SDCEA COMMUNICATIONS
Connecting Our Community
The Valley News is published and emailed weekly for the members of San Diego Country Estates. Timely and relevant information is presented by our business, lifestyle and amenity managers, and we share stories about interesting residents and unique Ramona events.
Monthly features include an Association update letter by our General Manager, Financials, our Board of Directors meeting draft minutes and the SDCEA Community Calendar.
Interested in Advertising?
Contact Meghan Vignes at meghan.vignes@sdcea.net or call 760-789-8290 x5000
Community News
Susanne Hopkins, Member Guest Services Supervisor at the hotel front desk, is recognized as February’s Employee of the Month for her outstanding service, teamwork, and heartfelt dedication to supporting our guests and the San Diego Country Estates community.
The January Home of the Month features Jeffrey and Joan Stemler’s warm and welcoming SDCE home, where family, community, and country living come together to create the perfect place for making memories.
Through strategic fire fuel reduction and intentional replanting with native, fire-resistant species, SDCEA is restoring the natural landscape while enhancing safety, sustainability, and visual appeal across the community.
Meet January’s Employee of the Month, Chloe Coblentz, whose positive attitude, strong work ethic, and leadership make her an invaluable part of the SDCEA team.
Board & Governance
Proper easement maintenance ensures safety, accessibility, and fire prevention, and the Community Relations Department (CRD) is here to guide homeowners through the process.
SDCEA invites residents to join committees that shape community facilities, policies, and activities.
SDCEA is seeking one homeowner volunteer to serve on the Community Relations Committee (CRC).
Are you interested in making a positive impact in your community? SDCEA is seeking one volunteer to serve on the Equestrian Committee (EC).
Lifestyle & Amenities
The San Diego Country Estates Valentine’s themed Craft Fair brought residents together for a festive afternoon of shopping and community connection, while also highlighting wildfire safety efforts through the Firewise program, which may lead to future insurance savings for homeowners.
From a successful community event to seasonal maintenance and important annual reminders, 2026 is off to a productive and welcoming start at the International Equestrian Center and Casey Tibbs Western Center.
As we welcome 2026, the Recreation Department is excited to bring neighbors together through beloved community events while creating a safe, positive environment for our children to grow, connect, and thrive.
Thank you for your patience and teamwork during our first major rainstorm of the year. Your cooperation helped keep our facilities running smoothly and our community strong.
San Vicente Resort - Golf
Love, laughs, and low scores filled the fairways at San Vicente Golf Resort as the Valentine’s Tournament brought golfers together for a memorable day of connection and competition.
San Vicente Golf Resort celebrates a remarkable moment as Paige Megna and Joe Weir each recorded hole in ones within weeks of each other.
The golf course is restoring native areas between Holes 1 and 9 to create a cleaner course edge while reducing irrigation, mowing, and long-term maintenance.
The San Vicente Golf Clubs held their Super Bowl Couples Tournament at San Vicente Resort last Saturday, Jan. 24, which combined competitive team golf, football themed fun, and a dramatic finish, culminating in a back nine card off victory for Darla and AJ White teamed with Chico and Janet Flores.
San Vicente Resort - Dining and Entertainment
Under Food and Beverage Manager Chuck Kast’s leadership, the Par Lounge has elevated its guest experience with a new 10-station draft beer system, expanded craft selections, and community-focused programming that reflects a strong commitment to quality, hospitality, and connection.
Guests enjoyed an inviting Meet the Winemakers evening, featuring Jennifer Lane and wines from popular local Ramona winery Pamo Valley, pasta specials including Winter Ragu al Penne and Gamberi Squash e Pesto, live music by Ashley E. Norton, and a surprise birthday sing-along for Front of House Manager Chuck Kast last week on Wednesday, Jan. 28.
San Vicente Resort welcomed the New Year with the return of its beloved Make Your Own Pasta Night and a festive Countdown to 2026 celebration that drew a large crowd for an unforgettable evening.
Hosted by Chico Flores at the San Vicente Resort, SDCEA’s Wild West Trivia Night on Tuesday, Jan. 6, brought 11 teams together to celebrate the Year of the Horse with country music, western flair, and strong Ramona community spirit.
San Vicente Resort - Guest Rooms
Enjoy peace of mind this holiday season by reserving newly renovated resort rooms for your visiting friends and family—at an exclusive homeowner rate.
The San Vicente Resort rolled out the welcome mat for nearly 100 community members and curious visitors during the Open House event on Wednesday, June 18, from 4 to 7 pm. Guests were invited to explore the recently updated guest rooms and experience Happy Hour and many amenities including golf, catering, recreation, equestrian, and more.
The San Vicente Resort Lodge has completed a full renovation of its 28 guest rooms and hospitality suite, blending modern comfort and natural charm to offer guests an elevated and stylish resort experience.
A home for your guests right down the road.
Safety & Security
As Ramona enters the height of fire season, San Diego Country Estates Fire Captain Bert Ramirez has one message for residents: "Preparation saves property and lives."
Wildfire remains the single biggest danger to our community. Local experts urge residents to sign up for GENASYS Protect, plan evacuation routes, and take action now to harden their homes.
Our best defense against wildfire is each other. Through Firewise education and collective action, we transform hazard zones into havens of safety—because a prepared community is an unbreakable community.
Protect Your Home. Gain Peace of Mind.
Home Improvement & Tips
Home improvement projects happen year-round. Connect with the Community Relations team to process your applications.
As the days grow longer and the air turns warmer, spring signals the perfect time to start, refresh, and revitalize your garden. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just getting started, now is the time to prepare your soil, select plants, and set the stage for a season of growth.
Home improvement projects happen year-round. Connect with the Community Relations team to process your applications.
Read highlights about the rapid and widespread tightening of the insurance marketplace affecting home and auto policies across various states, emphasizing increased premiums, policy restrictions, and strategic recommendations for navigating these industry shifts.
Member Spotlight & Stories
Alexa Kanj, SDCEA resident and owner of Align Pilates and Wellness, is empowering residents of all ages to build strength, balance and mental well-being through mindful Pilates practice and community connection.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, many of us reflect on what love really means—beyond chocolates and greeting cards. In San Diego Country Estates, love often reveals itself through decades of shared memories, quiet devotion, and moments of courage that shape a lifetime.
Many people start fitness goals in January, but lasting success comes from building realistic, enjoyable habits, tracking progress beyond the scale, and staying patient and consistent with support from professionals and community.
SDCE homeowner and food writer Dan Edwards, known as @foodobservations, was recognized for his passion for spotlighting local dining after earning the San Diego North County Social Media Sensation Award at Yelp’s annual Yelpies celebration.
Ramona Happenings
From Ramona’s rolling hills to the world’s wildest landscapes, photographer Roy Toft captures intimate, untamed moments of wildlife and invites others to see nature as it truly is.
Local artist Johnathan Martinez's one-of-a-kind painted wine barrel is on display at San Vicente Resort. Meet that artist at the Meet the Wine Maker event on October 29, featuring Ramona Ranch wines and Ashley E Norton.
The BowWow PowWow Dog Show, hosted by The Kiwanis Club, on Saturday, September 13, brought the dog-loving community together for a tail-wagging day of fun, laughter, and furry competition. Dogs of all shapes and sizes showed off their costumes, tricks, and wagging tails, while families cheered, and local vendors offered treats and goodies for people and their pets.
Faster, larger tankers and modern crew housing will bring stronger wildfire protection in Ramona.
