Ramona

HEAR MBIRA MAKER AND MUSICIAN PATRICK HADLEY

 

By Miriam Raftery

September 3, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – I first discovered the enchanting music of the mbira while visiting Milagro Winery in Ramona.  It turns out the mbira, inspired by the African kalimba but much bigger, is a unique musical instrument invented by a local entrepreneur and crafted by musician Patrick Hadley.

On our East County Magazine radio show on KNSJ, we interviewed Hadley, who shared news about the crafting of this amazing instrument--and some famous musical stars now including the mbira in their performances. Hadley also gave an improve performance on our show.

Hear a podcast of his interview and music here:  https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/au...

For more info and links, click "read more" or scroll down.

Audio: 


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GIL AND NANCY RIEGLER: ANIMAL WHISPERERS IN RAMONA

 

By Mimi Pollack

August 28, 2014 (Ramona) -- Being an animal whisperer is not magic. It is a combination of common sense and tapping into an energy or even spiritual connection that a lucky few have with animals. Gil and Nancy Riegler, owners of the Oasis Dairy Camel Farm in Ramona, have had a special bond with animals since they were young, and it has grown over their many years of working and learning about them.


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COMMUNITY RALLIES TO HELP RAMONA MARINE WHO LOST LEGS IN AFGHANISTAN EXPLOSION

 

By Miriam Raftery

August 20, 2014 (Ramona)--On August 9th, Brandon Dodson’s life changed forever.  The Marine Corps Staff Sergeant from Ramona was on combat patrol in Hemand Provice, Iraq when an Improvised Explosive Device, or IED detonated.  He lost both legs and suffered other serious injuries including a fractured pelvis, broken tailbone and broken hand, KPBS reports.


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GET HELP FIXING UP THE NEIGHBORHOOD

 

Source: County News Service

Photo: Funds paid for new playground equipment at Campo Community Center Park.

August 11, 2014(San Diego’s East County)--Want to help improve your neighborhood over the next five years?  Meetings set for Sept. 23 and 25 in Ramona, Spring Valley, Fallbrook and National City are set for the public to learn about programs and grants available for community projects in San Diego County’s unincorporated areas.


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RAMONA FUND FOR ANIMALS CENTER IN RAMONA HELPS SAVE LOCAL WILDLIFE

 

 

 

 

Hear our interview at the Ramona Fund for Animals Wildlife Center: https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/au...

By Miriam Raftery

 

August 7, 2014 (Ramona) – The Ramona Fund for Animals Wildlife Center is one of only three facilities in San Diego County that rehabilitate injured or ill wildlife for release back into the wild. Currently the Center is nursing back to health two coyote pups found with burned feet during the May wildfires.

The Center, founded by Cleveland Amory, also has some permanent residents that cannot be rereleased, including  a hand-raised captive cougar in these photos (shot through the bars of its enclosure). This mountain lion was reported by a local veterinarian after its owner, who purchased it illegally from out of state, brought the cub in for a “well kitten” checkup.

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TEEN HIKING VICTIM IDENTIFIED

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo from Yasmen Vidales’ Facebook page

August 1, 2014 (Ramona) – An 18-year-old woman who died July 22 of heat exhaustion following a hike in the Three Sisters Falls area has been identified as Yasmen Vidales, the San Diego Medical Examiner’s office reports.  A recent graduate of Chula Vista High School, she also played in the school’s orchestra.


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VINES AND WINES: RAMBLIN' ROUND RAMONA

 

By Don Rutkoff

Photo: Elaine Lyttleton, Hatfield Creek Winery

July 30, 2014 (Ramona)--I went tooling around Ramona Sunday, visiting and tasting some newer wineries, and I will tell you, if you haven't started tasting the locals, you need to get off your couch and hit the road.  There are a lot of very good wines in Ramona, mostly red, mostly familiar grapes, and a few lesser known grapes too.


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SUMMER WINES: TASTING CLASS OFFERED AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE JULY 16 AND 23

July 11, 2014 (El Cajon) – East County Magazine’s new wine columnist and viticulture expert Don Rutkoff will conduct a two-week summer wine tasting class in the conservancy garden at Cuyamaca College from 6-8 p.m. on July 16 and 23.

“White and rose wines are very popular during the summer and come from all over the world. Local wineries are making excellent wines in these categories,” the course description states. Over two evenings, this class explores a short introduction of the grapes and winemaking methods, followed by several flights of 3-5 wines per flight, and discussion of food pairing.


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URGENT POLL: ASK KNSJ TO AIR LIVE WILDFIRE ALERTS & WILDFIRE REPORTING: HONOR PROMISES MADE TO DONORS & HELP SAVE LIVES

 

Dear  Readers:

A year ago when KNSJ radio launched, the station promised to air our live wildfire and emergency alerts. Saturday is their anniversary party - please send a message TODAY asking them to honor this promise!

In the July 2013 Chariot Fire the station did go live and I reported on the fire on Mt. Laguna.  For a few weeks, KNSJ aired our alerts with a delay of an hour or so, promising to improve technology to get real live alerts. Later KNSJ stopped airing wildfire alerts at all. I’ve pleaded with KNSJ to air Viejas Wildfire Alerts as promised, which we offer them free, to save lives and keep you safe. In the backcountry when power lines burn and some have no cell service,  battery-powered radio is often the only way to get news during fires.

KNSJ’s CEO says having the federal emergency broadcast system  in place is enough, but it’s not. It wasn’t activated during recent fires in East County.  KNSJ's CEO and Board  refuse to even guarantee a start date for alerts or an exact dollar figure that would guarantee these would air. They ask for more money, without delivering on promises made to donors who already gave to support getting alerts on the air.  KNSJ also has zero live broadcasting, even for breaking news during fires.

TAKE OUR POLL AND SEND A MESSAGE TO KNSJ:  Should the FCC ask KNSJ to keep its promise and air live Viejas Wildfire & Emergency Alerts & have live news broadcasts during wildfires?

PLEASE VOTE HERE:  http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/poll/should-fcc-ask-knsj-keep-its-promise-air-live-viejas-wildfire-emergency-alerts-and-have-live-ne


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A LAVENDER AND WINE EXPERIENCE: JULY 23 AT RAMONA RANCH WINERY

 

 

 

July 1, 2014 (Ramona) – What could be finer than to savor a “Lavender and Wine Experience” plus catered delicacies?   Ramona Ranch Winery, Trezette’s Catering and Volcan Vista Farm invites you to “evoke your sensations” and meet the farmer, wine maker and chef on Wednesday evening, July 23 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. 

Learn about growing Lavender and Ramona’s exploding wine-region while creating your own custom sachet over a Lavender-themed buffet style dinner paired with a glass of Ramona Ranch Wine as the sun sets on the outdoor tasting terrace at Ramona Ranch Winery in Ramona.


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BODY OF MISSING MAN FOUND

 

June 30, 2014 (Ramona)--The search for a missing Ramona man has ended tragically.

The Medical Examiner has determined that a body found in a field in Ramona is Carl Lee Salayer,  The 67-year-old man was reported missing from his Ramona home on June 17.


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MISSING ALZHEIMER’S PATIENT WITH FEEDING TUBE IN RAMONA

 

By Miriam Raftery

June 17, 2014 (Ramona) – A search is underway in Ramona to locate Carl Salayer, 66, who was last seen when he went to bed last night. He left his home in the 17000 block of Handlebar Road in Ramona between 2:30 and 6:30  this morning. 

He suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease and has other medical conditions and needs to take his medications.   He had a feeding tube and may only be wearing his undergarments. He is white, 6 feet 3 inches tall, weighs 150 pounds, with blue eyes , balding grey hair and a moustache  He could run when approached, so if you see him please call the Sheriff’s department at 858-565-5200. Refer to Sheriff’s missing persons case 14130623.


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RAMONA SITES ON FARM TOUR DAY JUNE 7

 

June 7, 2014 (Ramona)--On Saturday June 7th, the San Diego Farm Bureau hosts its annual farm tour. This is an exclusive look at a side of San Diego County few people get to see. So if you’re ever hankered to experience country life down on the farm, here’s your chance.


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BEST VIDEOS IN EAST COUNTY: "DRONE PORK DROP"

 

May 30, 2014 (Ramona) – Activists from Veterans for Peace and the Ramona Forum found a creative way to get their message out at the Ramona Parade.  Dave Patterson narrates the groups’ video, providing details on a “drone pork drop” float created here in East County.    View the video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuPsjj_12j0


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RAMONA CYCLIST KILLED

 

June 1, 2014 (Ramona ) – Ramona resident Juan Perez Alarcon, 54, was struck by a vehicle and killed on May 28  at 6:44 a.m. while riding his bicycle  at the intersection of Keyser Road and Warnock Drive in Ramona.


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HARDENING OF ELECTRICAL POLES IN SANTA YSABEL, RAMONA AREAS

 

By Nadin Abbott

May 29, 2014 (San Diego) One of the effects of Climate Change is that San Diego County is expected to have more wild land fires. They already pose a challenge for San Diego Gas and Electric, since wooden poles can burn down, which can delay power restoration in the backcountry.


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FIRES ACROSS REGION DURING HIGH WIND WARNINGS

Largest blaze in Santee chars 5 acres

By Nadin Abbott

Photo, left, by Jeff Holz

April 29, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)-- The day started with smoke in the far East County, near Jacumba on Old Highway 80. Cal Fire responded only to find a structure fire on the other side of the border fence. Per the incident commander, the structure was fully involved and crews remained on scene to make sure it did not pose a threat. Since the house had good clearance, there was no threat to vegetation, or the United States.

The second fire was in Ramona. It was a compost fire at Dye Street south of Ramona Street. It was extinguished in short order.

The third and most serious was near the Carlton Hills Golf Course in Santee.  A parking lot at Carlton Hills Southern Baptist Church became the Incident Command Post for the blaze, which briefly threatened apartments nearby.


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FIRES IN SANTEE, RAMONA AND NEAR BORDER IN JACUMBA AREA

 

 

Update 5 p.m. A new fire is reported in the Carlton Hills area of Santee.  For timely updates visit www.Twitter.com and follow ViejasAlerts.  As of 5:30 p.m., 5 acres have burned in Santee from a blaze that started in the San Diego River bed.  Forward spread was stopped at the Carlton Hills golf course with help from four helicopters droping water before the fire reached 125.  Fences were burned but no structures were damaged. There were no injuries.

The Ramona fire has been extinguished.

April 29, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – A full wildland response by Cal Fire and the U.S. Forest Service has been ordered for a vegetation fire that reportedly began in a compost pile in Ramona.  Heartland Fire is also on the scene.

The fire is burning near Dye Road and Ramona Street, between Highway 67 and San Vicente.   View map:https://www.google.com/maps/place/Dye+Rd+%26+Ramona+St/@33.0083989,-116.8796472,14z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x80dbe6729949d82d:0xfecc04e91f9678d1


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CHURCH BURGLARY SUSPECTS ARRESTED

 

April 14, 2014 (Ramona) – San Diego Sheriff’s department announces the arrest of two suspects believed to have robbed St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Ramona as well as a residential burglary in San Marcos.


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WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR TO STOP AT RAMONA AIRPORT APRIL 23-25

 

 

April 8, 2014 (Ramona)--Aviation enthusiasts and war history buffs will enjoy an exciting display at Ramona Airport when the Wings of Freedom Tour flies into town this month. World War II aircraft, including the B-17 Flying Fortress, B-24 Liberator and P-51 Mustang, will be on display April 23 to 25 at 2898 Montecito Rd., Ramona.


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PROM ATTIRE SOUGHT

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 31, 2014 (Ramona)--If you have a tuxedo or formal gown hanging in your closet that you no longer need, Ramona High School is asking that you donate these items to help students who can’t otherwise afford to attend their prom on May 3rd.


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MICOLE MOORE ELECTED PRESIDENT OF RAMONA VALLEY VINEYARD ASSOCIATION

 

March 29, 2014(Ramona) The Ramona Valley Vineyard Association (RVVA) elected Vintner Micole Moore, of Ramona Ranch Winery to serve as President of the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association for 2014.   The RVVA represents nearly100 vineyards and wineries, with the Ramona Valley AVA recently named the fastest emerging wine-region in California.  Located approximately 35 miles NE of San Diego, the Ramona Valley is nestled in the front range of the Pacific coastal mountains of Southern California and has a rich history of vineyards and wine making, dating back to the early missions.  Hot days and cool nights, influenced by the coastal marine layer and fog, contribute to conditions that produce quality wine grapes in the Ramona Valley.


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FUNDING SECURED FOR HIGHWAY 67 IMPROVEMENTS

 

March 25, 2014 (Ramona)--Caltrans announced today that it has secured funding to move forward with a project to improve a busy rural highway intersection in the East County.


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RAMONA WOMAN DIES AFTER HEAD-ON CRASH ON BARONA RESERVATION

 

 

March 16, 2014 (Barona) – Graciela Bustos, 53, of Ramona died at a local hospital of injuries sustained earlier in the evening on March 15 in a head-on collision.  The crash occurred at 6:37 p.m. on Wildcat Canyon Road on the Barona reservation.

The vehicle that swerved over the center line and caused the deadly crash was reportedly driven by a Barona tribal enforcement officer who was on duty at the time, a Cal Fire official told the Ramona Sentinel.  Bustos was a passenger and was wearing a seatbelt, the Medical Examiner reports. The driver of the vehicle carrying Bustos was seriously injured, sustaining injuries to his face, arm, leg and hip, according to the Ramona Sentinel.


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PASSAGES: DROWNED KAYAKER IDENTIFIED

 

March 12, 2014 (Ramona) – A kayaker found drowned at Lake Sutherland on March 1 has been identified as Leonard Kevin Jones, 57, a widower.  According to the Medical Examiner, dilated cardiomyopathy contributed to his death.


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WANTED FELON CHRISTOPHER DONESKI SOUGHT IN RAMONA AFTER FLEEING FROM DEPUTIES

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 3, 2014 (Ramona) – A man with a felony warrant who is also suspected of a vehicle theft in Ramona fled from deputies but eluded capture this evening,  according to Lt. Hank Turner.


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BODY OF KAYAKER MISSING ON LAKE SUTHERLAND FOUND

 

Update March 2, 2014:  The body of the missing fisherman has been found, ECM has learned.

March 1, 2014 (Ramona) – A search and rescue effort is underway at Lake Sutherland, where a kayar was found floating upside down at 5:20 p.m. in the Ramona lake.  According to Lt. Dave Schaller with the Sheriff’s office, the kayak is believed to be owned by a 55-year-old man who frequents the lake for fishing and is known to employees at the lake.


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BURGLARY SUSPECT BUSTED IN RAMONA

 

February 14, 2014 (Ramona)—Matilda Abaez, 42, has been arrested after residents found her inside a neighbor’s garage and called  for help.  Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call of a burglary in progress shortly before 2 p.m. today in the 200 block of Kalbaught Street, Ramona.


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SMALL, LOCAL WINERIES CONCERNED ABOUT PROPOSED ZONING AMENDMENT

 

By Sharon Penny

County Contends Amendments Will Clarify Existing Ordinance; Wineries See Restrictions with Major Impacts

January 23, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)--The County of San Diego held a Tiered Winery Ordinance Workshop on January 17 in an effort to discuss and solicit feedback from the public on its draft zoning ordinance amendments that will affect local wineries.

More than 100 people were in attendance, many representing a variety of boutique wineries in San Diego County.

There was a unanimous sentiment from local vintners that the proposed amendments would place burdensome restrictions on local wineries, leading to the destruction of the county’s burgeoning small business operations.


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WINERIES OBJECT TO PROPOSED CHANGES TO BOUTIQUE WINERY ORDINANCE

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

January 16, 2014 (Ramona) – The County is considering changes to its zoning ordinance for boutique and small wineries.  But local vintners say the added regulation could crush our region’s growing wine-making industry.  Concerned winery owners are meeting tonight to discuss the issues.  View latest revisions here. On Friday at 10 a.m., a meeting with County planners will be held in the County Operations Center, 5520 Overland Road San Diego in the Planning Commission chambers.

Teri Kerns is president of Ramona Ranch Winery and editor of the Ramona Valley Wine Region Magazine.   In a letter to Joseph Farace at the County’s Planning and Development Services, she writes that the proposed changes “will destroy our new industry” if adopted and would be “the most restrictive grape-growing, farming, and wine-making ordinance in California.”


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