls City, Oregon. The vehicles collided head-on.

East County News Service

Photo: SDG&E camera

November 10, 2018 (Ramona) -- A small plane crashed into a field west of the Ramona airport shortly before 8 a.m today and caught fire, but fortunately the pilot and a passenger escaped unharmed.

According to Cal. Fire/County Fire Authority, the fire was swiftly doused without spreading to adjacent brushy areas.

East County News Service

August 27, 2018 (Ramona) - Gregory Page & pianist Sky Ladd will perform at the Schwaesdall Winery September 22nd from 1-4 p.m. for an afternoon of vintage and perhaps even some brand-new music on the vineyard stage. To borrow Gregory's famous lyrics: "Let's wine & dine" on Schwaesdall's estate wines and artisan pizzas while savoring music from the GP Duo.  

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: ECM News partner 10 News

July 21, 2018 (Ramona) – The Cinnamon Fire that scorched 13 acres in the Witch Creek area yesterday destroyed Ramona’s original stagecoach stop built in 1870, prompting rescue in efforts that saved the family's dogs. Other dogs in a boarding kennel on the property are also safe.

“We lived there for 12 years until we built a new house,” the owner of Kritter Camp Boarding Kennel, located on Creek Hollow Drive in Ramona, told East County Magazine regarding the historic structure. At the time of the fire, she added, “My daughter and her boyfriend lived there.”

East County News Service

July 18, 2018 (Ramona) – After a burglar stole jewelry, tools, electric bicycles and other items valued at $95,000 to $125,000 out of their motorhome and a storage shed in Ramona, Michael and Veronica Mahaffey obtained an anonymous tip.  That led them to 929 East Old Julian Highway, where they confronted Christopher Payne, 24, who admitted to the theft.

By Miriam Raftery

June 21, 2018 (Ramona) – A 72-year-old Ramona woman died after the white Nissan Murano she was driving missed a curve and struck a concrete and rock retaining wall. 

The crash occurred yesterday at 2:42 p.m. on a dirt road on private property along Gem Lane in Ramona.  The driver, who as not wearing a seatbelt, succumbed to blunt force injuries at the scene.

East County News Service

June 14, 2018 (Ramona) – Ramona Sheriff’s deputies responded to multiple silent robbery alarms at Chase Bank, located at 1467 Main Street in Ramona, on Tuesday, June 12^th shortly before 4 p.m.

A witness told deputies that a man threatened that he had a gun. No one was injured in the robbery, but the suspect fled before deputies arrived.

Backcountry hidden pleasures:   Our guide to unique lodging adventures in San Diego’s beautiful backcountry

By Liz Orient

May 31, 2018 (Ramona) -- “We live a good life and people tend to pick up on that when they stay here,” says Arline Bartick, co-owner of Starry Night Inn. Upon arrival at Don and Arline Bartick’s charming bed and breakfast, I couldn’t have agreed more.

Located in the idyllic countryside of Ramona, California’s winemaking region, Starry Night Inn is an award-winning winery and guest house. From concept to fruition, Starry Night Inn has been a labor of love.

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

May 5, 2018 (Ramona)--Cal Fire advises that a brush fire is burning in Ramona. The blaze, now about seven acres, started at Montecito Road and North Ramona. The blaze is 10 percent contained and burning at a moderate rate of speed.

The Sheriff's Department reported moments ago that the fire is mostly in a riverbed and that no homes are currently threatened. Residents and motorists are asked to please keep the area clear for emergency vehicles.

By Miriam Raftery

March 14, 2018 (Ramona) -- Nine homeless people were arrested last week and charged with trespassing for camping along the Santa Maria Creek in the Ramona area.

According to the Ramona Sentinel, those arrested were warned during prior sweeps and a cleanup of the area that they would have to relocate, but did not do so.

By Miriam Raftery

February 22, 2018 (Ramona) – You’re invited to meet artists, art teachers, furniture artisans and celebrate the life of the late, great artist Helen Petre  on Friday, March 2 from 6-8 p.m. at the 2Create Gallery, 438 Main Street in Ramona.  The event is the first of a series of “First Friday” art events that the gallery plans to host, each featuring art, music and refreshments.

Helen Petre was a colorful and acclaimed artist who lived in Julian and continued creating works of art well into her nineties. Known for her stylish hats and fashionable clothing that she designed herself, during her long and productive life she became a prolific artist excelling in collage, monoprinting, mixed media and bookarts.