sdcea

Manager Spotlight: Catering and Event Planner Joyce Whelehon

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 21:25:57 GMT

With decades of dedication and a true passion for bringing people together, Joyce Whelehon continues to shape the San Vicente Resort into a vibrant hub for connection and celebration. As the resort evolves with new enhancements and thoughtful touches, guests can look forward to unforgettable events where every detail is handled with care—making each gathering not just seamless, but truly special.

Stepping into the San Vicente Resort, it’s clear that something exciting is on the horizon. From refreshed event spaces to new culinary touches, the resort is gearing up for a season of enhancements designed to elevate gatherings for the community. At the center of it all is manager Joyce Whelehon, the resort’s catering and event planner, whose vision and energy are shaping a fresh experience for guests in 2026 and beyond.

With a passion for bringing people together and an eye for detail, Whelehon oversees everything from intimate celebrations to large community banquets. Whelehon joined the San Diego Country Estates in 1979 and has been working there for 46 years. She began her career in the golf shop, where she handled all the merchandise buying for 27 years. She was asked to move upstairs and never looked back.

She is present at every event, personalizing every detail of the client’s vision. If the food is good and the staff is liked, it is a story for success. From setting up the banquet room to meet the clients needs to coordinating with the kitchen to ensure everything runs flawlessly, Whelehon helps clients enjoy their own party, while she takes care of the details.

Whelehon and her team specialize in weddings in locations throughout the Resort, including Golf Course Hole 18 Waterfall and Georgia’s Garden. The San Vicente Resort is a perfect location for a wedding because they offer hotel rooms and guests can stay the entire weekend. She added that all of the catered food comes from the San Vicente Resort kitchen.

“You don’t have to get in your car once you arrive,” says Whelehon. “It’s very family oriented.” She coordinates school and family reunions, and work team-building events. On the property, guests for these events can independently have breakfast, visit the snack bar, use the pool, and get a round of golf in. The San Vicente Room and Oaks Grill is set up and equipped with a speaker, sound system and slide show that can be used for anything from business meetings to family reunions.

The wedding venue is available to host all aspects of the wedding, including the rehearsal dinner, engagement parties, bridal parties, and even bachelor and bachelorette parties. The option for an all-inclusive experience allows guest to never have to leave the premises, adding more time for relaxtion and less stress.

Whelehon also coordinates baby showers, birthday parties, quinceaneras, Bar Mitzvas, retirement parties, anniversaries, and celebrations of life. The resort features a variety of stunning spaces that can be just right for your event. The resort offers specialized menus for each event with different price points. Whelehon works with her clients and the kitchen to create menus that fits each event-and budget-perfectly.

Whelehon dresses for each occasion and theme. If it’s a horseback riding club, she will dress in the western theme to add to the fun. Her vision is to ensure every client gets maximum value for their investment and that they feel taken care of.

When Whelehon isn’t planning events, she enjoys shopping and going to lunch with her girlfriends. She enjoys hosting parties with her friends and spends time with the two kids who are both married and live in Ramona.

“I have the same house, same job, and same husband,” says Whelehon. She was hired at the Resort in February, was married in June, and bought their house in August, 1979.

As San Vicente Resort enters an exciting new chapter, it’s clear that its heart lies in the people who bring it to life. With Joyce Whelehon’s experience, creativity, and personal touch leading the way, every event becomes more than just a gathering—it becomes a lasting memory, thoughtfully crafted and warmly shared. To start planning your event with Joyce today, Click here

Find Your Balance at Estates Yoga: Where Wellness Meets Serenity

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 21:17:46 GMT

A tranquil backyard studio turned thriving community hub, Estates Yoga offers more than classes—it’s a welcoming sanctuary where mindful movement, connection, and holistic wellness come together to help you reconnect, recharge, and truly find your balance.

At Estates Yoga, every session is more than just movement, it’s an experience designed to reconnect you with yourself. Nestled in a peaceful, inspiring environment, Jen Burch’s classes invite you to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover your inner strength.

Whether you’re stepping onto the mat for the first time or deepening a lifelong practice, you’ll be guided through intentional flows that blend mindfulness, strength, and relaxation. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, encouraging you to let go of stress and fully embrace the present moment.

Burch moved from Ocean Beach to San Diego Country Estates with her family a year ago, began teaching yoga, and really immersed herself into the community. She has quite a following and her classes are moving.

“My husband found the house,” says Burch. Her husband, Travis supports her passion. They have four boys: Page (6), Pax (9), Phoenix (12), and Parker (14). She started practicing yoga 15 years ago. Burch teaches in the backyard of their tranquil home.

Her front living room has become and indoor shala, a dedicated space where yoga is taught and practiced when it is raining. On most days, the yoga is practiced in her private and peaceful backyard. Both men and women participate.

“People love what I am doing and want to be part of the collective,” says Burch. She loves the community she is immersed in and has a wonderful community circle. Her business has been open for seven months and she teaches every day except Sunday.

Yoga has many health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety. Deep breathing and mindful movement calm the nervous system and promote mental clarity. Yoga improves flexibility and strength. Regular practice can increase mobility while building lean muscle and stability. It also enhances posture and strength. In addition, it helps align the body and strengthen core muscles, improving overall posture and boosts energy levels. Gentle flows and breathwork leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized. Supports heart health and can lower blood pressure and improve circulation. Relaxation techniques help quiet the mind and prepare the body for restful sleep. It encourages a mind-body connection and cultivates awareness, helping you feel more grounded and present.

Burch also sells her close friend Kelly West’s products, Earth Rituals. West carefully crafts products that are good for the body and soul, enriching your skin care routine. Burch shares these products with students and friends and has them displayed in her living room. “Kelly has a full line.” Burch likes to build up and showcase all the women in her life. Some are into Reiki, some are into sound healing, and numerology. “It’s more than just yoga,” says Burch. “We are trying to build organically.”

Her home is very welcoming and upstairs she has a library where she encourages guests to take, read, and return books. “I want to share the gift of yoga,” says Burch.

In a fast-paced world, Estates Yoga stands as a gentle reminder to slow down and reconnect—with your breath, your body, and your community. Through Jen Burch’s passion and welcoming spirit, this peaceful space has become more than a place to practice; it’s a place to belong, grow, and nurture true well-being from the inside out.

Photos provided by Jen Burch.

Spring Gardening Tips for 2026: Get Ready to Grow

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 17:28:53 GMT

Spring 2026 is the perfect time to dig in, as expert tips and local know-how make it easier than ever to grow a thriving, colorful, and productive garden.

As we step into spring 2026, longer days and rising temperatures signal the perfect time to refresh and revitalize your garden. Whether you're an experienced green thumb or just getting started, this season offers ideal conditions to prepare your soil, select your plants, and set the foundation for months of healthy growth.

Local nurseryman Rick Watkins, owner of Valley Color Growers, Inc., has spent decades cultivating both plants and knowledge. Watkins, who has been in the nursery business for over 50 years, says spring remains the best time to begin planting.

“Everything starts with good soil,” Watkins explains. “Use quality compost and don’t hesitate to ask questions at your local garden center. They’re there to help you succeed.”

Before planting, make sure you have essential gardening tools on hand. A shovel, hoe, watering hose or bucket, and durable gardening gloves will set you up for success. Healthy soil enriched with compost gives plants the nutrients they need to thrive from the start.

Looking to brighten your yard? Watkins recommends reliable annuals that perform well in the region, including alyssum, petunias, lobelia, marigolds, dusty miller, dianthus, portulaca, and begonias. These plants provide vibrant, long-lasting color throughout the season.

For water-wise gardening—an increasingly important consideration—opt for drought-tolerant choices like myoporum, ice plant, cactus, and succulents.

Spring is also prime time for planting a productive garden. Popular vegetables include tomatoes, pepper, cucumbers, and squash. For fruit lovers, melons and strawberries are great seasonal options. In areas like Ramona, fruit trees thrive thanks to warm summers and mild winters. Consider planting orange, lemon, tangerine, apple, pear, apricot, or fig trees for long-term rewards.

While spring days are warming up, cooler nights still linger. The good news: frost is no longer a major concern. Watkins recommends watering plants daily, ideally in the morning, to reduce evaporation and allow roots to absorb moisture before the heat sets in.

Raised garden beds are growing in popularity—and for good reason. They provide better control over soil quality, improve drainage, and reduce strain on your back. “Raised or box gardens are especially helpful if your soil is hard or if you want a more comfortable gardening experience,” Watkins says. Hanging baskets are another simple way to add instant color and dimension to patios, porches, or entryways.

Nancy Zadrozny, SDCEA Landscape and Open Space Manager, say over the years she has bought nearly all Valley Color offers. She has bought many drought tolerant varieties including teuchrium, bougainvillea, and hesperaloe, that are planted in the new median beds on Ramona Oaks Road.

“Nearly all the approximately 15 new or refreshed garden spaces in SDCE have plant material from Valley Color,” says Zadrozny. “From flats of annual color to shrubs and trees, the plant choices do well and thrive in our area. “

Sarah Young, Garden Center Manager of Village Country Hardware, buys plants at Watkins Valley Color Growers and she says the garden center carries a large variety of annuals as well as perennial color that are all proven performers in our unique Ramona climate.

“Since our supplier, Watkins Valley Growers is local, our customers can be sure that the plants purchased from us can thrive in Ramona's hot dry climate,” says Young. “We carry flowers, herbs, fruits, vegetables as well as ground covers and succulents.” She says their supplier also carries a large inventory of trees both fruits and nuts as well as standard landscaping varieties. All of these and more are available for special order with quick delivery.

“We also provide the home gardener with a large selection of work gloves, small hand tools, wheelbarrows as well as a selection of soils and fertilizers,” says Young. She adds that the best time to plant is now. There's no need to wait like in other parts of the country. “We invite you to come in and say hello. Our new team loves new faces and look forward to meeting our neighbors and helping them get started on their dream garden today,” says Young.

With a little planning and preparation, your garden can flourish this spring. Whether you’re growing fresh ingredients for your kitchen or creating a peaceful outdoor retreat, spring 2026 is the perfect time to dig in and get growing.

Photo by Tiffany Pressler

Young Entrepreneur Sweetens San Diego Country Estates

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 17:24:33 GMT

Seven-year-old Savanna Butler is turning homemade chocolate chip cookies into a thriving community business—proving big dreams can start with a single sweet idea.

At an age when most seven-year-olds are focused on school, play, and hobbies, Savanna Butler is already learning the ins and outs of running her own business, one chocolate chip cookie at a time.

Savanna, a young resident of the San Diego Country Estates, officially launched her cookie business just one week before Thanksgiving in 2025. What began as a simple question- “How can I make my own money?”- quickly turned into a hands-on entrepreneurial journey.

“I love living here,” says Savanna’s mom, Kate. “It’s a beautiful community, and you always run into someone you know.” The family has lived in the Estates since May 2019, after moving from San Diego.

With determination well beyond her years, Savanna got to work perfecting her recipe for classic chocolate chip cookies. After testing batches and sharing them with family and friends, she found her winning formula: warm, homemade cookies with just the right balance of sweetness and texture.

Starting her business during the holiday season proved to be perfect timing. Thanksgiving gatherings and seasonal celebrations created an opportunity for Savanna to introduce her cookies to the community. Word spread quickly, and soon neighbors and local residents were placing orders.

“My mom helps me bake,” Savanna says. But her business is more than just baking-it’s a lesson in responsibility, creativity, and confidence. From measuring ingredients to packaging orders and interacting with customers, she is gaining real-world experience that many don’t encounter until much later in life.

Her initiative has also inspired those around her. Family members support her efforts, while community members eagerly encourage such a young entrepreneur. In a neighborhood known for its strong sense of community, Savanna’s story has become a heartwarming example of what determination and curiosity can achieve.

Looking ahead, Savanna hopes to continue growing her business, baking more cookies, and possibly expanding her menu. For now, she’s focused on what she loves most: baking and sharing her creations. Her cookies are made with organic, unbleached flour, organic sugar, and real vanilla, and neighbors rave about their incredible taste.

Savanna sells her cookies through her Instagram page, @savannas.cookies, and sets up a pop-up stand once a month at various local spots. She has recently hosted pop-ups at Gathering Grounds Espresso Bar and Main Street Coffee. Her cookies are also available at several local businesses, including Rise + Shine Coffee Shop, The Auto Works, and Diamond D Feed & Supply Co.

The business is truly a family effort. While Savanna and her mom run most operations, her five-year-old brother Reed acts as the outgoing “business manager,” helping promote the cookies. Her three-year-old sister Ivy serves as the official taste tester—a very important role. Their dad, Houston, supports the team by helping transport supplies and set up for pop-up events.

“I have learned to save money,” Savanna says. Her mom adds that Savanna’s earnings are placed into a high-yield savings account, helping her learn how money can grow over time. She is also gaining an understanding of expenses, presentation, and customer interaction—skills that will benefit her well into the future.

If you are interested in Savanna’s Cookies, you can visit her Instagram page , call or text Kate at 858-900-4201 or email her at Katepesochin@gmail.com.

Savanna story is a reminder that big dreams can start small, and sometimes, all it takes is a simple idea, a little courage, and a batch of chocolate chip cookies.

Photo by Tiffany Pressler

Sneak Peek: Easter Brunch Menu

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:48:09 GMT

Oaks Grille’s Easter Brunch offers a vibrant, family-friendly buffet with made-to-order stations,

seasonal dishes, and festive touches in a welcoming community atmosphere.

Celebrate Easter in style with a festive brunch experience at Oaks Grille. This year’s Easter Brunch Buffet will take place on Sunday, April 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., offering a delicious spread perfect for gathering with family and friends.

Guests can enjoy a variety of freshly prepared favorites, including made-to-order pancakes and omelets, along with a chef’s carving station featuring savory selections. The buffet will also showcase crisp salads, fresh-baked rolls, and an irresistible assortment of desserts and pastries to satisfy every sweet tooth.

Chef Chris Ostermann and Sous Chef Jessica Nelson are curating a vibrant, spring-inspired menu. Highlights include a ham carving station, a seasonal mix of vegetables and fruits, salmon cakes served in small, manageable portions with a complementary sauce, and an array of pastries such as croissants, muffins, cakes, and cookies.

Nelson is especially excited about the celebration spring salad, featuring feta, red onion, strawberries, and blueberries. “We’ll have beautiful, tiered displays with fresh, colorful ingredients,” she says, noting additions like purple, green, and orange cauliflower, along with baby carrots and asparagus to enhance the presentation.

Dessert lovers can look forward to tiered cakes and classic favorites like pecan pie. This year’s brunch will also introduce a strip loin roast to the carving station. “Strip sirloin is a great breakfast steak, it’s flavorful and easy to serve in consistent portions,” says Ostermann.

“We want to appeal to a wide variety of people in our community,” says Ostermann. The team aims to create a welcoming experience for all ages. Omelet and pancake stations will be made to order in front of guests, with kid-friendly options like sprinkles and chocolate chips available.

Front of House Manager Chuck Kast adds that specialty spring cocktails and a 10-station draft beer system will also be offered. “It’s a social event,” says Ostermann. “A lighthearted, family-friendly way to connect with the community and welcome the spring season, you might even spot the Easter Bunny.”

To accommodate guests, brunch will be hosted across three spaces: the Oaks Grille, Par Lounge, and San Vicente Room. Pricing is set at $50 for adults and $15 for children ages 4 to 10, while children under 4 dine free. Ostermann says they are competitively priced.

Reservations are highly recommended for this popular event. To book your table, call 760-789-8290 ext. 2211. See the information flyer here.

Make this Easter memorable with great food, warm hospitality, and a welcoming atmosphere at Oaks Grille.

Easter Traditions Come to Life in SDCE

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:47:57 GMT

Children at the San Diego Country Estates recreation center shared how Easter traditions like egg hunts, family time, and sweet treats bring their community together and create lasting memories.

Easter traditions come in many forms: colorful egg hunts, family meals, church services, and baskets filled with sweet surprises. For many families, it’s a time to gather, celebrate, and create lasting memories passed down through generations.

At the San Diego Country Estates Recreation Department, those traditions were on full display as kids in the after-school program enjoyed an afternoon of springtime fun. To capture the spirit of the holiday, nine children from the community shared what Easter means to them and the traditions they look forward to most.

Eight-year-old Rylee didn’t hesitate to name her favorite tradition: “Finding all of the eggs and doing an Easter egg hunt.”

Twin brothers Miles and Jack, age 6, enjoy the family aspect of the holiday. “We have the same birthday,” Miles said. He added that he loves hunting for eggs, especially because they contain candy and cool toys. Jack agreed, saying he enjoys celebrating and eating with his family, along with participating in egg hunts both at home and at school.

Wyatt, 10, said Easter is special because it brings his family together. “We all live far apart,” he explained. He especially enjoys the food, family time, and egg hunts.

Emma, 9, loves the Easter Bunny and participates in egg hunts both in her backyard and at Ramona Oaks Park. “I love getting all the candy,” she said, adding that her family celebrates with plenty of eggs each year.

Dax, 8, said his favorite part is the chocolate. “It’s just so yummy,” he said. He also enjoys bunny-shaped candy and takes part in egg hunts at home and at his grandparents’ house, with the first hunt always happening at home.

Reed, 7, appreciates the time spent with family. “We color all of the eggs, hide them, and hunt them,” he said. While they usually hold their egg hunt at a park, they sometimes move it indoors if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Skylar, 6, noted that Easter falls on a different day each year. Her family colors eggs and participates in a hunt at a friend’s house, with candy being her favorite part.

Ella, 8, enjoys finding eggs and taking photos with the Easter Bunny at Ramona Oaks Park. “We do it every year, and my mom works here,” she said. Her family also holds a hunt at home, where the Easter Bunny hides eggs overnight for them to find in the morning. She is also looking forward to spring break and an upcoming cruise.

While each child described different traditions, a common theme emerged: Easter is about more than just treats—it’s about spending time with family, sharing laughter, and creating lifelong memories.

Amy Holsapple, Recreation Manager at the San Diego Country Estates Association, said she enjoys watching the egg hunt, especially seeing older siblings help younger children. She also loves seeing families take photos with the Easter Bunny at Ramona Oaks Park.

Events like this help strengthen community connections. Families can be seen celebrating together and creating a space where kids can enjoy traditions and make new memories together.

As the day continued, laughter and excitement filled the air, a reminder that Easter traditions, big or small, are what make the holiday truly special.

Spring Break Fun: Activities for Families Around San Diego

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 05:05:43 GMT

Spring break in Ramona and the San Diego Country Estates is packed with family-friendly fun—from camps and egg hunts to outdoor adventures and local attractions—making it easy to keep kids active, entertained, and making memories all week long.

Spring break is just around the corner and families in the San Diego Country Estates and Ramona area will have plenty of opportunities to keep kids active, entertained and enjoying the outdoors. From recreation camps to Easter egg hunts and San Diego attractions, there are many ways to make the most of the week off from school.

The Spring Break Camp at the Ramona Oaks Recreation Center runs from March 30 through April 6 and offers a fun and structured option for local families. Campers can enjoy games, crafts, outdoor play and group activities while making new friends.

The annual Easter Egg Hunt at Ramona Oaks Park at 25341 Pappas Rd, will be held on Saturday, March 28. There will be thousands of colorful eggs are hidden throughout the park for children to discover. Families can also take photos with the Easter Bunny and enjoy a festive morning outdoors. 9:30 am kicks off the egg hunt for ages four and under; 10 am for kids five to seven years old; and 10:15 am for kids eight years and up.

Ramona United Methodist Church will be having an Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, March 29 at 10 am at 3394 Chapel Lane.

Conrad Prebys Ramona Branch, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego will have a spring break day camp Monday, March 30 through Monday, April 6. The 6-day camp will run from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm.

Riviera Oaks is having a spring break sports camp March 30 through April 3 for kids 5 to 12. Campers will enjoy a variety of acuities including tennis, pickleball, swimming, arts & crafts, and team games. The camp is from 9 am to 3 pm daily.

The SoCal Spring Fling Livestock show will be held at the Ramona Fairgrounds March 27-29. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087890217883 . Spectators are welcome to visit while youth exhibitors show animals like goats, sheep, cattle, and pigs.

The Village Studio in Ramona offers a new, preschool-inspired, indoor play and enrichment space (art, science, yoga) starting March 9, perfect for spring break days. https://www.thevillagestudio.info .

Across San Diego County, parks and recreation centers host spring celebrations throughout March and April. Many events feature bounce houses, music, crafts and egg hunts for different age groups. Some locations even include extras like face painting, games and magic shows for kids. These community events are often free and are a great way for families to enjoy the spring season together.

Spring break is also a great time to explore some of San Diego County’s well-known family destinations. Popular options include the San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Sea World and LEGOLAND California. These attractions offer animal encounters, rides, interactive exhibits and seasonal programs that make them especially popular during spring break.

Families can also explore beaches, hiking trails and parks throughout the county, taking advantage of San Diego’s mild spring weather.

Whether attending a local camp, searching for Easter eggs at Ramona Oaks Park or visiting a regional attraction, there are plenty of ways for families to enjoy spring break without traveling far from home.

Take a Book, Leave a Book: One Family’s Little Library Strengthens Community in SDCE

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 05:05:00 GMT

On a quiet stretch of Del Amo Road in San Diego Country Estates, a small wooden book house is making a big impact.

“For the past 10 years, our family has called the Estates home,” says San Diego Country Estates Homeowner, Kelly West. “Jaime and I have been married 15 years, and we’re raising our two boys, Phoenix 9, and Carter 5, here.” Like many families in the community, their days are full of school drop-offs, sports practices, work schedules, but tucked near the front of their yard is a simple project that has created unexpected connection: a “Take a Book, Leave a Book” little library.

“I’ve always loved to read,” says Kelly. While she holds tightly to a few cherished favorites, she has collected plenty of books over the years that deserve a second life. She has admired the small book houses scattered throughout the neighborhood for years and quietly hoped to have one of her own. A few years ago on Mother’s Days ago, she asked her husband if he would build one for her. With his construction background — and his willingness to bring her ideas to life — he happily got to work.

What started as a small stack of books she was ready to share has since taken on a life of its own.

Neighbors regularly stop by during evening walks. Families peek inside while out grabbing the mail. The selection constantly changes as residents replenish it with children’s stories, novels, devotionals, and nonfiction titles. There’s something quietly special about watching someone pause, open the tiny door, and discover a new story waiting inside.

By trade, Kelly has been a hairstylist for 25 years and co-owns Meraki Hair Lounge in Poway. She also works from home one day a week in a garage studio Jaime built for. Kelly’s clients come from all walks of life, and when she discovers a fellow reader in her chair, the conversation naturally turns to books. Several clients have even brought donations specifically for the little library, a gesture that beautifully extends this small neighborhood exchange beyond their street.

“Personally, I gravitate toward books that teach me something new, especially about history or cultures I may not be familiar with,” says Kelly. For her, reading is part education and part connection. In a time when connection can sometimes feel strained or rushed, something as simple as sharing a book feels meaningful.

Kelly’s passion for reading inspired her to launch a book club for friends and neighbors called Books + Bubbly Book Club Event.

Throughout San Diego Country Estates, similar little bookcases sit in front of residents’ homes, each one a quiet symbol of generosity. They don’t require membership cards or due dates. They simply invite neighbors to give and receive.

A Lucky Weekend on the Links at San Vicente

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:04:21 GMT

San Vicente Golf Resort hosted two festive St. Patrick’s weekend tournaments, with a strong turnout on Friday’s public event and John and Toni Massey, alongside Keith and Suzanne Shupe, winning Saturday’s members' Couples Tournament with a 54.6 in a fun Tic Tac Toe format.

San Vicente Golf Resort hosted two lively St. Patrick’s–themed tournaments this weekend, bringing golfers together for festive competition and plenty of community spirit.

The weekend kicked off on Friday with an event open to both members and the public, drawing a great turnout of players eager to celebrate on the course. Many golfers embraced the holiday theme, but the standout outfit belonged to Tim Doulgeropoulos, who earned Best Dressed honors wearing a kilt and a classic flat cap.

On Saturday, San Vicente members took to the course for the club’s St. Patrick’s Couples Tournament, featuring a fun Tic Tac Toe–style game format that added a strategic twist to the round. The format encouraged teams to compete across different holes to complete winning combinations on the scorecard.

At the end of the day, John and Toni Massey, along with Keith and Suzanne Shupe, claimed first place with an impressive 54.6.

The weekend’s events once again highlighted the welcoming atmosphere at San Vicente, where friendly competition and community spirit make every tournament a memorable one.

Photos by Hannah Anderson

New Leadership, Renewed Vision: Ramona Soroptimist Continues Its Mission to Empower Women and Girls

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 18:40:26 GMT

With new president Tammy Tinsley at the helm, Soroptimist International of Ramona is launching an inspiring new chapter—expanding its powerful work to uplift women and girls through education, support, and advocacy that transforms lives across the community.

Under new president Tammy Tinsley, Soroptimist International of Ramona continues its mission to empower women and girls through education, financial support, anti–human trafficking advocacy, and community outreach programs that create lasting local impact.

The Soroptimist International of Ramona is entering an exciting new chapter while continuing its longstanding commitment to uplift women and girls throughout the community.

As of July 1, 2025, Tammy Tinsley has taken office as the club’s new president. Tinsley works full time for Raytheon, bringing both professional leadership and community passion to her new role. Beyond her career in defense and aerospace, she is actively involved with the Ramona-based Drille Divas, a horseback riding group, and the non-profit group Bridle Up Hope.

Under Tinsley’s leadership, Ramona Soroptimist remains deeply rooted in its core mission: providing women and girls access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. The club currently has 32 members who meet on the second Wednesday of each month at Hatfield Creek Winery. Social time begins at 6 p.m., followed by the business meeting. Members read the organization’s mission statement at every meeting to ensure they remain focused on their purpose.

“We don’t want to lose sight of why we’re here,” says Tammy.

The club continues to focus heavily on Soroptimist’s three signature Dream Programs:

Dream It, Be It supports girls ages 14–18 who face obstacles by offering mentoring, career guidance, and skills development to help them set and achieve goals.

Live Your Dream Awards provide cash grants — not scholarships — to women who are the primary breadwinners for their families and are pursuing education or vocational training. Applicants must be at least 18 and have a dependent. Funds can be used for tuition, trade school, GED programs, childcare, transportation, glasses, or other essential needs that remove barriers to education.

Soroptimist Club Grants for Women and Girls fund projects that create measurable impact in the lives of women and girls through education and professional development.

To make the application process accessible, the Ramona club offers free Zoom workshops to help women complete their Live Your Dream applications. Many applicants are overwhelmed and lack strong support systems, and volunteers walk alongside them step-by-step. All applications remain strictly confidential, with non-members serving as judges.

While the club prioritizes helping local women, awards are not limited to Ramona residents. The group has supported women in neighboring communities and continues to provide scholarships to Ramona’s three local high schools.

In addition to educational programs, the club is active in community outreach and awareness efforts. Members have participated in the San Diego Country Estates Fourth of July parade for several years, volunteer at the Heart and Mural Walk by handing out water, and distribute information in January for Human Trafficking Awareness Month. They also represent Soroptimist at local networking events and assist with holiday decorating and other community service opportunities.

The Ramona Soroptimist group also works to raise awareness about human trafficking occurring even within local neighborhoods. Through advocacy rides, fundraising, and community outreach, they help shine a light on trafficking and support victims.

Fundraising plays an important role in sustaining their programs. The club currently has a See’s Candy fundraiser running through the spring and will host its popular Wine Bunco fundraiser on April 10, at Pamo Valley Winery. These events directly support Dream Program awards and community outreach efforts.

Ramona Soroptimist welcomes women of all ages who are interested in making a difference. Prospective members are encouraged to email siramona@outlook.com in advance, so the group can prepare a warm welcome. Whether new to Soroptimist or returning after time away, all women who support the mission are invited to get involved.

With new leadership and continued dedication, the Ramona Soroptimist Club remains committed to being, as members often say, a collective force for change — proving that when women come together with purpose, meaningful impact follows.

Photos courtesy of Tammy Tinsley

Casey Tibbs Riders Launch 2026 Gymkhana Series at Casey Tibbs Arena

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:26:42 GMT

The Casey Tibbs Riders kicked off their 2026 Gymkhana Series on March 7 at Casey Tibbs Arena, drawing 30 riders and more than 80 spectators for a day of competition and community activities.

The Casey Tibbs Riders held the first event of their 2026 Gymkhana Series on Saturday, March 7, at the Casey Tibbs Arena located at 25240 Pappas Road. The day began with all riders entering the arena for a safety tack check before competitions got underway.

Despite windy conditions, the event drew 30 contestants and more than 80 spectators. Riders of all ages including men, women, boys and girls competed in a variety of timed events throughout the day.

Among the youngest competitors was 5-year-old Bristol Stanley of Lakeside, who rode her pony Prince Charming in the lead line division. Stanley has been riding since she was 2 years old and began taking riding lessons at age 3. This was her second show, and she said she had fun and rode fast during the competition.

Casey Tibbs Riders President Samantha Parsons said she was excited to launch the club’s first event of 2026 as the organization enters its second year. Parsons noted that the club has added a new FC 40 class for riders over the age of 40, as well as a 4D Open Jackpot event with a cash payout for the barrels and poles competitions.

The club has also begun selling merchandise, including Casey Tibbs Riders T-shirts and sweatshirts available in a variety of colors.

Carri Wilson served as the event’s judge, verifying that riders completed patterns correctly. Wilson also competed in all five classes offered that day: Single Stake, Big T, Speed Ball, Poles 2 and Barrels.

Wilson has been riding horses since she was in fifth grade and currently gives barrel racing lessons. Her daughter Cade Wilson also competed at the gymkhana, along with one of Wilson’s students, 13-year-old Molly Lincoln.

Wilson has lived in the San Diego Country Estates for two years and has been in the community on and off for the past eight years. She said she enjoys helping the Casey Tibbs Riders get established and appreciates the opportunity to give back.

“There is so much that needs to be done in our community,” Wilson said. “I’m happy to be a part of it and help make these events available to kids and the community.”

In addition to the competitions, the event featured a raffle with three themed baskets, including one for dogs and another for horses and one that included a halter. An awards ceremony at the end of the day recognized riders with ribbons, gift cards and toys for younger participants.

Food was also available on site from the Salt & Pepper food truck.

The Casey Tibbs Riders plan to continue hosting gymkhana events throughout the year, bringing riders and community members together for friendly competition and horsemanship.

Photos by Tiffany Pressler

Love Yourself: Katy Wagner’s Message of Self Worth

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:26:35 GMT

Former Ramona resident Dr. Katy Wagner transformed a life-threatening skiing accident on Mount Hood into a calling, now helping high-achieving women regulate their nervous systems, practice self-compassion, and redefine success without burnout.

Dr. Katy Wagner, former San Diego Country Estates resident and current neuroeducation coach, empowers women and helps to turn overwhelming feelings into confidence and freedom. She helps burned-out, high-achieving women regulate their nervous systems, so success doesn’t cost them their joy.

A skiing accident in 2017 changed the path of her life. In the years preceding, she was a teacher of science and music, and went on to work in administration. A single mother, she excelled in her work but was left feeling exhausted. Her fiancé proposed during their Mount Hood vacation, and ten minutes later her life almost ended.

Wagner was skiing through a treed area, when she suddenly went over a 100-foot cliff, and stopped the fall halfway down by hanging on to tree branches. Scared and alone, she feared she would never see her fiancé and daughter again. Wagner went into fix-it mode, attempting to reach her phone with only two fingers because her neck and back were broken. After over an hour of struggling, she heard a voice within her telling her to try again and was successful, sending a voice text to her fiancé.

After over 3 hours of life-saving measures, Wagner was rescued from the cliff. Once home, she was in a great amount of pain, forced to wear a neck brace, and alone. She could no longer drive or work, her identity stripped from her. Judgment and self-criticism kept her in a cage. She learned to change her thinking and look at herself with a different perspective to be gentler with herself.

Wagner went on to earn her doctorate in neuroeducation. She works with women (and some men) who are going through transitions in life, whether it be relationship struggles, beginning parenthood, the transition of children growing up and moving away, or navigating the final chapter of their lives. She offers a 5-day nervous system reset and touches on how stress manifests within them. Using the power of self-compassion, Wagner challenges how a person think about themselves, and guides them to find their most authentic self. These in-depth healing programs vary from 9 weeks to 6 months.

Wanger teaches that self-love is not bubble baths and pedicures, but the safety of your nervous system. Many high-achieving women self-criticize and think that is what makes them successful, but neuroscience proves the opposite. Negative talk threatens the brain when chemicals are released, raising cortisol levels (the stress hormone). The body tightens and leads to burnout, anxiety, and health issues. Studies have shown that chronic stress causes chemicals to leak out of the brain, resulting in depression, Alzheimer Disease, and schizophrenia.

Wagner tells clients that self-compassion activates parasympathetic activity. When we learn to speak to ourselves nicely, the nervous system starts to settle, making thinking clearer. The key is to set healthy boundaries, such as blocking out recovery time in your calendar or ending the work day at a specific time, if your schedule allows. Aligning boundaries reduces resentment and improves leadership.

She offers three tips to start to shift in thinking that will impact the quality of your life. First, replace your inner critic with an inner coach. If someone I loved was going through this, what would I say to them? Second, practice micro moments. Place one hand on your heart and one on your belly and name the emotion you are feeling without judgment. “I feel really sad. This is hard and I am allowed to feel it.” This will in turn make you feel heard and validated. Third, set one boundary as an act of self-respect. If you say no to someone, say it without overexplaining; say no without justifying the reason.

“…I rode my bike through the abandoned Humiston Ranch to get to the Village Store, rode horses at Rainbow Ranch, and went to James Dukes,” Wagner reminisces. Wagner grew up in the San Diego Country Estates, and her mother, Karen Wagner, is still living in the house they built in 1987. Wagner graduated from Ramona High School in 1996 and lives in Oregon. Her class is planning its 30-year reunion this summer and she plans to attend.

Dr. Katy Wagner can be found on Facebook and reached at Heal@irispathway.com or at 503-987-0345. “Prioritize yourself, love yourself.”

February Home of the Month: Where Hollywood History Meets Modern Elegance

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 18:45:32 GMT

February’s Home of the Month beautifully blends a unique Hollywood legacy with thoughtful

modern renovations, sophisticated design, and fire-conscious landscaping that exemplifies pride

of ownership in the San Diego Country Estates.

Affectionately known by many as “The American Pie House,” this property carries a unique pedigree. It was originally built by the family of actor Seann William Scott, widely recognized for his role as Stifler in the film American Pie. Now in the hands of its third owners, the home has been thoughtfully reimagined while honoring its distinctive roots.

Rather than simply remodel, the current homeowners embraced a full transformation elevating the property into a sophisticated and timeless retreat while preserving the character that makes it special. Since taking ownership, the homeowners have meticulously updated the interior to reflect a cleaner, more cohesive aesthetic.

One of the most impactful changes was the removal of the original Saltillo tile throughout the home. In its place, elegant wood-plank porcelain tile now flows seamlessly from room to room, adding warmth, durability, and a sense of visual continuity that enhances the expansive layout.

To create a dramatic architectural statement, the homeowners collaborated with renowned local architect Carole Wylie. Wylie designed a striking “pop-out” feature that now serves as the architectural focal point of the main living area, adding dimension, light, and a contemporary edge to the space.

Bringing the vision together required a keen design eye. With guidance from Darcey Kempton, owner of Simply Stunning Spaces, the home’s layout was refined and paired with a sophisticated color palette that feels fresh yet inviting. The result is a harmonious balance of modern simplicity and comfortable living — ideal for both entertaining and everyday life in the Estates.

Most recently, attention turned to the exterior landscape. In alignment with California’s updated fire safety requirements, several palm trees were removed to enhance defensible space around the property. This proactive improvement not only supports wildfire safety compliance but also gives the grounds a sleeker, more intentional aesthetic that complements the home’s modern transformation.

It is a beautiful example of how a home can evolve respecting its history while embracing thoughtful, forward-looking design. From its Hollywood backstory to its architectural enhancements and fire-conscious landscaping, this residence reflects pride of ownership and a deep appreciation for quality improvements.

Love, Laughter, and Low Scores Highlight San Vicente’s Valentine’s Tournament

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 23:55:05 GMT

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 brought the Valentine’s spirit to the fairways, blending friendly competition with plenty of laughs, connection, and community.

Players teed it up in four-person teams using the Jack and Jill format, which perfectly showcased both women’s and men’s scores, while encouraging teamwork across every group. Whether competitors arrived with partners, friends, or fellow members, the atmosphere stayed lighthearted and welcoming throughout the day.

For many, the tournament was about more than just golf. Kris Jolly summed up Valentine’s perfectly, saying her favorite tradition is simply “spending time with the one I love.” Others leaned into the humor of playing together, like Lynda Demato, who joked that her favorite part of golfing with her partner is “when it’s over,” drawing laughter from her group.

Beyond the competition, players highlighted what makes San Vicente special. Arturo Muñoz shared, “Meeting new people and friends. I always enjoy my day out here and always have fun,” capturing the welcoming vibe that keeps golfers coming back.

At the end of the round, Janet and Chico Flores along with Tim Doulgeropous and Amy Sailors emerged as tournament winners, closing out a day defined by camaraderie, smiles, and memorable moments on the course.

From heartfelt quotes and playful banter to standout team performances, the Valentine’s Jack and Jill Tournament proved that at San Vicente Golf Resort, it’s not just about the scorecard — it’s about community, connection, and savoring every round together.

Photos by Hannah Anderson.

Pilates Instructor Alexa Kanj Finds Strength and Balance in San Diego Country Estates

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:53:42 GMT

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.

Pilates instructor Alexa Kanj, who lives in San Diego Country Estates, is helping community members of all ages build strength, improve balance, and enhance mental well-being through mindful movement both in the studio and beyond.

“My family has been living in the estates for the last six years now,” says Alexa Kanj, owner of Align Pilates and Wellness in Ramona. “My Mom and her husband found a beautiful gem right off Calistoga that has a great view of the valley.”

Kanj has practiced Pilates for 12 years and has been teaching for eight. She first tried the discipline at age 14 and later deepened her studies in college, where she earned a Minor in Pilates alongside her Bachelor of Arts degree in Kinesiology.

“Once I experienced my first Pilates class and learned the principles behind it, I felt it embodied what I believe in finding alignment within the mind and body,” Kanj said. “After feeling the benefits myself, I knew I had found my passion.”

Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise that focuses on strengthening the body’s deep stabilizing muscles, particularly the core. Through controlled, precise movements performed on a mat or specialized equipment such as a Reformer, participants improve posture, balance, flexibility, and functional strength.

Unlike high-intensity fitness programs that emphasize calorie burn, Pilates centers on alignment, muscular balance, and injury prevention. It also incorporates intentional breathing techniques that strengthen the mind-body connection and help reduce stress.

“The mind-body connection is foundational in Pilates,” Kanj explained. “It requires moving with focus and control rather than going through the motions. That awareness strengthens not just your body, but your coordination and nervous system regulation as well.”

Kanj said Pilates can benefit nearly every age group. Children and teens can develop coordination and body awareness during critical growth years. Busy parents can benefit from short sessions at home or 45-minute studio classes. Aging adults often see improvements in posture, balance, and mobility — skills that naturally decline over time.

After just one month of consistent practice, many participants report fewer aches and pains, improved alignment, and a clearer, calmer mindset, she said.

“It’s a feel-good exercise,” Kanj said. “Every class is different, so it stays interesting. And it gives people a small part of their day to focus entirely on themselves.”

Outside the studio, Kanj also enjoys golfing at San Vicente Golf Resort. She began playing about three years ago after joining clinics with women from her studio and has since developed a passion for the sport. She regularly participates in events such as Nine and Wine and Twilight rounds during the summer.

Kanj notes that golf and Pilates complement one another.

“Both require attention to technique and body awareness,” she said. “They challenge your spinal rotation, core strength, balance, and mobility. There’s always room for improvement in both.”

Through her teaching and involvement in the community, Kanj continues to promote wellness and connection in Ramona by helping residents build strength, confidence and balance both on the mat and in daily life.

Photos courtesy of Alexa Kanj.

Fresh Air and Sunshine

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:34:10 GMT

Mild winter weather and easy access to open space make spending time outdoors one of the simplest and healthiest ways to start the new year.

The start of the new year has brought glorious weather to our community, with warm 75-degree days and cool 45-degree nights—ideal conditions for enjoying the outdoors. When temperatures are this inviting, fresh air and sunshine naturally call us outside.

Early morning sunlight plays an important role in supporting overall wellness. Exposure to natural light helps reset the body’s circadian rhythm, boosting energy levels, elevating mood, and improving sleep quality. Just 30 minutes of walking outdoors allows sunlight to stimulate alertness while supporting healthy metabolic, immune, and brain function throughout the day. In moderation, sunlight also helps the body produce vitamin D, an essential nutrient for maintaining strong bones.

Many homes throughout our community are located just steps from open space and scenic trails that are regularly groomed and maintained by the Landscape Department. Recently, the Swartz Canyon–Stone Mountain trail crossing at Watt Road was cleared, enhancing both accessibility and safety. In addition to providing important fire protection for nearby homes, the natural beauty of this area continues to be one of the community’s greatest assets.

We hope you take a moment to step outside, enjoy the sunshine, and appreciate the unique outdoor setting we are fortunate to call home.

Heart Month Emphasizes the Importance of CPR Training

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:24:57 GMT

During February Heart Month, CPR training and readily available AED machines help strengthen safety and preparedness across the SDCEA community.

Happy Heart Month! With February recognized as Heart Month, we want to highlight why learning CPR is so important. Here in the Association, we now have six AED machines located throughout the community. They can be found at the Member Guest Desk, Golf Shop, Equestrian Office, Golf Maintenance Office, Community Relations Office, and the Recreation Center. Having these lifesaving devices in place makes our community safer and better prepared for emergencies.

Every second counts when responding to a cardiac emergency. With AED machines nearby and employees trained in CPR, we significantly improve the chances of survival. CPR helps protect against brain damage by maintaining blood circulation until professional help arrives. Acting quickly and using an AED can give a victim a higher chance of recovery with fewer long-term effects.

I have been teaching CPR for the Association for more than 20 years. It began when we were sending employees off site for certification, and I realized I could bring this important training in house. Growing up with a firefighter father, I developed a strong passion for lifesaving skills. My goal in teaching CPR is to empower employees with the confidence to act within their training during emergencies and to help create a safer community for everyone.

Starting this year, we plan to open select CPR classes to homeowners. If you are interested in learning this valuable lifesaving skill, please look for upcoming class information or call the Recreation Office at 760-789-4146 to be added to the interest list and be among the first notified when dates are announced.

Love is in the air, and in the cup, at San Vicente Golf Resort

Sat, 14 Feb 2026 20:33:26 GMT

San Vicente Golf Resort celebrates a remarkable moment as Paige Megna and Joe Weir each recorded hole in ones within weeks of each other.

Recently, one of our favorite golf couples gave us a moment to celebrate. During the recent Toy Story Tournament, Paige Megna made club history with an incredible par-4 hole-in-one, one of the rarest achievements in golf.

She made the shot on Hole No. 6, affectionately known as the "Punch Bowl" as it is a Par 4 dog leg left. The green has a false front and slopes left to right, and she hit a hole-in-one.

As if that were not exciting enough, just two weeks later Joe Weir recorded a hole-in-one of his own on Hole No. 2, a downhill Par 3, making this an unforgettable run for the pair.

Please join us in congratulating Paige and Joe on these outstanding accomplishments. Moments like this capture everything we love about the game, the thrill, the camaraderie, and the memories made on our beautiful course.

This Valentine’s Day, we celebrate the love of golf and the great community that makes San Vicente so special.

❤️ Love Golf

❤️ Love Great Moments

❤️ Love San Vicente

Wishing all of our golfers a very Happy Valentine’s Day. We look forward to seeing your next great shot.

Treasures of the Heart Craft Fair Brings Community Together at Ramona Oaks Park

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:51:50 GMT

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.

Residents and visitors gathered at Ramona Oaks Park on Saturday, February 7, from 10 am to 2 pm. for the San Diego Country Estates Treasures of the Heart Craft Fair & Vendor Market, enjoying a festive day filled with local shopping, creativity, and community spirit. Despite 13 vendor booths canceling due to illness, the event remained lively, with 23 vendors offering a wide variety of handcrafted items, gifts, and seasonal décor.

Shoppers browsed tables featuring handmade jewelry, home décor, artwork, and Valentine’s-themed treats, making the fair a popular destination for those looking for unique gifts and meaningful ways to support local businesses. Families, friends, and neighbors gathered throughout the park, creating a welcoming and cheerful atmosphere.

One of the event’s most informative attractions was the Firewise booth, led by Susan Thygesen, who educated attendees about wildfire prevention and community preparedness. Thygesen shared how the Firewise program helps neighborhoods reduce fire risks through proactive planning and property maintenance. San Diego Country Estates recently submitted its application for Firewise recognition and is currently awaiting approval.

Once approved, the community may qualify for reduced homeowners’ insurance rates, providing a valuable benefit for residents. Thygesen encouraged homeowners to take part by learning simple steps to make their properties more fire-resistant. Signing up at the Firewise table was free, making participation easy and accessible for all interested residents.

SDCEA Recreation Manager, Amy Holsapple-Lueck, was excited to see new products brought by vendors to the craft fair for the holiday. “They always surprise me,” said Holsapple. There were over 100 people enjoying the craft fair on the warm, sunny day.

One of the booths featured needle felting. Lori Broadwater was selling her hand-crafted wool critters and offers needle felting classes to both youth and adults at Creative Coop. Needle felting involves stabbing roving or wool batting with a special barbed needle, so the fibers tangle and compact into shapes from flat designs to 3D sculptures.

Longtime SDCE resident, Karen Riedler, was at the Dael’s Designs booth buying hair scrunchies. Riedler brought her children to play at the park because it was forecasted to be 70 degrees and didn’t know the craft fair was happening. She was happy to see the booths and bought a bundle of hair scrunchies for gifts because there were so many patterns that reminded her of different people.

The Valentine’s Day Craft Fair once again demonstrated the strength and spirit of the San Diego Country Estates community. With dedicated vendors, engaged residents, and helpful local programs, the event offered more than just shopping—it created opportunities for connection, education, and long-lasting community support.

Photos by Tiffany Pressler.

A Love That Never Faded: Honoring 69 Years with Colleen and Tom

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:44:05 GMT

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.

One such story begins in 1955, when a young Navy ROTC midshipman named Tom Christensen from Minnesota refused to let tradition stand in the way of his heart. At the time, Tom was only a third-class midshipman, while his girlfriend, Colleen, had just been crowned Miss Sleepy Eye and earned a coveted invitation to attend the St. Paul Winter Carnival.

Customs dictated that visiting queens would be escorted by senior cadets—but Tom couldn’t bear the thought of someone else taking her arm.

With equal parts nerves and determination, he requested a meeting with his commanding officer, a Marine colonel he had once helped with an unusual problem involving beetle damage on his porch. Remembering that favor, the colonel listened to Tom’s request—and agreed to make a rare exception.

Colleen had no idea what he had done.

On the night of the Grand Ball, as dozens of beauty queens entered the grand hall and midshipmen stepped forward to choose their escorts, Tom made his move. Dressed in full uniform, he walked straight toward Colleen and offered his arm. The look of surprise on her face, he later recalled, was unforgettable.

Two years later, in 1957, he offered her his arm once more—this time as they walked down the aisle together.

Their marriage has now lasted 69 years, built on trust, laughter, and a willingness to take risks for love. Today, Tom is 91 and Colleen is 89. They have been San Diego Country Estates homeowners for 18 years and built their home in the community in 2008. Over the years, they have lived in a condominium on the golf course and in Valley Center before settling into their current home.

Tom retired from the Navy in February 1985. After his military career, he founded Onager Support Services, working closely with the Navy to locate hard-to-find replacement parts for aging ships. Many vessels were more than 40 years old, and Tom specialized in finding usable parts from retired ships to keep others operational.

Colleen devoted herself to caring for their home and family and was known as an excellent cook. As the oldest daughter in her family, she learned early on how to prepare meals, something Tom especially appreciated. His favorite dishes included her stroganoff and lasagna.

According to Tom, their first date in 1955 wasn’t especially memorable. Colleen had just graduated from high school, and Tom was serving in the Navy. While walking with fellow servicemen, he noticed Colleen walking with her friends and couldn’t stop thinking about her. He caught up, offered her a ride, and the two talked for a while.

Colleen had been a cheerleader, and Tom was an alumnus of her school. “Our dating was a dream world for me,” Tom recalls. “It was a very happy time.”

Together, Tom and Colleen raised three children and are now proud grandparents to seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, with another expected in June. Their middle child, Kelly, serves as their caregiver and prepares their meals. She moved from Dallas, where she had worked as a marketing executive, to care for her parents.

“I love to shop,” Tom says with a smile. “I am a shopper.” When asked what Valentine’s Day means to him now, he shared that he still enjoys buying gifts and picking out cards for Colleen. He also cherishes how much their daughters love the holiday.

Each year, the family hosts a Valentine’s Day celebration where Tom and Colleen can relax and enjoy being together while surrounded by loved ones.

Tom admits that losing many friends over the past decade has been difficult. Still, he remains deeply grateful for his good health, his loving wife, and his close-knit family. During their years in the Estates, the couple formed lasting friendships and enjoyed many cruises together. They even traveled to China, where Tom’s love of shopping continued as he searched for gifts to bring home.

When asked about the secret to their lasting marriage, Tom points to balance and faith. “You give a little and take a little,” he says. As Christians, they value communication, respect, and commitment to one another.

Stories like theirs remind us that lasting love is not built on grand gestures alone. It is found in showing up, standing up, and choosing one another—again and again—through every season of life.

This Valentine’s Day, we celebrate the couples in our community whose lives reflect that same enduring commitment. Their stories remind us that true romance isn’t found in perfection, but in perseverance, partnership, and a heart brave enough to follow its own path.

Phtotos courtesy of Tom Christensen.

Raising the Bar in the Par: A New Premier Draft Beer Experience Under Chuck Kast’s Leadership

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:23:53 GMT

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.

San Vicente Resort continues to elevate its hospitality offerings with exciting food and beverage enhancements designed to delight residents and guests alike. At the heart of this evolution is Food & Beverage Manager Chuck Kast, whose passion for hospitality and commitment to quality service is reshaping the dining and drinking experience at the resort's restaurants.

Chuck Kast brings more than a decade of leadership experience in fast-paced food and beverage operations to the San Vicente Resort. As Front of House Food & Beverage Manager, Kast is responsible for overseeing service staff, bar operations, special events, and guest experiences across resort dining venues. His hands-on approach to training and teamwork has quickly made an impact since his arrival.

Kast’s philosophy is rooted in attentive service, strong community connection, and seamless collaboration between the kitchen and front-of-house teams. Partnering closely with Executive Chef Ben Peterson and the talented back-of-house and culinaryy team, they ensure every experience reflects their shared commitment to service excellence.

In a nod to San Diego’s renowned craft beer culture, the Par Lounge recently installed a new 10-station draft beer server with rotating taps at its bar facilities, an upgrade designed to showcase a curated selection of local and regional craft brews. With multiple taps, guests can enjoy an array of styles from crisp lagers to hazy IPAs and robust ales, reflecting the diversity of San Diego’s vibrant brewing scene.

The Par Lounge is currently serving Coors Light, Heineken, Stella Artois, Kona Big Wave, Coronado Orange Ave, Newtopia Bludacris, Sunset Stroll, Harland Hazy IPA, Pizza Port Chronic, and Guiness Stout.

According to Kast, he was inspired to expand the Par Lounge from five beer taps to ten beer taps in January to give guests a better selection. “Our beers are the best!” He added that January sales were up 20-percent, and they are setting new highs.

Kast explained that the new beer system has the right pressure and mixture and the beers are coming out pristine, a definite enhancement to the experience. The machine has a glycol chiller and keeps the beer at 32 degrees from the keg to the tap. The Nordic Beer system was custom-made for the Par Lounge. In addition, the bar staff was recently trained to work the new system, including how to correctly pour a Guiness.

Kast considers SDCE residents, golfers, and the wider Ramona and San Diego community when choosing new beers to put on rotation, as well as what will pair well with the menus featured at The Oaks Grille and Par Lounge. He also offers lighter options in addition to providing a variety of craft choices.

San Diego County is home to one of the nation’s most celebrated craft beer communities, with a long list of breweries producing award-winning beers that span traditional and experimental styles. The expanded draft options at the San Vicente Resort venue offer members and visitors a chance to sample these flavors without leaving the property.

Beyond draft beer, the resort’s food and beverage programming emphasizes community — with curated events like themed dinners, holiday events, tasting nights, live music, and social gatherings that bring people together over exceptional food and drink. Under Kast’s guidance, these experiences foster connection and celebrate the unique lifestyle our homeowners and guests enjoy.

The Par Lounge bartenders are creating a spring cocktail list featuring house made syrups, such as Bee’s Knees—a lavender honey syrup, and fresh cocktails to enhance the spring holidays. St. Patrick’s Day will feature an Irish beer trio, that will be sold through March.

The blend of hospitality, expertise, and thoughtfully curated beverage offerings reflects a broader commitment to quality and community engagement. Whether enjoying dinner on the outdoor deck, sipping a craft brew from one of the new taps, or dining with friends and family, you can expect an elevated experience that brings people together around the table.

Photo by Tiffany Pressler.

Golf Course Update: Native Area Restoration Between Holes 1 and 9

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:13:10 GMT

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.

As part of our ongoing commitment to thoughtful course stewardship, work is underway in the native areas between Holes 1 and 9 on the golf course.

This project includes the removal of all non-native plants and grasses, along with the elimination of unnecessary irrigation in these areas. Once cleared, the ground will be prepared as a seed bed and replanted with California native grasses and wildflowers selected for their durability and natural beauty.

The result will be a clearly defined transition between the manicured playing surfaces and the surrounding landscape. Once established, these native areas will require no regular mowing, ongoing irrigation, or fertilizer, supporting both environmental sustainability and long-term course efficiency.

This restoration enhances the visual character of the course while reinforcing responsible land management practices that benefit golfers, the property, and the surrounding environment.

Photo by Heather McGhee.

February Employee of the Month: Susanne Hopkins Leads with Heart

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 20:47:20 GMT

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.

February is a month dedicated to love, appreciation and gratitude, making it the perfect time to recognize an employee who truly puts her heart into everything she does. SDCEA is proud to honor Susanne Hopkins as our February Employee of the Month.

Susanne, Member Guest Services Supervisor at the hotel front desk, has been a vital part of the San Vicente Resort team since December 2021. In her role, she manages hotel reservations, coordinates golf packages, and ensures guests feel welcomed and supported from check-in to check-out. She works closely with the restaurant, banquet staff, patrol, and pro shop to meet guest needs, while also managing cash banks, overseeing reservations, maintaining homeowner databases, and providing general clubhouse support.

Service is a core value at San Vicente Resort, which Susanne demonstrates every day. She consistently supports hotel guests and homeowners alike, assisting with dining, events, golf, and SDCEA-related questions. Her professionalism, reliability, and positive attitude make her a trusted and respected member of the team.

Susanne was chosen for this honor not only for her exceptional customer service, but also for being a true team player. She is always willing to assist other departments, communicate effectively, and help solve problems to keep daily operations running smoothly. Her dedication to excellence is evident in every interaction.

One area where Susanne has especially excelled is her leadership of the Front Desk “snack bar” sales, where she has taken full ownership and ensured consistent service and organization.

Outside of work, Susanne enjoys cheering on the Padres, spending time with family and friends, and attending live concerts. A music lover at heart, she appreciates all genres and believes there is nothing quite like seeing a band perform live.

When asked what she enjoys most about her job, Susanne points to the strong sense of teamwork across departments. She values working alongside the hotel, golf, food and beverage, catering, marketing, administrative, recreation, and equestrian teams, and appreciates the supportive environment they create together.

In the spirit of Valentine’s month, Susanne exemplifies what it means to serve with heart. Her kindness, dedication, and genuine care for others make a lasting impact on both our community and our guests.

Congratulations, Susanne on being named our February Employee of the Month. Your commitment, teamwork, and genuine care make San Vicente Resort and San Diego Country Estates a better place for everyone.

From Resolution to Routine: Fitness Goals After the January Rush

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 20:32:01 GMT

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.

January arrived with big intentions. Gym parking lots are full, walking trails are busy, and conversations often include phrases like “new year” and “fresh start,” but by the end of the month many of those well-meaning fitness goals begin to fade. Studies show that a large percentage of people abandon their New Year’s resolutions within the first few weeks, often not due to lack of motivation, but unrealistic expectations, lack of accountability or support, and not building habits that fit daily life.

Keeping a fitness routine into February and beyond doesn’t require extreme workouts or rigid plans. Local fitness professionals recommend consistency, realistic expectations, and finding movement you actually enjoy are the real keys to long-term success.

ADMA Elite Training owner Anthony Abbott offers clients Inbody scans, a popular body composition analysis tool used in a fitness setting to measure lean muscle mass, body fat percentage, water distribution, and overall body composition. Abbott, SCDEA homeowner, says it’s a great tool to help make reasonable goals and recommends re-testing throughout your fitness journey to stay on top of those goals.

Fitness professionals also suggest setting smaller “win goals”- instead of working out an hour every day, set a goal of 20 to 30 minutes a day, three times a week. Focus on habits that make fitness automatic, such as taking a morning walk at the same time each day or going to the gym after work. Use the same trigger-stretching after dinner or walking after dropping the kids off at school. Choose an activity you enjoy, like walking while listening to a podcast, dance classes, swimming, group fitness, yoga, golf, hiking, or pickleball. The best workout is the one you want to do again. Laying workout clothes out the night before, keeping walking shoes in your car, home workouts, and choosing a gym close to home or work are a few small habits that will help achieve the larger goal.

It is important to track progress beyond the scale. Are your energy levels higher? Do you have more strength? Has your mood improved? Are you sleeping better? How is your endurance? Take measurements to see if you are losing inches.

Abbott says it’s beneficial to have a good support system and be around like-minded people. He says to stop comparing yourself to others and adds that social media is not reality. Apps like MyFitnessPal and LoseIt are available to help track fitness and nutrition, allowing you to log your daily eating and learn what habits need to be changed.

“Nothing is done quickly,” says Abbott. “Put in the time and be patient with yourself.” Fitness goals are a marathon, not a sprint. Learn how to fuel your body properly and find an activity you look forward to doing. Don’t be afraid to fail. Invest in your health all year long by changing a few things at a time, surrounding yourself with a good support system and building habits that fit your daily life. Setting yourself up with manageable goals will help you carry your resolution through January and the rest of 2026.

We would like to congratulate ADMA Elite Training for becoming a certified DEKA training facility, which is a functional fitness event designed to assess overall physical conditioning. They will now be able to host DEKA competitions at ADMA.

Photos courtesy of Anthony Abbott.

Pamo Valley Winery Wine, Pasta, Music, and a Birthday Celebration

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 20:23:14 GMT

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.

Meet the Winemakers January event offered guests a chance to learn the story, inspiration, and craftsmanship that goes into each bottle of wine from Pamo Valley Winery. Known for its approachable yet thoughtfully produced wines, winemaker Jennifer Lane brings a personal touch to the tasting experience, making the night as much about conversation as it is about flavor.

Lane, owner of Pamo Valley Winery, poured wine with winemaker Jim Hart from Volcan Mountain Winery in Julian. The five wines featured for the evening included 2024 Chardonnay, 2025 Viognier, 2024 Sangiovese, 2023 Malbec, and 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon. All of the wines were chosen specifically to pair with the evening's menu.

Food played an equally important role in the experience. The chef prepared winter pasta specials designed to complement the wines, including Ragu al Penne and Gamberi Squash e Pesto. Rich, comforting, and elevated, the dishes highlighted fresh ingredients and careful preparation, offering pairings that enhanced both the food and the wine. Together, they created a satisfying and seasonal menu that anchored the evening.

Pamo Valley Winery is the first woman-owned winery in San Diego County. The vineyards were established in 2000, with Lane taking over full ownership in 2009. Wine making began for Lane when she lived in Melbourne, Australia. She moved to Ramona and where she was taught to make wine, and began consulting at different locations.

Adding to the atmosphere, musician Ashley E. Norton provided live entertainment throughout the evening, setting the tone with music that complimented the relaxed, welcoming setting of the resort. Norton’s performance provided an intimate and lively element that turned the event into a full sensory experience.

Norton prepares her music for the wine-focused setting by starting off the night with a song called "Wine, Wine, Wine." She explains the song is about drinking wine with friends and really kicks off the night. “I dedicate this song to all wineries at Meet the Winemaker,” says Norton. She plays country, folk, and rock, and reads the room to see what type of music resonates the best for the evening and caters the music to the general vibe. She often gets a lot of audience requests for songs.

The Meet the Winemaker event is perfect for longtime wine enthusiasts, curious newcomers, or anyone looking for a mid-week evening out that blends great wine, delicious food, and live music in one setting.

Photos by Heather McGhee

January Home of the Month: Welcome the New Year at Home

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 05:26:41 GMT

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.

As we welcome the fresh beginnings of the New Year, San Diego Country Estates is proud to feature a truly exceptional property as our January Home of the Month . Nestled amidst rolling hills and majestic trees, this stunning residence perfectly captures the charm and serenity that make our community so special. With thoughtful design, modern comforts, and breathtaking views that stretch over the countryside, this home offers both a peaceful retreat and an entertainer’s dream.

Jeffrey and Joan Stemler moved from Poway into the three bedroom, two bathroom home in August 2018. Family drew them to the community. After their adult children bought homes in SDCE, the Stemler’s were ready to downsize and move closer to their family. Poway was close, but still a bit of a drive when visiting their five grandchildren. “We all live within a mile apart,” says Joan.

The 1,640 square feet home features an open floor plan. The central living room, where the family congregates, is surrounded by the family room, dining room, and kitchen. Upon seeing it for the first time Joan described the house as meticulous, with added upgrades, a pool, and amazing views. After moving in, the couple remodeled both bathrooms and decorated their new home in a contemporary style mixed with beautiful antiques.

“It’s all I ever wanted if I had to downsize,” says Joan. “I always wanted a pool.”

Always a swimmer, she can now enjoy her hobby without leaving home. Joan also appreciates the SDCE amenities, using the heated golf course pool in the winter months. Her grandchildren participate on the swim team. The family orders regularly from the Par Lounge and Joan frequents Ramona Oaks Park with her grandchildren.

In addition to the pool, the outdoor space is used by Joan’s sister Kathy, who also lives in the home. Her succulent garden adds charm to peaceful surroundings.

The Stemler’s fell in love with the home instantly and immediately put in an offer. After initially being denied, they continued their search but were overjoyed when their real estate agent informed them the offer was accepted. “It was kind of meant to be,” says Joan.

They host family gatherings and parties and the grandchildren love to swim in their pool. “It’s all at grandma and grandpa’s house,” says Joan. Rocky, their Stafford bull terrier mix, agrees that their home is a great place to be.

Photo by Tiffany Pressler.

From Kickoff to Card Off, Super Bowl Couples Tournament Delivers Excitement

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 04:48:03 GMT

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.

The Super Bowl Couples Tournament took place last Saturday, bringing together couples for a lively day that blended golf with the energy of football’s biggest weekend. From jerseys and team colors to playful banter between shots, the atmosphere mirrored a Super Bowl Sunday celebration while still delivering a serious test on the course.

The tournament featured a team format designed to reward consistency and collaboration. Each foursome counted the 12 lowest individual scores across 18 holes, allowing teams to lean on steady play throughout the round while minimizing the impact of a single tough hole. Two thirds of each player’s handicap were deducted at the end of play, keeping the competition close and the leaderboard competitive until the final holes.

Adding to the Super Bowl spirit were lighthearted, football themed questions shared throughout the day. Tony Massery and Angie Rios revealed that cream cheese jalapeño peppers are their go to Super Bowl snack, though popcorn earned approval as the cleaner option for the turn. Cathy Knowles, sporting a Bo Nix jersey, named Peyton Manning as her dream playing partner, citing his resilience, humor, and ability to persevere through injuries. Trash talk also found its way onto the course, with AJ White admitting he brings it into every round, while Darla White noted her competitive

commentary usually stays on the couch during the game. Rob Fowler summed up the crossover between golf and football best, joking that his driver plays more like a kicker and not a reliable one.

The competition ultimately came down to a dramatic back nine card off for Darla and AJ White, teamed with Chico and Janet Flores, who secured first place honors with a winning total of 177, edging out the field in a close finish. The Super Bowl Couples Tournament once again showcased San Vicente Golf Club members' ability to pair spirited competition with community, fun, and memorable golf moments.

Photos by Hannah Anderson.

Easement Maintenance: Protecting Our Community with Fire Abatement

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 01:11:32 GMT

Proper easement maintenance ensures safety, accessibility, and fire prevention, and the Community Relations Department (CRD) is here to guide homeowners through the process.

As a new year begins, cooler weather and much-anticipated rain signal the perfect time to tackle essential yard work. This season is ideal for trimming trees and plants without risking heat damage, and homeowners across the community are busy maintaining their easements. To support these efforts, the Community Relations Department (CRD) is highlighting areas that may require attention.

Each homeowner is responsible for maintaining any easement located on their property. While not all properties include an easement, the CRD is your go-to resource for accurate information. You can reach out via email at CRDdept@sdcea.net or call 760-789-8747 for assistance. For additional guidance, the Horse Trail Map on our website can be a helpful starting point, though it may not always have the latest updates specific to your lot.

Proper easement maintenance involves regularly trimming plants, shrubs, and trees to ensure safe and unobstructed access. Guidelines include:

• Keeping grass and plants at a height of 4 inches or less.

• Trimming trees to maintain a clearance of 13 feet 6 inches from the ground.

• Removing any dead vegetation to reduce fire hazards.

Taking these steps not only contributes to fire abatement but also ensures safe and accessible pathways for all. Below, we’ve included before-and-after photos showcasing examples of well-maintained easements.

A Valentine’s Getaway Worth Sharing

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 22:01:16 GMT

Enjoy a romantic staycation or share a special escape with loved ones, featuring renovated guestrooms, champagne, dining perks, and late checkout at San Vicente Resort.

While many homeowners enjoy the beauty of San Vicente Resort every day, Valentine’s Day weekend offers the perfect opportunity to share a close-to-home staycation with someone special. Homeowners are also invited to spread the word about this thoughtful getaway, ideal for friends and family seeking a memorable escape.

The Valentine’s Getaway is designed for guests seeking a peaceful and memorable stay. Visitors will enjoy newly renovated guestrooms with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and golf course, along with private balconies or patios that offer a quiet place to relax and recharge.

To make the stay even more special, guests are welcomed with a bottle of Chandon champagne, two San Vicente logo glasses, and a $20 dining gift card to enjoy at The Oaks Grille, Par Lounge, or Snack Bar. A complimentary noon late checkout, based on availability, allows guests to linger and enjoy the experience a little longer.

This is a wonderful opportunity for homeowners to plan a personal romantic staycation and recommend the experience to friends and family. Whether it’s parents, siblings, close friends, or visiting guests, the Valentine’s Getaway offers a warm introduction to the resort experience many already appreciate.

The Valentine’s Getaway is available Friday, Feb. 13 through Monday, Feb. 16, at a rate of $189 plus tax per room, per night. Availability is limited, and the package is filling quickly.

Call 760-789-8290 x4000 to reserve your stay.

Sharing this offer is a simple way to invite others to discover the charm, comfort, and hospitality of San Vicente Resort.

Building Tomorrow: Your Seat at the Table - SDCEA Committees Extend an Invitation

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 23:40:22 GMT

SDCEA invites residents to join committees that shape community facilities, policies, and activities.

Committees serve as a platform for residents to actively engage with our community, bringing diverse perspectives and skills to facilitate successful implementation of projects and initiatives.

For more detailed information, please click on the committee title or visit our Committee page and Volunteer to Serve application online .

We seek to fill seats for the following committees:

Community Relations Committee – 5 Members

The Community Relations Committee (CRC) conducts hearings for members as required by the Association’s governing documents and California Civil Code. The enforcement and appeal procedures are provided as Exhibit 1 of the CRC Charter.

Equestrian Committee – 5 Members

The Equestrian Committee will discuss, evaluate and formulate recommendations to the Equestrian Manager and the Board regarding the general maintenance level and aesthetics of the equestrian facilities; additions, deletions, and changes to the physical facilities; events and activities that will take place at the facilities; methods to promote the facilities and activities; fee structures; and policies related to the equestrian facilities.

Fire Safety Committee – 5 Members

The Fire Safety Committee is established to ensure that the best fire-safe practices are implemented by the Association and its members. The committee's primary objectives are as follows:

1. To develop, implement, and maintain fire safety policies, procedures, and protocols.

2. To identify and assess fire hazards within the Association.

3. To educate stakeholders on fire safety measures and evacuation procedures.

4. To monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of fire safety measures.

5. To make recommendations for improvements and to recommend corrective actions to mitigate fire risks.

6. To ensure compliance with relevant local, state, and federal fire safety regulations and codes.

7. To explore the opportunity of becoming a California Firewise Community (Firewise).

(Ad Hoc) Golf Course Water Storage Committee - 5 Members

The Golf Course Water Storage Committee is established to assess, plan, and recommend strategies for optimizing water storage and management to ensure sustainable and efficient use of water resources for the golf course. This includes evaluating current water storage infrastructure and identifying potential improvements. Interested members shall have related engineering, utility, or golf course operations experience.

San Vicente Valley News Editorial Advisory Committee – 5 Members

The San Vicente Valley News Editorial Advisory Committee shall be responsible for ensuring that the San Vicente Valley News (SVVN) is balanced and conforms to the editorial policy, journalistic quality and ethical advertising principles. The focus of the SVVN will be on local activities and issues of interest to SDCEA and the surrounding community.

If you are interested in serving on any of the following committees, please complete the Volunteer to Serve Form on the Committee page and attach your resume. If preferred, you may hand-deliver your completed Committee Volunteer Request form and your printed resume to the Administration Office by 3 pm on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. If you have additional questions, please contact execsec@sdcea.net or call 760-789-3788 x5000.

All submissions must be received by 3 pm on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. Committees will be appointed at the Board meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 24.

A Strong Start to 2026 at Our Equestrian Centers

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 23:02:57 GMT

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.

The new year is off to a strong and energetic start at both the International Equestrian Center and Casey Tibbs Western Center, with our team already hard at work preparing the facilities for an exciting year ahead. After a wonderful holiday season, we jumped right into 2026 focused on maintaining welcoming, well-kept spaces for our equestrian community.

Kicking off the year, the International Equestrian Center proudly hosted its first event of 2026, the Ramona Rodeo Foundation’s inaugural Poker Ride–Bike–Hike. This family-friendly event was a tremendous success, welcoming participants of all ages and abilities. The day was well organized, filled with positive energy, and supported by friendly volunteers who greeted everyone with smiles, creating a fun and inclusive experience for all.

Looking ahead, we are excited to continue hosting events at both centers and encourage even more community members to join in the activities and camaraderie throughout the year.

We are also happy to welcome back Colton Snyder, our lead equestrian maintenance team member. If you see him around the facilities, be sure to say hello and welcome him back.

With the recent rainfall over the past month, our maintenance team will be especially busy with mowing and weeding to keep the grounds looking their best as we move into the new season.

As we update records for 2026, we kindly remind all facility users to ensure the San Diego Country Estates Association Release has been signed and returned. Thank you to everyone who has already completed this step.

Link to the Release (link)

Finally, we appreciate those who have already paid the 2026 manure dump fee. If you still need to receive your updated sticker to dump at the IEC, please reach out to the Equestrian Team, and we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you for your continued support, and here’s to a great year ahead at our equestrian centers.

Golf Membership That Fits Your Life

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 22:56:07 GMT

San Vicente Golf Club is an exclusive homeowners club offering unlimited golf, exceptional benefits, and a welcoming community just minutes from home.

What sets the homeowners-only San Vicente Golf Club apart is simple: exceptional golf, just minutes from home, at a membership value designed for real life.

Members enjoy unlimited access to the course with tee times available up to seven days in advance through a fair member scheduling system that supports consistent play and flexibility.

Monthly membership is $285 for singles and $370 for families—an exceptional value for golfers who play regularly and families who love to spend time on the course.

Beyond the game, members enjoy a vibrant club experience with frequent tournaments, social events, and group activities. Added benefits include complimentary driving range balls, GPS-equipped carts, quarterly guest passes, and exclusive member savings—15% in the Golf Shop and 10% in dining venues.

January is a time for fresh goals and meaningful commitments. If golf is part of your vision this year, we invite you to explore everything the San Vicente Golf Club has to offer.

Visit the Golf Shop to speak with a membership expert and discover how effortless and rewarding membership can be.

The best golf is the golf that fits your life.

Visit our membership webpage.

View the San Vicente Golf Club brochure.

From First Swing to Full Swing: San Vicente’s Junior Golf Program Welcomes Young Players

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 22:05:23 GMT

A fun, welcoming junior golf program helps local kids build skills, confidence, and friendships while enjoying the outdoors at San Vicente.

At the San Vicente Resort, golf is more than a game — it’s an opportunity for kids to explore, learn, and make lasting friendships in a supportive, outdoor setting. The San Vicente Golf Course offers programs designed to introduce young golfers to the sport while fostering confidence, teamwork, and a love for being active.

The San Vicente Junior Golf Program focuses on building skills while keeping the experience fun. Children work on all aspects of the game, from putting and chipping to full swings, in a relaxed, encouraging environment. The program is structured to celebrate every achievement, big or small, and to help kids develop a lifelong appreciation for golf.

Golf instructor Tim Smith says the junior program has grown significantly and helps lift players’ spirits while teaching values such as integrity, honesty, and teamwork. Because golf is an individual sport, each player can work on techniques tailored specifically to him or her.

The year-round program is open to both residents and non-residents ages 6 to 14. Participants meet twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, to learn the fundamentals of the game. Currently, 80 children are signed up, with about 15 to 30 attending on any given practice day. Attendance is flexible, and there is no requirement to participate every week. Each clinic is led by two to four instructors who focus on teaching proper ball striking and overall golf skills.

Smith says the program was the vision of Matt Brumbaugh, San Diego Country Estates Interim General Manager and former Head Golf Pro at the San Vicente Resort. What began with approximately eight children has grown to 80 participants. According to Smith, Brumbaugh wanted to ensure our golf experience had a junior golf program that would nurture young players and teach them the game of golf.

Sessions run Wednesdays at 4 PM and Saturdays at 10 AM. Registration is $50, with individual clinic sessions available at $10 each on a pay-as-you-go basis. Group instruction allows young golfers to practice together, share experiences, and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with playing a sport as part of a team.

Private Lessons for Kids and Families

For those seeking more personalized instruction, the Golf Shop Team offers private lessons tailored to each child’s pace and personality. Kids can also enjoy lessons alongside family members, making golf a shared experience.

· Single Lesson: $50

· Series of 5 Lessons: $200

Experienced instructors leading these sessions include Fred Arcaina, 1st Assistant Golf Pro & Tournament Director; Cody Snyder, PGA Associate and Golf Shop Assistant; Daryl Neff, Golf Shop Assistant; and Tim Smith, Golf Shop Assistant. Appointments can be scheduled at the San Vicente Golf Shop or via email at golf@sdcea.net.

A Community Hub for Young Golfers

San Vicente is more than just a golf course — it’s a place where kids connect with nature, form friendships, and enjoy healthy outdoor activity. From the first time a child picks up a club to enjoying a round of golf with friends, the San Vicente Junior Golf Programs make the game approachable, fun, and memorable. Whether for skill-building or simply enjoying the outdoors, young golfers find a welcoming environment where every lesson and every game is a chance to grow.

San Vicente Resort will be holding the San Vicente 2026 PGA Junor League May 13 to June 24. More information is available at https://www.pgajrleague.com/junior-league-events/129bc911-770d-427a-a81b-7a44e7bd13bb .

Whether they’re swinging a club for the first time or sharpening their skills, young golfers at San Vicente Golf Course enjoy more than just the game — they gain confidence, make friends, and experience the joy of being outdoors in a welcoming, supportive environment. With programs designed for learning, play, and connection, San Vicente Junior Golf is the perfect place for kids to grow both on and off the course.

Photos by Tiffany Pressler.

Ramona Rodeo Foundation Poker Run Brings Community Together

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 21:41:04 GMT

The Ramona Rodeo Foundation’s inaugural Poker Run brought hikers, bikers, and horseback riders together for a fun, family-friendly morning that celebrated community spirit while raising funds to support local youth programs and charitable initiatives in Ramona.

The Ramona Rodeo Foundation Poker Run Ride, Bike, and Hike hosted a successful Poker Run on Saturday, January 17, bringing together community members for a morning of outdoor fun and fundraising in Ramona.

Held at the International Equestrian Center, the event welcomed approximately 52 participants on foot, bicycle, and horseback as they traveled a 4-mile scenic course through the San Diego Country Estates Trail system. Riders, hikers, and bikers stopped at checkpoints along the route to collect poker cards, with the best hands at the end of run earning prizes.

The poker run offered a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, drawing participants of all ages and backgrounds. Coffee and pastries greeted early arrivals, while leashed dogs and plenty of smiles added to the community spirit throughout the morning.

“It was put on by the Ramona Rodeo Foundation,” said Janina Olson, Chair of the event for the Ramona Rodeo Foundation Poker Run. “It’s bigger than I expected and put on all by volunteers.”

The event featured competitions in three categories: Horseback Riding, Biking, and Hiking, with first, second and third place prizes awarded. Equestrian Supervisor Marissa Travis won first place in horseback riding.

In addition to the fun, the event served an important purpose. Proceeds from the Poker Run benefited the Ramona Rodeo Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting local youth programs, scholarships, community events, and charitable initiatives throughout Ramona.

Vice Chair for the Ramona Rodeo Poker Run event, Jess Koehler, helped Olson with the check-in process and explained that all of the money goes to the Ramona Rodeo Foundation for our community.

Olson and Koehler are on the board of directors for the Ramona Rodeo Foundation. Olson’s inspiration was to have an all-inclusive event for hikers, bikers, horseback riders, strollers, and dogs. “We have everything,” added Olson.

Organizers expressed appreciation for the volunteers, participants, and sponsors who helped make the event a success. The strong turnout highlighted the community’s continued support for the Foundation’s mission and its commitment to keeping Ramona’s western heritage and community values thriving.

“This is the first one to happen and it’s really great to see the community out here,” said Miss Ramona Rodeo Queen Nicole Bell. A volunteer at the event, Bell, said all the raffle prizes were donated by local businesses.

The event brought folks from surrounding areas, including Mary Jorgensen from Lakeside, who rode her bike. She works with Olson at the Barona Band of Indians Tribal Government and was happy to lend her support. She loves to do 5k races and this event was right up her alley.

“The Barona Band of Mission Indians is one of the top long-standing sponsors of the Ramona Rodeo, which is our largest annual fundraiser,” said Olson.

With the strong turnout and enthusiastic support from participants, volunteers, and local businesses, the Ramona Rodeo Foundation Poker Run proved to be a meaningful way to bring the community together. Organizers say the positive response to the inaugural event has inspired plans for future activities that continue to celebrate Ramona’s western heritage while giving back to the community it proudly serves.

Photos by Tiffany Pressler.

A Joyful Start to 2026 at Recreation

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 22:27:58 GMT

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.

Welcome to 2026 from the Recreation Department! As we begin a new year, we are energized and excited to start planning our community events—one of my favorite parts of being the Recreation Manager. There is nothing more rewarding than watching neighbors come together, sharing laughs, music, and meaningful moments that build lasting connections.

Throughout the year, our team plans and hosts a wide variety of events, including Craft Fairs, the Easter Egg Hunt, Concerts in the Park, our Fourth of July Extravaganza, Fall Festival, and the Holiday Fair. If you haven’t yet had the chance to attend one of our events, we invite you to join us this year. You may be surprised by how quickly friendships form while relaxing at the park and enjoying great entertainment—and your kids may make new friends along the way as well.

We are excited to kick off the year with our first Craft Fair of the season on February 7 at Ramona Oaks Park. This event will feature more than 20 vendors offering a wide variety of one-of-a-kind gifts. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it’s the perfect opportunity to find something special while supporting local vendors—right here in our own backyard.

On the youth recreation side, our focus this year is Kindness. With so much happening in the world around them, there is no better time to encourage children to respect one another, care for our parks, and learn the value of teamwork. Every child carries their own story, and not all journeys are easy. Even when adults try to shield them, children are often aware when something feels off.

Our goal is to ensure that children enrolled in Recreation programs have a safe, welcoming place where they can play, connect with friends, and feel supported. We want Recreation to be a positive space where kids know they can talk, feel heard, or simply enjoy time together while taking a break from everyday challenges.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support our programs and community events. We are grateful for your involvement and look forward to creating another memorable year together.

Capturing the Wild Heart of Ramona: A Look at Photographer Roy Toft

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 22:00:30 GMT

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.

Renowned local wildlife photographer, Roy Toft, will lend one of his stunning photographs from his latest beautiful coffee-table book, “Wild Ramona”, to the next mural for the Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Mural Project. Ramona is known for its rolling hills, abundant wildlife, natural beauty, and distinct murals. But few have documented the magic as profoundly as local photographer Roy Toft. A professional wildlife photographer, he has spent decades bringing the natural world into crisp focus, from exotic corners of the globe to the untamed spaces right in his own backyard.

Toft began his photography journey the year he graduated college in 1985. He holds his degree in Wildlife Biology and has spent more than 20 years building a career as a wildlife photographer. He shoots with Canon digital cameras and currently uses the Canon R5. His work has appeared in major publications like National Geographic and Audubon.

“I like to share my wildlife imagery,” says Toft. He regularly shares his work on Facebook and Instagram, giving both locals and photography fans around the world a front-row seat to the beauty he captures in Ramona and beyond.

In addition to his local photography, Toft leads wildlife photo safaris around the world. He travels to destinations including Africa, Brazil, and Costa Rica, guiding small groups of six to twelve participants on photography tours and workshops. These safaris offer photographers of all skill levels the opportunity to experience majestic animals up close.

Wildlife-rich locations include Brazil, Chile, Peru, India and several regions of Africa where participants photograph big cats such as jaguars, tigers, lions, leopards, snow leopards, pumas and cheetahs. Other trips include Alaska for brown bears and eagles; Manitoba, Canada for polar bears and Arctic foxes; Costa Rica for scarlet macaws and other rainforest wildlife; and African countries such as Botswana, Namibia, and Madagascar.

One of Toft’s most unique trips takes place in Chile, where participants are able to walk near mountain lions and observe them hunting in the wild. These lions are habituated to the presence of people, making it the only place in the world where this experience is possible.

Like many lifelong passions, Toft’s journey into photography began in college while he was studying wildlife. He had always loved wildlife and taking pictures, making it an easy transition to nature photography. In the 1980’s and 1990’s, he worked at the Wild Animal Park conducting bird shows before eventually leaving to pursue photography full-time. Some of his work was published in Zoo News.

After graduating college, Toft traveled to Alaska with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to study wolves. In his early 20’s he brought his camera into the field and his passion for photography took hold.

Toft’s preferred photographic style is intimate and raw. He avoids staging scenes or manipulating images, presenting the wildlife as it truly appears. He wants viewers to see the real shot with branches or shadows as part of the story because nature isn’t perfect.

Now settled on the west end of Ramona, Toft continues to immerse himself in the local landscape. In addition to his photography work, he is the author of Wild Ramona, a striking coffee-table book that showcases the diverse wildlife quietly living among Ramona’s hills, valleys, and open spaces. Using remote camera traps, guided safaris, workshops, and his latest book, Toft invites viewers to notice the remarkable creatures and moments often overlooked in their own backyards.

Wild Ramona is available for purchase at the following places: 2Create Gallery, Ramona Family Naturals, Ramona Ranch Winery, Hatfield Creek Winery, and online at https://www.toftphotosafaris.com .

Photos courtesy of Roy Toft.

Honoring Our Native Landscape: Fire Safety, Sustainability, and Thoughtful Replanting

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 21:50:50 GMT

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.

Our native landscape plays an important role in both the beauty and safety of San Diego Country Estates, and the Association continues to be intentional in preserving and thoughtfully restoring it.

As part of our ongoing fire fuel reduction efforts, select cleared areas will be replanted with native species that rank lower on flammability lists. When SDCE was originally developed, all building areas required approved landscape plans. Now, more than 50 years later, many of those original plantings have reached the end of their natural lifespan, making replacement and refresh both necessary and timely.

Today, landscaping with native plants is not only more accepted but strongly encouraged. With careful plant selection, the traditional scrubby chaparral appearance can be softened into a visually appealing landscape palette that blends native plants with other drought-tolerant varieties.

Our Landscape team has already refreshed several park and clubhouse areas and is developing plans to transition away from highly flammable species such as pine, pepper, and eucalyptus. These will be replaced with more fire-resistant options including oak and sycamore trees, along with native shrubs such as toyon, manzanita, and ceanothus. Native, drought-tolerant grasses are also being sourced to overseed open meadow areas in an effort to restore ancient grass varieties that once thrived here.

A significant portion of fire fuel clearing focuses on removing non-native invasive plants and creating defensible space around homes. Of the approximately 320 acres identified for fire fuel reduction, 250 acres have already been completed and sufficiently cleared.

Later this year, the cleared area along San Vicente Road across from the clubhouse will be replanted with ceanothus and manzanitas and seeded with native meadow grasses and wildflowers. With adequate rainfall and limited supplemental watering during the establishment period, these resilient native plants are expected to provide seasonal color, habitat, and food sources for local wildlife.

Additional areas are also being evaluated to maintain the original landscaping intent of the community, with updated plant selections that are better suited to our environment and contribute added fire-resistant benefits.

We hope you continue to enjoy our beautiful open spaces and the many recreational and environmental benefits they provide.

Photo by Nancy Zadrosny: A view of the area prepared for planting. A follow-up photo will be shared in the coming years as the landscape matures.

New Year’s Eve: Bringing Back a Favorite for One Night Only

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 22:09:11 GMT

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.

For one special night only, San Vicente Resort brought back a guest favorite - its classic Make Your Own Pasta Night - as part of a lively New Year’s Eve celebration that blended exceptional dining, live music, and a joyful countdown to 2026. The event welcomed a large crowd, many of whom were delighted to see the much-loved dinner experience return for the holiday.

Executive Chef Ben Peterson, alongside Sous Chefs Chris Osterman and Jessica Nelson, led the culinary team in delivering a hands-on pasta dinner that allowed guests to customize their plates with a selection of pasta, premium meats, seafood, fresh vegetables, and house-made sauces. The experience captured the spirit of the evening, interactive, comforting, and celebratory, while reflecting the high standards guests have come to expect at San Vicente Resort.

Complementing the dinner, South Coast Winery poured featured wines throughout the evening, with Anna Said on hand to guide guests through pairings that elevated the dining experience and added a festive touch to the night.

As the evening continued, Natural Selection set the tone with an acoustic set during dinner service, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. As the night transitioned into the Countdown to 2026, the band shifted into a high-energy performance, filling the venue with music that invited guests to dance, celebrate, and toast the New Year together. The party portion of the evening featured light appetizers and a champagne toast at midnight, creating a seamless flow from dinner to celebration, with many guests staying through the final moments of the night.

Behind the scenes, Food & Beverage Front of House Manager Chuck Kast and Catering Manager Joyce Whelehon expertly managed décor, service, and guest flow, ensuring the entire New Year’s experience felt polished, welcoming, and memorable from start to finish.

With strong attendance, enthusiastic guest response, and the successful return of a cherished guest Make Your Own Pasta experience, New Year’s Eve at San Vicente Resort proved that some favorites are always worth bringing back, especially when shared together to welcome a new year.

Photos by Heather McGhee.

Year of the Horse Kicks Off with Wild West Trivia Night

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 19:11:11 GMT

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.

The spirit of the Wild West was alive and well at the San Vicente Resort on Tuesday, January 6. A lively evening inspired by the Year of the Horse 2026 and hosted by trivia master Chico Flores, the event brought together equestrian enthusiasts, country music lovers, and trivia buffs for a night of friendly competition and western flair.

Eleven teams saddled up for six rounds of knowledge, with categories including sports, tv and film, country music, geography, animals, and food and drink. Flores kept the crowd engaged with his trademark humor and insight, noting that country music a staple in Ramona.

The team names were as original as their contestants: Mr. and Mrs. Caterpillar, City Slickers, I Don’t Know, Sharkey’s, Quiz-Kilfa, Outlaws, The Amigas, Pinky and the Brain, Meadow Muffins, Bratz, and Friends in Slow Places.

Trivia regulars, Gary and Pam Besaw, moved to the SDCE in 1990 and have been homeowners for 35 years. “We came to the very first trivia night and have come every week,” says Pam. “Now it’s once a month and we come, unless we are on vacation.” She was happy she was able to wear her cowboy hat and was hopeful her husband of 42 years would be able to answer the music questions.

New to SDCEA trivia night was Bethany McCobb. Dressed in her best western attire, she attended with her boyfriend David Rannikko, who bartends at the San Vicente Resort. McCobb, who has lived in the SDCE for the last five years and has been a Ramona resident since fifth grade, enjoyed the western theme for the evening.

Another country enthusiast, Michelle Gribbon, attended the event with her friends who come every month. “I wanted to come and hang out with my besties,” Gribbon says. “Western night is a good one.” She enjoyed both the atmosphere and the sense of community.

With its blend of tradition, trademark style, and local pride, Wild West Trivia Night proved to be a fitting kickoff to The Year of the Horse and a reminder that in Ramona, western culture isn’t just history, it’s a way of life. Laughter, teamwork, and a shared love for all things western filled the room, making the event as much about connection as competition.

Photos by Tiffany Pressler.

A Little Trivia

Question:
In the Chinese zodiac, what qualities are most strongly associated with the Year of the Horse?

Answer:
Energy, perseverance, and forward momentum—symbolizing bold action, freedom, and steady progress.

Mastering Your Game in the New Year: The Benefits of Golf Lessons

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 17:28:19 GMT

As the new year begins, golf lessons at San Vicente Golf Course offer the perfect opportunity to sharpen your skills, build confidence, and elevate your enjoyment of the game.

Why Golf Lessons Are Essential

A new year is the ideal time to reset goals and invest in personal improvement—on and off the course. Golf lessons provide a strong foundation for players of all skill levels, helping golfers refine technique, gain confidence, and enjoy the game more fully. With professional instruction, players can break old habits, develop consistency, and approach each round with greater purpose and enjoyment.

Lessons focus on proper fundamentals, including grip, posture, alignment, and swing mechanics, while offering personalized feedback tailored to each golfer’s strengths and areas for improvement. Beyond technique, instruction also builds course management skills and mental confidence, leading to better decision-making and more satisfying rounds.

Exclusive Benefits for SDCE Members

San Vicente Golf Course offers exclusive advantages for our members, including exclusive homeowner rates for rounds and valuable benefits in our homeowners-only San Vicente Golf Club . With the course conveniently located within the community, improving your game fits easily into your routine. Whether preparing for a tournament or enjoying casual rounds with friends, members benefit from both value and convenience.

Golf Shop and Rentals

The Golf Shop is fully stocked with quality equipment and apparel to support golfers at every stage of their game. From clubs and accessories to branded merchandise, the shop ensures players have what they need to play confidently. Club rentals are also available, making it easy to participate in lessons or rounds without owning equipment.

A Team That’s Here for You

The San Vicente Golf Team is dedicated to helping golfers reach their goals through expert instruction and personalized support. Led by experienced professionals, the team creates a welcoming and encouraging environment for learning and improvement.

Fred Arcaina, 1st Assistant Golf Pro and Tournament Director
Cody Snyder, Golf Shop Assistant, PGA Associate
Daryl Neff, Golf Shop Assistant
Tim Smith, Golf Shop Assistant

Take the First Step

Make the new year your season of progress. Take the first step toward better golf by scheduling a lesson at San Vicente Golf Course. Stop by the Golf Shop or call 760-789-3477 x3020 to get started and discover how professional instruction can elevate your game.

Chloe Coblentz-January’s Employee of the Month

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 17:08:20 GMT

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.

SDCEA is excited to kick off the New Year by recognizing Chloe Coblentz as our January Employee of the Month.

Chloe has been a valued member of the snack bar team since January 30, 2024, serving as a snack bar attendant. In addition to preparing and serving food and beverages, she has taken on added responsibilities by assisting with daily operations, including inventory management, ordering, and staff scheduling.

Chloe was selected for this honor because of her consistently positive attitude and strong work ethic. She is always happy to be at work, goes above and beyond her job duties, and seamlessly stepped into a lead role for an extended period, demonstrating professionalism and reliability.

Outside of work, Chloe enjoys music and art. At the San Diego Country Estates Association, she especially values the supportive team environment and the opportunity to grow while taking on new challenges.

As we welcome the new year, we are grateful for employees like Chloe who set a positive tone and help make the SDCEA a great place to work and gather. Congratulations, Chloe, and thank you for all that you do.

Megna Makes History with Rare Par-4 Hole-in-One at San Vicente

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 21:29:43 GMT

Paige Megna made history at San Vicente Golf Resort by recording a rare hole-in-one on a blind par 4 during the Toy Story Tournament, capping a memorable day filled with celebration, personal milestones, and club history.

Par-4 hole-in-ones are among the rarest feats in golf, and on a memorable day at San Vicente Golf Resort, Paige Megna added her name to that exclusive list.

Megna recorded a hole-in-one on a blind par 4 during the Toy Story Tournament, playing the hole from the green tees at approximately 240 yards to the middle of the green. The hole is a dogleg left that plays uphill and then downhill, with the tee shot played from the bottom of a hill and the green tucked out of view.

“I usually hit it anywhere from 180 to 240 yards depending on slope, wind, and conditions,” Megna said. Staying true to her normal strategy, she hit driver and aimed along her usual line, which is over the right side of the hill.

The shot was a powerful line drive with just enough apex to clear the hill. While Megna couldn’t see the result from the tee, golfers on the green had a front-row seat. With the pin tucked behind the left bunker, witnesses said the ball followed an S-shaped path—rolling down the right side of the fairway, kicking left, tracking along the bunker, hopping over a sprinkler head, and disappearing into the cup.

When the group went to find their shots, the golfers on the green began waving them over. Scott Easley, one of Megna’s playing partners, had also hit a great shot and initially went ahead to apologize for hitting into them. Instead, he was met with handshakes and surprising news that someone had made a hole-in-one.

Easley returned to the group to celebrate, believing the ace was his. Moments later, the group discovered a ball sitting roughly 15 yards short of the green, which was Easley’s. A second check of the hole confirmed the truth—that the ball in the cup belonged to Paige Megna.

“It was the last drive of the day and the last hole,” Megna said. “I never thought it had a chance.”

The celebration quickly followed. During post-round announcements and prize presentations, Megna’s par-4 hole-in-one was announced to the crowd, drawing cheers and applause. Fellow golfers bought Megna drinks to celebrate the rare achievement, and she shared the champagne and cake she had brought for her boyfriend Joe Weir’s birthday, turning the moment into a full clubhouse celebration.

Megna joined San Vicente Golf Resort three years ago after previously playing mostly in scramble events and only occasionally otherwise. While she recorded a hole-in-one roughly five to six years ago on a 95-yard par 3 at The Lights at Indio, this marked her first ace at San Vicente—let alone her first on a par 4.

“I never could have imagined doing something like this,” Megna said.

Freddy, one of the professionals in the San Vicente Golf Shop, confirmed the rarity of the moment, noting that it was the first par-4 hole-in-one he had ever heard of at the resort.

In a fitting follow-up, just two weeks later, Joe Weir recorded a hole-in-one of his own on hole No. 2, making the moment even more unforgettable for the couple.

For Megna, the experience hasn’t changed her approach to the hole.

“I usually play that line,” she said. “And I’ll definitely keep playing it.”

Photos by Hannah Anderson.

Celebrating the New Year with a Social Media Sensation from the Estates

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 21:18:34 GMT

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.

As the new year begins in a town where locally owned restaurants are woven into the fabric of the community, food observer Dan Edwards has become a familiar name behind the lens. Known for capturing thoughtfully composed images of dishes and dining spaces, Edwards documents the food scene in Ramona and across San Diego County, highlighting the flavors, presentation, and atmosphere that make each spot unique. Through his food observations, he offers residents and visitors alike a closer look at the culinary experiences found right in their own backyard.

Edwards has been a San Diego Country Estates homeowner for 24 years and is known online as @foodobservations on Facebook and Instagram. He is a prominent San Diego–based food writer, photographer, and blogger who shares his culinary adventures and restaurant finds on social media, showcasing the local food scene as a passionate eater—not a foodie.

He focuses on local experiences, sharing reviews and visuals of San Diego’s diverse eateries. While much of his content centers on Ramona, San Diego, and surrounding Southern California areas, he also expands his reviews when traveling for work. Professionally, Edwards works in the aerospace and defense industry and has recently extended his food coverage to Arizona, with posts spanning locations across the United States. “I have posts in my feed from establishments in Virginia and Ohio,” Edwards said.

Edwards moved to San Diego Country Estates in 2002 and is a regular customer at The Oaks Grille and Par Lounge. He says they offer the best brunch in Ramona, featuring a chef-driven menu that changes with the seasons. Located just a three-minute drive from his home, the restaurant’s convenience is an added bonus. “We live so close, and everyone knows my wife and me when we dine at SDCE,” he said.

He started his food blog as a hobby 15 years ago, inspired by his father. In the 1980s, his father photographed food using a 35-millimeter camera—long before food photography became popular. Edwards recalls his father taking photos of pancakes he made, sparking an early interest in photography that has stayed with him ever since.

Edwards has been reviewing food for nearly 15 years and photographs exclusively with his iPhone. He and his wife always keep up with the latest model, and he currently uses an iPhone 17 Pro Max. “I always have the latest and greatest,” Edwards said. He elevates his images through careful attention to composition and lighting and uses editing software to further enhance the photos.

He enjoys photographing all types of food and notes that some dishes photograph better than others. Chef-inspired gourmet hamburgers are among his favorites, along with Asian cuisine such as dumplings and wontons, which he says create appealing shadows. Sushi also photographs beautifully under the right conditions. Edwards prides himself on making any food look incredible—whether it’s Taco Bell or fine dining. One day he might dine at Ruth’s Chris, and the next at McDonald’s. “I can make a Big Mac look amazing,” he said.

Recently, Edwards won the Social Media Sensation Award for San Diego North County, part of Yelp’s annual Yelpies event for the San Diego and North County Yelp Elite community. The award recognizes individuals for outstanding content contributions. Held at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, the event featured great food and a festive atmosphere. “It was a nice, unexpected award,” Edwards said. “I was given a trophy, gift bag, and flowers. They went all out.”

As the calendar turns to a new year, it’s fitting to spotlight a reviewer who has helped so many navigate the county’s ever-evolving food landscape. His enthusiastic coverage, shared through Yelp, Facebook, and Instagram, makes every meal feel like a local adventure.

Here’s to a year filled with delicious bites, new discoveries, and trusted recommendations. Whether seeking comfort food classics or must-try destinations, local voices like Edwards help guide the way—one review at a time.

Photos courtesy of Dan Edwards.

Casey Tibbs Riders 2025 Awards Ceremony and Holiday Gathering

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 21:01:37 GMT

The Casey Tibbs Riders closed out the year with a festive awards ceremony and potluck that celebrated dedication, sportsmanship, and a growing equestrian community while looking ahead to an exciting season of expanded gymkhana events.

Holiday cheer was in full swing on Sunday, Dec. 14, as the Casey Tibbs riders gathered at Ramona Oaks Park for their 2025 awards ceremony potluck. With pizza boxes open, cake on the table, and a colorful spread of homemade dishes brought by members, the celebration felt joyful and welcoming. Laughter, conversation, and the spirit of the season filled the park as riders, families, and friends came together to enjoy good food, good company, and a well-earned moment to celebrate the year.

The award ceremony was a tribute to dedication, sportsmanship, and the spirit of horsemanship that the Casey Tibbs Riders embody. Riders of all ages were recognized for their outstanding races throughout the season. Each award was met with applause from the, crowd and the pride of the rider’s eyes reflected countless hours of hard work in the saddle.

The club had three events last year, and members and families alike are looking forward to ten gymkhana shows in 2026, from March through December, as the club grows.

The ceremony included special acknowledgement for volunteers whose support helped make this year a success. Their behind-the-scenes efforts play a vital role in creating a positive, welcoming environment where riders can learn, grow, and succeed.

It was a wonderful celebration of community, horses, and the joy of riding- a day that honored tradition while inspiring riders to aim even higher in the year ahead.

Photos courtesy of Casey Tibbs Riders President Samatha Parsons.

Festive Fairways: San Vicente Golf Resort Hosts Christmas Couples Tournament

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:36:16 GMT

San Vicente Golf Resort’s Christmas Couples Tournament blended festive fun, friendly competition, and a playful Step Aside Scramble format to celebrate the holiday spirit and the close-knit community that defines the club.

San Vicente Golf Resort continued a festive weekend of holiday events with its Christmas Couples Tournament, held on Saturday, Dec. 6. The event brought members together for a fun-filled day on the course, fully embracing the Christmas spirit with decked-out carts, festive outfits, and a relaxed, team-focused format. With laughter on every tee box and friendly competition throughout the day, the tournament highlighted exactly what defines San Vicente: community.

This year’s tournament featured a Step Aside Scramble format, designed to keep play lighthearted and inclusive. On each hole, all players teed off, with each golfer required to use three drives throughout the round. From there, teams selected the best shot through the green, but with one twist: the player whose shot was chosen had to step aside and sit out the next shot.

The format encouraged teamwork, strategy, and plenty of laughs, making it perfect for a holiday event where fun came first. “I love this format because it’s so forgiving,” said Corrine Hill. “When something goes wrong, you have teammates to rely on.”

The holiday spirit didn’t stop players from putting up impressive numbers. Angie Rios, Jim Ringnell, and Penny and Rob Fowler captured first place, shooting a 56. A tie for second place followed closely behind at 57, with teams including Sam and Amy Sailor, Chico and Janet Flores, Morton and Angela Cowardin, and Scott and Kiersten Easley.

Beyond the scorecards, the atmosphere made the day special. “The holiday vibe is all about community,” said Chico Flores. “When you go somewhere and know everyone, it’s so welcoming. That’s why we moved out here—to have a close-knit community.” That sense of connection is what continues to set San Vicente apart.

For many players, this tournament stood out from the rest of the year. “I love this tournament—it’s Christmas,” said Penny Fowler. “Everyone is excited about the holidays, and the Hills went above and beyond. I loved the reindeer on the front of their cart.”

Players embraced the festive theme, dressing up, decorating carts, and leaning into the joyful energy that filled the course. “This one is fun because it’s so festive. People don’t dress up like this for other tournaments,” added Corrine Hill. “It’s not serious because of the format, and of course, the drinking. Usually, tournaments are more serious, but this one really feels like a team effort.”

The Christmas Couples Tournament was more than just a competition—it was a celebration of everything that makes San Vicente Golf Resort special. From welcoming members and longtime friendships to laughter on every tee box, the event reflected a community that values connection just as much as the game itself.

Thanks to event leads Cathy Knowles, Kevin McNees, Deanna Owen, and Robert Shepherd for planning an excellent event.

As Christmas approaches, San Vicente continues to deliver experiences that bring people together on and off the course, making it a place where members don’t just play golf—they belong.

Photos by Hannah Anderson.

Celebrating Our Equestrian Community and the Journey Ahead

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:27:44 GMT

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our equestrian community for a successful 2025 and look forward to a strong, collaborative, and inspiring year ahead.

As we close out 2025, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to our community members, boarders, trainers, and pass holders who call the International Equestrian Center and the Casey Tibbs Western Center home. Here’s to the progress made, the challenges overcome, and the exciting possibilities ahead. We are truly grateful for each of you and look forward to another great year at the San Diego Country Estates Equestrian Centers.

Thank you for an exceptional 2025 and for choosing to board, ride, train, and haul into our facilities. As we move into 2026, we look forward to continuing our partnership with you and your horses. We remain committed to growing and improving our equestrian centers and are honored to have you as part of our equestrian community.

We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our Equestrian Committee. Your guidance, dedication, and support have been instrumental in serving our members, boarders, and trainers and in representing the best interests of our facilities. We appreciate everything you do and look forward to another year of working closely together.

Wishing you all the very best throughout the holiday season. We look forward to a New Year filled with fresh goals, renewed motivation, and continued partnership across our equestrian community.

A Big Thank You from the Recreation Department

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:21:51 GMT

As 2025 comes to a close, the Recreation Department shares heartfelt thanks with our families and homeowners and looks ahead to an exciting 2026 filled with programs, events, and community connection.

I can’t believe 2025 is already coming to an end. First and foremost, I would like to thank all the families who supported our programs throughout the year, including our after-school program, summer camp, and day camps. Thank you for trusting us with your children. They are truly what make our days fun and rewarding. Watching how much they grow each year makes all the hard work worthwhile. Without your support, these programs would not be possible.

I would also like to thank the wonderful homeowners in our association for supporting our many community events. You are what makes these events so special, and we truly enjoy planning them year after year. I am very much looking forward to spending 2026 with all of you.

The Recreation Department is excited to head into the new year with so much planned. Along with our beloved annual traditions, including the summer concert series, craft fairs, Easter egg hunt, Christmas fair, and our big Fourth of July celebration, we are thrilled to bring back a community favorite: Movies in the Park. I am also looking forward to hosting CPR and first aid classes for the community.

Seeing the joy on everyone’s faces and watching homeowners come together to make new friends is what inspires us to keep adding more fun to an already full calendar. Keep your eyes peeled for new and exciting things happening around the park and get ready to enjoy another wonderful year with our amazing Recreation Team.

Happy Holidays!

Golf, Gratitude, and Good Cheer at the SVWGA Ace of Aces Celebration

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:16:21 GMT

The San Vicente Room was filled with smiles, laughter, and plenty of cheer as the San Vicente Women’s Golf Club gathered for its Ace of Aces luncheon honoring the players who achieved the top shots of the season.

The SVWGA general meeting and holiday luncheon was a combination of holiday merriment and honoring players. On the morning of the luncheon, the ladies golfed and then enjoyed appetizers. The buffet started at 1 pm, and the meeting began at 1:15 pm. They had donation baskets for In His Steps and Ramona Senior Center. There was also a white elephant gift exchange.

29 ladies attended the Ace of Aces Luncheon, seven of whom are past presidents. Some are still in Ramona, and some live farther away but close enough to attend the event. 11 of the 12 winners were present, each wearing a sash from the month she won.

The SVWGA 2025 winners (or aces) for each month included Angela Cowardin in January, Cathy Knowles in February, Joyce Whiteheard in March, Lynda D’Amato in April, Maureen Greenwood in May, Kathleen Kankelberg in June, Robyn Bolitho in July, Janet Flores in August, Toni Massery in September, Corinne Hill in October, Antoinette Rodriguez in November, and Elaine Jeremy in December.

The title of most improved golfer of the year was awarded to Tracy Powell, who dropped her handicap by 12 strokes.

The SVWGA holds general meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. There are 35 ladies in the club, ranging in age from 37 to 87. Of the 35 ladies, six work full-time, one goes to school, and 28 are retired. Some of the ladies in the group have been golfing for two years, and others for over 70 years.

Miss July, Robyn Bolitho, has been golfing for 15 years and played in the Ace of Aces tournament. She said all the winners for each player played together on December 4 to determine who was the ace of aces. The winner with the lowest net score of aces was Corinne Hill, President of the San Vicente Golf Board.

2025 SVWGA President, Darla White, has been elected to serve again as the lead in 2026. She learned how to play golf 30 years ago and has been playing actively for three years. She was proud to announce that the players had a combined total of four holes-in-one this year. She also thanked the past presidents for their time and dedication to the club. This is normally done at their October meeting, but this year they combined it with the holiday luncheon.

As golfers left with full hearts of holiday cheer, one thing was clear: this festive tradition continues to be a favorite, reminding everyone why the women’s golf community is so special.

Photo by Tiffany Pressler.

Community Relations: Home Improvement Projects

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 23:11:47 GMT

Home improvement projects happen year-round. Connect with the Community Relations team to process your applications.

It can feel like home maintenance is never-ending, and there is always an exciting new project at the back of your mind. Perhaps you’re looking to repaint the house, put in a new patio bar, or add a shed to the garden. Any exterior changes to a property need approval from the Environmental Control Committee (ECC), and the Community Relations Department (CRD) is ready to help with project applications and short-term permits. We love chatting with homeowners and hearing your questions and project ideas.

Architectural Applications

When you’re ready to change your landscaping, add buildings, or make any other changes to your property, CRD is here to help process your application for review and approval by the ECC. All changes require ECC approval before work can begin. Applications are available for download here and can be submitted through your homeowner portal, by emailing CRDdept@sdcea.net, or by delivering to the CRD office at 15910 Avenel Lane. We are happy to discuss the details of your project and plan out a completion timeline.

Permits

If you need a dumpster or to park an RV or trailer for more than 48 hours, let us know the dates, and we can set you up with a permit. Permits are a great way to communicate with the Association and avoid receiving courtesy notices. As a best practice, let us know anytime you have an RV or trailer parked on your lot or the street. Permits can be requested by emailing CRDdept@sdcea.net, calling 760-789-8747, or submitting a request through our website. Though it’s a permit, we don’t place anything on your vehicle.

Member ID Cards

Members can receive new and replacement ID cards from the CRD office at 15910 Avenel Lane, next to the Casey Tibbs Western Center. CRD is open Monday-Friday, 7:30 am-4 pm. Member ID cards give members of your household access to the community pools at Ramona Oaks Park and the Clubhouse.

Reach out to Community Relations at CRDdept@sdcea.net or call 760-789-8747.

A Night to Celebrate: San Vicente Golf Club and The Players Club Members Gather for an Elegant Holiday Evening

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 01:26:26 GMT

San Vicente Golf Club members and The Players Club participants came together for an elegant holiday celebration that highlighted camaraderie, gratitude, and optimism for the year ahead.

Seventy-seven Golf Club members and participants celebrated the season at their annual holiday gathering last Saturday evening at San Vicente Resort. Guests arrived dressed in formal attire, an elegant departure from typical golf-course fashion, creating a rare opportunity to see more couples together rather than the familiar weekly men’s, women’s, or monthly couples’ golf play. The atmosphere felt festive, refined, and filled with holiday fun.

The evening began with a cocktail hour at the Par Lounge, where guests enjoyed two hosted drinks and appetizers, including a beautifully presented charcuterie board with thoughtfully paired selections and classic shrimp cocktail. Dinner followed in the San Vicente Room, where attendees were treated to a curated menu featuring a choice of red or white wine, a fresh salad course, and a banquet-style dinner highlighted by carving stations offering two selections of meat.

Social Chairwoman Robyn Bolitho welcomed guests with a brief address, thanking Member Holiday Party Committee members Kimberly Buckley and Toni Munsterman for their fabulous planning and decorations, and recognizing Catering Manager Joyce Whelehon for her leadership and bringing the vision to life.

Bolitho also acknowledged Golf Pro Matt Brumbaugh, Golf Course Superintendent Ben McBride, and their teams, thanking them for their dedication and outstanding work throughout 2025, as well as their continued commitment heading into 2026.

President Corinne Hill also addressed attendees, offering a warm welcome and recognized the Golf Club’s leadership and volunteers for their continued dedication. She reflected on the past year and shared her optimism for the year to come, emphasizing community, collaboration, and new opportunities.

After dinner, guests continued the celebration with live music by the Sha-Bang Band in the Par Lounge, bringing the evening to a lively and memorable close.

Holiday Magic Pops at San Vicente Resort’s Annual Balloon Event

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 01:13:25 GMT

San Vicente Resort’s annual Balloon Sale combined festive savings, surprise discounts, and meaningful community moments that made the holiday tradition unforgettable.

San Vicente Resort kicked off December with Christmas spirit, hosting one of its most beloved traditions, the annual Balloon Sale, on Friday, Dec. 5. The Golf Shop transformed into a festive maze of colorful balloons, each hiding a surprise discount ranging from 20 percent to a generous 100 percent off. With only two 50 percent balloons and one coveted 100 percent balloon, golfers arrived early and eager to pop their way to the best deal of the year.

The luckiest golfers of the day were DJ and Carson Moss, who popped the 100 percent balloon and walked away with shoes, golf balls, hats, and tees completely free. Their excitement added to the energy in the shop and kept the festive mood alive.

For many, the Balloon Sale is a yearly ritual. For Patrick Fine, it is one of the many reasons he loves San Vicente, but it is the community that keeps him coming back year after year. “I love San Vicente Resort because when I come out as a single player, I meet the greatest people,” he said. “That is not always the case at other golf courses.”

He shared that he typically buys golf balls during the sale since that is what he needs most, and his luck in past years has been remarkable. “Two years ago, I pulled the 100 percent balloon, and last year I grabbed a 50 percent,” he recalled. “I got three dozen balls both times.”

He described San Vicente as having a unique culture, one built on kindness, camaraderie, and genuine friendliness. “I love the community out here, and that is what makes San Vicente so special,” he said. “You can always find a friend when you come out to play at San Vicente.” For Patrick, the Balloon Sale is the perfect blend of big discounts and meaningful connections with the people who make the resort feel like home.

For Doug Morgano, the Balloon Sale is all about family connection. “My son invited me, basically to goad me into buying him something,” Doug said with a laugh. “We are always trying to find the best deal, but honestly, it is more about supporting him. His birthday is on Christmas, so this time of year feels special.”

Doug’s son has grown up around San Vicente Resort, and the course has helped shape both his game and their relationship. “I live close to the resort, and the people here are so supportive,” Doug said. “My son has grown up here and developed his golf game here. Now I get to hang out with my kid, who is actually teaching me how to play. Golf brings us together, and San Vicente has had a lot to do with that.”

The Golf Shop staff kept the excitement going all day. “Members and homeowners get to participate, and everyone loves a discount before Christmas,” the staff shared. From apparel and accessories to golf essentials, the Golf Shop made sure there was something for everyone. “We even restocked the shop in the afternoon with new items that had not been put out yet.”

More than deals and discounts, the Balloon Sale was a celebration of community, laughter, and moments worth remembering. Whether golfers walked away with a big discount, a bag full of free gear like DJ and Carson Moss, or simply a fun memory before Christmas, the event was a joyful success.

The Golf Shop is fully stocked for the holidays, so if you missed the Balloon Sale, now is the perfect time to stop by and pick up a gift for the golfer in your life, or yourself.

Photos by Hannah Anderson.

Juan Sanabria-Rosas: December’s Employee of the Month

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 01:05:57 GMT

This month, Juan Sanabria-Rosas truly shines as a holiday star, and we are delighted to recognize him as our Employee of the Month for December 2025.

Juan has been a valued member of the Golf Course Maintenance Team since June 3, 2019, and this year, he stepped into the role of Irrigation Specialist. In this position, Juan is responsible for monitoring turf conditions across the golf course, applying irrigation as needed, and maintaining, adjusting, and repairing the irrigation system to ensure optimal playing conditions.

Juan was selected for recognition for the tremendous effort he has put into learning every aspect of the golf course irrigation system. Since moving into this role, he has demonstrated dedication, initiative, and a strong commitment to mastering the technical demands of irrigation management.

One project where Juan truly excelled was the installation and grow-in of the seven newly renovated collars completed in July. His involvement and attention to detail played an important role in the success of this project and the continued improvement of the golf course.

What Juan enjoys most about working at SDCEA is being outdoors on the golf course and having the opportunity to continuously improve conditions for our members and guests. His pride in his work and commitment to excellence are evident every day.

In the spirit of the season, please join us in congratulating Juan Sanabria-Rosas on this well-deserved recognition and thanking him for his hard work and dedication.

Photo by Ben McBride.

Connecting to Your Owner Portal

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 00:32:18 GMT

Explore your Owner Portal to update preferences, stay informed, and get more involved in our community—with support available every step of the way.

A new year brings opportunities to build good habits, learn new things, and improve our lives. Your SDCEA Owner Portal, located on the Association website, SDCEA.NET, is a helpful tool that enhances communication, allowing you to easily connect with us while helping us keep informed.

We invite you to take a moment to explore the portal’s features, including:

Auto-pay setup or updates
Contact information management
Committee interest forms and owner-specific event information

We understand technology can sometimes feel challenging, and we are here to support you. If you would like step-by-step guides, video instructions, or in-person training, please use the form on this page to let us know what works best for you:

Click here to see the SDCEA Owner Portal.

Community Brings Holiday Cheer to San Vicente Resort’s 31st Annual Toy Story Golf Tournament

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 20:05:30 GMT

Golfers, staff, and community members came together for a record-breaking Toy Story Tournament that delivered holiday joy, toys, and support to local children and their families.

Dressed in holiday attire and Santa hats, players teed off in a popular Santa’s Scramble format under clear skies and 80-degree weather. With a record breaking 112 players on the course and a growing stack of donated toys, the spirit of giving was unmistakable.

The day wasn’t just about the game; it was about generosity. Each participant arrived with an unwrapped toy valued at $25 or more, benefiting local children through the Ramona Food & Clothes Closet’s Share Your Christmas Program. A record-breaking collection of toys was placed on the green. Matt Brumbaugh, head golf professional at San Vicente Resort, said that every Toy Story Golf Tournament is special, every year. It exists to give toys to kids in need in the community. People show up, and it’s a great excuse to play golf and receive a Toy Story branded hat or coffee mug. This year, record breaking funds were raised from raffles led by Brumbaugh and his Golf Shop lead Tim Smith.

All records were broken. And, for the first time ever, (as in evuuuur), tournament founder John Rathbun joined Brumbaugh and Catering Manager Joyce Whelehon in the toy drop off to the Ramona Food & Clothes Closet Share Your Christmas Program, making sure these generous gifts reached the children and families who need them most.

“It’s the joy of Christmas,” said John Rathbun, Retired Head Golf Professional at San Vicente Golf Resort and organizer of the Toy Story Golf Tournament for 31+ years. “We don’t do first, second, or third place. Everybody is a winner.” For Rathbun, it’s all about the kids. “The nice thing about Ramona is that we can make an impact,” he added. “I didn’t even think it would go this far.”

Santa showed up, also known as Nicholas “St. Nick” Deseno. He was also Santa at the Ramona Christmas Tree Lighting last Saturday. He has lived in the Estates for 38 years and has been a San Vicente golf member for 35 years. “It’s always about the kids,” said Deseno. “It’s what the season is all about.” Santa is about love, acceptance, and community, and the community really came together this season.

John Gidcumb was wearing a red shirt that read, "Jesus is King." He said it's why we celebrate Christmas and that Philippians 4:13 is a great verse: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” He wanted to show support for the reason for the season. Gidcumb had a powerful swing and struck the ball with remarkable force.

Homeowner Jodie Taylor enjoyed a special day on the course playing golf with her father, Steve Chambers. Both are golf members, and this marked their first Toy Story Tournament. Jodie was proud to share the experience with her dad, who moved from England in September 2024 to be closer and spend quality time with her and the family.

Golfer Darcy Sesma, a Players Club participant, who came up from Poway to play, and has played in Toy Story for nine years. In prior years when he couldn’t make it, he made sure to drop off two gifts. He is friends with Rathbun and sees him three times a week while golfing. He enjoys the ambiance and the community's generosity.

“I do it every year,” said Carlos Garcia from Alpine. He donated a bike last year. This year, he went shopping and planned to buy only a helmet for the event but ended up leaving with a blue Rock It bike. He was more than happy to do it and said that when he was a kid, he couldn’t afford a bike, and now he is paying it forward.

“It’s my first comeback,” said Gary Collins. He used to be a member and said the event brought him back after six years. He is from Lakeside and knows a lot of people here. He values the event's premise and its purpose of collecting toys for kids.

After play, everyone gathered for refreshments, awards, and holiday camaraderie in the Par Lounge.

Congratulations to the tournament's winning team: John Buckley, Ross Cook, Chris Morin, and Brooks Roche.

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this year’s Toy Story Tournament a remarkable success. Your kindness and holiday spirit truly made a difference.

Photos by Heather McGhee.

Holiday Fair Brings Festive Cheer to Ramona Oaks Park

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:13:12 GMT

Ramona Oaks Park came alive with holiday sparkle on Sunday, Dec. 7, as the San Diego Country Estates Association hosted its annual Holiday Fair from 2 to 5 pm. The community tradition invited families, friends, and neighbors to kick off the season with handmade crafts, live entertainment, children’s activities, and of course, a visit from Santa.

The Holiday Fair featured a vibrant collection of craft and holiday booths, where local vendors showcased unique gifts, festive décor, and handcrafted treasures perfect for seasonal shopping. Attendees were able to stroll through the park, discovering one-of-a-kind items while enjoying the fair’s cheerful atmosphere.

There were approximately 300 people in attendance and 28 vendor booths spreading the joy of the season. Sweet Marie’s Baking Company specializes in sourdough, custom cakes, and treats. Flavors available for purchase at the booth included Jalapeno Cheddar, Cran Walnut, and Parmesan Rosemary. There was also a variety of cupcakes, cookies, and Christmas bundles for sale.

Kids were entertained at the kids’ craft station, which offered hands-on holiday activities paired with tasty treats like cookies, hot chocolate, and apple cider available for purchase. Camp Counselor Cierra Filippone and teacher and counselor Liz Massey manned the craft table, ensuring each child left with a candy cane and stuffed animal. There was also a box at the booth for kids to place their letters to Santa.

Recreation Manager Amy Holsapple oversaw the event and said they had a good crowd. She enjoyed watching the kids run around and seeing guests happy and shopping. She said vendors had a wide range of items for sale, from cookies, jams, and color street bags to crocheted animals.

According to SDCE Camp Counselor, Miranda Griffin, who works at the summer camp and afterschool program, the Holiday Fair is a great environment for families and gives vendors a chance to showcase their items.

The highlight of the afternoon was photos with Santa, giving families the chance to capture a special moment with the jolly man in red. Whether it was a child’s first visit with Santa or an annual tradition, the photo backdrop provided a picture-perfect keepsake.

Olivia Simonides brought her two daughters, Savannah, 3, and Shelby, 7, to the Holiday Fair specifically to see Santa. The kids enjoyed the craft table and holiday festivities. They used to live near Ramona Oaks Park, and even though they’ve moved, they still like to come back to enjoy all the events that SDCE has to offer.

The celebration featured live entertainment, including a performance by Ramona Julian Academy of Dance, which added festive energy to the event. RJAD dancer, Telsa Caraway, recently moved with her family to Ramona from Northern Texas. She was excited to attend her first Holiday Fair and to showcase the dance routine with her team.

Another RJAD dancer, Melody Hardesty, 11, and her mom, Gaynell Hardesty, were shopping at the Holiday Fair, and she was wearing her Christmas-themed dance outfit. Melody was excited for everyone to watch her dance, and she said there were 11 routines, and she was performing in 7 of them. Gaynell said it’s a really good atmosphere, and people here are happy and positive.

With shopping, activities, treats, music, and Santa’s warm holiday cheer, the SDCEA Holiday Fair provided an afternoon of seasonal fun for the whole family. It was a chance to celebrate together, support local makers, and welcome the magic of the season to the Estates.

Photos by Tiffany Pressler.

Holiday Fair Experience

Bingo Night Brings Holiday Magic to Military Families Through STEP Support

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 02:02:36 GMT

An exciting Bingo fundraiser at San Vicente Resort led by homeowner Jodie Taylor united the community in joyful support of eight local military families through STEP’s Sharing the Joy holiday program.

The San Vicente Room at San Vicente Resort buzzed with excitement on Friday, November 21, as 111 guests gathered for a lively Bingo fundraiser benefiting STEP—Support the Enlisted Project. Laughter, friendly competition, and spirited cheering filled the evening as families, friends, and neighbors came together to provide holiday gifts and support for military families in need this Christmas. Guests enjoyed a delicious Mexican-style banquet and a festive atmosphere, with several attendees fully embracing the theme by wearing colorful Bingo-inspired outfits. One participant laughed, “I’m gonna win everything!” while another joked, “I can’t do anything halfway,” capturing the fun and competitive energy of the night.

Event organizers and hosts, Jodie and homeowner Toni Munsterman, welcomed attendees, managed sign-ups, and ensured every table had Bingo materials ready to go. When everyone found their seats, Jodie kicked off the night with an enthusiastic “Crack On!” and play began. Each round’s winner was met with applause and rewarded with a celebratory shot, adding even more to the joyful tone of the night. Between games, raffle prizes were announced, sending waves of cheers around the room.

Choosing STEP as the beneficiary was deeply personal for Jodie. “My husband Bryan is a retired master chief in the Navy, and he would always talk about junior sailors he was mentoring. It made me realize that it wasn’t just the active-duty member that sometimes needed assistance, but the whole family,” she shared. Her connection with STEP began in 2017, when a chance seating arrangement at a professional event put her next to the organization’s Director of Development. “We just struck up a friendship,” she said. “I have supported STEP in various ways ever since then.”

STEP’s Sharing the Joy holiday program helps junior enlisted service members provide gifts for their children, ensuring families don’t have to choose between holiday celebrations and essential needs. “Parents shouldn’t have to worry if they can get Christmas gifts for their families,” Jodie said. “Kids shouldn’t wonder why Santa didn’t bring them a gift or think they were on the naughty list. Now that I have kids, this program means so much more to me. I hope to help those families feel that magic at Christmas time!”

Active-duty service member Rob echoed this sentiment: “I love it. It supports people who can’t always look out for themselves right now.”

Once the final Bingo card was called, Jodie’s mission shifted to holiday shopping. The following week, she carefully selected gifts and wrapping supplies for the eight families, then delivered everything to STEP Headquarters in San Diego last week, where she was warmly thanked by STEP CEO Tony Teravainen.

The generosity shown at the BINGO Fundraiser means eight military families will experience a joyful and memorable Christmas morning, thanks to a community that came together with love, laughter, and giving.

To learn more about STEP’s Sharing the Joy program or to get involved, visit thier webpage .

Photos by Heather McGhee. Photos of the STEP toy dropoff courtesy of Jodie Taylor.

Experience the San Vicente Resort BINGO Fundraiser for STEP

One Last Sleigh of Questions: Final Trivia Night of the Year Brings Community Together

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 01:50:50 GMT

The San Vicente Resort was glowing with twinkle lights and holiday cheer on Tuesday, Dec. 2, as locals gathered for the final Trivia Night of 2025. With Santa hats, matching team sweaters, Christmas pajamas, and plates of holiday treats scattered across the tables, the atmosphere was filled with laughter and Christmas spirit.

Families, friends, and neighbors gathered for an evening filled with festive spirit as teams put their knowledge to the test, from holiday trivia to Ramona history. The five categories of the night were sports, Christmas music, Geography and Geometry, Ramona History, and Food & Drink. Flores said that players loved the past few trivia nights with G&G because teams worked together trying to figure out math problems, and it was fun to watch.

As teams settled into the Christmas-themed trivia night and the first round of holiday questions began, many guests reflected on what this event has meant to them: connection, memories, and a joyful place to gather for the season.

70 people played, split into 12 teams with an average of five members per team. The team names were charismatically creative, including “T’was the Knights B4 Christmas,” “Rein Beers,” “Sharkeys,” “Tres Amigas,” “Pinky & The Brain,” “Tipsey Elves,” “Resting Grinch Faces,” “Brazt,” “67 Kids,” “Lu Whos,” “Naughty Nice Girls,” “Slingin’ Snowmen,” and “Cat 4 + J.R.”

Trivia Host Chico took over Trivia Night in August, and players are loving his energy. He started the event by dancing into the room, which had the crowd cheering. He kept the players engaged from start to finish with his enthusiasm. His high-energy hosting style made each question feel exciting.

“Looks like we are about to shoot a Christmas Target commercial in here,” Flores announced to the hyped-up crowd. The night continued with a cheerful blend of laughter, lights, and lively competition.

Newlyweds Isabelle and Alec Horan joined the fun dressed as elves. This was their fourth trivia night, and this will be their first Christmas together as a married couple.

Sisters, Capri and Makayla Cook, dressed up as Cindy Lou Who and the Grinch from Dr. Seuss’s classic story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. They like the movie and found the idea on Pinterest. Makayla did Capri’s hair in a gravity-defying Cindy Lou Who up-do.

Players had the chance to win a gift card for food and beverages at the resort—$75 for 1st place, $50 for 2nd place, and $25 for 3rd place. Champagne and wine were awarded to the best-dressed of the night.

In 2026, trivia night will continue to be held on the first Tuesday of each month at the San Vicente Resort, hosted by the one and only Chico Flores. He has big plans for next year, including a 70s- and 80s-themed trivia night. He says he likes the decade-era themes and may even throw in the 90s and the 2000s. He added that Ladies Night trivia was a hit and hopes to bring that one back, too.

On his first night hosting back in August, 94 people attended. He is so thrilled to have so much interest and has now decided to have players RSVP and cap the count at 72 to ensure enough seating. He says people can text him at 619-206-2694 to RSVP so he can plan.

We can’t wait to see the excitement unfold at the upcoming 2026 Trivia Nights. With the community coming together, there’s sure to be laughter and festive fun for everyone in the new year.

Photos by Heather McGhee.

Fa La La Fun Trivia Night with Chico Moments

Horsefeathers December 2025: Rain, Readiness, and Community Strength

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 01:32:52 GMT

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.

Our first major rainstorm brought heavy rainfall, but our facilities held up well. Thank you for your patience during preparations, arena closures, and while we dragged and reopened the rings. Your cooperation ensured safety and smooth operations.

Our new road base leading to the compost/dump area and the infield was a tremendous improvement and held up beautifully through the weather.

We have also welcomed several new haul-in annual pass holders to our equestrian community. If you see a new face around, please take a moment to say hello and introduce yourself and your horse. A warm welcome goes a long way in helping everyone feel at home.

Looking ahead, we have some exciting events planned for the New Year and hope many of our boarders and trainers will join in and show their support. We look forward to continuing to introduce new activities and bringing even more life and energy to our equestrian centers in the coming year.

Bringing Holiday Joy to Ramona: Food, Clothes, and Toys for Those in Need

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:54:00 GMT

As the holiday season approaches, the spirit of giving shines brightly in Ramona thanks to volunteers like Richard Bender. He is on the Ramona Food and Clothes Closet Board of Directors and on the Editorial Committee for the Valley News.

Richard Bender has been an SDCE homeowner for 25 years, and he likes to give back to the community and stay busy. He volunteers at the RFCC four and a half days a week in the thrift store. He mainly works with books and handles the book donations. He goes through the books to make sure they are in good shape, prices them, and puts them on the shelf.

The RFCC unveiled its new holiday store last November, a special place designed to bring even more joy to local families. The store allows children to pick out toys for themselves and their siblings, creating a magical, gift-filled experience that goes beyond the essentials.

“We set out a table and pass out toys,” says Bender. “We have a lot of people in our community that help out, and it feels good.” The RFCC Holiday Toy Program will be held on December 18 from 10 am to 2 pm at the RFCC. Signups must be done in person on the following dates: December 11, 12, or 13 from 10 am to 1 pm, and 3 pm to 5 pm. This toy program is for kids ages 0-12. The RFCC services Ramona, Julian, Santa Isabel, and the surrounding areas for this program. Recipients must provide proof of residency and the child’s age. The parents must bring a valid driver’s license or ID and show that they have a household income below the poverty level. RFCC wants to make sure they are helping those who truly need it this holiday season. Recipients will receive a toy and a $25 gift certificate for food at Albertsons or Stater Brothers.

The San Vicente Resort will be hosting its annual Toy Story Tournament and Toy Drive on Monday, December 18, at 11 am. Players bring an unwrapped gift to donate to the RFCC for the RFCC Toy Program.

Bender says they need as many toys as they can get because at the end of the year, they end up purchasing toys to give out if they run short. This money takes away from the scholarship funds that they use to give back to the community.

Last year, the holiday toy program gave toys to over 400 children and food, grocery gift cards, and clothing to over 200 families. Throughout the year, they provided food to over 40,000 people. Food is donated to the RFCC by Albertsons and Stater Brothers. Aldi and Trader Joe's also donate food.

Volunteers and donors work together to ensure that every child can leave with a gift in hand, making the holidays brighter for those who might otherwise go without. From dolls to action figures to books and games, the Holiday Store is a true celebration of community generosity, showing that even small contributions can make a difference.

With the help of generous residents, volunteers, and local partners, the Ramona Food and Clothes Closet is ensuring that every child in Ramona can feel the warmth and wonder of the season. It’s more than just toys; it’s hope, joy, and a reminder of how powerful a giving community can be.

San Diego Country Estates’ Own Australian Football Coach Helps Advance the Game Across San Diego

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 22:45:40 GMT

While most commuters from Ramona head to the coast to go to the office or school, one San Diego Country Estates resident takes the drive for a unique purpose: coaching Australian Football.

Michael Raher, an SDCE resident for 23 years and owner of Ramona Home Journal, now also coaches the San Diego Lions Australian Football Club. “It’s all happened within the last 30 days,” says Raher. Raher played Australian football from when he was a kid until he was 27. He coached in 2003 and took a break when his kids were born. The club recently reached out to him to be their new coach.

The inspiration to get back into coaching came from his wife, Laurie. Their kids—Noah, 22, and Jacob, 20—are grown and moved out, and when the team asked him to coach, he had doubts about having enough time to commit. Laurie was supportive and encouraged him to go for it, reassuring him that it would be fantastic.

Coaching seems to run in the family. His son Jacob is already making his mark in the football world. Jacob is a sophomore at the University of Oregon and serves as an Undergraduate Defensive Coaching Assistant for the Oregon Ducks football team. According to Michael, Jacob played Pop Warner in Ramona, and when he was offered a coaching position, he jumped at the opportunity.

“I really like the club atmosphere,” says Raher. Players’ ages range from 18 to 32, and older guys in their 40s and 50s come and support the team. The team consists of Australian players and American players, with an even split last year. He enjoys being able to introduce folks from the US to Australian Football and feels blessed to have American players. He really likes seeing the development of Australian Football and teaching his players the sport.

Australian Football blends the best elements of soccer, rugby, and basketball into one fast-paced, exhilarating game. The game is played with no helmets or padding and is like schoolyard keep-away. The scores are made at the end of the field, with one goal equaling six points. In a game, about 24 players rotate in and out, with 18 on the field.

The club practices at UTC's Nobel Athletic Area, and home games are also held there. Practices are twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday, and the games are on Saturdays. In 2026, they will have pre-season practices on Saturdays and do skill work and fitness training to get everyone back in shape after the holidays. The season starts in April with games on the weekends.They play games across the West Coast and have won regional titles as well as a recent national title win in Tampa, Florida. Many of his players have gone on to play at the national level. There is also a Women’s Team, and they are very good.

Australian football has a way of bringing people together. The San Diego Lions Australian Football Club is one of the most established Australian football clubs in the United States and has built a strong reputation for community, inclusivity, and passion for the sport. Coach Michael Raher embodies all of that. Whether he is coaching a tight drill session, taking a new player through their first kick, or cheering from the sidelines, he carries forward the club’s mission to grow the game and build a welcoming footy family in Southern California.

For more info about the club, visit their website at www.sandiegolions.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram .

Photos courtesy of the San Diego Lions Australian Football Club.

Landscape Team Continues Year-Round Fuel Management and Open Space Improvements

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 22:30:37 GMT

The Landscape/Open Space Department continues to make steady progress on its year-round fire-fuel management program, clearing vegetation, widening trails, and removing hazardous trees to keep our open spaces safe, healthy, and enjoyable.

The Landscape and Open Space team is routinely cutting down and removing excess vegetation to reduce fire risk and maintain the health of our open spaces.

In addition to clearing downed trees left behind after the 2003 Cedar Fire, crews are now focused on removing long-standing deadfall throughout key trail areas. Work last month centered on the Stone Mountain East trail, where crews cleared the trail, removed standing dead trees, and hauled away nearly all debris. The trail is now wider, easier to navigate, and offers clear views of the meandering creek, a truly beautiful area.

The team also removed several dead oaks near San Vicente Road and Barona Mesa Road. To complete this safely, they constructed a new access road, allowing tractors to reach the area and clear poison oak and forest-floor debris. This enabled tree-service teams to remove large trees and haul away the remaining material.

Your Landscape Department remains committed to maintaining and improving our Open Space and Trail systems. We hope you take time to enjoy the natural beauty of our valley.

Photos by Nancy Zadrozny.

Turkey Shoot Brings Golf, Laughter, and Holiday Cheer to San Vicente Resort

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 18:27:16 GMT

San Vicente Golf Club celebrated the holiday season with a lively Turkey Shoot Couples Tournament that brought golfers together through friendly competition, community spirit, and festive tradition.

San Vicente Golf Club kicked off the holiday season with a spirited tradition, the Turkey Shoot Couples Tournament last Saturday. At 9 am, seven groups of four players, made up of more than a dozen couples and mixed teams, headed out to their assigned holes for their shotgun start. Despite the rain forecast, the players were ready to take on the 3-2-1 format, where each team takes one best ball on par fives, two on par fours, and three on par threes. This setup keeps everyone involved and the competition lively.

“I like this format—it gives everyone a chance. It’s not just net. You have to have three people get good scores on the par threes, which is a little challenging, but it’s fun,” player Angie Rios said.

Angie also explained why these events matter: “This is a social tournament. That’s why we do them on the weekends. Some people work during the week, so spouses have the opportunity to get together, and we can get to know the community. Everyone always has someone to play golf with.”

The San Vicente Golf Club hosts around 10-12 social events a year, usually once a month, and they have become a hub for connection. Whether you're new to the club or have been here for years, these events are where friendships form and laughter begins.

And don’t fret. Angie explains, “If you don’t have someone to play with, the Golf Shop staff will find you a partner.”

This year’s Turkey Shoot was hosted by the previous year’s winners, continuing the tournament tradition. Robyn and Kim Bolitho, along with Penny and Rob Fowler, served as hosts for this year’s event. Jokingly, Penny commented on how she “didn’t have a choice” when it came to running the event, but she creatively crafted the snack bags in coozies that read, “I’d rather be golfing.”

No Turkey Shoot would be complete without Chico Flores, who brings the comic relief from tee to green. We asked him what he thought about golfing with his wife Janet and without missing a beat, he delivered one of the day’s most memorable one-liners: “You know what they say—the couples who golf together get divorced.” With a grin, he followed that up with, “When you get competitive, things can get heated.” His responses capture exactly what these social events are all about: friendly competition, playful banter, and the joy of sharing the game with the people you love—even if they drive you a little crazy on the course.

Despite all the fun, the scores were no joke. Chico and Janet Flores and Kiersten & Scott Easley took first place with an impressive 118 (-18), and second place, Cathy Knowles, Kevin McNees, with Scott and Tracy Powel, with a smooth 120 (-16).

Another honorable mention is Angie Rios, who not only won closest to the pin on Hole 2 but also won longest putt for women! Hole 8 was the men's closest to the pin, which was awarded to Scott Easley, and the men’s longest putt went to Tim Malinoski.

Great Golf. Community Spirit. Holiday Fun.

Photos by Hannah Anderson.

Keeping Our Parks Clean and Pet-Friendly

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 18:01:43 GMT

A reminder for all homeowners to keep our shared parks enjoyable by picking up after pets and following leash rules.

San Diego Country Estates is an incredible place to live—beautiful views, inviting parks and trails, and plenty of space for our furry family members to enjoy. When I take a stroll through Ramona Oaks Park and see homeowners walking with smiles on their faces, whether they’re with a dog or not, I’m reminded of how fortunate we are to have such welcoming spaces. If you’ve walked through our parks and trails recently, you’ve likely noticed the same: neighbors enjoying the day, their pets, and the natural landscape that makes our community so special.

One thing that can quickly disrupt an otherwise wonderful walk is stepping in pet droppings. It’s just such a disruption to a positive experience. We encourage pet parents to bring bags and clean up after their pets; however, we also provide multiple pet waste bag stations throughout our parks and on our popular hiking trails. These bags are available for waste management to anyone who needs them, so even if you forget your own, you’re covered, so the ground is not.

We also want to remind everyone of our community leash rules. While dogs are free to run and play off-leash inside the designated Dog Park areas, they must remain leashed in all other public spaces. This helps ensure the comfort and safety of children, adults, and pets who may be nervous around unleashed dogs.

We love dogs and have space dedicated to their play at Ramona Oaks and Basset Dog Parks. We love parks and recently added San Vicente Park for homeowners to relax and enjoy time near the San Vicente Resort. And we love trails, with miles of pathways to explore. We create safe and enjoyable spaces for our community to share.

By picking up after our pets and keeping them leashed outside the dog parks, we can all do our part to maintain clean, welcoming spaces for every homeowner to enjoy. These small actions help protect the parks we love and contribute to the health and beauty of our shared community.

Thank you for helping keep our neighborhood clean, safe, and enjoyable for all.

Photo by Heather McGhee.

November Home of the Month: A Home Filled with Gratitude

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 17:28:58 GMT

As the San Diego Country Estates settles into the cozy spirit of November, this month’s Home of the Month stands out as a place where comfort, care, and gratitude come together. Framed by autumn colors and the peaceful beauty of the Estates, the welcoming property reflects the heart of the Thanksgiving season, a home where family gathers, memories are made, and the simple joys of community shine bright.

November’s featured homeowners have created a space that feels warm the moment you step inside, offering an inspiring glimpse into the lifestyle that makes the community so special.

Homeowners Steve and Dee Martz moved into their home in 2023. It was a new build designed by Mike Coble and his wife, Barbara. The Martz couple spent 37 years in Ramona before moving to Menifee. After a while, they decided to relocate back to Ramona. Family and the community drew them back to the San Diego Country Estates. “It took five minutes to seal the deal on our new home,” says Martz. “And three weeks to close.”

They have now lived in the 2,500-square-foot home for two years. It is a four-bedroom and two-bath home set on ½ acre. Their daughter lives two blocks away. Dee is a retired realtor, and Steve retired from Sales in May, so they have time to enjoy their brand-new home and have the great grandkids over often. “We were looking to get back to family,” says Martz. They lived in the SDCE for 22 years prior, and they are really happy to be back.

“I wanted to do the landscape,” says Steve. There is a slope to the property, and he wanted a flat area. So, he had a retaining wall built and put a fence on top of that, so they have a flat backyard. The property is equipped with an outdoor fireplace and a patio cover. Their property doesn’t have grass, so he doesn’t have to maintain it, and a lot of concrete for the grandkids to play on. The property features citrus trees, DG, and decorative rock.

“We really enjoy the neighbors and everyone is friendly,” says Steve. He added that since the house is new, they don’t have to replace items and do renovations, and they are really happy about that.

The inside of the home is decorated for the holidays, and around Christmas, they set up a wire Labrador that lights up in holiday colors. The light-up dog was inspired by their very own 8-year-old Labradoodle, Rosie. They like to keep it simple, and they enjoy the neighbors’ decorated homes.

Join us in congratulating the homeowners of November’s Home of the Month for creating a space that inspires warmth, gratitude, and community—the very essence of the season.

Photo by Tiffany Pressler.

Welcome Guests with Special Homeowner Rates at San Vicente Resort Hotel

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 17:24:33 GMT

Welcome your out-of-town guests with newly renovated rooms, exclusive homeowner rates, and the comfort of a convenient stay right down the road.

As the holidays arrive and the seasons begin to change, many of you may be preparing to welcome friends and family from out of town. If you are expecting guests but do not have the extra space at home, consider inviting them to stay just down the road at the San Vicente Resort, where we offer comfortable, affordable, and newly renovated guest rooms.

Homeowners can take advantage of exclusive discount rates that make hosting easier and more enjoyable. Reserving early ensures your guests have a pleasant place to stay without last-minute stress or higher seasonal pricing. Visitors can enjoy the hotel’s amenities, including our restaurants, golf course, pool, tennis courts, and pickleball.

Whether your guests are joining you for a weekend celebration, a holiday gathering, or a longer visit, these homeowner rates make booking simple. Hosting loved ones is wonderful, but it can also lead to crowded spaces and a busy household. Offering your guests the option to stay nearby lets you enjoy time together during the day while keeping your home peaceful and relaxing in the evenings.

This season, give your out-of-town family and friends the comfort of a nearby stay paired with the warmth of spending quality time together. It is a thoughtful way to make their visit memorable while helping simplify the hosting experience for you.

Homeowner Rates
Sunday through Thursday: $114 per night
Friday, Saturday, and select holidays: $134 per night

To reserve a room, call 760-789-8290 x0 and speak with Member Guest Services.

Hope on the Fairway: A Community Rallies Behind Grant

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 23:54:35 GMT

A sold-out tournament at the San Vicente Golf Resort brought friends, family, neighbors, and local businesses together in an extraordinary show of support for 10-year-old Grant Carlson as he battles T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

In a powerful display of Ramona’s community support, friends, family, neighbors, local businesses, and golfers filled a sold-out tournament at the San Vicente Resort last Friday to help the parents of 10-year-old Grant Carlson as he fights T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia after being diagnosed in July 2024. What began as a simple idea quickly grew into a sold-out tournament of 144 players, including a bagged lunch, and a catered banquet dinner and awards event, proving that when a child is facing the unimaginable, this community rises without hesitation.

Grant was unable to attend the tournament due to his weakened immune system and ongoing infections, but his family stood proudly in his place. His mom, Jessica Carlson; her husband and Grant’s stepdad, Carl Petersen; Grant’s dad, Damien Carlson; his grandmother, Tammy Carlson; and his stepbrother, James Petersen, all attended and were deeply grateful for the community’s incredible support.

Jessica Carlson knew rain was forecast on tournament day and stayed committed to moving forward, rain or shine, encouraged by a local golfer who shared that some of their best rounds had been played in the rain. Volunteers committed. The San Vicente Resort Golf and Catering Teams committed. Sponsors committed. And every golfer who signed up committed to playing, rain or shine.

When asked about the rain forecast before the tournament began, Grant’s stepbrother James Petersen said, “We’re believing it’s not going to rain, and if it does, then we will continue to play.” His optimism was shared by everyone, and I think I was the only one who brought an umbrella just in case.

Petersen set the tone for play that day, as he stood proudly in his bright orange Flintstone golf shirt. “We are all wearing orange because orange is Grant’s ribbon color,” he said, sharing how deeply the turnout touched their family. With his grandfather recently passing from cancer, seeing so many people rally behind his little brother “really hit home.” James also spoke with pride about the unity between Grant’s dad, Damien, and mom, Jessica, saying they have “one of the best divorced couple relationships,” fully supporting each other through Grant’s journey.

Grant loves golfing with both his dad and stepdad, practicing on the small green and net at home as part of his physical therapy to rebuild strength. And while he could not be there in person, his presence was felt throughout the entire event, from player check-in and lunch to warm-ups on the range, to the sale of raffle tickets and fundraising merchandise.

When everyone gathered on the putting green to hear Jessica’s heartfelt and inspiring speech, it was clear that Grant was at the center of every moment. As golfers headed to their carts and drove to their starting holes, they carried Grant with them in spirit, in purpose, and in every swing taken in his honor. Great, good, and not-so-great golfers played, laughed, and enjoyed the day.

That spirit of support knit together all who played. Jennifer Rodriguez, SDCE resident and San Vicente Golf member, learned about Grant’s diagnosis on Facebook and instantly knew she wanted to help. “I went to high school with Carl,” she said, explaining that she came simply to show up for the family. She played alongside her friend, Michelle Denny, who shared, “It feels good to be out here to support him. It’s hard to find ways to support them,” and was grateful for the chance to be part of the day.

Jake Graham, a long-term friend of Carl and Jessica, arrived ready to play and give back. “I just want to support Jessica and do what I can,” he said. His teammate, Nick Weissmann, took the day off work and drove in from downtown San Diego because supporting Grant was a priority. “It’s a fun atmosphere and a lot of people know each other,” he said, reflecting on the strong sense of community.

Local businesses also stepped up in force, starting on Hole One with Mountain Valley Ranch and continuing all around the course. At the ADMA tent, golfers tested their strength in a pull-up contest, and owner Anthony Abbott, who played in the tournament, summed up the event simply: “It’s a big family.”

Grant’s grandmother, Tammy Carlson, watched the full field with pride from her sign-up booth station. “It was a sellout and it’s great,” she said. “It means the world to have all these people behind him.”

It did not rain on the course, and golfers later filled the San Vicente Room for a catered Italian-inspired banquet dinner. The room was beautifully arranged with an array of silent auction items, including a round of golf for four and a child's miniature golf cart, adding excitement and generosity to the evening.

Mom Jessica took a moment to recognize the community’s overwhelming support, thanking everyone for their commitment to her family and to Grant’s fight before announcing the tournament, ADMA contest, and silent auction winners. Winners received trophies and prizes, and the winner of the 50/50 raffle took home $1,125.

The event was successful in raising funds to help the family, and every dollar counts. But the greatest gift that day was the hope and healing poured into Grant’s fight. The funds raised from the event will be used for adaptive resources to support Grant’s recovery, as well as ongoing treatment and care costs.

To contribute directly to Grant’s journey, donations can be made through the GoFundMe page: Support Grant Through His T-ALL Battle.

Tournament organizers Ashley Adams and Skip Adams coordinated the GoFundMe page on behalf of Jessica Carlson and Damien Carlson.

Photos by Heather McGhee and couresy of Jessica Carlson.

Teeing off for Grant Golf Tournament Experience

Manager Spotlight: Chris Ostermann, a Sous Chef with a Passion for Food and Creativity

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 23:48:58 GMT

In the kitchen at the San Vicente Resort, culinary inspiration is always simmering, thanks to the creativity and dedication of the resort’s talented Sous Chef, Chris Ostermann. Passionate about food, learning, and the art of inventive cuisine, he brings both skill and enthusiasm to the heart of the San Diego Country Estates dining experience.

Chris Ostermann became the kitchen manager on February 28, 2022, and was promoted to sous chef on December 12, 2022. In this position, he oversees the kitchen staff. With a deep appreciation for flavors and fresh ingredients, he thrives on exploring new techniques and creating dishes that delight both residents and guests.

Ostermann lives near the San Diego Country Estates and loves the community. His background working at Up the Hill Grill for four years and Marinade on Main for six years gives him extensive experience that he brings to the table.

Ostermann offers the best quality food to patrons and a wonderful dining experience. He thrives on bringing the team together and providing a great atmosphere for employees to work in. He is passionate about food and being a good person, and has been told his personality is like a Labrador and makes a positive impact on everyone who crosses his path. He tends to bring out the positive in every situation, making his employees feel valued. Their treatment and experience are seen by other coworkers and guests at the resort.

“Being a chef is part of my identity,” says Ostermann. He added that once a chef is good at their job, applying for jobs isn’t necessary; one will find you. And that is what happened to him. The previous general manager, Darren Shaw, approached him and offered him a chef position at the resort.

Ostermann is inspired and fascinated by the science of the industry. “I am a real big nerd when it comes to food,” he says. He is always on Google researching the industry and is fascinated by how it all works together. “Food is made of molecules, and everything you eat is made of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins. Cooking changes the structure and behavior of these molecules, and it affects taste, texture, and appearance.”

The one thing that attracted him to working in this community was the opportunity to work with Chef Ben Petersen. “He is my mentor and has taught me everything about cooking,” says Ostermann. In fact, he temporarily worked at the Resort under Petersen when he was in his 20s. When Ostermann was in his 20s, he briefly worked for Petersen at the San Vicente Resort. Petersen instilled in him a strong work ethic and has shown him things he never knew he could do with food, and Ostermann is helping Petersen build his team.

His leadership style is unlike that of the stereotypical chef. Ostermann tells his employees that he works for them, which he admits can be both a positive and a drawback at times. He needs to put the business first, and he is a people person, so he naturally gravitates to making his team feel valued and feel good about working at the restaurant. He is also a bridge between the cooks and the servers. He makes sure everything looks good in the kitchen and is ready for the servers and runners to take to the tables.

“The Smashburger is my go-to,” says Ostermann. “It’s amazing.” And as far as his favorite dish to make at work, there is nothing on the menu that he doesn’t like to cook. As a child, Ostermann would make food for his sister, who is three years younger than he is. He would make her eggs and anything else he could put on the stove. He would also help make family meals from time to time.

He is a talented photographer and has taken many of the food photos displayed on the TV in the San Vicente Resort lobby. He pays close attention to the presentation of the dish and how it all comes together. “People eat with their eyes first,” he says. “And then their mouths after.” He also pays close attention to detail and presentation at the Resort’s buffet events, such as Mother’s Day or Easter brunch. The omelets are presented a certain way, and desserts are placed on the table very thoughtfully, giving guests a full experience. He adds that if the food doesn’t look good, people are not likely to try it. His dishes need to look a certain way, and the resort has high standards for how food looks and tastes.

He enjoys the people-gathering aspect of his job and how cooking brings family and community together. One of the most meaningful things to him is when a patron says that one of the dishes they just had was the best ever. He gave an example of a gentleman who found Ostermann at the resort and told him the steak he had been served was the best he had ever had in his life. The compliment goes a long way for Ostermann, and he realizes that all of his efforts to craft these dishes really pay off and make a difference to those who choose to eat at the restaurant.

When he isn’t in the kitchen at work, he likes to relax in a hammock at home and is a gamer. He can be found picking up pizza to enjoy at home with his wife after a long day. “When you cook for a living,” he says. “You tend not to cook at home.”

To Ostermann, it’s more than a job and a paycheck. “If I won the lotto, I would still work in a kitchen,” he says. “Don’t do it if you don’t love it.” There are times when he starts at 4 am and works until 7 or 8 pm. “You’ve got to get the job done.”

Join us in celebrating Chris Ostermann, a true example of skill, care, and dedication in action.

Colton Snyder: November’s Employee of the Month

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 23:43:37 GMT

The San Diego Country Estates is proud to recognize our November Employee of the Month, Colton Snyder, who is our dedicated equestrian maintenance lead. Known for his hard work, reliability, and commitment to keeping the equestrian facilities in top condition, he ensures that riders and horses alike enjoy a safe, well-maintained environment every day. His attention to detail and steady leadership help the equestrian center run seamlessly, rain or shine.

Colton Snyder was hired on November 3, 2023. According to Equestrian Supervisor Marissa Travis, Colton ensures that all equestrian facilities are properly maintained, the arenas are groomed, and the grounds remain beautiful. He works closely with management to ensure projects are completed to a high standard. His attention to detail and dedication help keep our equestrian spaces in top condition for everyone to enjoy.

Travis says Colton was chosen for this honor because he is a true self-starter who takes great pride in his work. Despite the equestrian department being short-staffed for some time, he has shown outstanding dedication and reliability. He works well with everyone, brings a positive attitude to the team, and is always happy to lend a helping hand.

Travis says that one area where Colton truly stands out is in maintaining and grooming the arenas. His skill and commitment make our arenas some of the best-looking around.

What makes working at the SDCE meaningful to Colton is the people he works with and the fact that no two days are ever the same. Every day brings something new and rewarding. When he’s not at work, Colton enjoys spending time with his family, working with horses, riding bulls, and going to the gym.

We extend our sincere appreciation for Colton’s leadership and commitment to maintaining the highest standards. Congratulations, Colton, and thank you for your tireless efforts to keep our equestrian facilities in top-notch condition.

Fall Trail Maintenance and Pruning Season in the Estates

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 23:18:54 GMT

As cooler weather arrives, the Landscape Team is busy pruning native plants and clearing trails to keep SDCE’s 17 miles of Green Line paths safe and beautiful for all to enjoy.

As the weather cools, our Landscape Team focuses on maintaining the health of our native plants, especially our oak trees and shrubs. Cooler temperatures make this the ideal time for pruning, allowing our landscape to thrive through the seasons.

Our team is also working along SDCE’s 17 miles of “Green Line” trails to ensure they remain open and enjoyable for all users. Trimming overhanging branches and clearing encroaching vegetation keep our trails safe and accessible for horseback riders, hikers, and bicyclists alike.

Originally designed by developer Ray Watt, these Green Line trails and private easements connect throughout the valley, creating a unique trail network that serves as the “glue” of our community. While the HOA maintains the Green Lines, homeowners are responsible for keeping their own easements clear. This shared effort helps preserve our remarkable trail system for everyone.

Many of these trails provide access to nearby County Parks, including Simon Park off Bassett Way, Mt. Gower at the end of Gunn Stage Road, and the challenging Cedar Falls Trail at the end of Ramona Oaks and Thornbush Road.

We welcome your feedback on any problem areas along our trails or open spaces so we can address them promptly.

Photo by Nancy Zadrozny.

Seeing the Arena Differently: Drille Divas Inspire Riders at the “Different Point of View” Equestrian Workshop

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 23:09:41 GMT

Riders from the community gathered for a weekend of teamwork, horsemanship, and precision riding at the Different Point of View Equestrian Workshop hosted by Sherie Levine of Drille Divas and Director of Equestrian Excellence at Bridle Up Hope San Diego.

The Different Point of View Equestrian Workshop wasn’t just about perfect circles and straight lines, but rather an immersive experience designed to strengthen the bond and sharpen communication between horse and rider. It blended hands-on coaching with guided observation. Levine aimed to promote relaxation and suppleness in both horse and rider, as well as improve attention and focus.

“It sold out right away,” says Levine. “I wanted to keep the workshop intimate so people can really learn.” The clinic, held on November 8 at the International Equestrian Center, brought together riders of all levels to learn the art of precision riding while discovering the deeper connection between horse, rider, and team.

“This event is different in a lot of ways,” says Levine. Participants were split into two categories—riders and auditors—with nine riders and five auditors. “And when the riders weren’t riding,” says Levine, “they audited the other riders.”

Riders had personalized, one-on-one sessions focused on their specific needs. There was also a 15-minute video recording for the riders to download and keep. Auditors had full access to observe all sessions with a guided learning worksheet. In addition, all participants enjoyed a catered lunch from Something Delicious and a post-ride workshop, an interactive discussion to review lessons learned and craft an action plan.

“It’s about connecting with the horse,” says Levine. Each rider is like a demonstration, and we are observing each other and learning how to connect.” She adds, “It’s like having another tool in the toolbox.”

Levine is proud to announce she is part of Bridle Up Hope San Diego, a non-profit 501©(3) organization for women and girls over the age of 12 who want to learn how to ride horses. Levine hired three instructors, two of whom were participating in her event, and brought two horses, a Haflinger and a quarter horse.

Bridle Up Hope San Diego campus is located in Ramona and provides transformational experiences for girls and women when they need it most. The unique Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) curriculum combines equestrian training, life skill development, service at the barn, and self-renewal activities, with principles from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People integrated throughout:

#1: Be proactive.
#2: Begin with the end in mind.
#3: Put first things first.
#4: Think win-win.
#5: Seek first to understand, then to be understood.
#6: Synergize.
#7: Sharpen the saw.

According to Bridle Up Hope San Diego Instructor Sam Connolly, the workshop was beneficial for her because it helped her get to know the horse she will be giving lessons on. It was also helpful for her and the horse to learn about each other and get to know one another.

Bridle Up San Diego Founder and Director Stash McCollough says they visit the International Equestrian Center whenever possible. She was at the workshop to observe and help the Bridle Up Hope San Diego instructors or other riders when needed.

The event provided participants with a fresh perspective on communication between horse and rider, both in and out of the saddle, and fostered confidence through collaboration and the application of new techniques.

Photos by Tiffany Pressler.

New Chapter in a Long Tradition: Samantha Parsons Leads the Casey Tibbs Riders

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 22:32:58 GMT

A fresh chapter in Ramona’s equestrian tradition is unfolding in the San Diego Country Estates, where the sport of gymkhana continues to thrive under new leadership and a new name. This year, local rider and horsewoman Samantha Parsons stepped up as president of the newly formed Casey Tibbs Riders and is carrying forward decades of community horsemanship and friendly competition.

For many years, riders in SDCE participated in events through previous gymkhana groups that helped keep the sport alive in Ramona. When the Association approached the team in July 2025, members saw an opportunity to build something new while preserving the legacy they had worked so hard to maintain. By August 2025, the Casey Tibbs Riders had officially taken shape, named in honor of the legendary rodeo cowboy whose spirit and horsemanship skills mirrored their own.

The board includes President Samantha Parsons, Vice President Tammi Johnson, Treasurer Christina Payne, and Sergeant-at-Arms Carla Padilla. “We call her our Switzerland vote,” says Parsons. “Padilla is our peacekeeper and makes sure things are running smoothly.” Carri Wilson is the events judge and verifies that the patterns are run correctly.

Under Parsons’ leadership, the group continues to promote family fun, friendly competition, and strong community ties. Riders of all ages meet at the San Diego Country Estates Casey Tibbs arena, where competitors race around barrels, poles, and other patterns and challenge themselves in a timed event. Parsons adds that the team has two to three people recording times in case of a malfunction. They use an electronic timer, as well as a stopwatch and a phone timer, and the times are entered into a computer and recorded by hand to ensure accuracy.

The board has many years of collective experience in rodeo, jr. rodeo, FFA, 4-H, open shows, and more. “I have been running for 23 years,” says Parsons, who has been competing in gymkhana events since she was six years old. She used to ride in the Ramona Santana Riders, and that is where the majority of the current Casey Tibbs board members met. Many of them were children when they met. Now, most of them are parents, bringing these shows back to the horse community and giving the new generation a chance to experience the games on horseback that they enjoyed growing up.

Parsons has two children: a boy and a girl. She and her husband, Andrew, both work in construction, and he’s one of the guys who sets up each event. “Mike is the other guy who helps us.” She says that many people were willing to put in the work to put on these shows, but no one was willing to be the face of it. That is when she stepped up and volunteered to lead the team, becoming the president of the Casey Tibbs Riders. “We really want shows and we miss it,” Parsons adds. She says they are built on people who want to ride, they miss their equestrian friends, and they want everybody back.

The gymkhana event last Saturday, Nov. 8, was the last of the series this year. They plan to have 10 shows next year, from March through December, with three rain dates in case the arena is too wet or the weather gets too hot during the summer months. Parsons said, unfortunately, she can’t release the actual dates yet, but they will all be Saturday shows, one per month.

“Everybody has been asking for more events,” says Parsons. “And we presented it.” She says it took them about three weeks to lock down the insurance for the shows, and they had to confirm the event dates with the Association.

The Casey Tibbs Riders’ goal is to bring back equine events in Ramona and bring the community together. This year, they had 18 members in the buckle series, with 31 riders and 80 people in attendance at the October gymkhana, and 31 riders and 80 attendees in November. They are hoping to grow even more in 2026.

The formation of the Casey Tibbs Riders marks both a continuation and a renewal of the SDCE gymkhana spirit, one built on decades of riding, volunteering, and family memories. With Parsons as the face of the club, the team looks forward to increasing its membership, hosting more events, and keeping Ramona’s western heritage alive for generations to come.

Visit Casey Tibbs Riders on Facebook and Instagram for more information.

Photos courtesy of Samantha Parsons.

Sip, Taste, and Socialize: Ramona Ranch Winery Highlighted at the Meet the Winemaker Night

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 22:22:14 GMT

The Par Lounge was brimming with local flavor and friendly conversation during the Meet the Winemaker evening on Wednesday, Oct. 29, featuring Ramona Ranch Winery, Johnathan Martinez and his wine barrel for the Ramona Art, Music & Wine Festival, as well as Ashley E Norton.

Ramona Ranch Winery owners Micole Moore and Teri Kerns are a married couple who moved to Ramona in 2004, started making wine in 2005, and opened commercially in 2012. In 2022, they opened their custom-designed tasting and production facility. Theirs is San Diego County’s only certified sustainable vineyard and winery. They don’t use pesticides or wine additives. They also use a drip irrigation system to minimize water waste.

The couple is originally from the Oregon Coast, and Moore is a Navy veteran. Moore is the winemaker, and Kerns manages business, marketing, community, and tasting operations. They poured their award-winning wines at the Meet the Winemaker Event. The Estate Sangiovese won a gold medal, and the Montepulciano won a silver medal. The other wines served included Albarino and Cowgirl Kiss. Guests enjoyed an evening of wine tasting, stories behind each pour, and insights into Ramona’s growing reputation as a premier wine destination.

The exquisite wines were paired with the Chef’s pasta specials. Dinner for the evening consisted of Short Rib Tortellini and Spaghetti Alle Vongole, prepared by Executive Chef Ben Peterson, Sous Chef Chris Ostermann, and Sous Chef Jessica Nelson.

Johnathan Martinez added an artist’s twist to the evening, showcasing how Ramona’s wine scene blends creativity, collaboration, and community spirit. He painted a wine barrel for the 13th annual Ramona Art, Wine & Music Festival, held on November 1 at Begent Ranch. His wine barrel featured at the Par Lounge is artistically designed with plumeria flowers and hummingbirds.

Ashley E Norton sang the night away, her music adding a heartfelt soundtrack to an evening with local wine and community. She hosts live music at the Par Lounge on Wednesday nights, featuring a setlist that includes a mix of country, rock, folk, and other genres. She engages the audience and was proud to discuss the featured Ramona Ranch Winery and Johnathan Martinez’s artwork on display with the crowd.

The Par Lounge’s cozy ambiance provided the perfect setting for residents and visitors to mingle, taste, and celebrate Ramona’s rich winemaking culture, all without leaving the Estates.

From the vineyard to the tasting room, Ramona Ranch Winery showcases the art of winemaking while honoring the land that nurtures it. The Meet the Winemaker event provided a rare opportunity to savor, learn, and appreciate the commitment to sustainability that makes this San Diego gem one-of-a-kind.

Photo by Tiffany Pressler.

Staying Fire-Ready: Top Safety Tips from Captain Ramirez

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 22:14:28 GMT

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."

Captain Ramirez has been a fire captain for 25 years and has led Fire Station 81 for 12 of those years. Throughout this time, Captain Ramirez has been dedicated to enhancing community safety, especially during fire season. He has been actively involved in educating residents about wildfire preparedness, emphasizing the importance of creating defensible space around homes and having clear evacuation plans in place. "34 years total and I love what I do," says Ramirez. "I'm still going strong."

Ramirez says that fire season is declared here from late spring to late fall. He adds that fire season in Southern California is year-round and ramps up when Santa Ana winds pick up, which can extend the season through winter.

To ensure your home is protected in the event of a wildfire, Captain Ramirez recommends hardening your home by sealing vents with ember-resistant screens, cleaning gutters regularly, and replacing flammable mulch near the house with rock or gravel, as flying embers are a leading cause of home ignition.

One of the most effective ways to protect your home is by maintaining at least 100 feet of defensible space. This means trimming trees, clearing dry grass, and keeping anything flammable, such as woodpiles and patio furniture, away from structures.

"Have a plan and a meeting point," says Ramirez. "Plan your escape route and have a plan for your animals too." Create an evacuation strategy and practice it before it's needed. It's important to have a ready-to-go emergency bag that should include essentials like medication, important documents, water, pet supplies, and a change of clothes. You don't want to be scrambling for things when the clock is ticking. Ramirez says to also think about which pictures and irreplaceable memorabilia you would like to take with you in case of a fire. He says residents should ask themselves, "What would I take if I had five minutes?"

The role that Fire Station 81 plays in keeping residents informed during an evacuation is to coordinate with the Sheriff's Department and Reverse 911, which uses phone calls to deliver critical information or warnings. The fire station tells the Sheriff Department which areas need to be evacuated, and they work closely together. Patrol cars are sent out to evacuate, and announcements are made from the Sheriff Department helicopter flying overhead. "Don't wait to evacuate," says Ramirez. He adds that during a fire, if you don't feel safe, you don't have to wait for an order to evacuate.

Another tip is to help us help you, he says. Keep the brush cleared around your home and be ready to go. A good website to get more tips is Ready, Set Go!

Staying informed is another key step, and Ramirez stresses the importance of signing up for Alert San Diego and following San Diego County Free for real-time updates.

From lifesaving tools like Reverse 911 to their constant presence in times of need, first responders play a vital role in our community's safety. In recognition of their commitment, residents gathered to express their gratitude with an appreciation day on Tuesday, October 28, at The Gym Ramona for first responders. The event honored local law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, and military families for their service to the community. Thank you to our firefighters and first responders for keeping our communities and residents safe.

Photo courtesy of Bert Ramirez.

Station 81 Firefighters (L-R:) Fire Apparatus Engineer/Paramedic Jason Andaya, Fire Apparatus Engineer Ryan Jones, Fire Captain Bert Ramirez, Firefighter James Boyer, Fire Apparatus Engineer/Paramedic Billy Grillo.

Golfers Face the Superintendent’s Wrath in a Day of Twists, Traps, and Laughs

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 22:00:16 GMT

Golfers at the 3rd annual Superintendent’s Revenge Tournament faced creative course challenges designed by Superintendent Ben McBride, turning frustration into laughter and fellowship across San Vicente Golf Course.

Seventy-two golfers teed off at the San Vicente Golf Course with equal parts excitement and dread during the Superintendent’s Revenge tournament held on Friday, Oct. 24, with a 1 pm Shotgun start time. Each hole offered its own mischievous surprise, from tricky placements to obstacles only a creative superintendent could dream up. There were challenges and laughter, and players were reminded that the events are less about the scorecard and more about fun and giving the superintendent a well-deserved moment of payback.

Golf Course Superintendent Ben McBride had some tricks up his sleeve to keep players on their toes. His job as superintendent is to maintain the playability of the San Vicente Golf Course. He is responsible for the daily preparation and maintenance of the course and surrounding landscape to ensure the best possible playing experience for golfers while maintaining healthy turf, trees, and plants. But the Superintendent’s Revenge Tournament is his chance to challenge the golfers and get back at them for the challenges he experiences maintaining the greens after they play it hard.

Matt Brumbaugh, head golf professional, said that the superintendent had set up the course to be diabolically difficult. The Superintendent’s Revenge had 18 holes, and the pin placements were tricky. Instead of the pin and hole being placed on a level green, they were placed on slopes and dips. In addition, McBride had the greens rolled and double cut, which produced an extra-smooth, fast, and firm surface. It made the greens faster than players expected, causing the balls to roll farther and break differently.

Tee Box placement was done strategically to create awkward-approach shots on the fairway. The tee box placement was a secret weapon for the superintendent, adding fun, surprise, and challenge, keeping the golfers guessing and testing their skills.

Brumbaugh said players got a kick out of the Revenge, and there were prizes for the championship, the open flight, closest to the pin, and raffle prizes. He enjoys watching the enthusiasm with which the players embrace complex setups. People know what they are in for, and he relishes their eagerness for the difficult shots.

The players were ready and up for the challenge. One player, James Billburg, from Chula Vista, said a good friend is a member at the golf course and invited him to play. His goal was to have a good time and a lot of smiles.

Meanwhile, serving up hot dogs and snacks for players was First Assistant Tournament Director Fred Arcaina. His goal for the tournament was to see people having fun while golfing, and he said there were players there from all over San Diego. “It’s a fun golf course and a hidden gem,” said Arcaina. He added that the staff at the golf course is phenomenal and works as a team. As for the Superintendent’s Revenge, Arcaina said it’s a secret, and it features tricks golfers have never seen before.

“I like to golf in this tournament because it’s a challenge and I like to support San Vicente Golf,” said John Rathbun.

Dan Nidzicko had heard many stories about the tournament's complicated nature. He has lived in the San Diego Country Estates for 5 years and is a member of the golf club. This was his first Superintendent’s Revenge, and he was looking forward to the unique challenges the day brought.

“I know it's super difficult,” said Eric Weiss. He has lived in San Diego Country Estates his whole life, and this was his first Superintendent’s Challenge. He is not a member of the golf club but enjoyed the day out with his work buddies.

“I am doing this 100% next year,” said Glenn Brown, “The only thing that would stop me from playing is if I died. And then my son would take on my legacy!”

When all golfers finished playing, they were eligible for a raffle drawing for numerous valuable prizes, including a golf bag and brand-name putters.

The Superintendent’s Revenge had clever setups and left players challenged, entertained, and already looking forward to next year. By the end of the day, golfers had survived challenging pin placements, double-cut greens, and trick tee boxes, and they all left with smiles and a newfound respect for the superintendent’s efforts to keep the course polished and flawless.

See photos on our Facebook San Vicente Golf Course Page !

Dreamcatcher Ladies Member Guest Golf Invitational: A Two-Day Celebration of Friendship, Fairways, and Fun

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 21:51:01 GMT

The 2025 San Vicente Women’s Golf Association’s Dreamcatcher Invitational brought 52 golfers together for two unforgettable days of competition, camaraderie, and community spirit at San Vicente Golf Resort.

The San Vicente Women’s Golf Association hosted another memorable Dreamcatcher Ladies Invitational on Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 20 and 21. This year’s tournament drew 52 players, including guests from across San Diego County, Palm Springs, and even as far as Idaho, making it a highlight of the fall golf season.

The fun began Monday morning with registration at 10 am and a shotgun start at 11 am. Bag handlers were on hand to assist players, while the driving range opened early for warm-ups. The two-day event featured an Individual Eclectic format—combining each player’s best scores across 18 holes with their partners for an exciting, strategic game. Scores were tracked through Golf Genius, managed by the tournament’s tech expert, Sergio.

Throughout the tournament, participants enjoyed Closest to the Pin contests on hole #12, delicious meals, and the kind of hospitality that makes San Vicente Resort a favorite among visiting players. On Monday, golfers refueled mid-round with grilled hot dogs, chips, and drinks before returning for the evening’s Cross Country Derby—a four-hole surprise challenge set by the “Derby Meister.” The day wrapped up in the San Vicente Room, where players relaxed with a complimentary drink and taco bar while prizes and the day’s winners were announced.

Tuesday began bright and early with a buffet featuring quiche breakfast in the San Vicente Room at 7:30 am, followed by an 8:30 am tee time. Bag handlers once again ensured a smooth start as players hit the course for the final round. Following the play, everyone gathered for the Awards Luncheon, where Gross and Net champions were recognized, and photos captured the spirit of the event.

Congratulations to Page Megna and Kathy Williams for winning the Tournament’s Overall Net Champions.

Behind the scenes, a dedicated team made it all possible. Golf Pro Matt Brumbaugh and the Golf Shop Team kept the pace flowing; Chef Ben Peterson and his team prepared outstanding meals; and Catering Manager Joyce Whelehon handled all banquet and service details, ensuring the room was professionally set up and service was excellent. Lodge Manager Mary Ellen ensured tournament guests enjoyed a wonderful stay at the hotel, resulting in over a dozen rooms booked. Superintendent Ben McBride and his crew had the course in pristine condition, with players commenting that the greens were the best they’d ever seen.

Co-chairs Kathleen Kankelberg and Joyce Whitehead estimated the two-day tournament to generate roughly $10,000 in revenue from golf, food, lodging, and merchandise. Beyond the numbers, the event also supported local youth. The 50/50 raffle raised $1,000—$750 of which will be donated to the Ramona High School Girls Golf Team, with an additional $250 contributed by the Barona Band of Mission Indians.

“This event is special to all of us,” shared the organizers. “It’s not just about the competition—it’s about connection, giving back, and celebrating the joy of golf together.”

Photos by Heather McGhee.

See over 80 photos on our Facebook San Vicente Golf Course Page !

Community Relations Committee – Volunteer Opportunity

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 13:14:34 GMT

SDCEA is seeking one homeowner volunteer to serve on the Community Relations Committee (CRC).

The CRC is a panel of dedicated homeowners appointed by the Board of Directors that meets monthly to review notices of non-conformance with the CC&Rs and the SDCEA Handbook. The committee also conducts hearings for members as required by the Association’s governing documents and California Civil Code. Enforcement and appeal procedures are outlined in Exhibit 1 of the CRC Charter.

For more information, please review the Community Relations Committee Charter .

CRC meetings are typically held on the second Wednesday of the month in the Admin Board Room, next to the Golf Pro Shop.

If you are interested in this position, please complete a volunteer interest form and submit it by Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 , to Community Relations at CRDdept@sdcea.net or by mail to 15910 Avenel Lane, Ramona, CA 92065, Attn: CRD Manager.

Questions about the committee or the position can be directed to the Assistant General Manager at Joshua.Jones@sdcea.net .

Fall Festival & Clean and Green Day Bring Community Together

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 21:45:18 GMT

Families enjoyed an evening of fun, live music, and eco-friendly inspiration at SDCEA’s annual Fall Festival and Clean & Green Day at Ramona Oaks Park.

The sounds of laughter, live music, and the spirit of community filled Ramona Oaks Park last Saturday, Oct. 18, as residents gathered for the annual Fall Festival and Clean & Green Day, a partnership event celebrating fun, family, and sustainability.

“The main goal for our Fall Festival is to bring the children of the community together and enjoy a fun evening,” said Recreation Manager Amy Holsapple. “The event has been part of our concert schedule for more than 20 years and has become a family tradition for many homeowners. Seeing the children grow up and then bring their own kids makes it special each year.”

Families enjoyed carnival games, a cake walk featuring treats from ALDI, delicious food, and live music by Steal Dawn, whose upbeat playlist kept the crowd dancing from start to finish. Wristbands made it easy for children to enjoy every game and activity without waiting in line, a cleaner, faster approach that reduced waste and made the evening more enjoyable.

In collaboration with SDCEA’s Clean & Green team, local partners shared eco-friendly tips and resources with residents throughout the evening. Susan White and Adrienne Biondo from Ramona Disposal, along with Michelle Sund and Belinda Flynn from Sustainable Ramona, provided recycling education and sustainability guidance. The Ramona Food & Clothes Closet also offered a 50% off coupon. Reusable SDCEA shopping bags, designed to promote reuse, were given to event participants. Residents also met Boo Crew founder Phoenix West and his Mom, Kelly, who leads a local post-Halloween clean-up effort on Saturday, Nov. 1 .

As the sun set over the park, the combination of community fun and environmental awareness showcased what makes the Estates truly special—a place where neighbors come together to celebrate, connect, and care for the environment they share.

See our video on our Facebook SDCEA Recreation page !

Learn more:

Ramona Disposal: ( https://www.ramonadisposal.com/resource-center/recycling-guide )

Sustainable Ramona: ( https://www.sustainable-ramona.com )

Ramona Food & Clothes Closet: ( https://www.foodandclothescloset.org/)

Boo Crew: ( https://www.instagram.com/boo_crew_ramona/ )

Photos by Heather McGhee.

Horsefeathers: October 2025

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 21:20:23 GMT

Our Equestrian Team celebrates a successful gymkhana, new staff and boarders, and facility improvements as they prepare for the rainy season.

Our Equestrian Team has been working diligently this month, maintaining the facilities in top condition and preparing for the upcoming rainy season. We’re excited to share that two additional staff members will be joining our team soon, allowing us to be fully staffed and ready for the months ahead.

The gymkhana was a great success, bringing energy and families back to our arenas. We’re already looking forward to the next event on Saturday, November 8. Click here to view the event flyer. We’re also pleased to welcome several new boarders to our facility offices. It’s wonderful to see our community continue to grow.

At Casey Tibbs, Arena 1 has undergone improvements, including the installation of new panels, the addition of rock to enhance drainage, and the application of fresh sand to improve footing. Despite recent staffing challenges, our team has worked diligently to maintain the arenas and keep manure and compost areas well-managed.

Finally, as the rainy season approaches, our crew will be out throughout November preparing the facilities to ensure they remain safe, functional, and enjoyable for all riders.

For those interested in CPR training in the Rotunda, please see the CPR & First Aid Certification Class flyer for details.

Generations on the Land: A Great-Great-Grandson’s Story

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 21:16:29 GMT

Not many people can say their family history is woven into the very roots of San Diego’s backcountry. But for one longtime San Diego Country Estates resident, that connection runs deep.

Shawn Davis, along with his wife Marie, has been an SDCE homeowner for 25 years. His great-great-grandfather, Edward H. Davis, known for his ranching and dedication to preserving Native American culture, was among the early settlers in Santa Ysabel. Now, after 25 years of making his own home in SDCE, the great-great-grandson carries forward not just a family name, but a legacy of living close to the land.

Edward H. Davis was born on June 18, 1862, in Brooklyn, New York. Between 1917 and 1930, Davis worked as a field collector for the Museum of the American Indian, which is now part of the Smithsonian, documenting over two dozen Indigenous tribes across Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, and northwestern Mexico. His extensive collection includes approximately 5,600 photographs, 62 notebooks, and numerous artifacts.

Shawn owns a copy and printing service called Print Professionals with locations in Escondido and Poway. Marie is a schoolteacher in Escondido. They moved from Utah to Ramona in 2002 and bought a house in 2005. “My family has been here a long time,” says Shawn. “They are some of the originals.” He spent summers at the family ranch, located off Black Canyon Road. He added that his great-great-grandfather had accomplished a great deal in his prime, which is why Shawn moved back to be part of the community where his family's roots are located. Shawn’s father, Jim Davis, is a cattle broker, which is how they keep the farm in Santa Ysabel going.

Edward H. Davis worked for the County of San Diego as a land surveyor in the 1800s. He also assisted with the engineering of the Hotel Del Coronado before it was built. In addition, Shawn says his great-great-grandfather used to hang out with Mark Twain at the Hotel Del Coronado, and they have a whole signed first edition book collection by Mark Twain.

He purchased 600 acres in Santa Ysabel and converted it into a hotel Resort in 1915, called Powam Lodge, using adobe and rock. The lodge was part of Edward H. Davis’s development of Mesa Grande. He moved there in 1885, built his ranch and orchards, and later constructed the lodge to attract visitors and enjoy the countryside. His lodge served as a hub for cultural exchange until it was destroyed by fire in 1930.

According to Shawn, his great-great-grandfather helped a lot of local Indigenous people in Santa Ysabel and Mesa Grande. He was named the Great White Chief and was given a Chief headdress. He did a lot of work and helped many people, which is why he is referenced in numerous books, according to Shawn. He is represented in both the San Diego Historical Society and the Smithsonian’s collections via the National Museum of the American Indian. Shawn says the family has donated a lot to the Smithsonian collection.

Edward H. Davis’s photographic work provides a rare glimpse into the daily lives and cultural practices of Indigenous communities during the early 20th century. The San Diego History Center’s Edward H. Davis Photo Gallery offers a selection of his images, including portraits and scenes from Santa Ysabel and surrounding areas.

Nearly half a century after Edward H. Davis built his Mesa Grande Ranch and the Powam Lodge, the SDCEA was founded in 1972, transforming Ramona’s rolling hills into a planned community. For Davis’s great-great-grandson, who has called SDCE home for 25 years, it means living at the intersection of past and present, carrying the legacy of one of the backcountry’s earliest settlers while making a life in one of its newest neighborhoods. It’s a reminder that San Diego’s history is layered, from ranching and Native traditions documented by Davis to the modern development of communities like San Diego Country Estates that continue to shape life in the backcountry today.

Photo courtesy of Shawn Davis.

Manager Spotlight: Landscape and Open Space Manager Nancy Zadrozny

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 21:06:16 GMT

Maintaining the green and thriving landscape of San Diego Country Estates requires more than sunshine and water. It takes leadership, dedication, and a deep love for the land. This month, we’re proud to spotlight Nancy Zadrozny, the Landscape and Open Space Manager for the San Diego Country Estates Association.

Nancy Zadrozny was hired as an Equestrian Manager on June 19, 2015, and then moved to the Landscape and Open Space Manager position on January 1, 2020. She is responsible for designing, installing, and maintaining outdoor environments.

The inspiration for her to start at this job was simple—the position was open, and she was qualified. As the Landscape Manager, she has developed landscape areas that are both unique and reminiscent of botanical gardens. She ensures the planting is done correctly, thereby reducing maintenance, which is her goal.

Each day is different for Zadrozny. She oversees a team of eight and is responsible for 1,500 acres of open space. She addresses homeowner requests, inspects areas, meets with her crew daily, and schedules the areas that require attention. Half of the crew maintains areas like the parks, including playgrounds, dog parks, and pool areas, while the other half handles all the open space areas. Her department also maintains 17 miles of trails, 1,500 acres of Open Space, and 7 miles of medians, where they have recently embarked on a median restoration project.

New to the Landscape/Open Space department is the vital fire fuel management work, which has not been addressed as a priority previously and now accounts for 30 to 40 percent of their work. Additional funds are now allocated for portions of this work, enabling us to hire specialty subcontractors to help clear our challenging terrain. It’s a comprehensive, multi-pronged initiative designed to reduce wildfire risk within the community. The focus is on creating defensible space around homes and maintaining fire breaks in high-risk areas. There are 50 years’ worth of overgrowth and piled-up deadfall, and it will be a process to get caught up and then maintain these areas. The additional workload this has added to the Open Space staff is being accomplished within the same operating budget constraints as before.

Under Zadrozny’s guidance and vision, the HOA has produced 15 new garden spaces. One of which is Georgia’s Garden, a wedding site near the fire station. This stunning garden was made possible by a donation of $50,000 from Georgia Tranter, a homeowner who has since passed away. Another of Zadrozny's creations is a garden on the hillside above the jacuzzi at the clubhouse pool. They terraced it, replanted it, and staged it with a wine barrel for aesthetics. She did this to add interest and beauty to the pool area by introducing new plants and creating a vibrant garden space.

The two turf reduction projects at the Community Relations Department on Avenel Lane and the San Vicente Park west of the tennis courts were paid for with rebate money. “We put in a natural and mostly native landscape,” says Zadrozny. The grass that required extensive watering to maintain was removed and replaced with low-maintenance native plants and boulders with winding DG pathways. She aims to repeat this landscape palette throughout the community, creating a cohesive look that’s visually harmonious and calming.

Zadrozny’s passion and creativity are evident in her work. She especially loves the landscape design aspect of her job that creates outdoor spaces that blend beauty, function, and harmony with the natural surroundings of SDCE. She also enjoys the artistic design side. She asks herself, “How can I make this look pretty and enjoyable?” She says she has the ability to improve all areas of the association, even one as small as the Hobbit House, which she had constructed out of a tree stump for residents to enjoy.

Zadrozny has been an SDCEA homeowner since 1986 and has raised her 2 sons here. When she is not working, three things are most important to her: family time, garden time, and horse time. She is married to a wonderful man for 44 years, her kids are grown, and she has 4 fun-loving grandsons. She is an avid gardener and is very knowledgeable about local insects and birds. She gardens at home and has a vegetable and fruit orchard; her property is also equipped with a greenhouse. She is a longtime equestrian and rides her horse through the SDCE trails regularly.

Thank you, Nancy Zadrozny, for your leadership, vision, and commitment to maintaining the vibrant landscape that defines the SDCEA.

Photo by Heather McGhee.

Speed and Skill Shine at Casey Tibbs Riders Gymkhana Buckle Series

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 23:46:56 GMT

The sound of hooves echoed across the Casey Tibbs Arena as riders and their horses dashed through barrels, weaved through poles, and raced against the clock at the second in the Gymkhana Horse Show series put on by the Casey Tibbs Riders.

Gymkhana, often called "games on horseback," brought out the community's best riders, each determined to showcase precision, partnership, and heart in the arena named for rodeo legend Casey Tibbs.

The Gymkhana Buckles series was held on Saturday, October 11. The events included five classes: Speed barrels, keyhole, bi-rangle, poles 2, and barrels. The first event of the three-part buckle series was held on September 13, and the third will be held on November 8.

"There was a big turnout, with 32 contestants at this event," says Parsons, Casey Tibbs Riders President. They have a board of 8 people with a combined 20+ years' experience in speed events and horse shows of all forms.

"Casey Tibbs Riders is a newly formed club striving to bring back equestrian events to our amazing hometown of Ramona," says Parsons. "Our events are fun, family-friendly, open to the public, and most importantly, community-engaged and involved."

There are high point winners in each speed division, and the winner will receive a buckle after the series. Those divisions are AAA, AA, A, FC18+, FC17<, LFC, and Leadline.

Parsons says they are working on bringing a full season next year with 10 show dates from March through December. All of the shows will be held on Saturdays to avoid conflicting with other shows. They have 13 dates scheduled, with three designated as rain dates. She says that for many years, Ramona has been home to all sorts of equestrian events. In recent years, these events have become less frequent. So, as a collective, Casey Tibbs Riders have made it their mission to bring back these amazing events for riders of all ages, styles, and abilities.

13-year-old contestant, Cade Wilson, competed in the first gymkhana series in September and has also competed at multiple gymkhana events. She is happy the events are coming back. This show is calm, allowing her to enjoy the race.

"I like that it's universal," says Molly Lincoln. She added that little kids and big kids can come and enjoy the fun.

Savannah Moyers said that she likes that this event is local and is a buckle series.

10-year-old Julia Breen is also a member of the Ramona Vicente Pony Club, and she is so excited to participate in this series. She enjoys the opportunity to bond with her horse at this event. Her mom, Noelle Breen, a nurse at Scripps Memorial ICU, is really excited to have this series in the community and have positive experiences. She likes that everyone cheers each other on. She is also thankful to have these equestrian facilities in SDCE.

At the end of the event, the winners of the raffle and silent auction were announced, and the winners received awards consisting of ribbons and gift cards to local businesses.

Parsons said they had a lot of local sponsors and family-owned businesses that contributed to the show. She is thankful for the group that helped her put on this event because, without them, none of this would be possible.

Photos by Tiffany Pressler.

Experience Gymkhana

Stay, Celebrate, and Relax in our Newly Remodeled Suite at San Vicente Resort

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 23:27:54 GMT

Welcome your visiting family and friends with a comfortable stay right here in your community at San Vicente Resort. Our newly remodeled suite offers style, space, and stunning golf course and mountain views which are perfect for holiday guests and family gatherings, with all the amenities to make a stay feel like home.

Designed for flexibility, this spacious suite features sleeping arrangements to accommodate a variety of group sizes and needs. With a queen pull-out couch and a twin pull-out love seat, the main living area effortlessly transforms into a cozy sleeping space by night and a relaxing lounge during the day. Whether you’re watching a movie, sharing laughs, or just enjoying some downtime, there’s plenty of room to stretch out and unwind.

Step out onto the room’s private patio and enjoy gorgeous views of the golf course and scenic mountains. It’s the perfect spot to sip your morning coffee or take in a peaceful sunset.

The suite features a full bathroom with modern amenities, and for even more space and privacy, you can opt to book the adjoining room, which includes a luxurious king bed. This flexible setup is ideal for families who want to stay close while still enjoying individual space, or for groups who appreciate a little extra room to relax and unwind.

Our one-of-a-kind suite has everything needed for a memorable and comfortable stay just down the road from where you live.

We encourage homeowners to book today and give your holiday guests the comfort and style of San Vicente Resort, where every stay feels like home, only better. Call 780-789-8290 x0.

Feral Honeybees in Our Neighborhoods: Good or Bad?

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 22:49:51 GMT

Discover how non-native honeybees affect our local environment, why Africanized bees pose a safety risk, and how homeowners can help keep trails and open spaces safe.

As our Landscape team clears trails and open spaces, we often come across feral honeybee hives in downed trees, brush piles, or hidden cavities. Several of our crew members, myself included, have disturbed a nest and been immediately swarmed by hundreds of angry, stinging bees. We now carry bee hoods as a precaution and quickly remove ourselves from the area—sometimes as far as 300 yards or more. Even then, it’s a frightening experience and can be extremely dangerous.

Keeping our areas cleared, mowed, and free of fallen trees helps reduce the places feral bees can start new hives, making the trails and open spaces safer for everyone.

Another part of this equation involves our native bees and the competition they face from non-native, invasive honeybees. San Diego County is home to more than 700 species of native bees. Most are solitary, do not produce honey, and rarely sting, as they have no hives or stores of honey to protect. We often don’t notice them—or even realize how many varieties exist—but these native bees are just as essential and fully capable of providing the pollination our environment depends on.

European honeybees, on the other hand, are non-native and often outcompete native species for nectar and pollen. The larger concern, however, is the Africanization of the European bee population. In Brazil during the 1950s, European honeybees were crossbred with African honeybees to increase honey production. In 1957, the African honeybee escaped quarantine and has since spread throughout much of the southwestern United States.

It’s impossible to visually distinguish Africanized honeybees from European ones, but their behavior is unmistakable. Africanized honeybees are highly aggressive and will attack any perceived threat in their hive area, stinging en masse and pursuing the target over long distances. A disturbed hive can remain defensive for up to two weeks, posing a serious risk to people and pets.

If you notice any bee activity around your home, trails, or open spaces, please report it immediately. Our Landscape team will respond and remove the nest safely. Contact us at 769-670-8088 or email landscape@sdcea.net.

Hope and Healing: Shelly Mullin’s Triumph Over Breast Cancer

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 23:07:35 GMT

Marine veteran and talented entrepreneur, Shelly Mullin, shares her courageous breast cancer journey—transforming fear into strength, raising awareness for early detection, and inspiring others to embrace hope and community support.

In the heart of our community, inspiration can be found in neighbor and friend, Shelly Mullin, a Marine veteran, creative entrepreneur, and breast cancer survivor whose journey embodies courage, grace, and resilience. Her story is not only one of personal triumph but also a reminder of the strength that comes from community support, hope, and perseverance.

Mullin is sharing her story to help others who may be going through a similar experience. She encourages women to be proactive and get mammograms beginning at the age of 40 or earlier if they have a family history of the disease. She wants women to know they are not alone and that numerous resources are available to them, including in-person and online support groups. She adds that the medical field has state-of-the-art equipment to help women battle the disease and says, “the c word is not a death sentence.”

She got her first mammogram at age 40, and it came back abnormal. She has dense breast tissue, which makes it a little more difficult for radiologists to detect cancer. But everything seemed ok at that time. “I always had this intuitive feeling I would eventually get breast cancer,” says Mullin. Breast cancer is present on both sides of her family. “My dad’s sister died from breast cancer, and my mom’s sister was also diagnosed ,” says Mullin.

She went for another mammogram at age 46 and confirmed her hunch. She could hear the voice of her late father echoing through her mind that she needed to make another mammogram appointment, and she knew she had it when she saw the look on the radiology tech’s face. Later, she received a call from her doctor stating that the results were abnormal again. She received her diagnosis in February 2025 through the VA Medical Center, after years of mentally preparing for the possibility due to her family’s medical history. When she received the news, she took it with her marine mentality and immediately asked the doctor on the other end of the phone, “What’s next?”

“I caught it very early,” says Mullin. “I am very lucky.” Mullin says her breast cancer journey has involved a lot of waiting, worrying, and stress. There are a lot of “what ifs,” and she was curious what type of breast cancer she had because there are several different types. She had IDC, Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, and DCIS, Ductal Carcinoma in Situ. Her treatment involved 15 days of radiation therapy (Monday through Friday, with a break on weekends) but no chemotherapy. Fatigue was the main side effect. She also has to take Tamoxifen daily for five years to help prevent recurrence, a treatment that carries side effects such as hot flashes, uterine cancer, blood clots, and increased risk of osteoporosis.

She is thankful for every day and grateful for her many friends who helped her through the tough times and celebrated both small and big moments. She feels blessed to wake up each day knowing she is alive, and she chooses not to live in fear.

“The VA team was phenomenal and made me feel like I had options,” says Mullin. “It’s important that women have that choice.” She says the VA gave her the choice to do either a mastectomy or a lumpectomy, where the surgeon removes the cancerous tumor along with a small margin of healthy tissue around it, but leaves most of the breast intact. After consulting with her care team, she chose a lumpectomy, followed by genetic testing that surprisingly showed her cancer was not hereditary, but caused by environmental exposure.

At the end of July, on the last day of her radiation treatment, the whole CCARE radiation team (independent of the VA) came out to watch her ring the bell. Instead of the typical bell ring to symbolize the end of active treatment, she brought out a bat for a photo op of smacking the bell because, with the help of the team, she crushed cancer and won the fight.

Her Marine mindset to “adapt and overcome” carried her through the toughest moments. “Cancer has been a blessing in disguise,” she reflected. “It helped me realize what’s truly important in life and to take one day at a time.”

2025 has been a challenging year, but since her diagnosis, her life has been moving in a positive direction. The outpouring of support from friends and community members has been overwhelming, and she feels the love deeply. “I hate pink,” says Mullin. “Now I find myself wearing it all the time.” She has learned to embrace and love the color that represents the fight against breast cancer.

Mullin owns Shellz Dezign Photography & Dogs. She is a creative photographer specializing in graphic and web design, as well as dog walking services. She also does drop-in care for animals within Ramona and dog boarding in her home. She was forced to take a step back from her business for a brief time during her battle.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. About one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Early detection saves lives. If you would like more information about the disease, please visit WWW.Breastcancer.org. There are also apps, such as the mobile app Outcomes4me, to help with treatment plans, reports, and clinical trials.

Photos courtesy of Shelly Mullin.

A Journey of Hope and Healing

Always Sunny, Ramona Senior Day Care Club Shines Brighter with New Services for the Community

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 18:40:04 GMT

Always Sunny, Ramona Senior Day Care Club is expanding its offerings for local families, bringing even more convenience and care closer to home. Known for their reliable service and friendly touch, the Ramona-based business has recently added new options designed to make everyday life easier for clients. From personalized support to flexible scheduling, these enhancements reflect their commitment to evolving alongside the needs of the community.

Always Sunny, Ramona Senior Day Care Club is an adult day program and caregiver respite. They are a small-town crew with big hearts, bringing sunshine into the lives of seniors and their families.

Deanna McMahon, Marketing Manager at Always Sunny, says the company is now offering a caregiver support group. Many family members and spouses of loved ones who receive care need an outlet to vent and discuss their frustrations, challenges, and wins. “We have been trying to champion this for a while,” says McMahon. The support group meets on the fourth Thursday of each month from 1:00 to 2:30 pm at Always Sunny. The next support group meeting is on October 23, and attendees do not need to RSVP; they just need to show up.

This monthly meet-up for caregiver support benefits those caring for an aging parent, spouse, or loved one. Caregiving can be both rewarding and exhausting, and some days caregivers may need a place where they can connect with people who understand what they’re going through. This group is a safe and welcoming space to share your story without judgment; feel heard, understood, and supported; and exchange tips and resources with others who are walking the same road. McMahon says, “You don’t have to do this alone. Come as you are—tired, hopeful, overwhelmed, or just curious.”

McMahon also wants to inform the community that Always Sunny is now offering in-home caregiving services as well. A caregiver can provide support for a few hours a day to those who need extra help in the comfort of their own home. She especially wants residents of San Diego Country Estates to be aware of this offering. She says that about half of their members live in SDCE, and many community members can benefit from this service.

Additionally, Always Sunny features a senior music hour on the first Monday of every month from 1:30 to 2:30 pm. The musician and guitarist, Dana Duplan, plays for an hour. McMahon says he plays familiar tunes from the seniors’ era, and folks usually get up and dance when the mood is right. Everyone is welcome to attend the music hour, and no RSVP is required. She hopes that families bring their loved ones who may be housebound and can benefit from getting out to enjoy the company of others while listening to music. She says it’s a connection for people and something fun to do.

For more information about Always Sunny and their new service and support offerings, please call Always Sunny, Ramona Senior Day Care Club at 760-654-2818.

Photo courtesy of Always Sunny.

Johnathan Martinez Creates a Colorful Wine Barrel for the Ramona Art, Music & Wine Festival - On Display at San Vicente Resort.

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 18:32:17 GMT

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 13th annual Ramona Art, Wine & Music Festival is set for Saturday, November 1, at Begent Ranch. The celebration will include the region's finest wineries, musicians, and artists, and will benefit the Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Mural Project, which has transformed the town with colorful public art.

Among this year's featured artists is Johnathan Martinez, a painter whose bold, faceless figures have become both recognizable and deeply personal to the community. Martinez's unique style invites viewers to project themselves into his work, thereby creating an emotional bridge between the artist and the audience. His H.E.A.R.T murals include "La Quinceañera" at 1905 Main Street, which celebrates family and cultural traditions, and "The Garden" at 680 Main Street, a colorful, multidimensional tribute to nature and community.

Martinez will be at the Meet the Winemaker event at the Par Lounge on October 29, featuring his latest painted wine barrel, which is currently on display at the Par Lounge. Martinez started painting wine barrels in 2014, and this barrel is his fifth. This year, his wine barrel features plumeria flowers and hummingbirds. "I want to wow people," says Martinez.

Over the years, Martinez's hand-painted wine barrels have drawn attention during the Ramona Art, Wine & Music Festival's live auction, each piece a vibrant blend of vineyard tradition and contemporary artistry. "I like creativity," he says. According to Martinez, he received a lot of positive feedback on his hummingbird mural titled "The Garden" and says that everybody likes hummingbirds, so he decided to paint that along with plumerias on this year's wine barrel.

Art is more than expression; it's service. Martinez, who served his country for eight years in the Navy, now serves his community through bold artwork that reflects all of us. With every mural, wine barrel, and brushstroke, Martinez helps transform Ramona into a destination, one where art, wine, and music converge with community pride.

For more information or to reach out to Martinez, you can view his Instagram page @JohnathanMartinezart or email him at Theservant10@yahoo.com .

Letters & Lines Equestrian Blends Skill, Spirit, and Community

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 19:13:29 GMT

In the heart of the San Diego Country Estates, Letters & Lines Equestrian is more than just a riding program; it’s a place where riders and horses learn, grow, and succeed together.

Letters & Lines Equestrian is owned and operated by Lauren Munos, a lifelong horsewoman with extensive experience across many riding disciplines. Munos has ridden and competed extensively on the jumper circuit, shown western pleasure horses, and participated in rodeo. She also has a strong background in dressage and is a USDF Bronze Medalist. Recently, she has returned to her roots, taking clients to local ranch riding competitions while also attending dressage shows, hunter/jumper competitions, and even community gymkhanas.

Known for blending a professional approach with a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere, the program is designed to give riders a well-rounded foundation in horsemanship. The program goes beyond riding skills, teaching students how to understand, care for, and truly connect with horses. Lessons are available for all levels, from beginners taking their very first ride to advanced students looking to sharpen their technique and prepare for shows.

Instruction focuses on confidence, balance, and communication, helping riders learn not just how to ride, but how to build a partnership with their horse. The program emphasizes safety and responsibility, making it an excellent choice for families who want their children to learn valuable life skills in a supportive setting. For those with competitive goals, Letters & Lines Equestrian offers show preparation and coaching, providing riders with the tools to enter the arena with skill and confidence.

Munos is SafeSport certified and holds CPR and First Aid certifications for both children and adults, ensuring a safe and professional environment for every rider. Her teaching philosophy is built on the belief that every rider, especially children, should have the opportunity to explore a variety of disciplines before choosing a specialty. This well-rounded approach not only cultivates skilled equestrians but also fosters confident, adaptable individuals. Coming from a long line of horsemen and horsewomen, she brings a deep respect for tradition paired with a passion for making riding accessible and fun.

In addition to lessons and training, Munos is a vendor with Pacific Coast Academy Charter School and partners with the San Diego Regional Center to provide therapeutic riding opportunities for children and adults with disabilities. She is also working toward her PATH International certification in therapeutic riding, as well as a degree in child development, to further support and grow this important part of her business.

At the heart of Letters & Lines are Munos’ trusted lesson horses, who make it possible to serve riders of all ages and levels. Her goal has always been to give back to the community, fostering a welcoming, family-friendly environment where horses bring people together.

Letters & Lines Equestrian, located at the International Equestrian Center at 16911 Gunn Stage Road, continues to grow as a trusted hub for horsemanship, education, and community connection, helping riders of all ages discover the joy and rewards of life with horses.

Photo courtesy of Lauren Munos.

Horsefeathers: September 2025

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 19:06:48 GMT

The International Equestrian Center and Casey Tibbs Western Center welcome new horses and riders this fall while gearing up for the October 11 Gymkhana Buckle Series and a season of growing community spirit.

We’re excited to welcome new boarders and horses to both the International Equestrian Center and Casey Tibbs Western Center! This season has been full of activity, and we’re grateful to see our equestrian community continue to thrive.

For more information or to schedule a tour of the boarding facilities at the International Equestrian Center or the Casey Tibbs Western Center, please contact Marissa Travis at 760-484-0242 or via email at Equestrian2@sdcea.net . We look forward to assisting you with your equestrian needs.

With October upon us, both facilities are preparing for winter. Proactive steps now ensure our arenas, barns, and grounds are ready for the rainy season, keeping riders and horses comfortable and safe.

Casey Tibbs Riders Gymkhana Buckle Series

On Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025 , the Casey Tibbs Riders will host the second event in their popular Gymkhana Buckle Series. Open to riders of all ages and skill levels, this fast-paced competition features barrels, poles, and plenty of friendly challenges. The event promises a spirited day of horsemanship, laughter, and fun. Pre-entries are encouraged to keep everything running smoothly, and spectators are warmly welcomed. Even if you don’t ride, come out to cheer on your fellow horse lovers and enjoy the excitement. See flyer for details.

As we head into the final months of the year, it’s inspiring to see our community growing not just in numbers, but in camaraderie, spirit, and shared purpose. Together, we’re building a vibrant equestrian tradition that will carry us forward season after season.

Engines, Chrome, and Family Fun at the 22nd Annual Car Show and Concert

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 01:25:57 GMT

Engines roared and chrome gleamed as car show enthusiasts gathered at the 22nd Annual Car Show and Concert at Ramona Oaks Park on Saturday, Sept. 20.

From timeless classics to sleek modern rides, the event brought together locals and visitors alike to celebrate the art and passion of automobiles. Families strolled through rows of polished vehicles, chatting with proud owners and snapping photos of their favorites, making it a day blended with community spirit and horsepower. There was live music by Cool Rush, and admission was free. Food was served by Outlaw BBQ.

Three winners were chosen by the car show attendees. First place was given to Gretchen and Harold Carlisle and their 1967 Camaro; second place was awarded to Tom Luckie and his 1967 Austin Healey; and third place went to Jason Herald and his 1967 Ford Bronco.

First-place winner Harold Carlisle said they started attending the car show in 2014. He brought with him his son, Harold Dean III, also known as Tripp, and his grandson, Jordan.

Second-place winner, Tom Luckie, said, “I am excited!” His car used to belong to his father, who resides in Tennessee. It’s been a 32-year restoration, and it looks pretty good for its age. Luckie still drives with his father’s gloves on the dashboard, and he hasn’t moved them. “This is for my dad.”

Third-place winner, Jason Herald, said, “The whole car show is awesome.” He likes the fact that families can attend, and there is food and music. He added that there are about 70 kids running around having fun, and he enjoys it all.

Other car show enthusiasts enjoyed the camaraderie, just like fourth-generation lifelong Ramona resident Kristen Blackburn and her husband, Gary. This was their second time participating in this particular car show, but they attend many and brought their 1965 Ford F-100. Gary learned how to drive in a similar car that was baby blue. His dream was to buy the same truck he drove growing up, and he did. He rebuilt the motor and transmission on their vehicle, and the last thing they are going to do is a paint job. They are thinking about painting it a navy or steel blue, which is the debate Kristen says they can’t settle.

Another car show contestant, Dustin Van Gorkum, brought his 2023 C8 Corvette Stingray Z51 3LT in a Caffeine Metallic color. There are only 873 Corvettes that were made in this color, and only two on the West Coast, so it’s a rare color to see at a car show. This is the second time he has brought his car to the car show, and his parents came out to enjoy the show and live music. “The car community is always a fun community with a lot of people with the same interests,” says Van Gorkum. “And the ability to share people’s creativity as makers.” He loves to participate in car shows around San Diego, and the one in SDCE is a good opportunity to see some rare cars.

As the engines quieted and the crowds began to drift home, the excitement still lingered. It was more than just a car show; it was a celebration of community, craftsmanship, and shared passion. With memories made and stories shared, residents are already looking forward to next year, when the chrome shines brightly and the tradition continues.

Thanks to long-time event lead, Crystal Carl, and her team of volunteers for making this year an excellent one.

Photos by Tiffany Pressler.

Behind the Scenes: Unveiling the Landscape Team’s Work

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 01:12:47 GMT

The Landscape crew does far more than mowing grass—they quietly keep our community beautiful, functional, and event-ready every day.

Flowers in bloom and green, well-kept parks are what most of us see in Landscape. But beyond the obvious, the Landscape team provides vital services that keep our community running smoothly.

Additionally, the Landscape team provides services that keep the Association’s outdoor areas—and much more—humming along smoothly. In addition to standard and ongoing maintenance in our parks, the restrooms at Ramona Oaks Park are cleaned and stocked with supplies. The parks are carefully groomed and adjusted to ensure events have everything needed, including supplies and clean-up support.

In addition to the dog parks, the HOA has seven dog clean-up stations with trash cans at major trails and park areas to accommodate our dog walkers. Doggie Bags are kept stocked, and the refuse is regularly emptied by our landscape crews.

Weddings at Georgia’s Garden are monitored to ensure the best possible ambiance, complete with top-notch maintenance for the event. Areas such as the RV lots are cleaned and cleared regularly, and the team assists with the Equestrian facilities when needed. Landscape cleans our pool areas and decks, and trash is emptied daily from all areas. Often, when departments need bulky or heavy items moved or removed, the Landscape team is called upon to handle the task.

Unfortunately, issues such as tossed trash, illegal dumping, and other problems have become increasingly common throughout the community. The Landscape team regularly monitors streets and open spaces, removes debris, and addresses graffiti wherever it appears, ensuring our neighborhood remains clean and welcoming. Roadside trash pickup remains a regular part of their responsibilities.

Much of this work happens quietly behind the scenes, yet it makes a visible difference in the quality of life we all enjoy. Landscape is more than clearing areas, pruning plants, and mowing grass—it’s the ongoing care that helps our neighborhood feel safe, clean, and welcoming.

Please join us in giving a big thank-you to the Landscape crew. A wave or a kind word when you see them at work goes a long way—your appreciation truly means a lot.

Firewise Meeting Recap: Prepare Now, Wildfire Is Our Biggest Risk

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 00:57:56 GMT

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.

SDCEA General Manager Carl Wiese opened the Sept. 20 Firewise meeting with a direct message that set the tone for the five-hour discussion: “The biggest risk in SDCEA is fire.” County and local officials, first responders, recovery agencies, and insurance experts then explained what residents need to know — from alerts and evacuation rules to home hardening and recovery — and shared real-life lessons from neighbors who’ve been through it.

How you’ll be warned: the county recommends downloading apps

San Diego County uses multiple alert methods. Some push notifications are sent automatically to phones, while others require sign-up. Key systems recommended by officials:

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) - short emergency messages sent to mobile phones by authorized government alerting authorities. ( Federal Communications Commission )
Alert San Diego - county text/email/phone alerts (registration required). ( alertsandiego.org )
GENASYS Protect - the verified, zone-based notification app used by the Sheriff and Cal Fire for local, actionable messages and re-entry information. Officials strongly recommend downloading it and turning on location or zone alerts. ( protect.genasys.com )

Officials cautioned that crowd-sourced apps (e.g., Watch Duty) may be fast but aren’t always reliable. For official instructions, rely on GENASYS Protect and Alert San Diego.

Evacuation basics: plan, pack, leave early

Lieutenant Roller of the Ramona Sheriff’s station emphasized the importance of preparation: know two exit routes from your neighborhood, choose a pre-planned meeting place (with family or friends), and assemble a go-bag with essential items, including medications, IDs, important documents, phone chargers, and water. He urged residents to leave before an evacuation order if conditions look dangerous — when thousands attempt to evacuate at once, traffic and emergency access become critical issues.

Key operational points from the Sheriff’s office: during large incidents, both lanes of SR-67 may be converted to exit lanes under law-enforcement control; GENASYS will provide repopulation and re-entry notices after an event; and evacuation types range from door-to-door evacuation orders to rare shelter-in-place directives when exits are unsafe.

Practical reminders: Drones are prohibited near firefighting operations (they endanger aircraft). Road closures may be “hard” (no re-entry) or “soft” (residents with ID may re-enter). Agricultural (AG) passes are rare and issued to very few. Local evacuation points and shelters can be activated, and past planning documents list sites such as San Vicente Golf Course as possible community shelters. ( County of San Diego )

What recovery looks like: FEMA, Red Cross, and documentation

Cody Gallagher (FEMA) explained that federal assistance depends on declarations and documentation, including surveys, home inspections, and proof of loss, which help unlock programs. The timeline and aid level can vary, and residents are advised to respond to recovery surveys and upload photos and receipts to speed assistance. FEMA’s Individual Assistance guidance explains the next steps after applying. ( FEMA )

Andrea Alfonsi Fuller (American Red Cross, Southern California Region) outlined shelter services — food, medical care, phone charging stations, mental-health support, and pet accommodations — and stressed that Red Cross services are free. Survivors are typically assigned a caseworker to help guide them through recovery resources. ( American Red Cross )

Home hardening and defensible space: concrete steps from Cal Fire

Cal Fire’s Capt. Robert Johnson reviewed defensible-space guidance that every homeowner should follow: Zone 0 (0–5 ft) - make the immediate area ember-resistant; Zone 1 (5–30/50 ft) - keep it lean, clean, and green; Zone 2 (30–100 ft) - focus on fuel reduction and spacing to slow a fire’s advance. Start work now; clearing, trimming, and irrigation all help reduce risk. ( CAL FIRE )

Nancy Berger’s story: insurance lost and then regained

A compelling local voice at the meeting was SDCEA resident Nancy Berger, who described a painful journey that many fear. After 50 years with her insurer, Nancy’s homeowners policy was canceled. “I was distraught,” she recounted (at the meeting). Determined to find a path forward, Nancy reached out to the California Department of Insurance, worked directly with her insurer, and engaged local Ramona resources to harden her property.

She completed the recommended home-hardening tasks, including removing heavy brush, relocating vulnerable plantings, and creating a defensible space, and documented every change for insurers and regulators. The result: her policy was reinstated, and her premium was reduced by roughly $1,000 per year. Nancy’s experience demonstrates that proactive mitigation and persistence with insurers and regulators can help restore coverage and reduce long-term risk and costs. For wildfire policy guidance and consumer help, the California Department of Insurance maintains a wildfire resources page. ( California Department of Insurance )

Insurance realities: check your coverage now

Insurance mitigation specialist Valerie Eddy reminded the audience to carefully read policy details: most standard homeowners policies exclude coverage for flood and earthquake damage, and policy limits may not cover full replacement costs after a major loss. If you encounter denials or cancellations, the Department of Insurance offers resources and a consumer hotline to assist. ( California Department of Insurance )

Bottom line for SDCEA residents

San Diego County is a leader in alerting and emergency coordination, but personal preparation makes the difference. Action steps from the meeting:

Download GENASYS Protect and sign up for Alert San Diego . ( protect.genasys.com )
Know two exit routes and a safe meeting place.
Assemble a go-bag with meds, IDs, chargers, and copies of insurance documents.
Harden your home starting with Zone 0 through Zone 2. ( CAL FIRE )
Document mitigation work and retain photos/receipts for insurers and FEMA, as needed. ( FEMA )

As Lt. Roller said at the meeting, “It’s not IF a fire will happen, it’s WHEN.” Nancy Berger’s recovery shows that hard work, documentation, and persistence can restore protection and peace of mind. Additionally, neighbors can learn from firsthand local experiences.

Quick links & apps (click to open)

Alert San Diego — register for county alerts. ( alertsandiego.org )
GENASYS Protect — download the verified local-alert app. ( protect.genasys.com )
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) — how phone alerts work. ( Federal Communications Commission )
Cal Fire — defensible space & home-hardening guidance. ( CAL FIRE )
FEMA — disaster assistance & Individual Assistance guidance. ( FEMA )
American Red Cross — Southern California region. ( American Red Cross )
California Department of Insurance — wildfire resources & consumer help. ( California Department of Insurance )

A special thank you to Richard Drewery and the Firewise Committee for their dedication and hard work in organizing this important meeting. As volunteers, they invested their time to coordinate presenters, bring neighbors together, and ensure our community has the tools and knowledge to be better prepared.

San Vicente Women’s Golf Club Hosts 2025 Presidents Cup

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 00:48:47 GMT

Head-to-Head Battles End with Knowles on top. The 2025 Presidents Cup delivers thrilling matches, first-time milestones, and a champion’s moment.

The San Vicente Women’s Golf Club kicked off its 2025 Presidents Cup with 16 players contending for the title. Matches were held for four days, from Tuesday, Sept. 9, through Thursday, Sept. 18. The event was coordinated by Penny Fowler, with support from Darla White, Cathy Knowles, and Angela Cowardin.

The format was match play, a head-to-head competition where golfers face off one round at a time. Winners advanced to the next round, while first-time losers dropped into the consolation bracket. Two losses meant elimination from the tournament.

In the consolation bracket, finalists Suzanne Shupe and Elise Ha teed off at 7:30 am while championship contenders Cathy Knowles and Janet Flores followed at 7:40 am. In the consolation match, Ha defeated Shupe to claim the “Beaten 8” title. In her tournament debut, Elise Ha, owner of Master Hair in Ramona, stunned the field by winning the consolation bracket after only one year of playing golf.

In the championship match, Knowles battled Flores for the club’s top honor. After a well-fought contest, Cathy Knowles was crowned the 2025 Presidents Cup champion.

The competition wrapped up with a celebratory luncheon at The Oaks Grille. Darla thanked participants for their dedication despite health and scheduling challenges, adding, “Thank you all for participating. I really appreciate you very much.” When Matt and Sergio arrived to announce the winners, Matt gave a lighthearted tribute to Sergio: “We all know he does all the work, and I just want him to know he’ll be cloned as soon as the technology comes out!” The room erupted in cheers for Sergio before prizes were awarded to winners in each bracket.

It was a day filled with camaraderie, competition, and celebration, another memorable chapter in SVWGC history.

Photos by Cheryl Schlauch.

Equestrian Committee – Volunteer Opportunity

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 00:06:35 GMT

Are you interested in making a positive impact in your community? SDCEA is seeking one volunteer to serve on the Equestrian Committee (EC).

The EC is a 7-member committee with a position open to a member at large. The EC, with the manager's input, will discuss and formulate recommendations for the Board regarding the general maintenance level and aesthetics of the equestrian facilities, as well as events and activities that will take place at the facilities, and methods to promote them. They will also assist in setting rates, policies, and procedures for the facilities, as well as facility rules.

The committee meets once a month, on the second Tuesday of the month, generally for two hours from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Rotunda at the International Equestrian Center.

EC members should be able to express themselves effectively while discussing subjects in a rational, polite, and professional manner with each other and other boarders and community members. Committee members are not required to be a boarder or an equestrian.

If you are interested in this position, please complete a volunteer interest form and submit it to Lisa Everett at lisa.everett@sdcea.net or by mail to 24157 San Vicente Rd, Ramona, CA 92065, Attention: Lisa Everett, by Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 .

Questions about the committee or the position can be directed to the above contact information or by calling 760-315-9154.

Arturo Hererra: September’s Employee of the Month

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 19:41:58 GMT

Arturo Herrera, a dedicated member of the Landscape/Open Space team since 2001, is honored as September’s Employee of the Month for his skilled equipment operation, technology expertise, and commitment to keeping our community safe, beautiful, and welcoming.

Arturo Herrera joined the team on December 27, 2001. As a valued member of the Landscape/Open Space Department, he works in Landscape Maintenance and plays a key role in keeping our community beautiful, safe, and welcoming.

His lead, Landscape and Open Space Manager Nancy Zadrozny, says that Hererra is part of the four-person crew that focuses on the open space. As fire fuel has become a priority, there is a need for challenging work in limited-accessibility areas, along with the skills required to use all the SDCEA assets. Hererra has stepped up and learned the skills necessary to efficiently operate all our equipment, with an emphasis on the Min-Ex for Fire Fuel clearing work.

Herrera was selected for his increased proficiency as an equipment operator. He has gone above and beyond, excelling in technology skills, particularly in mapping out open space areas and identifying sites in need of maintenance. In addition, he consistently demonstrates excellent communication skills and has been a huge help in translating SDCEA documents into Spanish.

He loves working with his fellow SDCEA team members and says they have great camaraderie. When Herrera is not on the clock, he is a family man. He and his 10-year-old son have started doing 5K runs.

Residents and staff alike appreciate Herrera’s hard work and positive attitude. His efforts not only keep our open spaces thriving but also help create a place where everyone can enjoy nature and take pride in their surroundings.

Congratulations, Arturo Herrera, and thank you for your contributions to making our community shine.

Felicidades, Arturo Herrera, y gracias por tus contribuciones para hacer que nuestra comunidad brille.

Photo by Nancy Zadrozny.

Building Brighter Futures: Launching ADMA Youth Alliance

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 19:37:44 GMT

The ADMA Youth Alliance is turning vision into action with the launch of a brand-new nonprofit dedicated to helping children in the community. Created by SDCEA homeowner Anthony Abbott, owner of ADMA Elite Training, it aims to provide resources, mentorship, and opportunities that empower kids to thrive.

With fresh opportunities and a commitment to making a difference, ADMA Youth Alliance is laying the foundation to provide scholarships for youth programs, supply sports equipment to kids in need, and create opportunities through mentorship, fitness, and education. In addition, he wants to offer scholarships to help kids go to college. He is checking off all of those boxes to get approved.

Abbott, now a father of a beautiful young girl, grew up in Ramona and was raised by a single mother. They often couldn’t afford cleats, sports equipment, or the chance to join teams that required extra costs. He remembers what it felt like to want to play and be part of something bigger, but not have the means to do so. His mother did her best and would reach out to local businesses for sponsorships. This experience was his inspiration to launch the ADMA Youth Alliance. He aims to serve as a platform for pursuing sports and fitness, demonstrating his commitment to the community.

“We were just approved for a 501(c)(3) and taking the necessary steps to move forward,” says Abbott. In the past, Abbott has held events to raise money. He raised $20,000 for a child with Leukemia and their family. Now, operating as a 501(c)(3), he can do even more to help the kids in our community. He adds that donating to this new nonprofit can be used as a tax write-off, which may encourage more people to give.

The ADMA Youth Alliance will host various events, including golf and mud runs, to support the kids in Ramona. He hopes to hold their first golf tournament at San Vicente Golf Course in about a year once they get all of their ducks in a row. “We want to do it right and make it an annual event,” says Abbott.

He is in the process of putting together free programs for kids to work out at ADMA Elite Training. He also hopes to create a skate park in Ramona to give kids a positive place to grow and flourish. “I want to see sports thrive in Ramona,” says Abbott. He also wants the kids to get involved with community service by working at the soccer fields and cleaning up the streets of Ramona.

Abbott wants to help kids get the necessary tools for sports, whether it be cleats, bats, shoes, etc. He adds that no child in our community should ever have to sit on the sidelines because of financial barriers. At ADMA Youth Alliance, they believe that every kid deserves the chance to grow strong, confident, and supported both on the field and in life.

This nonprofit is more than an idea; it’s personal for Abbott. It’s his way of giving back to the community that raised him and making sure that the kids today have the opportunities he once wished for.

He is looking forward to partnering with local families, schools, and businesses to help Ramona kids thrive. Though dates are not yet set for these programs, he wants to get the word out. “I want to make sure kids have a brighter future,” says Abbott. “And I don’t want anything to hold them back."

Photo courtesy of Anthony Abbot.

Paws and Prizes at the 17th Annual BowWow PowWow in Ramona

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 19:29:32 GMT

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.

From Best in Show to Most Talented Pup, the BowWow PowWow celebrated the bond between people and their four-legged companions, all while supporting local community programs. Registration began at 10 am, and the dog show was from 11 am to 3 pm. The Kiwanis food booth served hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, and root beer floats. Water and soda were also available. All of the proceeds go toward the Ramona Kiwanis Foundation, supporting children, military families, seniors, and local programs.

The nine show categories included: Best Costume (Adult’s Dog), Best Costume (Child’s Dog), Most Beautiful (Female), Most Handsome (Male), Dog and Owner Look-alike, Most Talented, Best Tail Wagger, Cutest Little Dog, and Best Kisser. There is also a Best in Show title. There were three judges for the event, including Tim Connelly, Ramona’s Honorary Mayor and Photographer of all things Ramona; Taylor Vincent, Ramona native and Realtor with Bernd Brokerage; and Anne Serdy, DVM, Veterinarian and Owner of Kritter Camp.

“Each year it grows more and more,” said Tiffany Lynch, president of the Kiwanis Club of Ramona. “The committee has worked really hard to make this event.” It’s run by volunteers, who do it because they love the event and the community. There were people and dogs of all ages, as well as rescue dogs competing in the fun categories, which really brought the community together. She added that this dog show has some not-so-serious categories and is not a beauty contest; last year’s winner was a senior dog.

“I love showing for people,” said 11-year-old contestant Olivia Karaginides. “I love attention and competition.” She borrowed Tessa Felber’s labradoodle, Girdie, for the dog show. She also participated in the event last year and appreciates the multiple categories that allow dogs to be showcased throughout the day. For the costume class, she and her 7-year-old pup dressed up as a lion and a lion tamer. She said her favorite category was best kisser because she likes Girdie’s kisses. Karaginides isn’t shy about meeting new people and dogs, and brought bright, spirited energy to the show ring that made her stand out.

Her mom, Megan Karaginides, who also grew up in Ramona, was there to cheer her on. They are second-generation Ramona residents who love the community events. They don’t have a dog of their own but enjoy attending the show. They do have two horses that they board at the International Equestrian Center.

The BowWow PowWow Dog show once again proved that it’s not just about ribbons and trophies, but about the joy of the community, the love between people and their pets, and the spirited memories that will last long after the show ended.

Photos by Tiffany Pressler.

Tuesday Trivia Night: Football Frenzy at San Vicente Resort

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 20:44:58 GMT

On opening kickoff, The Oaks Grill turned into a stadium of smarts as 10 teams battled it out in Pro Football Trivia Night, with cheers, laughter, and prizes all around.

On Tuesday night, the San Vicente Resort came alive as more than 50 trivia fans gathered for an evening of fun, food, and football knowledge. The night’s theme was Pro Football, and many guests showed their team spirit by donning jerseys, caps, and fan gear. The restaurant buzzed with conversation as guests enjoyed full menu service, cold drinks, and plenty of laughter before the competition kicked off.

Ten spirited teams, each with 4–6 players, settled in at their tables ready to put their sports smarts to the test. Chico, the evening’s host, set the stage with lively music and a playful pregame atmosphere. At 6 PM, he surprised the crowd by re-entering the room dressed as a referee. Cheers erupted as he grabbed the microphone, thanked the staff, and announced the format: five themed categories plus a lightning round, all centered on pro football.

As the game began, only one player per team held the official answer sheet, while cell phones were collected in baskets at each table to keep the competition fair. After each round, teams swapped sheets with their neighbors for scoring, and Chico tallied points on a large whiteboard, keeping the tension high and the energy rolling.

Prizes sweetened the stakes: a $75 gift card for first place, $50 for second, and $25 for third. Teams leaned in close, debated answers, and celebrated victories big and small with high fives and cheers.

The excitement was contagious. "This is so fun!" said participant Amy Sailors as she joined in the energy.

By the end of the night, it wasn’t just about the winners—it was about community, shared love of football, trivia, and scoring lasting memories.

Photos by Cheryl Schlauch.

San Vicente Resort Welcomes New Front of House Manager, Chuck Kast

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 02:39:07 GMT

San Vicente Resort welcomes Chuck Kast as Front of House Manager, bringing 12 years of leadership and a passion for hospitality to elevate guest and dining experiences.

Chuck Kast brings more than 12 years of experience as a restaurant general manager and a proven track record of leading large teams in fast-paced environments. As our Front of House Manager, Kast oversees the service staff, the bar, live music, and more, including Meet the Winemaker and Trivia Night. He works closely with the chef, kitchen staff, as well as front-of-house employees, collaborating across San Vicente Resort amenitie s, such as catering, golf, and the Lodge. He says his experie nce has prepared him well to support the staff and guide operations here at San Vicente Resort.

He plans to elevate the dining experience at The Oaks Grille by pairing his service expertise and knowledge of upscale cocktails, wine, and craft beer with the excellent menu Chef Ben has created. The vision he has for The Par Lounge and Deck is a family-friendly atmosphere with attentive service. He aims to understand the demographics and create a beer and cocktail menu that reflects the community. He was also excited to introduce his Bacon Old Fashioned to the San Vicente Resort recently, and it’s now a popular drink.

What stands out about Chuck is how much he cares about making every guest’s visit a memorable one. Hospitality has always been a passion of his, and it means a great deal to him that guests choose to spend their time at the resort when they have a lot of other options. When describing his service philosophy, Kast says he holds himself to the highest standards to ensure every guest enjoys a special experience.

He plans to encourage the service staff by working alongside them and showing that he would never ask them to do anything he wouldn’t do himself. ‘I like to lead by example and ensure that my team is always set up for success,’ says Kast. He also emphasizes that training is essential to creating a wonderful experience for guests.

In this industry, balancing cost-control with high-quality dining experiences is crucial. Kast intends to maintain that balance through cross-training, waste reduction, and smart scheduling. He has experience working with vendors and says it's always important to select quality products and negotiate prices. It's also important to stay informed on new industry trends.

Hospitality is about connection, and Kast's primary goal is to host guests in the restaurants and catered group settings with excellent service and a welcoming atmosphere. He will gather guest feedback and raise service standards to further enhance theme nights, such as Trivia Night and Meet the Winemaker. He wants to make sure every guest feels like part of the San Vicente Resort family.

If he had to describe his ideal guest experience at San Vicente Resort, he says it comes down to consistently exceeding expectations and making it a memorable experience. In his opinion, what sets San Vicente apart from other venues in the region is the upscale experience at a reasonable price point.

As he begins this new chapter, he is hopeful that this will be the final stop in his career. "After researching the resort, I really liked the golf course, the food, and learning more about Ramona," says Kast. He sees a great deal of potential and is excited to be a part of the San Vicente family.

Please join us in welcoming Chuck Kast to the San Vicente Resort team. Next time you visit The Oaks Grille, Par Lounge, or one of the events at the resort, be sure to say hello to our very tall new Front of House Manager—we’re glad to have him here.

San Vicente Men’s Golf Club Championship: Tough Course, Fierce Competition, Memorable Wins

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 02:18:36 GMT

The San Vicente Men’s Golf Club capped its season with a dramatic finish as 55 players battled for top honors.

The San Vicente Men’s Golf Club brought its season to an exciting close with the annual Championship Tournament, held at San Vicente Golf Course. A strong field of 55 players competed in the final tournament of the year, each striving for one of the club’s most coveted titles.

In the Overall Gross Division, it was Nick Ericson who once again rose to the occasion. With steady play throughout the day, Ericson captured the title for the second year in a row—an impressive back-to-back victory. His consistent performance not only secured his spot as Gross Champion but also earned him the honor of advancing to represent the San Vicente Men’s Golf Club in competition against other clubs.

The Overall Low Net Championship created some of the most thrilling moments of the day. After 18 regulation holes, Tony Garcia and Steve Duncan found themselves in a tie, forcing a three-hole playoff. The two golfers battled through each shot in front of fellow members who gathered to watch the drama unfold. On the third hole of the playoff, Garcia edged out Duncan to claim the Net Club Championship. It was a hard-fought victory after a long day on the course and one that highlighted the competitive spirit and camaraderie of the club.

Club President Jim Anderson praised the entire event, crediting both the golfers and the staff. “The course was in excellent shape and played tough. The course conditions and greens were the best they have ever been. Ben McBride, our golf course superintendent, and his staff made this a tournament to remember. Matt’s crew in the Golf Shop also did a great job supporting the tournament,” Anderson said.

Congratulations to all the participants for making the 2025 Championship a memorable finale to the Men’s Club season.

Photos by Cheryl Schlauch (Overall Gross Winner) and Jum Anderson (Tied for Overall Low Net).

Horsefeathers - August 2025: Renovations, Events, and Improvements

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 23:39:07 GMT

The International Equestrian Center (IEC) and Casey Tibbs Western Center (CTWC) have exciting updates, from new barn renovations and sustainability efforts to upcoming rider events.

Barn C Renovation Complete at the IEC

We are excited to announce that Barn C at the IEC has been fully renovated and is now open for boarders. The upgraded barn features five in-and-out stalls and four 12x12 box stalls that can also be converted into two spacious 12x24 double stalls. This renovation enhances both comfort and flexibility for horses and their owners. We are now welcoming new boarders to the IEC, with a waitlist currently forming for in-and-out stalls.

Upcoming Event: Gymkhana

Location: Casey Tibbs Western Center

Date: Saturday, Sept. 13

Time: Gates open at 6:30 am | Start time is 8:30 am

Mark your calendars! CTWC will be hosting a gymkhana—a fun and competitive event for riders of all levels. Spectators are encouraged to attend and support our riders.

View the flyer for details.

Follow this event and more at the SDCEA Equestrian Facebook page.

Well Float Testing Underway

Float tests on the wells at both of our equestrian facilities were planned for Tuesday, Sept. 2. These tests help ensure our wells are operating at full capacity and provide reliable, high-quality water for all of our horses and facilities.

We appreciate your patience during this routine maintenance.

If you have any questions or need more information, please don’t hesitate to contact our team.

Thank you for being part of our equestrian community.

Recharge & Reconnect: A perfect stay at your San Vicente Resort

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 23:26:30 GMT

San Vicente Resort offers the perfect blend of scenic beauty, modern amenities, and warm hospitality to make every meeting, getaway, or gathering unforgettable.

Whether you’re planning a productive business meeting, a relaxing weekend escape, or a team-building retreat, your San Vicente Resort offers the ideal balance of comfort, convenience, and natural beauty!

We offer a unique venue for meetings and events. Host your next meeting surrounded by rolling fairways, fresh air, and peaceful surroundings. San Vicente Room is fully equipped with modern amenities including Wi-Fi, presentation tools and flexible seating arrangements. We cater to small and mid-sized groups, ensuring a personal touch and attention to detail for every event.

Break up the day with coffee on the patio overlooking the putting green, a casual networking lunch in Georgia’s Garden, or even a quick round of golf on our award-winning 18-hole golf course.

Whether you’re closing deals or strategizing with your team, our tranquil setting encourages creativity and connection.

When the day winds down, our cozy and newly renovated, and well-appointed guestrooms offer the perfect place to rest and recharge. Each room features comfortable bedding, a work-friendly desk, and of course, beautiful views of the golf course on your own private balcony or patio. Staying the night turns a meeting into a full experience- allowing socializing, rest, and early tee times!

Of course, golf is at the heart of our resort. We can arrange tee times, equipment rentals and even tournaments, Golf is a great way to relax, network or add a little friendly competition to your event.

We offer great catering too! Our culinary team crafts dishes that reflect a variety of options- from hearty classics to light & healthy options.

Paired with the scenic views and warm hospitality, our food brings people together in all the best ways.

Let us take care of the details so you can focus on what matters most- your team, your goals, and your time away from the office.

Call us today: 760-789-8290

Contacts:

Mary Ellen Stevens, Lodge Manager
Joyce Whelehon, Catering and Events Manager
Matt Brumbaugh, PGA Golf Professional

Meet the Winemakers Event: The Succulent Cellar Brings Art, Science, and Flavor to Ramona Valley

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 23:18:34 GMT

An unforgettable evening at Par Lounge celebrated the artistry of The Succulent Cellar winemakers Michelle and Josh, whose wines are now proudly served at the Par Lounge and The Oaks Grille.

On Wednesday, Aug. 27, the Par Lounge hosted an unforgettable Meet the Winemaker evening featuring The Succulent Cellar wines and their owners, Michelle and Josh Mann. Guests enjoyed their small-batch, organically grown wines, paired beautifully with a choice of Chef’s Bucatini Pomodoro and Porcini Tortellini. The night was elevated even further with live music by Ashley E Norton and her fabulous friends, creating a warm, lively atmosphere that captured the spirit of Ramona Valley.

Josh and Michelle Mann, owners of The Succulent Cellar Vineyard & Winery, have built a boutique, artisanal winery in the heart of Ramona Valley. Their winery focuses on small-batch wines made from certified organic estate grapes, something rare in San Diego County.

The Manns arrived in Ramona in 2001, both with engineering degrees from Harvey Mudd College and a shared love of science, art, and nature. While Josh continued his engineering career, Michelle became a full-time mom. In 2014, her curiosity led her to Curds and Wine, a San Diego shop offering winemaking supplies and classes. What began as a hobby with wine kits quickly grew into a passion for winemaking that the couple soon pursued together.

By 2015, they had purchased an agricultural preserve property in disrepair, and two years later, they planted their first vines. Today, they cultivate four grape varietals—Viognier and Grenache Noir from France, Vermentino from Italy, and Syrah, a classic red. Their dedication to the land earned them the distinction of becoming one of the only wineries in San Diego County growing certified organic grapes.

Like many vintners, they discovered the business side of winemaking comes with its challenges. In 2020, the Manns navigated the highly regulated process of securing Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) and Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) licenses. With permits in hand, Josh took the lead as winemaker while Michelle focused on tastings, sales, and the entrepreneurial side of the business.

Their motto, “Nourishing nature and savoring our time,” reflects both their organic farming philosophy and their belief that wine is about more than what’s in the glass—it’s about slowing down, connecting with others, and celebrating life’s moments. “We care deeply for our vines and the environment around us,” Michelle shared. “Turning these grapes into award-winning, small-batch wines is a gratifying process that brings people together.”

For the Manns, wine connects all the pieces of a happy life, delighting in nature, being helpful to the environment and customers, and making memories around the table. Though the winery is not yet open to the public, Josh and Michelle hope The Succulent Cellar will someday be mentioned alongside Temecula and Sonoma as a must-visit destination as Ramona Valley’s reputation for producing high-quality wines continues to grow.

View the Meet the Winemaker Experience on Facebook!

Environmental Control Committee – Volunteer Opportunity

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 22:23:31 GMT

Are you interested in making a positive impact in your community?

SDCEA is seeking one volunteer to serve on the Environmental Control Committee (ECC).

The ECC is a 3-member committee established by Article IV of the CC&Rs, to ensure that all improvements on lots within the Association meet the standards outlined in the governing documents.

The committee meets twice per month, on the 1 ^st and 3 ^rd Tuesday, generally for one hour 8 am to 9 am, and then for a 20-minute Open Session at 11 am. The committee will conduct progress inspections for homeowner projects, review and approve project applications, and meet with homeowners as needed.

ECC members should be able to express themselves effectively while discussing subjects in a rational, polite, and professional manner with homeowners. Knowledge of SDCEA governing documents is recommended (CC&Rs and SDCEA Handbook). Committee members are not required to be a member of the Association, architect, or board member, but should have a related background to architecture, planning, projects, design, and related disciplines.

If you are interested in this position, please fill out a volunteer interest form and submit it by Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, to Community Relations at CRDdept@sdcea.net , or by mail at 15910 Avenel Lane, Ramona, CA 92065, Attn: CRD Manager.

Questions about the committee or the position can be directed to the Assistant General Manager at Joshua.Jones@sdcea.net .

Cal Fire Launches $12 Million Upgrade at Ramona Air Attack Base

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 18:06:46 GMT

Faster, larger tankers and modern crew housing will bring stronger wildfire protection in Ramona.

The Cal Fire Air Attack Base at Ramona Airport is set for a major $12 million upgrade, bringing long-anticipated improvements to firefighting operations in our region. Work is expected to begin in August and take 8 to 12 months to complete, officials announced in July.

Back in February, Cal Fire outlined the scope of work: a redesign of the fire retardant mixing and loading facilities, along with the construction of new crew barracks. Since then, state budget approval has secured funding, clearing the way for construction to move forward.

“Construction has begun, and crews are currently demolishing concrete from the old ramp where the aircraft park,” said Cal Fire San Diego County Fire Captain Robert Johnson. “Good progress is being made.”

Streamlined Retardant Loading

The heart of the project focuses on reconfiguring the existing loading pits to support both S-2T air tankers and the larger C-130 aircraft. Under the current setup, tankers must loop and back in to be resupplied—an awkward process that slows response times, particularly for larger planes.

The redesigned “pass-through” system will allow aircraft to taxi directly to the pits, reload quickly, and head straight back to the runway. This efficiency is expected to cut down delays and get tankers airborne faster during critical wildfire emergencies. The project also includes the replacement of crumbling concrete pavement installed in 2000, which has required repeated repairs and posed safety hazards for engines.

Arrival of C-130 Air Tanker

Once the upgrades are complete, Ramona will become home to one of Cal Fire’s new C-130H aircraft, recently transferred from the U.S. Coast Guard. These four-engine tankers can carry up to 4,000 gallons of fire retardant—more than three times the load of the S-2Ts currently stationed here. The enhanced capacity will make Ramona one of the most capable firefighting bases in the state.

Support for Fire Crews

The second part of the project involves building new barracks for Cal Fire’s flight and support crews. The 4,192-square-foot facility will include 12 beds, dining space, a sound wall for noise reduction, and additional parking. This will provide temporary housing during major fire events, improving readiness and response times.

Protecting San Diego Country Estates

For residents of San Diego Country Estates, located just minutes from the Ramona Air Attack Base, these improvements are especially significant. With neighborhoods surrounded by wildland and steep canyons, SDCE is among the communities most vulnerable to fast-moving wildfires. Having a modernized base in such close proximity means tankers can launch more quickly, drop larger amounts of retardant, and provide stronger frontline protection to homes and families in our community.

Maintaining Fire Protection During Construction

Despite the extensive work, Cal Fire says firefighting coverage will not be compromised. Two tankers will remain based at Ramona, and officials plan to double the number of aircraft initially dispatched to fires, since some planes will need to reload at a base in Riverside County. If needed, a temporary reload base at Brown Field Municipal Airport near the border can also be activated.

San Diego County will also continue to benefit from seven helicopters available through Cal Fire and partner agencies, including the county’s first night-flying helicopter, now stationed in Fallbrook.

Established in 1957, the Ramona Air Attack Base has long been a cornerstone of wildfire defense. With these upgrades, it will be equipped to meet today’s escalating fire challenges with greater speed, safety, and capacity.

Photo courtesy of Cal Fire.

San Vicente Saddle Club: Building Community Through Horsemanship

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 18:01:14 GMT

The San Vicente Saddle Club, founded in 1973, is a welcoming community in the San Diego Country Estates that brings together horse enthusiasts of all ages through events, rides, clinics, and social activities, fostering friendship, horsemanship, and a shared love of life in the saddle.

Founded to bring together riders of all ages and skill levels, the San Vicente Saddle Club offers a welcoming space for everyone, from seasoned competitors to those just beginning their equestrian journey. The club hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including horse shows, trail rides, clinics, and community gatherings. These activities provide members with the opportunity to learn, grow, and connect while celebrating the joy of horseback riding.

According to Jeffi Wood, President of the San Vicente Saddle Club, it is a recognized club of the San Diego Country Estates. It was established in 1973, and the club's purpose is to promote horse activities in San Diego Country Estates and provide a social gathering for horse owners. Any money raised through their activities is channeled back into horse-related needs within the Estates. To be a voting member, you must reside in SDCE; however, everyone is welcome to join and participate in events.

“Everyone enjoyed our horse camps in the Cuyamacas, Sweetwater, and once we went to Santa Barbara,” says Wood. The club also hosts fun shows, tack swap meets, poker rides, trail maintenance parties, and clinics led by trainers. In the past, they would meet up for weekly trail rides with members, and after the rides, they would go for brunch.

The club has hosted activities such as bleacher painting parties, rail repair, and painting, and has had outings to the races in Del Mar and Mary’s Tack annual tack sale. They participated in parades in SDCE and Ramona. The club supplies volunteers for shows organized by the association and has raised money to install hitching posts and jumps. One of the main events every year is their Christmas party, with the ever-popular horse-related gift exchange.

The club takes pride in its friendly and inclusive atmosphere. Events are designed not only to challenge and inspire riders, but also to create lasting memories for families and spectators alike. Whether it’s a sunny morning in the arena, a leisurely ride along scenic trails, or cheering each other on in a competition, the San Vicente Saddle Club fosters a spirit of encouragement and camaraderie.

Club meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7 pm in the IEC rotunda. A family membership is only $20 per year, and the club is open to new members who are interested in meeting like-minded horse enthusiasts and participating in various horse-related activities.

Photos by Cheryl Schlauch.

Check out the Saddle Club Facebook page .

Ramona Rodeo: Tattoos on 'R' Town

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 17:53:18 GMT

The 44th Annual Ramona Rodeo, themed Tattoos on ‘R’ Town, brought sold-out crowds, heartfelt tributes, and thrilling performances that celebrated Ramona’s heritage, heroes, and community spirit.

The 44th Annual Ramona Rodeo rolled into town with this year’s bold theme, Tattoos on R Town, celebrating heritage, heroes, and the colorful spirit that makes Ramona’s rodeo a cherished tradition. Homeowners, families, and equestrian enthusiasts came together to enjoy a weekend filled with community pride.

The arena buzzed with cowboy hats, boots, and western gear as spectators gathered for food, drinks, and handmade crafts. Each night showcased a unique theme that reflected Ramona’s heart: Thursday’s Heritage Night honored the town’s ranching and cultural roots; Friday’s Golden Circle of Champions recognized the resilience of pediatric cancer fighters; and Saturday’s R-Hometown Heroes Night saluted first responders, military, and everyday champions. Both Friday and Saturday nights sold out, while Thursday drew an enthusiastic near-capacity crowd.

The action began with a Team Penning preshow at 6 pm, followed by the main rodeo at 7 pm featuring timed events—Barrel Racing, Breakaway Roping, Tie-Down Roping, Team Roping, and Steer Wrestling—as well as rough-stock thrills including Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, and Bull Riding.

A crowd favorite was the nightly performance of 11-year-old Louie Garcia and his father, Tomas Garcia Alonzo, a third-generation Charro. With Louie narrating and Tomas showcasing his internationally recognized horsemanship, the duo wowed audiences with flawless rope tricks on horseback. “We are off to an excellent start,” said Jess Koehler, Rodeo Chair. “Heritage Night was great and included a special show of a father/son duo.”

Friday’s Golden Circle of Champions event added a heartfelt touch, raising awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research. “Be sure to get there a bit early so you don’t miss that,” Koehler encouraged.

Saturday recognized our local first responders, and people in the stands showed their appreciation with loud cheers. Local realtor and homeowner Chris Anderson hosted her 30th annual catered event to show her appreciation for many clients, joined by county officials.

The rodeo reported its highest fundraising year yet, with funding from many local sponsors, including the San Diego Country Estates Equestrian Center as Silver Spurs Sponsors. Proceeds will benefit the Ramona Rodeo Foundation (RRF), supporting local scholarships, charitable organizations, and community events.

With its blend of competition, cultural tributes, and neighborly spirit, the Ramona Rodeo once again proved to be a cornerstone event, uniting Ramona through tradition and celebration.

Photos by Heather McGhee.

For more details and photos, visit the SDCEA Equestrian Center Facebook page .

Forever Sweethearts: The Love Story of Charles and Carol Oswalt

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 15:49:00 GMT

Homeowners Charles and Carol Oswalt have built a life full of family, creativity, and joy. Even after four decades, they still treat each other as best friends and lifelong sweethearts.

This is not your typical “boy-meets-girl” romance. Charles and Carol’s story began in 1978 at California First Bank (now US Bank), where they worked side-by-side. Charles was a devoted father to two daughters, and Carol was raising her son. For years, they were simply colleagues and friends, sharing lunches, sitting just a few feet from one another, and supporting each other through daily life. Over time, that friendship blossomed into something deeper. On April 14, 1985, they pledged their love and began a journey that has now spanned more than 40 years.

Together, Charles and Carol built a life rooted in what mattered most to them: family. They cherish countless memories, from driving up to Sonoma County to explore wineries with friends, to the laughter of summers here in the Estates, where grandchildren, and later great-grandchildren, would spend weeks playing games, sharing meals, and creating bonds that will last generations.

Charles and Carol are active in our community, and many readers may recognize them from their years of attending community events, including Concerts in the Park, where they often sit at their lovely table. They also dine in our restaurants, volunteer as Santa with a helper at our annual Golf Shop Balloon Sale, and regularly walk for exercise.

Charles is a man of many talents. Retirement opened the door to new passions: woodcarving, cake decorating, and poetry. In their game room, alongside the pool table, stands a magnificent full-sized carousel horse he carved by hand. He later entered his work at the Del Mar Fair and proudly took home third place, a testament to his artistry and patience. His cakes became family treasures, with loved ones eagerly anticipating each new creation at birthdays and celebrations. And for those who know him as a poet, it’s no surprise that Carol is his greatest muse. His published collection of poetry reflects not only his talent but also the depth of his devotion. This year, our San Vicente Resort Valentine's Day dinner featured one of his poems on the tables.

Carol, in her own quiet way, has been just as creative. An excellent cook, she has also shared her love of music by playing the piano. Her natural eye for design transformed their home into a warm, inviting haven, a reflection of her creativity, hard work, and heart. In fact, their home was once featured on SDCE’s community home tours, admired for its stunning beauty and charm.

These days, life is lived at a gentler pace. Rather than faraway travels, they find joy in simple pleasures within our community and trips to dine at San Diego locations. Whether at home or out on a sunny San Diego morning, they enjoy each other’s company with the same warmth and affection that first brought them together.

Charles and Carol’s love story is one of friendship, laughter, creativity, and family. It is a story that has weathered time with grace, and it’s still unfolding. Forty years later, theirs remains a love that inspires all who know them.

Photos by Cheryl Schlauch.

This story was suggested by homeowner Julie Perreault.

Endless Summer Couples Golf Tournament Brings Aloha Spirit to the Fairways

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 15:43:35 GMT

With Hawaiian shirts, friendly competition, and plenty of laughter, the Endless Summer Couples Golf Tournament turned a sunny August morning into a celebration of community, connection, and fun on the course.

It was a picture-perfect summer morning on Saturday, August 9th, as 32 golfers teed off in the annual Couples Golf Tournament. With the sun shining, a light breeze in the air, and splashes of tropical color from Hawaiian shirts and floral leis, the "Endless Summer" theme was in full swing.

The format was 3-2-1, a fun, forgiving style of play where each foursome counts three balls for par-3 holes, two balls for par-4 holes, and only one ball for par-5 holes. The day also featured six exciting field events for both men and women, including straightest drive on hole #14, closest to the pin (#8 for men and #15 for women), and longest putts on #17. These extra challenges meant plenty of chances to take home a prize, whether players finished in the top overall spots or excelled in a single shot.

This year's friendly and festive event was hosted by Cathy Knowles, Hugh Blackwood, Kris Jolly, and AJ White. "Everyone dressed in the Hawaiian-themed clothing, and it made the whole day so much fun," said Blackwood.

Winners' Circle:

1st Place – Simon Morton & Angela Cowardin, score-117, winnings-$80

2nd Place – Hugh Blackwood & Cathy Knowles, winnings-$48

3rd Place (tie) – Sam & Amy Sailors and Blane & Kelsey Clements, winnings-$32 each

Field Event Winners:

Straightest Drive (#14) – AJ White & Annette Schwipper

Longest Putt (#17) – James Hill (6'10") & Marcy Aubert (13'1")

Closest to the Pin – Cathy Knowles (#15)

Closest to the Pin – no men reached the green on #8, so Esther Franck was awarded the prize as a courtesy on her first tournament back after recovery, and she celebrated with a birdie!

From start to finish, the day was filled with friendly competition, laughter, and a shared love of the game. Between the tropical outfits, friendly banter, and the sunshine, this year's Endless Summer tournament proved that golf is about more than just the scorecard; it's about community, connection, and making memories worth repeating.

Photos by Cheryl Schlauch.

Summer Nights and Silver Screens in the Estates

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 15:40:09 GMT

Gathering Grounds Espresso Bar hosted three movie nights through the summer, with more to come, bringing families together to enjoy feature films under the stars.

Gathering Grounds Espresso Bar invites guests to join them under the stars for fun-filled evenings of family, friends, and film. The movies they show are family favorites and perfect for all ages. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and their favorite people.

Owners of the Gathering Grounds, Danica Strand and her fiancé Jeremy Hutchinson, opened the shop in March 2025, after purchasing it at the beginning of the year.

The previous owner of the coffee shop hosted movie nights when it was Hummingbird Café, and Strand attended them. Strand runs movie nights herself, and the community asked if she could host them as a gathering place. Strand and Hutchinson have a blow-up screen and projector, and they have invested in high-quality speakers to enhance the movie sound.

Movies featured so far this summer at Gathering Grounds’ movie nights include 'Lilo and Stitch' on July 25, 'The Little Rascals' on August 1, and 'Lego Batman' on August 8. The admission is free, the “doors” open at 6 pm, and the movies start at 7 pm.

Strand said that on the first Friday movie night, she had about 50 people in attendance, and she will continue to host them through August and into September with Disney favorites like 'The Incredibles,' 'Inside Out,' and more. She also plans to host movie nights in October when it’s cooler and cozier, and feature Halloween-themed family movies such as Hocus Pocus.

Gathering Grounds offers free popcorn for movie night guests. The shop is open during movie nights, and the whole menu is available for purchase. They offer a variety of lemonades, hot cocoa, and chocolate milk for those who prefer a caffeine-free evening. Strand adds that movie night is in a great location because you can get a drink at her shop and get food nearby in the same parking lot.

“Our motto is ‘Coffee and community come together,’” said Strand. She also had a local artist paint a mural on the wall of her shop. The artist, America Haines, painted California Poppies that are vibrant and bright. Strand plans to host a Sip and Paint art class soon and has a local photographer on board to take photos for special events, such as prom night.

SDCE homeowner, Terry Terrell, took her son, Jackson, to the movie night on Friday, July 25. Terrell found out about movie nights on Gathering Grounds’ Instagram page, and they went with a friend’s family, who have kids ranging from one to seven years old. “Jackson thought Stitch was so funny,” said Terrell. They stayed until 8:30 pm, which Terrell admitted was cutting it close to bedtime for Jackson, who was exhausted after a day of summer school. She appreciates that the movie night location is not only safe and clean but also conveniently close to her home.

“Cake pops by Haylee were also a hit because they were in theme with the movie!” Terrell added that the peach lemonade was delish, and a bonus was that they put a few fruit rings on the straw, which Jackson loved. She said that the essence of the event was very family-friendly and felt like it was a great moment to have people who live in the SDCE get together with kids. “We will definitely go again.”

Mark your calendar for the remaining Friday movie nights this summer:

August 22 - The Emperor's New Groove
August 29 - The Incredibles
September 19 - Cars
September 26 - Monsters, Inc.

Whether it's your first movie night or fifteenth, one thing is certain. The laid-back tradition is here to stay, continuing to light up the nights with laughter, popcorn, and movie magic.

Photos by Tiffany Pressler.

Summer Grooves: BB and Company Light Up Concerts in the Park

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 15:36:32 GMT

BB and Company brought an unforgettable night of funk, soul, and crowd-pleasing fun to Concerts in the Park, keeping the community dancing, singing, and smiling all evening long.

Warm summer evenings, cool breezes, and the sound of live music—there’s nothing quite like Concerts in the Park in the San Diego Country Estates. Over 100 music-lovers gathered with lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets, ready to enjoy an evening of community, entertainment, and great music.

The featured band, BB and Company, brought a lively mix of R&B, old school, funk, Motown, and pop favorites to the stage. Their high-energy performance had toes tapping, kids and adults dancing, and the crowd singing along to familiar hits. From smooth guitar riffs to powerful vocals, BB and Company delivered a show that kept the audience grooving from start to finish. Their cover of Prince’s classic “Kiss” captured the true spirit of the musical genius. Lead vocalist Kevin Smith took the fun even further—stepping into the audience with his wireless mic to sing directly to groups and individuals, creating an interactive, feel-good atmosphere.

BB and Company features Geoffrey Brown on drums, Kevin Smith on bass and lead vocals, Eric Griffith on guitar and background vocals, and Bernard Battle, SDCE homeowner since April 2012, on keyboard and background vocals. The band has been performing together for eight years and has become a staple in the local music scene. They’ve graced the stage at Concerts in the Park for five consecutive years and also play at the Par Lounge, Coyote Bar & Grill, Kimball Coastal Eatery, Pala Casino, Humphrey’s by the Bay, and private events, weddings, and corporate gatherings.

Battle, who previously played with The Detroit Underground for 13 years, co-founded BB and Company with Smith and has seen many talented musicians join their lineup over the years. “It’s always been Kevin and me,” he said, noting that this year’s lineup is especially strong.

What Battle loves most about Concerts in the Park is the welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere. “I like that it’s a concert setting, not a club setting. Families come out, bring food, and enjoy the music together.”

In addition to BB and Company, Battle plays with several other groups, including The Lucky Devils, NuVintage, The Corvelles (for over 21 years), Platinum Vibe, and the Luvalot Group. A Shell Oil retiree of 28 years, Battle has also been a longtime sports official, with decades of experience in football, lacrosse, and baseball umpiring.

For audience members, the night was a highlight of the summer. “I was here last year, and my wife Melanie planned for us to attend with friends this year,” said Jim Piva. “This band is great.”

Concerts in the Park continues to be one of the community’s most loved traditions—celebrating local talent, family fun, and unforgettable summer nights in the park.

View the Concert with BB & Company on Facebook!

Photos by Heather McGhee

Ramona Oaks Road: Safety, Beauty, and Fire Prevention in Action

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 00:38:01 GMT

The HOA is enhancing safety and fire prevention along Ramona Oaks Road by removing hazardous trees, improving visibility, and redesigning medians with drought-tolerant plantings and new Crepe Myrtle trees, with completion expected by summer 2026.

SDCEA and the Landscape and Open Space Team is making big strides in fire safety while creating a more beautiful, welcoming entrance along Ramona Oaks Road.

Following a thorough safety review, crews identified overhanging and unbalanced tree limbs that posed risks to evacuation routes. Many pine trees, 17 out of 22, were removed due to age, structural weakness, and years without proper pruning. Three diseased pepper trees with hollow interiors were also removed, along with overgrown junipers that blocked drivers’ views at intersections. The good news? Five pines were saved with targeted pruning, and over 200 healthy trees remain along the roadway.

This project opened the door to a complete median redesign with safety and aesthetics in mind. Low-growing, drought-tolerant plants are being placed well back from intersections to improve visibility. Phase 1 will feature the planting of 20 vibrant Crepe Myrtle trees, accompanied by boulders and architectural accents that reflect the natural beauty of our surrounding landscape. These enhancements tie in with other recent improvements, including the Clubhouse entry, San Vicente Park, pool areas, and community signs.

Best of all, the work is being done in-house by our talented Landscape crew and fully funded within the department’s existing budget. Phase 2 will continue into next year, with the full project set for completion by summer 2026. The result: a safer evacuation route, clearer sightlines for drivers, and a renewed sense of pride in the place we call home.

Photos by Nancy Zadrozny.

Tim Breidenstein: August’s Employee of the Month

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 23:26:03 GMT

At the San Diego Country Estates Association, we are fortunate to have a team full of hardworking, dedicated individuals. This month, we are proud to spotlight someone who exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond. Congratulations to our Employee of the Month for August, Tim Breidenstein, a team player both on and off the golf course.

Tim Breidenstein was hired on October 6, 2023, and he works in the golf department as an outside services employee.

Just like a golf swing, he brings precision, patience, and consistency to every task. Whether he is staging golf carts, picking up range balls, or cleaning carts, he works hard every shift and has a great attitude. He goes the extra mile every day to ensure that members and guests enjoy their time on the course.

His passion for golf is reflected in his work as he is focused, driven, and always aiming for the green. One of the projects he has excelled in is maintaining the cart fleet and driving range.

He enjoys spending time on the golf course and values the camaraderie of his team. When he is off the clock, Breidenstein likes to go off-roading in his Bronco.

We’re grateful for the dedication, grace, and good humor Breidenstein brings to the SDCE each day. Congratulations, Tim Breidenstein, and thank you for your incredible contribution.

Photo by Heather McGhee.

Ramona Queen Returns to The Par

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 22:55:20 GMT

She wore the crown as a Ramona Queen more than two decades ago, but even after all these years, Anjeanette hasn’t forgotten where she came from or what it gave her. The lessons of Ramona stayed with her: resilience, grace under pressure, and the strength to rebuild when life took a different course.

One quiet afternoon, a sparkle returned to Ramona and the San Vicente Resort. At the Par Lounge sat Anjeanette, once a hometown queen, now a woman whose journey had taken her from the warm Ramona hills to the buzzing streets of San Jose.

Born and raised on a ranch, Anjeanette grew up surrounded by cattle, horses, chickens, and a work ethic shaped by early mornings and honest labor. She and her mother often rode horseback into town, tying up at the old 7-Eleven to grab a cold drink before waving to friends along Main Street. Those moments became memories stitched into the heart of her childhood.

In high school, she tried out for Miss Ramona and quickly learned what it took to wear the crown, from public speaking to community appearances. Later, as Rodeo Queen, she mastered riding patterns, rodeo knowledge, and panel interviews. Balancing school, training, and events, she earned the Rodeo Queen title in 1999, becoming the oldest at 21. She made her send-off unforgettable, dressing up as a feisty elderly version of herself with a walker and grapefruit-stuffed bra to honor the outgoing queen with humor, heart, and flair.

Her journey led her into modeling and promotions, winning pageants, training staff, opening new restaurant locations, and meeting celebrities. She later built a vibrant career: owning a spa, running a wine bar, and eventually working in high-end home construction in Northern California. Now living in Los Gatos with her fiancé, Jim, Anjeanette serves on the local Chamber Board and finds joy in the life they’ve built. But Ramona still calls to her. She returns often to visit her parents and reconnect with the town that shaped her.

“We made a point to stop at The Par when we were visiting Ramona,” she said. “It’s classy, warm, and full of memories. I spent hours here practicing my speeches and preparing for interviews as queen. It feels like home.”

And over lunch and laughter at The Par Lounge, Ramona welcomed her home.

Photos by Denise Garrett (in front of San Vicente Resort), and courtesy of Anjeanette.

Rising to the Occasion: The RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon at Ramona Country Fair 2025

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 22:35:13 GMT

As twilight approached on Friday, Aug. 1, the Ramona Country Fair took a magical turn. The RE/MAX hot air balloon was anchored for an enchanting balloon view at sunset, stunning fairgoers as it illuminated the sky.

As the Ramona Country Fair kicked off on Friday, Aug. 1, the RE/MAX Night Glow became a shining centerpiece in the sky. The spectacle continued into Saturday morning when the RE/MAX balloon opened for free tethered rides from 7-10 am on Aug. 2 and 3. Jan Ryan invited the community to come early and help them set up and launch the balloon, which she says is even more fun than going up in it.

Eager fairgoers lined up at 211 Aqua Lane (in soccer field #2 adjacent to the fairgrounds) for a chance to ascend gently a few dozen feet above the fairgrounds, where they could take in the breathtaking views before the sun rose fully over Ramona’s rolling hills. Riders could go up in the balloon as many times as they wanted to; they just had to get back in line. The ride took about 5 minutes, and the balloon went up approximately 40 to 50 feet. There was no age limit for riders, and two to four people could go up at a time. Many riders brought their cameras to capture the incredible views, and every rider received a free t-shirt.

The unforgettable balloon ride tradition at the Ramona Country Fair was brought to life by RE/MAX Direct owners Jan Ryan and Jeff Gan, who started the business in 1996 and have been realtors for over 20 years. Ryan, Gan, and their agents are grateful to be able to continue to give back to the community that has supported them over the years.

“We started doing RE/MAX tethered balloon rides at the Ramona Air Fair over 10 years ago, and it was a huge success,” says Ryan. “We had a local TV weatherman go up in the balloon to give the TV weather report.” It is something fun, different, and memorable. Ryan adds, “RE/MAX Corporate sends their official RE/MAX balloon and pilot for this event, who does events all over the country.”

Lori Patenaude, a realtor with RE/MAX Direct, says that this event is unique and brings the community together. She went up in the balloon with her six-year-old daughter, Emma. “She has done it before and she loves it,” says Patenaude.

As the flame flickered and the balloon gently touched back to the ground, fairgoers left with more than just photos; they carried home a feeling of being lifted, even for a moment. Thanks to Ryan and Gan and their team of agents, what began as a thoughtful gesture has become a beloved tradition. It’s more than a ride; it’s a symbol of how community spirit can rise when people come together.

Photos by Tiffany Pressler.

Country Roots and Cowboy Boots: 54th Annual Ramona Junior Fair

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 22:23:46 GMT

Barns were bustling, the show ring was full of action, and the auctioneer’s rhythmic chant echoed across the fairgrounds as youth from Ramona and surrounding areas gathered for the 2025 Ramona Junior Fair.

Hard work and hometown pride were cause for celebration as the community came together to support local youth who raise, show, and sell their animals at the annual Ramona Junior Fair. The RJF featured animals from July 26 through Aug. 2, and the Ramona Country Fair with rides for patrons was held Aug. 1-3.

From early morning feedings to late-night barn checks, these kids poured their hearts into raising everything from lambs and pigs to rabbits, goats, and cattle. And that week, all their hard work was on display for the community to see.

Club members also participated in events throughout the week, including water slides and volunteer time in the snack shop for contestants, friends, families, and buyers. The groups participating included Ramona FFA, Ramona Wranglers 4-H, Ramona Stars 4-H, Ramona Paisanos 4-H, and 4-H, FFA, and Grange clubs from surrounding areas such as Valley Center and Julian.

The week kicked off with a horse show and a dog show, followed by shows featuring goats, sheep, swine, beef, and rabbits, as well as displays of creations made by kids in the home economics group. The kids worked so hard and exhibited enthusiasm and intensity in the ring while showing their animals in front of the judge.

During the busy week for fair kids, the Ramona Steering Committee put on fun activities each day. After the opening ceremonies, there was a pizza and movie night under the stars. On Tuesday, there was a water balloon toss, slip-n-slide, kickball, and line dancing. On Wednesday, there was a frozen t-shirt contest and parent/peewee showmanship; a game of cornhole on Thursday; and on Friday, there was hay bucking.

The RJF livestock auction was held Saturday, Aug. 2, and Kahoots Feed and Pet sponsored the buyer’s lunch.

The RJF teaches life skills and brings families and generations together. It is organized and operated 100% through volunteer efforts. Leaders from the community and participating 4-H, FFA, and Grange Clubs have come together to make this fair possible.

The Ramona Country Fair was located right next to the RJF at the Ramona Outdoor Community Center at 421 Aqua Lane. At the Ramona Country Fair, there was a cornhole competition, amusement rides, carnival games, craft beers and local wines, food, and a variety of vendors, including craft and commercial booths, barrel racing demonstrations, an off-road car show, and live music.

San Diego Country Estates resident Charles Brown came to the Ramona Country Fair to listen to live music, enjoy beer, and let his kids enjoy the rides. Brown enjoys the small-town festivities with his family. “It’s for the kids to have a great time and for us to have a beer,” says Brown. He said that this year, his youngest daughter, Eva, was able to ride most of the rides with her big sister, Daisy. Brown added that, after the rides, they went over to listen to live music while their youngest danced the night away.

From rides and games to prize-winning livestock, the Ramona Junior Fair and Country Fair remind us that community spirit, hard work, and tradition are alive and well in our town. Whether you are cheering in the bleachers or having fun on the rides, these fairs aren’t just events; they are a celebration of Ramona itself.

Photos by Tiffany Pressler.

Island Vibes and Smart Minds: Hawaiian Trivia Night Welcomes New Quizmaster

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 22:01:49 GMT

San Vicente Resort was transformed into a tropical trivia paradise as residents and guests welcomed new host Chico Flores for an unforgettable Hawaiian-themed game night.

The aloha spirit was in full swing at San Vicente Resort as residents and guests gathered for a fun-filled Hawaiian Endless Summer Trivia Night, hosted by new Quizmaster Chico Flores on Tuesday evening in The Oaks Grille.

Chico, joined by his wife Janet, son Jackson, and daughters Julianna and Jade, transformed the room into a luau-worthy experience — complete with colorful leis, sparkling tablecloths, beachy décor, and Hawaiian-themed table displays.

Event leads and participants arrived in festive island attire, ready for some friendly competition, tropical fun, and delicious food and drinks — including the night’s featured cocktail, the Blue Lagoon.

This marked Chico’s debut as trivia host, and he made it a night to remember. He made a dramatic entrance through the San Vicente Room’s double doors, brought high energy to the room of over 90 players, and delivered waves of enthusiasm throughout the night.

Trivia Night originator Jodie Taylor was also in attendance to ceremoniously pass the Quizmaster baton to Chico. The evening included a special birthday shoutout to Jodie’s father, Steve Chambers.

The games began with a mix of seasoned trivia teams and new faces. One team kept an open seat in memory of longtime player Rex Gammon and hasn’t missed a game since the series began in November 2023.

Players tackled themed questions across beach vibes, picture rounds, food and drink, geography, geometry, San Diego sports history, TV, film, and music.

Trivia highlights included:

What U.S. state is closest to Africa? — Maine (Quoddy Head is closest to Morocco!) Who Knew?
Which rock band told us to “Jump” in 1984? — Van Halen, answered correctly by Tim Martin, who exclaimed he was aged 15 when the song came out.
Geometry champs? — “I got all the geometry questions right, except one, because I loved geometry in school,” said Toni Massery.

Chico awarded leis to round winners and donated prizes from local businesses for fun bonus questions.

Congratulations to the winning teams!

1st Place: CAT 6 – Trivia veterans from Solar Turbines and returning champions
2nd Place: RASCALS
3rd Place : Plan B

Mahalo, Chico, for hosting an unforgettable evening.

The crowd was larger than we’ve ever had, so we will regroup and plan elements for the next event on Tuesday, Sept. 9 , with an NFL Football theme.

Thank you for all you’ve done, Jodie — and welcome, Chico!

Photos by Kortney Weseloh

Trivia Night Goes Hawaiian

2025 SVMGC Senior Championship: Summer-Sun, Precision Birdies, and Ice-Cold Brews

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 21:01:00 GMT

Our senior golf stars proved at the 2025 SVMGC Championship that skill and spirit only grow stronger with time! It was a celebration fueled by talent, camaraderie, and a shared love for the game. Congratulations to Tim Malinoski, who claimed the title of Overall Gross Senior Winner, and to Roger Rajcic, named Overall Net Senior Winner.

This past weekend, our San Vicente golf course came alive with friendly competition and spirited camaraderie as players aged 55 and older took to the fairways for the San Vicente Men’s Senior Championship. Over two sun-drenched days, Saturday and Sunday, July 26 - 27, fifty-four veteran golfers demonstrated that age is no barrier to skill, strategy, and the pure joy of the game.

A True Test of Precision and Endurance

The tournament employed a Stroke Play format, meaning every drive, approach, chip, and putt counted. From the opening tee shot to the final putt, the participants knew that consistency would be their greatest ally. Early morning fog gave way to clear skies, and by midday, players contended with gentle breezes that made club selection as much an art as a science.

Standout Performances

Several golfers turned heads with crisp iron shots and smart putting. While Rajcic, Pollick, and Tinkham were all quite impressive, it was defending champ Tim Malinoski who once again rose to the occasion.

Malinoski and Rajcic Take Top Honors

As the scores were tallied and anticipation built, then came the announcement every competitor hoped for: Tim Malinoski had claimed his second consecutive title with rounds of 78 and 71 for a two-day total of 149, while Roger Rajcic won the Overall Net Senior category with a low score of 144.

Grilled Burgers, Cold Brews, and Golf Stories

Following the last putt, players and spectators alike gathered under the tent to unwind. Burgers fresh off the grill and ice-cold brews awaited, fueling lively conversation and friendly banter about the day’s highlights and near misses. Stories of spectacular drives and “almost there” putts filled the air, reinforcing why our club is more than just a place to play; it’s a gathering hub where lasting friendships are made.

Congratulations to our winners, and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated. Here’s to another year of great golf, enduring friendships, and shared memories!

Photos by Cheryl Schlauch.

San Diego Country Estates – The time is here to get ready for Back to School!

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 20:14:30 GMT

Get your students ready for success this school year with practical tips tailored for families attending Barnett and James Dukes Elementary.

School starts Monday, August 18, and it’s hard to believe summer is already winding down. Many parents are excited for their children to return to school, and now is the perfect time to prepare.

Families in San Diego Country Estates are served by two local public elementary schools—Barnett Elementary and James Dukes Elementary, both part of the Ramona Unified School District. Each school offers a welcoming, academically focused environment with a strong emphasis on family communication and community involvement.

Here are some tips to help families prepare for the new school year:

Prepare Students Emotionally and Socially

Ease back-to-school worries: Discuss the first day of school in a positive light. Talk to your child about what they are looking forward to learning, what they think will be fun, and any concerns they have. If possible, visit the school grounds with new and younger students before the first day.
Re-establish routines: Begin earlier bedtimes and structured morning routines at least one week in advance.
Practice independence: Teach children—especially those in TK–2—to manage their own belongings, such as backpacks and lunchboxes.

Stay Connected with the School

Attend Back-to-School Nights: Meet your child’s teacher, learn about classroom expectations, and discover communication platforms.
Use the PowerSchool Parent Portal: Both Barnett and James Dukes Elementary use PowerSchool for grades, forms, and school communications. (Barnett is also transitioning to ParentSquare for messaging.)
Update emergency contacts and health forms: Ensure all information is current.
Communicate proactively: If your child has special needs, allergies, or social concerns, please reach out to the teacher or counselor early.

Put Health & Safety First

Stay home when sick: Follow district and county guidelines for illness and community wellness.
Stay sun-safe: Pack sunscreen, hats, and refillable water bottles to keep you hydrated. Apply sunscreen before school.
Be mindful of traffic: School pick-up and drop-off can be congested. Use crosswalks, obey traffic signs, and model safe behavior for students.

Support Learning at Home

Foster a positive mindset: Discuss with your child what they are looking forward to learning, not just about homework.
Read daily: Just 15–20 minutes of reading each day supports literacy and builds connection.
Create a learning zone: Set up a quiet space at home for reading, reviewing schoolwork, and completing light homework tasks.

Get Involved

Join the PTA or school foundation: Both Barnett and James Dukes rely on parent groups to support arts, assemblies, and other enrichment programs.
Support fundraisers: Whether it’s a jog-a-thon or book fair, these events build school spirit and community engagement.
Volunteer: From library time to classroom help, even small efforts make a significant impact.

Consider Local Factors

Use nature as a classroom: With nearby trails, wildlife, and gardens, students may benefit from outdoor learning. Ask your child’s teacher about opportunities.
Prepare for extreme weather or emergencies: Ramona can experience high temperatures and wildfires. Stay signed up for alerts and review your family’s emergency pick-up plan.

And have a great school year!

After-School Adventures Begin August 18 at the SDCEA Recreation Center

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 20:05:14 GMT

A new school year means exciting after-school fun, homework help, and new tech tools at the Rec Center—starting Monday, Aug. 18!

Summer may be winding down, but the fun continues as we gear up for another exciting season at the Rec Center! Our popular After-School Program returns Monday, Aug. 18, and we can’t wait to welcome your kids back for afternoons filled with friendship, learning, and adventure.

This summer’s ImagiCamp was packed with creativity, play, and exploration—from arts and crafts and outdoor games to bi-weekly field trips and swimming fun. Now, it’s time to shift gears as we move into the school year with just as much energy and heart.

Our After-School Program includes group games, homework help, seasonal crafts, and valuable lessons in respect and kindness. Kids ages 5 to 12 are welcome. We provide pick-up from James Dukes and Barnett Elementary, and drop-off begins at 1:50 pm at the Recreation Center, with the program running until 6 pm.

Program Costs:

$20 per afternoon for homeowners
$25 per afternoon for non-homeowners
Monthly full-time (Aug. – Sept.): $620 for one child, or $1178 for two children with a 10% sibling discount
One-time registration fee: $25

We’ve added four Chromebooks to help students complete homework, which is especially helpful for families without home computer access.

To register or learn more, call the Recreation Department at 760-789-4146 .

Photo by Heather McGhee.

Firewise USA – Our Community Coming together for Wildfire Safety & Preparedness

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 19:34:46 GMT

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.

What is Firewise USA?

Firewise USA is a national program that helps homeowners adapt to living safely in an area susceptible to wildfires. By sharing resources, best practices, and hands-on guidance. Firewise encourages neighbors to collaborate on home hardening—home and landscape improvements that reduce the risk of wildfire.

Why Firewise matters to our community

Interest in Firewise has been growing in our community. Richard Drewery is spearheading the campaign to get our community Firewise certified. This certification serves many purposes.

Enhanced Safety : Make our community a safer place to live. Fire is a threat, and following Firewise guidelines makes our community a safer place for us all.
Growing Participation: To date, 70 residents have signed up to be part of Firewise, and this number is increasing daily.
Potential Insurance Savings: Firewise certification can lead to reduced homeowner insurance premiums, along with SDCEA insurance premiums (thus keeping our HOA costs at bay), making safety improvements an investment that pays off.

Path to Certification: Our campaign, led by Team Leader for Firewise Richard Drewery, started in March of this year and is well underway. Here’s what we’ve accomplished so far—and what’s next

Risk Assessment : Firewise Sub-Committee Team Leaders Jeanne Beauchamp and Lisa Blackburn, with help from other volunteers, drove through our SDCE neighborhoods as part of the Risk Assessment.
Three-Year Action Plan: The team is drafting a plan to guide hazard reduction projects and community outreach over the next three years.
Goal Setting: The plans include specific and measurable goals for homeowners, home hardening, defensible space, and more.
Educational Workshops : The Firewise Sub-Committee will host sessions to share and educate our community on Emergency procedures, evacuation preparedness, and other relevant topics.

Firewise Educational Workshop is scheduled for this fall.

When: Saturday, Sept. 20, from 8 am to 1 pm

Where: San Vicente Room

Speakers:

- Cal Fire: Captain Thomas Shoots

- Ramona Sheriff’s Department: Lieutenant Alex Navarro and Sergeant Joseph Saelens

- County of SD Emergency Preparedness: Edwing Ulloa

- Ramona West End Fire Safe Council: Kristi Mansolf

- Specialist in homeowners’ fire insurance: Valerie Eddy.

How to sign up for this event: Click Events | Ramona West End Fire Safe Council. There is a very short form (name, address, phone, email) to complete, and you are in!

The Firewise Sub-Committee will continue to have these Educational Workshops for our community every Spring and Fall until they are no longer needed.

Make our beautiful community a little bit safer for us all. Please join the efforts to become Firewise. Sign up now for the Fall Educational Workshop.

A Toast to Community: Beer, Cocktails, Dinner, and Connection

heather.mcghee@sdcea.net (Heather McGhee) — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 19:26:55 GMT

More than 40 homeowners joined the Board and GM Carl Weise for a lively evening of drinks, dialogue, and an exquisite three-course dinner at SDCEA's first Homeowner Appreciation Night.

On Tuesday, July 29, the San Diego Country Estates community gathered for an evening that brought together conversation, camaraderie, and cuisine at the inaugural Homeowner Appreciation Night, featuring two welcoming events: Beer with the Board and Cocktails with Carl at the Par Lounge outdoor deck, followed by a sold-out dinner experience at The Oaks Grille.

From 5 to 6:30 pm, more than 40 homeowners mingled with Board members and SDCEA team leads while enjoying drinks and a savory charcuterie board. The featured specialty cocktails — a Bacon Old Fashioned and a Lavender Mule—were a hit, and guests enjoyed open conversations across a range of topics, from golf and equestrian activities to recreation and upcoming events.

The atmosphere was warm and engaging as homeowners shared ideas and questions directly with all our Board Members and General Manager Carl Weise, who all welcomed every opportunity to listen and engage. "This event is about coming together as neighbors to share what matters to our community," Weise noted.

At 6:30 pm, 38 guests were seated for a carefully curated three-course dinner by Executive Chef Ben Peterson and his team, Sous Chef Chris Ostermann, and Sous Chef Jessica Nelson. The meal was a labor of creativity in taste and presentation, taking three days of preparation.

Guests were treated to a seasonal salad of bird's nest greens with blood orange, Vidalia onion, goat cheese croquette, and Marcona almonds dressed in a "mimosa" vinaigrette. The second course featured a choice of either 90-day dry-aged beef tenderloin medallion with cheese tortellino, horseradish, and 50-year balsamic, or pan-seared local halibut with yuzu beurre blanc, shiitake mushrooms, and Japanese long beans. The grand finale: Tahitian vanilla panna cotta with puffed toasted rice, thyme, pistachio, and orange supreme syrup.

The wines were thoughtfully paired and served under the leadership of the new Food & Beverage Front of House Manager Chuck Kast, who ensured the service was smooth and seamless throughout the evening.

Weise stood up and said, “Thank you for joining us tonight at our first Homeowner Appreciation Dinner. The Board asked me to find more ways to connect with homeowners—and this is it: community events, shared meals, and concerts in the park."

"This is how we build community," he continued, "by sitting down over a meal with neighbors we may not have met before." Weise added, "It was refreshing to see our members enjoying themselves—talking, laughing, and learning more about the association. It was a welcome contrast to the picture sometimes painted in online comments. Tonight showed the heart of our community."

Weise also acknowledged the culinary work of Executive Chef Ben Peterson and his team as Chef Ben stood before the diners. The crowd responded with enthusiastic applause for the team behind the evening’s memorable dishes.

"I had hoped to come out and describe each dish as it was served," said Chef Ben at the end of dinner, "but I was working alongside our two chefs, preparing these plates together for the first time. I really enjoyed guiding them through every element of preparation and presentation—and especially enjoyed working with Chris and Jessica on making our homemade tortellino."

Many homeowners asked when the next Homeowner Appreciation event will be, so stay tuned.

Photos by Heather McGhee.

A Community Experience

Keeping Watch: Lifeguards Protect Swimmers All Summer Long

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 05:25:54 GMT

As the summer sun draws families to the water, lifeguards in San Diego Country Estates are hard at work ensuring safety and fun at both the Ramona Oaks Pool and the San Vicente Resort Pool.

The trained professionals monitoring our community pools are much more than whistle-blowers; they’re the first line of defense in preventing accidents and making sure the pools are a safe space for swimmers of all ages.

“This is the second year that I have been the aquatic director and the fourth or fifth year I have been working here overall,” says Aquatic Director Heather Holden. She oversees 24 lifeguards, whose ages range from 16 to 22. There are morning, afternoon, and eight-hour all-day shifts, and there are always two lifeguards present at each pool. At both pools, lifeguards rotate through stations consistently to keep their minds and bodies moving, scanning the water constantly and always ready to respond in seconds. Every 15 minutes, the lifeguard in the rove station will walk a lap around the pool, and the guard in the tower will switch to the rove station.

Holden is Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) Certified. She started as a lifeguard herself and moved up to head guard, then to supervisor. When choosing lifeguards, she looks for strong swimmers who are dedicated, professional, and responsible.

Lifeguard trainings are held every Saturday, and lifeguards are required to attend two every month to keep their skills sharp. During their 2-day training, SDCE lifeguards must do a “brick test,” which requires them to swim from the shallow end of the pool to the deep end and retrieve a 5-pound weight at the bottom. Then they must swim to the top and hold the brick out of the water while swimming on their back to the other end of the pool. Lifeguards must also swim 200 yards nonstop. In addition, they are trained and certified in entry, water rescue techniques, CPR, and first aid.

According to Holden, the lifeguards perform a lot of first aid assistance, including treating nose bleeds and bee stings, and providing preventive care. These young professionals enforce rules before accidents happen and focus on prevention. They stop incidents before more extreme measures are required, such as deep-water extraction or responding to a head or neck injury.

Lifeguards also monitor pool capacity, check water quality, and make sure all safety equipment is in place and ready to go. They play an essential role in swim lessons, water aerobics, and family swim events, and often end up being mentors to young children. Lifeguards go through a checklist every morning and night, ensuring the deck is cleared and checking water quality. If the water looks hazy or they can’t see the bottom of the pool, the lifeguards report it to Holden or the maintenance team.

At Ramona Oaks Pool, the summer session is in full swing, with swim lessons in the morning and open swim in the afternoons. Campers from the rec center also visit the Ramona Oaks Pool as part of SDCE ImagiCamp. Meanwhile, the San Vicente Resort Pool offers a fun atmosphere, often attracting lap swimmers, families, and resort guests.

Both pools follow strict safety protocols. The typical day for an SDCE lifeguard consists of a lot of rule enforcement and scanning the pool. Lifeguards keep a close eye on children and ensure that all swimmers follow posted rules, including no running and no diving in shallow areas. In the summer, Ramona Oaks Pool can have as many as 40 kids in the pool during camp hours, so lifeguards will count the camp kids and patrons to ensure everyone is in view and safe. Ramona Oaks pool capacity is 90, and the San Vicente Resort pool is 120.

Holden spends a lot of her time overseeing lifeguards and making sure they are in their scheduled areas, while also ensuring they are rotating positions and not in one place for too long. She is proud of all of the lifeguards this season. She has seen them step up to their responsibilities and take pride in their jobs by ensuring the safety of everyone on the pool decks.

Whether they’re jumping in to assist a struggling swimmer, applying first aid to a scraped knee, or giving high fives to kids learning to swim, SDCE lifeguards are the unsung heroes of the summer.

July Horsefeathers: Moving Forward on Key Projects

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 05:22:51 GMT

The Equestrian Team is making strides on a master plan while continuing upgrades at both the International Equestrian Center and Casey Tibbs Western Center.

The Equestrian Committee has been hard at work this season, actively progressing toward a comprehensive master plan for our equestrian facilities. Two well-attended community forums were held earlier this month, and feedback was productive and positively received. The committee will continue to engage the community and refine the plan that will shape the future of equestrian life here.

Over at the International Equestrian Center (IEC), renovations on Barn C are well underway. The walls are nearly complete, and the paddocks are expected to be finished within the next two weeks, offering a refreshed and more functional space for boarders and their horses.

At the Casey Tibbs Western Center (CTWC), Arena 2 has recently received footing improvements, with a full rebalance and refresh completed to ensure safer, more consistent performance for riders.

Adding to the excitement, new jumps have arrived at the IEC and are now available for use in the jump arena, further enhancing training opportunities and rider experience.

Together, these upgrades represent an important investment in our equestrian community and reflect a continued commitment to equine care and amenities.

Photos by Lisa Everett.

Fierce Fun and Fairways: The Red vs. Blue Showdown Returns!

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 05:19:48 GMT

The San Vicente Women’s Golf Club teed up for two days of spirited match play, poolside celebrations, and memorable moments—like a surprise birdie on Hole 12 by Amy Sailor!

The 2025 annual Red vs. Blue Tournament, hosted by the San Vicente Women’s Golf Club, is a spirited two-day event that took place on Thursday, July 19, and Tuesday, July 22. Open to all members of the Ladies Club, it’s a fun and friendly way to experience match play in a relaxed and supportive setting.

This year, 20 women participated, and the competition was lively! Leading the charge were team captains: Toni Massery led Team Red, featuring Corinne Hill, Robyn Bolitho, Angie Rios, Annette Schwipper, Kathleen Kankelberg, Lynda Damato, Suzanne Shupe, Marcy Aubert, and Penny Fowler. Janet Flores captained Team Blue, joined by Joyce Whitehead, Angela Cowardin, Cathy Knowles, Sharron Daniels, Tracy Powell, Sue Kane, Kris Jolly, Amy Sailors, and Nancy Berger.

The match play format meant players competed hole by hole, with points awarded to the winner of each hole, rather than by total strokes for the entire round. This was a fantastic opportunity for both seasoned golfers and those new to this style of play to sharpen their skills in a competitive yet friendly environment.

After two days on the course, players celebrated with a poolside lunch at the beautiful home of Joyce Whitehead, who graciously opened her doors for this special gathering. A delicious catered lunch was served, and prizes were awarded to each member of the winning team, along with awards for a few exciting side contests, including longest putt and closest to the pin.

Team Red, last year’s champions, returned with a mix of veterans and first-time players—and once again proved they’re a force to be reckoned with.

One of the unexpected highlights came when, after being hit in the head with a golf ball the previous week, Amy Sailors received a hard hat as a playful gift from a teammate. Now back on the course and making a strong comeback, the youngest player, Amy Sailor, in the tournament sank a birdie on Hole 12!

Congratulations to Team Red, the 2025 Champions!

Each winning player earned bragging rights and a $10 prize, but more importantly, they left with great memories and new friendships forged on the fairways.

Photos by Cheryl Schlauch, Blue and Red Team photo by Janet Flores.

Enhancing Play and Sustainability: Golf Course Maintenance Update

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 05:14:22 GMT

San Vicente Golf Course is undergoing key maintenance projects to improve turf quality, playability, and sustainability on the course.

Our San Vicente Golf Course Maintenance Team is hard at work this summer, focused on projects that enhance your playing experience while improving the health and sustainability of the golf course.

Beginning Wednesday, July 23, we launched a collar renovation project on several greens: the Putting Green and holes #2, #3, #10, #11, #14, and #15. We’re replacing the current 4-foot-wide collars with fresh Bent Grass. This is a necessary upgrade due to Bermuda Grass encroachment, which has been affecting the integrity and consistency of the Bent Grass collars and putting surfaces. The work was completed this week.

Additionally, three tee boxes will receive new Santa Ana Hybrid Bermuda sod this week: the holes #1 Gold Tee, #5 Forward White Tee, and #5 Gold Tee. These areas currently feature a patchy blend of Common Bermuda and Kikuyu grass, resulting in an uneven playing surface. This conversion to Santa Ana sod is part of our long-term plan to provide a more uniform and high-performing teeing experience across all holes.

We are also redefining and enlarging existing native areas throughout the course. These enhancements are taking place in low-play or non-irrigated zones, allowing us to create a distinct transition between managed turf and natural terrain. Later this fall, we will seed these areas with drought-tolerant California native grasses, which require no irrigation—supporting our water conservation goals and natural habitat efforts.

We appreciate your patience as we complete these upgrades and look forward to sharing the results of our continued commitment to the course’s excellence.

More About Grasses

The types of grass we use play an important role in the quality of your golf experience.

Bermuda Grass is a warm-season, durable grass on our fairways. It thrives in the sun and recovers quickly from wear.
Bent Grass was placed on greens due to its fine texture and smooth ball roll, making it ideal for precision putting.
Santa Ana Hybrid Bermuda Grass offers a tight, uniform surface that performs exceptionally well on tee boxes, with excellent wear tolerance and aesthetics.

Each grass is carefully chosen to improve playability, consistency, and sustainability throughout the course.

Photos by Heather McGhee.

Georgia’s Garden: A Showcase of Landscape Excellence

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 21:33:13 GMT

Once an unused corner of the golf course, Georgia’s Garden is now a flourishing venue thanks to thoughtful landscape design and dedicated maintenance.

Georgia’s Garden stands as a shining example of how strategic landscaping can transform underutilized spaces into vibrant community assets. What began as an overlooked area near the golf course practice range is now a stunning garden venue—thanks to the vision and hard work of the Landscape Department and the generosity of a homeowner who made the transformation possible.

Since its development in 2021, thanks to a generous donation from homeowner Georgia Tranter, the Landscape team has designed, installed, and maintained lush gardens that feature a wide variety of trees, flowering shrubs, and seasonal plantings. Meandering garden beds, shaded by mature oaks, create a natural flow around the site, enhanced by the tranquil sound of a flowing fountain.

The addition of a gazebo and softscape elements—such as mulched paths and layered foliage—makes the space both functional and beautiful year-round. Georgia’s Garden now serves not only as a second wedding venue, but also as a quiet retreat and a favorite backdrop for photos.

It’s a living testament to the power of landscape design in enhancing both aesthetics and usability within the community.

The San Vicente Resort event space is available for weddings and outdoor celebrations. Please contact Catering Manager Joyce Whelehon for more information at 760-789-8290 x4021.

Photos by Nancy Zadrozny.

Hosting for the Holidays? Let San Vicente Resort Be Your Guest Room Solution

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 21:22:36 GMT

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 holidays are a time for gathering, celebrating, and creating warm memories with loved ones—and if you're expecting family or friends to visit, San Vicente Resort offers the perfect solution. As a homeowner, you have access to exclusive rates on our newly renovated guest rooms, providing your guests with a comfortable and convenient stay right here in the heart of Ramona.

Available September through December, homeowner rates are:
Sunday – Thursday: $114 | Friday & Saturday: $134
These special rates apply to all room types and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Choose from:

Executive Level Rooms – Extra touches like a Keurig coffee maker, plush slippers, and upgraded toiletries create a VIP stay.
Premier Parking Level – Just steps from your car, these rooms are perfect for guests who prefer no stairs and easy access.
Lower Golf Course Level – Ideal for guests who love a quiet morning and a restful night with serene golf course views and blackout curtains.

Need space for the whole family? Book a king room with an adjoining suite featuring both a queen and twin pull-out bed—plenty of room for kids, cousins, or grandparents to stay together comfortably.

Your guests will love the resort-style experience, and you'll love the ease of having them close by—without sacrificing space at home.

Book today and give your holiday visitors a stay they'll never forget—right here at San Vicente Resort. Call 760-789-8290 x0.

Visit our webpage for more information.

Riders Test Skills at Cowboy Challenge and Horsemanship Show

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 20:21:29 GMT

Dust rose and cheers echoed through the International Equestrian Center as riders of all ages took on the Cowboy Challenge and Horsemanship Show this past weekend. From swinging gates to shooting a toy gun, the challenge was a perfect mix of excitement and down-home cowboy spirit.

The Cowboy Challenge and Horsemanship Show, held Saturday, July 19, at 8 am at the International Equestrian Center, is part of the community's growing horsemanship series. It brought together local equestrians to navigate a timed obstacle course designed to test both rider control and horse confidence.

The show was presented by IEC horse trainer, Joann Henrickle. The classes were judged on handling, directional control, speed, and gait while executing a pattern and showcasing the partnership between horse and rider with optimal effectiveness and minimal effort. Sabrina Smith judged the event.

The divisions included showmanship in-hand, leadline, walk/trot, and walk/trot/lope/canter for ages 12 and under and 13 and over. The Cowboy Challenge tested the riders' skill and control of their horses while completing challenging obstacle courses that included shooting a toy gun at a target, and "swinging gate," an obstacle where the horse had to push a ball with its nose or front legs.

Henrickle says her favorite part of the event is seeing people enjoying their horses. A lot goes into taking care of horses, and she enjoys seeing them and their riders escape their daily grind of feeding and cleaning. At this event, riders and horses can participate in a fun challenge.

Saturday was the second cowboy challenge for contestant Melissa Merrick, riding Cody. She has been riding since she was 11 years old, doing it for fun while developing her skills in horsemanship and equitation. She loves to experience new things and enjoys encouraging her horse's curiosity while navigating obstacles. She and her horse also enjoy meeting new people.

Another rider, Riley Kirkland, 14, has been riding for 7 years. She rode Maisy, who belongs to Sam Connolly. At this event, Kirkland competed in the walk/trot challenge. She likes to get out to hang out with everybody. Maisy did well and tried her hardest.

Since this show is part of a series, contestants will be awarded ribbons for the first and second shows, and high points for all the shows combined. The high-point winner will be awarded a belt buckle at the end of the series. The first show was held on Saturday, March 22, and the next show will be on Saturday, November 22.

The sponsors included The Livery, Elston Hay & Grain, Matt Parker Hay Co., Diamond D, Olde Mission Chiropractic, Salon Ambition, Lope Equine, Inc., and Sea Breeze Glass. Tellez Catering's food truck supplied tacos, burritos, seafood, chips, and drinks for attendees.

With more events on the horizon, from cowboy challenges to clinics, the IEC remains a vital part of life in the SDCE and is riding high into the future.

Photos by Tiffany Pressler.

Riders and Residents Gather for Equestrian Forum

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 22:30:27 GMT

Horse-lovers and community members came together in SDCE for an equestrian forum focused on facilities and riding programs. Two forums were held at the Rotunda, located at 16911 Gunn Stage Road, for attendees to choose from based on their schedules. The first forum took place on Saturday, July 12, and the second on Monday, July 14.

The purpose of the forums was to get people's ideas and input on the equestrian facilities—the International Equestrian Center and Casey Tibbs Western Center—to make them the best they can be. The Equestrian Committee and HOA members were present at the forums, and management wanted to hear the community's vision for the SDCE Equestrian Facilities. Attendees didn't need to be equestrians or homeowners to participate, and all ideas were welcomed and valued.

Approximately 35 people attended the forum on Saturday and 21 attended on Monday. SDCE homeowner Barbara Beamesderfer, who has horses and wants to engage in problem-solving, was the presenter for the forum. She went around the room, giving everyone present an opportunity to state their name, explain why they were there, and share any ideas they had regarding the future of the equestrian facilities. "Everyone gets a chance to speak," says Beamesderfer.

SDCE General Manager Carl Weise was present at the forum on Saturday. He was there as an observer and wanted to hear feedback from the community to make the most out of the master plan and to utilize the stakeholders' input. Weise took horseback riding lessons from the age of 9 to 13 in the western discipline, so he has some background with being an equestrian.

Many ideas and proposals were discussed for improving the equine facilities, more options for boarders, and experiences like additional clinics, a tack market, community potlucks, and added events.

Each attendee was given three green sticker dots upon signing in at the beginning of the forum. At the end of the discussion, everyone had the opportunity to go to the front of the room, where two large sheets of paper had all the suggestions summarized, and place their three green dots on the ideas they thought were most important.

The Equestrian Committee will review the information received and will work to incorporate suggestions and proposals into the SDCEA Master Plan.

As the forum came to a close, participants left with a renewed sense of connection and commitment to preserving the equestrian facilities. With a variety of ideas shared from facility improvements to expanding programs, the event sparked meaningful conversations and planted seeds for future collaboration.

Photo by Michael Minor.

Manager Spotlight: Executive Chef Ben Peterson

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 21:35:58 GMT

From line cook to executive chef and food & beverage manager, Ben Peterson has elevated dining at San Vicente Resort by blending creativity, leadership, and a relentless pursuit of culinary excellence.

If you’ve dined or attended a special event at the San Vicente Resort, chances are you’ve enjoyed the creativity and leadership of Executive Chef Ben Peterson. His passion for fresh ingredients, inventive menus, and creating connections through food has helped redefine the dining experience at The Oaks Grille and Par Lounge.

Since he took the reins, sales have increased by 200 percent. "I completely changed the entire menu," says Peterson. "And the restaurant wasn't that busy." The once-outdated restaurant—with mismatched plastic bowls, microwaved food, and pickle containers on the tables—has transformed into a fresh, made-from-scratch dining destination. Today, 85 percent of the food at The Oaks Grille is made in-house, with the exception of French fries.

Peterson's background has shaped him into the culinary artist he is today. After graduating high school, he attended ITT Technical Institute for Electronics Engineering and quickly learned that he did not enjoy the industry. Later, he installed stereos and worked for Sony. After that, he applied at Denny's in Ramona to be a dishwasher, but they needed cooks. They put him through a one-week training program in 1996, and shortly after, he became the lead cook. "I understood calling the order," he says. This task is especially important for coordinating the timing of preparing dishes to get them out to customers' tables quickly. He rapidly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming Denny's youngest manager. He joined the SDCE team in March 2010 as a line cook and, within five months, was promoted to Executive Chef. He now supervises a team of 22 employees.

Growing up, Peterson's paternal grandfather was a cook on a fishing boat. "When I started cooking, he was the happiest man," says Peterson. When he was a kid, they had sit-down family meals. Then, his mother became a vegetarian when Peterson was in sixth grade, so he and his dad were in charge of cooking for themselves. His dad bought a book called "100 Ways to Cook Chicken," so they had that and a lot of English muffin pizzas.

His passion for cooking grew alongside his love for music, two creative outlets he believes are closely connected. After leaving Denny's in 1998, he played guitar in a band and supported himself until 2002. A cookbook by Emeril Lagasse—a gift from his mom—inspired him to cook Thanksgiving dinner for his family, further fueling his culinary ambitions.

Peterson traveled to Louisiana and worked at three different restaurants over five months, learning a great deal about cooking. Then, he returned to California and enrolled at The Art Institute of California. Instead of pursuing formal education, he chose to learn by working alongside chefs, including his mentor, French-Canadian chef Nicolas Bour, in Rancho Bernardo. Bour taught him about non-center-of-the-plate cooking, flavor, and presentation. "He was the only real chef I had as a mentor," says Peterson.

His culinary philosophy starts with what he likes to eat—but also considers the diverse tastes of Ramona's residents, including retirees, middle-aged adults, and children. He balances flavor and presentation by working diligently to ensure the food tastes as he envisions. He will work until he gets it just right. It's a process, and he strives to maintain consistency and meet his own expectations. He wants his dishes to look and taste the same each and every time. He trains his team with a collaborative approach and maintains high standards for flavor and consistency.

Sous Chef Chris Ostermann has been mentored by Peterson, and they have a great relationship. "Of all the chefs I have worked with, Ben pushes me the hardest to improve," says Ostermann. "He holds me accountable, and he is the sole reason I fell in love with cooking." They have worked together for close to 10 years. "Without his influence, I wouldn't be the chef I am today," he says.

Peterson is proud of all the employees he has worked with over the years at the San Vicente Resort, and he still has relationships with most of them. Peterson often says, "Always be one percent better than yesterday."

When he's not in the kitchen, he's often brainstorming new dishes and keeping up with current culinary trends. He also plays in a band called Brick by Brick. He has three children. Jakob, 23, Carter, 17, and Elsie, 13. Jakob used to work in the Estates, and now Carter works at the restaurant one night a week. His wife of seven years, Katie, prepares the meals at home. However, Peterson does cook at home on occasions like Thanksgiving. He says he never judges others' cooking, and his favorite dish is stuffed shells with ricotta and mozzarella.

Peterson ensures the highest quality standards of food served to patrons through effective management of activities, including meal planning, menu design, preparation, and catering planning and servicing. He maintains and trains a productive kitchen crew, purchases food, and maintains costs to budgeted goals. He says the most rewarding part of his job is watching his team grow and learn. He has fun with them and loves to hear from customers that the dishes he prepares are the best they've ever had.

So, the next time you enjoy a perfectly plated meal at The Oaks Grille or Par Lounge, know that behind the scenes is a chef whose passion and dedication make every bite count.

Photo by Shelly Mullin.

Where Tails Wag and Friendships Begin: Exploring Dog Parks in the San Diego Country Estates

mkt.asst2@sdcea.net (Cheryl Schlauch) — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 21:29:06 GMT

Leash up, show up, and let the good times roll—because at our dog parks, every visit is a paw-sitive experience!

Looking for the perfect place to let your dog run, romp, and make new friends? The San Diego Country Estates offers not just one, but two well-loved dog parks where local pups—and their people—can enjoy fresh air, sunshine, and a sense of community.

You’ll find Ramona Oaks Dog Park nestled inside Ramona Oaks Park near Pappas and Avenel, and Bassett Way Dog Park conveniently located off Gunn Stage and Arena. Both parks are thoughtfully designed, featuring separate play areas—one for small dogs and one for large dogs, ensuring everyone can play safely and comfortably.

Shady trees provide cool spots to relax, picnic tables and benches invite you to stay a while, and there are water bowls ready for thirsty pups. Clean-up stations are stocked with waste bags to help keep the parks clean for all visitors.

Whether you’re new to the area or a longtime resident, visiting these parks is an excellent way for your four-legged friend to burn off energy, improve social skills, and maybe even meet their next best furry friend. It’s also a chance for neighbors to connect, swap dog stories, and enjoy the simple joy of being outdoors with our pets.

So leash up, head out, and see why our local dog parks are where tails wag and community connections grow. It’s just one more reason life in the Estates is something to bark about!

Photos courtesy of Cheryl Schlauch and Shelly Mullin.

A New Era of Fun and Facts: Meet the New Quizmaster at Trivia Night

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 21:24:18 GMT

San Vicente Resort's popular Trivia Night is getting a fun new twist this summer, as quizmaster JC “Chico” Flores steps in to challenge players’ wits with clever questions and high-energy hosting.

Longtime quizmaster and current 2025 Vice President of the SDCEA Board of Directors, Jodie Taylor, is passing the trivia mic after nearly three years of entertaining the crowd with clever questions and signature humor.

Since November 2022, Taylor has brought a lively energy and sense of fun to the event. Reflecting on the transition, Taylor shared, “The good news is that I’ll get to enjoy trivia nights as a participant, as my good friend Chico Flores will be taking over as the new quizmaster — and he plans to bring even more fun and fiesta!”

JC "Chico" Flores is taking the reins starting in August. His first two trivia nights at The Oaks Grille will be held on August 5 and September 9, from 5 to 8 pm, and will then take place on the first Tuesday of each month thereafter.

To keep trivia nights fresh and festive, each month’s event will feature a unique theme that ties into the trivia, décor, and maybe even the dress code! Flores’ first theme on August 5 is “Hawaiian Endless Summer.” Come out to support the new quizmaster and break out your aloha shirts and beach vibes for a tropical twist on trivia night, featuring themed questions, island-style music, a tropical drink special, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Each Trivia Night features a variety of engaging categories designed to challenge your mind and bring people together through fun, friendly competition. Here’s what to expect:

Sports (San Diego History) – Dive into local legends, championship teams, and unforgettable moments from San Diego’s rich athletic past.
TV & Film – From classic sitcoms to cult-favorite films and streaming hits, this category spans decades of pop culture on screen.
Music (Battle of the Bands) – Test your knowledge of music through themed showdowns, iconic lyrics, band trivia, and legendary performances.
G&G: Geography & Geometry – Explore the world’s landscapes, natural wonders, and fascinating earth science facts.
Food & Drink – From global cuisine to local brews, this delicious category covers culinary traditions, ingredients, and foodie facts.
Picture Round – A visual challenge! Identify people, places, logos, or objects based on images—perfect for the keen-eyed players.

“I was born and raised in San Diego, a city I am proud to call home,” says Flores. Over the past 14 years, he has dedicated his career to helping Medicare patients receive the Home Health and Hospice care they need, work that has been both humbling and rewarding. “My life is grounded in service, guided by family, and enriched by community. That’s what I’m most proud of,” says Flores.

He is married to Janet Flores, his best friend and partner in everything, including golf. They are raising three amazing kids: Juliana (15), Jackson (13), and Jade (9). “Family is the heart of everything I do,” says Flores.

Golf has become more than a hobby for them — it’s a passion. He and Janet recently won the San Vicente Couples Club Championship, a moment that reflects teamwork not just on the course, but in life.

They love being part of our local community, especially events like trivia nights and concerts in the park. They’re simple pleasures, but they bring people together in the best way—through connection, laughter, and a shared love for the community.

As Taylor passes the trivia torch, her contributions as both quizmaster and community leader are deeply appreciated. Her quick wit and welcoming style have made Tuesday nights at The Oaks Grille a tradition many look forward to. With a new quizmaster on the horizon, trivia night continues and will be fun, friendly competition for all, with a few head-scratchers to keep everyone on their toes. Whether you're a longtime trivia buff or just in it for laughs, there’s always room at the table.

Photos courtesy of JC Chico Flores, and Heather McGhee

View the August 5 Trivia Event Flyer: Hawaiian Endless Summer.

Young Golfers Finish Strong at SDCE PGA Junior Closing Event

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 22:39:46 GMT

The final putts have dropped, and the golf course was filled with high-fives, proud parents, and plenty of young talent as the PGA Junior League wrapped up its season. Players celebrated their hard work, improvement, and love of the game in a fun and memorable closing event.

According to Matt Brumbaugh, Head Golf Professional at San Vicente Resort, the PGA Junior League went great this season. There were 36 participants, boys and girls ages 6-13. Brumbaugh says the juniors have all gained confidence and experience on the golf course. There is no substitution for on-course playing experience. Getting it at a young age is crucial for developing skills and technique.

"These kids are fearless; they are not afraid of any shot," says Brumbaugh. He adds that golf is a life sport that they will be able to play with friends and family.

Proud dad, SDCE resident Steve Lerma, was at the game cheering on his 10-year-old son Jameson. Jameson's favorite hole was hole two because he almost got a hole-in-one on it during the last match. He has been playing golf for two years, and this year, his chipping has shown improvement. He got to play up with the older kids, about which he was excited.

"Golfing is really fun," says Natalia Mendoza, 11, who has been golfing for a year. She has played a few matches this year, and her favorite part about playing at the San Vicente Resort is getting out and discovering the course. She has learned patience and not to swing too fast. She says it's about having fun and taking your time. She added that she has always wanted to golf because she has a dream to be a golfer and wants to try new things. When she grows up, she wants to golf professionally and play against others.

Another enthusiastic golfer, Ruben Franco, 14, is an SDCE resident. According to his mom, Veronica Franco, he golfs at the San Vicente Resort six days a week. She says a group of teenage boys meets up at the San Vicente Resort and golf all afternoon; they are a really good group of responsible kids. Ruben says this season, he learned more about the rules of golf. He also became more competitive and learned that golf isn't just about hitting the ball. He says it's really rewarding, and the good shots feel better. He has acquired skills to apply in various scenarios throughout the course.

At the end of the final match, players and families parked their golf carts and came together to enjoy hot dogs, chips, and drinks as they celebrated the close of the season.

What's next for junior golf? According to Brumbaugh, the Junior Clinics will resume on Wednesdays at 4 pm and Saturdays at 10 am. The clinics will continue to focus on fundaments and the enjoyment of golf.

The San Vicente Resort wrapped up a season filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable memories. With heads held high, these young athletes proved that the future of golf is bright. Each player left the course with something invaluable—confidence, sportsmanship, and a deeper love for the game.

Photos

Photo by Tiffany Pressler

Horsefeathers: Equestrian Facility Updates

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 17:46:11 GMT

The Equestrian Team announces new dressage court improvements, jump arrivals, maintenance updates, and upcoming community forums for facility planning.

We’re excited to share that the new dressage court footing is complete, and new railings have been installed on Court #3. The court letters are still in transit, but once they arrive, Court #3 will have a complete set, along with new letters for Court #2.

Our beautiful new jumps have also arrived at IEC—be sure to stop by and check them out!

On the maintenance side, the hotwalker at Casey Tibbs is no longer functional. The Equestrian Committee discussed their recommendations during their monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 8.

The water truck has been repaired, which is essential for maintaining the arenas. We cannot safely drag the arenas without watering, as it would damage the footing. We appreciate your patience and will continue to provide updates if the truck is down for an extended period in the future.

We also invite you to attend one or both of the upcoming community forums to share your ideas and feedback about the future of the equestrian facilities. Forums will be held on Saturday, July 12, from 10 am – 12 pm and Monday, July 14, from 6:30 – 8:30 pm in the Rotunda. All homeowners, boarders, and equestrian community members are encouraged to join the conversation.

See flyer for more information.

Photo by Marissa Travis.

Puppets Bring Magic and Laughter to Campers at SDCE Recreation Center

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 17:34:52 GMT

The SDCE Recreation Center was filled with fun and imagination as ImagiCamp campers were treated to a colorful and lively puppet show. Giggles filled the room as silly characters told stories, shared jokes, and imparted important life lessons in a way that only puppets can do.

Comic Ventriloquist Joe Gandelman and his 15 puppet friends performed a one-hour show for 10 camp counselors and 35 kids, who were engaged and cheering him on. The show, designed especially for kids, was more than just entertainment; it was an opportunity for young audiences to explore creativity, empathy, and teamwork through the magic of puppetry.

Gandelman brought a boy puppet named John, a bear, two elephants—one that sprayed a light mist of water on the campers, and a dragon that blew out a mist resembling smoke. He also brought a cat, a shark, a turtle, a zombie, a plant, a baby, and two dogs. He drew on a whiteboard, creating a face with eyes that moved around, which really excited the kids. There was a lot of audience participation: he put a puppet face on a boy and had him play along with the show and put lips on a girl, which had the audience laughing.

Gandelman has always liked puppets, so much so that as a kid, he put on puppet shows for the other kids in his neighborhood. His career began back in 1981 when he was a reporter in Wichita, Kansas. When he was a journalist, he turned to puppetry to relieve stress and bought a book on magic shows. Wanting to improve his skills, he contacted famous ventriloquist and comedian Paul Winchell, who advised him to purchase better dummies at a magic store in San Diego. He also reached out to Jimmy Nelson, a ventriloquist from the 1950s and 1960s, famous for his Nestle Quick commercials. Jimmy mentored Gandelman and critiqued his videos. It was Jimmy who encouraged him to go full-time with his act.

He has been doing shows for over 31 years and has performed in venues all over the United States and Canada. He has appeared in big-stage variety shows on television, at fairs, festivals, corporate events, casinos, libraries, country clubs, churches, synagogues, mosques, schools, and private parties. He even got ordained after a couple requested that he perform their wedding ceremony with his Bassett hound dummy. He has videos on YouTube and TikTok. In a couple of weeks, he will be heading to Colorado to perform at a fair, then to New Mexico. Gandelman loves comedy and enjoys making people laugh and smile. He made the Rec Center campers do just that.

At the end of the presentation, Gandelman taught the kids a few behind-the-scenes tricks on ventriloquism and had some audience members practice saying words without moving their lips. He also showed them the inside of the wooden dummy puppet named John and demonstrated how he controls the puppet and moves its face.

ImagiCamp at the SDCE continues to be a place where kids can explore new skills, build confidence, and have a lot of fun. And thanks to the puppets with big personalities, this week’s fun had a magical twist.

Check out Joe Gandelman & Friends at https://familyentertainer.com .

Photo of Joe Gandelman with puppet collage courtesy of Joanne Rivera, Recreation Secretary. All other photos taken by Tiffany Pressler

Reminder: Time to Upgrade Your Homeowner ID Cards

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 15:14:03 GMT

We have upgraded our system for easier ID card access — the old-style cards will be retired in July.

We’ve made improvements to our access control system, and it’s time to phase out the old equipment. If you’re still using an old ID card to access the pools or RV gates, please note that these cards will no longer work after July 31, 2025 .

To avoid delays when you’re ready to enjoy our amenities, we encourage you to obtain your new homeowner ID card from the Community Relations Department at 15910 Avenel Lane, open Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4 pm (closed for lunch from 12 to 12:45 pm). No appointment necessary; come on by!

ID cards are available for household members ages 14 and up. Your new membership ID is free, with a processing fee for replacements.

What can you access with your card?
Homeowners can access the two community pools located at the San Vicente Resort and the Ramona Oaks Park.
Renters can access the RV storage lots.
You can also access the pickleball and tennis courts; you no longer need to make a reservation with Member-Guest Services.
Homeowners gain free entry to the annual Spring Clean event, which includes dump services.
Keep an eye out for exclusive deals throughout the year simply by showing your member ID.

If you have any questions, contact Community Relations at CRDdept@sdcea.net or call 760-789-8747.

Beat the summer rush and get your ID Cards as soon as possible. Old ID cards will be deactivated on July 31 .

Friends Near and Far Tee Off at San Vicente Men’s Golf Club Member-Guest Tournament

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 15:01:53 GMT

Over three sun-drenched days, the Men’s Golf Club Member-Guest Tournament raised spirits high and brought competitors from Arizona, Alabama, Oregon, and Canada for this reunion of fairways and friendships.

The San Vicente Men’s Golf Club rolled out the red carpet for its annual three-day Member-Guest Tournament from Friday, June 20 - Sunday, June 22, and the fairways were alive with camaraderie, competition, and a true sense of community.

Friday kicked off with practice play and a sizzling BBQ, capped by Matt’s ever-popular chipping contest—an individual contest played close to the green in which players either aim for a staged turkey with a dollar value attached at the bottom or go for the hole. There was also a Friday night Derby, where 2-player teams shot competitively on four holes of the course. Rumor has it that there was more than one hole-in-one! Players chipped in and played for prizes and laughs, setting an upbeat tone for the days ahead.

Saturday’s rounds wrapped just in time for a “players-only” dinner and raffle. The dinner catered in the San Vicente Room served prime rib, chicken, vegetables, potatoes, salads, rolls, and dessert. With 56 teams (112 golfers) competing, raffle tickets flew off tables in hopes of landing top prizes like a $500 driver, a $300 putter, Cleveland wedges, golf bags, golf balls, and even luxury golf vacation packages.

This year’s field of players boasted a host of long-distance travelers:

Pete Torres returns every year for one of his favorite tournaments that he says he used to run. Driving over 250 miles from Lake Havasu, AZ, he reunited with old friends John Rathbun, Jim Munsterman, and “Ca-merican” Shel Jacobsen—so nicknamed for splitting seasons between Canada and Southern California.
Terry Collins , our former local golf pro now based in Oregon, returned to pair up with Hugh Blackwood.
Marty Brumfield , previously an SDCE resident of 28 years, made the trip from Arizona—and promptly aced a hole-in-one during Friday’s Derby!
Scott Cheesman , freshly moved to Borrego Springs in December, praised the tournament’s format, and vowed to return.
Jay Huseth flew in from Alabama, proving that true golf passion knows no boundaries.

Sunday’s finale featured a fresh barbecue with fixings and cold beverages enjoyed by players sitting in the shade of a huge tent on Hole 10. Congratulations to the winners and long-time friends Jim Munsterman and Shel Jacobsen.

We owe a big thank you to Jim Anderson, our Tournament Chairman; Mike Gilliand; Hugh Blackwood; Mike Oliver; and the wonderful Golf Team of Fred, Matt, Sergio, and Aaron. A special thanks to our volunteers: Toni Munsterman, Angie Rios, Corinne Hill, Toni Massery, John Massery, Robyn Bolitho, Penny Fowler, Kathy Knowles, Kathleen Kankleberg, AJ White, Darla White, Dave Blyth, Joyce Whitehead, and Sharron Daniels, whose behind-the-scenes efforts kept everything running smoothly.

Between the friendly competition, excellent food and drinks, numerous prizes and big catches in the raffle, and the sight of old friends reconnecting for a weekend, this year’s tournament was more than a game; it was a celebration of the San Vicente Men’s Golf spirit. Here’s to next year’s drive!

IT & Our Association: Your Owner Portal & Updating Your Contact Information

Sun, 22 Jun 2025 20:29:07 GMT

Learn how to update your contact information and access your SDCEA Owner Portal to stay informed and connected with your community.

We receive numerous questions from homeowners regarding how to update their contact information or receive communications from the Association. If we do not have your email address or phone number on the account, you will need to reach out to the Administration office at 760-789-8290 x5030 to reach our Accounts Receivable Coordinator, Tannis Dickson, or x5011 to reach me. We will update your account with this information and send you an invitation to the owner portal.

Once you receive the invitation via text or email, simply follow the link to set your password and access the website. That’s where the convenience begins.

You will use the Account Profile tab on the left-hand side of the menu to review the contact information we have on file for you. The ownership information is greyed out as we require a copy of the deed, a decree, or a certificate to alter the ownership of the property. You can update your password, contact preferences, and add or remove your saved payment methods.

The Owner Portal is user-friendly, featuring a menu on the left-hand side of the screen and providing quick access to key items on the home page. You can view your current balance, make a one-time payment, or set up autopay. You can view upcoming community events and meetings, as well as submit and track any architectural reviews for property improvements.

Each year, as an Association, we are required to provide you with our annual disclosures, annual budget & policy, financial audit, election information, and board agendas. To help us save trees and reduce postage costs, we kindly request that you select the Electronic Delivery Consent box to allow us to communicate this information to you via email.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Kaleb Carlisle Named July Employee of the Month

Sat, 21 Jun 2025 22:01:51 GMT

Kaleb Carlisle, a dedicated busser in the Food & Beverage Department, is recognized for his exceptional work ethic, positive attitude, and team spirit.

As summer is in full swing, the San Diego Country Estates Association is proud to recognize one of our own who truly makes a difference. This July, we are celebrating Kaleb Carlisle, whose dedication, teamwork, and outstanding performance set a high standard across the community. Whether it’s a busy shift or a small moment of extra care, Kaleb consistently goes the extra mile—and we are lucky to have him on our team.

Kaleb joined the SDCEA on July 3, 2024, and works in the Food and Beverage Department as a busser. His responsibilities include keeping tables and chairs clean and clearing tables to help maintain a tidy, organized dining experience for guests. Bussers play a vital role in creating an efficient and welcoming environment at our facilities.

According to his lead, Colleen Doulgeropoulos, Kaleb was chosen as Employee of the Month because of his positive attitude and unwavering dependability. “He shows up on time, does his job 100 percent of the time, and is always willing to help his fellow employees with any task,” she said.

Outside of work, Kaleb enjoys reading, playing guitar, and watching movies. He says the best part about working at the SDCEA is the people. “I have a lot of great co-workers,” he shared.

Thank you, Kaleb, for your dedication, and congratulations on being named SDCEA’s Employee of the Month for July!

Landscape Irrigation Box Restoration Saves Thousands

Sat, 21 Jun 2025 21:31:42 GMT

With resourceful repairs and repainting by Landscape Lead Irrigation Technician Rufo Herrera, 15 aging irrigation boxes were restored in-house for under $200—saving the community nearly $15,000.

Sometimes, it's the small, often unnoticed details that reflect genuine care and thoughtful stewardship of our community's resources.

A perfect example is the recent restoration of the irrigation control boxes used by our Landscape Department across various locations. These decades-old boxes had become rusted and faded and were equipped with non-functional locks.

After an exhaustive search for replacements—only to find suitable options prohibitively expensive at $1,000 each—our Landscape Lead Irrigation Technician, Rufo Herrera, stepped up with a creative solution. With initiative and skill, Rufo repaired, repainted, and upgraded all 15 boxes in-house. He also purchased and installed new locks, having them rekeyed to use a single-key system.

Rather than spending $15,000 on new boxes, the total cost of the project was less than $200. Although it took several months to complete while balancing daily duties, the result is a set of attractive, secure, and functional irrigation boxes that protect our infrastructure and enhance our community spaces.

A heartfelt thank you to Rufo and the entire Landscape team, whose pride in their work ensures that our grounds remain clean, well-maintained, and beautiful for everyone to enjoy.

Photos by Nancy Zadrozny.

San Vicente Resort’s First Annual Open House

Sat, 21 Jun 2025 20:20:17 GMT

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.

San Vicente Resort hosted an Open House last week to showcase its fully renovated rooms and hospitality suite. Guests enjoyed a happy hour, free samples, and special bounce-back offers, including coupons for the lodge, restaurants, snack bar, and ImagiCamp for kids, and more. There were also espresso martinis and a delicious banana foster dessert tasting for guests to enjoy while viewing the hospitality suite.

Guests were encouraged to explore, experience, and enjoy the event via a passport, which required them to visit ten stops throughout the tour and fill their passports with stickers from each location. Guests turned in their filled passports to be entered into a drawing for a stay, golf, dinner, and a gift basket valued at $500.

Five of the 28 renovated rooms were open for the tour: the wheelchair-accessible ADA Room, the Queen Room, the King Room, and the hospitality suite, which featured an adjoining King Room. The ADA room featured a fold-down bench in the shower, wider entrances for wheelchair access, and is on the parking lot level for easy access. All rooms featured new televisions, sheets, chairs, desks, a storage bench, and artwork to add a pop of color.

Lodge Manager Mary Ellen Stevens, who led the event, envisioned uniform, contemporary rooms that feel lighter and more open, and now, guests can enjoy beautiful, welcoming spaces that reflect that vision. The Member-Guest Services Team was on hand to answer questions and guide visitors through the room tours, and they truly enjoyed the positive reviews about the renovations. In response to feedback from guests who often confuse the lodge with nearby condominiums, Front Desk Supervisor Susanne Hopkins clarified that the new lodge rooms are remodeled hotel rooms, not condos.

“A picture is worth a thousand words,” says General Manager Carl Weise. He was in the hospitality suite, greeting visitors as they rediscovered the lodge and all that the community had to offer. He was excited for guests to see all the amenities and encouraged them to invite visiting friends and family to stay in the upgraded rooms. He added that he wants to show the homeowners how the association has invested in providing them and their guests with beautifully upgraded accommodations.

Head Golf Professional Matt Brumbaugh was on-site, providing information about Twilight Golf, Ladies Golf, Lessons, and Junior Golf. He said that Twilight Golf is great for families and friends, offering a non-traditional golf experience. He added that kids can join in at any time for Junior Golf, and it’s a lot of fun.

Catering Manager Joyce Whelehon greeted guests in the banquet room, which was specially set up with tables for a party and a wedding, and featured a background slideshow showcasing the resort’s amenities and catered event experiences. She shared that she has hosted a wide range of events in the space, including school functions, church gatherings, weddings, and memorials. “It’s a great wedding destination,” she said, “because once you get out of your car, you don’t have to leave.” She added that each wedding and banquet is fully personalized to suit the host’s vision.

The Food and Beverage Front of House Manager, Colleen Doulgeropoulis, led the Happy Hour experience in the Par Lounge.

Recreation Manager Amy Holsapple-Lueck was at the open house with colorful candy and kids' toys to remind visitors that, even if you aren’t part of the association, you can still enroll your kids in their summer camp. Families participating in the Wednesday night Junior Golf program enjoyed talking with her. She hopes to welcome new families to their camps and always promotes the recreation programs.

Equestrian Manager and Director of Operations Lisa Everett was at a booth in front of the lodge, informing people about the Snack Bar and Equestrian amenities SDCEA has to offer and distributing flyers and trail guides.

Almost 100 people attended the open house. There was an array of balloons created by Raylene Swanson from Ray’s Balloon Creation. The balloons were placed throughout the Open House touring areas and featured guest rooms to provide guests with direction on the tour. They added color and creativity to the open house, masterfully designed to showcase the event.

The event offered a behind-the-scenes, manager-led glimpse into the San Vicente Resort experience—including golf, staycations, weddings, and dining—highlighting the many reasons to Stay and Play and giving locals a chance to rediscover one of the community’s most valuable assets. With the addition of SDCEA’s Recreation and Equestrian facilities, there truly is something for everyone.

Stay, Play, Dine, and Celebrate with us! To view the rooms, book your stay, or share with friends and family, call 760-789-8290 x 0 or visit the San Vicente Resort website .

Room photos by Shelly Mullin.

From the Wilds of Alaska to the Arenas of Ramona: Equestrian Trainer Brings Northern Grit to Southern California

Sat, 21 Jun 2025 18:54:00 GMT

Born and raised in the rugged landscapes of Alaska, Erin Downey brings a unique blend of toughness, patience, and deep horse sense to her training program in the SDCE. With a lifetime spent in the saddle and a passion for developing both horse and rider, she’s become a respected figure in the local equestrian community.

Downey's love for horses began at an early age when she was introduced to the sport of barrel racing with a family friend's horse. When Downey was old enough, she joined the local 4-H club to learn about various disciplines and began volunteering at the Therapeutic Riding Center. This broad start gave her an understanding and respect for other disciplines as well as the importance of good horse management.

Downey's drive to better educate herself, as well as her involvement in the community, promoted her to positions such as Head Equestrian Coach for Special Olympics Alaska, President and Show Manager of the Alaska Dressage Association, Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship State Chair, and other club and committee positions that support and educate individuals of all ages.

After leaving Alaska, Downey relocated to Hailey, Idaho, where she served as an accredited instructor and was in charge of the daily schooling, training, and purchasing of the center's horses. Using her knowledge of different horsemanship techniques, she was able to help produce a safe, secure, and willing horse for the riding program.

"A lot of people ask me if I have bomb-proof horses in my program," says Downey. She says she doesn't want a bomb-proof horse. She wants a horse that is present and can react in an appropriate and safe manner to whatever outside pressures come its way. She wants a horse that thinks through its actions and looks to the human for support and answers. "That comes from having a good mind and developing that mind with good training; that's my job," she says.

Downey has taken that philosophy with her throughout her journey with horses. She says it doesn't matter what discipline you ride, train, or teach; if you don't have a thinking and willing partner who wants to try for you, you have nothing.

While in Idaho, she was able to join an elite dressage barn that had produced and was still producing multiple Olympic riders. Downey started in whatever position got her in the door and ended up with a young horse that she was able to start and develop within their program. From spending winters in Wellington, Florida, and summers in Idaho, the experience introduced her to the high-performance dressage world, which she would be a part of for the next ten years. When the farm sold and home base was going to be in Florida for the foreseeable future, Downey moved her business to Rancho Santa Fe and Del Mar, again training at top barns with international and Olympic riders.

Downey relocated her horses and business to SDCE a year ago after purchasing a house a few blocks away from the Casey Tibbs Western Center. "For me, it is a great place to train horses," Downey says. Not only are there large arenas to work out of, but the trail access for her relaxed riding days is also fantastic. She can walk right off the property and be gone for hours. It is so important for her horses to get out and see the world, even if they show in a sandbox.

Her program is designed to produce well-rounded horses with a focus on dressage. Her horses need to be good citizens first and foremost, whether that is on the ground or in the saddle. Downey travels a couple of times a month to clinics out of state, in addition to running a full-care barn that includes training, sales, and personal horses she continues to develop. She is looking forward to the fall, when she plans to focus on training horses that are ready to hit the show season and helping clients achieve their own goals, both in and out of the show ring.

With years of experience across the country and countless horses shaped under her guidance, Downey brings more than skill to the saddle; she brings perspective. Every stable, every showground, every trail she's traveled has added a layer to her horsemanship, and now she shares that depth of knowledge right here in the SDCE.

Photo courtesy of Erin Downey.

A Glimpse into Fourth of July Celebrations Past, Present, and Future in the San Diego Country Estates

Sat, 21 Jun 2025 18:45:29 GMT

SDCEA Recreation Manager Amy Holsapple-Lueck has played a key role in leading past Fourth of July celebrations at Ramona Oaks Park and continues to be involved in shaping future events.

Before the sizzle of the barbeque grills and the boom of fireworks echoes through the evening skies, the Fourth of July celebration in SDCE will have something special.

On July 4, families will line Pappas Road in the morning, setting out folding chairs and red, white, and blue blankets in anticipation of the SDCE parade. Starting at 10 am, local kids on decorated bikes, golf carts decked out with streamers, and a few horses from the equestrian centers and surrounding areas will walk down the street, cheered on by waving flags and friendly faces. The SDCEA Board of Directors and General Manager Carl Weise will be parading in decorated golf carts to show the community who represents our Association.

The parade is just the beginning. At the park, neighbors will gather for family-friendly activities. The ticket booth opens at the green tent at 9:30 am, followed by a schedule of events. The Ramona Oaks celebration will feature a variety of fun activities for kids, making it a great event for the whole family. The Black Canyon Band has performed at this event for the past 20 years and will return again this year, from noon to 3 pm, on the stage. The Oaks Grille and Outlaw BBQ will be providing food for purchase.

SDCEA hosted its first community Fourth of July celebration 40 years ago, and Holsapple-Lueck walked in the parade when she was in elementary school. Over the years, the celebration has evolved, adding more activities for the children and dance performances by the RJAD.

Holsapple-Lueck has been involved with organizing this event for 28 years. The planning process for the 4th of July celebration takes over six months. She says they have to get permits to use the street for the parade and the park for the celebration. “We are all hands-on deck with 20-30 staff members the day of,” says Holsapple-Lueck. The Recreation Team works hard to put on this event, but they aren’t the only department involved. The other SDCEA departments involved in this event include Food and Beverage, CRD, Maintenance, Open Space, and Administration.

This year’s Fourth of July Parade has around 40 entries so far, and the last day to sign up is July 1. The groups and organizations that commonly participate include the San Vicente Saddle Club, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, CalFire, Ramona Royalty, Rodeo Queens, SDCEA Lifeguard Team, local schools, sports teams, and community members with decorated golf carts. Local Ramona businesses also participate. “My family helps with park signs, set-up, and break down, and will also represent us in the parade,” Holsapple-Lueck adds.

The Fourth of July in the SDCE is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a celebration of community, tradition, and the simple joy of coming together. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time guest, the magic of Ramona Oaks Park on Independence Day is something you won’t forget. And with each passing year, the magic only grows.

Project Updates: Community Improvements in Progress

Sat, 21 Jun 2025 18:31:33 GMT

Several key maintenance projects—including ADA upgrades, pool repairs, plumbing fixes, and a major roof replacement—are progressing as our community heads into the summer season. A summary of the latest updates on facilities and infrastructure improvements is outlined.

ADA Lift Installation

The new ADA-compliant lift has been successfully installed and tested. We've reached out to the county to schedule the final site inspection. Once approved, the lift will be officially ready for use, improving accessibility for all members of our community.

Summer Season Pool Repairs

As temperatures rise, our pool facilities are in full swing—and so is our commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable swimming experience for all residents.

ROP Pool Heater: The heater has been repaired, resulting in only one day of downtime. A full replacement is scheduled for the end of the season to minimize disruptions to summer usage.
Main Pool Chemical Pumps: We've replaced chemical pumps at the main pool following equipment failure, ensuring continued water quality and safety.
Clubhouse Jacuzzi Pump: The pump has reached the end of its service life and will be replaced within the next 30 days. We anticipate little to no disruption in jacuzzi service during this process.
Monitoring Systems: We've replaced several probes and other components of our water monitoring systems. As pool use increases, these systems are thoroughly tested, and we are prepared to respond quickly to any issues. We maintain a stock of parts and tools to reduce repair times and minimize inconvenience.
Water Quality: Our staff tests pool chemistry multiple times daily to maintain the highest water quality standards and create the best possible swimming environment.

Clubhouse Plumbing Vents

Work on the plumbing system in the men's restroom is complete, and the wall will be closed shortly. Additionally, vent pipe issues traced to the Administration Office are being addressed, with repair work scheduled to begin on June 19 to replace the affected pipes.

Clubhouse Roof Replacement

Planning meetings are underway with the roofing vendor and management team as this large, three-month project commences. The clubhouse will have all 260 solar panels removed and safely stored while new shingles are installed.

Thank you for your continued support as we enhance and maintain our community facilities. We'll keep you updated as these projects progress and new ones begin.

June's Home of the Month: A Welcoming Retreat

Sat, 21 Jun 2025 18:25:37 GMT

As summer begins to shine across the hills of San Diego Country Estates, one home in particular stands out—not just for its curb appeal but for the warmth and personality it reflects inside and out.

We’re excited to feature the beautiful home of Ben and Nicole Gallup, a couple whose creativity, comfort, and love for nature shine through every detail. Ben is from Texas, and Nicole is from Northern California. The couple met in San Diego and have been married for 7 years. They have four kids, three dogs, and four cats.

Built in 2008, the Gallups' SDCE home captures the true spirit of country living. The beautiful 2,607-square-foot home sits on a half-acre lot and features four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Nicole says that the smaller property and larger house are what inspired them to move to SDCE from a larger property in Lakeside three and a half years ago. Her hometown was similar to Ramona, and they had friends from Ojai who moved to Ramona, so they did, too.

One thing that drew them to this home was that it was already upgraded; the only thing they added was solar. Nicole says they came from a project property, and it has been nice to live in a home that doesn't require any updating or fixing-up.

The family makes good use of the amenities in the SDCE. "My whole family golfs… the kids, too," says Nicole. "And the kids play tennis." Nicole loves that she is close to the equestrian centers and golf course and keeps her horses at the Casey Tibbs Western Center.

Nicole enjoys the outdoor aspect of the home. They have a fire pit, BBQ, and patio furniture. She enjoys being able to walk out into the trails from her backyard. The kids are also runners and make use of the trails.

Whether it's their appreciation for the land, their passion for their horses, or the way they've created a home that reflects their outdoor style, Ben and Nicole Gallup are a shining example of what makes the SDCE so special. Congratulations to our June Home of the Month, a true celebration of life on the trails and under the sun.

Photo courtesy of Nicole Gallup.

Equestrian Committee Hosts Fiesta Potluck to Celebrate Community Spirit

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 20:17:43 GMT

The Equestrian Committee hosted a festive potluck on Saturday, June 14, bringing over 20 community members together to share Mexican dishes, honor volunteers, and enjoy time with family and friends.

The Equestrian Committee hosted a festive potluck on Saturday, June 14, bringing more than 20 community members together to enjoy Mexican dishes, honor volunteers, and spend quality time with family and friends.

Held at the Rotunda, the Fiesta Potluck Dinner featured tables filled with vibrant and flavorful homemade dishes. Guests arrived with their favorite Mexican recipes, creating a delicious spread that everyone enjoyed.

The event was coordinated by Equestrian Committee members Michael Minor, Missi Stone, Terri Law-Terry, Vice Chair Chris Luitjens, Jeff James, and Vanessa Jerrell as a way to foster community connections. Director of Operations Lisa Everett and Equestrian Supervisor Marissa Travis also joined the celebration.

A highlight of the evening was the surprise recognition of Missi Stone as SDCEA’s Volunteer of the Quarter. Lisa presented her with a framed certificate and a $50 gift certificate to San Vicente Resort.

“I appreciate all the hard work you did as part of the committee, and I appreciate you and the committee,” Lisa said during the presentation.

Humbled by the honor, Missi responded, “I stand on the shoulders of giants, and I could not have done anything without the commitment and volunteer service of all the members of the committee,” as her daughter Hannah looked on proudly.

The evening was filled with great food, heartfelt appreciation, and plenty of laughter—highlighting the camaraderie and community spirit that define the Equestrian Committee.

SDCEA Clean and Green: Powered by Community

mkt.asst2@sdcea.net (Cheryl Schlauch) — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 20:08:37 GMT

SDCEA's Fall Clean and Green Day on Saturday, Oct 18, brings together Ramona Disposal, Ramona Food & Clothes Closet, and Sustainable Ramona to unite the community in reducing waste, promoting sustainability, and supporting local initiatives. Start being Clean and Green now.

Many homeowners participated in the SDCEA's Spring Clean-up and Jan Ryan's SDCE Yard Sale last month. These were community-wide efforts to recycle and reuse locally, and we would like to introduce Ramona Disposal, Ramona Food & Clothes Closet, and Sustainable Ramona as our key local collaborators in the Clean Green Day for all to Recycle, Reuse, and Be Earth Friendly this summer.

Recycle

The Ramona Disposal team is proudly family-owned and operated, serving the integrated waste and recycling needs of Ramona, Julian, and the backcountry of San Diego County. Built on a "We'll Take Care of It" philosophy, they combine superior customer service with innovative solutions to keep communities clean and green.

With a strong emphasis on recycling, Ramona Disposal operates a network of specialized facilities—a Material Recovery Facility, a Construction & Demolition Processing Facility, a Buyback Center, and a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center—to maximize resource recovery. Their tailored collection programs, supported by dedicated team members and state-of-the-art equipment, address the unique needs of local neighborhoods.

Recognized as an industry pioneer, Ramona Disposal also gives back through community partnerships and volunteer efforts. Their mission is to efficiently meet customers' waste, disposal, and recycling needs while fostering a safe and rewarding workplace—and consistently delivering with integrity and commitment. Learn more at ramonadisposal.com .

Reuse

The Ramona Food & Clothes Closet (RFCC) is more than just a thrift store—it's a vital community resource. Their mission is to provide emergency food, clothing, and household essentials to low-income individuals and families across Ramona and nearby rural communities, including Julian, Santa Ysabel, Borrego Springs, and beyond.

Thanks to generous donations and the efforts of volunteers, the RFCC supports a wide range of programs—from scholarships and community grants to free medical equipment loans and disaster relief. Net profits from thrift store sales are reinvested directly into the community, supporting local nonprofits like the library, senior center, and others.

They also offer monthly food distributions through partnerships with the San Diego Food Bank and Feeding San Diego and run the heartwarming "Share Your Christmas" program each holiday season. Learn more, donate, or get involved at www.foodandclothescloset.org .

Be Earth Friendly

Sustainable Ramona is leading our town's shift toward a land- and people-friendly future, complete with a thriving local economy and its own community microgrid. Their mission? To guide Ramona's transition to a sustainable climate through education, connections, hands-on projects, advocacy, and ultimately, a profitable, independent, electricity-producing microgrid.

Key goals include advancing community knowledge on green jobs, homeowner opportunities, water management, and agricultural best practices; forging partnerships with county and state initiatives; and launching visible projects such as community gardens, tree-planting events, and neighborhood compost "drives." They also champion successes already underway in Ramona and work to harness our abundant sun and wind to power—and profit—the region.

Concrete objectives are to host an impactful Earth Day event, establish a community garden by year's end, and offer monthly presentations on renewable energy, electrified buildings, transportation, fire safety, water use, and waste reduction. By spotlighting career and business opportunities in climate technology, Sustainable Ramona equips residents for tomorrow's green economy. Learn more or get involved at sustainableramona.com .

SVWGA Summer Member/Member Tournament Celebrates New Players and Strong Competition

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 19:54:59 GMT

The SVWGA Summer Member/Member Tournament blended fun, food, and friendly competition, welcoming new players and celebrating an exciting net win by Angela Cowardin and Amy Sailors.

What a fun Summer Member/Member Tournament with 20 players competing! We kept a good pace throughout, though the tougher Day 2 back-nine format—requiring both balls to count—added an extra challenge.

Despite a setback on hole #17, Angela Cowardin and Amy Sailors held onto their strong lead and secured the overall net victory. Thanks to Sergio Saucedo for posting the scores through Golf Genius—Leaderboard and Sweeps reports are attached.

Those who finished early enjoyed snacks and drinks while waiting for the rest of the group. Chef Ben treated us to lobster bisque with sourdough rolls topped with everything seasoning, along with three delicious salads: Blue Chopped, Southwest, and Chinese Chicken, served in The Oaks Grille. For dessert, we indulged in Joyce Whitehead’s homemade pecan bars and ice cream.

All three new players—Beth Shott, Arvilla Rodgers, and Kiersten Easley (golf members new to women’s club tournaments)—won sweeps prize money! We hope to see them join us again on upcoming Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Congratulations to all who participated and to all the winners!

Photo courtesy of Corinne Hill

Tree Removal and Safety Update at Ramona Oaks Park

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 19:49:46 GMT

Four unsafe cottonwood trees were removed at Ramona Oaks Park, and replacement planting is underway to restore the area.

Recently, a large tree limb fell directly into the popular sandbox area. Fortunately, this happened overnight, and the tree was immediately trimmed of any weakened branches.

This incident prompted a thorough evaluation of all four remaining cottonwoods, and the decision was made to remove them because they were unhealthy and prone to dropping limbs.

We understand the importance of the shade these trees provided, and plans are underway to replace them with Chinese elm trees.

Fence repairs were completed first, and next, we will source and install the new trees.

Thank you for your patience as we work to keep our facilities safe and enjoyable for all.

Photos by Nancy Zadrozny.

Recreational Fires

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 19:30:39 GMT

The summer season brings opportunities for fun, with many homeowners looking forward to BBQs, camping, and enjoying the outdoors. As we prepare to have fun, here are some helpful tips and reminders about recreational and cooking fires.

According to CalFire, residents may have a "recreational fire" for warmth, cooking, or ceremonial activities as long as the fire is contained within an outdoor fireplace, barbecue grill, or fire pit and has a total fuel area of three feet or less in diameter and flames are two feet high or less . The space around a recreational fire should be clear for 10 feet from any combustible materials, 15 feet from a structure, and have no trees directly overhead. Fires must be continuously monitored while burning.

When using BBQs or other portable fireplaces, ensure they are used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, such as having ember screens in place. Have a fire extinguisher or other extinguishing equipment (dirt, sand, a garden hose, or a water barrel) available for immediate use.

Only clean wood may be burned in a recreational fire pit. Other materials, such as wood pallets, trash, and cleared vegetation, can only be used in a debris burn pile. The season for debris burning ended at the start of June and will resume when the rainy season returns.

CalFire has in-depth information on safe fire practices and campfire permits on its website, readyforwildfire.org .

Volunteer of the Quarter Missi Stone: Riding High on Community Spirit

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 19:58:53 GMT

The San Diego Country Estates Association is proud to congratulate Missi Stone for being our second quarter’s Volunteer of the Quarter. She is a dedicated equestrian whose passion for horses is matched only by a deep commitment to the community.

Nancy “Missi” Stone has served as chair of the Equestrian Committee since 2024. Stone was nominated for Volunteer of the Quarter by Equestrian Manager Lisa Everett, and all of the managers agreed that Stone was an excellent choice.

According to Everett, Stone’s role in organizing the new Equestrian Committee involved setting a purpose, developing agendas, and fostering teamwork. She became the chair of the new committee and has been instrumental in working with staff to lead and accomplish equestrian projects. She takes the time to listen to and advocate for all boarders and equestrian members and works to find compromises for concerns.

“I am the committee liaison to management,” says Stone. She is an instrumental leader on the committee and in the equestrian community. She is assisting in the development of the master plan and helped organize committee events at the IEC in 2024. The master plan that she is helping with is an infrastructure plan that will renovate the equestrian facilities. It will bring the barns up to standard, help bring in new boarders, and showcase SDCE’s two incredible equestrian facilities.

Some of the events at the IEC that Stone has helped with include the First Aid and Evacuation Clinics, held by the committee, as well as the 2024 Halloween Fun Show. She has been a long-standing member of the SDCEA equestrian community and is committed to continually improving the facilities and strengthening the community.

Stone is an SDCE homeowner and moved here in 2013. She became involved with equestrian activities when she started boarding her horses at the Casey Tibbs Western Center in 2015. She is a single mother and couldn’t imagine raising her daughter, who is now 18, anywhere else. “Moving here was the best decision I have ever made,” says Stone. They came from El Cajon, and her daughter attended James Dukes growing up. She credits the Casey Tibbs Western Center for being an instrumental part of her daughter’s upbringing. The equestrian world teaches children to compete against each other while also working together. It taught her daughter patience and responsibility. She says she is so blessed to live here and wants to give the same opportunities in the equestrian world to others living in the area.

“It’s really quiet, and I get to go and enjoy my horses,” says Stone. When she started boarding her horse in 2015, she started with one at the Casey Tibbs Western Center. Three months later, she moved her second horse to the facility. At one point, she had four horses, and now, she has three—a Kiger Mustang, a reservation horse, and one Pinto pony. Her Mustang was attacked by a mountain lion years ago, and he still has anxiety from the incident and is very cautious about who might be a predator. Stone says she is committed to him and will have him until the day she dies.

The reservation horse is also a Mustang, and a group of people from Ramona picked him up at a feedlot in Fallon, Nev. She got him when he was 4 years old. Her daughter, who was 10 years old at the time, spent countless hours working with him, both alone and alongside trainers, and did a remarkable job. Stone met her pinto pony when the pony was 9 months old, and now she is 22. She was her daughter’s hunter jumper pony in 2018. Stone’s daughter is the one who inspired her to start keeping her horses at the Casey Tibbs Western Center, as she loved to ride. Her daughter began showing in 2017 and continued through 2021. She participated in open shows, hunter-jumper, gymkhana, and barrel races. “I was a horse show mom,” says Stone.

Stone loves volunteering; it gives her a chance to give back to the place she calls home. She wants other kids to have the same opportunities her daughter did growing up. “It’s what it’s all about,” says Stone. She wants to help parents get their kids involved in the horse world to help them become well-rounded, responsible individuals and develop good character. She adds that club sports can be just as expensive as owning a horse.

Stone has a law degree and previously worked in California legislation, coming from a field where she was actively involved in numerous community activities. She is a busy woman, currently working as a senior investigator for a local company, but still makes time to give back.

She enjoys working with SDCEA management and says it takes every one of them to make a difference together. “I stand on the shoulder of giants,” says Stone. “We are all important.”

We celebrate Missi Stone not only for her time and energy but for setting the standard of what true volunteerism looks like. Thank you, Missi, for helping SDCE remain a vibrant, horse-loving community.

Firefighter Balances Flames and Fatherhood as Proud Girl Dad of Three

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 19:47:11 GMT

We celebrate Father's Day and the many ways dads shape our lives, and turn the spotlight on someone who serves both his family and community with unwavering dedication.

Ramona Firefighter John Denhalter has been a firefighter for 23 years and serves as an engineer/paramedic at Station 80, located near Ramona High School. He is a trusted first responder and a homeowner right here in our own San Diego Country Estates community, along with his wife of 11 years, Ashley. According to Ashley, they bought the house in November of 2011 and got the keys on Thanksgiving, which was exciting.

They have three beautiful girls, Sawyer, 9, Norah, 8, and Evelyn, 6. "It's the most amazing thing I have experienced in my life," says John. He grew up surrounded by boys, with eight brothers and one sister who was a tomboy. "It was quite the man show." And at his job, he is surrounded by guys. Marrying Ashley and then having three daughters, he read books to learn about how girls operate. And it's everything he could have asked for.

Being a firefighter has helped shape him for his role as a father thanks to the many men who have served as role models and father figures throughout his career, guiding him along the way. He says that in Cal-Fire, very little ego is involved, and they all build each other up and help one another develop better skills.

The most challenging aspect of balancing firehouse and family life is the long hours. John can be on a shift for up to 21 days. The girls can stop by the station to say hi and grab a quick hug and kiss, and that's enough for them. "My girls grew up in it," says John. He adds that they used to cry before when he would work long hours, but they have grown accustomed to it because he is at work more than half of the month. He is the sole provider for the household, which enables Ashley to be present for the kids.

His proudest moments being a dad include seeing his girls interact with other people. He likes to see the mix of his and Ashley's genetics together and watch them in different environments. He also enjoys watching his kids grow up and experience life for themselves. He says he tries to instill in them that everyone has flaws and to take people at face value for what it's worth. He cherishes seeing his girls' compassion.

Being a girl dad, John has come to the conclusion that he will never be the boss in the house. "Women rule the world." He says he goes about his business and spends his whole life observing. "It's fun to watch."

As we honor fathers this month, we tip our hats to all the dads who serve on the front lines and at home. Being a dad is the greatest title of all, and we thank John Denhalter and all the dads in our community for wearing that title proudly.

Photos courtesy of John Denhalter.

Pat Garrity: June’s Employee of the Month

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 19:39:51 GMT

We are proud to recognize Pat Garrity, our Community Specialist in the Community Relations Department, as Employee of the Month for June. This month marks the start of summer, and we couldn’t be more proud to celebrate Pat. She joined the team on May 18, 1989, and has been a consistent and dedicated presence in our community, bringing many years of experience, professionalism, and heart to everything she does.

In her role, Pat effectively and resourcefully communicates with owners, tenants, and guests of the lots and resort. She facilitates requests of any nature to the respective staff member, committee, or Board of Director member. She also offers insight and clarification on SDCEA governing documents, assists Inspectors and supervisors with accomplishing daily Community Relations workflow, and assists in RV lot storage logistics.

“Through over three decades of development and decisions that had to be made both as a person and an employee, she has decided for 36 years to make SDCEA her priority, and the least I can do is make sure Pat is recognized for that commitment and the value she offers,” says her supervisor Thomas Campbell, CRD Supervisor. Campbell adds that Pat excels in any project she is asked to help with. She always gives her best and makes a real difference.

When she’s not working, Pat enjoys gardening, a peaceful pastime that reflects the same care and attention she brings to her work. When asked what she enjoys most about her role, she shared that it’s the people in the office and the wide variety of owners she interacts with who make her job truly fulfilling.

Pat’s dedication over the years has helped shape the culture and care that define the SDCEA. Her steady presence, generous spirit, and commitment to excellence have touched the lives of countless coworkers and community members. We are honored to recognize her this month and grateful for every day that she has been part of our team. Congratulations, Pat Garrity, on being our June Employee of the Month.

Legacy of Service: Connie Sparks Memorial and Chris Martinez Open Golf Tournament 2025

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 19:30:17 GMT

The 11th Annual Connie Sparks Memorial and Chris Martinez Open brought together families, friends, and golfers to raise funds for cancer and ALS research, continuing a heartfelt legacy of service and remembrance at San Vicente Golf Resort.

On Friday, June 6, and Saturday, June 7, 28 golfers gathered at the San Vicente Golf Course with 12 family members and friends to participate in the 11th Annual Connie Sparks Memorial Golf Tournament and the 2nd Annual Chris Martinez Open. John Sparks started the Connie Sparks Memorial Golf Tournament in honor of his mother to support City of Hope and those battling cancer.

San Vicente Golf Resort has been a refuge and go-to destination for the Sparks family for over four decades. It has been a wonderful place in Southern California to stay and play as much golf as they can for two weeks a year. They have become a part of the community during their annual visits since 1981. John’s father, John Sparks Sr., was the golfer in the family. He was a +2 player until he was 55 years old. His golf handicap was still a 6 when he passed away in 2007 at the age of 83. “Our whole family revolved around golf, golf events, and golf vacations. My Mom would complain she was a golf widow. So, we thought it fitting that the golf tournament would be named after her. And we used that to create this event and raise monies and awareness for all types of Cancer and the City of Hope.”

Connie passed away on June 27, 2012, from breast cancer. She was diagnosed with very aggressive breast cancer in her 80s and developed a close bond with her doctor from City of Hope, Dr. Arti Hurria. City of Hope is one of 57 National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated comprehensive centers in the U.S. Connie told her doctor that she wanted to see her grandkids graduate from high school and college. Dr. Hurria used those goals to create a program that would give Connie some time and hope. Connie met all those goals, and the clinical trial she helped to forge at City of Hope is used with geriatric cancer patients today. Connie was a registered nurse all her life and was able to give back well into her 80s, continuing her legacy of service.

This year’s 2nd annual Open honored Chris Martinez, a frequent visitor to Ramona, who passed away from Bile Duct Liver Cancer in January 2022. He loved Ramona and enjoyed playing golf here. He never missed a Ramona golf event for over 30 years. Martinez helped John Sparks establish Blue Sky Golf in 2009 and was instrumental in shaping it into what it is today. His wife, Bea Martinez, acted as the Ambassador for last weekend’s Open.

They added ALS last year because John has a close friend, Mike “Frosty” Foster, who is battling ALS. “He is in the fight of his life, and we want to support him and his family.” Mike has been present at all the golf tournaments and made every Connie Sparks Memorial. Mike’s group, “Team Frosty,” fundraises and raises awareness for ALS year-round. ALS has been added to this event and will continue to be every year. Mike was present on both days and functioned as Ambassador for the event. “Adding Chris and Mike seemed like the right thing to do.”

The event had a record number of sponsors and introduced a new silent auction this year, raising money for the fundraiser, as reported by event lead John Sparks. The fundraisers have brought in a minimum of $3,000 every year, and John hopes to continue increasing that amount. Funds raised at this year's event are being tabulated at the time of publication.

Photos courtesy of John Sparks.

Environmental Control Committee Opportunity

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 01:01:27 GMT

SDCEA is looking to fill a vacancy on the Environmental Control Committee (ECC). The ECC is a 3-member committee established by Article IV of the CC&Rs, to ensure that all improvements on lots within the Association meet the standards outlined in the governing documents.

There is one position available with a term running July 2025 through June 2028.

The committee meets twice per month, on the 1 ^st and 3 ^rd Tuesday, generally for one hour from 8 am to 9 am, and then for a 20-minute Open Session at 11 am. The committee will conduct progress inspections for homeowner projects, review and approve project applications, and meet with homeowners as needed.

ECC members should be able to express themselves effectively while discussing subjects in a rational, polite, and professional manner with homeowners. Knowledge of SDCEA governing documents is recommended (CC&Rs and SDCEA Handbook). Committee members are not required to be a member of the Association, architect, or board member, but should have a related background in architecture, planning, projects, design, and related disciplines.

If you are interested in this position, please fill out a volunteer interest form and submit by Friday July 4, 2025 , to Community Relations at CRDdept@sdcea.net , or by mail at 15910 Avenel Lane, Ramona CA 92065, Attn: CRD Manager.

Questions about the committee or the position can be directed to the Assistant General Manager at Joshua.Jones@sdcea.net .

A Fresh New Look for San Vicente Resort Lodge Rooms

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 00:58:28 GMT

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.

Known for its peaceful atmosphere, gorgeous views, and welcoming charm, the lodge has been a favorite destination for guests for years. Lodge Manager Mary Ellen Stevens, who has led with a customer-centric approach since December 2023, envisioned guest rooms with enhanced comfort, style, and functionality—while preserving the charm that makes the lodge special. She invites all to experience the renovated rooms and full range of amenities at the San Vicente Resort Open House on June 18 .

Stevens brings almost 30 years of experience from her management roles at Hilton Hotels in San Diego. In 1990, she helped open the Red Lion Hotel, now known as the DoubleTree by Hilton, in San Diego-Mission Valley. She even had a fun job working at Tiffany and Co. at the Fashion Valley Mall.

At the San Vicente Resort, she oversees Member-Guest Services operations, including reservations, guest check-ins and check-outs, and upsells amenities such as the restaurant, bar, and golf. The front office provides information to homeowners; usually, the homeowners call the front office first with questions and concerns.

“The renovation project has been in the making for a year now, taking steps one at a time,” says Stevens. The project includes a complete overhaul of 28 guest rooms and one hospitality suite and will be complete with the placement of new artwork that adds pops of color to the rooms in mid-July.

Stevens’ vision for the upgrades was to create sleek, comfortable, and thoughtfully updated rooms that reflect the natural beauty of the golf course and surrounding landscape. Her goal was to showcase the full range of amenities at San Vicente Resort and ensure each room feels refreshed, welcoming, and unmistakably resort-worthy. The renovations embody the lodge’s commitment to offering a relaxing, elevated retreat—blending the charm of Ramona’s countryside with contemporary comfort. “I want people to come see the new renovations during our open house event,” says Stevens.

Stevens led the renovation with a vision to create uniform, contemporary rooms that feel lighter and more open. A fresh coat of soft, light-colored paint and the addition of plantation shutters in all but nine rooms—framing views of the scenic golf course and surrounding mountains—replaced the once darker walls, heavy curtains, and brown-toned décor, transforming each space with a brighter, more inviting feel. Step outside, and guests can relax on new furniture with a table and space for four people to sit.

Guest rooms, featuring either a king or queen-sized bed, now boast brand-new furniture, and all of them match, unlike the outdated rooms. Guest rooms now have floating nightstands, a desk, leather chairs, and a six-drawer one-piece dresser, along with new lamps and lighting, as well as a 55-inch television. In the future, The San Vicente Resort plans to renovate the guest room kitchen area, vanity area, and bathrooms.

The king bed comes with five pillows, and the queen beds have four pillows. Stevens says that guests usually ask for extra pillows at check-in, so she has them covered. The beds are platform beds with no box springs and pillowtop Sealy mattresses. Each bed is triple-sheeted, with the comforter in the middle, and she added a bed scarf at the end of each bed. Each room has end-of-the-bed storage space, where guests can find extra blankets instead of having to search for them in the closet. Stevens adds the closets are very large and have a lot of room for guests to store their luggage.

The lodge features three levels: the lower level, the premium parking level, and the executive top floor. The lower level offers blackout curtains and patios that open directly onto the golf course, providing views of golfers teeing off on the 10th hole. The top-floor executive rooms feature added amenities, including a Keurig coffee maker, complimentary slippers, mouthwash, toothpaste, a sewing kit, and Neutrogena makeup wipes.

Guests interested in booking a room at the lodge can do so online at SanVicenteResort.com or call the front desk at 760-789-8290 to make a reservation.

Putting with Purpose: Dan Reed Memorial Tournament Supports Tunnel to Towers Foundation

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 00:41:09 GMT

The Dan Reed Memorial Golf Classic, held on May 30, raised over $40,000 and united community members, first responders, and military personnel to honor the legacy of firefighter Dan Reed. The event supported the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which is inspired by the guiding principle: “Do the Right Thing.”

Last Friday, 100 patriotic golfers gathered at San Vicente Golf Course to play the beloved game in support of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, whose mission includes paying off mortgages for families of fallen first responders and military service members with young children, providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star families, and launching initiatives to eradicate homelessness among veterans, offering housing and comprehensive support services.

The opening ceremonies started as Head Golf Professional Matt Brumbaugh welcomed everyone and recognized the tournament committee, led by Co-Chairs Robyn Bolitho and Jodie Taylor, and volunteers, followed by a performance by the Ramona High School Color Guard and a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem sung by Dave Castberg. Players enjoyed a breakfast burrito and a selection of morning cocktails.

Golfers then got into their carts for the shotgun start and participants, including teams of firefighters, police officers, community members, golf club players, friends, and family, navigated the course with camaraderie and a touch of competition. The tournament featured various activities, including a putting contest and a hole-in-one challenge on hole 2, where participants had a chance to win a car parked near the hole.

The Tunnel to Towers New York team included Senior Coordinator of the National Golf Series MaryAnn Mulligan Burrows, as well as Dan Deleon and Jack Oehm. Dan Deleon, the National Golf Series Associate Director, played golf with General Manager Carl Weise and golfers Steve Chambers and Tim Martin. Born and raised in New York, DeLeon volunteered for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation for 15 years and has been working for the foundation for two years. He is happy to be a part of this cause to help others.

12-year Tunnel to Towers Board of Directors member Jack Oehm is a retired battalion chief for the New York City Fire Department. His job for the day was to drive around and troubleshoot. He toured with Co-Chair Jodie Taylor and called her the "energizer bunny," saying he "rode and did nothing and was exhausted." This tournament is very meaningful to him because Dan Reed, who passed away a year and a half ago, was a very special man, and they had a great bond. When he comes out to this event, it is always an emotional experience for him.

Participant Tommy Roderick, a 17-year army veteran, is the general sales manager for Team Kia of El Cajon, which donated a car for the hole-in-one contest on hole 2. "I am a big proponent of the United States, and I love to support anything to make our country better," says Roderick.

Many first responders were in attendance, including Alex Chiappone, who is new to golf. He works for the San Diego Police Department in the motors division, and one of his friends asked him to play in the tournament. In preparation for the day, he played his first round of golf earlier in the week. Danny Richards, 22, who is going into the fire academy, was golfing with friends supporting the great cause.

One group of women on the course expressed their patriotism with red, white, and blue clothing and sparkly hats. Victoria Reed, the wife of Dan Reed, was enjoying the event and played golf. "Dan and I led the tournament together for the first three years," she said. Dan never wanted the tournament to be about him, and she promised her husband she would carry it on. She added that this event means the world to her.

A cocktail hour and a delicious catered Prime Rib dinner followed, and the evening program started with Tunnel to Towers lead Dan Deleon telling the story of Steven Siller, a courageous New York firefighter who was planning to play golf on September 11, 2001, when he received the call that a plane hit the twin towers. Siller learned that his fire team had already left, so he drove alone and was stopped at the entrance of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, which was closed for security purposes. He parked his truck, grabbed his 60 pounds of firefighting gear, and ran through the tunnel to the towers, helping to save thousands of people before losing his life. "He lost his life while saving others," DeLeon said.

Jodie Taylor recognized the late Rex Gammon for his tireless work as a volunteer over the years. She presented his wife, Terri, with a Tunnel to Towers wooden flag. Robyn Bolitho recognized the late Dan Reed, a fireman, who started the resort’s tournament with his wife Victoria in 2022 raising $120,000 in three years, and she honored Victoria, who traveled from her home in Idaho to play in this tournament.

Kaylee Valene and her daughters Grace and Lilly are this year’s Gold Star Family from Vista. They lost husband and Dad, Andy, three months after he was diagnosed with "occupational cancer" or "line of duty cancer." He was only 33 years old. Kaylee, who was 34 at the time, said she was grateful for the mortgage-free home and the nurturing support of all who helped.

Last, and not least, congratulations to the winning golfers: Mike Maschmeier, Ben Newton, Brett Bohan, and Gregory Coleman.

The event was made possible through the hard work of The Tunnel to Towers Committee, consisting of 19 members led by co-directors Jodie Taylor and Robyn Bolitho. Bolitho and her husband were in the Marine Corps, and this is her fourth year on the committee.

Thanks to the many generous sponsors and those who contributed 37 raffle items and 31 silent auction items.

By embodying the principle of "Do the Right Thing," the Dan Reed Memorial Golf Classic participants, volunteers, sponsors, and the San Vicente Resort Teams made a difference to our heroes and families helped by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Photos by Kortney Weseloh, Heather McGhee, and Robyn Bolitho.

Horsefeathers: May 2025

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 23:27:41 GMT

Lots of exciting things going on to kick off the Summer!

We would like to welcome new boarders at Cassey Tibbs as well as The International Equestrian Center.

Exciting News this month: We received approval at the last Board meeting to move forward with the Barn C renovation at IEC and plan to break ground on that project in the next several months. The barn has passed its useful life and is now unsafe for horses to occupy. We will be replacing all the walls in the barn and adding in and out-paddocks to the west infield-facing stalls. The east stalls will have sliding walls to allow them to be in single or double configuration. We are excited to be renovating and bringing it back to its pristine shape for horses to use again.
The long-awaited renovation of the Dressage Court is set to begin the first week of June. Riders are advised to exercise caution while using the infield during this time. We are excited to partner with Triple Crown Arenas on this project, which will assist with arena maintenance and repairs as we move forward. The North Dressage Court #2 will have a DG base, railroad ties, and new footing installed. South Court #3 will have the existing base level and footing refreshed. The courts are in high demand, and we are excited to increase the safety and riding surface for all equestrians.
We are continuing our weeding at both centers, and things look great.
Join the Equestrian Committee for a Fiesta Potluck on Saturday, June 14, from 6 – 9 pm in the Rotunda. Bring your favorite Mexican dish to share and enjoy an evening of food and camaraderie.
Click to view the event flyer.

Photo by Heather McGhee.

San Vicente Women’s Golf Association Championship

mkt.asst2@sdcea.net (Cheryl Schlauch) — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 23:15:21 GMT

The 2025 San Vicente Women’s Golf Championship celebrated three days of spirited competition, culminating in Cathy Knowles claiming the Club Champion title alongside fellow winners Corinne Hill, Nancy Berger, and Virginia Krieger.

Over three days of competition from May 15 to May 22, fifteen of the club’s finest women golfers teed off to compete for the title of 2025 San Vicente Women’s Club Champion.

Players started at staggered tee times, beginning at 8 am, each arriving in their golf gear ready to prove they belong at this prestigious event. The course rose to the occasion, offering warm morning light and soft breezes. The leaderboard shifted with every iron shot and dramatic putt, but one name rose to the top: Cathy Knowles.

Cathy brought her A-game, and she recounted her tournament journey with grace and humor:

First Round: Coming off a grueling event just days earlier, Cathy admitted she was exhausted. “I focused on staying out of trouble,” she laughed. “And I managed to leave every green within two putts.”
Second Round: Nerves were present, but so was the magic. Cathy chipped in for par on Hole 1, setting the tone. On Hole 14 (4 par), her second shot found the water—only to ricochet off a hidden rock and bounce back onto the approach. “I still can’t believe it,” she said. “You can’t make this stuff up.”
Third Round: With confidence high, Cathy reminded herself of her mantra: two putts or less. The focus paid off as she built a comfortable five to six-stroke lead.

Cathy graciously credited her coaches: “Huge thanks to Matt and Fred for all their help during lessons. I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Photos courtesy of the tournament players and Cheryl Schlauch.

Fire Preparedness Assessment – Part 2

Wed, 28 May 2025 19:34:47 GMT

Protect Your Home. Gain Peace of Mind.

Wildfires don't wait—your preparedness can't either. Thankfully, the Fire Safe Council of San Diego County offers free, confidential, and non-regulatory home assessments to help residents reduce wildfire risk and protect what matters most.

Taking simple, proactive steps now can create a safer environment, reduce wildfire risks, and help meet future insurance requirements for the community and association. This can also help our community meet Firewise requirements. For more information, to apply for a free Fire Safety Assessment, or to see if you qualify for assistance, visit the Fire Safe Council site.

We recently underwent the assessment and were qualified to have one of their non-profit partner programs available to help implement safety improvements. We set a date and were ready for step 2: making the necessary landscaping changes to make our home fire-hardened and reduce our wildfire risk. SD Canyonlands is a non-profit organization that brought a team of seven people ready to get to work helping clean up and fire-harden our home. These individuals were paid through grants received by the non-profit.

There were a couple of areas that needed work. The first area was in Zone One—within 5 feet of the house—and was the easiest job. It required removing three large bushes that were situated against the house and would provide easy access for embers to burn our home if they made their way to the bushes.

The second area presented the real challenge; it was larger, messier, and required a lot more work. Near the horse corals stood two dead trees and a lot of invasive scrub brush, along with a thick blanket of wild cucumber vines that would cover everything! This area posed a significant threat to the horses' lives and was an imminent danger to the property.

The crew arrived at 7 am, and the lead started forming teams. It was so wonderful to have the help. We appreciated it so much. They brought all the tools needed and got right to work. They had two trucks and someone to drag and stack the trimmings in the trucks to be hauled away. They completed the work by noon and moved on to a second house in the estates that also needed help. Now, our home and our horses are safer than ever!

We are incredibly grateful to have had this work done to our home with the assistance from the program and feel much more wildfire prepared. With wildfire season just around the corner, everyone can benefit from a fire assessment.

Photos by Cheryl Schlauch.

Riders Learn to Build Better Foundations at the Cavaletti Clinic

Wed, 28 May 2025 19:28:45 GMT

Rhythm, balance, and precision were the focus as riders gathered for a Cavaletti Clinic and Wine Tasting/Lunch designed to improve both horse and rider performance.

Hosted at the International Equestrian Center by trainer Sherie Levine, the Cavaletti Clinic on Saturday, May 24, attracted adult riders of all disciplines eager to sharpen their flatwork and strengthen their connection with their horses. The entry fee was $125 per rider, which included Cavaletti instruction, a catered lunch, and wine tastings. Non-riders could enjoy wine tasting and lunch for $65, and each participant was asked to bring one bottle of wine valued at no more than $25.

Led by an experienced instructor, the session combined hands-on exercises using strategically placed ground poles and raised rails to encourage proper movement, timing, and rider awareness. Whether participants were preparing for competitions or simply seeking to improve their everyday rides, the clinic emphasized the fundamentals that lay the groundwork for success in any discipline.

Cavaletti training helps every horse; it allows the horse and rider pair to progress at their own pace. Each rider has a different goal, and every horse and rider pair will be at a different level and skill set. Some horses require more reassurance and patience, and many riders do as well. It teaches communication, partnership, and focus, in addition to the physical advantages.

She also coaches at competitions and works extensively with jumpers and endurance riders. Levine has coached and trained award-winning students and riders, including the USDF Bronze Medalist, USDF Silver Medalist, Scholastic Equestrian League Champion, and Scholastic Equestrian League Reserve Champion.

For the Cavaletti Clinic, 10 riders were broken up into two groups. Samantha Connolly was part of Group 1 and was excited to ride her new Quarter horse, Maisy, which she bought three days prior. Connolly lives in the Acres, and her horse stays at the IEC. She has been riding for 27 years; she used to participate in show jumping when she was a kid and showed at Del Mar.

She says that cavaletti benefits her horse by working her top line, and it's helping Connolly get in shape, too. The movements that clicked for her and her horse at the clinic were going over the poles and making sure they stayed straight. Connolly made sure her own shoulders stayed straight as well. She noticed that her horses' rhythm and balance improved during the clinic, and she could feel the change when she went over the poles. The strides became more consistent, and the horse lifted through her back, making the ride feel smoother and more connected.

Tanya Rule was one of the riders from Group 2 and rode her Arabian horse, Vini Vidi Vici. Rule grew up riding as a kid and started back up about 10 years ago. Originally from New Zealand, she now lives on a ranch in Descanso and made the drive to Ramona for the clinic.

As an endurance rider, Rule found cavaletti work especially valuable in helping her horse develop better balance and body awareness. She said the clinic not only made her horse stronger and more coordinated but also helped her become a more effective and mindful rider. It has helped her horse develop a strong top line, and it's good for his mind.

By the end of the clinic, horses were moving more freely, riders were smiling, and a shared accomplishment was evident in the arena, whether preparing for competitions or simply strengthening the horse-rider bond.

Photos by Tiffany Pressler.

Celebrate Summer at SDCEA

Wed, 28 May 2025 19:21:31 GMT

We can't believe summer is upon us in the Estates! If you're looking for great experiences and a chance to meet new friends, join us at our summer camp and community events.

Summer ImagiCamp:

Our staff loves our themed 10-week summer camps, which offer a variety of adventures, including nature hikes, daily swimming, group games, fun skits, sports, a lot of crafts, special Friday activities, and, of course, amazing field trips. We have something for everyone, and we invite all to join in the fun because your children are sure to have a blast! If you don't need all 10 weeks, no worries. Just sign up for the weeks that pique your interest or fit your schedule because all our weeks are extremely fun.

Amazing Athletes:

Amazing Athletes will hold multiple classes during the week here at the beautiful Ramona Oaks Park. They offer tots classes for 18 months to 2.5 years, preschool classes for 2.5 to 5 years, and school-age classes for 5 to 10 years. Amazing Athletes is a non-competitive, multi-sport camp that helps your child develop teamwork and self-confidence while improving key areas of motor development and having fun! It could be their first experience with all types of sports. For more information, please get in touch with Taylor Dick with Amazing Athletes at northlandca@amazingathletes.com .

Summer Concerts in the Park:

Our SDCEA Summer Concert series is fun for the whole family. Join us at Ramona Oaks Park and listen to all types of music under the stars. Our concerts are held on the first and third Saturdays of the month from June to October (our first concert in July will be at The SDCEA Fourth of July Celebration ). Bring chairs, blankets, and your dancing shoes, but please remember to leave your 4-legged friends at home.

View all concert dates here.

Fourth of July Celebration:

For a fun family event on the Fourth of July, join us for the SDCEA Parade and Park Celebration. If you would like to participate in the parade, sign up at our Recreation Center. You can walk, make a float, drive a golf cart, or ride a horse. After the parade, the fun will continue in the park with music, a horseshoe tournament, and a kids’ zone.

The Recreation staff can't wait to see you all during the summer!

Social Media Best Practices

Fri, 23 May 2025 22:31:35 GMT

This article offers practical guidelines to help users navigate social media safely, respectfully, and responsibly while protecting their privacy and fostering positive online interactions.

Social media has become a regularly used method of communication for all ages. It is important to conduct yourself online as you would face-to-face with others, as your behavior online is available for all to see forever. It is also important to understand that it is possible to steal a person's identity using information shared on social media – email addresses, phone numbers, birth dates, and work or home addresses should never be posted online.

It is also important to make it a regular practice to change your social media platform passwords, and if multi-factor authentication is available, use it! Do not use the same password for your social media accounts as you do for your retirement or bank accounts.

Best practices for social media users include being respectful and mindful of privacy and safety.

Respect and Responsibility:

Be respectful: Treat others online with courtesy and avoid negativity or personal attacks.
Be mindful of privacy: Protect your own and others' personal information, avoid sharing sensitive data, and be cautious about what you share.
Understand terms of service: Familiarize yourself with the rules and guidelines of each platform you use.
Think before you post: Consider the potential consequences of your posts and avoid sharing anything that could be harmful or regretful.
Set boundaries: Trolls live on social media. If you encounter a person who has nothing positive to say or is a bully, it's ok to block them and not engage.
Be authentic: Share your genuine voice and personality to connect with your audience. Don't be a troll.
Ask questions: Encourage interaction by asking questions or starting discussions.
Be a community member: Engage in discussions, share valuable insights, and build relationships with other users.
Remember the advice to Thumper in Bambi: "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all."
Implement strong passwords: Use unique and secure passwords for your social media accounts.
Be aware of scams and phishing: Be cautious of suspicious links or requests, and protect yourself from online scams.
Monitor your accounts: Regularly check your account activity for any suspicious or unauthorized access.
Review your friend requests: Learning your posting patterns can be used against you. Don't accept friend requests from people outside your friend and family circle.
Don't publicly share private information! Private information such as email addresses, phone numbers, birth dates, license plates, and work and home addresses should never be posted online.

Stylish, Serene, and Ready for Summer: May Home of the Month

Fri, 23 May 2025 22:15:50 GMT

This month’s featured home is a stunning two-story retreat that blends comfort, elegance, and outdoor living. With summer just around the corner, this property stands out for its spacious layout and inviting backyard oasis, complete with a sparkling pool.

Homeowners, Michael and Nim Miranda, love their home and neighborhood. Michael moved into the house in 2014, and Nim joined him in 2018. The couple welcomed a baby boy this January. Nim was the SDCEA Executive Assistant but is currently training her replacement.

The 3,787 square-foot home sits on half an acre and has four bedrooms and three bathrooms. One of Nim’s favorite parts of the home is the open concept kitchen. They spend a lot of time in the kitchen cooking, eating, and hanging out. The master bedroom is upstairs, and the home is equipped with all hard wood floors.

The backyard is a true retreat, featuring a pool and outdoor barbecue. The Mirandas live in a cul-de-sac and look forward to inviting their neighbors over for outdoor activities this summer. Every year, they have ping pong tournaments on Halloween and Christmas. Nim says it’s really fun with the neighbors when they hang out and have potlucks. “The neighbors are really awesome,” says Nim. “I can’t wait for summertime, to hang out with friends and family at the pool.”

At the end of 2024 and early 2025, they did a massive landscape upgrade to the front and back yard. They transitioned to a lower maintenance landscape that includes DG, gravel, drought-tolerant plants, and turf. They also have a lot of citrus and palm trees, roses, and birds of paradise. The property previously had a lot of grass, contributing to a high water bill. They wanted to make it low-maintenance because, at the time, they were planning for the baby and knew they wouldn’t have as much time to work in the yard. They love their new landscape where they can sit outside, enjoying their new baby and picking fruit. The family dogs—a 70-pound Dalmatian-Doberman mix and a 15-pound Miniature Pincher-Dachshund mix—also enjoy the house and outdoor areas.

The proud parents are happy to be raising their son in this wonderful community. Nim says, “This is it, this is where I want to stay.” It’s a really nice neighborhood with good schools nearby. She also loves where she works. She used to love to play pickleball at the SDCE, but that has taken a backseat as being a mother and celebrating her first Mother’s Day this year has taken priority in her life.

Whether relaxing by the pool, enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the SDCE, or simply soaking in the beauty of a thoughtfully maintained home, this two-story standout truly captures the spirit of springtime living. Congratulations to the homeowners on being named May’s home of the month, a shining example of comfort, style, and community pride.

Photos courtesy of Nim Miranda.

Young Golfers Shine at San Vicente’s PGA Junior League

Fri, 23 May 2025 21:46:24 GMT

The greens at San Vicente Resort have been buzzing with youthful energy this spring, as the PGA Junior League welcomes a new season of aspiring golfers. With clubs in hand and determination in their eyes, local kids are learning more than how to hit a golf ball; they are building sportsmanship, confidence, and a love for the game.

This year’s PGA Jr League has drawn an enthusiastic group of junior golfers eager to sharpen their skills under the guidance of experienced coaches in a supportive, scenic setting. The league started on Wednesday, May 14, with 36 junior golfers aged 6-14 participating. The program lasts six weeks, ending on June 25, and includes one practice and one match per week.

PGA Golf Professional Matt Brumbaugh says the goal is to have a good time. The first meeting on Wednesday started with the players getting to know the coaches—Tim Smith, Cody Snyder, Darryl Neff, and Sergio Saucedo—and was followed by team practice. Brumbaugh talked with the parents about what the next six weeks will look like for their players in the league.

The matches will be held on Wednesdays from 5 to 7 pm. Practice with Tim and Sergio will be on Tuesdays from 4 to 5 pm, and Cody and Darryl will be coaching on Tuesdays from 5 to 6 pm.

As parents awaited the start of practice, one mom, Krystal Gainey, was proud to talk about her son, Owen, age 9. Of her three boys, Owen is the only one participating in the league this year and is on Coach Sergio’s team. Krystal is married to PGA Professional Michael Gainey and is excited for this opportunity for her son to get involved in organized golf games, get more practice, and have fun. “That’s our sport,” says Krystal. Owen has played golf most of his life and says he loves to be outside and play the sport.

Chelsie Willingham, mother of three boys, watched her two oldest at the practice. Finley, 8, and Asher, 6, practiced in matching golf attire while their 15-month-old brother, Sawyer, explored the area. Chelsie says that Asher is obsessed with golf and can’t wait to play. They are excited to play year-round, and it will be nice to fill in the gaps while other sports are off-season. Her boys play baseball and soccer, and race mini dwarf race cars at Barona Speedway.

“We believe golf feeds into the racing field,” says Chelsie. Golf involves a lot of mental work, patience, and focus; these skills help with race car driving. Her boys realized that many NASCAR drivers play golf, and it really helps with hand-eye coordination, focus, and patience.

Her parents and the boys’ grandparents, Andrew and Vikki Dancan, live along the golf course in SDCE. Andrew is an avid golfer and is excited for his grandsons to have lessons and play with him in the future. Vikki was the previous owner of Ramona Beauty Supply and could be seen with her iconic red hair watching her grandsons practice.

Brumbaugh says the league is modified for the younger players, and he encourages parents to cheer on the kids and take photos. Some of the kids are new while others have experience. He says it’s not about the score or who won, it’s about having a good time and learning. “It gives kids an opportunity to keep improving,” says Brumbaugh.

Every swing comes with a little imagination and a lot of heart. The league isn’t just about teaching the basics of golf, although there is plenty of that; it’s about helping kids discover confidence and focus in and out of the game.

Time to Upgrade Your Homeowner ID Cards

Fri, 23 May 2025 21:38:23 GMT

We have upgraded our system for easier ID card access — the old-style cards will be retired in July.

ID cards are available for household members ages 14 and up. Your new membership ID is free, with a processing fee for replacements.

What can you access with your card?

Homeowners can access the two community pools located at the San Vicente Resort and the Ramona Oaks Park.
Renters can access the RV storage lots.
You can also access the pickleball and tennis courts; you no longer need to make a reservation with Member-Guest Services.
Homeowners gain entry to the annual Spring Clean event for free dump services.
Keep an eye out for exclusive deals throughout the year simply by showing your member ID.

If you have any questions, contact Community Relations at CRDdept@sdcea.net or by calling 760-789-8747.

Beat the summer rush and get your ID Cards as soon as possible. Old ID cards will be deactivated on July 31 .

From Tragedy to Triumph - San Vicente Ladies Golf Team 2025

Fri, 23 May 2025 21:09:40 GMT

With a wrecked car and recovering players, the San Vicente Ladies Golf Team's 2025 season became more than just a pursuit of trophies; it became a testament to perseverance, friendship, and the unbreakable human spirit.

February 17, 2025, was day one of the San Diego County Women's Golf Association Season, and our SV ladies' team won their game. As four of the ladies headed back to celebrate this win, the trip turned catastrophic. On their drive home, chatting happily about being champions, the great putts, and not-so-great shots, they were struck by another car. Their car careened into an embankment, spun around back through traffic, and ended up in the far-left lane, hitting the dividing wall. All four players were rushed to the hospital with serious injuries.

San Diego County Women's Golf Association is comprised of twenty teams separated into four divisions. Each team can have sixteen players, but only eight can play in a match. San Vicente Ladies Golf Team is just one of those teams, and with four injured players from the car crash and four other players with their own troubles, the team was suddenly down half its roster. They were still recovering from injuries but continued trying to improve their games and keep their spirits high. The team pressed on with a mix of players—some complete newcomers with no match experience and others seasoned veterans—but by midseason, they found themselves sitting in last place.

While restructuring their team was difficult, they remained diligent and maintained a positive 'can do' attitude. With some incredibly good luck, three of their next four games were on their very own San Vicente golf course. Continuing with their positive outlook and sheer determination through the matches, they rose to 3rd place. With one more match to play in the regular season at Temecula Creek Inn on May 8, they needed to be up by seven and a half points to win, and they did it! This win put them into the Playoffs. They were all so proud. With this momentum and a little encouragement from their team members, they won their first Playoff game at Native Oaks on May 12.

With this win behind them, Team Captain Cathy Knowles was considering which players to partner together. She wanted to pair the women who supported each other and brought out the best in one another. Feeling like the sky was the limit, why not win the whole thing? Especially now that they were playing together so well. Three of the ladies—Janet Flores, Angela Cowardin, and Suzanne Shupe—shot their personal best. This team from Ramona came together and they took the Championship!

From a wrecked car and recovering players to the roar of the championship crowd back at the Par Lounge, the San Vicente Ladies Golf Team's 2025 season showed the power of perseverance, friendship, and the unbreakable human spirit.

Header photo courtesy of Cathy Knowles.
Left to Right: Angela Cowardin, Suzanne Shupe, Angie Rios, Lynda D’Amato, Cathy Knowles, Virginia Kreiger, Paige Megna, and Corinne Hill.

A Sale with Heart: How Jan Ryan's Annual Yard Sale Became a Community Tradition

mkt.asst2@sdcea.net (Cheryl Schlauch) — Thu, 15 May 2025 00:10:17 GMT

Jan Ryan's Annual Yard Sale is this Saturday, May 17. Shop local treasures. Meet your neighbors. And become part of something special.

What started as a simple idea inspired by a real estate newsletter in Northern California has grown into one of the most anticipated traditions in our neighborhood, Jan Ryan's Annual Yard Sale, held this year in SDCE on Saturday, May 17.

Back in 1987 or 1988, Jan was just hoping for a small turnout. She had seen a similar concept near where her parents lived in the Bay Area and thought, "Why not here?" Armed with enthusiasm, she distributed and collected expensive signs, placed newspaper ads, and promoted heavily on early social media platforms—determined to bring neighbors together.

That first year, around 20 to 30 homes participated. Jan worried no one would show up. But then the cars started arriving. They lined the streets, drawn in by the promise of one-of-a-kind finds and neighborly hospitality. The energy was electric, and it hasn't slowed down since.

Today, Jan Ryan's Yard Sale includes over 100 homes, all hosting individual sales at their own properties. Shoppers receive a community flyer listing all participating addresses thanks to Jan's continued dedication and coordination. The event has become more than a shopping day; it's a social gathering, a neighborhood reunion, and a chance to discover hidden treasures right down the block.

Visitors come from nearby towns, and even vacationing timeshare guests have stumbled upon the sale and spent hours exploring. It's not uncommon for shoppers to leave with unique antiques, garden décor, or something they didn't even know they needed—much to Jan's playful jealousy when friends score a great find before she does!

But the heart of this event isn't just the deals, it's the connections. Neighbors meet for the first time, strike up conversations about gardening or horses, and share a few laughs while browsing. It's a win-win: buyers find great items, and sellers earn a little extra while enjoying the buzz of community spirit.

The yard sale continues to evolve, incorporating modern tools and growing each year in both size and significance. What remains constant is the joy, generosity, and hometown pride that Jan helped spark all those years ago.

So, mark your calendars, grab your reusable bags, and stroll around the neighborhood. Whether you're looking for a vintage chair, a warm conversation, or just a great way to spend a Saturday morning , visit a neighbor and shop.

See the Yard Sale Map.

Ashlie Alshouse: May's Employee of the Month

Wed, 14 May 2025 23:50:48 GMT

As spring brings fresh energy and growth, we're proud to recognize someone who brings the same qualities to our team every day. Our May Employee of the Month, Ashlie Alshouse, stands out for her dedication, positivity, and exceptional contributions that strengthen our workplace and contribute to its success.

Ashlie Alshouse was hired on August 18, 2021, and is head recreation leader in the Recreation Department. She works with the children in the program and helps the program coordinator plan activities and crafts. She is also one of their drivers who help pick up the children from school for the after-school program.

Alshouse was chosen for this honor because she is always willing to go above and beyond her job description. She took the lead on organizing and cleaning up the recreation center. She has been a massive help in getting the center up to date with storage, making life easier for her lead Recreation Manager, Amy Holsapple-Lueck. She organized all the community event supplies, craft closet, kitchen, shed, and trailer, and put new furniture together to make the center more modern. The recreation department was able to accomplish so much this past year thanks to Alshouse's efforts, making it a better place to be.

Alshouse has excelled as a counselor at the recreation center and gives her all in everything she does. She loves children and helps them with crafts, sports, and homework. She is a great role model for all the children here at the recreation center.

On her off-work time, she likes to read, go to concerts, collect mugs, work out, hang out with friends, and spend time with her one-year-old nephew.

She loves to see kids grow and help them develop as humans. The recreation center is like a second family to her, and the office staff is so supportive.

This month's recognition is especially meaningful, as May is a time to honor care, dedication, and fresh starts. Alshouse's nurturing spirit in the workplace lifts everyone around her.

We are grateful to have Ashlie Alshouse as part of our team and are proud to celebrate all she does to contribute. Congratulations, and thank you for making May even more memorable.

Photo by Amy Holsapple-Lueck.

From Tee to Team: Ramona Golf Pro Shares Passion with the Next Generation

Wed, 14 May 2025 21:05:09 GMT

Golf isn't just a job for PGA Professional Michael Gainey; it's a family affair. By day, he is a Southern California Career Consultant for the PGA of America. But off the clock, you can find him walking along the fairways with his own kids, sharing tips, encouragement, and the same love for the sport that launched his career.

Michael Gainey started playing golf in 7th grade and played for Ramona High School. He says he got a lot of encouragement from friends and peers to continue his golf journey. Teaching became a natural progression, and he has learned to wear a lot of hats within the sport. He has tried other career paths, and they brought him back to golf.

Gainey began his golf career at the San Vicente Resort and worked there on and off over the years, starting in 1995 when he was in High School. In 2010, he worked at the SVR as an independent golf instructor and helped run the Jr. Golf programs. "I love the game itself and have enjoyed the business and social interactions at golf," says Gainey.

Today, he works on the business side of golf as a Southern California Career Consultant for the PGA of America and doesn't get out on the course as much as he would like. However, he enjoys golfing at industry-related events and after work meetings.

Gainey and his wife, Krystal, live in SDCE with their three boys — Vincent (11), Owen (9), and Bennett (2). He helps his kids refine their golf swings and sharpen their game. Their youngest is starting to show interest in golf and practices his swing using a plastic golf club. The two older boys have participated in the PGA Jr League program in previous seasons and will be participating again this summer.

Gainey said his kids naturally gravitated to golf because he plays and works in the industry. His approach when teaching the kids to play is just to have fun without pressure. He and his wife do not push their boys into any single sport, but if they show interest in one, they will fully support them.

His advice to young players is, most importantly, to always have fun. Golf is a challenging and endless pursuit of perfection that you will never fully achieve — and that's part of the beauty of it. It's one of the best sports for teaching life lessons and building character. It's an individual sport that helps you overcome adversity. You learn about pressure, respect, integrity, and even about other people, as you spend hours together on the course observing how others handle success and setbacks.

Beyond the personal lessons, golf also offers professional opportunities. It's a sport that brings people together in business. Opportunities arise to play golf with peers and coworkers, leading to deeper camaraderie, networking, and new connections.

Gainey has formed many lasting friendships that began on the golf course. Some of these friends have become mentors, and he communicates with them weekly. Thanks to the network he has built through golf and business, he also gets to travel to new places for work and enjoy experiences he might not have had otherwise.

He is very thankful to live and raise his family in this wonderful community. He appreciates all the amenities the association offers, such as golf, tennis, parks, equestrian, to name a few. “We all live in such a wonderful community and should take advantage of all it has to offer.”

Photos courtesy of Michael Gainey.
Header photo - left to right - Michael Gainey, Owen, 9; Bennett, 2; and Vincent, 11.

Mastering Your Game in 2025: The Benefits of Golf Lessons

Wed, 14 May 2025 20:45:48 GMT

Golf is more than just a game; it’s a journey of personal growth, skill refinement, and pure enjoyment. At San Vicente Golf Course, we make that journey easy and convenient with expert lessons tailored to golfers of all skill levels and all ages. With the guidance of an experienced golfer, you’ll unlock your potential and discover why lessons are the key to mastering your game.

Why Golf Lessons Are Essential

Proper Technique: Our golf lessons teach you the fundamentals, from grip to posture and swing mechanics, ensuring you avoid bad habits and build a strong foundation.
Personalized Feedback: Receive one-on-one coaching that identifies areas for improvement and accelerates your progress.
Confidence Boost: Mastering new skills under the guidance of an experienced professional builds confidence on and off the course.
Game Strategy: Learn how to manage the course effectively, plan your shots, and make the most of every round.
Social and Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow golfers, fostering friendships and shared experiences within our vibrant community.

Exclusive Benefits for HOA Members

At San Vicente Golf Course, HOA members enjoy reduced rates, making rounds more accessible. Our convenient location within the community ensures you can improve your game without traveling far. Whether you’re preparing for a tournament or just seeking a casual game with friends, our team has you covered.

Golf Shop and Rentals

Need equipment? Our Golf Shop offers a range of high-quality merchandise, from clubs to apparel, to suit your needs. Don’t have your own clubs? No problem – rentals are available to ensure you’re always prepared to hit the course.

A Team That’s Here for You

The San Vicente Golf Team, led by seasoned professionals, is committed to helping you achieve your golfing goals. With their expertise and personalized instruction, improving your game has never been easier or more convenient.

Take the first step towards better golf today. Join us at San Vicente Golf Course and discover the benefits of lessons with a team dedicated to your success. Contact me at 760-789-3477 x3020 or matt.brumbaugh@sdcea.net.

Manager Spotlight: Celebrating Leadership and Mother’s Day with Amy Holsapple-Lueck

Wed, 07 May 2025 03:18:20 GMT

Recreation Manager Amy Holsapple-Lueck’s 27-year journey with SDCEA reflects her deep commitment to children, families, and the community she loves.

In honor of Mother’s Day, we’re proud to spotlight Recreation Manager Amy Holsapple-Lueck, whose passion for children, family, and community is a beautiful reminder that nurturing others helps our neighborhood thrive. Amy began as a Camp Counselor with SDCEA, later became Program Coordinator, and now serves as Recreation Manager. She has been part of the SDCEA Recreation Team for 27 years.

A longtime resident and proud mother of two, she shares that the most rewarding part of being a mom is watching her daughters grow up in the same neighborhood where she was raised. “I’ve lived here for 44 years, and seeing my family create the same memories is priceless,” says Holsapple-Lueck. “My girls have also shown me what real love is and that I will always be loved.”

As Recreation Manager, Amy oversees the recreation programs, activities, community events, and aquatic programs in alignment with the department’s goals and objectives. She also directs and coordinates the maintenance of all recreation facilities, including the Ramona Oaks Recreation Center, Ramona Oaks Park, San Vicente Pool, tennis and pickleball courts, two pocket parks, two dog parks, and the Rotunda event site.

Holsapple-Lueck connects with many parents and families in the community by leading a variety of kids’ afterschool programs, camps, and summer programs designed to provide fun, learning, and adventure for children of all ages.

The Recreation Team includes 14-20 employees, and the Aquatics Team has 20 employees. Revenue is generated from afterschool programs, summer camps, and rentals of the Ramona Oaks Park, Rotunda, and the pool for the Ramona swim team.

Many homeowners enjoy the neighborhood gathering spots right down the road — from parks and swimming pools to horseshoes, basketball, and racket sports. Pet parents appreciate the fenced-in areas where dogs can run freely, creating a fun space for pets and people to connect. And lots of homeowners love the SDCEA Community Events like our Easter Egg Hunt, Craft Fairs, Fourth of July Celebration, and Summer Concerts in the park.

LOTS and LOTS of people love the concerts! Here is our 2025 Calendar.

Her favorite part of the job is watching the children grow up in our community. “I picked this line of work because I love children. They make every day different, and I love seeing the world through their eyes,” says Holsapple-Lueck. “Outside of work, I am a mother and wife. My family is everything to me!” says Holsapple-Lueck, who shares her life with her supportive husband, Joey Lueck, who helps her balance work and family.

Being a mom with two wonderful daughters, ages 7 and 8, is the most important job she has. They are always close by, actively participating in the recreation programs and helping her with community events.

This Mother’s Day, we celebrate Amy for the countless memories and moments she creates, keeping the heart of a mom in all she does for the Recreation Team, kids, families, and beyond.

Meet the Winemaker: The Passion Behind Three Hills Winery

Wed, 07 May 2025 02:54:31 GMT

Three Hills Winery, nestled in the heart of Ramona's wine country, offers wine enthusiasts a serene and inviting atmosphere. Owned and operated by Tobias and Carrie Panek, this family-run vineyard spans nine acres, including three acres of vineyards and a picturesque one-acre lake surrounded by shade trees.

San Vicente Resort featured Three Hills Winery on Wednesday, April 30, at the Meet the Winemaker event at the Par Lounge. The four wines they served at the event included World Peace, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio, and Merlot. The San Vicente Resort currently serves two of Three Hills Winery wines—Pinot Grigio and Cabernet Sauvignon—on their regular menu. Guests also enjoyed live music performed by Ashley E Norton at the event.

Three Hills Winery boasts a diverse selection of handcrafted wines. Their 13 different labels of wine include reds, whites, rosés, sparkling wines, port-style, and dessert wines. Notable offerings include their award-winning Super Tuscan, Merlot, Zinfandel, and a unique white peach sparkling wine. Guests can enjoy wine tastings for five wines, with premium options that include additional tastings of port or limoncello and a souvenir glass.

Visitors are encouraged to explore the beautifully maintained property, which features walking trails, secluded seating areas, and the tranquil lake, which houses white ducks, egrets, and fish. The winery is dog and child-friendly, and guests are welcome to bring their own picnics to enjoy by the lake or in the tasting areas. They host various events throughout the year, including wine club parties with live music and food. Their wine club offers members quarterly selections of handpicked wines, complimentary tastings, discounts on purchases, and exclusive access to events.

Owners Tobias and Carrie Panek are high school sweethearts and have been married for 33 years. Both native to San Diego, they went to Valhalla High School in El Cajon and got engaged at their high school prom.

The couple were inspired to become winemakers years ago when they ran a bike tour business in Italy and took cyclists to events and tours. Part of the tours were wine tastings at different wineries. The two developed a huge affection for the knowledge and art of winemaking. When they moved to Ramona and saw people making wine, they decided to jump in and make their own. After a few years, they bought the established vineyard and opened Three Hills Winery four years ago during the pandemic.

Winemaking starts at the vine and requires a lot of steps and hands-on work. Tobias and Carrie take care of the vines and the property: weeding, watering, and pruning. Grapes are tested for sugar (Brix), acidity, and flavor. They pick a date for harvest depending on the weather. When it's time to harvest, they invite friends and family to join in on the crushing.

The couple is also passionate about giving back, specifically supporting San Diego foster youth. The couple has fostered youth in the past. "We are advocates for foster kids," says Carrie. Foodies 4 Foster Kids is an annual fundraising initiative organized by Promises2Kids during National Foster Care Month each May. The campaign partners with local San Diego Country restaurants, cafes, breweries, wineries, and dessert shops to support over 2,000 current and former foster youth in the region. Part of Three Hills Winery's total sales for May will go toward this organization.

Three Hills Winery is located at 16805 Highland Valley Road in Ramona and is open 11:30 am – 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Reservations are recommended for groups of six or more. For more information or to plan your visit, contact them at 619-507-7920 or visit their website at https://www.threehillswinery.com .

Whether you're a local resident or visiting the Ramona Valley, Three Hills Winery offers a delightful experience combining quality wines, beautiful scenery, and warm hospitality.

Photos by Tiffany Pressler.

‘My Superhero’: A Mom Who Can Do It All

Wed, 07 May 2025 02:44:05 GMT

Mother’s Day is a time to pause, reflect, and celebrate the extraordinary women who shape our lives with love, strength, and boundless devotion. This year, we shine the spotlight on one super special mom, Krystin Withers, who goes above and beyond every single day.

Krystin Withers is the mother to Hailey, 12, and Arya, 10. She has been married to Rob Withers for 13 years, and they have lived in the SDCEA for over 10 years.

Before becoming a wife and a mother, she was in the military. “I joined the Navy when I was 20 as an airframe structural mechanic and was stationed on Coronado fixing and maintaining MH-60S helicopters (flight controls, landing gear, hydraulics, etc.). I specialized in Radome and composite repair (fiberglass) and metal work,” says Withers.

While she and Rob were dating, she deployed to Kuwait during Operation Iraqi Freedom as part of the Naval Air Ambulance Detachment. She also served on the Funeral Detail for Navy Region Southwest. After four years of service, Withers knew she wanted a family and couldn’t imagine being separated by deployments. She decided to get out of the military and finish her degree. She graduated with a bachelor’s in business in 2013, when Hailey was one. “I wanted Arya to see me walk across that stage, too, so I went back for my master’s and graduated with an MBA in 2019,” Withers adds.

Withers is a dog trainer and owns Withers Dog Training, which she started six years ago when her youngest entered kindergarten. Withers has been helping people with dogs since she was 12 years old. She gets to work with people and dogs, helping them build a connection based on respect and boundaries. The most rewarding part of her job is working with fearful dogs, overcoming all the mistrust and bad past experiences for that first moment when they decide they trust her and maybe even show her their belly to get a belly rub.

“Dog training and owning my own business allows me to pursue two of my greatest passions: working with dogs and being a mother to my girls,” says Withers. Her business also allows her to be available for the girls—for all the school drop-offs, pick-ups, field trips, volunteering, and all the little moments in between. The girls sometimes have opportunities to help with dog training and are very valuable when it comes to exposing dogs to children because they know how to stay calm and behave with the appropriate level of distraction and energy needed for the dog to learn, grow, and trust.

“I am beyond thankful for the partnership with my husband because that is a major factor in my ability to be available to our girls,” says Withers. They both value the idea of not only quality family time with the girls but also supporting each other in all their endeavors and achievements. “We all show up for one another to support, cheer on, and celebrate victories and growth.”

Withers and her husband encourage their girls to participate in sports and activities that interest them without overloading the girls or themselves. Right now, both daughters are involved in the same activities—flag football and theater. Hailey is also loving horseback riding lessons from Miss Kelly Van Zant at the IEC. The family values their downtime at home and loves being outside, hiking, swimming, climbing trees, and being in the garden.

According to the experts (Hailey and Arya), they have the best mom in the world. Hailey talks about how great their mom is at being a mom. “She is always there when I have questions or need someone to talk to, stopping whatever she is doing to help me,” says Hailey. She adds, “The nicest thing my mom has done is when she sees a dog on the side of the road that is lost, my mom stops and works her hardest to help it get back home.” Hailey loves cooking, going out, and even just talking with her mom because she is so entertaining, fun, and loving. She says two words that describe her mother are, “My superhero.”

According to Arya, their mom plans a lot of cool activities and road trips as a family, which are always very fun. Arya says that if her mom were a superhero, her powers would be showing compassion, caring, love, and kindness for others and our community and teaching how to be a good person. “My mom is really good at training and caring for dogs. She is an awesome dog trainer. Her job rocks!” adds Arya. One of her favorite things to do with her mom is volunteer at a farm called Robin’s Nest.

Not only is Withers a supermom, but she also has some handy hobbies. “I am an artist and a tinkerer. I have done all kinds of things around the house just because I can,” says Withers. She laid a flagstone path, built a brick retaining wall, fixed drywall, installed lighting fixtures, and replaced faucets. She says it wouldn’t surprise her husband if he came home and the walls or cabinets were a different color. She recently wanted a very specific shed, but she couldn’t find exactly what she was looking for anywhere. So, she drew up the plans with measurements and just went for it. She had never built anything like that before, but it was so fulfilling. And her strong girl, Hailey, was right there with her, helping her frame, using the driver, and moving the heavy pieces into place. The best part: Hailey left little messages inside on the wood, like, “Built by Mommy and Hailey” and “My mommy is so strong.”

Withers’ favorite part about being a mom is getting a front-row seat to watch her beautiful little humans discover the world and themselves. When they are scared or unsure, she gets to be the person they hold because she is the one who makes them feel safe and loved.

“I have loved and cherished every age with these girls as if it were not only my first time but also my last time,” says Withers. “We turn all the little moments into memories.” They play dress up, have dance parties, talk, play games, create adventures, and get involved with the community...they don’t rush growing up. Withers made a promise to both her girls: to protect the age they are and treat them that age for the whole year until that number changes, whether they like it or not. She truly feels that is one thing that makes them feel so safe and loved. Her goal is to be someone they want to hang out with when they’re grown and have a choice. And right now, they are who she wants to hang out with.

Withers is trying to be the mommy they deserve. “This parenting journey is something I couldn’t do and wouldn’t want to do without my husband by my side.” She thinks they have learned a lot from each other and are still learning. Hailey has taught her the importance of letting go of things that don’t matter and slowing down. Arya has taught her patience and to look at everything from a different perspective. “I am still learning, and I make mistakes. But I am showing up and trying my best. And I am having so much fun, too.“

On Mother’s Day, Withers usually wakes up to lots of artwork and two lovable little girls, which is the best. Her amazing husband has planned a brunch outing at Farmer and the Sea Horse and then they will enjoy their peaceful home on what is sure to be a beautiful day in the SDCE.

Photos courtesy of Krystin Withers.

Firewise Volunteers Conducting Survey for Community Fire Risk Assessment Plan

Wed, 07 May 2025 00:43:44 GMT

Firewise volunteers will survey SDCE homes this month to assess fire risks and help develop a 5-year community fire prevention plan.

During May, volunteers from the SDCE Firewise Sub-committee will drive through the SDCE area as part of developing a Fire Risk Assessment plan.

The Community Fire Risk Assessment Plan is one of many steps the Firewise Team is undertaking to make our community a certified Firewise Site, which will provide benefits, such as a possible reduction in fire insurance premiums for individual homeowners.

The Fire Risk Assessment involves documenting the fire preparedness of homes within the area. Volunteers will be driving through SDCE and making notes on the conditions of several items, including roofing, types of siding, and how close vegetation is to a house. The survey mostly involves driving by homes and noting what can be seen from the street. Volunteers will not be entering properties for surveys. However, in some instances, the volunteers may knock on doors to ask a question.

The survey information will be used to develop a 5-year plan for how the committee will work with and educate homeowners on fire prevention measures and partner with local agencies to provide them with resources.

The volunteers, organized into four cars with two-person teams, will be driving slowly through the community throughout the month. To address safety concerns, the committee is sharing information about their activities on social media and has partnered with the local Sheriff’s Office. The volunteers will inform Sheriff dispatch about the days and locations of their survey work. If the Sheriff receives a call regarding the committee's presence, they will be able to verify that it pertains to the Firewise survey activities.

Click here to see more information.

Horsefeathers May 2025

Thu, 01 May 2025 22:02:09 GMT

May brought exciting progress at the Equestrian Centers, including the promotion of Marissa Travis to Equestrian Supervisor, essential tree trimming, the installation of a new well tank, and ongoing mowing and weeding.

Marissa Travis was promoted to Equestrian Supervisor and will now oversee day-to-day operations.

We completed tree trimming at both the IEC and CTWC to clear barns, promote tree health, and improve safety for the horses — all roof limbs were removed for fire prevention.

A new well tank was installed at the IEC, replacing the old one that had reached the end of its useful life and was leaking.

As we move through the mowing and weeding season, we are working hard to keep up with growth.

Annual Weed Abatement Mowing Underway

Thu, 01 May 2025 21:52:31 GMT

Annual mowing of Open Spaces and homeowners' easements is underway, with expanded coverage this year due to Fire Fuel Management efforts. Completion is expected by mid-to-late July.

The Landscape and Open Space Team has begun its annual mowing of our Open Spaces and the once-a-year courtesy mowing of homeowners' easements.

Many of our main meadows will be mowed twice or more this season to manage the flush of growth following the late March rains. Although the start was delayed, we are now in full swing with four mowers actively working in the field.

This year, a larger area will be covered compared to previous years, as additional spaces have been cleared through our Fire Fuel Management protocols.

We anticipate completing mowing activities by mid to late July to accommodate the expanded coverage areas.

We kindly remind homeowners to keep their easements free of debris, as we are seeing an increase in dumping "behind the fence." Debris not only damages our equipment — leading to costly and time-consuming repairs — but also delays our work.

Our dedicated team works diligently to maintain our Open Spaces, and we encourage you to take advantage of this beautiful spring weather to enjoy the areas we help preserve.

Photo by Nancy Zadrozny.

Revving Up for Community Fun: Ramona’s American Graffiti Cruise Returns to the San Diego Country Estates

Thu, 01 May 2025 21:39:14 GMT

Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and get ready for some classic cars, cool tunes, and community pride. Ramona Cruise nights have begun, and Thursday, May 1, marked the first of four cruise nights through SDCE this season. Car lovers and families alike can enjoy an evening of nostalgia and neighborly connection while watching vintage vehicles roll through the Estates in a celebration of Ramona’s small-town charm.

Leroy Clubb is a founding member and event organizer of the Ramona American Graffiti Cruise, as well as a volunteer for the Ramona Senior Center. He says cruise nights are a great way for car enthusiasts to get together and show their cars in action. “It’s an opportunity to drive your car,” says Clubb. “There are all kinds of cars, the whole gamut.” There will be Plymouths, Chevrolets, Fords, Chrysler, Mustangs, and Dodges, to name a few. The events are free to attend and open to all vehicle types—from very old models to newer ones. Even trucks and motorcycles are welcome. The local firetrucks sometimes join the fun and support the community event.

The 2025 Ramona cruise night season started on April 17 and will continue every Thursday through September 11, featuring classic cars cruising up and down Main Street. Anyone can join the cruise and begin at any point on Main Street. Clubb says a lot of people meet at the Albertsons parking lot to chat with other drivers, make a round or two, and then head back to socialize more.

When the cruise nights come through SDCE, cruisers meet at the old Kmart parking lot and follow the preset route, hitting SDCE around 6:20. The SDCE cruise route is posted on the Ramona American Graffiti Cruise Facebook page prior to each cruise night, giving drivers time to check out the route before they head out and helping spectators choose the best place to watch from.

The cruise nights through SDCE are also 50/50 nights. The 50/50s are like raffles; people buy tickets, and the winner of the drawing gets to keep half of the money, with the other half going to the Ramona Senior Center. Tickets are sold in the former Kmart parking lot the night of the SDCE cruises, so show up early to get yours.

Clubb says they had a car show on April 12 at Grace Community Church and raised $17,000 for the Ramona Senior Center. He says 100% of this money goes to the senior center. Clubb enjoys helping organize the Ramona Graffiti Cruise because he likes to help out the senior center. The funds raised are used to deliver four meals each week to 240 homebound seniors. He says it’s a passion to help, and he does what he can.

More SDCE cruise nights and 50/50 runs will be on June 12, August 7, and August 28. As warmer evenings roll in, the Ramona American Graffiti Cruise promises to be a highlight of spring and summer. It’s time to slow down and soak up what makes this community special.

For more information on cruise nights, please visit the Ramona American Graffiti Cruise Facebook page or call Clubb at 619-980-3647.

Photos courtesy of Leroy Clubb.

Sign Up for the Dan Reed Memorial Golf Classic on May 30, Tunnel to Towers (T2T) Foundation golf fundraiser.

Thu, 01 May 2025 21:03:03 GMT

Help First Responders and Military Families: Join us for the Dan Reed Memorial Golf Classic, a Tunnel to Towers Foundation (T2T) annual fundraiser, on Friday, May 30, at San Vicente Resort.

8:30 am - Registration

9 am - Enjoy a Breakfast Burrito with a Mimosa or Bloody Mary

9:30 am - Putting Contest

10 am - Memorial Ceremony

11 am - Let's Play Golf!

Shotgun Starts, 4-Person Scramble
Cold Beer and Snacks on the course
Hole-in-One Contest to Win a Car on Hole 2

5 pm - Tunnel to Towers Dinner

Prime Rib Dinner
Tunnel to Towers Speakers
Silent Auction

Register by Saturday, May 24.

$200 per person, Golf with breakfast and dinner

Click for details: Dan Reed Memorial Golf Classic

LET US DO GOOD. SUPPORT OUR HEROES.

ABOUT US

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation provides mortgage-free homes to our nation’s catastrophically injured veterans and first responders, as well as Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children.

IN THE LINE OF DUTY PROGRAMS

Smart Home Program

The Foundation provides specially adapted, mortgage-free homes that help our most catastrophically injured veterans and first responders reclaim their day-to-day independence.

Fallen First Responder Program

The Foundation pays off the mortgages for the families with young children of law enforcement officers and firefighters who are killed in the line of duty.

Gold Star Family Home Program

The Foundation honors the legacy of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country by paying off the mortgage or providing the surviving spouses and young children with mortgage-free homes.

Homeless Veterans

In 2022, Tunnel to Towers launched a new national campaign aimed at eradicating homelessness in the Veteran community. In addition to housing support, the Foundation will also provide comprehensive care by connecting veterans with appropriate local services that include mental health counseling, skills training, and addiction support.

Honoring our San Vicente Resort tournament founder:

Firefighter and San Vicente Golf Member Dan Reed started and led the tournament planning and execution four years ago with his wife, Victoria, as a meaningful way to give back. They collaborated with their dedicated committee, sponsors, and players to raise a total of $120,000 in the three tournaments before he passed away in 2023, shortly after attending a T2T golf event in Alaska.

Swing, Sip & Socialize: Ladies Nine & Wine at San Vicente

mkt.asst2@sdcea.net (Cheryl Schlauch) — Thu, 01 May 2025 20:29:19 GMT

Bringing together new faces and lifelong friends, the Nine & Wine golf event at San Vicente is all about building connections, boosting confidence on the course, and celebrating the simple joys of golf and great company.

Ladies, ever dreamt of a carefree golf outing where nobody’s watching your slice? Say hello to Ladies Nine & Wine—the perfect blend of friendly fairways and fun times! Hosted by the San Vicente Women’s Golf Club on the beautiful San Vicente Golf Course, this weekly event is all about enjoying fresh air, making new friends, and learning a little golf along the way. Nine & Wine has been ongoing for many years. Events are open to the public, homeowners, and members, of course.

When & Where

Every Thursday at 2 pm (day may change seasonally)
Meet at the San Vicente Golf Course Golf Shop

What to Expect

Nine relaxed holes of golf with a shared cart—only $25!
Friendly faces: 37 enthusiastic women (and counting) who cheer each other on.
No experience needed! Beginners learn the basics, while intermediate players fine-tune their swing.

After-Game Cheers
Once your round wraps up, head to the Par Lounge for a glass of wine, a cold drink, or a light lunch. Swap stories about that unexpected bunker shot, compare putting tips, or simply laugh under the warm California sun.

Why You’ll Love It

Welcoming atmosphere: Nobody’s rushing you—and nobody’s judging.
Supportive community: Share tips, celebrate birdies, and bond over every slice and putt.
Flexibility: Join when you can—no golf membership is required.

Grab your shoes, invite a friend, and tee off into an afternoon of camaraderie, sunshine, and a little wine. Ladies Nine & Wine isn’t just golf; it’s a weekly chance to swing, sip, and socialize with like-minded women on the green. We can’t wait to see you there!

To join in on the fun, contact Suzanne Shupe at 760-212-6815.

Start Your Spring Projects with Support from Community Relations

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 22:13:52 GMT

As home improvement season begins, the Community Relations Department is ready to assist homeowners with project applications, permits, and guidance.

Spring is in the air, and with it comes a new season of home improvement projects. The Community Relations Department (CRD) is here to answer your questions and guide you through the project application process.

Before any changes can be made to a property, approval is required from the Environmental Control Committee (ECC). CRD is available to assist with both project applications and short-term permits, and we enjoy chatting with homeowners to discuss project ideas and provide support.

Every project starts with an idea—bring yours to CRD! Call, email, or stop by, and we’ll help you navigate the process from start to finish. Unsure where to begin? Wondering if your project requires an application or a county permit? Not sure what colors or materials are allowed? Your CRD liaison can help you get the answers you need and avoid common pitfalls.

Give us a call at 760-789-8747 or send an email to CRDdept@sdcea.net.

You can also find helpful resources on the association website at www.sdcea.net/community-guidelines

A complete list of project applications
Governing documents (CC&Rs and SDCEA Handbook)
Online forms for permits (e.g., dumpsters, extended RV parking)
Information about two homeowner committees:
Environmental Control Committee (ECC): Reviews and approves all project applications.
Community Relations Committee (CRC): Assists with resolving conformance matters.

Let the Community Relations team help you bring your project to life—reach out today!

April Home of the Month: A Racecar Driver’s Dream Retreat Hits the Market

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 22:05:47 GMT

April’s home of the month was built to sell. The property, designed for both luxury and lifestyle, blends sleek modern comfort with rugged, wide-open space, ideal for anyone who enjoys horsepower on and off the track.

Tucked away in the rolling hills of the San Diego Country Estates, this month’s featured home isn’t just a beautiful place to live-it’s owned by a professional racecar driver and his wife. And it’s for sale. Johnny and Cassie Borneman have been Ramona residents since they were kids and will be married 14 years this August. The couple doesn’t live in this home; it is one they built to sell.

“We both moved to Ramona in 1st grade (him) and 2nd grade for me. Johnny graduated in 1996, and I graduated in 2000. We moved to Lakeside for a couple of years together, bought our current house in 2005, remodeled for two years, and moved in 2007 right before the fires,” says Cassie. They build homes through Borneman Investments—building 2-3 custom homes a year in Ramona—and are both owners of Borneman Trucking, Inc.

Johnny is a racecar driver and has been racing since he was 12. He started in karting and moved on to late models in the southwest region, including Cajon Speedway. He started racing NASCAR in 2000 and has raced in the ARCA series, Craftsman Trucks series, and Xfinity. Now he’s semi-retired, focusing more on their kids racing in karting and junior late models.

Their beautiful, newly built SDCEA home is 4056-square-foot with five bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and a large garage with an EV charger and golf cart parking. The open floor plan has wood flooring and rustic wood beams throughout. The interior and exterior feature natural stone shipped from Texas; the stunning master bathroom includes a natural stone wall. There is a 6’x11’ waterfall island in the chef’s kitchen and a laundry room with space for dual washers and dryers. A custom-made iron handrail runs along the staircase in an open entry/foyer. The home is also energy efficient, with solar panels and the latest technology. “I just came up with the interior and exterior design and chose materials. [Johnny]’s in charge of the rest,” says Cassie.

When the couple initially saw the lot, they fell in love with the location and the serene surroundings. Cassie says, “It’s really a one-of-a-kind lot. The community is great and so friendly. We had a lot of neighbors watching the whole process and stopping by to say hello.” She adds they wanted a different style home, one you would see in Texas, for example, and to offer upgrades that matched. An open floor plan was a must, with views of the neighboring golf course and open space preserve. The interior is neutral, with natural, earthy accents to tie it all together.

“Johnny’s biggest priority is positioning the home with the most effective layout to utilize the lot’s full potential. This one was a bit tricky due to the preserve and neighboring lot. We did it, though,” says Cassie. The property sits on a 1/2 acre backed up to an open space preserve with a natural waterfall. A mini vineyard is planted along the driveway, and the backyard can go any direction the new homeowners see fit. “The views are absolutely stunning, and the sunsets are to die for,” says Cassie.

“We love everything about it,” says Cassie. “We built it to what we would personally love in our own home. If we didn’t need a race shop, we would move and keep it for ourselves.” She hopes whoever buys the home feels the love and hard work they put into it. They really do love this house and have made many memories there already, and she hopes a beautiful family can continue and make their own one day.

This home offers a rare opportunity to live in style with a touch of speed. It won’t stay on the market long. Check out the listing here .

Local Kite Enthusiast Brings Joy to the San Diego Country Estates Skies

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 21:52:16 GMT

Many residents who travel in and out of the San Diego Country Estates on San Vicente Road have noticed colorful kites dancing in the sky, guided by the hands of a man who has turned kite flying into both an art and a passion.

Sean Day, owner of All Day Tile, has been an SDCEA resident for 11 years. He drives his golf cart to the kite-soaring location and delights passersby with his graceful displays as the wind carries his kites all over the sky. Drivers wave and honk in appreciation as he flies his beautiful kites in the open field at the edge of our lovely community. Day has been flying at this location since 2014 and says the ideal weather condition to fly a kite is a steady 12-mph wind.

Day says that flying kites gives him an escape; he uses it as an outlet for stress. He adds that studies have shown flying kites is therapeutic. He says that his stress goes out of the body through the lines of the kite and flies away.

Day is often asked how many kites he has. He has 27 kites, 14 of which are functional and "good to go" all the time. The others are a mixture of classics and antiques that he doesn't fly.

He is also frequently asked if he kite surfs. He kite surfed as a young man; he has "been there and done that." His next adventure is a kite buggy, which is predominately done on the East Coast but made its way to California. It's done in the desert with a 3-wheel buggy on a flat sandy area. It's low impact and easier on the knees.

Day grew up by the beach and would come to the mountains to hike or see the snow. Now that he lives in this community, he says he doesn't miss the beach. He loves SDCE. He doesn't drive a car and hasn't needed to pay for gas for seven years. He drives a 100-percent electric golf cart, and friends take him if he needs to go somewhere to get knick-knacks. He has lived with Patty and Erin Hoye for three years. "If it wasn't for the girls, I couldn't be living the life I am living," says Day. They travel a lot, so he takes care of the dogs, and the girls bring him rocks from all over the world. "It's a win-win for everyone," he says.

He tries to be out in the field by 3 or 4 pm so kids riding the bus home from school can see him fly. He can see their faces looking through the bus windows and wants to bring a smile to them. A few school bus drivers have told Day that the kids love to see him flying in the field. He says a couple of people have told him they are drone operators and could film him flying from above, which he is looking forward to.

Day says that in a perfect world, he would fly every day (sometimes twice a day). He predominately flies solo but has flown with other people and says it's beautiful to watch as the kites crisscross and miss each other. He has had parents stop and ask if he could teach their kids to fly. Day says it's easier to teach kids than adults; a 7-year-old kid could pick it up in 30 minutes because they are enjoying it so much. He adds that flying kites is one of the last things you can do in this world that involves a toy you can operate for free—with the wind.

"I do three things for me every day," says Day. The top three things he loves to do are flying kits, fishing, and lapidary work. These are the things that make him happy. He has worked with tile for 42 years and does all the work himself. It keeps him in shape and out of trouble. He is always happy at work and is a straight shooter, does what he says he is going to do, and doesn't rush.

"Tile is your best investment," says Day. He is knowledgeable in any and all phases of tile and natural stone and has also done 17 pools in SDCE. "I do a lot of repairs with existing material that's falling off showers; it's pretty much a salvation thing. I'd say I excel at it," says Day. He adds that nobody can beat his prices because he has no overhead.

He wants to thank the community for all their support and says he still has to pinch himself to believe it's real. He says he will be flying kites into his golden years and will do it as long as he can walk.

Next time you’re driving in or out of the SDCE and see Day flying his kites high in the sky, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the flight and the man that brings it to the SDCE skies.

Photos by Tiffany Pressler.

Fast Hooves and Fierce Competition in Ramona: West Coast Barrel Racers Bring the Heat

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 19:54:35 GMT

Barrel racers from across Southern California gathered at the Ramona Rodeo Arena on Sunday, April 13, for a thrilling day of speed, skill, and camaraderie. With about 100 competitors and $500 added to the pot, the event showcased the heart and hustle of a passionate rodeo community.

Last Sunday, fast riders raced against the clock around three barrels in a cloverleaf pattern at the Ramona Rodeo Arena at 421 Aqua Lane. The West Coast Barrel Racer Association (WCBRA) event kicked off with time-only practice from 8:30 to 10:30 am, followed by the main event at 11 am, which featured both open and youth divisions. A $500 jackpot added extra excitement to the competition.

Tammi Johnson, a registered vet tech with Adobe Animal Hospital, helped organize the event with WCBRA member Rebecca Arnold-Hatch. They also sanctioned the race with Outlaw to allow riders to earn points. Johnson does a lot of work behind the scenes with her crew, starting setup two days before the event.

“I started off in cutting but loved the sport of rodeo and started barrel racing when I was 13 years old—the adrenaline rush!” says Johnson. She had to retire from racing a few years ago due to back surgery but remains passionate about supporting the sport. She adds that she still wants to be involved even if she can’t ride in the event.

The vibe at the event was amazing, according to Johnson. Roughly 100 racers participated, and the event was fiercely competitive, but the atmosphere remained supportive, with riders cheering each other on. “Everyone is like family, and everyone helps each other.” Johnson adds that riders are welcome to join if they have a horse and love barrel racing.

Rebecca Arnold-Hatch, a Ramona resident and WCBRA member since 2014, also helps organize the races. She is co-owner and office manager at her husband’s company, Elite Contracting Services. Her husband, Clay, prepares the arena for the races. Their business specializes in custom equestrian facilities, barn mare motels, and solar.

Arnold-Hatch says helping put on the event is very rewarding. She adds that the facility is beautiful, and the community is great. She has friends who compete, traveling from nearby areas like Temecula, Norco, Perris, and Valley Center. She says they call Ramona ‘the island’ because everyone outside Ramona travels up a mountain road to attend the races.

Shelby Price, Ramona resident and co-owner of All About Fun RV with her husband Chris has been barrel racing for 20 years. At the race, she clocked in at 15.25 in the open division. She appreciates how well WCBRA events are run. She knows the day before what number she will be in the lineup, so she doesn’t have to arrive hours early and wait for her turn. Her number was 53, so she didn’t have to rush to the arena.

Barrel racing isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way of life. For the WCBRA members who call Ramona home, it’s about more than winning buckles or chasing points. It’s about grit, heart, and the unshakeable bond between horse and rider. Whether seasoned pros or young riders just starting out, they share the same dream: one clean run, one fast time, and the thrill of flying home down the alley.

For more information on upcoming barrel racing events, please visit www.westcoastbarrelracing.com .

Photos courtesy of Rebecca Arnold-Hatch (black horse).

Golf Course Maintenance Update: Pump Replacement and Aerification

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 00:41:23 GMT

San Vicente Golf Course enhanced irrigation and turf health with a new pump installation, and comprehensive aerification was completed Monday–Wednesday, April 14–16.

Last week, our team successfully installed a rebuilt 75hp variable speed pump—an essential upgrade for our irrigation system. This pump, which had been out of service since October, was one of two 75hp units responsible for distributing water throughout the golf course.

Earlier this week, from Monday to Wednesday, the Golf Course Maintenance Team completed aerifying the greens, tees, fairways, and green surrounds. Aeration machines punched holes in the turf at approximately 2-inch spacing, and fresh sand was applied to fill the holes (top-dressing). This process relieved compacted soil beneath the surface, allowing more oxygen to reach the root zone. It also improved water infiltration.

Overall, these steps created healthier turf better equipped to handle summer stress, keeping the course in top shape for San Vicente Resort golfers.

Photos by Tiffany Pressler, taken seconds after the earthquake last Monday.

Fire Fuel Clearing: Nature Trail East “Cope Trail”

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 00:34:59 GMT

Extensive fire fuel clearing and trail restoration on Nature Trail East has enhanced safety, accessibility, and natural beauty for the community, with more work planned in the fall.

Over the past month, the Landscape and Open Space Team has focused its efforts on the Nature Trail East, also known as Cope Trail.

Team members performed extensive clearing, specialized fire fuel-clearing subcontractors, tree trimming crews, and machinery designed for this purpose.

Coordinating logistics and scheduling workers in a limited area while maintaining safety was challenging. However, the results are impressive—dozens of downed trees were removed, and approximately 700 cubic feet of massive logs were cut and hauled away, with a bit more still to do.

Dense underbrush was strategically mowed and cleared to enhance native trees and shrubs and improve the health of the understory.

Auxiliary trails to the south, previously overgrown and nearly unusable, were reopened, widened, and smoothed out.

Homes to the north of the creek also saw significant clearing. A firebreak was developed, with some areas widened by 50 to 100 feet.

A bonus outcome was the removal of large amounts of poison oak that had overtaken our oak trees, making the trail much safer for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders who previously had to dodge it.

While significant debris and overgrowth have been removed, we recognize there is still more work to be done. As the department shifts into its annual weed abatement mowing schedule over the next three months, fire fuel work will pause temporarily.

We hope the community enjoys the newly cleared and refreshed areas that have received the lion’s share of our resources so far this year. We are now a safer, more accessible, and more beautiful community for all to enjoy.

We’ll be back—with more improvements in the fall.

Photos by Nancy Zadrozny.

Sun, Swings, and Stories: A Memorable Weekend at San Vicente Men's Club Member-Member Golf Tournament

mkt.asst2@sdcea.net (Cheryl Schlauch) — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 00:17:18 GMT

Tall tales and laughter echoed across the greens, sealing another unforgettable day of camaraderie and competition.

Last Saturday and Sunday, April 5-6, ninety-two San Vicente Men's Golf Club members gathered for the Member-Member Golf Tournament. On Sunday, the game format was a Split Tee Start where players tee off simultaneously from the first and tenth holes, ensuring a lively pace and plenty of excitement throughout the day.

On Sunday, after a roller-coaster round on the green, members were treated to a well-earned lunch. A shady tent provided a cool, relaxing spot to rest while the final scores were being tabulated, and our San Vicente Golf Tournament Director, Fred Arcaina, was busy preparing the meal with the help of volunteer Toni Munsterman, wielding her trusty spatula. They served juicy cheeseburgers grilled to perfection, along with potato salad, macaroni salad, chips, and a refreshing cold beer or beverage.

The day was filled with memorable moments captured on the course. One highlight featured Greg Coleman sinking a crucial putt as Joe Caruso, Mike Murphy, and Doug Linklater watched intently. It was especially heartwarming to see several father-and-son combos out on the course, including Walter and Hunter Pietila and Ryan and Bruce Roland, which added an extra layer of fellowship.

But the tournament's real highlight came with the announcement of the big winners. In a thrilling finish, Sal Kayed and AJ White emerged as the Gross Overall Champions and Hunter and Walter Pietila were the Net Overall Champions. Congratulations!

Members of the San Vicente Men's Golf Club came together for a day of great golf, good food, and even better company. Alongside the competitive spirit, the event was filled with laughter, storytelling, and a strong sense of camaraderie, creating lasting memories on the green.

Photos by Cheryl Schlauch.

Firewise Training Workshop: Community Comes Together for Wildfire Preparedness

mkt.asst2@sdcea.net (Cheryl Schlauch) — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 00:08:52 GMT

On Saturday morning, April 12, the IEC Rotunda buzzed with purpose as 40 SDCEA homeowners and residents gathered to take action toward protecting their homes and community from wildfire. The Firewise Educational Training workshop brought together local fire experts, law enforcement, and community leaders, all offering practical knowledge and guidance.

The event began with a warm welcome from SDCEA General Manager Carl Weise, who thanked attendees for their commitment to community safety. Homeowner and Firewise Subcommittee Chair Richard Drewery followed with a presentation on the committee's mission: to help SDCEA achieve Firewise USA® certification, reduce wildfire risk, increase preparedness, and potentially lower insurance premiums for both homeowners and the Association.

Retired firefighter, Mark McDonald, stressed the importance of temporary refuge areas. He wants to help SDCEA residents find a safe spot to evacuate during a fire evacuation emergency. He has three refuge areas: the San Vicente golf course, the IEC track, and Barnett Elementary School. He is developing a flier, which will be mailed to SDCEA residents.

Kristi Mansolf, President of the Ramona West End Fire Safe Council, highlighted ongoing efforts to widen Highway 67 to 3 lanes for safer evacuations. She also promoted the free Home Fire Safety Assessments, with hopes for another round in July. These fast, free, informative evaluations can even lead to eligibility for additional support programs. Learn more at Fire Safe Council .

Lieutenant Alex Navarro and Sergeant Joe Saelens, representing the Sheriff's Department, reassured residents of their preparedness and ongoing commitment to community safety. With four helicopters and one of the nation's largest sheriff departments (4 ^th ), resources are on our side. Still, they stressed personal responsibility: "Be prepared. Don't wait—get yourself out." They also introduced YANA (You Are Not Alone), a program designed to check in on vulnerable residents during emergencies. To underscore their message, the sheriffs gave a live demonstration of the Hi-Lo evacuation siren, a loud "bee-boo, bee-boo" that signals it's time to leave immediately. Get the latest updates at San Diego Sheriff’s Office .

Edwing Ulloa, Duty Officer from SD County Emergency Services, emphasized having a ready-to-go emergency bag tailored to individual needs. One lucky participant even won a fully stocked go-bag during a raffle giveaway. He also encouraged homeowners to review their insurance policies to ensure they include adequate coverage for recovery in the event of loss. Find everything you need at Alert San Diego .

Cal Fire Captain Thomas Shoots is also the Regional Coordinator for Firewise. He delivered a passionate reminder: "Embers are the #1 cause of homes catching fire. Start with Zone 0—those first five feet around your home." He encouraged neighborly collaboration and noted that insurance discounts may become available as SDCEA progresses toward Firewise certification. For more information, visit Cal Fire .

Attendees were also introduced to essential emergency apps, including:

Genasys Protect – provides fire alerts and evacuation info specific to your location.
Watch Duty – offers real-time wildfire tracking.
SD Emergency – a full-featured app from Ready San Diego for alerts and recovery resources.

Finally, Richard Drewery encouraged community members to join the Firewise Subcommittee. Residents can contribute by logging their hours spent on fire prevention activities, like home hardening or educational outreach, in a community tracking spreadsheet. Discover what's next at Fire Wise-USA .

Joshua Jones, SDCEA Assistant General Manager, says the Association is working on fire fuel management in open spaces. He's putting together a PowerPoint on the work that has been done by the Landscape and Open Space Team, led by Manager Nancy Zadrozny.

A heartfelt thanks goes to our generous donors: Country Wine and Spirits (cookies and water) and Starbucks (5 gallons of coffee) kept our participants fueled and focused throughout the 3-hour workshop.

Let's keep the momentum going! One neighbor, one home, one ember-resistant step at a time.

Photos by Cheryl Schlauch.

Explore Local Art and Scenic Beauty: Ramona Open Studios Tour Highlights Two Homes in the San Diego Country Estates

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 00:04:15 GMT

Last weekend, the two-day Ramona Artist Open Studios Tour invited art lovers, creatives, and curious visitors to explore the vibrant artistic community nestled in the heart of Ramona.

The Ramona Chamber of Commerce presented the Annual Ramona Open Studios Tour on April 12 and 13, giving art lovers an opportunity to see artists in their private studios and/or homes while viewing their work. This self-guided tour allowed visitors to explore at their own pace between 10 am and 4 pm.

Participating artists displayed a variety of artistic expressions, including painting, ceramics, jewelry, sculptures, fused glass, and woodworking, which were available for purchase.

A total of 12 homes participated in the tour; two SDCE homes opened their doors for a unique and rare opportunity to experience the intersection of art, nature, and local culture in one of San Diego's most picturesque settings. At each stop, guests were greeted by a diverse array of artwork—from breathtaking paintings to intricate sculptures, all created by talented local artists inspired by the beauty of the surrounding countryside.

Stop #8 on Barona Mesa Road featured Jennifer Crenshaw and her watercolor paintings. Crenshaw has lived in SDCE for most of her life and paints full-time in her home. She loves to paint animals and does a lot of wildlife paintings; she also does commissions and pet portraits, such as dogs and cats. "I am drawn to painting animals," says Crenshaw. "Animals are my favorite in general."

Crenshaw has always loved art and wanted to be an artist. When she was a child, her mother was an elementary school teacher and would find teachable moments, having her in her highchair painting with watercolor and making a mess. Crenshaw says that is where it began; she would draw what she saw.

Crenshaw earned her BA in Fine Art with a concentration in printmaking from California State University Stanislaus in 1995. From there, she began using her art skills and learning more about photography while working as the head retouch artist for Bay Photo Lab in Santa Cruz, CA. She turned her hobby into a job, setting her on a path as a professional photographer. After nine years, she moved back to her hometown in Southern California and, while raising three kids, began teaching preschool, art classes, and a school-age summer program that included art and science. Between being a mom, teaching, and being a photographer, her time for personal art projects was limited. In 2022, with her kids grown, Crenshaw decided to devote more time to art. Her love of nature is still the driving force behind her paintings, with her favorite subjects being wildlife.

For years, she would create paintings to give to family and now gets to do it every day as a job and is learning a lot. Some of her artwork is displayed in the 2Create Gallery at the east end of Ramona and at the Julian Arts Guild Gallery. In addition, she has featured her work in art shows, including Art in the Village in Carlsbad and the Coronado Art & Wine Festival.

Crenshaw had raffle tickets, beverages, and treats for guests to enjoy while they toured through her home. Her dog Turbo was happy to meet the guests.

If you are interested in purchasing Crenshaw’s paintings, visit Jencrenshawfineart.com , or visit her Instagram page @Jencrenshaw.art or her Facebook page at Jencrenshawart or email her at Jencrenshawart@gmail.com .

Stop #9 on Poderio Drive highlighted Mary Decker and her acrylic paintings. Mary and her husband of 50 years, Gary, built their SDCE home and have lived there for 40 years. She enjoys painting and using a lot of color. She loves animals and likes to paint animals such as horses, bears, lions, and eagles. "I love centering on the eyes," says Decker. "It's the heart of the soul." She adds that art is very personal, and when you walk through her home, you see a lot of history.

Decker's passion for painting began when she was a little girl and loved to paint horses. Later, she attended a church service where a painter was teaching the craft, and she was inspired to take up the brush once again.

Some of Decker's artwork is on display at the La Mesa Art Studio. She was pleased to open her home to people who came to view her artwork, and she had coffee and chips for guests to enjoy while they were on the tour. Her dog Shadow was present and happily greeted guests.

If you are interested in purchasing Decker's acrylic paintings, you can contact her at 760-310-7922.

As the Ramona Open Studios Tour came to a close, visitors left with beautiful memories and a deeper appreciation for the vibrant artistic community with its stunning artwork and creative energy. The tour offered a unique glimpse into the artistic process and inspiring landscapes that influenced these local artists. It proved that Ramona's charm lies in both its natural beauty and the artistic spirit that thrives within it. Whether seasoned art collectors or simply curious explorers, many left with a new understanding of the creative landscape and perhaps even a piece of it to take home.

Here is a link to all of the stops on the tour. https://ramonachamber.com/ramona-open-studios-tour/ .

Header image photos by Tiffany Pressler.

Annual SDCE Spring Clean-Up — FREE for Association Members!

heather.mcghee@sdcea.net (Heather McGhee) — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 23:57:12 GMT

SDCEA members can take advantage of free spring clean-up days on May 3 (green waste) and May 10 (bulk items) at the International Equestrian Center, courtesy of the Community Relations Team.

May 3 and 10 from 8 am to 2 pm

Saturday, May 3 - Green Waste only

Saturday, May 10 - Large Bulk Items only

It’s time to clean up yards and garages. To assist with this chore, the Association has partnered with Ramona Disposal Service (RDS) to offer free dumping of green waste and bulk items for two days only!

The event will be held at the International Equestrian Center on Gunn Stage Road. Association members can bring trucks, trailers, or cars full of green waste and large bulk items to offload in dumpsters provided by RDS. The first day will be for green waste only, and the second will be for large bulk items.

Check-in will begin at 8 am ( you must present your homeowner ID to gain access to the event ). The event ends at 2 pm, but the line may be cut sooner based on attendance. So be sure to show up early and take advantage of this opportunity.

Saturday, May 3 - Green Waste

Items accepted: grass clippings, leaves (no plastic bags), tree branches (less than 4 ft).

Items not accepted: food waste, manure, construction lumber/debris.

Saturday, May 10 - Large Bulk Items

Items accepted: Furniture, mattresses, dishwashers, bicycles, washers, dryers, stoves, water heaters, screens, barbecues and appliances.

Items not accepted: Construction debris, rooﬁng materials, dirt, rock, concrete, house garbage, toxic waste, automobile parts, tires, manure. No household hazardous waste, like paint and motor oil.

Don’t forget to bring your homeowner ID!

For information about the event, contact the Community Relations Department at CRDdept@sdcea.net or call 760-789-8747.

Click here for a downloadable flyer.

Republican Women's Club - Intermountain General Meeting

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 03:03:43 GMT

Join us for lunch and learn about San Diego County Voter ID efforts.

Join the Republican Women's Club - Intermountain for their upcoming general meeting and luncheon at 11 am on Wednesday, April 16 at San Vicente Resort, featuring a timely discussion on the Voter ID issue. The event is held in the banquet room,

Pryce Robinson, representing Carl DeMaio’s office, will provide an informative overview on Voter ID efforts and current legislative priorities aimed at election integrity.

The cost is $25, and reservations are advised. Please contact Nancy at 760-315-3291.

Fire Safety Home Assessment Program: Neighbors Share their Experience

mkt.asst2@sdcea.net (Cheryl Schlauch) — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 02:33:17 GMT

Your neighbors found the Fire Safety Assessment to be a truly helpful experience, with many appreciating the personalized guidance and proactive steps they could take to better protect their homes.

Recently, a representative from the Fire Safe Council visited both my home and the home of fellow resident John Selby. John shared, “Heather was professional, quick, and terrific! She explained key points about the program and how it works!”

At our property, Heather Cady - Director of Forestry and Fire Prevention Programs, conducted a thorough evaluation of how fire-ready we are. As homeowners, we wanted to know how we could improve our defense against the threat of wildfire to our property. She assessed our home’s exterior, starting with the roof. She looked for Class A fire-rated roofing. Then, she checked venting around the eaves and evaluated areas where embers might intrude. She also inspected attached structures like patios and decks, ensuring no flammable objects were stored underneath.

Next, we reviewed our landscaping and how there should be a 5-foot space between the house and any landscaping site to help prevent the spread of wildfires. Heather discussed different landscapes, plants, and trees that contribute to fire or add a line of defense. She explained how creating vegetation islands, where free-standing garden areas, usually surrounded by non-combustible materials like grass or stone, can help reduce the intensity of a fire by creating separation between areas of high fuel.

One thing that really impressed me was learning about their partner programs. If you qualify, volunteers may be available to help implement the suggested safety improvements, making wildfire preparation more accessible and affordable.

The Fire Safe Council of San Diego County offers helpful suggestions to keep homes safe from wildfire. This program provides personalized, non-regulatory suggestions based on local fire ordinances and best practices for reducing wildfire risk. The recommendations are purely advisory, nothing is required, and assessments are completely confidential. Homeowners also receive helpful educational resources and program referrals to assist in reaching their fire preparedness goals.

Taking simple, proactive steps now can create a safer environment, reduce wildfire risks, and help meet future insurance requirements. For more information or to apply for a free Fire Safety Assessment, visit the Fire Safe Council site. Apply today or share with others, as there are ten more free assessments in Ramona waiting to be scheduled.

As a result of the information shared in Valley News and on the SDCEA website , homeowners in Ramona signed up for a Fire Safety Assessment—40 of whom received the service at no cost.

Lynn Loeb: April’s Employee of the Month

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 01:49:34 GMT

SDCEA recognizes Lynn Loeb for her outstanding hospitality service in April. Exceeding expectations to create memorable experiences, Loeb’s exceptional service, warm demeanor, and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable part of our team.

Lynn Loeb was hired on December 5, 2023, and works in the lodge as a Member Guest Service Agent. Whether assisting guests with a smile or ensuring every detail is perfect, she embodies the true spirit of hospitality.

She greets every guest as they enter and leave the clubhouse, assists with hotel check-in and check-out, coordinates phone reservations for hotel guests, group guests, and homeowner guests, and provides all clubhouse knowledge, including hours of business for the restaurant, bar, snack bar, and golf shop. She coordinates the reservations for pickleball and tennis court usage, directs homeowners to CRD and/or HOA offices, and is the hub of all information for our homeowners.

Her lead, Mary Ellen Stevens, Lodge Manager at the San Vicente Resort, says that Loeb goes above and beyond with exceptional hospitable service. A guest was checking in, and Lynn asked her what brought her to the San Vicente Resort. The guest told Lynn she was celebrating her birthday with a staycation at the resort. Lynn then asked Front of the House Manager Colleen Doulgeropoulos for a birthday amenity, and they both brought a birthday dessert surprise to the guest’s room and sang her happy birthday.

According to Mary Ellen, Lynn is a great team player. She is always willing to come in on short notice to cover shifts when needed. We are incredibly lucky to have her on the team!

Lynn loves to hike, kayak, travel, and read on her time off. She mostly loves to spend time with her family, especially her six grandchildren. Heather McGhee, Marketing and Public Relations Manager at the San Diego Country Estates Association, adds that Loeb is a runner and has raced in holiday races such as the Santa Run and Turkey Trot.

According to Crystal Carle, Accounting Assistant and a member of the Human Resources Team, some interesting facts about Lynn are that she and her husband owned and operated a successful electrical business for over 40 years. She worked at the San Diego Tourism Authority for over five years and was in Management for Title Nine Retail Clothing.

Lynn enjoys working and living in our beautiful community. She loves meeting new guests and homeowners, working with co-workers she found out are her neighbors, and simply providing outstanding customer service to ensure a great experience at San Vicente Resort.

Her attention to detail and passion for outstanding service make a lasting impact, creating experiences that keep guests coming back. We are proud to recognize Lynn Loeb for her positive attitude and commitment to excellence, which sets an excellent example for the entire team.

Photo by Heather McGhee.

Summer Fun Starts Here: ImagiCamp & Amazing Athletes Camps Return!

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 01:29:21 GMT

Get ready for a summer of adventure with our 10-week ImagiCamp for ages 5–12 and Amazing Athletes programs for toddlers to tweens at Ramona Oaks Park.

Can you believe we're already gearing up for summer? At the Rec Center, we're excited to announce the return of our 10-week ImagiCamp program—and registration is right around the corner!

Our themed camps are packed with adventures, from daily swimming, nature hikes, group games, skits, and crafts to Friday specials and unforgettable field trips. There's something for everyone, and your kids are sure to have a blast! Whether you join us for all 10 weeks or just a few, each week is loaded with fun and excitement.

ImagiCamp is open to children ages 5–12 and is a great opportunity for kids to make new friends while staying active and engaged. Registration begins April 14 at the Rec Center—where all the summer magic happens!

For younger children—or those who want to explore more—check out Amazing Athletes, our non-competitive, multi-sport camp held at beautiful Ramona Oaks Park. These fun classes focus on teamwork, self-confidence, and motor skills and are open to:

Tots Class: 18 months – 2½ years
Preschool Class: 2½ – 5 years
School Age Class: 5 – 10 years

To learn more or enroll in Amazing Athletes, contact Taylor Dick at northlandca@amazingathletes.com

Let’s make this summer unforgettable—see you at camp!

Matt Brumbaugh: The PGA Golf Pro Behind the Game

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 01:15:19 GMT

PGA Professional Matt Brumbaugh brings leadership, enthusiasm, and expertise to San Vicente Resort, creating a welcoming environment for golfers of all ages and levels.

As the Head Golf Professional at San Vicente Resort, Matt Brumbaugh oversees all golf operations, including daily play, tournament facilitation, Golf Shop merchandising and sales, and Golf Club membership activities and engagement. San Vicente is a semi-private facility, requiring a balance between the needs of golf members, lodge guests, and outside play.

Matt has over twenty-five years of experience and has been in his position for over five years. He manages a team of 15 staff members, 75 golf carts, a driving range, practice hole, putting green, and a 110-acre golf course that sees over 40,000 rounds of golf annually. Instruction is a core part of his role, offering lessons to all ages and skill levels. His expertise and leadership in merchandising and sales at the golf shop ensure a complete range of golf equipment and apparel.

Highlights:

Golf Memberships have increased from 230 to 300 plus since he arrived in 2020. When you include family, we have over 500 golfing members.
The Junior Golf Program has over 40 participants aged 6-14 that attend weekly clinics. PGA Junior League runs May – June (40 Juniors competing weekly on the golf course).
Twilight League was very successful in 2024, bringing new golfers to San Vicente—13 weeks with 60-80 participants, every Thursday at 5 pm (9-hole fun format)
Fiesta on the Fairway – Friday, May 2, 1 pm Shotgun start. It is a fun format with contests for the most festive outfits, closest to the pin, team awards, and TACOS after the round.

Matt enjoys the people-centered nature of his work. He finds the job rewarding because it combines his passion for playing and teaching golf with the opportunity to be around others who share his enthusiasm and gain confidence in their playing abilities.

It’s important for him to engage golfers in a game they are comfortable with while also challenging them to improve, so there are a variety of golf experiences to choose from for various age ranges. Junior Golf is filled with young students learning the game, and golf club members bring experience and a passion for recreation, competition, and camaraderie. Day players, groups, and tournament golfers bring a range of skills, competition, and enjoyment to the game. Casual golfers can appreciate nine-hole games like afternoon Twilight Golf in the summer and Ladies Nine and Wine, all open to the public.

Matt makes a point of connecting with golfers to personalize their experience and foster a welcoming, engaging environment. He strives to ensure everyone who visits San Vicente Resort has an enjoyable and welcoming experience, regardless of their skill level. His goal is to make the game approachable and enjoyable for all.

He believes that everyone can appreciate golf, regardless of their experience. He likens learning golf to skiing—having the right guidance can make all the difference. As the golf lead, he is committed to supporting current and prospective golfers. He encourages questions about memberships and lessons, and values being accessible and responsive.

Outside of work, Matt and his wife are avid travelers and food enthusiasts. They enjoy exploring new cuisines, including seafood, sushi, and Himalayan dishes, and regularly take trips to places like Hawaii, Myrtle Beach, Monterey, and Santa Monica to visit family.

As empty nesters, he and his wife now treasure their time together, reflecting fondly on the years spent raising their children and attending their activities.

With Matt in charge, every day at the course is infused with professionalism, an open invitation to improve your game, and a truly enjoyable experience.

Photo by Heather McGhee.

Wildfire Educational Training

heather.mcghee@sdcea.net (Heather McGhee) — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 03:01:55 GMT

Plan to attend the Firewise Educational Training on Saturday, April 12.

REGISTER FOR AN IMPORTANT COMMUNITY FIRE SAFETY EVENT!

Firewise Educational Training

When neighbors come together, we build more than defensible space—we create a stronger, safer community. The Firewise Educational Training event is designed to help educate and empower our community. By working side by side to clear brush and reduce fire risk, we create a connected network of protection—what experts call a “community fire break.” One home alone can’t stop a wildfire, but a neighborhood working together can make a powerful difference. Join us to learn how your efforts, along with those of your neighbors, can truly help protect the place we all call home.

Date: April 12, 2025

Location: I nternational Equestrian Center, Rotunda @ 16911 Gunn Stage Road, Ramona

Register Today: Firewise Educational Training Form

Check-in at 8:30 am, program starts at 9:30 am to 12 – 12:30 pm

What You'll Gain by Attending:

Learn: How to protect your home from Wildfires, what are “Safe Zones,” and how to help make our community safer for all our residents.
Evacuations: What you need to know and how it works.
Insurance: Discover how to make your home more insurable—and potentially lower your premium—by taking steps that qualify your neighborhood for Firewise USA® designation under California’s new 'Safer from Wildfires' law.
Plus: Learn how to reduce the #1 cause of home loss during wildfires—wind-driven embers—and take action that helps you qualify for insurance discounts while protecting your property and neighborhood.

Guest speakers are CAL FIRE, Ramona Sheriff’s Department, and County of San Diego Supervisor Joel Anderson’s office as well as others, with time allotted for Q & A.

Information was provided by Richard Drewery, SDCEA Fire Safety Committee – Chairman of the Firewise Sub-Committee and Resident Leader of the Firewise NFPA.

Horsefeathers: Equestrian Center Enhances Facilities and Welcomes New Boarders

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 02:20:55 GMT

The Equestrian Team remained active throughout March, focusing on maintenance, safety, and welcoming new boarders.

Highlights include:

Continued rain preparation efforts at both facilities.
Replaced bleacher boards near the dressage courts in the IEC infield.
Built, painted, and installed new tack room doors in the Mare Motel.
Organized the infield for the March 22 Cowboy Challenge presented by resident trainer Joann Henrickle.
Started weed whacking and mowing around barns, infields, and hillsides at the IEC.
Began spreading compost on the IEC hillside to control weeds and prevent erosion.
Collaborated with a welder to repair corral panels, ensuring horse safety.
Met with prospective boarders; four new horses are moving into the IEC, and one into CTWC.
Prepared IEC corrals #6, #17, and #21 for new arrivals.
Readied Barn B Stall 1 and the double stalls (4 & 5) for incoming horses.
Installed stall mats in four CTWC stalls.
The entire Equestrian Team completed First Aid, CPR, and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) certification training.

Photo by Marissa Travis.

Equestrian Trainer Spotlight: Kelly Van Zant Inspires the Next Generation of Equestrians

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 02:08:39 GMT

Kelly Van Zant has been a trainer at the IEC since 2016 and embodies a true passion for horses, sharing her knowledge and love for the sport with every rider she teaches.

Kelly Van Zant's love for horses began in 1978 in Portola Valley, CA, in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her mother rode as a child and had a love for horses deep in her heart, but she had to give it up to start working when she graduated high school.

"When I showed interest in horses, she was elated," said Van Zant. She began taking riding lessons at a place called Webb Ranch, which is still there to this day. At first, Van Zant was a very nervous rider, an experience that helps her today when she is teaching students who may be tentative or afraid. She had a fantastic riding instructor, Lyndal, who still teaches a few lucky students.

"I don't think she owned a watch," Van Zant says of her instructor. "Our lessons were sometimes the length of the San Francisco Giants baseball game, as she had a small radio on her saddle horn so she could keep track of her team." Van Zant benefited from seeing her trainer's love of teaching firsthand. Lyndal kept Van Zant safe and left her always wanting more. As the years went by, her mother became the nervous one when Van Zant began riding "tricky" horses at the age of 12.

At this time, Van Zant had two incredible mentors. "They were like grandpas to me." They were second and third-generation horsemen who "broke" polo ponies and played polo at a high level. Her mother paid Wes Linfoot to shoe her horses and Fay Humphries to board them, but their mentoring and education were priceless; Van Zant still talks about them almost daily. When she was 15, Lyndal asked if she wanted to start teaching some lessons, and Van Zant jumped at the idea. On August 14, 1985, she gave her first lesson. Wes would tell her that if you do something you love, you will never have to work a day in your life. "Other than in crazy weather, he was right."

Van Zant and her husband, Curtis, moved to the San Diego Country Estates with their Golden, Jesse, in August 2015. When they came down to the community in 2014 to look at houses, it was love at first sight. They bought their home in 2014 but had to wait a year because of work commitments. "It was the longest 485 days," Van Zant recalls. She did not know a soul here but was fortunate enough to meet the right people and began teaching beginner lessons and Pony Club at the IEC in 2016. Since then, she has started her own business with two of the horses she began with here, Tanka and Pal.

Sadly, Jesse passed away in 2019. Van Zant and her husband now have four dogs: Two Golden Retrievers named Wolffee and Journne, and two Boston Terriers named Wille and Whiskke.

"I adore teaching the beginners, building a strong foundation and always working on basics," says Van Zant. She met a mom who wanted lessons for her almost three-year-old daughter. Until then, she had only worked with 4 1/2 and five-year-olds through teens. Now, she has an entire group of 4–5-year-olds who all started just before their third birthday.

"I am the luckiest horse-crazy girl in the world to get to do what I love every day and watch these amazing young riders grow, love the horses, and accomplish goals in every lesson," says Van Zant. She also teaches horsemanship lessons for the different age groups once a month and celebrates birthdays during those times. Watching these amazing children form friendships and work together is just icing on the cake. She reaches out to Lyndal every so often and thanks her for providing such a wonderful background. She thinks of Fay and Wes almost every day and thanks them for shaping her foundation, teaching her the basics, and helping her to become a young professional.

"I wish my mom, who passed away before we moved here, could see this magical place and the awesome people in SDCE," says Van Zant.

With a deep love for both horses and her community, Van Zant continues to inspire the next generation of riders. Her passion for teaching children goes beyond riding skills. It's about building confidence, responsibility, and a lifelong appreciation for these incredible animals. As she nurtures young equestrians, she also strengthens the bond between people and horses, ensuring that her love for the sport leaves a lasting impact. Whether in the arena or the community, her dedication shines, making her not just a trainer but a mentor in a cherished part of the equestrian world.

Photo courtesy of Kelly Van Zant.

Beach, Babes & Bunco: A Night of Fun and Fundraising at San Vicente Resort

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 01:44:13 GMT

Beach, Babes & Bunco is one of the Ramona Soroptimist Club's most beloved fundraisers—raising money for scholarships and the Live Your Dream program to help young women overcome life's challenges with support, encouragement, and the chance to succeed.

One of the Ramona Soroptimist Club's most loved fundraisers, "Beach, Babes & Bunco," is designed to raise money for the club's scholarship and Live Your Dream programs. These programs help young ladies and girls overcome obstacles in life—whether they need support for school or as the breadwinners for their families. Their goal is to give them an arm up, not a handout.

At Beach, Babes & Bunco, 60 people gathered to play three games of Bunco. They celebrated with a colorful Hawaiian theme and decorated with surfboards and leis, filling the room with joy. Everyone was dressed in fun, tropical outfits and enjoyed a delicious meal. The dining experience featured a hamburger bar with tater tots, beans, a fresh salad, a drink bar, and a snack shack.

Raffles, Prizes, and Community Support

The event was also packed with excitement from 21 different raffle baskets and 21 silent auctions. The main supporter of this event, Uptown Boutique, helped make the evening even more special. Every attendee received a door prize and had the chance to pick a free gift from their jewelry tray. In addition, the cost of admission included a drink and a raffle ticket. Lucky winners were also able to choose gift bags with prizes like gift cards from San Vicente Resort, Rachel's Restaurant, and Main Street Coffee. Local businesses contributed to the winning prizes, showing their strong support for the club's mission.

Scholarships and Dream Awards

The fundraiser helps fund the Soroptimists' Dream and Scholarship programs at local high schools such as Ramona High, Montecito, and Mountain Valley Academy. Students submit applications for these scholarships. They also give a special "Live Your Dream Award" to one outstanding young woman each year. This award is very important to us, as it celebrates overcoming obstacles and encourages girls to believe they can achieve anything with hard work and support.

A special thanks is given to the event team and to all the wonderful Soroptimist members who made the evening possible. If you are interested in joining the global group that empowers women and children, please visit their website: Ramona Soroptimist .

Our mission statement is to empower women and girls through education and training, enabling them to achieve economic empowerment and reach their full potential. Let's continue to work together to brighten futures—one girl, one scholarship, and one dream at a time.

Photos by Cheryl Schlauch.

Protecting Homes from Wildfire: Free Assessment & Wildfire Educational Training

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 02:19:55 GMT

Homeowners in Ramona, one of five areas eligible for this program in San Diego County, can now access free home assessments and defensible space assistance through the 2025 Home Assessment and Defensible Space Assistance Programs. PLUS, plan to attend the Firewise Educational Training on April 12.

SIGN UP TODAY! Assessments will take place between Monday, March 31 and Friday, April 11.

As SDCEA homeowners, you now have an opportunity to enhance your wildfire resilience with free home assessments and defensible space assistance. The Home Assessment Program (HAP) and the Defensible Space Assistance Program (DSAP), administered by the Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County in partnership with the Fire Safe Council of San Diego County, aim to reduce wildfire risks by helping residents prepare their properties.

The Home Assessment Program provides a 30–45-minute evaluation of a home’s vulnerability to wildfire and ember ignition. Trained specialists review defensible space zones (Zone 0, 1, and 2), suggest fire-resistant landscaping, and recommend home-hardening measures. This service is available free of charge in Ramona, thanks to grant funding from San Diego Gas & Electric and the California Fire Safe Council. Homeowners must register at www.firesafesdcounty.org/hap .

For those needing additional assistance, the Defensible Space Assistance Program provides one day of brush clearance, tree trimming, pine needle removal, and vegetation chipping . Services follow CAL FIRE and local fire agency ordinances. To qualify, homeowners must first complete the form for the Home Assessment Program.

If you're unable to afford or complete brush removal on your property and you qualify, this program can help. Removing brush within 5–50 feet and 50–100 feet of your home significantly increases its chances of surviving a wildfire. It also gives firefighters a better opportunity to defend your property. Take action now — this effort could make all the difference.

The Defensible Space Assistance Program (DSAP) is designed to assist homeowners who need to create defensible space, and who are not able to do so because of physical, economic, or other barriers. Complete the Home Assessment Program Application and fill out information at the bottom to apply:

You must be the legal owner of the property to be serviced.
You must first participate in the Home Assessment Program and have a visit completed by one of DSAP trained staff members. If you meet the DSAP eligibility requirements, you may be referred to this program to assist with the recommendations made in the assessment. You will not have to complete an additional application.
You must be unable to complete this work due to economic barriers:
One-person household: Income is less than $63,660 (annually).
Two-person household: Income is less than $72,720 (annually).
Applicants who are both disabled and/or elderly and experiencing financial barriers are prioritized. Applicants who live in high or very high fire severity zones are prioritized.
Applicants who have recently received a notice to abate from a fire protection district are prioritized.

This initiative ensures that homeowners, especially those facing economic or physical barriers, receive the support they need to protect their properties. For more information, visit www.firesafesdcounty.org/hap or contact Morgan Dioli at 619-562-0096 x107 or morgan.dioli@rcdsandiego.org .

Don’t wait until the fire season arrives. Act today to safeguard your home and community.

Defensible Space Assistance Program Flyer

Home Assessment Program Flyer

REGISTER FOR AN IMPORTANT COMMUNITY FIRE SAFETY EVENT!

Firewise Educational Training

Date: April 12, 2025

Location: I nternational Equestrian Center, Rotunda @ 16911 Gunn Stage Road, Ramona

Register Today: Firewise Educational Training Form

Check-in at 8:30 am, program starts at 9:30 am to 12 – 12:30 pm

Learn how to protect your home from Wildfires, what are “Safe Zones,” and how to help make our community safer for all our residents.
Evacuations – what you need to know and how it works.

Guest speakers are CAL FIRE, Ramona Sheriff’s Department, and County of San Diego Supervisor Joel Anderson’s office as well as others, with time allotted for Q & A.

Information was provided by Richard Drewery, SDCEA Fire Safety Committee – Chairman of the Firewise Sub-Committee and Resident Leader of the Firewise NFPA, and Kristi Masloff, President of the Ramona West End Fire Safe Council.

Cowboy Challenge & Horsemanship Show Presented by Joann Henrickle Horsemanship

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 19:37:32 GMT

Contestants saddled up for a Cowboy Challenge and Horsemanship Show on Saturday, March 22, at the International Equestrian Center. Over 100 people were in attendance, 50 of whom competed in the event.

The Cowboy Challenge and Horsemanship Show consisted of four horsemanship patterns the riders needed to memorize and a cowboy challenge full of obstacles for the riders and their horses. These patterns and obstacles showcased the relationship between horse and rider, who was allowed to ride English or Western. There was an additional lead line pattern for the little cowboys and cowgirls to be towed around by a person on foot.

The goal of the event was to complete the course safely and, of course, have fun. International Equestrian Trainer Joann Henrickle says this event is all about partnership with your horse, and everyone should enjoy that.

Henrickle has trained at the IEC for six years and has been a trainer for a total of 16 years. She focuses on English and Western foundation training. She teaches dressage, jumping, barrel racing, western pleasure, and trail. She loves to teach it all and always makes it fun and positive for her clients. “I discovered a way to be with my horse every day,” says Henrickle. “I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”

Heather Smith brought her two kids, Aretta Smith, 4, and Emmett Smith, 5, to participate in the lead line horsemanship class. The family lives in Warner Springs, and Smith says the lead line class is good for the youngsters because it gives them confidence with a parent by their side. “It’s their first show,” she says, adding that her kids watch their cousins do junior rodeo, so they were excited to participate in this horsemanship event.

Georgia Sterlin, 4, confidently said she wanted to win four trophies and a lot of ribbons at the event. She competed in the horsemanship lead line event, riding a horse named Candy.

A raffle was held throughout the day with a variety of baskets. The Kitty’s Kitchen food truck was on site selling BBQ bacon cheeseburgers, bacon-wrapped hotdogs, carne asada, adobada, and chicken nachos and tacos, to name a few. They also sold beverages, which was a great relief to riders and spectators on the sunny spring day.

The event sponsors were Lope Equine Inc., Trim A Brim Hat Co., Salon Ambition, Olde Mission Chiropractic, Dr. Cheryl L. Ricketts-Mulvey, DC, Valley Color Growers, Inc., Matt Parker Hay Co., and Sea Breeze Glass Co.

The judges included Monette L. Dyar and Sabrina Smith, who are both equestrians with extensive equine backgrounds. The show was judged based on the riders’ horsemanship, handling of the horse, control of their direction, and speed of the specific gait while completing a pattern to signify a partnership between horse and rider with maximum effectiveness and minimal effort. There was also an optional extra credit question to test their horse knowledge at the end of the horsemanship pattern(s).

The Cowboy Challenge tested the riders’ skill and control of their horses through challenging courses that included obstacles such as gates, tight spaces, a box of crinkled-up water bottles, an obstacle the horse had to push a ball through with its nose or front legs, and more. It stimulated real-life scenarios, aiming to showcase the control of the horse, as well as its training and trust in its rider.

This show is part of a series. Contestants will be awarded ribbons for the first and second shows and high points for all the shows combined. The high-point winner will be awarded a belt buckle at the end. The next shows will be held on Saturday, July 19, and Saturday, November 22.

The Cowboy Challenge and Horsemanship show had a great turnout. Beyond the competitive aspect, the event carried a strong sense of camaraderie. Riders cheered each other on, exchanging tips and encouragement between classes. The cowboy challenge isn’t just a test of skill; it’s a celebration of the dedication, patience, and passion that define true horsemanship.

Photos by Tiffany Pressler.

Bulldog Pride on the Fairway: RHS Golf Hosts Annual Bulldog Open

heather.mcghee@sdcea.net (Heather McGhee) — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 19:18:04 GMT

Ramona High School’s boys’ golf team, boasting a strong 7-1 season record, hosted the Bulldog Open at San Vicente Resort with almost 100 players and 16 teams, demonstrating growing success under dedicated coaching and community support.

Ramona High School’s boys’ golf team is making waves on the fairway this season, building off a strong record and hosting the much-anticipated Bulldog Open last Monday, March 17, at San Vicente Resort.

Under the leadership of Head Coach Craig Powell and Assistant Coach George Cobian, the Bulldogs have carved out a reputation for competitive excellence within the CIF San Diego Section’s Valley League. With strong rivalries, the RHS Bulldog team is gearing up for a standout season that’s already showing promise with a 7-1 record.

The Bulldog Open, a CIF Sanctioned event, kicked off with a 1 pm shotgun start and welcomed 16 high school teams, including top programs from San Diego County, Murietta, and Temecula. Each school had a six-player team, with five scores counting toward the team total—allowing one low score to be dropped. Five coaches, including Powell, participated in course review, and Cobian served as the Hole 6 Marshall. In total, over 100 golfers were on the course.

“We’ve seen a real turnaround in the last few years,” said Coach Powell. “Thanks to the support of Golf Pro Matt Brumbaugh and the San Vicente Golf Team dedicated to a junior program, our record has improved from 7-8 in 2023 to 13-3 last year. Each year, some good RHS players elect to compete for other San Diego schools, and we have trained and committed new players feeding into our program now.”

The Bulldogs are also eyeing the CIF Championship, scheduled for May 19–21, 2025, with rounds at Steele Canyon and the iconic Torrey Pines South Course. To prepare, RHS golfers are focused on their 9-hole league matches and practice and back-to-back 18-hole rounds—a test of both physical stamina and mental focus, which Coach Powell emphasizes is “90% of the game.”

The Coaches League Tournament Play in the CIF San Diego Section is an informal but fun tradition during the League Championship Tournament. The coaches choose a score and can only win if they score under their chosen score, a lighthearted way for coaches to stay engaged and enjoy a bit of friendly competition themselves.

Thanks to Coach Powell for his passion for the game, and his strong partnership with the San Vicente Golf Team. He brings players and coaches to the course, and the course experience feedback is positive.

With strong leadership, rising talent, and supportive community partners, Ramona High’s golf program continues to grow.

Stay tuned for more updates as we follow the team to the CIF Championship.

Photo courtesy of Coach Powell.

Celebrating Spring: Get Your Garden Ready for a Season of Growth

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 18:51:47 GMT

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.

Rick and Diane Watkins, San Diego Country Estates homeowners and owners of Valley Color Growers, Inc., have years of experience and passion for plants. Rick says spring is an ideal time to start growing plants because the conditions are just right for healthy growth.

Rick has been in the nursery business since he was 15 years old and has been growing plants for 52 years. He says when you are getting your garden ready, it's important to start with a good compost and to check with your local garden center. Rick sells annual color, vegetables, and some shrubs to Country True Value Hardware in the San Diego Country Estates and says that's a great place to go for your garden needs. And don't forget your tools. The basics you will need to get started include a shovel, hoe, watering bucket or hose, and gardening gloves.

Rick says good plants for spring in this area include alyssum, petunias, lobelia, marigolds, dusty miller, dianthus, portulaca, and begonias. He says these are your top basic annual color. If you are looking for water-resistant plants, myoporum, ice plant, cactus, and succulents are good alternatives. Good vegetables to plant in your garden include tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and squash. Some fruit options include melons and strawberries. "Fruit trees thrive in Ramona due to its warm summers, mild winters, and plenty of sunshine," says Rick. Fruit trees that do well in this area include orange, lemon, tangerine, apple, pear, apricot, and fig.

Rick has some tips for maintaining a garden with the fluctuating spring temperatures. He says spring weather in Ramona is still cool, but the cold weather is behind us, and it's time to make your gardens. The days are longer and warmer, the nights are cool, and there are no issues with frost. He recommends watering plants daily, preferably in the morning, to minimize evaporation and give plants time to absorb moisture before the heat of the day.

"Custom-raised gardens are a great way to create controlled growing space for plants," says Rick. He adds that box gardens are a good option if the ground is too hard, or gardeners don't want to bend over for extended periods. Hanging baskets are also a good option for adding color to your landscape.

With a little planning and preparation, your spring garden will be ready to thrive. Whether growing fresh produce for your kitchen or creating a colorful outdoor retreat, these tips will help you make the most of the season. Happy gardening!

Photo by Tiffany Pressler.

Spring Splendor: March Home of the Month

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 17:54:58 GMT

As the seasons shift and spring begins, our March Home of the Month is a reflection of warmth, charm, and timeless design. Richard and Karla Hardoon are the proud owners of this real estate and stunning residence that captures the inviting living spaces, thoughtful details, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Richard and Karla Hardoon’s 4,300 square foot home has five bedrooms and 3 ½ bathrooms with wood floors throughout. Outside, is a nice outdoor kitchen for barbecues and a sloped yard for their four dogs—three border collies and a chihuahua—to enjoy. Also on the property is a large separate 3-car garage. In addition, the home is equipped with solar panels.

Not only does the property offer stunning views of the countryside; Richard says he enjoys the San Diego Country Estates because it’s quiet and well-kept, and the people in the community are friendly. He also appreciates how light the traffic is and adds that it’s nice to have the San Vicente Resort nearby.

Richard is a flight department director and flies private jets, so he enjoys the peacefulness and serenity of this community. Karla’s hobbies include gardening and taking care of their dogs. She loves to tend to the plants and garden, which includes a succulent and cactus garden in the front yard.

The beauty of the residence, both inside and out, is a celebration of the effort these homeowners put into maintaining the property. The wonderfully kept home enhances the neighborhood aesthetic and inspires others to embrace the essence of springtime.

As the days grow longer and the first signs of spring appear, the Hardoons will be enjoying their outdoor barbecue and relishing the breathtaking views their residence offers.

Congratulations, Richard and Karla Hardoon, for being awarded March’s Home of the Month.

Photos courtesy of Richard Hardoon.

Spring Break Fun: Exciting Activities to Keep Kids Entertained

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 16:07:17 GMT

Spring break is just around the corner, and if you are looking to keep your kids active, engaged, and having fun, you’re in luck.

Ramona Unified School District’s Spring break is March 24-28. The days are getting longer, and the fun is heating up.

The San Diego Country Estates will be hosting spring day camps from March 24-28 and April 18-21 at the Ramona Oaks Recreation Center. There will be crafts to make, games to play, and lots of unstoppable fun. Camp hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm for $55 per day. Extended care hours are 6:30-8:30 am for $5 and 4:30-6:30 pm for $5. Pre-registration is required and all are welcome. If interested, please call 760-789-4146.

Another great way to keep the kids engaged while they are out of school is to get some exercise for the mind and body with a tour of the Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Mural Project. You can download a map here and check out the 20 murals, starting with Casey Tibbs and ending at La Quinceañera, with so much beauty throughout these incredible outdoor visual arts pieces.

Visit family-friendly venues in and around Ramona. The Oasis Camel Dairy offers interactive experiences with camels, including rides and feeding sessions. Additionally, venues like Farmstand 67 provide opportunities to learn about local agriculture and enjoy fresh produce. Happy Hens is another fun education spot to visit.

Explore local parks and enjoy outdoor activities. Ramona Oaks Park offers picnic areas, a large grass field for frisbee, and a basketball court. It's an excellent spot for families to relax and engage in recreational activities. The SDCE has great hiking and biking trails for the outdoor enthusiast. Homeowners can enjoy the amenities of the SDCEA and golf, play tennis, and use the equestrian facilities.

If you are considering taking the kiddos out of town, nearby attractions like San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Sea World, and Legoland offer fun for all ages. There is fun to be found all around San Diego; families can enjoy ice skating and roller-skating rinks, trampoline parks, movie theaters, and nearby beaches. San Diego has so much to offer with shopping and dining out as well; the opportunities are endless.

No matter how you choose to spend spring break, whether exploring the outdoors or making crafts, it's important to make these memories together. With a little planning and a spirit of adventure, it's sure to be a great mix of fun and relaxation to make this spring break one to remember.

Protecting Homes from Wildfire

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 15:49:40 GMT

Homeowners in Ramona, one of five areas eligible for this program in San Diego County, can now access free home assessments and defensible space assistance through the 2025 Home Assessment and Defensible Space Assistance Programs. PLUS, plan to attend the Firewise Educational Training on April 12.

SIGN UP TODAY! Assessments will take place between Monday, March 31 and Friday, April 11.

You must be the legal owner of the property to be serviced.
You must first participate in the Home Assessment Program and have a visit completed by one of DSAP trained staff members. If you meet the DSAP eligibility requirements, you may be referred to this program to assist with the recommendations made in the assessment. You will not have to complete an additional application.
You must be unable to complete this work due to economic barriers:
One-person household: Income is less than $63,660 (annually).
Two-person household: Income is less than $72,720 (annually).
Applicants who are both disabled and/or elderly and experiencing financial barriers are prioritized. Applicants who live in high or very high fire severity zones are prioritized.
Applicants who have recently received a notice to abate from a fire protection district are prioritized.

Don’t wait until the fire season arrives. Act today to safeguard your home and community.

Defensible Space Assistance Program Flyer

Home Assessment Program Flyer

REGISTER FOR AN IMPORTANT COMMUNITY FIRE SAFETY EVENT!

Firewise Educational Training

Date: April 12, 2025

Location: I nternational Equestrian Center, Rotunda @ 16911 Gunn Stage Road, Ramona

Register Today: Firewise Educational Training Form

Check-in at 8:30 am, program starts at 9:30 am to 12 – 12:30 pm

Learn how to protect your home from Wildfires, what are “Safe Zones,” and how to help make our community safer for all our residents.
Evacuations – what you need to know and how it works.

Guest speakers are CAL FIRE, Ramona Sheriff’s Department, and County of San Diego Supervisor Joel Anderson’s office as well as others, with time allotted for Q & A.

2025 PGA Junior League: Sign Up to Play at San Vicente Resort

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 20:02:46 GMT

Encourage your junior golfer to join the 2025 PGA Junior League at San Vicente Golf Resort for a fun and skill-building experience.

If you have a junior aged 6–14 who is interested in golf, San Vicente Golf Resort offers an excellent program. Clinics are available on Wednesday afternoons from 4 – 5 pm and Saturday mornings from 10 – 11 am, focusing on fun and fundamentals. The registration fee is $50 for the Junior Golf Program, with a $10 fee per clinic attended.

Our 2025 PGA Junior League is now open for registration. To sign up, visit www.pgajrleague.com , select "Find my League," and enter zip code 92065. The San Vicente League will appear, allowing you to register. The league runs from May 14 – June 25, offering seven weeks of play, including one practice and one match per week. The cost is $260 per player, which includes team participation and two custom team shirts with a name and number on the back. This league sold out last year, so early registration is encouraged.

The Junior Program at San Vicente welcomes all skill levels, encouraging beginners to start their golf journey. The skills learned in this program will last a lifetime!

Welcome Out-of-Town Guests to San Vicente Resort's Convenient Accommodations!

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 19:56:26 GMT

A home for your guests right down the road.

Are you expecting out-of-town visitors? Look no further! San Vicente Resort has you covered with our 28 beautifully appointed guest rooms. Each room features one king bed or two queen beds, ensuring comfort for all your guests. Nestled amidst stunning views and adjacent to a championship golf course, our resort promises an unforgettable stay.

Our spacious rooms, spanning over 385 sq ft, boast a range of amenities designed for relaxation and convenience. From the wet bar area with a refrigerator to the Cuisinart coffee maker, we've thought of everything to make staying with us enjoyable. Experience ultimate comfort with brand-new Serta mattresses, 55" televisions, and upgraded triple sheet bedding with four pillows per bed. Plus, guests can step outside onto a private balcony or patio overlooking the breathtaking golf course.

Guests also have access to our many amenities, including pool facilities, golf course, tennis and pickleball courts, the Golf Shop, and delightful dining options at The Oaks Grille and Par Lounge.

Conveniently located near your home, San Vicente Resort offers a home-away-from-home experience. Our friendly staff is eagerly awaiting your arrival, ready to ensure a seamless and enjoyable stay

Take advantage of our exclusive SDCEA member rates:

Sunday to Thursday: Spring - $114/night, Summer $124/night
Friday & Saturday: Spring - $134/night, Summer $144/night

Please note that all reservations require a credit card for guarantee, and our cancellation policy stipulates 72-hour notice prior to the check-in date. Additionally, all guests must be 21 years or older to reserve and check-in.

Make your out-of-town guests' stay exceptional at San Vicente Resort – where luxury meets hospitality. Book now by calling 760-789-8290 x0 to make a reservation and prepare for an unforgettable experience!

Photos by Shelly Mullin.

St. Patrick's Couples Tournament: When Green Feels Like Gold!

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 19:45:44 GMT

The St. Patrick's Day Couples Tournament brought the community together, reminding us that when we play as a team and celebrate together, every day can be a lucky one!

Last weekend, 28 San Vicente Golf Clubs players gathered for a special St. Patrick's Day Couples Tournament. Dressed in their lucky green—shirts, slacks, shorts, and hats—they brought plenty of smiles to celebrate a day when green truly felt like gold!

The tournament was played in a fun format called "Step Aside Scramble." In this style, each team chose their best shot, and that player then “stepped aside” while the other three took the next shot. This process continued until the ball was in the hole, making for an exciting and fast-paced game.

Teams included:

Jim Ringnell, Angela Rios, Robert Vass, Lynda Damato
John & Toni Massery, Gerald & Annette Schwipper
Hugh Blackwood, Marcy Aubert, Dan & Kathleen Kankelberg
Blane & Kelsey Clements, Sam & Amy Sailors
Kevin McNees, Catherine Knowles, Chico & Janet Flores
James & Corinne Hill, Tim Malinoski, Tamra Kelly
Rob & Penny Fowler, Raymon Johnson, Jerril Biddle

After an exhilarating round on the green, players gathered for a festive lunch in the Par Lounge. The St. Patrick’s Special menu featured a classic Reuben sandwich, a choice of sides, and a refreshing drink—or the option to order from the regular menu.

The fun continued as Matt Brumbaugh announced the winners! Each winning player received a lucky $21 gift card from the golf club. The winning team of the day was:

Jim Hill, Corinne Hill, Tim Malinoski, and Tamra Kelly— who collectively hit an impressive eight birdies! Their secret to success? “Teamwork!”

A special shoutout goes to the youngest team on the course; everyone proudly “fore-ever 21” (wink, wink)! It was proof that golf is a game for all ages.

Overall, it was a gorgeous day to play golf, and the experience was filled with laughter, friendly competition, and the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day.

Photos by Cheryl Schlauch.

Edie Hazen: A Champion of Strength, Spirit, and Survival

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 19:11:56 GMT

Edie Hazen’s journey from battling cancer and life-altering surgeries to winning golf tournaments showcases her unwavering determination, positivity, and the power of perseverance.

Edie Hazen's journey has not been easy. At one point, she visited the doctor, unable to walk straight or even sign her name. While waiting, she overheard the doctor tell his nurse, "I have a headache." Edie wobbled over to him and quipped, "Go home, take two aspirin, and call me in the morning." That moment sparked a connection, and she came to trust him with her life.

At the time, Edie had throat cancer, and the lump was already large. Her neck vertebrae were deteriorating, requiring surgery to take bone from her hip so she could hold her head up. Doctors warned her that she might be paralyzed from the neck down and advised her to get her affairs in order, as recovery was uncertain.

She underwent two major surgeries—one lasting eight hours to remove every cancerous cell and another, a 10-hour procedure, to rebuild her neck with bone from her hip. Radiation therapy followed, with years of rechecking. Doctors even warned her that she might feel electrical shocks down her spine post-surgery. It was a grueling process, but Edie's strong upbringing gave her the resilience to push through.

Edie grew up on a farm in Arkansas with eight siblings, working hard and dreaming of college. At 14, she took a job to save for her education. Though she never had the chance to attend, she was determined that her and her husband's three daughters would. She diligently saved to ensure they could pursue higher education and have beautiful weddings.

Now living in San Diego Country Estates, Edie spends much of her time golfing. Two years ago, she entered a four-day San Vicente Golf Tournament while her daughter was undergoing life-saving treatment. On the first day, temperatures soared past 100 degrees, and Edie doubted she'd make it far. But with the encouragement of her daughter and friends, she pushed forward—not only advancing but winning the San Vicente Women's Golf Club President's Cup.

For Edie, a perfect day begins with a latte made by her daughter, followed by 18 holes of golf, and ends with a drink among good friends, sharing laughter and stories. More than a survivor, Edie Hazen is an inspiration. Over 35 years ago, she made a promise to herself to stay positive no matter what, and that's what she's done. Her cheerful spirit, strength, and determination remind us that with hard work, a positive outlook, and the support of loved ones, life can be a wonderful adventure—even when the odds are stacked against you.

Photos courtesy of Edie Hazen. Header photo by Heather McGhee.

The Environmental Control Committee: A Team That Keeps Our Community a Desirable Place to Live

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 18:38:28 GMT

The Environmental Control Committee (ECC) upholds community standards by reviewing homeowner applications, ensuring compliance with governing documents, and making updates to enhance property values and safety.

The Environmental Control Committee (ECC) helps keep our community beautiful and our property values high by following important rules in our governing documents. The ECC plays a key role in San Diego Country Estates. It uses clear standards to guide how homeowners can make changes to their homes and lots.

Homeowners who wish to make changes to their homes or properties must first fill out an application. This form is available on the SDCEA.net website or through AppFolio. Once the application is received, it is added to the agenda for the ECC meeting. The ECC meets twice a month, usually on the first and third Tuesdays. At the meeting, the committee reviews the application and makes a decision. They can approve it, approve it with some changes, or deny it. If changes are needed, the ECC tells the homeowner exactly what to do. Even if the application is denied, they advise on how to get it approved later.

Homeowners are also welcome to attend the ECC open sessions at the Administration Office at 11 am on meeting days. There, they can listen, ask questions, or even get a private consultation about their application.

Recently, the ECC made an important change to one of its rules. They now allow pedal-assist electric bikes on easements and course trails, as long as they do not go faster than 10 miles per hour. This change was made for safety reasons. The ECC is also working on updating the Handbook, and they expect to finish the update by the end of the first quarter.

The full governing documents are available on the HOA’s website or AppFolio for anyone wanting to review the rules. Because these documents are long, using a keyword search or looking at the FAQ section can help you find what you need.

The work of the ECC makes our neighborhood a better place to live. By following clear rules and working together, the ECC helps ensure that our community remains both beautiful and valuable for everyone.

Photo by Lisa Everett.

Spring into Fun with SDCEA Recreation!

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 18:23:06 GMT

Celebrate the season with exciting spring activities, including fun-filled day camps and a spectacular Easter Egg Hunt at Ramona Oaks Park.

As the warmth of spring fills the air, the SDCEA Recreation Team is bringing the community together with engaging activities for all ages. From action-packed day camps to our much-anticipated Easter Egg Hunt, there’s no shortage of fun this season!

Day Camps

March 24 - 28, April 18 & 21

Looking for an exciting way to keep the kids entertained during school breaks? Our spring day camps at Ramona Oaks Recreation Center are the perfect solution! All are welcome!

Camp Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. $55 per day.

Extended Care Hours: 6:30 - 8:30 am ($5 fee) and 4:30 - 6:30 pm ($5 fee)

Pre-registration is required! Call the Recreation Department at 760-789-4146.

Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 19, at Ramona Oaks Park

Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 19, and hop over to Ramona Oaks Park for our annual Easter Egg Hunt! With over 3,000 eggs hidden throughout the park, kids will have a blast searching for treasures. Don’t forget to bring your camera—the Easter Bunny will be making a special appearance for photos!

Egg Hunt Schedule:

9:30 am: Ages 4 & under
10:00 am: Ages 5-7
10:15 am: Ages 8 & over

This event is proudly sponsored by SDCEA for Association residents. We can’t wait to celebrate the season with you!

Jose Monzon: March’s Employee of the Month

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 18:10:40 GMT

From lush lawns to blooming gardens, Jose Monzon proves that a bit of luck and a lot of skill make all the difference.

We are delighted to celebrate Jose Monzon for his hard work and dedication to the San Diego Country Estates Association. With the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day this month followed by the first day of Spring a few days later, it’s the perfect time to honor him and his green thumb.

Monzon was hired on May 19, 2023, and performs landscape maintenance in the Open Space department. He is responsible for all the areas at the clubhouse, lodge, pool, tennis courts, and the new San Vicente Park. He is also responsible for the club corrals across the street from the clubhouse and Georgia’s Garden at the golf practice area.

Monzon has an excellent eye for maintaining SDCEA’s plant material. All these garden areas are recently planted, and he keeps a close eye on them. This is key to their success in becoming established.

His lead, Nancy Zadrozny, SDCEA Landscape and Open Space Manager, says that Monzon not only maintains the cleanliness of our areas, but his knowledge of plants and proper pruning techniques has brought a higher level of aesthetics to our garden spaces. He has been involved in most of our planting of new material, and his knowledge of proper planting ensures a high success rate in our newly planted areas. He is very detailed and enjoys making the garden spaces attractive. His daily oversight of all areas ensures they are visually appealing and healthy.

When Monzon isn’t working at the SDCEA, he enjoys time with his family here in Ramona and visits family regularly in Mexico.

Monzon’s commitment to keeping the SDCEA beautiful is truly inspiring, and we are lucky to have him on our team. Congratulations, Jose Monzon, on being named Employee of the Month for March!

Photo by Nancy Zadrozny.

Plant, Grow, Connect: Ramona Garden Club Springs into the Season

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 18:00:15 GMT

For 22 years, the Ramona Garden Club has been shaping landscapes, preserving traditions, and inspiring new generations to find joy in the simple act of planting.

Ramona Garden Club now has 90 members, according to the club co-president, Jane Vidal. They enhance the community through various horticultural initiatives. “There’s quite a lot of stuff we do,” says Vidal.

Members maintain areas at the Collier Community Park twice a month by planting native and water-wise plants in the southeast corner. In this area, they take care of trees, larger plants, scrubs, succulents, and the Australian garden in the corner. The middle section is a large garden with native plants and a wide variety of other plants. Vidal says her co-president, Teri Schmidt, started maintaining gardens at Collier Park, and she is amazing. The park also has a children’s garden. “It’s a nice community project right in the middle of Ramona.” Vidal says they have a rose garden near the side of the tennis courts and a crew of folks that maintain that area.

The Ramona Garden Club has an ongoing beautification project at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. They maintain the Chandler Herb Garden near the Tiger and Elephant exhibit. “We were asked to help beautify it,” says Vidal. “It’s our thing.” They also have flowers in front of the Ramona Library and donated a floral arrangement to the Ramona Senior Center.

The Ramona Garden Club has awarded $47,000 to 42 high school seniors who are pursuing an education in the general field of horticulture, agriculture, and environmental science. They have just entered their 17th year of scholarship giving, with $ 5,500 slated to be awarded this year.

In 2024, The Ramona Garden Club awarded three grants: San Diego Humane Society, Ramona Community Montessori School Garden, and Chandler Herb Garden at Safari Park. They donated funds to provide three trees to the Penny Pines Restoration Project, a conservation initiative to replant and restore national forests in California that have been affected by fires, pests, or other natural disasters.

The Spring Plant & Craft Sale is coming up on Saturday, May 3rd, from 10 am to 2 pm at Ramona Oaks Park, with all proceeds going to the High School Scholarship Fund. They will feature a variety of plants and scrubs, as well as flowering plants and succulents. They will be selling beautiful crafts for the garden. “Just in time for Mother’s Day,” says Vidal. “And a nice way to spend a Saturday.”

The club has committed to an annual purchase of four plantations, totaling $272, to support the Cleveland National Forest reforestation program. People donate at every meeting toward the reforestation of California State Parks, and they chose to designate the money to Cuyamaca. They try to budget three certificates, $68 each, which buys an acre of trees to be planted in Cuyamaca State Park.

The Ramona Garden Club contributed $300 to the California Garden Clubs Inc., President’s Project. CGCI is a non-profit organization that promotes gardening, floral design, and environmental responsibility. The Ramona Garden Club has won a blue ribbon award from CGCI, held many craft and propaganda workshops to produce products to sell, organized two successful plant and craft sales, provided plants for Mountain View Community Church landscaping, enhanced our local library with flowers, plants, and a decorated Christmas tree, decorated a tree at Collier Park for the holidays, and initiated a “Propaganda Team” for their plants sales.

The club enjoys field trips to places like Agave Hidden Ranch, Ramona Humane Society, Ramona Protea Farm, Waterwise Botanicals, Gnosis Nursery, Poway Kumeyaay Center, Kathy & Vern Kilcrease Gardens, and a train ride at Mary Ann Rodarte’s home.

Ramona Garden Club meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month at Mountain View Church at 11:30 am. Members bring food for potluck lunch, and the public is welcome. At their monthly meetings, they learn from informative speakers like Marsha Cook, Linda Bresler, Daniel MacDonald & Stephen Leonard, Dean Karras, Debbie Gomez & Ramona Valencia. In March, their guest speaker, Roy Kilburn, gave a talk: “All About Tomatoes.”

Due to the heat, the Garden Club takes the summer off. Their last meeting is in May. In June, they have the installation of officers at Collier Park with a picnic and start back up in September. The fee to join the Ramona Garden Club is $30 for an individual and $40 for one additional family member.

The Ramona Garden Club fosters a sense of community and encourages a love for gardening among residents. Come join us!

Photo courtesy of the Ramona Garden Club.

Music, Friends, and Fun: Ashley E Norton and Marcia Claire Celebrate Their Special Day at Meet the Brewers with Smoking Cannon Brewery

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 01:11:48 GMT

Singer-songwriter Ashley E Norton and Marcia Claire celebrated their birthday dressed in pink at the Par Lounge on Wednesday, February 26, featuring the Smoking Cannon Brewery. This was the San Vicente Resort's first craft beer tasting this year.

About 100 people were in attendance at the Par Lounge to enjoy the Par Lounge’s first Meet the Brewers event and help Ashley Norton celebrate her birthday. Norton chose a pink theme for the evening because in the movie “Mean Girls” there’s a quote, “On Wednesdays, we wear pink.” Norton added, “I have a lot of pink in my wardrobe.” Many attendees and her followers dressed in pink outfits; some wore pink heels, boots, cowboy hats, and wigs. Norton played Americana music for the guests.

She shares a birthday with her bass player, Marcia Claire, from their band Dolly’s Revenge—formerly The Lady Psychiatrist’s Booth. Their drummer, Amanda Alvin, played with them, along with a couple of guest musicians who played a few songs. Norton expected the event to be crowded because they invited friends from down the hill, plus the Ramona crowd.

Norton has played at the Par Lounge every Wednesday night for the last few years unless she is on tour or out of town. She plays music for everyone, including country, rock, folk, and music from different periods. She also plays covers and her original music. “Ashley is pretty amazing,” says Front of the House Manager, Colleen Doulgeropoulos. “She is always on the go.” Norton’s birthday happened to fall on a Wednesday and happened to be the same day as the Meet the Winemaker event at the Par Lounge. Doulgeropoulos asked Norton what she would like to do, and she said, “Let’s do something a little different and feature a brewery.” Norton chose Smoking Cannon because she loves their beer and plays at their venue.

The Smoking Cannon Brewery is owned by Mike Nelson and Natalie Phillips. Nelson has been homebrewing since the 1990s, and together, they established a brewery to serve their local community. The brewery features a Civil War theme inspired by Nelson’s hobby of designing working-scale models of cannons. All of the beers are named after Civil War cannons.

Nelson and Phillips both have a love for brewing. “Our flagship beers are always on tap,” says Phillips. She adds that a lot of people like beer, and she enjoys socializing with the community. She likes to educate people about craft beer and welcomes tours at her brewery for anyone who asks.

The brewery itself has won 25 awards and 117 brewing awards. They use all-natural ingredients, and there are no extracts in the beer or the root beer they make. “We dice, slice, and chop everything at the brewery,” says Phillips. “We collaborate with Julian Beer Company. We pick berries at 6 am and make beer that day.”

Smoking Cannon served four types of beer at the event:

Walker, New England Hazy IPA, 6.2% ABV, fruity and juicier than a West Coast hazy.
Joslyn, German Chocolate Cake Milk Stout, 5.8% ABV, won five awards from multiple contests.
Juniper Flats Sahti, 8.00% ABV from Finland, is a Finnish-style beer.
Bellona, a traditional Irish Red, 5.1% ABV, has won three awards.

The Chef’s Special of the night, presented by Chef Ben Peterson, was a Mixed Sausage Grill that included smoked brisket burnt end sausage, Spanish Linguisa, Southside Market Jalapeno Cheddar, coleslaw, and beans. “Beer goes with sausage,” said Peterson. He wanted to balance sweet and spicy.

The final notes of Norton’s performance faded into the night, and the birthday celebration and Smoking Cannon collaboration provided guests with an unforgettable evening of local brew and song.

If you want to know where to see more of Ashley E Norton, visit Ashleyenorton.com or rma.bio. She has a lot of shows lined up for the rest of the year in Ramona.

Event photos by Heather McGhee. Brewers photo courtesy of Smoking Cannon Brewery. Video courtesy of Trish Arellano.

Proactive Fire Safety: Strengthening Our Landscape for Protection

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 00:02:54 GMT

The Landscape/Open Space Department is taking significant strides in fire fuel abatement to enhance safety and resilience across our community.

With a dedicated budget increase from $75,000 in 2024 to $150,000 this year, we are investing more in fire fuel reduction than at any point in the past 50 years. Strategic planning, guided by the Fire Safety Committee, prioritizes clearing high-risk areas, establishing firebreaks, and maintaining a 100-ft clearance around structures where people live. The east end of the Estates, a known fire-prone zone during Santa Ana winds, has seen the most extensive work.

Managing approximately 1,400 acres of open space, much of it on steep, inaccessible terrain, presents an ongoing challenge. Our four-person Open Space Team is working diligently, supplemented by external professionals funded through the budget increase.

Homeowners play a crucial role in fire safety by clearing their own lots and responding to Association and Cal Fire notices. Articles filled with important information related to maintaining a 100-ft clearance and fire safety are published to inform.

Stay tuned for some upcoming news about a new Firewise Community certification effort.

By working together, we can create a fire-resilient community that protects our homes and natural surroundings.

Photo by Nancy Zadrozny.

Horsefeathers: Equestrian Center Updates – March 2025

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 23:54:38 GMT

The Equestrian Team has completed key facility improvements, maintenance, and training to enhance the International Equestrian Center (IEC) for riders and horses.

The following projects were completed:

Stairs Completed & Lighting Installed: New stairs have been installed at the IEC Mare Motel, along with motion-sensor lights for safety.

Manure Box Upgrades: Work continued rebuilding manure boxes. The IEC Mare Motel manure boxes behind barns G and H need to be rebuilt, while efforts continue to secure a contractor.

New Rinse-Off Area: A dedicated rinse-off area for all horses has been completed in the IEC infield.

Compost for Erosion Control: Compost has been spread along the hillside to the infield and around the IEC pond to help with weed and erosion control.

Arena Grooming Training: The Equestrian Team participated in arena grooming training led by Doug Porcello, enhancing their skills and knowledge.

Rain Prep & Cleanup Completed: Work included dragging arenas and roads, placing sandbags and waddles, and performing small arena repairs.

Photo by Lisa Everett.

Equestrian Trainer Spotlight: The Art and Science of Horsemanship with Tony Smith

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 23:41:26 GMT

Horses are a way of life for trainer Tony Smith, whose passion for horses began at age six. He has been training horses all his life and has been a trainer at the International Equestrian Center and Casey Tibbs Center for nearly 14 years.

Tony Smith and his wife, Deedra, who grew up in Ramona, have been SDCEA homeowners for 13 years. They will be celebrating their 29th wedding anniversary in May. Smith served in the Marine Corps at 22 and managed a boarding and training stable in San Marcos with 100 head of horses. During this time, he met Lou Roper, his mentor and a world-renowned horse trainer, who taught him the art of horsemanship. Through Roper's teachings, Smith developed a deep appreciation for the horse's mind.

Smith excels in starting young horses and addressing behavioral problems in horses. "This is a science," says Smith. He has an understanding of the science behind horses and their right-brain/left-brain tendencies that helps with training, handling, and communication. His training plan is based on a building block concept that begins with:

A. Halter breaking - teaching the horse to give to lateral and vertical pressure and move forward when asked.

B. Longeing - the horse learns to walk, trot, lope, change directions (using lateral pressure), and stop (using vertical pressure) on command.

C. Saddling and Driving - the horse learns to make right and left turns (using lateral pressure) and to stop and back up (using vertical pressure) on command.

"Because of what I established through steps A, B, and C when being ridden for the first time, the horse already has learned to move forward, turn left and right from giving to lateral pressure, and stop and back up from giving to vertical pressure," says Smith. He says you can NOT move into higher levels of training without a good solid foundation. This is why he spends time on the A-B-Cs of his training program. Once these concepts have been learned, the horse is set up for success in more advanced training such as neck reining, collection, side pass, diagonal, lead changes, and obstacles. "We make well-rounded horses," says Smith.

Smith says it is important to note that a horse's instinct is to go into flight when scared or confused or to go into pressure when trapped. Therefore, if the foundation-building stage is rushed or incorrect, bad habits such as bucking, pulling back, or running away are established. These reactions are caused by fear and/or confusion in the training process, and this is why you do not see these problems until the horse is put in a "scared" or "confused" position. Correct foundation building teaches the horse to give in to pressure, although the natural equine instinct is the opposite, especially when scared.

Smith started showing in rail classes as a young man and progressed into many different disciplines. He started thoroughbred horses for the racetrack for 10 years and competed on the American Quarter Horse Association Circuit in Western Pleasure and Hunter Under Saddle. In Texas, he competed on the National Cutting Horse Association's circuit and has a lot of pro money under his belt. He adds that Texas is very competitive.

He has competed in Western pleasure futurities, and his specialty is starting horses for all kinds of events. He has started Tennessee Walking Horses, Fox Trotters, Peruvian Paso Fino, Quarter Horses, and thoroughbreds. "I have paid my dues." He has started roping horses and works with jumping trainers down the hill. He adds that his 23-year-old daughter Sabrina is his showman. In fact, his daughter will be one of the judges at the IEC's Cowboy Challenge & Horsemanship show presented by Joann Henrickle Horsemanship on Saturday, March 22.

Smith says he creates horses to excel in their discipline. "We get them broke in the hip, rib, and shoulder control," says Smith. He works with jumping horses that hunt the jump; he starts with the basics and moves forward. And the horses are relaxed when they go over the jump. He works with cutting horses who hunt the cow, barrel horses who hunt the barrel, and racehorses who attack the ground. "I have a saddle that fits them all," Smith says. "I have had it since 1992."

He works on building the horses' confidence and sets them up for success for things later in life. "My job is to set the horse up to succeed," says Smith. If you are interested in Tony Smith's training services, he manages the equine facility at Westwynd Ranch off E. Old Julian Highway. His phone number is (903) 316-8770.

Smith is helping shape the future, one well-trained horse at a time.

Photo courtesy of Tony Smith.

A Glorious Day for Golf: The Women’s Solheim Cup Tournament

mkt.asst2@sdcea.net (Cheryl Schlauch) — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 22:37:12 GMT

The Women's Solheim Cup Golf Tournament was a beautiful day to be dressed in red or blue on the green as camaraderie and competition came together for a spirited round of golf.

Inspired by the legendary Solheim Cup, this golf club tournament was all about fun, friendly rivalry, and a shared love for the game. With perfect weather setting the stage, the ladies teed off for a day filled with laughter, sportsmanship, and a touch of friendly competition.

Tournament lead Angela Cowardin ensured a seamless event, from organizing teams to coordinating with Colleen on a delicious post-game lunch. For just $25, each participant enjoyed the game, awards, and a meal with a range of choices from three entrees, two salads, or a variety of pizzas. To top it all off, every golfer on the winning Red Team received a beautiful gift bag with a customized tumbler—both a keepsake and a perfect companion for the course.

A Tribute to the Solheim Cup

The inspiration behind this event, the Solheim Cup, is one of the most prestigious tournaments in women's professional golf. Named after Karsten Solheim, the visionary Norwegian American golf club manufacturer, the tournament has been a stage for elite women golfers since 1990. The United States has claimed victory 11 times, while Europe has taken the cup 8 times, including the latest U.S. win in 2024.

On this day, all members of the Women's Golf Club were invited to participate, forming two teams:

The Titleist Team (Red): Janet Flores, Marcy Aubert, Virginia Pollack, Phyllis Neilson, Maureen Greenwood, Deanna Owen, Suzanne Shupe, Penny Fowler, Darlene Donahue, and Robyn Bolitho.
The TaylorMade Team (Blue): Angela Cowardin, Annette Schwipper, Lynda Damato, Amy Sailors, Kathleen Kankelberg, Georgette King, Toni Massery, Edie Hazen, Joyce Whitehead, and Angela Rios.

Teams were thoughtfully put together based on handicaps and birthdays, ensuring a balanced and competitive match. The tournament followed a shotgun start format, meaning all groups teed off simultaneously from different holes, keeping the pace lively and efficient.

A Day of Competition & Friendship

When the final scores were tallied, the Red Team emerged victorious, winning 12-3. The bright color indeed dominated the game! Even though the Blue Team fell short, Angela Cowardin made sure to acknowledge an incredible performance: "Marcy is on fire!" she exclaimed while Marcy was putting, wishing her own game had been just as strong.

However, win or lose, the real victory was in the friendships and memories made. As everyone sat down to enjoy lunch together, the room buzzed with conversation, laughter, and stories from the course. A big welcome to Good Life Timeshare owner Darlene Donahue. She's from Alberta, Canada, and was proof that participating in golf club events knows no borders.

It was a day of competition, connection, and celebration, a reminder that golf is not just about the scorecard, but about the people you share the course with. Until next year, ladies, may every round be as joyful as this one!

Photos by Angela Cowardin and Heather McGhee.

Danny's Kitchen: A Journey of Passion, Transformation, and Love

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 23:40:31 GMT

Local businessman Daniel Towers, known as Danny, combines his love for Ramona, food, and cooking to create something truly special—Danny's Kitchen.

Since moving to the Estates with his family in 2010, Danny has built a life steeped in community and warmth. Here, he and his wife Sandra raised their daughter and his niece, and he's become a familiar face, not only for his culinary talents but also for his active lifestyle. Whether he's running, swimming, learning guitar, or scouting out the newest restaurants, Danny's zest for life is unmistakable.

Once a chef, Danny transformed his lifelong passion for cooking into a thriving business. His focus is on desserts, dinners, and catering, and he proudly credits his mom as the foundation of his culinary inspiration. And his approach is as personal as it is professional. "I prepare every dish with love," he says. Danny even brings his kitchen directly to your home for family gatherings or friendly celebrations. "I come in, I bring everything, I cook everything, I clean everything—and we all have a wonderful time," he explains. His mission is simple: to make sure everyone feels like family and enjoys a hearty meal without breaking the bank.

One of his first big successes was his signature banana bread. He wanted to avoid mushy bananas and, over time, perfected his recipe. Danny reimagined the classic recipe by coating the bread pan with cinnamon and brown sugar—a simple twist that turned into a local favorite. Today, he still makes each product with a personal touch. Another recent hit was his Valentine's fresh fruit tart. "I love these with mascarpone cheese and almonds, and for Valentine's Day, I even crafted a heart-shaped design," he recalls, a design that perfectly blends beauty and taste.

Danny's client base keeps him busy, and his catchphrase, "Love life, one bite at a time," captures the essence of his business values. His passion extends beyond the kitchen: he makes fun cooking videos and has even started dancing in them; he never imagined he'd be known for his kitchen dance moves. "There's that moment when everything flows perfectly—it's beautiful, and I just love it!" Danny exclaims.

Giving back to the community is also close to Danny's heart. On Memorial Day, he woke up determined to make someone’s day a little brighter. He asked for nominees on his Facebook page, stating he wanted to honor someone connected to the military, by gifting them a free handmade Bundt cake. Through this gesture he was able to honor a woman in our community whose dad has been MIA from Vietnam since 1967. She was deeply moved by his kindness.

Danny met with veterans that day, shared his story in a video, and, in return, received heartfelt appreciation. Later that evening, a veteran reached out, inspired by the video, and gave his Navy Cross as a token of gratitude. "That experience truly touched me," Danny says. Moments like these remind him how food and kindness can join hearts.

Even during challenging times, Danny's spirit shines through. He recounts when a sudden power outage threatened to derail his orders. With no oven to bake his signature treats, Danny was in a bind—until a dear friend, Sue, stepped in. She opened her home and kitchen so he could complete his orders and deliver joy to his customers. "I feel that what you give out eventually comes back to you."

Danny's Kitchen isn't just about food; it's about creating lasting memories. Whether he's whipping up a gourmet dessert or hosting a cozy dinner party in your home, Danny's focus is on crafting experiences that leave a mark. His personal touch, commitment to quality, and belief in sharing love through food have made Danny's Kitchen a beloved part of the community.

In every recipe and every gathering, Danny's story is one of transformation, community, and resilience. His journey—marked by a life-changing event that set him on a healthier, happier path—serves as a reminder that sometimes the best ingredients in life are love, passion, and a willingness to share with others. With Danny's Kitchen, you're not just tasting award-winning flavors; you're part of a story that celebrates life, one bite at a time.

Follow Danny's Kitchen on Facebook and see his dance moves and delicious creations for yourself!

Photos courtesy of Daniel Towers.

Dinner with Danny

Meet the 2025 Board Candidates: Watch the ‘Meet the Candidates Night’ Video

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 22:48:16 GMT

There was an excellent turnout of homeowners who attended the 2025 Board of Directors Meet the Candidates Night to hear from candidates, ask questions, and prepare for the upcoming election. Watch the event video to learn more about the candidates and make an informed vote.

Meet the Candidates Night: Your Voice, Your Vote

San Diego Country Estates homeowners gathered on Monday, Feb. 24, for the 2025 Board of Directors Meet the Candidates Night. Board President Jeffrey Wells introduced our new General Manager, Carl Weise, who moderated the event. This engaging event provided the perfect opportunity to connect with neighbors, enjoy light appetizers, and get to know the eight candidates shaping the future of our community.

The structured agenda allowed members to become familiar with each candidate. Candidates introduced themselves, participated in a seven-question Association-focused Q&A session, and delivered brief closing statements. Each question was answered by a different candidate first, ensuring balanced participation.

“It was nice to meet the people we are voting for. It’s a good way to learn about what each one has to offer,” said homeowner Jesus Maya.

Please note: Deanne Markle has withdrawn from the election.

Stay Informed: Watch the Meet the Candidates Night Video

If you missed the event, you can still get to know the candidates and make an informed decision when voting.

Watch the full video here: Meet the Candidates Night Video

Stay informed. Make your vote count!

Header photo left to right: Deanne Markle, Richard Drewery, John Massery, Jodie Taylor, Roger Rajcic, Lisa Blackburn, Carl Highley, and Melanie Perry. Photo and video by Kristina Ramirez.

Where Love Lives: February Home of the Month

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 22:26:00 GMT

Shawn and Bernadette Thomas have created a home filled with warmth and affection, earning the title of Home of the Month for February.

Shawn and Bernadette Thomas moved into their SCDE home in 2023. The 3,347-square-foot house has five bedrooms and six bathrooms. There is plenty of room for their two-year-old daughter, Bianca, to explore and a nice, roomy backyard where their Doberman pincher dog can play. In addition, they have a pool to cool down in and use when the weather heats up.

The home sits on a half-acre with fruit trees, including grapefruit, lemon, orange, lime, Calamansi, avocado, and apricot. There is a fountain, and the backyard is a pleasant area to relax. The front yard has a wonderful view of the mountains. “We have done our best to maintain and preserve the home,” says Shawn.

The couple was originally from Rancho Bernardo and moved to a different part of Ramona before moving to SDCE. They wanted to live in the community and be close to the schools so that when the time comes, they can walk their daughter to school. They like that the neighborhood is peaceful, spacious, and private. They also like being close to the park and clubhouse.

Shawn says they are family-oriented and appreciate that the home has an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) that allows for multi-generational living while still having their own private space.

The couple is excited to be selected for February’s Home of the Month and to have the opportunity to be part of it. They keep it looking nice and are proud to be recognized.

It’s clear that February’s Home of the Month isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place to thrive. Here’s to the spaces that bring us joy, no matter the season. May your home, just like this one, be a source of endless happiness for years to come.

Photos in header image courtesy of the Thomas family and Zillow.

College Golfer Drives to Succeed

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 22:01:16 GMT

Meet Hannah Anderson, SDCE resident and longtime golfer. Having played since her childhood, she showcases her skills on the Cal State San Marcos women's team, where she has placed in various tournaments and celebrated team victories.

22-year-old California State University of San Marcos student Hannah Anderson has been a San Diego Country Estates resident for 17 years and loves to golf. "I have been around golf since I was 6," says Anderson. "My dad introduced me at a young age. I loved to ride in the cart and chase bunnies." She played in a few tournaments before high school and then played every golf season. She started to golf seriously during COVID when all other sports were canceled.

Anderson practices at the San Vicente Golf Resort, Shadowridge Golf Club, and several courses all over San Diego. She plays for Cal State San Marcos, and they are ranked 7th nationally. They compete all over the country; she played in the regionals and traveled to Florida for nationals in 2024. The team won the HPU Sharks Shootout tournament in Hawaii in October 2024, where Anderson had her first top-ten placement in college golf.

"My biggest achievement was playing in the National Preview in October of 2024," says Anderson. When she got to the last hole, she knew her score and her opponent's—the Dallas Baptist University player with her—were the only two scores left to be entered. "The teams were tied -33 to -33, and I knew it was me against her," says Anderson. She scrambled all around that hole and had to make an up and down for a par. She sunk a pressure 6-footer for a par and ended up 3-putting for a bogey. That was the first time her team beat DBU in 6 years. Cal State San Marcos women's golf team destroyed the program's 54-hole tournament record with a 34-under 830 (279-270-281), recording a one-stroke victory over top-ranked Dallas Baptist University at the National Preview in Boulder City, Nevada.

"The best piece of advice I've ever received was when I was playing in regionals, which was the first time I played as part of the top 5," says Anderson. "I was super nervous, and Coach Hutton walked with me and told me that I just needed to go out there and play a round of golf." He said what she was nervous about was the hype behind what she was doing. He helped separate her from the tournament and taught her to just have fun instead of worrying about everyone's expectations and being nervous about her performance.

Anderson says it sounds repetitive, but she has found the mental aspect of the game to be the hardest part. She has learned that course management is tied into the mental toughness of the game. There are times you have to "take your medicine" and not go after a pin or get yourself out of trouble.

In addition to golf, she played softball at SD Mesa College and was two-time All-PCAC first team. Her career batting average (.432) is the second highest in SD Mesa history. "Batted .461 my freshman year - fourth best in single season record book at SD Mesa," adds Anderson.

Her favorite subject in school is communications, and she enjoys playing pickleball, softball, and snowboarding. She also enjoys art and video creation. She is majoring in media studies, and after college she is interested in becoming a swing coach or creating a golf brand and doing something in social media management. "I want to help young girls and women learn the game of golf and help them fall in love with the game," says Anderson.

The opportunities are endless for this golfer who has already demonstrated tremendous potential and dedication on the course.

Photos courtesy of Hannah Anderson.

Offering Hope and Helping Hands to Those in Need: Volunteer of the Quarter-Lora Morel

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 00:08:11 GMT

In every community, there are those who go above and beyond to make a difference. This quarter, we recognize Lora Morel for her kindness and dedication to helping others in the community.

Lora Morel is a special person with a heart for serving others. She has been a San Diego Country Estates resident for a decade and has worked at the San Diego Country Estates Snack bar for 7 months. She says she enjoys the job because it keeps her in shape and keeps her young. Her husband’s income supports their household expenses, so most of the money Morel earns from her job is put toward her non-profit to help families.

Morel started her charitable ministry in 2004. She has helped several seniors in Ramona with food. In the past, while living in Lakeside, she helped special needs kids with cooking. She would go into their home and help them learn how to cook healthy meals. She isn’t currently helping anyone with cooking but is available if someone needs it. She currently helps 200 households. “It’s exploded now,” says Morel.

She made her non-profit, “The Kindness Weirdo,” official and legal in 2021. The catchy name came about after some negative Facebook attention while she was offering to give free food to those in need. A friend comforted her and gave her a bouquet of flowers and a handwritten encouragement note. The envelope was addressed to “The Kindness Weirdo.”

“We have an aging community among us,” says Morel. “A lot of people are barely holding it together.” Morel says people have asked her why she brings food to SDCE, arguing that it’s a wealthy community. Morel says not everyone is thriving in this community, especially the elderly. There are people who built their homes in the 1980s; the houses look good on the outside, but the inside is a different story. Some of these homes are outdated and rundown inside, and some people in the community are struggling to get by while caring for spouses with health problems.

Morel’s unwavering dedication has not gone unnoticed. SDCEA Human Resources Accounting Assistant Crystal Carle says, “A few years back, I had heard about a woman in the Estates who would make food for people in the community who might need a little extra help. I always thought it was such a kind act to prepare a warm meal for people you don’t even know.” When she met Lora in 2024, she finally saw the woman behind all that kindness and generosity.

“I refer to Lora as the ‘Saint of Ramona,’ and even when I don’t say her name, my family knows who I am referring to,” says SDCEA Recreation Secretary Joanne Rivera. Morel has reached out to our community for years, offering free meals to those who are hungry and tired. In addition, people reach out to her when they need a bed, clothes, a dresser, or other household items, and she reaches out to the community to find the items needed. Morel mainly helps people one-on-one, going into their homes to help or even helping them find a car or a job. When she finds out about a senior or a veteran living alone, she ensures they are cared for and eating. She will go as far as to clean out someone’s home if they are too sick or weak to clean it. She has also taught single parents how to cook a homemade meal instead of spending their checks on fast food. She has an easy lemon chicken recipe that she has taught to countless parents over the years, helping them save money and feed their families a more nutritious meal. Try her recipe at the end of this article.

She is also trying to implement helping SDCEA employees with food. She says some of her coworkers work 20-25 hours a week and struggle to cover all their bills.

Rivera says that Morel is a published author of several non-fiction books, all of which can be found on Amazon when you search “Lora Morel.” She has a deep appreciation for good people and kindness. She shows kindness daily in many ways. Outside of her house, there are six large mailboxes. Each is a different color, so she can put items in them and tell the recipient which color their goodies are in so they can pick them up. She would like to add at least four more if anyone has any they’d like to donate. “If you are lucky enough to know Lora Morel, then you know what a blessing she is. I am proud to call her my friend,” says Rivera.

Morel says that giving back to the community is rewarding; she doesn’t help others for attention or recognition but does so because God has called her to. She knows how it feels not to have help and was grateful when people helped her when she was growing up. “You can be successful and come from a bad life,” says Morel. She adds that just because a person is poor doesn’t mean they always have to be.

She continues to brighten the lives of others and expand her team. She is looking for volunteers to help with her non-profit and an inexpensive truck or van to pick up food and accommodate her mission of helping others.

“It feels good to help,” says Morel. “I sleep better at night.”

Lora Morel’s Easy Lemon Chicken

Chicken breasts or chicken legs or thighs
Fresh lemons
Garlic salt or powder
Black pepper

Squeeze fresh lemon over the chicken and rub it in (marinating it with the lemon juice overnight is best).

Sprinkle with garlic salt or powder and cracked pepper. Cook in a 350 oven until meat is no longer pink:

Chicken legs 25-30 minutes
Chicken thighs 30 – 35 minutes
Chicken breasts 30 – 35 minutes (If you flatten them, they cook evenly; no dried ends)

Photo courtesy of Lora Morel.

Annual Mowing and Easement Maintenance

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 23:45:49 GMT

The Association launches its annual courtesy easement mowing service, reminding members to maintain unobstructed access by trimming vegetation and removing debris.

The grass is flourishing, signaling it's time to commence mowing. The Association extends its annual courtesy mowing service in the easements, and the Landscape/Open Space Team is gearing up to begin in the upcoming weeks. To ensure a seamless mowing season, here are some reminders for members regarding easement maintenance.

The easements constitute a section of a member's property that the Association has designated for access. While the property remains under the ownership of the homeowner, it must stay accessible to the membership and adhere to the guidelines outlined in the governing documents. This entails regular trimming of plants, shrubs, and trees to ensure unobstructed access through the easement.

The Association has implemented a business practice of providing an annual courtesy mowing service in the easements. However, please note that this service does not encompass trimming trees and bushes or clearing debris such as trash, old clippings, or sandbags. If any of these items obstruct access to the easement, the Landscape/Open Space Team will be unable to proceed with mowing.

Please take a moment to check your easement space for anything that would prevent a riding mower from going through. Cut back shrubs, the clearance, and into the easement. Trim trees to maintain adequate clearance and remove any debris that may have accumulated. Plants should be maintained at a height of 4 inches or less, and trees trimmed to maintain a clearance of 13 feet 6 inches from the ground.

With your help, we can make the annual mowing event a smooth ride.

If you have questions about easements and your property, call the Community Relations Team at 760-789-8747 or drop a line at CRDdept@sdcea.net.

Thunder Matheny: February's Employee of the Month

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 23:26:03 GMT

February is the month of love, and the San Diego Country Estates Association is celebrating Thunder Matheny for her dedication and passion for her work.

Thunder Matheny is a server in the Oaks Grille and Par Lounge and is a standout choice for Employee of the Month. According to Food and Beverage Front of the House Manager Colleen Doulgeropoulos, Matheny makes guests feel comfortable and important and has excellent knowledge of the menus.

Since joining us on August 16, 2019, she has exemplified outstanding service and a commitment to excellence. Her positive attitude and unwavering work ethic have significantly enhanced our guests' dining experiences.

Matheny started as a hostess and worked to become a food runner and now a server. She has excelled working with guests and has outstanding customer service. She loves what she does, and it shows.

"Matheny is all about health and self-care," says Doulgeropoulos. And she loves hanging out with her children; she is a mother of three. Matheny says she loves her work environment, the people she works with, and the guests.

We sincerely thank Matheny for providing our guests with a wonderful experience here in the heart of SDCE.

Photo courtesy of Thunder Matheny.

Spring into Fun: Exciting Recreation Activities Ahead

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 21:19:59 GMT

Get ready for an exciting season with Spring Break Camp, summer camp sign-ups, a festive Easter Egg Hunt, and a new shade cover at the Pocket Park—your Recreation Department has been busy planning fun for all!

Spring Break Camp is coming up the week of March 24-28. This action-packed camp is an excellent way for kids to make new friends, explore the outdoors, and enjoy hands-on crafts. The camp hours are 8:30 am - 4:30 pm for just $55 per day. Do you need a little extra time? We’ve got you covered with extended care options from 7:00-8:30 am and 4:30-6:00 pm for only $5 per extended care session.

Looking ahead, summer camp sign-ups open on April 14! Our staff has been hard at work creating fresh new themes, exciting field trips, and fun Friday activities. Whether your child loves hiking, crafting, or just good old-fashioned summer fun, we have something for everyone. Stay tuned for more details soon!

And don’t miss our Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 19! Bring the family and join the fun as we hide over 6,000 eggs filled with surprises. The Easter Bunny will be making a special appearance for photos, and we’ll have craft stations for kids to enjoy. In an effort to keep things fair, the egg hunts will be divided into three age groups:

Ages 4 & under: 9:30 am

Ages 5-7: 10:00 am

Ages 8 & over: 10:15 am

In other exciting news, we’ve completed the new shade cover at the Pocket Park on Gunn Stage! Now, families can enjoy the playground even during the warmer months. Stop by, take a break, and let the kids play in the shade!

We’re looking forward to a fantastic season of community fun. If you have any questions or want to learn more, reach out to the Recreation Department. See you at the next event!

Photo by Heather McGhee

Get Golf-Ready for Spring at San Vicente

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 21:01:28 GMT

San Vicente Golf Shop is ready to help golfers of all levels prepare for the season with the latest club demos, golf instruction, Twilight Golf events, and membership options.

Spring is just around the corner, making it the perfect time to Get Golf-Ready! At San Vicente Golf Shop, we carry the latest clubs from Callaway, TaylorMade, Cobra, and Ping, including the highly anticipated 2025 drivers. Stop by to demo any of these models—our staff is happy to assist you in selecting the perfect shaft and loft combination to enhance your game. Looking to upgrade? We also offer full rental sets featuring new equipment from top brands, ensuring you play with the best gear available.

Golf Instruction for All Skill Levels

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, our golf instruction programs can help you improve your game.

Junior Clinics: Wednesdays at 4 pm & Saturdays at 10 am
Ladies Clinics: Thursdays & Sundays at 9 am
Individual & Group Lessons: Available by appointment

Twilight Golf – Fun for Everyone!

Twilight Golf returns this summer! Join us every Thursday at 5 pm, from June 5 through August 28, for a 4-person scramble with a unique twist each week. Due to high demand, sign-ups open one week in advance—last year, we sold out most weeks, so reserve your spot early!

Membership Options for Every Golfer

If you plan to play frequently, consider a San Vicente Golf Membership:

SDCE Residents: Unlimited golf & range balls, 2 guest passes per quarter, 15% off in the golf shop, and 10% off at Par Lounge. See our brochure.
Non-SDCE Residents: Ask a fellow golfer to join our Players Club, offering unlimited golf and exclusive benefits. See our brochure.

For more details or to sign up, contact the golf shop at (760) 789-3477. We look forward to seeing you on the course!

Ramona Chamber of Commerce Recognizes Elaine Lyttleton with Prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:47:15 GMT

The Ramona Chamber of Commerce honored local entrepreneur Elaine Lyttleton with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement award at the Ramona Community Awards & Board Installation Gala, a black tie and boots affair on Saturday, Jan. 25.

Elaine Lyttleton says she was "absolutely astonished" when her name was called to receive the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ramona Community Awards Gala. The honor came in recognition of all the work she has done and continues to do to put our community on the map. Her role in the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association, among other duties, enabled her to pursue a Ramona wine festival, which became the Ramona Art, Wine & Music Festival, with proceeds supporting the Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Mural Project, which she also founded.

Lyttleton and her husband, Norm Case, own Hatfield Creek Vineyards & Winery. When the couple moved to Ramona in 2006 with its recent American Viticultural Area (AVA) designation, their property was 6 acres of bare land, equipped with a well and a 1,120 square foot cottage. They built it into the beautiful winery it is today and named it after the creek in the canyon at the bottom of the vineyard. Before moving to Ramona, Lyttleton lived in Carlsbad for many years. She was the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Chairperson of the Board and helped to get Legoland in Carlsbad.

Lyttleton started the Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Mural Project, a 501(c)(3) corporation, and is the group's president. Their mission is to encourage economic vitality by increasing tourism, promoting community pride, and celebrating our rich cultural heritage through an outstanding outdoor visual arts program. The project, which was created to beautify Ramona, now has more than 30 murals helping to encourage people to stop and visit our town and local businesses. "The main goal is to have artwork in public places," says Lyttleton. She added that she wants people to stop in our town and spend money in this community.

The Ramona Art, Wine & Music Festival, which supports the Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Mural Project, will celebrate its 13th year on Nov. 1 at Begent Ranch. The festival is a celebration of local art, wine, and music benefiting Ramona murals. The event focuses on area artisans and the wine industry, with an increased emphasis on music this year, given the growing Ramona music scene. Lyttleton is planning this event and says it will take a lot of her time. "It's a big deal."

"I wanted to promote the community," says Lyttleton. "And to promote the wineries." She hopes to create economic development in our community by creating jobs and helping small businesses succeed. "Receiving this award means that my efforts have impressed people, and I have made a difference," she adds.

Lyttleton is working on a lot of projects and says she doesn't want to get bored. She asks, "What am I going to do in the next 20 years?" We look forward to seeing what she accomplishes in the years ahead. Congratulations, Elaine, on your achievements, and thank you for all you do for the Ramona Community!

Photo by Heather McGhee.

Ramona Soroptimist Empowers Women

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 21:01:00 GMT

Ramona Soroptimist is transforming the local community by empowering women through innovative educational programs, dedicated advocacy, and impactful outreach initiatives.

Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. Vickie Watkins, Ramona Soroptimist’s Live Your Dream Chairperson, has been with the Ramona Soroptimist for 11 years and was co-president for three of those years between 2021 and 2024. There are currently 36 members in the group.

“We better the lives of women and girls through opportunity,” says Watkins. They achieve their goals through the Dream Programs, of which there are three. “The Dream Programs are our focus.”

The three primary Dream Programs of Soroptimist International, including the Ramona chapter, are designed to help women and girls achieve their dreams through various types of support. These programs are:

Dream It, Be It : This program focuses on helping girls aged 14-18 who are facing challenges. It provides them with the tools and support to set and achieve their goals by offering mentoring, career guidance, and skills development. It aims to inspire girls to dream big and reach their full potential.
Live Your Dream Awards : This award provides financial assistance to women who are the primary breadwinners for their families and are seeking to improve their education and career prospects. It helps women who have overcome significant personal challenges to achieve their goals and improve their livelihoods.
Soroptimist Club Grants for Women and Girls : These grants support projects that benefit women and girls by providing them with educational opportunities and enhancing their personal or professional development. The grants focus on projects that will have a measurable impact on the lives of women and girls in communities.

These programs aim to empower women and girls, helping them build better futures for themselves and their families.

According to Watkins, the Live Your Dream Award is an education and training award. The recipient must be at least 18 and have a dependent. The dependent doesn’t have to be a child, though the applicant is usually a single mom and head of household who has overcome struggles and gone back to school. The school of choice can be a junior college, trade, vocational school, or even a GED program. The recipient may need the money for car repairs to get to school, glasses, or they may need the money for diapers.

The Ramona Soroptimist holds free Zoom training sessions to help women complete their applications. Watkins says many of these women are overburdened, and the last thing they want to do at the end of the day is to sit down and fill out an application. This group of volunteers helps the women in need through the application process. These women typically don’t have a good support system and tell the volunteers this repeatedly. They rarely do anything for themselves and often say it’s too good to be true because nothing is free. Watkins says they give women so much hope and encouragement through the process.

The Soroptimist National goal by 2031 is to help a half million women achieve their dreams and goals. These are not scholarships but cash grants. The information from these women and their applications is highly confidential, as many of them have been through traumatic situations. The Live Your Dream Committee selects judges who are not Soroptimist members to review the applications, and each club determines what amount each recipient receives.

“We ideally help women in our community,” says Watkins. “But it’s not a requirement.” They have given to women in Lakeside, Santee, and other towns that do not have clubs. “We do scholarships for our three local high schools,” says Watkins. “And it’s coming up real soon.”

“It’s the best-kept secret,” says Watkins. But they tried to be more present in the community last year. They have participated in the SDCEA 4th of July parade for the last five years. In addition, they help with the Heart and Mural Walk and volunteer to hand out water. For two or three years, they have walked the main street and passed out flyers in January in honor of Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Watkins represents the Ramona Soroptimist Club at the Ladies Who Lunch monthly meetings. “Three of us helped decorate the Woodward Museum last Christmas,” says Watkins.

The group meets on the second Wednesday of every month at the Hatfield Creek Winery. Social time is 6-6:30 pm, and 6:30-8 pm is business. In July, they hold a planning retreat instead of their monthly meeting. They have monthly meet-and-greets for anyone wanting to learn more about what they do, and they publicize on Facebook. They go to local businesses and different restaurants. They also invite the public and members to a quarterly program.

Watkins has been a San Diego Country Estates resident for almost 23 years, has been married to Don Watkins, aka “Big Don,” for 31 years, and is a retired San Diego Police Officer. She says she stays in the group to make a difference and help women. Their goal is to stay true to the group’s mission and vision statement. She says they are like a grain of sand on the beach, and together, they can make a significant impact. It can’t be done by one person; it takes all of them together.

Photos in the blog and newsletter courtesy of Vickie Watkins.

San Vicente Resort: Freshly Renovated Guest Rooms Await!

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 20:48:58 GMT

San Vicente Resort is refreshing its guest rooms with a new warm white paint color, upgraded furniture, and exclusive homeowner rates. We invite guests to experience the transformation and attend a special open house in June 2025.

Exciting updates are happening at San Vicente Resort! Our guest room painting project is well underway, with 12 rooms already completed and six more finishing just in time for Valentine's Day weekend. The transformation will be fully complete by mid-March.

Remember the old guestroom walls? We've said goodbye to three shades of brown and embraced a warm, inviting white—Greek Villa—giving the rooms a fresh, modern feel.

Here's what our guests are saying:

"The remodeled room was great! There's clearly been full dedication to continuing to elevate the experience even in the two years since my last visit. The new vibe is vibrant, spacious, and cozy, and I had an awesome view of the 18th green!"

—Josh Goeden, Staples Golf Design

But that's not all! We've also added brand-new guestroom furniture and can't wait to share more details in the coming months. Keep an eye out for our Homeowner Open House in mid-June 2025, where you'll be invited to tour the finished rooms!

Exclusive Homeowner Rates for 2025:

January–May & September–December:
- $114 Sunday – Thursday
- $134 Friday & Saturday

June–August (Summer Season):
- $124 Sunday – Thursday
- $144 Friday & Saturday

Choose Your Ideal Guest Room Experience

Executive Level (Top Floor) – Enjoy vaulted ceilings, abundant natural light, and upgraded amenities like slippers, Neutrogena makeup remover, Keurig coffee makers, and complimentary San Vicente Resort water bottles. Note: These rooms do not have blackout options.

Premiere Parking Level (Main Floor) – A favorite among guests! Enjoy easy access by pulling right up to your room. These rooms feature plantation shutter doors to the balcony, letting in plenty of natural light.

Lower Level (Golf Course Level) – Ideal for golfers and those who love a dark, restful sleep! These rooms feature true blackout curtains and direct patio access.

Homeowners, let us know your preferred level, and we'll do our best to accommodate you!

We look forward to welcoming you and your guests to experience the refreshed and cozy ambiance of our newly renovated guest rooms. Stay tuned for more exciting updates!

Ramona Oaks Craft Fair: Treasures of the Heart

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 20:29:17 GMT

The Craft Fair was a celebration of creativity and craftsmanship that had everyone walking away with treasures for their Valentine or just someone special!

The “Treasures of the Heart” themed Ramona Oaks Craft Fair on Saturday, Feb. 1, was a delightful success! With a perfect sunny sky and warm breeze, the atmosphere was buzzing with energy despite a smaller crowd of around 60 - 75 visitors, with many purchasing their favorite items. The event featured 20 talented vendors, each offering a unique array of handmade treasures that captured the essence of creativity and craftsmanship.

From custom jewelry and home décor to art pieces and accessories, the fair showcased the work of local artisans who brought their A-game. Visitors were able to browse a variety of one-of-a-kind items, making it easy to find something special for a loved one or even themselves. Whether searching for a Valentine’s gift or simply enjoying the artistry on display, the event was a perfect blend of community and creativity.

Even with a smaller turnout, the event’s energy remained high, with vendors and shoppers engaging in friendly conversations. The relaxed atmosphere at Ramona Oaks Park made for an enjoyable day where people could connect, support local businesses, and walk away with unique finds.

The “Treasures of the Heart” theme truly lived up to its name, and for those who attended, it was a heartwarming celebration of creativity, community, and craftsmanship. It was a reminder of the special treasures that can be found when local artisans and residents come together.

Photos in the header image by Sheryl Schlauch.

Phishing – How to Avoid Being a Victim

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 20:01:04 GMT

A significant majority of cyberattacks (70-90%) come in the form of phishing emails. At the risk of sounding paranoid, I cannot stress enough the importance of understanding when you might be the target of a scam. A little extra care and caution can help you and your loved ones avoid being a victim.

Phishing is a cybercrime tactic where scammers impersonate trusted entities (like banks or companies) through emails, messages, or fake websites. The goal is to trick people into revealing personal information, such as passwords, credit card details, or financial data. These scams can pose a significant threat, often appearing as urgent emails from legitimate sources. Recognizing and knowing how to avoid these scams can help protect your financial and personal information.

In my experience supporting residential and small business clients, the threats really do appear to be legitimate. I have seen people fall prey and lose retirement and savings accounts, the contents of which they were never able to recover.

One customer received an email from someone posing as being with Norton, a cybersecurity software that helps protect devices from viruses, malware, and online threats. The scammer indicated that the customer's computer was at risk, and they needed to gain access to make repairs. Access was granted remotely, and the scammer loaded software on the customer's computer and proceeded to locate a password file, which enabled them to access all the individual's retirement accounts. The scammer then requested payment by gift card, which ran into the $1,000s. Thankfully, we were able to contact all his financial institutions quickly and lock the scammer out.

Another customer was not so lucky. The customer's spouse had passed away years before, and an urgent email was found in the old email account with a link. The link was clicked on, and the scammer located a password list and proceeded to empty the retirement account ($400,000). No monies were ever recovered. This customer had not processed this as a threat and waited weeks before realizing the money was gone.

What does a phishing email look like? A phishing attack can be an email that uses tricks to encourage you to give away financial or personal information.

What should you be on the lookout for?

Urgency – “You need to do this right now!”
Asking you to click a link or download something.
Impersonating someone you may know or do business with (could be a family member, friend, or frequently used vendor such as Amazon, US Postal Service, and, during tax time, the IRS.)

How can you avoid falling prey?

Check the email address of the sender CLOSELY .
Don’t reply to suspicious emails – delete or mark them as Junk.
Be wary of shortened URLs. A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the web address used to access a specific webpage or file on the internet. It typically includes a protocol (like https://), a domain name (like example.com), and a path to the specific page or resource.
If it is dire circumstances that you respond RIGHT NOW – don’t believe it!

What can you do?

Educate yourself – Federal Trade Commission - https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/topics/identity-theft/phishing-scams
Forward the email to the Anti-Phishing Working Group reportphishing@apwg.org
Report the email to the FTC at https://www.ReportFraud.ftc.gov

Don't let yourself fall victim to cybercrime. Be cautious and stay informed.

Ramona Archway: A Symbol of Community Pride and Perseverance

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 18:54:01 GMT

This is the story of the Ramona Archway—a tale of teamwork, resilience, and community pride.

The Ramona Archway is a testament to our town's spirit, built through collaboration and dedication by our town's people. The Association were winners of the Ramona Chamber of Commerce's Non-Profit of the Year; Led by longtime SDCE residents and local business owners Jim Piva and Stephanie Norvell, the project brought the community together to create something lasting.

An Unexpected Beginning

A simple accident—when a car hit a banner—led to Jim meeting and befriending some Cal Trans workers over 10 years ago. He had no idea this connection would one day help him achieve his dream of building an archway to welcome people to Ramona.

Adapting the Plan

Initially, he envisioned the archway over Main Street, but state highway rules prevented it. Jim tried for years to get approval to build the archway, but with no success. Then, he studied traffic patterns and found a better location with high visibility. This flexibility allowed the project to move forward.

Community Effort

No project succeeds alone. Jim and Stephanie relied on a network of friends, leaders, and volunteers. Contributions came in many forms: funding, volunteer labor, and expertise. Key supporters included:

Joel Anderson , County Supervisor, who secured grant funding.
Steve Welborn (Cal Trans) and Murali Pasumarthi , the Deputy Director of Transportation, both helped by working diligently to obtain the necessary permits.
Ramona Chamber of Commerce , along with numerous local contractors who provided their expertise and labor with great care and speed.

A major turning point came when retired builder Chip Rumis offered to manage the project. Encouraged by his family, he became part of a "dream team" and kept the project on track. Jim's wife, Melanie, also played a key role, managing their business so he could focus on the archway.

Lighting the Way

One of the most striking features of the archway is its illumination. The design team drew inspiration from Ramona's beloved "Welcome" sign at Highland Valley Rd. It is so cherished that a brief outage once sent residents into a flurry of concerned phone calls. The archway features stunning lights that change colors at the push of a button. Whether glowing white or displaying festive colors, the archway is breathtaking. "In our opinion, this is the most beautifully designed and constructed archway we have ever researched," says Norvell. The archway has no plaque to acknowledge the person who built it. Instead of highlighting a single individual, the absence of a plaque serves as a tribute to every volunteer, contractor, and local business that played a role in the archway's creation.

The Big Reveal

After years of planning, the archway was finally unveiled. As the lights illuminated the structure, the crowd erupted in applause. Residents celebrated not just a sign but a symbol of community pride. One person even mentioned that the archway might help increase property values on Main Street, showing that the project was not only visually stunning but also beneficial for the town.

Looking Ahead

The archway is a representation of perseverance and teamwork that Jim and Stephanie hope will stand for generations. But their work isn't done. Plans are underway for two additional monument signs, already designed by Leslie Souza, to welcome people to Ramona and further enhance Ramona's charm.

Lessons and Gratitude

Jim and Stephanie want to share a simple piece of advice: building something great takes time. They believe the best way to complete a project is to get the community involved. When everyone helps, the work is loved by all who take part.

They are very thankful to every person who helped. Though there are too many names to list, they thank all the volunteers, helpers, and community members. Their hard work, kind donations, and many hours of effort made the project possible. They are very grateful for every bit of help.

A Lasting Legacy

Today, the Ramona Archway stands as a strong symbol of what our town can do when we work together. It tells the story of chance meetings, big dreams, and hard work. From a small accident with a banner to a bright, shining archway, the journey was long and full of lessons.

This project shows that when a community comes together, nothing is impossible. The archway reminds us of our strength, our unity, and our love for Ramona. It is a beautiful mark on our town that will be enjoyed by many for years to come. The Ramona Archway is here to stay, and it will always remind us that together, we can make our dreams a reality.

Photos courtesy of Jim Piva, Shelly Mullin, and Heather McGhee.

Ben McBride Returns as San Vicente Resort Golf Course Superintendent

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 18:11:24 GMT

San Vicente Resort warmly welcomes back Golf Course Superintendent Ben McBride, who brings expertise and dedication to the course he values so deeply.

San Vicente Resort is excited to welcome back Ben McBride as its Golf Course Superintendent. Ben initially joined the resort in December 2020, drawn by the beauty of the area and the challenge of managing the newly renovated golf course, which reopened in Spring 2021. The award-winning renovation project held a special connection to his roots, as Golf Course Architect Andy Staples drew inspiration from courses in Adelaide, Australia, where Ben grew up, and it reminded him of Glenelg Golf Club, the golf course back home that he is a member of.

In June 2023, Ben accepted a position leading the landscape construction department at Prestigious Turf, a Southern California-based company, allowing him greater flexibility to spend time with his young family. Despite the change, Ben remained connected to and missed the unique experience of working on a golf course. In an extraordinary twist, when Prestigious Turf was hired to work on the San Vicente golf course, Ben was assigned to oversee the project. This experience rekindled his passion for the course and inspired his return to San Vicente Resort.

Now, with his youngest child starting preschool, Ben is ready to fully dedicate his time and expertise to the course and its community. He is eager to address challenges such as changes to the reclaimed water supply and Bermudagrass encroachment on Bentgrass collars and greens. Ben sees these as opportunities to innovate and maintain the high standards for which San Vicente Resort is known.

With a deep family legacy in golf course management—his father served as a Golf Course Superintendent for 25 years, and Ben started accompanying him to work as a young child—Ben brings a wealth of experience and a lifelong connection to the profession. The resort is thrilled about the positive impact Ben will have, ensuring an exceptional experience for all its guests.

Photo by Heather McGhee.

San Vicente Couples Golf Tournament: A Super Bowl Celebration on the Greens

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 18:06:41 GMT

Thirty-four players participated in the San Vicente Golf Club Super Bowl Couples Tournament on Saturday, January 25, with a 9 am shotgun start. The tournament was hosted by Sharron and Jerry Daniels, who organized a festive and sports-themed event. Many players embraced the theme by wearing football-inspired outfits.

The game format was Two by Two (a scramble format for two-person teams, with each player required to use at least four of their drives). An after-golf social was held in the Par Lounge for a relaxed gathering with a "buy your own" lunch and beverages.

Winners of the tournament were Sharron and Jerry Daniels, as well as Hugh Blackwood and Cathy Knowles.

This Super Bowl themed Couples tournament is the first social event this year, and many more fun events are planned. San Vicente Golf Club Social Chairperson Robyn Bolitho is planning themed tournaments including the Valentine's , St. Patrick's, and a Spring Fling.

Ralph Peebler scored a hole-in-one on Hole 15 and was elated, as this was the first one he had ever made. "I was so thrilled with this, and I also had a lot of fun, too," he said.

Header photo courtesy of Darla White, Ralph Peebler photo by Heather McGhee

Rutherford Project and General Flood Control: Waterway Restoration and Management

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 17:34:12 GMT

The Landscape Department is restoring SDCE’s waterways by clearing invasive species, improving drainage, and enhancing flood control to protect native ecosystems and prevent future flooding.

Waterways and Drainage Areas in SDCE – Planning and Restoration

The Landscape Department has been tasked with evaluating and restoring the functionality of the waterways that flow through our valley. Twelve main drainage areas have been identified and mapped, with a restoration plan prioritizing these areas accordingly. In the past, there has been little monitoring or maintenance, leading to the accumulation of deadfall, overgrowth, and invasive non-native species, which have significantly hindered effective water flow. Careful restoration will be necessary to improve water movement while minimizing erosion and maintaining our natural environment.

Many of our waterways also serve as part of our horse trail system, with multiple trails intersecting these water flow areas. Keeping these routes clear not only improves drainage efficiency but also prevents trail sections from becoming clogged or boggy, ensuring better usability for equestrians and hikers.

In extreme weather conditions, excessive rainfall combined with poor drainage can lead to creek overflows and localized flooding. Effective management of these waterways will enhance their ability to move water efficiently, reducing the risk of flooding in surrounding neighborhoods.

Impact of the 2015 Flood and Infrastructure Enhancements

In July 2015, a severe thunderstorm produced four inches of rain within 45 minutes, causing extensive flooding in nearly all drainage areas. Much of the water was swept down from the surrounding hills, overwhelming our storm drain systems, which were not designed for such an intense event. This was classified as a 100-year flood. Since then, the County Roads Department has worked diligently to maintain street drainage, while our Landscape Department continues to provide complementary maintenance efforts.

Additionally, the Landscape Department oversaw a maintenance project north of Rutherford Road, where ten silt retention basins were installed following the 2015 flood. A civil engineer evaluated these basins and provided maintenance recommendations. A contract was awarded to Accurate Underground and Grading, a Class A Engineering contractor, to implement these recommendations. The completed work has significantly improved the ability of these basins to accommodate rainwater runoff from the hills above.

Restoration of Native Ecosystems and Long-Term Benefits

This year, efforts are underway to remove non-native species, including palms, peppers, pines, and eucalyptus trees, which have self-seeded in our creeks and drainage areas. Over the past 50 years, these species have displaced native oaks and sycamores, depriving them of essential moisture. This water stress has made our oaks particularly vulnerable to the Goldspotted Oak Borer (GSOB), contributing to widespread oak mortality over the last decade.

The work undertaken by your HOA and Landscape Department will have a lasting positive impact on native species conservation, flood control, and fire mitigation. Many invasive species are highly flammable, making their removal a crucial step in fire prevention efforts.

We appreciate your patience and support as we implement this long-term restoration plan. While this process will take years to complete, it is an essential step in improving fire safety, flood control, and the health of our native chaparral ecosystem.

Photos by Nancy Zadrozny.

Enhancing Fire Safety in Our Community: The Fire Safety Committee's Mission

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 17:29:14 GMT

The Fire Safety Committee has been established to ensure that fire-safe best practices are implemented by the Association and its members.

The Fire Safety Committee was created to address growing concerns among homeowners regarding fire prevention and safety. With fire safety as a top priority, the committee actively works to prepare the community for potential risks. Committee members such as Richard Drewery, who studied this topic for over two years, investigated the latest information about fire safety and prevention before joining the committee. These members are committed to engaging residents in meaningful fire safety initiatives.

As an advisory group, the committee provides fire safety recommendations for homeowners and the management team. Two key objectives include establishing a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to secure grants and achieving "Firewise Community" certification, which may help residents obtain better insurance rates.

A 501(c)(3) organization is established for charitable, religious, educational, scientific, or literary purposes and engages in activities that benefit the public. This may include community outreach, education, fire safety initiatives, and disaster relief. The advantage of having this tax-exempt status is that these organizations can receive grants and operate for the public benefit. Common examples of 501(c)(3) organizations include fire safety programs and animal rescues. The Association functions as a 501(c)(4) Social Welfare Organization.

Firewise Community Certification is a national recognition program developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in collaboration with CalFire and other wildfire prevention organizations. The Firewise USA® program helps communities reduce wildfire risks through education, planning, and proactive fire mitigation efforts. To further engage residents, a Firewise subcommittee dedicated to expanding fire prevention efforts will be launched in the first quarter.

Key Benefits of Firewise Certification:

1. Improved Community Safety – Encourages homeowners to take action to reduce wildfire risks.

2. Potential Insurance Discounts – Some insurance companies offer reduced rates for Firewise-certified communities.

3. Access to Grants & Resources – Opens doors to funding and assistance for fire prevention projects.

4. Enhanced Property Value – Demonstrates a proactive approach to risk management.

5. Stronger Community Engagement – Unites homeowners in a common effort to safeguard their properties.

The Association maintains the importance of clearing easements for fire safety, and I encourage you to read our many Valley News blogs on fire safety: Fire Abatement: Easement Maintenance . One of the biggest concerns for our community is weather-related fire risks, particularly those posed by the Santa Ana winds. Homeowners must maintain fire-resilient properties to mitigate these dangers.

The landscape department is focused on reducing fire fuel by clearing invasive plant species. Our region's Chaparral Biome contains native plants that are naturally more fire-resistant, while certain non-native species—palm trees, pines, and eucalyptus—are highly flammable and crowd out beneficial vegetation. The committee is focusing on the removal of these high-risk plants to reduce fire hazards. The Landscape and Open Space Manager, Nancy Zadrozny, tracks progress through detailed maps and monthly reports, ensuring properties meet fire safety standards such as tree clearance requirements. Through these ongoing efforts, the committee aims to build a safer, fire-resilient community for years to come.

The committee encourages homeowners to explore CalFire's " Ready, Set, Go " website, which offers fire safety guidelines. In addition, please download the similarly named mobile app.

Fire Safety Committee Primary Objectives:

• To develop, implement, and maintain fire safety policies, procedures, and protocols.

• To identify and assess fire hazards within the Association.

• To educate stakeholders on fire safety measures and evacuation procedures.

• To monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of fire safety measures.

• To recommend improvements and corrective actions to mitigate fire risks.

• To ensure compliance with relevant local, state, and federal fire safety regulations and codes

• To explore the opportunity of becoming a California Firewise Community (Firewise).

Looking ahead, the Fire Safety Committee remains committed to improving our community's fire resilience, focusing on removing non-native vegetation, trimming trees, and staying within the budgeted plans. This long-term effort will make our community safer and more fire-resistant for years to come.

Photo by Josh Jones.

A Showcase of Skill at the Combined Training Horse Show

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 17:15:25 GMT

Riders and horses took center stage at the International Equestrian Center on Saturday, January 25, at a show sponsored by Regal Horsemanship. The event highlighted dressage routines and show jumping while competitors demonstrated dedication and skill, showing the remarkable bond between horse and rider.

Candace Regal has been a horse trainer her whole life and has trained at the IEC for 35 years. Her specialty is dressage, eventing, and natural horsemanship. In addition, she has been a pony club instructor for a year. Regal was a jockey from 1979 to 1981. As one of the first female jockeys, she raced at prestigious racetrack venues such as Churchill Downs and Keeneland, Kentucky. She also raced in Ohio.

The classes held at the event included classical and western dressage and stadium jumping. “The purpose of the show was to introduce horses and riders to a horse show experience,” says Regal. This event proved to boost confidence in horse and rider alike and increased the training level for the pairs. Ribbons were awarded to those who placed, and some were awarded for participation.

Western Dressage contestant and San Diego Country Estates Resident Loralei Everard turns 15 in March and has been riding her entire life. This was her first dressage event, and she liked how calm and mellow it was. She added that dressage is the French word for training and is all about balance, bend, and connection with your horse. Her class was judged, and it was a test of straightness, bend, and circles.

A dressage routine, often called a test, is a choreographed series of movements performed by a horse and rider in a rectangular arena. The routine is designed to showcase the horses’ training, athleticism, and obedience, as well as the rider’s skill and precision. “It’s arena geometry,” says Everard. She added that you can memorize the routine or have someone scribe it to you. During her test, Regal was calling out the letters and directions that Everard was supposed to go. The dressage arena at the IEC is a standard large arena, and one of the movements requested was a 20-meter turn with a working trot and salute to the judge.

English dressage rider, 16-year-old Olivia Quinn, has been riding for 4 years and has trained in dressage for a year. She has participated in a few shows here and there. After her dressage test, she gained a different perspective when she received feedback from the judge about letting her horse carry itself independently.

Regal appreciated the congenial atmosphere at the schooling event; she says it was very positive. She has two more events planned, including Western Dressage on May 17 and Driven Dressage & Cones on September 13.

Regal wants to thank the judge of this show, Alicia Cross, as well as Lauren Munos, IEC Trainer with Letters & Lines Equestrian, for helping set up jumps and helping with the course.

The event was not only a test of skill. For some, it was a day of small victories—mastering a challenging transition or achieving a more balanced connection with their horse. For others, it was an opportunity to get comfortable under the watchful eyes of a judge and learn from constructive and kind feedback. For all who attended, it was a celebration between horse and rider, built on trust and patience.

Photos by Tiffany Pressler.

Honoring Service: Meet Jodie Taylor, Citizen of the Year

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 23:49:56 GMT

The Ramona Chamber of Commerce announced SDCEA homeowner Jodie Taylor as Citizen of the Year at the Ramona Community Awards & Board Installation Gala, a black tie and boots affair last Saturday night.

Jodie Taylor was one of four nominees for Citizen of the Year and was overjoyed and honored to receive the award recognizing her acts of service. She loves to dress up and enjoyed the opportunity to attend the event in style. "It's a humbling experience," says Taylor, who was presented with a trophy and a certificate of nomination to commemorate her achievement. She finds joy in helping others and bringing smiles to their faces.

Taylor, a San Diego Country Estates homeowner, works full-time, is married, and has two children. Her husband, Bryan Taylor, is retired from the military. She enjoys staying active and always looks for opportunities to help others. Taylor credits her compassionate nature to her inspirational parents. "It's the way I was raised," she says.

Taylor has a passion for service and has supported many in need. Below are her accomplishments that have made a difference to many in 2024:

Bingo for Becky (April 2024): Taylor raised $6,126 to support Becky's out-of-pocket cancer treatments, showing genuine compassion and care for individuals in need. Taylor started Bingo for Becky when Becky was diagnosed with cancer, and her insurance didn't cover the care. The bingo night was held in the SDCEA banquet room, and the event was sold out. Many guests donated beyond the price of their tickets to help raise money for the fund. "The community really showed up," says Taylor.

Tunnel to Towers Tournament - Dan Reed Memorial Golf Classic (June 2024): Taylor was a volunteer for the tournament which raised over $40,000 to support local heroes - first responder and military individuals and their families.

Bingo for STEP (November 2024): Taylor hosted a Bingo event to raise $2,300 for Support the Enlisted Project (STEP) and "adopted" five local military families for Christmas, ensuring they had a special holiday season with gifts wrapped and delivered to their doors. Sharing the Joy Program sponsored military families, and Taylor wrapped the gifts for each family member.

Supporting Local Heroes (December 2024): From a craft fair and vendor market held in Ramona Oaks Park, Taylor raised $1,200 to support Fire Station 81 and the Ramona Senior Center.

She provided meals to two families who tragically lost a loved one to suicide. She made meals and organized a meal schedule for those on her street to contribute.

In addition, Taylor is the Quizmaster for the Tuesday Trivia Night event at The Oaks Grille, excluding weeks when the Board of Directors meets. She says it's super fun and works closely with Food & Beverage Front of House Manager, Colleen Doulgeropoulos. She loves board games and watches Jeopardy every night with her children. She adds that her kids have learned a lot from watching.

Taylor is already planning events this year. She is preparing for a Baby Drive for STEP from the end of March through the beginning of April, and is organizing a corn-hole tournament in March, and a Bingo event for STEP in November. In partnership with Robyn Bolitho, she will lead the Tunnel to Towers Tournament - Dan Reed Memorial Golf Classic in May. Victoria Reed, Dan's wife and the 2024's event lead is stepping away from the leadership role this year and is looking forward to the talented new event team in 2025.

Congratulations to Jodie Taylor for winning the Ramona Chamber of Commerce's Citizen of the Year!

Photos courtesy of Jodie Taylor, Chamber of Commerce event photo Heather McGhee

2025 Ramona Community Awards & Installation Gala

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 21:34:16 GMT

Ramona Chamber of Commerce’s annual Community Awards and Installation Gala celebrated community achievements, honored outstanding individuals and organizations, and introduced the 2025 Executive Board and Directors.

The Ramona Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2025 Community Awards and Installation Gala on Saturday, Jan 25, an annual event recognizing the current board, honoring exceptional individuals and organizations, and welcoming the new board. Awards were presented to those who excelled in their fields and made significant contributions to the town's growth, including dedicated volunteers who devoted countless hours to improving the lives of their neighbors and community.

The event took place at Lavender and Olive, with over 100 attendees enjoying an open bar and a catered buffet by Off the Vine Dining before the ceremony, led by Chamber President Robert Krysak.

The newly introduced 2025 Executive Board includes Joe Stupar, Robert Krysak, Karen Domnitz, Nancy Sapper, Kyle Dodson, and Paul Zawilenski. The 2025 Directors, including Lindsay Boos, Vinnie Ciampoli, Carol Fowler, Marci McKown, Jaclyn Pepin, Manny Pasternack, Amber Ramirez, Andrea Stykel, Matt Wagner, and Susan White, were sworn into office by Andrew Hayes, representing Supervisor Joel Anderson's office. In a lighthearted moment, Carol Fowler held up a sign reading, "He is the Oldest," humorously referring to a previous Chamber Installation event when Bob Krysak mistakenly introduced her as the "oldest member" instead of the "longest-serving member."

2024 Ramona Chamber of Commerce Community Awards:

Ambassador of the Year: Ryan Keiser – Recognized for his dedicated volunteer efforts and commitment to fostering community engagement.

Volunteer of the Year: Tayla Dodson – Honored for her outstanding dedication and contributions to the community.

Educator of the Year: Terra Davis – Celebrated for inspiring students to achieve academic success and fostering a passion for learning.

Firefighter of the Year: Thomas Jersey – Although Thomas couldn't attend the event as he bravely battled the fires in LA, we were honored to recognize his heroic efforts and unwavering commitment to protecting our community. Captain Bert Ramirez and his fire fighting team joined us in celebrating Thomas' achievements, highlighting by their presence the team dedication and teamwork that exemplifies our firefighting community.

Law Enforcement Officer of the Year: Deputy Evan Sobczak – Recognized for exceptional courage and dedication to community service.

Senior Volunteer Deputy of the Year: Randy Sergeant – Honored for his countless hours and commitment to community service.

2024 Annual Community Awards Committee Presentation

Chair: Karen Domnitz. Members: Eric Charlebois, Amy Charlebois, Doreen Smith, Michelle Stanley, Tiffany Lynch.

Business of the Year: Generations Day Care/Archie's Pantry – This recognition celebrates their unwavering commitment to the community, providing essential services and support to families in need. Their dedication to fostering a nurturing environment for children while also addressing food security issues exemplifies the impact that a compassionate business can have.

Non-Profit of the Year: Ramona Archway Association – Jim Piva said, "We are giving the most important award TO the Ramona Chamber of Commerce. When the Ramona archway was made, it was so beautiful, and we've had so many compliments that we wanted to give an award. The stars that are cut out on the archway, we took those stars and had them engraved. They were engraved with the Ramona Chamber of Commerce logo on them. We want to give one of those stars to Bob Krysak because of the support given to us to make that archway a reality."

Citizen of the Year: Jodie Taylor – Recognized for her remarkable array of outstanding accomplishments that have positively influenced our community and inspired those around her. ( Click here to read the story.)

Lifetime Achievement Award: Elaine Lyttleton – Recognized for her dedication and hard work that were instrumental in establishing the Ramona art scene, including Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Mural Project; Ramona Arts, Wine, and Music Festival and more, where she contributed immensely to the cultural enrichment of our community. In addition, she has been a strong advocate for our flourishing local winery brand as the owner of Hatfield Creek Winery. Her passion and commitment have left a legacy that will be cherished for years to come.

Thank you to the Ramona Chamber of Commerce for all you do to support our community, its citizens, and businesses. Your dedication helps make Ramona a thriving and connected place to live and work. Congratulations to this year's award winners—your hard work and commitment truly make a difference!

Photos by Heather McGhee

Community Relations 2024 Year in Review

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 18:53:49 GMT

A look back at 2024 reveals significant accomplishments in Community Relations, setting the stage for continued success in 2025.

2024 saw a record number of notices for trash cans and dumpsters, with 1,070 new records opened! What this number represents for us is how we are balancing the two objectives of conformance notices: routine inspections and property reviews. Routine inspections ensure that we are covering ground to put eyes on every corner of the Association, while property reviews provide a higher-level assessment of standards and research into a property’s history.

On average, each conformance notice equals 2 ½ inspections. That means CRD conducted nearly 6,000 inspections in 2024! We are a large community, and the dedicated team at Community Relations puts in the hours and miles to uphold the standards of the governing documents.

Have questions? Send them to the CRD and see how we can help.

Email CRDdept@sdcea.net

Phone 760-789-8747

Visit 15910 Avenel Lane

Web https://www.sdcea.net/community-guidelines

Equestrian Trainer Spotlight: Sherie Levine

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 18:41:24 GMT

In the world of equestrian training, Sherie Levine has transformed both riders and horses into their best versions, one stride at a time.

Sherie Levine has been a San Diego Country Estates resident for 35 years. Her husband's job drew her to Ramona when he was transferred to San Diego, and his love for golf led them to SDCE.

Levine has over 25 years of experience coaching and training equestrians in private, semi-private, and group lessons. She teaches classical and western dressage, show jumping, drille, and general horsemanship. She mainly trains at the International Equestrian Center but also travels to private ranches and training centers. All her instruction is designed to develop confidence and harmony in both horse and rider and maximize a positive relationship and trust.

"My first love is dressage," says Levine. "Because that teaches a skillset that is transferable to all riding disciplines. I teach both classical and western dressage, as well as coach at competitions.

Levine's students have earned many Adult and Junior CDS Championship awards throughout the years, including USDF Bronze Medalist, USDF Silver Medalist, Scholastic Equestrian League Champion, Scholastic Equestrian League, and Reserve Champion. In addition, she is an Approved Instructor and Coach for the San Vicente Pony Club and was part of the United States Pony Club/Southern California Region for over 15 years. "But the most important accomplishment is consistently assisting equestrians of all disciplines to create a harmonious bond with their equine partners," says Levine.

Levine says that riding builds a very special relationship between horse and rider. No matter what discipline one chooses, we must always ensure that communication is clear, fair, and kind. Each rider/horse pair needs something a little different. She focuses on ways to enhance the experience for both horse and rider by providing a safe and fun environment and building a "toolbox" to help them become more independent and successful, whether they are showing at rated shows, trail riding, or anything in between. It's all about building confidence and a harmonious partnership. Once we establish that, the magic happens!

Her inspiration to become a trainer began when she and her husband moved to SDCE, and she started riding as an adult. She kept outgrowing her trainers, or the training seemed lacking in depth or kindness toward the horse. She started to attend as many continuing education opportunities as possible. Her daughter was a member of the San Vicente Pony Club, and they asked her to assist, and it grew from there. She still tries to attend as many clinics and learning opportunities as possible so she can provide her riders with the best possible information.

Her approach to training horses and riders is all about listening, observing, and communicating. Finding out the best way the horse receives information helps her guide the rider. It's a three-way partnership. Building confidence and harmony for both horse and rider is key. She takes her riders to shows all over the region, which is very educational. She is involved with different professional organizations to stay current on rules and trends. Horses and riding are a never-ending education. "I love it so much!"

She hosts and teaches a variety of clinics throughout the year, such as Cavaletti, Dressage from the Judge's Point of View, Diva Day with riding, pampering, and wine tasting, and she is currently planning an Equestrian Retreat for Spring 2025.

"Horses are magical creatures," says Levine. "They are not like any other animal. They are so giving and generous in their own way. They allow us to dance with them. You just have to listen, and with the right training and education, the magic will develop. It's hard to describe, but it truly is something special."

If you are interested in training with Levine, she has many references available upon request. You can contact her at the following:

Sherie Levine

760-522-0939 cell

760-789-6350 office

drillediva@gmail.com

Photo courtesy of Sherie Levine.

Horsefeathers: Enhancements and Updates for Equestrian Facilities

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 18:29:37 GMT

Exciting upgrades are underway, improving riding areas and facilities to enhance the equestrian experience.

Equestrian Facilities Projects:

The water feature has been transformed into an inverted bank and is now open for riding. Plans are in progress to restore a water feature to the infield in the future through collaboration between the Equestrian Committee and management.
The trail course has been relocated to the area beyond the dressage courts.
Barrels have been repositioned to the opposite side of the infield, enabling riders to gallop the pattern without impacting dressage court footing.
Dressage Court 2 and the jump arena have undergone professional footing enhancements, significantly improving their condition.
Dressage Court 2 has been restored to full size, while Court 3 is partially operational with ongoing footing work.
Round pen panels have been delivered, with reinstallation scheduled shortly.

Roofing Project:

Roofing repairs for Barns D, E, and F are complete. Fascia replacement will be painted after the entire project concludes.
Barns A, B, and C repairs are scheduled from January 31 to February 11.
Barns G, H, and the maintenance shop repairs are scheduled from February 17 to February 22.

Photos courtesy of Lisa Everett.

2024 SDCEA Accomplishments

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 03:27:38 GMT

The 2024 SDCEA Accomplishments highlight a year of impactful projects and successful events, including infrastructure improvements, innovative programs, and community-focused initiatives that enhanced services, facilities, and experiences for residents and guests.

January

All security cameras were upgraded.

The restaurant and bar rolled out the new menu.

The Jacuzzi Garden project was completed.

The ‘Ask the GM’ content form and response program was premiered.

The trail challenge course at the IEC was moved to make it usable throughout the winter.

Broken cross-country jumps were fixed, and footing was drug to make the course usable.

February

Over $14,000 in sales were achieved during Valentine’s Day.

The boulder wall at Pickleball was cleared out and the drainage ditch was caulked.

Three new branded ‘Welcome and Rules’ signs were installed for Gunn Stage Pocket Park and Ramona Oaks Park.

A new Rose Arbor Garden was installed at the IEC Rotunda.

Compost was used on the IEC hillside for weed and erosion control.

The 6-week PGA Hope program for military veterans was facilitated.

Basins were created for flood control during rain events at Casey Tibbs.

March

St. Patrick’s Day events were rolled out, selling over 300 pounds of corned beef.

The Ramona Oaks Pool garden area was revamped.

Digital Valley News with blogs was launched on March 8 with interactive features.

Multiple golf and stay packages were introduced, including ‘Golf for 2’ and ‘Stay and Play’.

Luck of the Irish Golf Tournament was successfully executed.

Par Lounge floor replacement and several IEC facility improvements were completed.

Over 200 guests were served at the Easter Brunch.

The resurfacing of San Vicente Resort pool, pool deck, and hot tub wall was completed.

An Energy audit and SBP was conducted.

April

The landscape slope remodel at the Golf Course Cart Path near the Snack Bar was completed.
A new Flail and a new tractor were brought into service.
Survey development and testing were completed, and the survey was fielded at the end of the month.
Digital ads were introduced on monitors in the lobby, and a brand advertisement was developed and launched.
New patio furniture was added to the lodge.
A new garden and grass were installed at the Ramona Oaks Pool.
New gutters were installed at the IEC.
The 2023 Financial Audit was completed.
The resurfacing of the Ramona Oaks Pool was completed.

May

The Fiesta on the Fairways Golf Tournament was successfully executed.
The PGA Junior League seven-week program began.
Hay sheds were installed for the IEC barns.
The erosion at the end of Casey Tibbs Arena 1 was repaired.
The internal Emergency Plan, including facility maps and contact information, was completed and distributed to all staff.
Over 270 guests were served at the Mother’s Day Brunch.

June

The Clubhouse lobby remodel project was completed.
San Vicente Resort's inaugural Pickleball Tournament was successfully executed.
The popular Twilight Golf Thursday 13-week event was launched.
Two patience poles at the IEC were renovated.
Hay sheds were installed at the mare motel, along with two corrals at the IEC.
New phones were installed in all Lodge guestrooms.

July

The Hobbit House was completed.
The Stars & Stripes Golf Tournament was successfully executed on July 5.
Print and digital media for San Vicente Resort were enhanced, including upgraded rooms, new balconies, pool, and racquet sports facilities.
The SDCEA and San Vicente Resort brand were revamped for a stronger identity.
Asphalt repairs were completed in all barns at the IEC and Casey Tibbs.
The conversion to Cox Communications for the telephone platform was successfully completed.
Internet connectivity was upgraded to fiber for Recreation, Aquatics, SDCEA Facilities, Equestrian, Golf Course Operations, and Resort buildings.

August

The premier Food and Beverage Monthly Calendar email was launched.
SDCEA Equestrian was presented at the Ramona Rodeo.
The renovation of the footing at Arena 2 in Casey Tibbs was completed.
The 2024 Safety Fair event was successfully held.
A detailed Reserve Allocation Management Process was implemented.
The first Lodge Open House for homeowners was held to showcase the 2024 upgrades to the guest rooms.

September

New plantings were added at the entry sign on San Vicente Road.
The San Vicente Park Grand Opening was successfully executed.
The Ramona Arts, Wine, and Music Festival Wine Barrel was sponsored, securing a record-breaking bid at the auction.
All personal sheds were removed from behind the IEC barns to meet insurance requirements.
The bridge to the mare motel was widened, and a new culvert was installed to meet fire requirements.
Approval was received from the USPTO for trademark applications for San Vicente Resort and San Diego Country Estates Association.
Lodge guestroom cleaning was outsourced.
The Sip & Stay package was created and implemented in partnership with local wineries.

October

The Clean & Green Day event was successfully executed on October 19.
The Superintendent’s Revenge Golf Tournament was successfully executed on October 25.
Two first-place awards were won for best pizza and golf course in the Ramona Sentinel's Best of Ramona poll, and the organization was voted a favorite in seven categories.
Lights were installed on the hay sheds at the IEC.
New electrical lines were installed at the mare motel.
The mare motel was graded to allow for proper drainage during rain events.
Preparations for the rainy season were completed at both Equestrian facilities.

November

A new emergency access road was graded from the entrance of the IEC onto the track to allow for easier traffic flow during emergencies.
The first draft of the Risk Management Plan for the Association was completed.
Wiring and access points were added to the San Vicente Resort building to provide better guest Wi-Fi services.
Over 250 guests were served Thanksgiving dinner, and more than 400 pounds of turkey were cooked for all events.
Nineteen bypass plantation shutter patio doors were installed in the Lodge guest rooms.

December

The Toy Story Golf Tournament and Toy Drive were successfully executed on December 2.
The SanVicenteResort.com website was refreshed to enhance SEO.
Blogs on SDCEA.net were categorized, and SEO was improved.
The SDCEA and San Vicente Resort logos were launched with a registered trademark.
Stop signs were installed between barns C and D at the IEC.
Roof renovations were started on the barns at the IEC.
The Recreation Wireless Project for 2025 was completed, allowing for guest wireless access in the Ramona Oaks Pool and ROP Park areas, benefiting children participating in Day Camps and homework time.
Art featuring local musicians was placed in the Par Lounge.

The Art of Cozy: January Home of the Month

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 03:07:07 GMT

The San Diego Country Estates Association is excited to showcase Mike and Darla Long's stunning home. Here's to a cozy start to the new year, one home at a time.

Mike and Darla Long, who celebrate their 43rd wedding anniversary this May, have lived in SDCE for 39 years, moving into their home after it was constructed in 1985. They were drawn to Ramona after Mike's parents relocated to the area from Spring Valley. Darla is originally from La Mesa and worked in banking and grocery. She is now retired and enjoys singing in the church choir. The couple have two children: one son and one daughter, who both went to Barnett Elementary School and then to a private school for junior high and high school.

Their 1572-square-foot, 3-bedroom home is self-built, meaning they selected the house plan from a plan book, and Darla chose the design. Mike works in construction and was raised in a construction family, so he was able to make some changes to the building plans. "I redrew the plans with modifications to our liking, modified the pitch of the roof, and added the detached garage," says Mike. The plans didn't include a garage, and he likes the addition. It's oversized and isolated for sound, compared to the house. He has done projects in the garage throughout the years and restored a 1955 Chevy car that has since been sold. "It's my getaway spot," says Mike.

They remodeled the kitchen a few years ago, adding granite counters and cherry wood cabinets. They also remodeled the master bedroom three years ago. The windows have been replaced, and the exterior has been painted. They had some front landscaping done about a year ago, and the backyard is also nicely landscaped. Additional features include solar panels on the roof and a well. They also have an in-ground gunite play pool and a nine-jet jacuzzi.

The home is small but comfortable and cozy. "Darla likes everything about the house she selected, although it could have been larger," says Mike. He adds that it seemed large enough when they moved in from a 1-bedroom apartment in 1985. Mike enjoys the country atmosphere and the peaceful, slower pace of life. He can travel in any direction to North, South, East, and West Counties within 20-30 minutes.

This January gem proves that a house becomes a home when it blends comfort, style, and heart. May it inspire you to create your own sanctuary this season.

Photo courtesy of Michael Long.

Preserving the Past: San Diego Country Estates Sale Office

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 02:55:27 GMT

The San Diego Country Estates bids farewell to its historic sales office that once sat on San Vicente Road near Wildcat Canyon Road. Bob Anderson, who has been around the SDCE for decades, shares his connection to this landmark that was full of SDCEA History.

The San Diego Country Estates Association Facility Maintenance Engineer, Bob Anderson, has worked for the Association since 1973 and worked in the old SDCEA Sales office when it was newly built in 1972. The sales office was used as a Welcome Center for Real Estate in the San Diego Country Estates and as a visitor meet-and-greet spot.

Anderson worked the first water truck at the sales office when he was only 23. He remembers the bright lime-green Volkswagen vans taking clients around the properties to check out the real estate. He adds that the vans had sliding doors, and if the doors didn't shut, they would fall off.

Ray Watt, a developer, sold a lot of model homes. He occasionally drove the vans around and worked with the engines to make them go faster. Watt was a key figure in the initial development of the SDCE, which began in the early 1970s. He is often recognized for his work in transforming the area into a planned community that would attract people interested in country living with access to modern amenities. Anderson worked for the developer of Watt Industries. He also worked for the Good Life Timeshare for 16 years and worked for the Master's Association.

Anderson is also a property manager and a minister. He has been in the Black Canyon Band for 46 years. The band has been together since 1977, and their last gig was for the 4th of July Concerts in the Park series last summer. In addition, his band played as the opening act at Casey Tibbs’s wedding.

Anderson said that after the SDCEA Sales office was closed, many windows were broken, and it became a place for people without a home to sleep. He guesses that the office had been closed for 10 years when it was torn down in December 2024.

Photo of the founding team courtesy of Chuck LeMenager.

Live Tunes: Music at the Par Lounge

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 01:32:44 GMT

From local talent to seasoned musicians, the Par Lounge is where great music finds its home.

Colleen Doulgeropoulos grew up in a hospitality family—her dad was a chef and owned family restaurants. They had a family catering business in Orange County for 30 years called “A Special Occasion.” Doulgeropoulos went to school for hospitality, and she always worked in restaurants. “It always pulled me back,” she says.

She was hired at the San Diego Country Estates Association on June 20, 2001, as a bartender and has bartended for 22 years. In 2014, she was promoted to Lead Bartender; in 2016, she was promoted to Bar Supervisor; and in 2021, she was promoted to Food & Beverage Front of House Manager. She still fills in tending bar when needed.

She and her husband of 30 years, Tim, have lived in the San Diego Country Estates for 25 years and raised their children here. They moved to Ramona when their twin children were four years old, and Doulgeropoulos says it’s a great place to live.

Doulgeropoulos, whose maiden name is Flaherty, says her Irish roots contribute to her love for music. The melody carries over to her job; she is responsible for booking all the music for the Par Lounge, which has evolved over the years. They used to have music every Friday and Saturday night. But life was different after Covid, and so was the music scene.

Now, the Par Lounge offers live music on the first and last Saturdays of the month, and Ashley Norton plays every Wednesday night. The music has shifted to an earlier time, playing from 7 pm to 10 pm, whereas in the past, it played from 9 pm to 12 am and before that, 8 pm to 11 pm.

Doulgeropoulos tries to book as many Ramona bands as possible at the Par Lounge because they have a following. She has booked bands from down the hill in the past, but they don’t have as much of a following here as the local musicians. “I tried to pull in as much Ramona talent, including Ashley Norton and John Hasz,” says Doulgeropoulos. These two created the Ramona Music Alliance in 2022 to unite and support the music scene in Ramona.

She features different genres of music and finds that Classic Rock is popular at the Par Lounge. She says that Steal Dawn brings a lot of people in when they play here a few times a year. B-Side Vibes is also a lot of fun and they have music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Dirty Confetti is another band that brings a lot of people in. Tony Matoian, an SDCEA homeowner, also plays the saxophone and DJs sometimes on Fridays and for special events like Valentine’s Day.

When selecting bands to play at the Par Lounge, Doulgeropoulos must consider how many members are in the band. The venue is small, so she likes to look for bands no larger than four people. She also selects bands based on the genre they play and likes to mix it up among Blues, Country, and Classic Rock. Another important factor is, of course, the quality of the music.

Doulgeropoulos’ vision for the Par Lounge in 2025 is to have bands playing every Friday and Saturday night. She wants to share the wealth, engage guests, and experience something special in Ramona. She thanks Ramona for their support and encourages guests to keep on listening and dancing.

Valley News Blogs Get a Makeover: Easier Navigation with New Categories

heather.mcghee@sdcea.net (Heather McGhee) — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 02:57:37 GMT

Valley News has launched a new Blog webpage with eight categories to simplify finding articles on topics that matter to the community.

Finding the blogs published as part of the Valley News is now easier than ever, thanks to a new Blog webpage on the Association website. Each blog is categorized into one of eight topics, enabling residents to quickly search for subjects of interest.

This improvement came from a suggestion by Jeff Wells during a Valley News Editorial Advisory Committee meeting last August. The idea sparked a productive discussion among members, culminating in the launch of the revamped webpage.

If you have a topic you would like us to cover, please fill out the Member Form to share your suggestions.

Blog Categories:

Community News

Updates on community projects, events, and announcements.

Board & Governance

Reports from board meetings, policy changes, and governance updates, including information on community standards.

Lifestyle & Amenities

Features about HOA amenities, activities, and events—including equestrian events, swimming, tennis, and pickleball.

San Vicente Resort

Coverage of golf, lodging, dining, and entertainment. Look forward to the addition of wedding and party features next month.

Safety & Security

Blogs related to community safety, fire preparedness, emergency alerts, and security updates.

Home Improvement & Tips

Helpful advice on home maintenance, landscaping, and family living.

Member Spotlight & Stories

Highlighting inspiring residents, kids, and community achievements.

Ramona Happenings

Stories and events happening in Ramona.

Visit the new Blog webpage today and explore the topics that interest you most!

Recreation is Jumping into the New Year!

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 02:28:02 GMT

The Recreation Team welcomes 2025 with a lineup of engaging community events that bring joy, friendships, and unforgettable memories to residents of all ages.

At the Recreation Department, we are bursting with enthusiasm as we embark on the exciting journey of 2025, filled with new possibilities! As we leave 2024 behind, our team is thrilled to present a series of events that unite our community in celebration and joy.

In addition to the many children’s programs our Recreation Team manages, my favorite part of being the Manager of the Recreation Department is planning our community events. Witnessing the community come together to enjoy these gatherings brings immense joy to my heart. We have an exciting lineup, including Community Craft Fairs, an Easter Egg Hunt, Concerts in the Park that start in June, the Fourth of July Extravaganza, the Fall Festival, and our Holiday Fair. If you haven’t had the pleasure of attending one of our events yet, I invite you to join us and experience the camaraderie. Sitting in the park, listening to great music, often leads to the formation of wonderful friendships. Your kids might make new friends, too!

Our first event of the year is the Craft Fair and Vendor Market on Saturday, February 1, from 10 am to 2 pm at Ramona Oaks Park. We anticipate over 15 vendors offering a diverse range of one-of-a-kind gifts, and we will share more fun details soon. If you would like to display your crafts or products at the fair, please contact our Recreation Team at 760-789-4146. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, it’s the perfect opportunity to find a unique item right here in our community.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supports our community events—we are genuinely delighted to see you there!

Craft Fair & Vendor Market, Saturday, Feb. 1 Flyer

January’s Employee of the Month: Tim Smith

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 01:56:33 GMT

As the new year tees off, we recognize Tim Smith as January’s employee of the month. He joined the team on August 9, 2021, and is known for his dedication and his passion for people and golf.

Tim Smith has been a driving force at the San Vicente Golf Resort. He works in the Golf Shop, and his duties include customer service and sales. He also answers the phone and runs the tee time sheet. He is skilled at assisting customers in selecting the right equipment, apparel, and accessories while providing a friendly shopping experience. His expertise ensures every customer finds what they need to enhance their game.

His lead, Matt Brumbaugh, Head Golf Pro, says Smith has outstanding energy and customer service. Brumbaugh adds that Smith has especially excelled in Junior Golf Instruction and membership sales.

When Smith isn’t at the Golf Shop, he spends his time out on the greens perfecting his golf game or playing softball. He really enjoys the San Diego Country Estates Association environment and working with the staff and customers.

Thank you, Tim Smith, for your hard work and for setting such a great example for everyone. Here’s to a fantastic start to 2025 with you leading the way!

Photo left to right: Matt Brumbaugh, Darryl Ness, and Tim Smith creating an excellent Twilight Golf experience.

Flying High: The Thrill of Skydiving

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 01:41:42 GMT

When people think of adventure, the image of jumping out of an airplane doesn't often come to mind—but for others like Jan Ryan, it's about the thrill, overcoming fear, and learning to trust yourself.

Jan Ryan, owner and broker of ReMax/Direct, has been a realtor for over 20 years. She and her husband, Jeff Gan, who co-owns the business with her, own a home in the San Diego Country Estates that they rent out. They have three children. Ryan Vernazza, Kelly Coleman, and Tori Gan. Vernazza and Coleman both attended James Dukes Elementary School when they were children.

Ryan's love for Ramona started when she was vacationing in San Diego and saw an advertisement in the San Diego Union Tribune for SDCE. "I fell in love with the San Diego Country Estates." She moved to the area in 1987, and it has been her favorite area ever since. She started a monthly newsletter that keeps residents informed and engaged, and she has hosted an annual community yard sale since the 1980s.

She has sold the most homes in San Diego Country Estates every year since 2010, but it's not just real estate that ignites her passion; it's the exhilarating rush of skydiving that sets her spirit free. With over 670 jumps to her name over 12 years—and 120 of those in a specialized wingsuit—Ryan has developed a love for the sky that rivals her passion for real estate. "It's one of the best things I've done," she shares. "It's just so much fun."

"Sometimes, when people get older, they forget how to play and have fun," Ryan reflects. For her, jumping out of a plane is a powerful reminder of how liberating life can be. "It feels like you can do anything and tackle anything. The sky is bluer, and the sky is brighter," she adds. She tells her husband, "If you want to keep me happy, take me up in the plane and throw me out."

Ryan's skydiving adventures are not undertaken alone. She loves sharing her passion with her family. She used to take her 80-year-old mother out to jump every time she visited, and she loved it. Her mother has since passed away, but the memories of the jumps will last forever. Her daughter, Tori, started skydiving before Ryan picked up the hobby and has completed over 500 jumps. Ryan's other children have tandem jumped with experienced instructors. They have shared unforgettable family jumps, during which three generations jumped together.

Ryan believes that skydiving has transformed her life for the better. It inspires her to take on challenges she once would have avoided, removing the fear that might have held her back. "It's really changed my life," she declares, mentioning the amazing people she's met along the way. She does acknowledge that the experience isn't for everyone. Her husband jumped once with an instructor and decided it wasn't for him. "Either you love it, or you hate it," she adds.

Despite nervous anticipation, she finds joy in witnessing the expressions on others' faces as they prepare for their jump. "It's an indescribable look, and it's the most amazing feeling to skydive. You think this can't be real when you see the door of the airplane open and people jumping out," she describes.

Ryan says, "Statistically, it's safer to jump than to drive a car to the location." However, she emphasizes the importance of safety in every dive. Every jump comes with meticulous equipment checks, including the crucial backup parachute. The first time Ryan packed her own chute, she had to use her reserve because the main one didn't open. A reserve chute is also lifesaving if a jumper passes out and is unable to open their chute. If that happens, an automatic activation will pull the reserve out.

Her adventures extend beyond skydiving. "My husband and I are both pilots," says Ryan. She adds that she has also jumped out of a hot air balloon and a helicopter. She would love to bring anyone who wants to join her skydiving, and she will show them the ropes. She jumps at Skydive San Diego, Go Jump in Oceanside, and iFly Oceanside. "It's life-changing, and I love sharing it." Anyone interested in a skydiving adventure who wants help getting started can call her at 760-420-9780.

For Jan Ryan, the sky isn't just the limit; it's a playground that allows her to excel in both her professional and personal life. Whether she's closing deals or embracing the wind on a Friday jump day, Ryan embodies a spirit of adventure that is truly inspiring. In her world, having fun and pursuing a passion go hand in hand, reminding us all that life is meant to be lived fully and fearlessly.

Photos and video courtesy of Jan Ryan.

Start Strong: New Year Fitness Training for All Levels at ADMA Elite Training

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 05:11:12 GMT

The new year is here, and it's a great time to transform your resolutions into results by focusing on exercises that push your boundaries and build momentum.

Anthony Abbott, a San Diego Country Estates resident for 14 years, established ADMA Elite Training in 2014. ADMA comes from his initials: Anthony David Montijo Abbott. He co-owns the business with his wife, Lindsay, and they are both NASM Certified Personal Trainers.

Abbott started ADMA because he always wanted to be an entrepreneur and pursue his passion. He said he didn't want to live his life in regret and didn't care about failing. He said, "Let's see what happens," and it worked. He wasn't married to Lindsay when he started the business, but she has always been supportive of his dream. A year after opening ADMA, they were married. They now have an 18-month-old daughter, Everly.

Abbott's primary goal is to create functional and effective workout programs for individuals of all ages and fitness levels while making the fitness lifestyle fun and sustainable. He created a unique community of individuals who support, push, encourage, and help each other. They call their clients ADMA family because they are a fitness family.

There are four trainers at the location, and the program is very structured. The trainers greet their clients at the door and know them by name. All the trainers are certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and are active in continuing education programs.

ADMA is not an open gym; their clients come at specific times for classes and sessions with trainers. They offer an in-house boot camp, virtual boot camp, yoga in the house, and personal training. They offer a free 7-day trial boot camp and are currently offering a New Year Client Special for $399 that includes 3 months of unlimited boot camps, two in-body scans, and a meeting with a coach.

Abbott says that the focus of the training depends on the individual. The boot camp training consists of a wide variety of exercises tailored to the individual's goals. He works with clients on personal training and works with athletes; he works with clients looking for weight loss and those who are getting older and want to build strength. He is looking for clients with accountability. He says that sometimes people can get discouraged with their fitness goals and want to give up, but he and his staff are there to cheer their clients on because they don't want them to feel intimidated. "You have to pick yourself up and keep moving forward," Abbott says.

"We keep track of our clients," says Abbott. "If they don't show up, we reach out." He has created an atmosphere where the clients feel welcome, and everyone can work out together. Some fitness enthusiasts modify their workouts, while others can intensify them.

You can step it up or take it down a notch. Abbott encourages water breaks, and they never yell at the clients or look down upon anyone. "I want everyone to feel welcome at my gym," says Abbott. He treats everyone with respect and encourages the clients during their workouts.

ADMA Elite Training is located at 1530 Main Street, Suite 7 and 8. Previously, it was located near the town hall, but they needed a larger space to accommodate their gym. They have been at their current 2500-square-foot location for two years.

Abbott recommends those interested in his fitness program just get started and trust the process. He doesn't sell miracles, but he does sell stability and mentorship. He adds this will not happen overnight; it takes time, but it will start the pattern of making good habits. According to Abbott, "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone."

For more information, please visit https://admaelitetraining.com .

Start the New Year with Bliss at Riviera Wellness Spa

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 05:05:21 GMT

As a fresh new year has begun, there's no better time to prioritize self-care. Riviera Wellness Spa invites you to embrace self-love and wellness with a variety of luxurious services designed to help you recharge, rejuvenate, and step into the year ahead feeling your absolute best.

P.J. Terry and her niece, Jennifer Lannon, have been co-owners of Riviera Wellness Spa for over 12 years. Both worked at the spa under the previous owners before they were given the opportunity to take over. Together, they manage the spa and share the responsibilities of daily operations.

Riviera Wellness Spa has seven therapists on staff and offers a range of skincare and massage services. They provide various massage options tailored to their customers' needs, including a relaxing massage, deep tissue massage, reflexology, river rock massage, and a prenatal massage for expectant mothers in their second and third trimesters. Another popular service is the couples' massage. In addition, the spa features a full-service hair salon that offers haircuts, color and highlight services, blowouts, and gloss treatments.

They offer a variety of packages at reasonable prices. Guests can enjoy a 2-hour combo massage and facial package for $169. The package includes a 50-minute relaxing full-body massage and a 50-minute customized facial. For those seeking longer treatments, they offer a deluxe 3-hour package that consists of an 80-minute relaxing massage and an 80-minute deluxe facial for $220. Additionally, there are many more packages for clients to choose from to meet their spa day needs!

The spa uses a professional product line by Rhonda Allison, who introduced advanced peel formulations and techniques to the United States, emphasizing results-driven skincare with a focus on science and natural ingredients. Her work helped popularize chemical peels as a mainstream skincare treatment and raised awareness about the importance of safe and effective peeling methods. They also offer Rezenerate Nano Technology, and Terry says it provides a lot of bang for your buck. Rezenerate is a cutting-edge skincare tool that utilizes nanotechnology to deliver advanced skin rejuvenation treatments.

Riviera Wellness Spa is an excellent amenity for the community, providing high-end services without the high-end prices. Booking or gifting a treatment not only benefits the client but also the spa and its therapists. They have partnered with the San Vicente Resort, Riviera Oaks Resort, and The Goodlife Resort, but the majority of their clients are Ramona locals. "We are grateful for our regulars," says Terry. She and Lannon enjoy connecting with people at the spa and love to see people leave with smiles on their faces.

As the New Year begins, it's time to hit the reset button on your mind, body, and spirit. Terry and Lannon agree it's important that people take care of themselves and prioritize self-care. Many may see getting a spa treatment as "pampering," but Terry and Lannon see it as self-love and preventative medicine.

Riviera Wellness Spa, located at 25385 Pappas Road here in SDCE, is open Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm. To make an appointment, call 760-788-3738. For more information, please visit https://www.rivierawellnessspa.com .

Mastering Your Game in 2025: The Benefits of Golf Lessons

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 04:58:41 GMT

Golf is more than just a game; it’s a journey of personal growth, skill refinement, and pure enjoyment. At San Vicente Golf Course, we make that journey easy and convenient with expert lessons tailored to golfers of all skill levels and all ages. With the guidance of an experienced golfer, you’ll unlock your potential and discover why lessons are the key to mastering your game.

Why Golf Lessons Are Essential

Proper Technique: Our golf lessons teach you the fundamentals, from grip to posture and swing mechanics, ensuring you avoid bad habits and build a strong foundation.
Personalized Feedback: Receive one-on-one coaching that identifies areas for improvement and accelerates your progress.
Confidence Boost: Mastering new skills under the guidance of an experienced professional builds confidence on and off the course.
Game Strategy: Learn how to manage the course effectively, plan your shots, and make the most of every round.
Social and Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow golfers, fostering friendships and shared experiences within our vibrant community.

Exclusive Benefits for HOA Members

Golf Shop and Rentals

A Team That’s Here for You

Start Your Kids Off to a Happy New Year

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 02:07:56 GMT

Kickstart the new year with engaging programs at the Recreation Center in Ramona Oaks Park designed to inspire and educate kids! From physical activities with Amazing Athletes to fun, curriculum-based learning with Miss Liz, our programs foster active and healthy lifestyles while supporting early childhood development.

Amazing Athletes

For over 20 years, we’ve been partnering with schools and communities, helping to set kids on a path to an active and healthy lifestyle by teaching them the basics of sports, health, and nutrition. By introducing kids to a variety of sports and physical activities, we give them an opportunity to discover and explore what they most enjoy and can pursue as they grow.

Amazing Athletes Tots

Ages: 1.5 to 2.5

Fridays (02/07/2025 - 04/25/2025)

9:30 am - 10:00 am (30 minutes)

Amazing Athletes

Ages: 2.5 to 8

Mondays

5 - 5:45 am (45 minutes)

Amazing Athletes

Ages: 2.5 to 8

Fridays

10:00 am - 10:45 am (45 minutes)

Learn with Ms. Liz!

Young children love learning with our longtime teacher at the Recreation Center. Your child will enjoy a variety of fun and educational activities in Language Arts, Mathematics, Critical and Logical Thinking, Music, and Movement. Curriculum-based standards are set by the California Department of Education. Miss Liz makes learning FUN!

Parent and Tot Pre-school

Ages 2-3

Tuesday 9:30 – 11:30 am

Registration fee is $80; Tuition is $80/month

Kindergarten Readiness Class

Wednesday and Thursday, 9:30 am – Noon

Registration fee is $160; Tuition is $160/month

For more information and to register for classes, contact Liz Massey at massey.liz760@gmail.com or 760-310-4604.

Connecting our Community

heather.mcghee@sdcea.net (Heather McGhee) — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 01:48:31 GMT

Connect with our Association through various communication channels, including weekly newsletters, digital media, and community-driven online platforms.

Our Association offers many ways to foster communication, establish neighborly connections, and strengthen our sense of community. Let's start with the Valley News, a weekly newsletter dedicated to providing our members with community and local news! We also have digital media, as we saw that many members engaged with our websites, emails, social media, and the San Vicente Resort mobile app. Let's look at the ways you can get connected:

Websites

sdcea.net is where you'll find information about our HOA guidelines, board meetings, financial performance, billing, amenities including Recreation and Equestrian, and more.
sanvicenteresort.com is where you'll find information about our resort amenities, including golf, our lodge, two restaurants, and a snack bar, as well as catered events such as weddings and parties.

Email

Receive timely HOA and resort amenity updates, board meeting agendas, monthly HOA or Golf Club billing, exciting resort business events and services, and more. Read our latest blog on the importance of updating your email.

Facebook & Instagram Information is shared, and people engage with posts on these popular platforms.

SDCEA HOA – this group is exclusive to SDCEA members, and we post timely HOA news, Recreation events, and resort amenity news. Join the group!
SDCEA Recreation – like this page and find all the details about the fun recreation events, concerts, and fairs!
San Vicente Resort – a Facebook page and an Instagram profile to communicate all resort amenity news, events, and fun things to do! Like and follow!
San Vicente Golf Course – a page for all things golf. Like to golf? Like and follow this page.

Building Tomorrow: Your Seat at the Table - SDCEA Committees Extend an Invitation

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 00:46:00 GMT

SDCEA invites residents to join committees that shape community facilities, policies, and activities.

Committees serve as a platform for residents to actively engage with our community, bringing diverse perspectives and skills to facilitate successful implementation of projects and initiatives.

If you are interested in serving on any of the following committees, please submit your resume and a completed Committee Volunteer Request form to the Administration Office at execsec@sdcea.net or call 760-789-3788 x5000 by 3 pm on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025.

Committees will be appointed at the Board meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 25. For more information, please visit our webpage.

Audit Committee – 2 Members

The purpose of this committee is to review the annual audit for the prior accounting year with the auditing firm’s representative and to make a recommendation to the Board regarding the acceptance of the audit. Committee members must have finance and/or accounting experience. This committee shall meet at least once prior to the annual meeting.

Community Relations – 5 Members

For more information, please review the Community Relations Committee Charter .

Equestrian Committee – 7 Members

Fire Safety – 5 Members

The Fire Safety Committee is established to ensure that fire-safe best practices are implemented by the Association and its members. The committee's primary objectives are as follows:

a. To develop, implement, and maintain fire safety policies, procedures, and protocols.

b. To identify and assess fire hazards within the Association.

c. To educate stakeholders on fire safety measures and evacuation procedures.

d. To monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of fire safety measures.

e. To make recommendations for improvements and to recommend corrective actions to mitigate fire risks.

f. To ensure compliance with relevant local, state, and federal fire safety regulations and codes.

g. To explore the opportunity of becoming a California Firewise Community (Firewise).

San Vicente Valley News Editorial Advisory Committee – 5 Members

Resolutions We Can Stick With

Fri, 03 Jan 2025 00:16:46 GMT

Let this New Year be your Happy You Year, where small, joyful resolutions—like savoring good food, embracing gratitude, and sprinkling kindness—become your daily gifts to yourself and others.

New Year, new resolutions? Blah, blah, blah. Instead of one giant resolution like losing weight or joining a gym (that comes with major guilt if you break it), how about setting a few smaller ones? Make your own list and practice them daily. Here are some ideas:

Eat Good Food

Buy fresh fruit and skip the manufactured snacks. Try to eat something every day that you don’t have to turn over to see what’s in it: bananas, carrots, blueberries, almonds, dried apricots, celery with peanut butter, apple slices. You’ll feel healthier when you eat healthier. It takes time to cut up celery or an apple to eat later, but TAKE THE TIME! And cut out sugar! Or at least cut back. Sugar causes inflammation—in your sinuses and your aching muscles—and it feeds bacteria. Realize how harmful it is for you and turn it down more often than you are doing now. Cut out seed oils like canola and sunflower. Read labels and use products made with olive oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil instead. We never realized how unhealthy those are until now. If the package says, “Made with bioengineered ingredients,” don’t buy it! Our bodies need natural ingredients, not fake food. Order iced tea instead of soda. Drink water with fresh lemon. Baby steps!

Improve Your Relationship

Since our partners are our “safe place,” and we know they love us unconditionally, we often treat them the worst! Make a conscious effort to FOCUS ON WHAT YOU LOVE about your spouse or significant other and acknowledge every nice thing they do for you and your family. They might make coffee in the morning, cook great meals, take the trash out, work hard, go to social events they’d rather skip, feed your animals, laugh at your jokes, pick up something from the store, gas up your car, etc. We often take these things for granted, but our gratitude goes such a long way, especially when we say it out loud! Take more time to make them feel special…like you did in the beginning. It takes effort to have a great relationship, and you are both worth it.

Exercise

Do some squats each morning while you wait for the shower water to heat up. Do simple stretches while brushing your teeth. WALK - Just walk! Get a buddy to walk once a week with you. Park farther away at the store, take the stairs instead of the escalator. Those extra steps add up after a year’s time, and they get you away from your cell phone and the television. Stretch your feet and ankles before you put your shoes on. Get into the habit of stretching as you reach for something. Take slow, deep breaths through your nose, hold it, and exhale slowly. Your body listens to your mind, so tell yourself you feel good!

RAK

Random Acts of Kindness can be as simple as letting someone go ahead of you in line, holding a door open, paying for someone’s food at a restaurant or a drive-thru, painting rocks and leaving them for others to find, picking up trash, driving someone to the store or sending a greeting card “just because” so someone knows you are thinking about them. Bake some banana bread and deliver it to a friend. It feels good to be kind.

Love Yourself More

Compliment yourself. Notice when you accomplish something and allow yourself to feel good about it, even small things like clearing junk mail off the counter. When you help a neighbor, tell yourself it was a nice thing to do. You are allowed to feel good about yourself! We tend to be our worst critic. Give yourself positive affirmations; “I feel good. I am happy because I choose to be. I am thoughtful. I am caring. I make people laugh. I am a hard worker. I am a great friend.” When you look in the mirror, notice what you like: the great hair day you’re having, your perfect chin, your handsome face, that inner light that shines through your eyes. We are too quick to find fault with ourselves when we should be our biggest cheerleaders! Buy that thing you’ve been eyeing. You work hard; treat yourself! Get the one you want, not the one that’s the cheapest.

When you climb into bed and make a mental checklist, do not beat yourself up for what you didn’t get done! Focus on what you DID get done, including the little things. You did a great job at work. Maybe you’re retired, and you pulled weeds or made coffee for a neighbor. If you’re an at-home parent, you kept your kids alive. You did a load of laundry. You got rid of half of the junk mail. You called your mom. You blessed someone with a compliment or a kind deed and probably made their day. Now compliment yourself for that!

Be Grateful

Gratefulness is the key to happiness. Count your blessings every day. Put a Post-It on your bathroom mirror that says, “What are you grateful for?” Your family. The sunshine. Good food. A working car. The love of friends and family. Caramel salted toffee. Real grass. Laughter. Your dog. Great neighbors. A fun co-worker. Chicken Tortilla soup. Caution: your mindset might switch from unhappy to happy. Try it!

Happy New Year! And Happy You Year!

Gnome Sam Vicente Moves into the Hobbit House: Photo Contest Winner

Fri, 03 Jan 2025 00:12:28 GMT

Sam Vicente, the beloved community gnome, found a home in the Hobbit House, bringing holiday cheer and inspiring residents through a festive photo contest.

Sam Vicente, our charming community gnome, officially moved into the Hobbit House, located at the corner of San Vicente Road and Ramona Oaks Road, right before the Christmas and Hanukkah holidays. To celebrate, we invited our residents to visit, take a photo, and participate in a contest to win a $125 San Vicente Resort gift card. The promotion was designed to bring our community together in a fun and festive way, giving everyone the opportunity to “meet Sam” and embrace his holiday wish: to feel the magic of the season, share joy, and keep the spirit of kindness shining brightly—just like his lantern.

We received ten wonderful entries, and the lucky winner, chosen in a random drawing, was Diana Abarca, who also goes by Diana Larson, sharing her husband Rick’s last name.

Diana and Rick have been proud residents of SDCE for 38 years. For the past decade, they’ve made Stone Mountain their go-to hiking destination. “We live in the Golf Course condos now, so we can just cross the street to get there. We hike once or twice a week,” Diana shared.

Diana has followed the transformation of the Hobbit House with great interest. Reflecting on the journey, she said, “The tree that was made into the gnome house was quite stately and noticeable, with a massive branch hanging over the trail that we often walked under. Honestly, we wondered if it might break, so we understood the need to cut the tree down. Watching it transform into a Gnome House has been such a joy. At first, it became a bench, then a little house with an adorable door, and all the decorative touches made it even more magical.”

We want to thank everyone who visited the Hobbit House and participated in the photo contest. Your enthusiasm and creativity made this experience truly special.

As we move into the new year, let’s carry forward Sam’s heartfelt message:
Share joy with one another, and keep the spirit of kindness glowing like his lantern.

Happy New Year!

Our winning photo features (left to right) Rick and Diana Larson with Sam Vicente and friends.
Due to technical issues at the time of publication, we are not able to publish all photo entries.

Easement Maintenance: Protecting Our Community with Fire Abatement

Fri, 03 Jan 2025 00:02:32 GMT

Proper easement maintenance ensures safety, accessibility, and fire prevention, and the Community Relations Department (CRD) is here to guide homeowners through the process.

Proper easement maintenance involves regularly trimming plants, shrubs, and trees to ensure safe and unobstructed access. Guidelines include:

• Keeping grass and plants at a height of 4 inches or less.

• Trimming trees to maintain a clearance of 13 feet 6 inches from the ground.

• Removing any dead vegetation to reduce fire hazards.

Horsefeathers December 2024

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 23:48:53 GMT

December brought rainy season preparations, roof repairs, safety upgrades, and facility improvements at Casey Tibbs Western Center and the International Equestrian Center.

This month has been incredibly busy for our equestrian team as we prepare for the rainy season and ongoing facility improvements. While short one maintenance staff member, the team has worked tirelessly to ensure everything is ready. Rain preparation at both facilities has included placing waddles and sandbags, and the mare motel at IEC has been graded for better drainage.

Significant projects are also underway: the bridge at IEC leading to the mare motel and compost area has been widened and inspected by the county, and the manure box and stairs will be reinstalled in January.

Roof repairs across eight barns and the landscape/maintenance shop at IEC began on December 26 and are expected to last through mid-February. While this work is being done, empty stalls at both Casey Tibbs and IEC have been prepared for temporary horse relocations. We appreciate everyone’s patience during this process.

Stop signs have been installed between barns C and D at IEC for increased vehicle safety, with more planned at the corrals. Dressage courts at IEC have been temporarily taken down for footing improvement, while the board has approved up to $15,000 in decomposed granite (DG) for boarders to use during the rainy season. Additionally, a new well tank and wood jumps for IEC have been approved.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we work hard to maintain and improve our equestrian facilities.

Photos by Lisa Everett.

Cozy and Bright: December’s Home of the Month

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 23:35:14 GMT

December’s Home of the Month is the perfect holiday haven for family to gather at Christmastime. Maldetta Kravet and her late husband Robert built the home in 1984 after their children were grown, and it was designed as a place to entertain the family on holidays and special occasions.

According to homeowner Maldetta Kravet, who will turn 92 years old in March, this is the third time she has received the Home of the Month award over the years. And she is thankful to be considered. She married her husband, Robert, in 1982, and he sadly passed away in 2015. She has three children, and now her grandson Ryan Cornell and his lovely wife Leni Cornell live with her in the beautiful SDCE home.

The two-story, 4,000-square-foot home has four bedrooms and three baths on ¾ acre. The house was built mostly by friends and family in 1984 and is the perfect location for their family gatherings. Kravet grew up in a big family and was one of 11 children. The remaining two siblings joined her at her home to celebrate Christmas. She expected 16 family members to celebrate the holiday in her home, which is equipped with an open kitchen between two dining rooms and an attached bar.

Kravet loves her community and neighborhood. Every day, her family and neighbors find her gardening in her yard or on a ladder, hanging up flags. She flies the American, Marine, and police flags daily. She takes pride in her home and is known for her yard. Granddaughter-in-law Leni Cornell says that Robert and Maldetta put in all of the grass in the yard and, over the years, have added succulents and cacti to accommodate less water. In addition, she has a rose garden, vegetable garden, and fruit trees. “She is obsessed with the vegetable garden,” says Cornell.

Kravet likes the location of her home, and she loves her neighbors. Two of these sweet neighbors alternate taking her little rescue terrier, Kevin, for walks, rain or shine. According to Cornell, the neighbors don’t miss a day and even walk the pup on Christmas morning. “We will be here for her as long as she needs us,” says Cornell.

Kravet takes pride in her home and is honored to be chosen for this award. As the year draws to a close, this Home of the Month reminds us of the beauty of gathering, celebrating, and creating lasting memories.

Photos courtesy of Leni Cornell.

Young Girl Spreads Cheer Through Giving

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 23:20:43 GMT

14-year-old Sybil Back is on a mission to make the world brighter for families and animals in need. She dedicates her spare time to spreading hope and joy to the community all year round.

San Diego Country Estates resident Sybil Back is an 8th grader at Olive Peirce Middle School. Her favorite subject is math because it challenges her, and she uses logical and strategic thinking. When she isn't at school, she loves to help animals and tries to help in our town when she is able to donate her time. She volunteers for the community through the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) and some local animal rescues. In addition, she has attended animal events at the International Equestrian Center. This busy young lady is also involved in the garden club.

"Although I'm in NJROTC three days a week, I am also in a leadership class titled NJHS or National Junior Honor Society with Mrs. Cerruti," says Back. "We do all kinds of stuff." Within NJROTC, she is involved with Basic Leadership Training; academic competitions called brain brawls; community service such as helping with Veteran's Day poppies and cleaning up after the high school football games; volunteering to help different elementary schools with events; company field meets; parties; and field trips. She got to spend the day on the USS Pinckney and went to Disneyland for a day.

"I also love to help support students with special needs at school, with their track meets, ski trips, and outings to the zoo!" says Back.

Back plans to be involved with the NJROTC through High School and enjoys everything about it. She likes the club because it is a welcoming group and an amazing opportunity to get involved in the community. Diego Solis is her platoon commander, and he is always supportive and makes being part of NJROTC really fun. "There are fun projects. Last night, Isabelle Munoz and I got to build a model ship with a helicopter pad. It was so much fun!" says Back. She has learned important leadership qualities as well as how to be a team player and plans to join the Navy once she completes High School. She wants to be in gun fire control systems and, later, a k-9 officer.

Back has also played volleyball since she was 8 years old and is one of the setters for San Diego Volleyball's 14-2 team. She wants to play high school volleyball for Ramona. Her father was her coach for the Ramona team for the last two years before she started playing club. He used to coach college volleyball, and Back has been going to the gym with him since she was one week old.

At home, Back has three dogs, two horses, and a pet cow. She is an equestrian and has been around animals her whole life. Her grandfather has a ranch in Colorado and has taught her that each animal sees the world differently and you must adapt to how they see it.

In the years past, Back has volunteered around Christmastime at Ramona Food and Clothes Closet with her mother and another time with the Ramona Volleyball team to help pack boxes of holiday meals.

"For Christmas and my birthday, I have asked for donations instead of gifts for rescues like Frosted Faces, Rancho Coastal, and Helen Woodward," says Back. All her grandparents typically donate to her fundraisers because she asks for donations instead of presents. This year, she requested donations to her favorite rescue, Little Bitty Animal Sanctuary in Ranchita. The family that runs it used to live next door to her family in the Estates. They care for rescue horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, cows, and dogs. "If anyone is interested in giving, they could think of Little Bitty," says Back.

Being a giving person makes her feel warm-hearted to know that she is giving to her community, whether cleaning up or distributing food. Her work is always fun, and she loves being involved with the community. She always gets to meet cool people and animals, too.

Even at a young age, Back has her future mapped out, and she is reaching for the stars. Her mother, Stacey Back, said that although her daughter loves to volunteer, she still spends the majority of her time just being a kiddo. Let us be reminded by Back's example that there are opportunities all around us to do good and help our neighbors.

Photos courtesy of Stacey Back and Heather McGhee.

Sybil in Action

Celebrating Two Outstanding Volunteers of the Quarter: Dwight Smith and Phoenix West

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 21:38:46 GMT

SDCEA Managers nominated two volunteers to be recognized for their efforts in the community. We appreciate these individuals dedicating their time and energy and making a meaningful difference during this season of kindness and gratitude.

Dwight Smith has been a San Diego Country Estates resident for five years. He rides his bike four times a week, 18 miles each time, totaling 72 miles a week. On his way back from his rides, he picks up trash in his neighborhood. He focuses on about a mile-and-a-half radius around his home. As he is riding, he scans the area and decides what is practical for trash pick-up. He will pick up t-shirts and towels in the middle of the road as safely as possible and says it helps with aesthetics and the overall appearance of the Estates.

He brings a few empty grocery shopping bags and balances the shopping bag full of trash on his handlebars. Some of the things he picks up include plastic, cardboard, and bottles, and there are times when he picks up broken auto parts left behind from car wrecks, like headlamps and scraps of metal—anything non-biodegradable. As he picks up trash on his return home, he uses a bungee cord for items such as cardboard and metal. He uses the cord to wrap up the litter and puts the items on the frame of his bike.

Smith adds that people would notice if someone didn't pick up trash in SDCE and hopes to use this exposure to encourage others in the area to pick up trash. He sees a few others in the neighborhood picking up litter and is very thankful for those who step up to make a difference. He suggests that local hikers pick up trash along their walks. It's as easy as bringing a grocery or trash bag and picking up a few pieces along their journey, and it would make a big difference in the community.

Smith is retired from the City of San Diego, where he worked for 21 years as a Wastewater Treatment Plan Operator. He grew up in the city, where trash was all over the place. Once he retired and traveled to places such as Bali and Hawaii, he noticed that garbage was out of control. He realized what humankind was doing to the planet and decided that since we only have one planet, it's our responsibility to take care of it and not destroy its beauty. "I am doing my part," says Smith. "At the end of the day, I am trying to make a positive impact on my community."

He loves animals and wants to take care of the ecosystem for animals as well. He has been doing this clean-up for four years now, and sometimes his wife of almost 31 years, Tracey Smith, helps pick up trash while walking one of their three dogs. Dwight says Tracey is on board with the clean-up but is not retired, so she doesn't have as much free time.

Smith is happy to inspire people to help pick up trash once a month, twice a month, or every week to positively impact the community that he is proud to be a part of.

At a young age, Phoenix West is already an inspiration for the community, making a big difference with his cleaning efforts. "My name is Phoenix West. I am almost 8 years old, and I am in 2nd grade at Barnett Elementary," says our second volunteer of the quarter.

Phoenix says he started picking up trash while on a walk with his mom the day after Halloween when he was four years old. "During the pandemic, we started a routine of beginning our day with a walk," says Phoenix's mom, Kelly. The day after Halloween, a lot of trash was left behind from the night before, and it really inspired Phoenix to want to pick up as much as we could." She was so touched that her then toddler wanted to do something so selfless that she decided to make picking up trash the day after Halloween an annual tradition.

Now every year, Phoenix's parents, Kelly and Jaime West, and his brother Carter West, age 4, lead the Boo Crew event together the day after Halloween. Anyone is invited to join in, but you can also participate by picking up trash right in your own neighborhood. Several volunteers join them each year, and they always get a special visit from the local sheriff's department to thank the kids for being leaders in their community.

"If you would like to join us next year, be on the lookout for information in our local Valley News as we get closer to the date," says Kelly.

Our volunteers' efforts bridge generations and show the hearts of those who serve the community. This new year, let's all be inspired to take steps toward a cleaner environment.

Photos by Heather McGhee

Holiday Hustle: A Guide to Staying Merry and Stress-Free

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 15:19:54 GMT

Read about practical tips for managing holiday stress while balancing work, family, and festive community events.

As someone who juggles raising two young children while coordinating preschool and after-school programs, I know firsthand how stressful the holiday season can be. Recently, we wrapped up our Holiday Fair at Ramona Oaks Park—a whirlwind of vendor booths, kids' crafts, and live performances (plus a little Santa magic). The event was a great success, but let me tell you, keeping calm amidst the chaos is an art form.

Here are my tried-and-true tips for managing holiday stress:

Set Differences Aside

During the holidays, family and friends might not always align with your expectations—and that's okay. Accept them as they are and save deeper conversations for another time. Everyone's running on high stress, so a little extra grace goes a long way.

Learn to Say No

This one's a game-changer! Don't be afraid to set boundaries, whether it's your family asking for something you don't have time to do or a friend inviting you to another holiday party. Saying yes only to things that matter most will save you from feeling overwhelmed (and give you more time with the kids).

Stick to a Budget

It's so tempting to splurge this time of year, especially when you want to make the holidays magical for little ones. But remember, happiness isn't about the number of gifts under the tree. Homemade presents or a thoughtful family gift exchange can be just as meaningful—and way easier on the wallet!

Take a Breather

Whether you're corralling preschoolers in a craft class or helping your own kids with holiday projects, carving out 15 minutes of alone time can be a sanity-saver. Take a quiet walk, enjoy a cup of tea, or just sit and breathe—it works wonders.

Don't Abandon Healthy Habits

Between cookie platters and late nights, it's easy to let routines slide. But a little exercise, balanced meals, and decent sleep can make all the difference in staying energized for everything the season throws your way.

Learn to Give

This one is my favorite. At the Holiday Fair, seeing families come together to enjoy crafts and performances reminded me how much joy we can bring by giving back. Whether volunteering or donating to a cause, helping others lifts your spirits like nothing else.

Let's make this holiday season a time to sparkle, not stress. After all, it's about creating special memories—whether at community events or right at home with your loved ones.

Warm wishes for a joyful and balanced holiday season, and I look forward to 2025!

Always Sunny Holiday Party: A Celebration of Connection and Community

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 03:58:28 GMT

Staff and clients gathered at Always Sunny this week for their holiday party filled with fun, fellowship, and holiday magic.

The spirit of the holiday season was alive and well at the Always Sunny holiday party, which saw approximately 40 attendees, including joyful staff members and cherished clients. The event was a delightful affair filled with cookies, snacks, desserts, and festive Christmas punch, all complemented by enchanting holiday music performed by the talented Dana Durlap.

The celebration featured a variety of engaging games, such as a Christmas tree bean bag toss and a candy cane fishing game. Physical activities are beneficial for mobility, and these games added a playful spirit to the festivities and encouraged interaction among guests.

Owner Janna York emphasized the importance of events like these, noting that they provide seniors with a sense of inclusion and significance. "Many seniors can feel isolated, and being here for the holiday party makes them feel important," she shared. Always Sunny acts as a bridge, connecting clients from diverse backgrounds and traditions.

York expressed her desire to help seniors create new memories while acknowledging the nostalgia that often comes with the holiday season. Participants played a crucial role in preparing for the celebration, discussing games and baking cookies as part of their project. Each client left the event with a special gift, adding to their holiday cheer.

Looking ahead to 2025, York hopes to increase the number of clients. Although Always Sunny is licensed for 60 clients, her aim is to cultivate a smaller, more intimate community with increased engagement. Many of her clients no longer drive and come for connection, finding joy and companionship rather than spending their days in front of the television.

The program incorporates stimulating card and word games that keep minds sharp while fostering camaraderie among participants. "We are family," York stated, highlighting the strong bonds formed within the community. This familial atmosphere was evident when one caregiver, who recently welcomed a new baby, brought the little one to the party, bringing smiles to everyone's faces.

The cost of care can often be a concern, but Always Sunny offers its services at half the cost of typical home care, making it an accessible option for families in need of support.

Tom Morgan, a newer member who joined the group five months ago, expressed his satisfaction with the holiday party, noting a larger turnout than he had previously witnessed. "They did a really good job helping everybody," he commented enthusiastically. Pete Spates, who has known the performing musician for a while, also shared his excitement: "It's pretty awesome." His favorite part was the activity in general, making the event so fun.

The Always Sunny holiday party was more than just a celebration; it was a heartfelt gathering that reinforced the importance of community and connection during the holiday season. Here's to many more joyful memories in the years to come!

Photos by Tiffany Pressler

Reins of Joy - Saddle Club Members Gather for a Festive Christmas Celebration

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 02:16:34 GMT

Christmas Bells rang at the San Vicente Saddle Club Christmas Party last Sunday, December 15.

Several members and their families gathered at the San Vicente Saddle Club Christmas Party to enjoy an evening of food, friendship, and fun. The main dish was lasagna, along with a variety of Bundt cakes for dessert provided by Danny’s Kitchen. Members and guests RSVP’d to San Vicente Saddle Club Treasurer Cheryl Schlauch with what side dishes they wanted to bring to the potluck. There was a variety of other food, including pizza, antipasto salad, cookies, cake, and candy for guests to enjoy.

The party took place from 4 to 7 pm at the International Equestrian Center Rotunda building. Friends and family gathered and told horse tales about the years past and bonded over a tasty festive meal. As the celebration drew to a close, members sipped their soda and water and shared stories of their favorite rides and cherished horses. The air was filled with laughter and a great reminder that horse lovers share a special connection as strong as the holiday spirit. As the guests waved and hugged goodbye, they promised to gather again with their horses once the new year arrives.

San Vicente Saddle Club President Kevin Cousineau says the club met for the nice social but is taking the month off from meeting up with the horses. As we look toward the new year, he projects that 2025 will have fun events on the agenda. They plan to have another fun day and a schooling show. Vice President, Jeffi Wood, said the schooling show will be a combination of English and Western pleasure. They hope to have a gymkhana show on another date, and she is looking forward to the future of the club.

Photo by Heather McGhee

Celebrating the Holidays: Equestrian Committee Hosts Festive Potluck

heather.mcghee@sdcea.net (Heather McGhee) — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 02:01:53 GMT

The Equestrian Committee's holiday potluck brought the equestrian community together to celebrate the season, reflect on accomplishments, and share plans for an exciting year ahead.

The Rotunda was filled with warmth and cheer as over 30 equestrian enthusiasts came together for the first annual Equestrian Committee Holiday Potluck. This festive gathering was attended by five Committee members, Equestrian Manager Lisa Everett, and equestrian enthusiasts, and the event brought the community closer during the holiday season, offering a delightful array of dishes, from appetizers, main dishes, sides, and desserts, including my favorite, the Sweet Potato Crème Brûlée.

This potluck wasn't just about food—it was a celebration of the year's accomplishments and the shared passion for equestrian life. Committee Chair Missi Stone welcomed everyone, expressing gratitude for the community's support. She began by talking about the past, "We worked very hard over the last five months since forming in July, and I think we've done a lot of good so far, with three successful events in less than four months. Your support for the community and the equestrian facilities has been incredible." Then she ended with a look at the future, "I'd like to see more community and relationship building with other interest groups within the association. The more we foster these connections, the stronger we'll be as an amenity. Our goodwill as an equestrian community will be key to the success of the equestrian centers in the year ahead."

The evening also featured heartfelt reflections from other committee members. Committee Secretary and Vice President of the Board Vanessa Jerrell highlighted the group's progress and encouraged broader involvement. "I was on the original committee last year, and it's very refreshing that we've got the equestrian committee with some different goals that are more productive, that are more community-focused. And I appreciate that and the team that we've pulled together. I also wear a separate hat as Vice President of the Board of Directors, so I'm in a unique position to support the equestrian community," she said. In addition, she clarified the focus by saying, "If you know people with horses in the association, please help get them involved as well because this isn't just about the boarders. It's about everybody as a community."

Committee member Jeff James emphasized the importance of collective participation, adding, "Everybody, we're better as a community, and we need to stick together. That means coming to meetings, sharing your ideas, and telling us what you need." And, Committee Vice-Chair Terri Law-Terry, who has been part of the committee for several years, shared a vision for the future: "My vision is for people to come together, have fun, and truly enjoy this community, built on great ideas and the joy of being with each other and our horses."

As the evening wrapped up with laughter, camaraderie, and even a raffle, the spirit of the season was evident in every interaction. Looking ahead to 2025, the Equestrian Committee is excited to build on this sense of community with plans to enhance facilities, host more events, and continue fostering connections that strengthen the equestrian lifestyle.

This potluck wasn't just a holiday celebration—it was a testament to the community spirit that makes our equestrian life so vibrant and promising for the year ahead.

Photos by Heather McGhee

Par Lounge Art: The Story Behind the Space

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 03:15:09 GMT

Local artist Rose Evans created art for the Par Lounge that lets guests know the place is alive with music. The walls speak for themselves, and art captures the spirit, history, and soul of the space and our town's booming music scene.

Rose Evans has been a photographer for 30 years and knows Ramona has a new energy around the music scene. Music was on her mind, and she says you can find music every night of the week in Ramona.

Evans would see the walls in the Par Lounge and knew they were created to foster the sound musicians bring to the space. She came up with the idea to put photos of local musicians on the walls. She pitched her idea to Colleen Doulgeropoulos, Front of House Manager, who was heading the project. The art in the Par Lounge had been in the works for 9 months until it came to fruition, and the photos were put up the day before Thanksgiving.

The stylized photography on canvas features local musicians, including Ashley Norton, Tony Matoian, Scotty Ensign, and Frank Lucio. Evans has a love for the community, and the photos are personal because they are people we know. She added that the artwork could be displayed for decades, honoring our local musicians and highlighting the kind of town we live in.

"I love the scene," says Evans. "The wall is huge, and it commands a bigger picture." All the photographs were taken for the purpose of being displayed in the Par Lounge, except for the photo of Tony Matoian playing the saxophone. His photo was saved from Facebook, stylized, and placed on canvas as a surprise to him. This was an opportunity to include him in the project as he worked for the San Diego Country Estates Association for 15 years.

One of the things that inspired Evans to do this artwork is that music is an essential part of life. Jon Hasz and Ashley Norton created the Ramona Music Alliance in 2022, and their goal was to bring together and support the vibrant music scene in Ramona. The organization aims to promote local talent, foster a sense of community, and help the music scene grow. We love to support our local artists. Evans said, “I wanted these musicians displayed on the Par Lounge walls so you would know that music happens here.”

Evans says that her job in creating a portrait is to capture the energy of the person, which can be seen in her portrait of Ashley Norton, where Evans successfully captured Ashley's unique and delightful spirit. Evans also has landscape photography displayed inside of D’Carlos Restaurant. “There is so much beauty in landscape photography, especially in Ramona,” says Evans. She is working on another project to honor musician/song writer Bob Anderson, a member of Black Canyon Band, which was the house band for the Par Lounge from 1977 to 2007.

Not only is Evans an artist, but she is also a co-owner of Scotty’s Plantscapes with her husband, an Energy Medicine Practitioner, and teaches Tai Chi at the Ramona Library. She sells her artwork and can be contacted at roseevansphotography@gmail.com or at 760-822-3272.

Evans hopes her art display will draw even more people to the Par Lounge and add to the aesthetic appeal with its unique blend of styles.

Photos by Tiffany Pressler.

Lora Morel: December’s Employee of the Month

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:12:44 GMT

As the year comes to a close, we are happy to celebrate Lora Morel as December’s employee of the month, honoring her hard work and holiday spirit that inspires us all.

Lora Morel joined the SDCEA team in June and is a snack bar attendant, preparing and serving food and drinks at the snack bar. She consistently excels in every project she takes on and always ensures her customers receive excellent care. In addition, she maintains the snack bar operation, decoration, and cleanliness.

According to her lead, Nim Miranda, Executive Assistant at San Diego Country Estates, “Lora has been full of surprises ever since she started working with us. She always has a great attitude towards her job. She always thinks outside the box and brings new and great ideas for the snack bar.”

Miranda says that Lora told her she loves the people at work. “Everyone is nice and greets each other in passing. The overall atmosphere is low-key, relaxing, and zero stress.” She loves working here and the people she works with.

Lora’s hobbies include writing, helping others, cooking, and watching birds. She has even published a few of her books. In her free time, she runs a non-profit organization that donates food to those in need. She has started donating food to our employees and would like to do it regularly.

“We are fortunate to have Lora as one of our employees. She has already amazed us with her work in less than six months. Thank you for being an outstanding employee of the month,” says Miranda.

Thank you, Lora, for making this holiday season even brighter for our team!

Happy Holidays: Gnome Sam Vicente Moves into the Hobbit House

heather.mcghee@sdcea.net (Heather McGhee) — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:12:40 GMT

An old tree stump transformed into a charming Hobbit House recently, and we welcome its first magical resident, the adventurous gnome Sam Vicente, who arrived to spread joy and holiday cheer throughout the neighborhood.

At the corner of San Vicente Road and Ramona Oaks Road, an old tree stump has been transformed into a charming Hobbit House—a cozy, earth-embedded dwelling with a round door, warm wooden exterior, and rustic aesthetic, nestled harmoniously into the natural landscape. Last night, a glowing lantern appeared outside the house, marking the arrival of the adventurous gnome, Sam Vicente, here to spread joy and holiday cheer throughout the neighborhood. He was genuinely delighted to see the gnomes and other magical touches placed at the house by our amazing community upon his arrival!

Like all gnomes, Sam has a deep love for the earth and nature. He found the Estates to be the perfect place to settle, ending his wandering journey fueled by an endless curiosity to explore southern California’s habitats. Drawn to the house’s idyllic backcountry charm, he discovered a community where people of all ages enjoy outdoor experiences and nature’s beauty. Sam also adores horses and pets—especially dogs—and cherishes the connection he shares with both people and animals.

Sam Vicente’s greatest wish this holiday season is for everyone in the community to feel the magic of the season, share joy with one another, and keep the spirit of kindness glowing like his lantern. He reminds us that even the smallest gestures—a smile or a kind word—can light up someone’s day.

We invite you to visit Sam during the holiday season, stop by his Hobbit House, and say hello. Take a photo with him and upload it with your name, phone number, and email to the Sam Vicente Form by Tuesday, Dec. 24, for a chance to win a $125 San Vicente Resort gift card. The winner can enjoy a meal with friends and family at one of our restaurants.

The winner and a collection of submitted photos will be featured in our upcoming story, “Welcome the New Year with Gnome Sam Vicente.”

A warm thanks to Yosemite Mullin for alerting me about Sam Vincente's arrival.

Kraken Brittle Company: A Hobby that Turned into a Thriving Business

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 19:33:30 GMT

Local businesswoman Nancy Sapper is a mortgage broker and the entrepreneur behind Kraken Brittle Company.

Ramona resident Nancy Sapper is a woman of many talents. She was inspired to start her homemade peanut brittle business when her 94-year-old mother, who has lived in the San Diego Country Estates for 25 years, encouraged her to make peanut brittle. Her mother claims it's better than See's Candy Peanut Brittle.

Sapper is a mortgage broker for C2 Financial, and her office is on D Street near High Valley Veterinary Hospital. She has been in the mortgage business since 2016 and is passionate about helping her clients get the best interest rates possible. She is licensed in 7 different states and works with realtors in states like Texas and Idaho. She has helped people all over the country get loans. Some of these loans include conventional, government subsidies such as FHA, VA, and USDA, and bank statement loans. She says there are a lot of loan programs and adds that every single home in the 92065 zip code is eligible for a 0-percent USDA home loan.

Sapper has three children: Kensey, Karl, and Kaley, who all attended Ramona High School. She started working as a mortgage broker to do something for herself as her children were growing up.

Sweet treat-making is Sapper's passion project, and her mom loves it. She started the business on September 3, 2023. It's truly a joy to her heart to do it. She makes the brittle in small batches. Rustic Interiors was the first shop to carry her Kraken Brittle, and now she also sells it at Ramona Family Naturals and Rad Living Ranch, a farm stand on Highland Valley Road. They love her peanut brittle. Last week, she made 18 pounds of peanut brittle!

Kraken Brittle is a cherished family recipe handed down through generations, starting with Sapper's grandmother. "I love it," says Sapper. "And it's a traditional recipe." The brittle is full of whole products, never any preservatives. The ingredient list is simple but flavorful: peanuts, sugar, corn syrup, water, butter, baking soda, and vanilla. The classic crunchy delight is a special treat during the holidays.

She came up with the name "Kraken Brittle" with the help of her son, Karl. Sapper was an English major, so she is interested in onomatopoeia, which refers to words that imitate or suggest the sound they describe. Peanut brittle cracks and can be addictive, inspiring the catchy name. "It smells so good, and I create magical stuff I love," says Sapper. Her peanut brittle is super light and airy; it melts in your mouth rather than getting stuck in your teeth.

Sapper loves packaging the peanut brittle for Christmas time and around Halloween. She goes to Hobby Lobby and purchases ribbon and tin cans for packaging, where she gets to use her creative side. Around Halloween, she packaged the treats with little witch hats. Her husband of 35 years, Mark, supports her a lot with her brittle business, helping weigh, package, and deliver the treats. He is very involved in the process and is a good taste tester.

Sapper is currently working on two new flavors, including a jalapeno peanut brittle and another with espresso beans. She says she feels like a mad scientist in the kitchen trying out new flavors and is excited about her creations.

Kraken Brittle is also available to purchase online at https://www.krakenbrittle.com/ . It's a timeless treat that brings smiles to every generation.

Tennis and Pickleball Courts at San Vicente Resort

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 05:10:48 GMT

Discover our lighted tennis and pickleball courts available daily for homeowners and resort guests, complete with an easy reservation system for your convenience.

Enjoy complimentary use of our lighted tennis and pickleball courts daily from 7 am to 9 pm, open to SDCE homeowners and Resort Lodge guests. Courts 1 and 2 are designated for tennis, while eight pickleball areas are available on courts 3 and 4.

Pickleball is especially popular among homeowners, whether playing casually with friends or in organized groups. Players are reminded to bring their own equipment for both tennis and pickleball.

Reservations Made Easy

Reservations can be made up to 72 hours in advance. Simply call Member-Guest Services at San Vicente Resort at 760-789-8290 x4000 and provide the following details:

Your preferred day and time
Your last name and telephone number
Your preferred court number

If your preferred court is unavailable, we will let you know about other open slots.

On the day of your reservation, bring your homeowner ID card to Member-Guest Services to receive the court key card. Please return the key card promptly at the end of your reserved time to ensure smooth access for the next players.

Currently, there is no “open play” option, but a new reservation system is planned for the first quarter of 2025—stay tuned for updates!

Creating Holiday Memories in the Estates

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 04:53:16 GMT

The holiday season is truly special in the Estates, with dazzling San Vicente Resort decorations and fun-filled events like the Holiday Balloon Sale at the Golf Shop and the SDCEA Holiday Fair held at Ramona Oaks Park.

San Vicente Resort: Decked Out for the Holidays

The San Vicente Resort is a magical holiday wonderland! Led by volunteers Toni Munsterman and assistants Jodie Taylor and Steve Chambers, our decorating team has created a festive atmosphere filled with music and charm. Three stunning Christmas trees grace the San Vicente Room, Par Lounge, and the lobby—the latter featuring a breathtaking, floor-to-ceiling masterpiece. Wreaths adorn all rooms, and every table at The Oaks Grille boasts a fresh poinsettia centerpiece. To celebrate Hanukkah, a silver and blue menorah is displayed in the hallway, with candles lit nightly starting December 25. Don’t forget to drop off postcards and letters to Santa in the special lobby mailbox for some magical holiday cheer!

Holiday Balloon Sale: Pop a Balloon for Surprise Discounts

Last Friday, the Golf Shop was alive with excitement as red and green balloons revealed surprise discounts of 20%, 30%, 50%, and even 100% off! Golfers enjoyed high-quality merchandise while mingling over complimentary beer, wine, and light appetizers. It’s shopping made fun and festive!

SDCEA Holiday Fair: A Day of Shopping, Shows, and Family Fun

Ramona Oaks Park was buzzing with holiday cheer and children’s laughter last Sunday as Recreation Manager Amy Holsapple and her team hosted the SDCEA Holiday Fair. Over 22 vendor booths showcased unique treasures like handmade horseshoe art, wooden toys, cutting boards, and knitted goods. Several booths featured delicious holiday foods, and our fave Outlaw BBQ served up the best in barbecue. Festivities included performances by a 15-member choir from Encinitas led by Director Melanie Jewell and a delightful dance performance showcasing RJAD’s talented young dancers. Kids also got to meet Santa and capture the moment with a festive photo!

Community Relations: Home Improvement Projects

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 18:26:21 GMT

Home improvement projects happen year-round. Connect with the Community Relations team to process your applications.

It can feel like home maintenance is never-ending, and there is always an exciting new project at the back of your mind. Perhaps you’re looking to repaint the house, put in a new patio bar or add a shed to the garden. Any exterior changes to a property need approval from the Environmental Control Committee (ECC), and the Community Relations Department (CRD) is ready to help with project applications and short-term permits. We love chatting with homeowners and hearing your questions and project ideas.

Architectural Applications

Permits

Member ID Cards

Reach out to Community Relations at CRDdept@sdcea.net or call 760-789-8747.

More Than 200 Toys Donated at 30th Annual Toy Story Golf Tournament

heather.mcghee@sdcea.net (Heather McGhee) — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 18:01:01 GMT

The 30th Annual Toy Story Golf Tournament combined the joy of golf and giving, collecting over 200 toys for local families while celebrating the event's legacy of meaningful contributions.

Last Monday, the 30th Annual Toy Story Golf Tournament and Toy Drive brought together 110 players for a day filled with golf, giving, and holiday cheer at San Vicente Resort. Led by the inspirational John Rathbun, alongside the Golf Shop Team leads Matt Brumbaugh and Tim Smith, the event celebrated everything magical and meaningful for children in our community.

Was it fun? Absolutely! Players arrived with toys in hand, some donning festive gear, and picked up their boxed lunches before heading to their assigned holes for the 11 am shotgun start. The joyful spirit of Christmas was evident on the fairways, and the Golf Shop overflowed with toys inside and out.

After the tournament, players gathered in the Par Lounge to celebrate. Brumbaugh honored 30-Year Event Lead John Rathbun with a Plaque of Excellence, a commemorative photo, a gift certificate, and his favorite red velvet cake, shared by all in attendance. Awards were given, raffles prizes were won, and smiles and laughter was abundant.

On Wednesday, the collection of over 200 toys, including three bikes, was delivered to the Ramona Food and Clothes Closet (RFCC) for their Share Your Christmas Program. These gifts will benefit approximately 200 families and 400 children on Thursday, Dec. 13. Santa Joyce Whelehon from San Vicente Resort Catering transported the toys in two trucks, driven by Maintenance Lead Bob Anderson and CRD Supervisor Thomas Campbell.

The toys were graciously accepted by RFCC General Manager Vesna Curry and Board President Heather Sossong, Treasurer Dick Bender, and Secretary Pete Reinagel. This dedicated team organized the toys as part of the extensive effort required for the RFCC's Share Your Christmas Program, which provides holiday meals, new toys, and stocking stuffers to children in low-income households.

A heartfelt thanks goes out to everyone who participated, including our homeowners and players who generously contributed toys.

And there’s still more you can do:

Donate toys or food to the Share Your Christmas Program at Ramona Food and Clothes Closet, 773 Main Street.
Visit the new Christmas Shop next door for excellent, gently-used holiday décor.

Together, let’s keep the spirit of giving alive this holiday season!

Heather McGhee, Valley News Editor

32nd Annual Ramona Christmas Tree Lighting

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 16:51:31 GMT

The town’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, presented by the Ramona Chamber of Commerce, will be illuminating the holiday season. Take a stroll down Main Street with your loved ones and bundle up for a festive and joyous evening.

The Annual Christmas Tree Lighting kicks off the holiday season for Ramona on Saturday, December 7, from 5 to 9 pm in Old Town Ramona. A portion of Main Street will be closed for the event. At 7 pm, the town Christmas tree, located at Guy B. Woodward Museum at 645 Main Street, will be illuminated with Santa Claus and his helpers leading the countdown. This free community event will be filled with holiday cheer and fun for the whole family.

Attendees will enjoy live performances throughout the evening by Ramona Julian Academy of Dance, Patrick Howard Trampus Band, Ramona Lutheran School Children’s Choir, Turning Pointe School of Dance, Ramona High School Band, Del Sol Dancers, and Ukuladies.

Cindy Keiser, Social Media Manager for The Ramona Chamber of Commerce, says they have some new vendors this year. “This event gets bigger and better every year! There will be unique craft and delicious food vendors, carolers, dancers, photo opportunities, late-night shopping in nearby stores, and, of course, a visit from Santa!” says Keiser. Her favorite part of the event is the small-town feel of our wonderful community all coming together with Christmas spirit!

More activities include free printed photos with Santa, live animal photo opportunities, Christmas movies in the street, late-night dining, a find-the-elf contest, free crafts for kids, racecar simulators, a classic car display, and many local vendors.

Tim Connelly, honorary town mayor and local photographer, will take a group photo at the tree lighting from a scissor lift this year. In years past, he took group photos from the roof of CC Cycles. “Don’t forget to smile when I say cheese!” says Connelly. His favorite part of the event is seeing everyone having a good time from his perch above the street, and he expects the event attendance to be in the thousands. “The tree lighting is one of the best community events of the year. The town really shows up for this joyous celebration. It feels like you’re part of a Hallmark holiday special.”

As Ramona’s iconic Christmas tree glimmers in the night, it brings our town together, celebrating community, hope, and the enduring spirit of the holidays.

The Importance of Opting In for Digital Delivery of Association Communications

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 19:09:43 GMT

Opting in for digital delivery of association communications helps reduce paper waste, cut postage costs, and ensure timely sharing of essential updates like financials, board meeting activities, and community events. Learn how to easily update your preferences through the member portal and contribute to a more sustainable process.

Our association is required by law to provide you with annual statements and communications regarding the management of our association. This generates A LOT of paper each year, and we are making efforts to reduce paper printing and postage costs. Thankfully, we can share this information with you digitally.

We ask for your permission in the form of an “Opt-In” for our business communications (Monthly Board meeting activities, Monthly statements, Financials, Requests for Owner Comments, and our Annual Reports) and our community activities.

How to Opt-in for Association Business Communications

Log into your member portal by visiting https://www.sdcea.net/members , enter your credentials, and you will land on the Home page. If you don't have login credentials, click "Sign up" to request access to the portal.

Select the tab named "Account Profile."

Under Contact Preferences, select "I consent to receiving documents electronically." and SAVE.

Thank you.

Horsefeathers

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 18:36:53 GMT

At the IEC, the Mare Motel is undergoing renovations, an emergency fire access road has been graded, and all the barns are being reroofed this month. Also, join us for equestrian holiday events this month.

This month's main project has been renovating the Mare Motel at the IEC. We have graded the area in the front and back of the stalls to allow rain to fall away from the stalls. The bridge leading to the Mare Motel has been widened to meet county fire requirements, and the electrical lines were reburied leading over the bridge and up to the Mare Motel. We are currently working to hook up the water to the wash rack, rebuild the manure box, and reinstall the stairs.

An emergency fire access road has been graded, leading from the entrance of the IEC onto the track. This will allow for a smoother flow of traffic in the event of an emergency. All traffic may now enter through the front of the IEC and follow counterclockwise past the barns to the exit. This will allow for much easier access during fire and emergency evacuations.

Our upcoming project is reroofing all barns at the IEC. We are planning to begin this project in December.

We are collaborating with the committee on ordering new jumps, proposing updates to the equestrian rules, and updating the camera license agreement.

Holiday Events: Make plans to attend our holiday events and click the links to view the flyers

Equestrian Committee Potluck: Saturday, Dec. 14

San Vicente Saddle Club Christmas Party: Sunday, Dec. 15 RSVP by Dec. 7

Keeping Our Golf Course in Prime Condition

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 18:20:22 GMT

As we head into the cooler months, we would like to let you know about a vital project and a new Fix it Forward campaign to help us maintain the beautiful golf course you know and love.

Recently, we discovered an issue with one of our key irrigation pumps that supplies water to the golf course. During the last heatwave, we noticed a drop in water pressure, which was affecting our irrigation system's performance.

After a detailed inspection by Eagle Pump Service, we found that one of the 100-horsepower pumps, which plays a critical role in watering the course, had developed a large rust hole in the column pipe. This damage was preventing the pump from building enough pressure to operate efficiently.

To fix this issue, we will need to replace the damaged pipe and inspect the entire system. This project involves lifting the pump with a crane, inspecting the motor, and replacing components as needed. The repair is essential to ensure our golf course remains lush and well-maintained, especially as we prepare for the upcoming season.

We have carefully reviewed bids from two companies and have chosen Eagle Pump Service to carry out this work. The project cost is approximately $51,000, with repairs expected to take about 30-40 days once approved.

Also, Golf Pro Matt Brumbaugh and I worked with golf club members and launched a FIX IT FORWARD campaign last week. Videos provide simple actions that help preserve the beauty and playability of our golf course.

Fix It Forward: Ball Marks

Fix It Forward: Divots

We appreciate your understanding as we undertake these necessary repairs to keep our golf course in peak condition. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to providing you with the best golfing experience possible!

Holly Days at Barnett Elementary

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 18:01:32 GMT

Barnett Elementary School will be shining bright with a festive holiday celebration.

Holly Days at Barnett is set for Friday, Dec 6, from 6 to 9 pm, when Barnett Elementary School will be transformed into a winter wonderland filled with holiday cheer. There will be pictures with Santa, musical performances by the students, local vendors selling holiday gifts, food trucks, a silent auction for baskets made by each classroom, and face painting. The 5th and 6th-grade classes will also be selling treats and warm drinks to raise money for their field trips. Holly Days is a community event; all are invited to enjoy, and it is free to attend.

Children's voices will be ringing out with cheerful melodies as each grade level will delight their families with two festive songs inside the multi-purpose room. The performance schedule is:

TK/K: 6:15-6:25
1st: 6:40-6:50
2nd: 7:05-7:15
3rd: 7:30-7:40
4th: 7:45-7:55
5th: 8:00-8:10
6th: 8:15-8:25

Barnett Elementary PTA President Jaime McGilvray says the pictures with Santa and festive face painting will be available for purchase at the front desk ticket booth the night of the event (6-8 pm). Various specialty crafts and local vendors will line the main wings of the school with fun items for sale. Some of the vendors are also Barnett families.

Each classroom's room parent(s) were asked to come up with a theme and collect donations from their classroom families to create a wonderful basket that will be silently auctioned off during the event. This is a great way to get families involved in helping raise funds for the PTA, which helps enrich the lives of the students and their families by providing fun school events, teacher and classroom support, and a large gift to the school at the end of the year. As a new tradition this year, room parents were also asked to collaborate and decorate the hallways outside their children's classrooms with a theme related to what song that grade level will be singing.

The 5th-grade students will be selling caramel apples, apple cider, and bottled water. The caramel and apples were donated by Julian Apple Pie Co. The 6th-grade students will be selling hot chocolate and hot coffee. These students are raising funds for the various field trips that they have planned throughout the year, like Biz Town and 6th-grade camp. A wide variety of food vendors, including Outlaws BBQ, Cowbell, Tacos de Isaac, EZ Kettle Corn, and Nomadic Pizza Trolley, will also be lined up to serve our hungry families during this fun event.

Holly Days has been a long-standing tradition since 4th/5th grade combo teacher Ms. Hayley Brinker was a student at Barnett. Brinker's mom, Jennifer Brinker, was a part of the group of PTA moms who started this event almost 20 years ago. Historically, this was Barnett's largest event and second-largest fundraiser of the year. During Covid, the event was put on hold, and they were delighted to bring it back in December of 2023. "It is slowly growing back into the large event that it once was."

Brinker, along with McGilvray and Kristen Tripoli, chaired last year's Holly Days event are chairing it this year as well. Other volunteers include Kevin and Laura Justice, Jennifer Brinker, Sharon Ferguson, Heather Howard, Letty Spicuzza, Sonia Thomas, Kelly Arellano, Taryn Irwin, Vivian Carrillo, 3rd grade teacher Tammy Youngdale and her daughter Lily, 5th grade teacher Michelle Wrenn and her daughter Natalie, school nurse Sherry Browning, 6th grade teacher Dallas Meadows, and school administrative assistant Laura Vigneau. McGilvray says teachers, staff, Santa, and the new Principal, Ms. Dodds, will also be in attendance.

"As a mom of four Barnett Bobcats, past and present, this has been my favorite event that the school organizes! It's magical to see our children dressed up and singing festive songs for us that they work so hard on in the months leading up to the big night," says McGilvray. "I absolutely love seeing my kids and their classmates singing!"

Come one and all and join in the splendor and magic of the season!

Welcome Your Visiting Family and Friends to a Sip & Stay Holiday Retreat at San Vicente Resort

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 17:18:46 GMT

The holidays are a time for gathering with loved ones, and San Vicente Resort's guest rooms are the perfect destination to host your visiting family and friends.

Elevate a visit to a holiday retreat this season with our exclusive Sip & Stay Package in partnership with Milagro Winery. Ideal for wine enthusiasts and those seeking a relaxing getaway, the package includes:

Early check-in at 12 PM
A choice of a featured bottle of wine from Milagro Winery:
2019 Bellorosso : A bold blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon.
2023 Ballena Blanco : A fresh, fruit-forward blend of Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Two San Vicente Resort logo wine glasses
Two bottles of water
A buy-one-get-one-free wine-tasting voucher for Milagro Winery

Rates:

One King Bed: $189 + tax
Two Queen Beds: $209 + tax
Extend your stay for an additional night, starting at just $169 + tax, with another bottle of wine included!

Available through December 31, 2024, this package combines the charm of San Vicente Lodge with the richness of local wines, making it the perfect choice for a festive escape.

Whether you’re hosting out-of-town guests or indulging in a staycation, San Vicente Resort offers a tranquil retreat amidst the bustling holiday season. Guests can enjoy serene golf course views, delectable dining at The Oaks Grille, and a festive atmosphere that feels like home.

Book your holiday retreat today and make this season truly unforgettable. Call 760-789-8290 or visit sanvicenteresort.com for more information.

Flyer

Celebrating the Magic of Christmas: 30th Anniversary Toy Story Golf Tournament

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 16:55:07 GMT

Golfers will be swinging for joy when they tee off for an event to provide toys to our community's needy families, making their Christmases a little brighter.

The 30th Annual Toy Story Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, Dec 2. In addition to the entry fee, players must bring a new unwrapped toy valued at a minimum of $25 on the day of the tournament that Ramona Food and Clothes Closet will distribute to children and families in need.

John Rathbun, Retired Head Golf Professional at San Vicente Golf Resort, oversaw golf operations, provided instruction, and organized events, including the annual Toy Story Golf Tournament, which collects toys for local children. He is also a member of the Southern California PGA, participating in various tournaments and contributing to the golfing community.

Rathbun was hired at the San Vicente Golf Resort on July 5, 2005, and retired in March 2020. He started the Toy Story Golf Tournament in 1994 and is still in charge of the event decades later. It has grown into a beloved tradition that continues to bring happiness and support to our community. Over the years, it has been held at five different courses, including Coronado, Cotton Wood, East Lake, Steele Canyon, and San Vicente Golf Resort. The Toy Story Tournament has brought in over 100 players every year since the beginning, and the numbers have remained steady.

The event features a unique "Santa scramble" format, where teams of four compete, but with a twist: one designated "Scrooge" plays their own ball throughout each hole, while the others play together, selecting the best shots along the way. The combined scores of the Santas and Scrooges determine the winners, ensuring a festive and fun competition.

Players dress up in Christmas-themed attire, and the golf shop personnel will all be wearing Santa Hats, making the tournament as colorful as it is joyful. Many of our participants have been with us since the early days, and it's heartwarming to see familiar faces return each year—some even traveling from as far as Arizona and Canada to be part of this special day. The tournament is for all ages and skill levels, with awards for the top performers.

After a day on the greens, the festivities continue in the Par Lounge with pizza, appetizers, awards, and plenty of holiday cheer. It's a time for players to unwind, celebrate, and share stories, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Rathbun's inspiration for starting the tournament came from the magic he experienced during Christmas as the youngest of three children in Nebraska. "I always loved Christmas as a kid," he says. "I had a wonderful Christmas and a big house." He remembers the smells surrounding Christmas, including the Christmas tree and the fireplace where their stockings were hung. He remembers thinking his stocking was so big as a little boy, and they would leave out milk and cookies for Santa Claus. His childhood imagination was so vibrant, and he remembers it as such a fun time. He wanted to keep the magic of the season alive, continuing the tradition of an old-fashioned Christmas with his kids.

This event is truly a family affair—it started when his daughter, Morgan (now age 32), and his son, Taylor (now age 30), were very young and became captivated by the movie 'Toy Story.' At just two years old, Taylor insisted on being called "Woody," a beloved character in the Pixar masterpiece about friendship, loyalty, and the challenges of being a child's plaything. John's two children have grown up participating in the event, and Taylor is now expecting two sons of his own early next year.

The Toy Story Golf Tournament is more than just a game; it's an experience filled with laughter, camaraderie, and the spirit of giving. "It's all about the toys for me," says Rathbun. He says that it may not sound like much in the grand scheme of things, but it makes a significant impact here. Over the years, people have donated toys, big and small, even bicycles. Players have donated cash to him, which he used to purchase toys to donate.

Whether you've been a part of Toy Story for years or are joining us for the first time, we welcome you to celebrate the magic of the season with us. "A wish, a pleasure, a hope," says Rathbun. Let's come together to share the joy of giving and the love of the game.

In addition to the golf tournament toy drive, the lobby at the San Vicente Resort has a toy bin for homeowners and guests to donate toys to children that will be given to the Ramona Food and Clothes Closet for distribution.

Happy Holidays; here's to another year of spreading Christmas cheer on the greens!

Sparking Joy and Wonder in Children's Hearts with a Simple Gift

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 17:58:34 GMT

The holiday season is in full swing, and the spirit of giving is in the air. Ramona Food and Clothes Closet and the 30th Annual Golf Tournament at the San Vicente Golf Resort have partnered to help children in need.

On Monday, Dec 2, golfers will come together in the spirit of Christmas giving at the 30th Annual Toy Story Golf Tournament. In addition to the entry fee, players will donate an unwrapped toy with a minimum value of $25, which will be donated to Ramona Food and Clothes Closet to give to children in need this Christmas. RFCC Families who apply and qualify per San Diego Food Bank requirements will be given invitations to come shop for toys on Dec 19.

The tournament has been held at the San Vicente Golf Resort since 2005. Retired Head Golf Professional John Rathbun started this fundraiser 30 years ago and continues to organize it every year. Vesna Curry, General Manager at RFCC, became affiliated with Toy Story ten years ago when she met SDCEA Catering Manager Joyce Whelehon. She absolutely loved Joyce; since then, they have built a great relationship. "Give big hugs and kisses to Joyce and Bob when they deliver the toys each year to us," says Curry, who is very thankful for their help and support.

Ramona Food and Clothes Closet, located at 773 Main Steet, has been open for 39 years. RFCC's mission is to serve as a humanitarian organization providing emergency food, clothing, and other resources to aid individuals and low-income families in Ramona, Santa Ysabel, Julian, Ranchita, Borrego Springs, Warner Springs, and surrounding rural areas. The organization sells gently used items to support its outreach efforts.

In 1982, several churches noted that a centralized area was needed to register and supply needy Ramona families with a basket of donated food at Christmas. The idea took hold and resulted in a large surplus of food and clothing being donated by Ramona residents. In March 1983, at the request of the Ramona Ministerial Association, citizens held a community meeting to discuss how to best receive, process, and distribute an ever-increasing amount of donations. RFCC was officially established at this meeting and has been in operation as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization since then.

There is a great need all year, but especially during the holidays, when many struggle to provide gifts or food for their families. RFCC is able to help them with free holiday food, grocery gift cards, and free toys/stocking stuffers through the Share Your Christmas Program. In addition to the Toy Story toy donations, RFCC will hold its annual Share Your Christmas Program on Thursday, Dec 19, from 10 am to 2 pm. During this event, hundreds of qualifying children ages 0 to 12 will receive toys, and their families will receive a holiday food box.

"We provided 34,737 individuals last year with food and emergency services. With the reduction of federal government assistance, we have already assisted 39,132 individuals through October of this year. We provide over 400 children with new toys & stocking stuffers and over 200 families with additional holiday food and $50 grocery gift cards during Christmas for the Share Your Christmas Program," says Curry.

RFCC has expanded its thrift sales operations with a new Christmas store that opened Tuesday, Nov 5. It is a 2,500-square-foot retail space located at 751 Main Street, adjacent to the RFCC store, which had outgrown its main 10,000-square-foot retail space. The Christmas store offers artificial Christmas trees, holiday décor, and linens.

This new store will not be seasonal; they will reopen it at the beginning of 2025, more than likely as a home-type store. Curry's dream has always been to move to a building large enough to house all their departments, but nothing has come up through the years to fit that requirement. When the opportunity arose to purchase the building next door, she knew this purchase would give them the ability to grow. "This will allow us to expand the linens and housewares departments in the new store and clothing and other departments in our main store." Curry's vision for the store is to continue to grow with the changing times and offer reasonably priced thrift store sales to support the organization's social service programs. She emphasizes the importance of supporting local businesses, noting that shopping locally helps keep money within the community and supports small businesses in maintaining their operations.

Helping others makes Curry feel wonderful and happy; it makes her heart smile. Making someone happy brings tears to her eyes when she knows she can help those in need around Christmas time.

For many children, the magic of Christmas only comes to life through the kindness of others. Our community is rich with people and organizations like RFCC that spread joy and warmth, bringing magic to our neighbors in need.

Photos courtesy of Ramona Food and Clothes Closet.

Timeless Elegance: November’s Home of the Month

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 17:39:15 GMT

Welcome to our Home of the Month, a stunning residence that blends elegance and spacious comfort, offering an ideal sanctuary for luxury living.

Regina Flores is the owner of November’s Home of the Month. She has been selling local Ramona real estate for 23 years—since she moved to her beautiful home in SDCE. She is a real estate broker and owns Regina Flores Real Estate Group and Ramona Home Staging. “I caught the real estate bug when I wanted to sell my last home. I thought it might be fun to sell my own home, so I got my license,” says Flores.

Flores moved to Ramona from Poway for a simpler life to raise her young kids. “Community and a safe place to live is important to me,” she says. Her two children are now grown, and her daughter Christie, who also bought a home here in SDCE, just had her first baby three months ago. Flores’ son, Rick, lives in Irvine and just got engaged to his college sweetheart, Kylie. Her kids graduated from Ramona High and still have many friends here.

“I fell in love the minute I walked into this beautiful home,” says Flores. “It’s 4,000 sq ft, single level, and next to James Dukes, which my kids could walk to when they were growing up. It is east-facing, and the sunrises are so beautiful at my front door that sometimes, it takes my breath away. We have a loft, formal dining room, and lots of space here.” The spaciousness also allows room for her pets; she is a cat lover and has rescued, fostered, and adopted many cats over the years.

The interior architecture of her five-bedroom home is quite stunning. The Mediterranean-style home is described as “Rancho Santa Fe living in Ramona.” Upgrades include painting the inside and outside, beautiful Brazilian Koa wood flooring, remodeling the bath and kitchen, and updating the water heaters and AC/furnace systems. The tongue-in-groove vaulted wood ceilings and three fireplaces throughout make for warm and cozy living. The front and back yards are hard-scaped, which helps save on the water bill.

Flores says she is honored that her home was chosen for home of the month since there are so many beautiful homes in SDCE. Congratulations Regina Flores!

Photos courtesy of Regina Flores.

From Emeril to Chef Ben: A Holiday Stuffing Journey

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 17:17:30 GMT

Chef Ben discusses the inspiration for his delicious holiday cooking and shares his Holiday Stuffing recipe for you to try at home!

I began taking over the cooking responsibilities at San Vicente Resort for Thanksgiving in the early 2000s, inspired by an Emeril Lagasse Holiday cookbook. This was during the height of his cooking show when Emeril was all the rage. Since then, my holiday cooking journey has grown tenfold, but this recipe has stayed with me through the years. It's what I continue to make for friends and family every Thanksgiving. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Chef Ben’s Holiday Stuffing

1 pound French Bread (not crusty)–diced or torn into 1-inch pieces

1 White Onion–diced small

3 Stalks Celery–split lengthwise, then diced

½ pound Ground Breakfast Sausage

½ cup Turkish Dried Apricot

¼ cup Craisins

¼ cup Pecans

1 cup Unsalted Butter (2 sticks)–divided

3 or 4 Fresh Sage Leaves–about ¼ cup rough chopped

¼ cup Fresh Italian Parsley–chopped

1 tablespoon Dried Thyme

1 teaspoon Kosher Salt

1 teaspoon Black Pepper (fresh cracked)

2 1/2 cups Chicken Stock–divided (room temperature or chilled)

2 Large Eggs

Preheat Oven to 250 ^o F and toast French Bread on a baking sheet, stirring occasionally to dry bread. Note: You can skip this step by leaving the bread on a baking sheet by a window or warm part of the kitchen overnight, allowing the bread to stale.
Add bread to a large bowl once cooled.
Sauté Breakfast Sausage in a sauté pan until browned; reserve pan drippings with sausage.
Add Apricot, Craisins, and Pecans to a food processor and pulse until all ingredients are about the same size. (If you do not have a food processor, then give ingredients a rough chop with your knife).
In a large skillet, add ¾ cup butter (1 ½ sticks) and heat on medium until melted.
Add the onions and celery to butter and cook until translucent and slightly browned.
Add browned sausage, parsley, chopped sage, thyme, salt and pepper, and about 1 ¼ cup chicken stock to the vegetables. Note: make sure you taste your chicken stock and gauge the salt level; salt may need to be adjusted based on the brand or quality of stock used.
Add all warmed ingredients, chopped fruit, and nuts to the bread bowl.
In a smaller bowl, add the remaining chicken stock and 2 eggs and whisk to combine. Pour mixture into the bread bowl and toss well with a spatula or spoon.
Pour the stuffing mixture into a prepared baking dish and press it down a bit firmly with the back of the spatula or spoon.
Dice the remaining ¼ cup butter (about ½ stick) into 8 or 10 pieces and place evenly over the top of the stuffing.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350 for 30 to 40 minutes or until the top is lightly browned. Serve immediately for the best results.

Enjoy!

Thanksgiving Turkey Drive: Bringing the Community Together

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 22:40:05 GMT

Country Wine & Spirits and Ra-Mona Lisa Pizza & Subs will be spreading joy throughout the community and giving a turkey or ham to those in need this holiday season.

Country Wine & Spirits General Manager Steve Hermiz has been doing the Thanksgiving Turkey Drive since 2005. He started it with his boss, Shawn Kattoula, CEO of Country Wine & Spirits. Hermiz, who lives and works in Ramona, says Kattoula funds the turkey drive and always allows Hermiz to give to those in need. “He is a very good man,” Hermiz says. “We like to help our community.”

Hermiz goes to local churches and non-profit organizations and asks how many families are in need of a turkey or ham for their holiday meal. He purchases turkeys and hams through his suppliers, including Roma Food, Shamrock Foods, Sysco, and US Foods. “It’s my enjoyment in life, and every year, we help people in need,” he says.

They do the turkey drive (or ham, depending on what each family chooses) two days before Thanksgiving and two days before Christmas. This year, they will have 700-800 turkeys weighing 15 to 16 pounds each and will provide them to families in need through local churches, The Ramona Senior Center, In His Steps, and The Ramona Food and Clothes Closet.

Hermiz says that their customers are more than that; they’re family. When the community had a major power outage in 2006, he says the business stayed open but could not run credit cards as the system was down. They allowed their customers to purchase items with the agreement to return later and pay. “All of the people paid back,” he says. “No problem.” He adds that it’s such a great community, and he loves to give back to the residents and schools.

In addition to the turkey drive, they host free barbeques for everyone in Ramona on the 4th of July, Labor Day, and Memorial Day. Hermiz and his staff cook and serve items such as pulled pork, nachos, and chili at Country Wine & Spirits in SDCE. He added that they were cooking for their community in the one-hundred-degree weather on the 4th of July, and he loves to do it.

Country Wine & Spirits and Ra-Mona Lisa Pizza & Subs share more than just turkey and ham; they spread hope and kindness to our community and have done so for many years.

Photo courtesy of Steve Hermiz.

Building Trust Step by Step

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 20:31:28 GMT

Last weekend, riders and their horses enjoyed a clinic structured to refine fundamental skills using cavaletti work on horseback. Cavaletti is a fun and engaging way for both horse and rider to build confidence and balance together, no matter what discipline the rider chooses.

The "pole dancing" on horseback was hosted by Sherie Levine at the Cavaletti Clinic and Wine Tasting/Lunch at the International Equestrian Center on Saturday, November 9. The price was $125 per rider, which included cavaletti instruction, catered lunch, and wine tasting. Non-riders could attend for $65 and enjoy the wine tasting and lunch. Each participant was asked to bring one bottle of wine, not to exceed $25.

Levine has been hosting clinics for many years, including fundraisers for the American Cancer Society. Her clinics include Drille, Dressage from the Judge's Point of View, Spring Refresh, and Cavaletti - for both junior and adult riders. "I do a wine-tasting lunch every year. Sometimes, I teach Drille; this time, I'm doing cavaletti. It's all so much fun, and everyone is always excited about it," she says. At this clinic, she encouraged all riding disciplines to participate. This particular clinic was for adults only, but she taught a Jr. Rider Cavaletti Clinic a few months ago, which was very successful.

Cavaletti is a horse training tool consisting of raised rails or small jumps that can be used in various ways. The word "cavaletti" comes from the Italian word for "horse" and translates to "little horse." Cavaletti work has a physical element: strengthening the muscles while promoting cadence, increased expression, and more reliable rhythm. It also has a mental element: Cavalletti work requires the horse to think actively and to choose to cooperate with its rider.

The beauty of cavaletti is that it helps every horse; it allows the horse and rider pair to progress at their own pace. Each rider has a different goal, and every horse and rider pair will be at a different level and skill set. Some horses need more reassurance and patience, and many riders need that as well. It teaches communication, partnership, and focus, in addition to the physical advantages.

Levine is an approved Instructor and Coach for the San Vicente/Ramona Vicente Pony Club and has been part of the United States Pony Club/Southern California Region for over 15 years. She offers private, semi-private, and group lessons in Dressage (English and Western), Show Jumping, Drille, and General Horsemanship. All instruction is designed to develop confidence and harmony in both horse and rider and maximize a positive relationship and trust. She says dressage is her first love because it teaches a skill set that is transferable to all riding disciplines. "You have to have a sense of humor because though horses are magical creatures, they are also very humbling."

She also coaches at competitions and does a lot of work with jumpers and endurance riders. Levine has coached and trained award-winning students and riders, including USDF Bronze Medalist, USDF Silver Medalist, Scholastic Equestrian League Champion, and Scholastic Equestrian League Reserve Champion. "But the most important accomplishment is consistently assisting equestrians of all disciplines to create a harmonious bond with their equine partners," she says.

Rider, Melissa Sargent, and her daughters have been training with Levine for five years. Sargent says Levine is fun and teaches in great ways. She likes that cavaletti makes the horse move in different ways, and the rider can feel it in their body.

Rider, Tammy M. Tinsley, trains at the International Equestrian Center daily. She has trained with Levine in dressage for the past ten years. "We love Cavaletti," says Tinsley. "It's really good to build our core strength and confidence. She added that it helps her, and her horse become sharper together, and it helps the horse pay attention.

Another rider, Nora Miller, has been a San Diego Country Estates Homeowner since 1987 and takes lessons with Levine. She is primarily a dressage rider and says cavaletti is good for suspension and helps train the horses to pick up their feet. She added that it teaches riders to trust their horse, and it's beneficial for the horses' minds to do something different.

Levine usually organizes two to three clinics a year and is working on something special that she hopes to launch in early Spring. She limits the entries to 10 riders in two groups, so everyone gets the right amount of attention, as a group and individually. "And I am grateful to say I have a waiting list," she says.

Be on the lookout for more clinics hosted by Levine so you can join other riders and horses in benefiting from her instruction.

Photos Tiffany Pressler.

Honoring Service and Sacrifice

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 20:09:37 GMT

After 22 years of dedicated service in the United States Army, SDCE Homeowner Timothy Rodriguez reflects on his service.

Timothy Rodriguez and his wife of 24 years, Jennifer, have been San Diego Country Estates homeowners for four years but were members of the Ramona community long before that, both graduating from Ramona High School. "Tim left at 18 and joined the Army when we were just friends. We were not dating until a year and a half later when I decided to move to Texas with my parents. He was stationed there, so I called to see how far he was from me. He was three hours away, so he came the next weekend, and we've been together ever since," says Jennifer.

Rodriguez enlisted in the Army to receive the GI Bill and the additional college funds. He planned to serve four years and then attend college. Those plans changed during his military career, and he retired from the Army as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4). "I originally enlisted as a Network Switching Systems Operator/Maintainer and entered the Army as a Private (E-1)," says Rodriguez. He held several positions, from Team Leader to Platoon Sergeant. He was promoted to Staff Sergeant (E-6), and that is when he applied to become a Warrant Officer. After he was commissioned as a Warrant Officer, he held positions as Network Operation Center Chief, Network Engineering Officer In Charge (OIC), and Senior Network Engineer at the Army Network Communication Command (NETCOM).

Early in his career, he was a tactical communications operator setting up communication systems to support combat units in training and real-world operations. As technology advanced, his career moved to IP-based networks, but he continued to support the war efforts by providing communication capabilities. He also performed duties for strategic operations, where he maintained and supported fixed base networks.

Rodriguez spent most of his career abroad and was stationed in South Korea twice—once when he first joined the Army and later with his family. They were stationed in Germany twice, and their son was born there during the first deployment. "My son was born in Germany, and my daughter was born in Texas," he says. They have lived in the USA, Germany, and South Korea. They also spent time in Hawaii. Because of all the places they have lived, their kids, Matthew and Kya, have attended three different elementary schools, three middle schools, and three high schools. But they both graduated from Ramona High School, just like their parents.

Rodriguez is no stranger to the warzone, doing three combat deployments for a total of about 34 months. "I was deployed to Israel, Iraq, and Kuwait." Though he did not lose anyone he knew in combat, Rodriguez says he has unfortunately lost friends to suicide after returning from combat.

"I feel my decision to join has led to opportunities I would not have had otherwise. This includes all the places we have been able to see as a family and in my current career." Rodriguez and his family have visited over 20 countries and experienced other cultures. He was able to transfer his GI Bill to his children, which has helped pay for their college tuition.

Rodriguez now works for Northrop Grumman as a Network Engineer. He sports long hair and a beard and says he has not cut his hair or shaved since the day he signed out of the military. He figures if he had to have a clean-cut face for so many years, he could now let his hair down and grow his "freedom beard."

For Rodriguez, the uniform may be retired, but the spirit of the service remains strong, guiding him in every step forward.

Photos courtesy of Timothy Rodriguez.

Photo Above, Left to right: Matthew, Timothy, Jennifer and Kya Rodriguez.

NOMINATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR SDCEA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 19:46:16 GMT

Nominations are now open for three positions on the SDCEA Board of Directors, with candidates required to submit their applications by January 7, 2025, ahead of the election on April 19, 2025.

SDCE Association is accepting nominations, along with résumés and a 300-word statement, for the upcoming Board of Directors election in April 2025. Three positions will be open – one (1) for a one-year term, one (1) for a two-year term, and one (1) for a three-year term.

Candidates wishing to have their names listed on the Association's official ballot must submit a letter of nomination, a one-page résumé, and a 300-word statement by the deadline date of Tuesday, January 7, 2025, no later than 3 pm, to the Administration Office. The Nominating Committee may also solicit qualified candidates.

Any member interested in serving on the SDCEA Board or who has questions can call the Administration Office at 760-789-3788, ext. 5000, during business hours, 8:00 am-4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, or can email execsec@sdcea.net .

Note that the candidate, not the Association, is responsible for the content of the 300-word statement that will serve as your candidate statement mailed to all members. The SDCEA Board of Directors election will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025.

ELECTION BY ACCLAMATION

If the number of qualified candidates is equal to or less than the positions to be filled, then the Board may vote to seat candidates without a membership vote. Should this occur, there will not be an opportunity for write-in candidates and/or nominations from the floor at the annual meeting.

CANDIDATES FOR THE BOARD AND NOMINATION PROCEDURES

Qualification of Candidates: Candidates for the Board must be Members at the time of their nomination and (i) must meet any other qualifications or restrictions set forth in the Election Rules and (ii) must meet any other qualifications or restrictions set forth in the Bylaws so long as they do not conflict with these Election Rules. In the case of a Member that is not a natural person (such as a corporation or other entity), the entity Member shall have the power to appoint a natural person as the "Member" for purposes of director elections. The Association shall disqualify a nominee for the Board for any of the following reasons:

1. The nominee is not a member.

2. If the nominee, if elected, would be serving on the Board at the same time as another owner of the same separate interest (home) and the other person is either properly nominated for the current election or is an incumbent director.

3. If the nominee, at the time of nomination, is delinquent in the payment of regular and/or special assessments. A nominee shall not be considered "delinquent" if the delinquency relates to the payment of fines, fines renamed as assessments, collection charges, late charges, or costs levied by a third party and/or if the nominee: (a) has paid the regular or special assessment under protest; (b) has entered into a payment plan for repayment of the delinquent assessments and is not delinquent in payments due under the plan; or (c) the nominee has requested and has not been provided an opportunity to engage in internal dispute resolution.

4. If the nominee has been a member of the Association for less than one year.

5. If the nominee is not at least 18 years old.

6. If the nominee discloses, or if the Association is aware or becomes aware of, a past criminal conviction that would, if the Member was elected, either prevent the Association from purchasing the fidelity bond coverage required by Civil Code section 5806 or terminate the Association's existing fidelity bond coverage.

Fuel Up Fast at San Vicente Resort’s Snack Bar

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 19:19:49 GMT

At the San Vicente Snack Bar, enjoy quick and efficient service with a friendly team ready to make your visit a breeze.

Looking for the perfect bite between rounds or just a convenient place to grab a quick and tasty meal? Our San Vicente Snack Bar has you covered! From a satisfying breakfast croissant to a hearty cheeseburger, we offer a variety of options to fuel your day.

Our service is always quick and efficient, and it’s conveniently located right down the stairs in the back of the Clubhouse near the resort pool. Our team is welcoming, with friendly smiles and warm hospitality, making every visit an enjoyable experience!

Some of our favorites include:

Breakfast Croissant : Start your morning with egg, cheese, and your choice of bacon, ham, or sausage with a hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate
Sandwiches and Wraps : We offer ham, turkey, tuna, and egg salad wraps and sandwiches. Add any veggies, bacon, or avocado to your liking.
Hamburger or Hot Dog : Classic, juicy, and cooked to perfection, ideal for lunch or a bite to eat after a round of golf. Enjoy with a cold soda or alcoholic beverage.
Chili Cup or Dog (seasonal) : Warm up with our delicious chili cup or dog and add cheese, jalapeños, and onions.
Soft Serve (seasonal) : Enjoy our vanilla, chocolate, or swirl soft serve during hot weather.

We also have plenty of snacks to choose from, like muffins, candy, trail mix, chips, protein bars, and more!

The Snack Bar is open daily with seasonal hours, and we’re ready to serve you with fast, friendly service. Stop by for a quick bite or a refreshing treat to eat here or on the go to make the most of your time at San Vicente Resort.

Location : 24157 San Vicente Road, Ramona
Phone number : 760-789-3788 ext.2210
Fall/Winter Hours : Monday - Friday: 8 am - 4 pm | Saturday - Sunday: 7 am - 4 pm
Spring/Summer Hours : Monday - Friday: 8 am - 5 pm | Saturday - Sunday: 7 am - 5 pm

We look forward to serving you!

Ramona Archway Unveiling: A Community's 11-Year Journey to a New Landmark

heather.mcghee@sdcea.net (Heather McGhee) — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 21:08:08 GMT

After 11 years of unwavering commitment, the Ramona community celebrated the unveiling of the Ramona Archway on October 31, 2024, symbolizing the town's rich heritage and collective spirit.

After 11 years of dedicated effort, overcoming numerous challenges, and collaborating with many Ramona residents and the talented Ramona Archway Association, homeowners and local business leaders Jim Piva and Stephanie Norvell proudly stood on stage as the Ramona Archway sign illuminated, capturing the town's spirit through art and craftsmanship since its establishment in 1883.

On Halloween, a crowd of about 400, including trick-or-treaters, local business leaders, financial supporters, archway workers, sheriff and firefighters, and many residents referred to as "Ramonans," enjoyed music by Dirty Confetti and listened to speeches by the Association team and San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson.

Artist Leslie Souza acknowledged her husband, Cliff Fuerst, and brother-in-law, Johnny Fuerst, for bringing her drawings to life. Former Ramona Mayor and 94-year-old community activist John Degenfelder had recognized her work on the Ramona monument, leading to her selection to create the archway. "Because of this, this was your fault," Souza stated, acknowledging Degenfelder's encouragement.

"When I was asked to come up with something that shows Ramona and the things you would see around Ramona, at first, it was a concept. We love our barns, and we love large and small farming; we have gardens; people love the earth, the land, and the wildlife," she explained. "We have the airport with the air show, the aviators, and we have Caltrans, and I wanted to include this as they are so much a part of our town. And then the grassland, and the cattle, and the people that would say they got stuck in a traffic jam on Highland Valley Road. They were moving cattle from one field to the other, and it was the coolest thing."

She briefly discussed the process, starting with her drawing, leading to the precision of the metalwork, and building a strong, lasting structure with Ramona craftsmen and professionals. She became emotional upon seeing the tallest piece of art she had ever created, saying, "I didn't know if it was going to look good until it was, and there were so many people. I want them to be able to be proud of it. And I'm just so glad that it is what it is."

Piva recognized the contributions of all members of the Ramona Archway Association, including his longtime friend, Stephanie Norvell, who distributed stars cut out from the columns. Norvell presented the stars, featuring the Ramona logo, to herself (secretary), Piva (president), Chip Rumis (project manager), Bob Halloway (treasurer), Debbie Hankins (general contractor) and her husband Dave, Shelly Mullin (photographer), and others, including San Diego Supervisor Joel Anderson. "Without you, Joel, we would not have this archway, and our community thanks you from the bottom of my heart," she said.

Piva then detailed the process of building an archway, stating, "You don't go to school to build archways, and we figured it out. The county made this a priority for us to get this done because of Joel Anderson." He also acknowledged others who helped navigate the building process and secure funds, including a $250,000 Neighborhood Reinvestment Program grant, which covered about half of the necessary funds.

"The one theme we kept pushing is that there are over 41,000 Ramonans who are going to look at this and be affected, I believe, in a very positive way and be proud of their town. We had 25 businesses and contractors in this town, Ramona businesses, that donated approximately 250,000 hours - money and time - to make this happen," he continued.

San Diego Supervisor Joel Anderson spoke, saying, "It's a pleasure to be here; I've represented you since 2006. I have to say I've never had a prouder moment than seeing this archway because I know everything on this archway; I've seen personally in your community. No other community could have pulled this together and made it happen. The mountain that this community climbed was steep and long." He then proclaimed October 31, 2024, as Ramona Archway Association Day throughout San Diego County, recognizing the dedication to creating a landmark that embodies the entire community of Ramona.

Photos courtesy of Jim Piva, Shelly Mullin, and Heather McGhee.

Dash Before You Dine-The History of the Turkey Trot

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 00:17:28 GMT

The Turkey Trot in San Diego Country Estates was a community tradition from 1999 to 2019. Recreation Manager Amy Holsapple-Lueck recalls the 20 years of turkey trots she worked on.

The SDCE Turkey trot was started in 1999 by Julie Perrault, Recreation Manager at the time, and Sandy Balcom from Get Fit Gym, which was located where Country Hardware is now. Current SDCEA Recreation Manager Amy Holsapple worked with the Recreation staff at the turkey trot every year until it ended.

The event was held annually on Thanksgiving morning, rain or shine. It was a 3-mile run/hike around Stone Mountain Trail. In addition to getting exercise before the traditional Thanksgiving Feast, the purpose of the turkey trot was to raise money for the RUSD Elementary running clubs. Holsapple enjoyed seeing all the families come and run it together.

“The Turkey Trot stopped in 2019 once we hit 20 years,” Holsapple says. They were running into issues with the county and safety issues on the trail, and participation was getting lower and lower. Get Fit and the Recreation Department decided to end the event on a high note.

Let’s take a quick jog through history to find out how the turkey trot became a Thanksgiving tradition. In the US, a turkey trot is a footrace that’s usually long-distance and held on Thanksgiving Day. It’s called a turkey trot because turkeys are traditionally the main dish of a Thanksgiving dinner. There are also turkey trots in the UK that occur shortly before or after Christmas Day. The turkey trot is also a dance from the early 1900s that was done to fast ragtime music. So, you could turkey-trot a turkey trot if you wanted to.

As reported by Runner’s World, the first turkey trot was in Buffalo, NY, in 1896. It was a cross-country 8k with just six participants. Only four finished. One runner stopped after two miles, and another stopped when his “late breakfast refused to keep in its proper place.” The winner was Henry A. Allison, who finished the race in 31 minutes and 12 seconds, about a six-minute mile.

Regardless of its lack of popularity the first year, it happened the next year and every year since then, making it the oldest continuous footrace in North America. The tradition of wearing costumes started in the early 1980s—at least in Buffalo—when participants dressed up like Canadian hockey players.

For fitness enthusiasts, if you are interested in participating in a Thanksgiving Turkey Trot, you can join the 23rd Annual Father Joe’s Villages Thanksgiving Day 5k in Balboa Park on Thursday, November 28. Click here for more information.

Maureen Brown: November’s Employee of the Month

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 00:11:25 GMT

This month, we are thankful to be able to bring focus to Maureen Brown, our employee of the month. She joined the San Diego Country Estates team on June 1, 2022, and thrives in her role as an accounting manager.

Maureen Brown’s job entails preparing monthly financials and processing payroll. She works on employee benefits and monthly safety meetings, assists the Director of Financial Operations as needed, and is part of the Human Resources team.

Maureen is a valuable part of the accounting team, capable of juggling multiple tasks in a bustling office. She handles employees’ questions and concerns regarding benefits and payroll. She has a can-do attitude and is an asset to SDCEA, and her hard work deserves to be recognized.

Outside the workplace, Maureen is an avid gardener, finding joy in planting and cultivating plants around her home. On the weekends, she likes to hike some of the trails in Ramona. More recently, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren. This year, she welcomed two new granddaughters into the family, one from her son and the other from her daughter; both baby girls were born on the same day. Maureen lights up when talking about her grandbabies, her pride and joy.

Maureen has organized and taken the lead at the Employee Safety & Wellness Fair two years in a row. On top of her work in the Human Resource Department assisting employees with a myriad of items, she plays an integral role in planning the Employee Appreciation event. She loves getting to know staff in all departments and makes a special effort to remember names. She will always stop to say hello.

We are grateful for Maureen’s contributions to the Association. She is a model of excellence and dedication.

Landscape and Open Space Update: Fire Fuel Reduction

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 00:07:07 GMT

The Landscape and Open Space Department is actively working on fire fuel reduction, clearing invasive species, and developing the required 100-ft defensible space between living space structures and open space brush.

A vast majority of residential lots are adjacent to federal, state, county, or private lands, with many lots having only 10 to 20 feet between their property line and the property line of others. This creates a challenge as the HOA cannot clear brush on property owned by others.

However, several areas have been cleared to achieve the 100-foot defensible space for homes, as required by County Fire Ordinances, including Oak Springs Drive by County-owned Simon Park and many areas bordering Cleveland National Forest.

The Nature Trail West, as it runs along Rio Verde Road, has had an enormous amount of work completed recently, and with the additional funding this year, outside specialty fire fuel teams were hired to accomplish this task.

Finally, non-native and invasive species are being targeted for removal, especially in our riparian areas, as many of the palms, pines, peppers, and eucalyptus trees are highly flammable and overtake our native species' habitat, clogging our drainage waterways, which can create flooding problems.

As we continue this process over the next few years, we anticipate this strategic plan will get us in front of clearing in a way that hasn't been accomplished at this level in the past.

This multi-pronged approach of removing non-native species and clearing our waterways, in addition to the enhanced trimming of trees and additional mowing of areas around houses, will bring a balance back to our unique and very diverse chaparral community, both maintaining the biodiversity of this unique biome and offering a more fire-resistant community for all of us to live in and enjoy.

Superintendent’s Revenge Golf Tournament Was a Day of Formidable Fun

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 23:55:25 GMT

Every year, golfers gather at San Vicente Resort and Golf Course for a fantastic event accurately described as “the most challenging setup possible, but not impossible to play!”

The annual Superintendent’s Revenge Golf Tournament pits golfers against each other and against some very creative obstacles set up by Golf Course Superintendent Scott Walwyn and his crew.

If you’ve never seen or played Superintendent’s Revenge, here’s how it works: It’s a shotgun tournament with all tournament elements managed by Golf Pro Matt Brumbaugh and the Golf Shop Team. All golfer teams start at the same time from a different hole. To keep things moving and ensure everyone finishes at the same time, there’s a limit of four swings once you hit the green. Tee and pin placements are moved from their regular spots, so the course feels new, even if you’ve played it before. The obstacles are fun—and a little frustrating (in a good way!).

We met up with one team of SDCEA residents who took on the revenge challenge. “This was my first year, and it’s been a blast from the get-go,” said Anthony Abbott. When asked if he found the course difficult, teammate Dane Clark kidded, “The pin positions have been absolutely horrendous. Not fun—”

“Extremely fun!” interrupted Bruce Roland.

“Fun” and “challenging” were the words of the day. “We had a great time,” said SDCE resident Matt Jorge. “It was obviously challenging, but not if you were as lucky as we were,” he joked. But he was seriously proud to tell us, “We only bogeyed one hole!” An accomplishment indeed.

Another proud team calling themselves “The Vicente Vixens” were beaming at the end of the tournament. “We didn’t come in last place this year. In fact, we were first in the ladies’ division.” We didn’t have the heart to tell them they were the only team of women, but a win is a win. Congratulations to Darla White, Robyn Bolitho, Esther Franck, and Cathy Knowles for being the best (if only) ladies to face the Revenge this year.

The Lafata foursome won Best Gross Score: Joseph Sr., Joseph Jr., Johnny, and Dominic.

So, what exactly was challenging about the course? Hole One, named “Let’s Begin… HAHAHA,” had a tractor parked right in front of the green! But Kyle Cardiff told us, “Pin placements are the most challenging aspect.” He and his team agreed Hole Four, named “Cypress,” was one of the toughest. “You gotta shape it around the tree.”

But were the holes too challenging? We asked Ryan Roland what he would say to the superintendent about the Revenge course. “I’d rather go out of a bunker.” We’re pretty sure he was joking.

That’s one of the best things about this event—everyone is such a good sport, and the camaraderie and friendly vibe is strong. Just ask the players who came from out of state to participate in the fun. “We come to San Vicente Resort to play this course four or five times a year, but don’t tell everyone because this is our hidden gem,” said David Fearn, whose team made the trip from Phoenix, Arizona. “We won last year but weren’t so lucky this year. That’s okay, though—we love it here because the people are genuinely kind, and we’ve made great connections with these people over the years.”

Turnout this year was fantastic—an impressive 22 teams enjoyed BBQ food, and competed for over $2,000 in prizes and bragging rights, including superintendents from neighboring courses who came out to play. Paul Brown, Superintendent of the Maderas Golf Club course in Poway, mentioned the “wonderful atmosphere” and was impressed with how many people participated. “Scott does a great job.”

Former Superintendent of Rancho Bernardo Inn Golf, Mark Partridge, raved too. “The staff do an amazing job on this event. The people are nice, and it’s a really enjoyable environment. And the course was awesome!”

We caught up with Scott after the event to ask how he thought the day went, and he immediately talked about his team. “I just want to thank my crew,” he said. “I appreciate that they come in at 4 and 5 am some mornings to make this happen. They truly go the extra mile.” He added, “We want people to come back year after year, have a great time, and feel like they got their money’s worth. It’s fun to make the course challenging but not impossible—it’s a fine line. We spend a lot of time on this.”

It was, obviously, time well spent because while we would have loved to talk to Scott longer, we didn’t want to get in the way of all the players who wanted to shake his hand on the way out and thank him for a terrific day on the course. We have no doubt they’ll all be back next year. Make sure you keep your eye out for the 2025 Superintendent’s Revenge and join in the fun!

Photos By Rachel French and Nim Miranda.

Halloween Fun for Riders and Horses

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 23:17:19 GMT

Riders saddled up for a spooky time at the Trick or Treat Safe Trail hosted by the San Vicente Saddle Club and Halloween Fun Show Fundraiser Show at the International Equestrian Center put on by the San Diego Country Estates Committee, Ramona Santana Riders, and horse trainer Joann Henrickle Horsemanship.

The Trick or Treat Safe Trail was held on Sunday, October 20. “It was such a nice family day at the San Vicente Saddle Club Halloween Treat Trail! The kids learned about safely painting their horses and dogs and then hit the trail to gather treats for both kids and horses. It was a blast,” says Michelle Kelleher, Marketing Designer for the San Vicente Saddle Club.

Riders were encouraged to dress up and were given the opportunity to paint their horses with safe, non-toxic paint before the trick-or-treating festivities began. The Saddle Club officers gave a talk about the importance of using non-toxic paints on the horses, and the children and adults had a fun time painting their horses and riding them on the trick-or-treat trail in the arena. There was candy for the riders and horse treats for the horses.

There was coloring available for the children, and a raffle was held at the end of the event. Raffle prizes included a $50 gift certificate for the Par Lounge or Oaks Grille and various themed baskets. Coffee and donuts were also available for attendees.

The Halloween Fun Show Fundraiser that was held on Saturday, October 26, started with an arena parade followed by a track parade with horses and riders in costume.

The event included non-horse classes, such as a parade and costume class; Witch’s Broom Race for ages ten and under and 11-17; Red Light, Green Light for ages six and under; and Batty Boot Race for ages 11-17. The riding classes on horseback included the Cauldron of Doom, where the rider rides around a Cauldron of Doom and drops a rubber ducky inside; Me and My Ghost Barrels, where riders and their “Ghost” partners who ride behind them compete against other groups for the fastest time; and Witches Brew where the rider either walks, or walks, trots, and lopes when prompted while carrying a cup of “witches brew.” The rider with the most brew left in their cauldron at the end of the class wins.

There were numerous fun and spooky activities and courses. There were raffle prizes and bobbing for apples for both horses and humans. Riders and their horses watched out for ghoulish characters, like witches and trolls, while participating in spooky challenges to show their skill and test their coordination and speed. The awards included Halloween goodies for horses and riders and small trophies for the class winners.

Joann Henrickle, IEC trainer since 2019, focuses on foundation training for horses and riders, which leads to a better understanding of all disciplines. “I’m part of our events committee, and we all have participated in planning this event,” says Henrickle. The fundraising benefits both equestrian facilities. They have horse corrals that need new panels and sand to help with the mud as winter approaches. They also have an extensive show schedule for 2025 and need to build obstacles and replace jumps.

Gina Rahenkamp with the Ramona Santana Riders has been participating with the club since 2008, has been on the board since 2012, and has been running it since 2014 with some good helpers. She was most excited to see the array of costumes at the event. She also emphasized the importance of this fundraiser in helping raise money for improvements at the equestrian faculties.

Tahnee Mann attended the event with her two daughters. Harper, 12, dressed as a scarecrow aboard her pumpkin patch horse, and Vida, age 9, dressed up as a kitty. “Some of Harper’s friends take lessons here and told us about the event,” says Mann. She says they plan to come to this event every year as long as they have it. She adds that there are not enough equestrian events in Ramona, and this one offers a lot of fun with a little bit of competition.

San Diego Country Estates resident Sarah Smith brought her daughter Lilah, age 12, to the horse show. She takes lessons with Letters & Lines Equestrian Riding and Training and was dressed up as Moana for the event. “She has ridden with Lauren Munoz for six years,” says Smith. Smith appreciates how this event has brought the community together and likes that the riders had an opportunity to dress up with their horses.

The Halloween horse shows were a success and remind us that every trot and gallop carry a bit of mystery and enchantment.

Photos courtesy of Tiffany Pressler.

Facility Update: Fall Maintenance and Improvements at Casey Tibbs and IEC

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 22:48:30 GMT

Casey Tibbs and IEC facilities have undergone essential fall maintenance, including infield cleanup, rain prep, and a new well tank installation, ensuring a safe environment ready for the winter season.

With fall in full swing, Casey Tibbs and IEC facilities are prepped and polished for winter. Our team has completed essential maintenance and new improvements to ensure the grounds remain safe, functional, and inviting.

In the infield, an extensive cleanup has brought new life to the area. We trimmed trees around the berm and barns, creating a refreshed look and improving safety. Compost was spread on the infield slope to help prevent erosion and keep weeds at bay over the winter months. Safety was also a priority in inspecting all jumps, removing any damaged or unsafe ones to maintain a secure environment for riders.

Rain preparation efforts are now in place across both facilities. New waddles have been laid, and drainage areas behind the barns have been cleared to handle potential winter rains. At Arena 1 in Casey Tibbs, we are closing the end of the arena to prevent blowouts, which have posed challenges in the past. This measure will help stabilize the arena’s surface and protect it from winter wear.

A significant update at Casey Tibbs is the installation of a new well tank, enabling us to run fully on well water again. This addition marks a key step toward sustainable resource management, reducing dependence on external water sources.

Looking ahead, our team plans to enhance the facilities even further. The water feature at IEC will be reinstalled, adding to the ambiance of the grounds, and grading work will be completed at the mare motel for improved durability and comfort.

We appreciate your support and patience as we work to keep both Casey Tibbs and IEC ready for the season, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all visitors.

Photos courtesy of Lisa Everett.

Finding Joy and Gratitude after Overcoming Breast Cancer

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 22:23:57 GMT

We close out Breast Cancer Awareness Month and enter the season of gratitude. San Diego Country Estates Homeowner, local business owner, and Ramona Archway Association Board of Directors member Stephanie Norvell shares her journey of overcoming breast cancer and the ways it has changed her life for the better.

Stephanie Norvell and her husband of 49 years, Paul, built their first home in the San Diego Country Estates in 1986. The couple had friends who lived in Ramona and wanted to live near them. Stephanie also had a childhood dream of having horses on her property. She grew up in Yucaipa, California, and Ramona reminds her of her childhood.

She started her business 'Custom Home Loans' in the early 1990s and operated out of the little white house on the corner of 10th and D Streets, then incorporated and renamed her business, 'Town & Country Home Loans, Inc.' Her husband Paul built the current location on the corner of 10th and Main Street. The couple has two children—Tanya and Nick, four grandchildren—Katie, Dawson, Paige, and Dalton, and one great-grandchild—Stella. "Our daughter, Tanya, and her husband, Dean, have been married 25 years."

Her favorite thing about living in San Diego Country Estates is that they raised their children here, as well as their grandchildren. Ramona is a family-based community, and the beauty far exceeds any community in San Diego County.

"I have always loved volunteering in Ramona. I was President of the Ramona Chamber of Commerce, Vice President of the San Diego Country Estates Association, Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Murals Board of Directors member, and most recently, a member of the Ramona Archway Association Board of Directors," says Stephanie. "I love volunteering with others in our community who share the same love and vision for our town."

In 2020, Stephanie was diagnosed with breast cancer. "We were driving out to our river house in Arizona, and I got a phone call notifying me that I had breast cancer," says Stephanie. "We pulled the truck over to the side of the road and were in shock." She adds that she felt very healthy at the time.

She had her surgery, and the treatments began soon after. "Because of COVID, appointments were interesting; I had to go in without my husband to meet with the oncologist and surgeon," says Stephanie. She underwent five months of chemotherapy and then eight weeks of daily radiation. She says chemo went just like doctors said it would; she lost all her hair and did not feel well. She was in bed 24/7, especially toward the end of her treatments. Her husband took the year off work in 2021 to care for her and take her to appointments. He would patiently wait in the truck as she walked in for treatment and was there when she was done.

Her biggest fear was not knowing the outcome of her treatments. She had lost her father to cancer, and her mother had breast cancer as well. She had genealogy testing, and to her surprise, her cancer was not the result of an inherited gene from either of her parents. Her cancer was due to her environment and what she ate.

Stephanie's family and friends helped her get through it with cards, flowers, and meals. Even though she didn't feel well enough to eat, her family appreciated this kind gesture. When she announced she had breast cancer, she was overwhelmed by how many people reached out to support her. Some were only acquaintances but were there for her and prayed for her. The outpouring of love from so many inspired her to reach out more to others now. "It's full circle. It feels good to do a good deed for others when they are not expecting it."

"I have the biggest support group of family and friends," says Stephanie. Initially, when she was advised she would lose all her hair because of the type of chemo she would be receiving, her best male friend, or "BMF," Jim Piva, coordinated a surprise head-shaving party at a local salon in town and invited all her male friends and family to join in and have their heads shaved. "It was so fun, with many laughs and lots of tears at the same time," she says.

Life did change for her in terms of her perspective on life. She sees EVERYTHING as important and tries to fit it all into her daily schedule. She enjoys life's simple beauties: walking along the golf course in the mornings, hearing birds chirping, seeing school buses picking up children, blue skies, and puffy clouds. She takes deep breaths and is happy to be alive. "When you go through treatments, you spend a lot of time resting and laying down in bed, so your thoughts are plentiful, and you end up being so grateful to all who have contributed to your life," says Stephanie. She notices other people going through treatment now, which she did not notice before. She sees them in the grocery store or restaurants and always approaches them and asks about their journey. They share, and it feels good.

Her advice to others going through the same challenge is that it is shocking, but you will meet others going through similar experiences once you share what you are going through. Stay tough, follow the course, and pray to GOD. Miracles do happen.

Cancer may have slowed her down a bit, but she is still active with her business at Town & Country Home Loans, Town & Country Real Estate, and Town & Country Property Management, volunteering on the Board of Directors for the Ramona Archway Association, and of course spending time with her wonderful family and friends. "Life is good, and I would not want to live anywhere else but this wonderful supportive community of San Diego Country Estates," says Stephanie.

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, we reflect on the trends in breast cancer research, prevention, and treatment, and move into November with gratitude. Let us all take a page from Stephanie's book and always look for things around us, big and small, that we can be grateful for.

Photos courtesy of Stephanie Norvell.

Clean & Green Day and Fall Festival: A Community Success!

heather.mcghee@sdcea.net (Heather McGhee) — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 20:38:15 GMT

Over 100 attendees enjoyed the Clean & Green Day and Fall Festival at Ramona Oaks Park, with carnival games, crafts, live music, food vendors, and sustainability-focused activities from local organizations like Ramona Disposal, Sustainable Ramona, Boo Crew, and Boy Scouts from Troop 679.

The recent Clean & Green Day and Fall Festival at Ramona Oaks Park was a huge hit, attracting couples, friends, families, and plenty of kids! This lively event was a wonderful celebration of community, sustainability, and family fun, with activities and entertainment for everyone to enjoy.

The event kicked off with Clean & Green Day, an initiative aimed at spreading awareness about environmental sustainability and local community efforts to keep our surroundings cleaner and greener. This portion of the event was made possible through the collaboration of four dedicated entities:

Ramona Disposal Service, with Susan White and her daughter, Adrienne Biondo, educated attendees on proper waste disposal and recycling practices. They shared detailed information on making a difference by sorting trash into the correct color-coded containers. The park featured containers marked “Trash” with black bags and “Recycles” with blue bags, encouraging participants to think before throwing away garbage.

Sustainable Ramona, led by Michele Sund and Belinda Flynn, shared insights on creating a more eco-friendly community. Their team focused on educating participants about the Earth and provided both large and small models of Earth for people to take home, along with educational materials to raise awareness.

Boy Scout Troop 679 had a strong presence, with leader Sean Moriarty, scouts Lincoln Nair, Brennen Moriarity, and Jeremiah and Micah Greene paving the way and sharing their knowledge about environmental stewardship. I toured with the scouts as they handed out reusable shopping bags, reminding recipients to “Love the Earth.” Many asked what was needed in return, and the simple answer was: “Use less plastic and paper” while sending love to the Earth. Nearby, Micah Greene, dressed as the Earth, received an outpouring of positive energy, hugs, and kiss gestures from attendees as he spun around in his costume, spreading joy and environmental awareness.

Boo Crew, founded by Phoenix West and his mom, Kelly, encouraged participants to join their post-Halloween cleanup efforts on Friday, Nov. 1, at 1 pm at the corner of Del Amo Road and Del Amo Place.

After the first hour of educational fun during Clean & Green Day, the Fall Festival began, bringing with it a host of activities, including carnival games, a cake walk, craft booths, and even temporary tattoos for the creative crowd. The energy soared as the Whiskey State of Mind band took the stage, entertaining everyone with their rock and country blend.

Food vendors provided a delicious variety of choices from Outlaw BBQ, Carnival of Food, and Nomadic Pizza Trolley, ensuring no one went home hungry.

The event wasn’t just about fun—it was about showing love for our planet and community, with plenty of opportunities to learn, volunteer, and make a difference. If you missed it this year, be sure to mark your calendar for next time—this is one community event that truly brings people together!

Thanks to the wonderful, and fun, partners from Ramona Disposal, Sustainable Ramona, Boy Scout Troup 679, and Boo Crew!

I look forward to seeing some of you at Boo Crew next Friday!

Ramona Archway Sign Unveiling is Less Than a Week Away

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 20:03:49 GMT

The Ramona Archway Sign unveiling is fast approaching on Thursday, October 31. The Ramona community will come together to celebrate the unveiling of the Ramona Archway sign at the intersection of 10th and Main Street during the Merchants Safe Trick-or-Treat. The block party celebration will feature live music by Dirty Confetti starting at 5:30 pm, and the unveiling ceremony will begin at 6:30 pm.

According to Stephanie Norvell, owner of Town & Country Home Loans, Inc. and volunteer for the Ramona Archway sign, the sign went up Wednesday, October 23, at 9 pm.

“Our first fundraiser for the Archway was held on Halloween, October 31, 2019,” says Norvell. “Then COVID hit and stopped our progress for a few years.” She added that they obtained a grant from the County of San Diego, which sparked up planning again. They had so many volunteers in the community who stepped up and wanted to be a part of this historic vision. “Our Board of Directors thanks them from the bottom of our hearts,” she said.

Leslie Souza, who designed and created the Welcome to Ramona sign at Highland Valley Road as well as the Ramona Library, is the creator of the Ramona Archway. “She is amazing!” says Norvell.

“We hope to see everyone at the unveiling. 10th Street will be closed between Main Street and D Street. We will have a band, and Joel Anderson will also be there for the unveiling. A great evening planned from 4 to 9 pm,” Norvell says.

It seems fitting to have the unveiling celebration on the fifth anniversary of the first archway fundraiser. It’s more than just an unveiling; it’s a celebration of our communities’ spirit. Come together for a day of inspiration and share the excitement for this new chapter.

Photos courtesy of Jim Piva.

A “Monstrous” Weekend at Barnett and James Dukes Elementary Schools

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 00:04:06 GMT

The Monster Mash festivities at Barnett Elementary and James Dukes Elementary were frightfully fantastic last weekend.

Last weekend, Barnett Elementary and James Dukes Elementary hosted their annual Monster Mash celebrations for their respective school families. The spooktacular event at Barnett was held on Friday, October 18, and at James Dukes, their frightfully fun night was Saturday, October 19.

According to Barnett’s PTA President, Jamie McGilvray, there were many who made their event a success: 4th/5th combination teacher Hayley Brinker, Emily Whigham, Sharon Ferguson, Kelly Arellano, Vivian Carrillo, Kelsey Joaquin, who made the event flyer, Morgan Dixon, Letty Spicuzza, Claudia Contreras, Sina Thomas, and Ari Hill-Battey. “This event was a team effort to put together, but I was the main point of contact and organized some of the volunteer efforts,” says McGilvray.

School staff helped at the event, and 6th-grade teachers ran a bake sale to raise funds for the 6th-grade camp. 5th-grade teachers ran a soda float sale to raise funds for 4th and 5th graders going on their Biz Town field trip. Interim Principal Mrs. Grace was in attendance with her husband, Mr. Robert Grace, who DJed for the night. According to McGilvray, there were approximately 350 to 400 people in attendance.

Carnival games were planned and constructed by the 4th & 5th grade students during the school week. This was a tradition in years pre-Covid, and they brought it back this year. Traditionally, students run these games at Monster Mash as well as on Halloween for the kindergarten students. The art teacher, Mrs. Riedler, painted a fun monster box where they collected candy donations for the 4th and 5th graders to hand out to game contestants at Monster Mash.

Last year, Mrs. Riedler traced fun characters on cardboard boxes for the students to paint on in art class. They reused those boxes this year where students could create different “monsters” with various faces, bodies, and feet.

Students submitted painted or carved pumpkins for a pumpkin carving contest, and each student was given a ticket to vote on their favorite pumpkin. The 1st place winner was Isaiah Hayes in Kindergarten with his Padres Pumpkin.

“We had a Haunted Trail, with fun sensory boxes, constructed behind our MPR, and it was a huge hit,” says McGilvray.

The most rewarding part of the event for McGilvray was seeing pictures on social media of her friends and family at the event. She was happy to see them enjoying that for which they had worked so hard to plan. She also enjoyed seeing the 4th and 5th graders taking pride in the games they constructed and helping other students play them.

“The kids love any excuse to get together, dress up, and dance. Even my two oldest children, who were promoted from Barnett a few years ago, love coming back for these events! It’s a fun family evening!” says McGilvray.

James Duke’s Elementary School PTA Board has been putting their event on for over 20 years. This year’s event was a collective effort from staff, the PTA Board, students, and volunteers from the community who put on a successful event for the over 600 people in attendance.

There were over 23 activities, including inflatable sports games, a cannon blaster, laser tag, and carnival booths. Families also enjoyed a petting zoo, cake walk, photos with three lovely llamas, hula hoops, the haunted trail, a chili contest, a baseball throw, face painting, a caricature artist, and Scottso the Clown making balloon animals. They also had a San Diego Sheriff booth with our local Ramona Deputies, who stopped by for some photos and mingling. All activities were included in the $20 wristband price.

Food trucks were on site selling delicious eats. “We had Cowbell Kitchen, Pizza Break making pizzas and snow cones, and a hot churro booth,” said a PTA member.

James Dukes Principal Deborah Long was present and running booths. The front desk staff was on hand running the ticketing table, and 6th-grade teacher Mr. McNiff ran the annual Chili Cook-Off event. One of the CSOs, Ryan Doherty, volunteered to monitor the event to ensure safety and provide any help needed. The school custodian, Dani Breshears, helped with set-up and clean-up.

The 6th-grade class puts together the Haunted Trail each year as a fundraiser for their 6th-grade camp. The 6th-grade haunted trail started in 2018 in the Alice Lynch Nature Center, and, at the time, it was overgrown and unused. This year, the trail was bigger and better than ever. The students decorated the nature trail with spooky decorations and played roles, such as trail guides and character actors who scared people on the tour. Parents helped with all aspects.

The Scarecrow contest was open to all students who wanted to participate alone, in a group, or as a class. They created a scarecrow using any materials available, and then the teachers and staff who are PTA members voted on their top three scarecrows. The winners were announced at the Monster Mash. There were nine entries, and everyone got an award or a participation ribbon. Everyone did a great job, and their work was displayed at the Monster Mash for all to appreciate.

DJ Mark Weber played fun music to keep the party going and helped make announcements. All the activities were outside on the lower field playground, with ticketing and the chili cook-off contest in the multipurpose room.

These Halloween festivities would not be possible without the dedication of so many families, volunteers, and school staff members. The spooky events were eerily exciting and brought together students, teachers, and families for a ghoulishly good time.

Photos courtesy of Barnett PTA President Jamie McGilvary and James Dukes' PTA.

Embracing Fall: Crafting a Seasonal Menu

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 23:12:51 GMT

Our fall menu highlights the season's best with comforting dishes like pumpkin bisques, roasted butternut squash salads, and wild mushroom risotto, capturing the rich, earthy flavors of autumn's harvest for a warm and satisfying culinary experience.

As a chef, the arrival of fall is a welcome embrace of change. The vibrant colors of autumn foliage mirror the rich, earthy tones that begin to dominate our plates. This time of year offers an abundance of seasonal ingredients that inspire creativity and evoke a sense of warmth, making it a perfect time to refresh the menu.

Incorporating fall produce is essential. Think pumpkins, squash, and root vegetables, which provide depth and comfort to our dishes. I love to roast butternut squash, enhancing its natural sweetness with a touch of cinnamon and maple syrup. We did this with our new 'Everything Fall' salad, incorporating roasted pumpkin seeds, sweetened cranberries, feta cheese, and quinoa. To tie it all together, we created a vinaigrette with a perfect balance of smoky chipotle and sweet honey.

Mushrooms also shine in the fall, bringing umami richness. A wild mushroom risotto, finished with a drizzle of truffle oil, can transport diners to a cozy cabin in the woods. The combination of creamy arborio rice and earthy mushrooms creates a dish that is both indulgent and satisfying.

I also prioritize hearty grains like farro and barley, which pair beautifully with roasted vegetables. Our blackened salmon dish captures the essence of fall while providing a wholesome, nourishing option with farro, roasted corn and tomato salad, fresh touches of California with avocado, citrus, ancho chili, and honey.

As the weather cools, comforting soups become a staple. During the fall and winter months, we will be featuring pumpkin or butternut squash bisques infused with ginger and topped with spiced pumpkin seeds. It not only warms the soul but also showcases the season's bounty.

Desserts are a chance to celebrate fall flavors as well. We found a delicious cheesecake variation reminiscent of pumpkin pie, with a blend of tangy cheese and pumpkin pie curd.

Ultimately, a fall menu is about inviting diners to savor the season's richness. By thoughtfully incorporating seasonal ingredients and flavors, we create a culinary experience that reflects the beauty and comfort of autumn. Each dish becomes a celebration of nature's harvest, warming hearts and souls alike.

View our Fall Menus: Lunch Dinner

Welcome Your Visiting Family and Friends to a Holiday Retreat at San Vicente Resort Lodge

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 22:38:38 GMT

This holiday season, give the ultimate gift of quality time with family and friends at San Vicente Resort Lodge, where exclusive homeowner rates, recently upgraded and spacious accommodations, and a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure await—just moments from your home.

This holiday season, the greatest gift you can give is time spent with family and friends. San Vicente Resort Lodge, located right here in our community, offers the perfect getaway to celebrate together—without the hassle of elaborate travel plans.

With exclusive homeowner rates, staying close to your home has never been more inviting. Enjoy special pricing with Sunday to Thursday rates at $109 and Friday, Saturday, and select holidays at $129. Your guests will love our comfortable, upgraded rooms with stunning views of the golf course and foothills, providing the perfect space to relax and connect.

At San Vicente Lodge, your loved ones will enjoy complimentary parking and Wi-Fi, making their stay even more convenient. They can also take advantage of our wide range of amenities, including our championship 18-hole golf course, outdoor pool, pickleball and tennis courts, and nearby hiking trails for a touch of adventure.

Dining is a treat with two on-site restaurants. Share meals at The Oaks Grille or relax with a casual bite at the Par Lounge, where you’ll also find live music, special events, sports games, and more to wind down the evening in style.

For wine enthusiasts, explore local wineries like Milagro with our Sip & Stay package, which combines wine tasting with our comfortable accommodation, just a short drive from the lodge.

This year, make the holidays truly special by spending quality time with loved ones. With exclusive rates and a convenient location, we invite you to create lasting memories in the comfort of your own community.

Happy Holidays from San Vicente Lodge! We can’t wait to welcome your guests.

Homeowner Hint: Our guest rooms are filling up fast, so book soon to secure your spot at San Vicente Resort Lodge!

Building Connections Through Community Events

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 17:36:56 GMT

Community events foster a sense of belonging, help individuals form meaningful connections, and create a welcoming environment for new homeowners to feel at home.

When planning our community events, our goal is to cater to a wide range of interests and ensure everyone feels included. We love seeing our community come together for concerts in the park, parades, and our Fall Festival this weekend, forming new friendships and strengthening bonds. Local events play a significant role in making a community feel more like home. They create a sense of belonging by offering shared experiences and opportunities for connection.

Over the years, we’ve witnessed complete strangers meet at our events and form lasting friendships, sometimes even becoming chosen family. This speaks to the unique power of these gatherings to bring people together who may not have otherwise crossed paths.

These events are an invaluable resource for new homeowners, especially those who may not have family or friends nearby. It’s a chance for them to meet their neighbors, grow their social circle, and develop a support system within the community. In many ways, these events help people “grow their village,” making it easier for them to settle into their new surroundings.

Our mission is to continue creating spaces where all members of the community feel welcome, valued, and connected. Whether it’s a casual get-together or a large festival, each event is designed to enrich lives and strengthen the fabric of our neighborhood.

Thank You to Our Firefighters

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 17:13:54 GMT

October is Firefighter Appreciation Month in California. It's a time dedicated to honoring the bravery and sacrifices of firefighters across the state.

Firefighters face demanding daily responsibilities that extend beyond fighting fires. They respond to various emergencies, including medical incidents, vehicle accidents, and hazardous material situations, often requiring rapid decision-making under pressure. At the station, they maintain equipment, conduct drills, and always stay prepared for immediate action.

The annual California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony was held on Saturday, October 12, at the State Capitol Park in Sacramento. This year, 36 fallen firefighters had their names inscribed on the Memorial Wall. Among those being honored are Chief Joshua Bischof and Captain Timothy Rodriguez, who tragically lost their lives alongside contract pilot Tony Sousa in a midair helicopter crash while battling the Broadway Fire in Riverside County on August 6, 2023. Their bravery, along with the sacrifices of their fellow firefighters, were remembered and honored at this solemn event.

In a year marked by nearly 1 million acres burned in our state, it's more crucial than ever to recognize the bravery and dedication of our firefighters. As citizens, we can do our part by being proactive and ensuring we are prepared in the event of a fire or other emergency. To stay wildfire-ready in California during October, especially with the Santa Ana winds that can exacerbate fire risks, residents should take several precautions:

Create Defensible Space: Clear dry brush, leaves, and debris from around your home to create a buffer zone. Trim trees and shrubs to keep them well-spaced and remove any dead vegetation.
Prepare an Emergency Kit: Assemble a kit that includes essentials like water, food, medications, important documents, and pet supplies. Ensure it's easily accessible in case you need to evacuate quickly. Stay Informed: Monitor local weather forecasts and fire warnings. Be aware of Santa Ana wind conditions, as these can increase the potential for wildfire spread.
Review Your Fire Plan: Have an evacuation plan in place and discuss it with your family. Make sure everyone knows where to go and how to get there.
Maintain Smoke Alarms: Regularly check and replace batteries in smoke alarms to ensure they function properly in case of an emergency.

By following these tips, you can enhance your preparedness and safety during wildfire season, particularly during periods of high wind. Below are some resources to help community members prepare for fire season.

FirefightersOnYourSide.org

The site offers multilingual resources, including:

· PSA videos on creating a "5-Minute Plan" and pre-pack essentials.

· Printable preparedness checklists.

· Guides on preventing and escaping house fires.

For more information and updates on events throughout October, visit CAFireFoundation.org and follow the Foundation on social media @CAFireFound on Facebook, X, YouTube, and Instagram.

Alert San Diego

Alert San Diego is a multifunctional tool that provides disaster plan templates, early earthquake warnings, evacuation and shelter updates, hazard information, maps, and more. Additionally, it has links to social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and X. The system can call landlines; however, cell phones must be registered to receive alerts. Click on the link above to register your cell phone number.

CalFire Ready for Wildfire

CalFire has a specific 'Ready for Wildfire' page that includes a link to their web-based app to customize your wildfire preparedness action plan, a registration page to sign up for text message alerts, and an Evacuation Guide. There are also tips for preventing wildfires, what to do after a wildfire, burn permit information, multiple toolkits, and more. Click the link above to access the app and register for alerts.

Humane Society Pet Disaster Preparedness

Ramona is a town full of livestock, horses, and house pets. While evacuating an indoor pet might be easy, animals such as horses, sheep, and goats are more challenging than packing up the family dog. Be sure to check out the Equine Disaster Preparedness page and Livestock Disaster Preparedness page for information and tips on keeping these animals safe during emergencies.

OES Emergency Map

The OES Emergency Map is an interactive map that shows new and current active fires throughout California. It also shows contained fires, California evacuations, recent earthquakes, active shelters, and current wildfire perimeters. To view the map, click on the link above.

Ramona Fire Safety Go-To Guide

The Ramona West End Fire Council has provided a Fire Safety Go-To Guide PDF and Evacuation Map on their website. The guide is a comprehensive list of San Diego and Ramona emergency resources, including Cal Fire San Diego Unit, contact information for each Ramona Fire Station, San Diego County Hospitals, and more. The map includes Ramona fire station locations, main evacuation roads, schools, and more. To view and print the guide and map, click the link above.

Watch Duty

Watch Duty is an app that tracks wildfires, gives real-time alerts, shows fire perimeters, lists evacuation orders and shelters, and monitors both wildfires and prescribed burns. Watch Duty is operated by real people, including firefighters, dispatchers, first responders, and reporters, and it uses their collaborative resources to report the facts. To download the app, click on the link above.

Highlighting Hometown Heroes at San Diego County Ramona Fire Station 81

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 17:10:32 GMT

Firefighters put their lives on the line for citizens every day. Fire Captain Bert Ramirez has been a fire captain for 25 years and oversees Fire Station 81. He is honored to support the community's safety, proud of his team, and happy to highlight some of his firefighters.

James Boyer started in 2019 as a seasonal firefighter. In 2021, he was promoted to Firefighter II. He was previously in the Army as an Emergency Medical Technician. In the position, he gained medical knowledge and the skillset to transition into being a firefighter. "I always wanted to serve," said Boyer. "It comes naturally." He added that he is an "adrenaline junkie" and is willing to be put in dangerous situations.

This job calls for a certain type of person, and Boyer takes pride in it. He says his job is fulfilling because he knows people call on him on their worst days, and he can provide relief in their time of need. He is there to serve as a true hero and help bring calm in an emergency because, often, people are panicked. There have been several times during the emergency callouts when he has had to use extrication tools known as jaws of life. This tool, commonly used after car accidents, has a lot of lifting power, and is used to pry open vehicles or structures to rescue trapped individuals.

Balancing work and family are a challenge for firefighters, who work three days on and four days off, plus overtime. Boyer works hard at balancing work with the amount of time he spends with his family, including his wife of 10 years, Alexis, and their two daughters, ages four and almost one.

One important safety tip that Boyer recommends is for people to test their smoke alarms monthly to make sure they are working properly and replace batteries once a year. Another popular tip from the firefighters is to stop, drop, and roll if you or your clothing catches fire.

For Fire Apparatus Engineer Ryan Jones, becoming a firefighter was in the back of his mind for as long as he can remember. However, he didn't decide to pursue this path until 2007 or 2008, during the housing market crash. He struggled during that time, and he was single with no kids, so he decided to pursue his childhood dream. He joined the US Army in 2009 at the age of 28 and rode out the recession while gaining valuable experience to help build his resume.

Jones served as a combat medic, spent four years active duty stationed in Texas, and had one deployment to Iraq. As soon as his four-year contract was up, he started his childhood dream of being in the fire service. After countless trainings and getting an associate's degree in fire science from Miramar College, he began volunteering with the San Diego County Fire Authority in 2015. In 2016, he was hired as a Firefighter I with San Bernadino CalFire. He was promoted to Firefighter II in 2021 and returned to San Diego CalFire, where he proudly worked at Ramona Station 81 for just over a year before promoting to Fire Apparatus Engineer. He has been an Engineer serving Ramona for almost two years in a relief position between all Ramona stations. He is honored to say, "Station 81 in San Diego Country Estates has been permanently assigned as my station since August of this year."

The most fulfilling part of the job is the instant gratification. "What I mean is I don't have to wait months or years to see the impact I have," says Jones. "I see the difference on every call we go to from helping someone who is sick to being there for someone in a major car accident, or even a tragic fire and saving valuable belongings the family wasn't able to grab as they rushed out of the house." No matter how big or small the help is, it never stops feeling good to be there when needed.

They have expectations to meet on a call, starting with response times. It's important to remember that firefighters must always be ready while on duty, no matter what. If the tones go off for a call, the crew is expected to respond within 60 seconds, whether they're eating, training, working out, etc. At night, while sleeping, they are given extra time-90 seconds to drive away in the apparatuses. These professionals are the faces that people see at some of their worst moments, and it's vital that they stay professional, give people the calm they need to weather their storm, and help them through the immediate problem.

Firefighters are required to stay up-to-date with their training. Technology is constantly advancing, and firefighters need to understand how things work to do their jobs effectively. For example, building construction on a new home drastically differs from a "Legacy" home built in the 70s and before. Firefighters need a basic understanding of how homes are constructed so they don't put themselves in danger during a fire. Clean energy is becoming a recurring theme that they need to train on constantly. Battery storage units for electric vehicles can be hazardous and, once on fire, very toxic and reactive to water. Last but not least, staying healthy and physically fit is a must for this job. They need to be able to push themselves to uncomfortable and strenuous limits to accomplish the most difficult tasks.

"I take pride in my job because it's a trait that was instilled in me by my father, Bill Jones," says Jones. "And now that I'm a husband and father, I want to make my family proud," he says of his wife, Stephanie, daughter, Avery, and son, Jaxon. Not only does he feel the drive to make his family proud, but he also does not want to let down his coworkers and the community. "This job gives us a sense of pride, and I'm very proud to serve the Ramona Community," says Jones.

True courage is running toward the flames when others are running away, and firefighters embody this bravery every day.

Boosting Student Success with After-School Tutoring

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 16:59:41 GMT

After-school reading tutoring provides students with the extra attention they need within the school setting to strengthen literacy skills, fostering their love for reading and building a strong foundation for academic success.

San Diego Country Estates resident Cheryl Schlauch has been a Terrific Tutor for three years with Oasis, a volunteer intergenerational tutoring program that works in partnership with Ramona Unified School District. The program pairs adults with children between the ages of six and nine in 1st-3rd grades from Ramona Schools.

Oasis pairs older adults with children to provide free weekly academic support and mentorship. Volunteers meet one-on-one with students during the school day, serving as reading tutors, mentors, and positive role models. Tutors can choose if they want one student or multiple students. The tutor spends 45 minutes to an hour with each student individually. Oasis provides a session plan and materials, such as pencils, craft paper, glue, and markers, to help with the exercises in each session.

RUSD and Oasis have partnered for over twenty years with the goal of strengthening children's language skills—their ability to read, write, and speak—through focused and individualized attention. According to Schlauch, the program benefits include comradery, confidence, improved reading, writing skills, interaction, social skills, and more. It supplements the efforts of schools and parents in multiple ways. Not only does it provide reading and socialization, but it also provides one-on-one interaction that the student may not get at home if they have a busy family life.

Oasis provides volunteers with a package that includes a book, a session plan, crayons, and/or markers. Depending on the child's age, the tutor may read to the student, or the student may read to the tutor. In the session, they discuss the book, what the student liked or disliked, and the characters and themes. "One example is my 3rd-grade student who was to write a message to his father in a secret code. We were reading a book called, 'Third Grade Detectives.' It was fun for both of us," says Schlauch.

Schlauch has tutored at James Dukes and Barnett Elementary School. Previously, she worked as a certified Human Resources Professional for over 35 years. "That means I took testing and achieved that title and can put letters after my name, such as 'Cheryl Schlauch, PHR.' But I don't do that now since I'm retired," she says. Her journey as an Oasis volunteer started when she saw an advertisement in the Ramona Sentinel for Oasis expressing a need for tutors. She wanted to give back to the community, help children be successful readers, and give them a good start in life.

The Ramona Oasis community is a wonderfully vibrant and committed group, and they are looking for volunteers 55 and older. Their motto is: "One child, one tutor, one school year. Two lives forever changed." Those interested in volunteering do not need to have a background in education, but they do need to be available to commit to a weekly one-hour session with their assigned student. Quarterly tutor enrichment meetings are held at the district offices on Ninth Street, where tutors share ideas and learn strategies for increasing student learning.

New tutors are required to attend a tutor training session and complete a LiveScan background check and TB screening before working with children. Please contact the RUSD Oasis Coordinator, Edie Chapman, at 760-787-2064 or echapman@ramonausd.net for more information. Tutor materials and training are provided for volunteers at no cost.

Oasis volunteers can change the trajectory of a student's future in education through their weekly investment of time and attention. By nurturing a love for reading and providing tailored support, Oasis equips students with the literacy skills they need to thrive in and beyond the classroom.

October Golf Course Update – Preparing for Winter

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 16:59:30 GMT

In this update, Scott Walwyn details the recent aerification process at San Vicente Golf Resort, shares insights on preparing the course for winter, and adds a lighthearted reminder about the importance of ball mark repair and course care.

Happy October, everyone! We are, as always, hard at work keeping our course beautiful and preparing for colder winter months.

During our recent 3-day closure, we aerified the putting greens, collars, and fairways. We used ¼-inch solid tines at a depth of about 5 ½ inches and topped the greens with USGA-approved sand. I’m pleased to report that the process went smoothly, thanks to the hard work of my greenskeepers and the ideal weather for recovery.

A week before aerification, we treated the greens and collars with a special “cocktail” of low-nitrogen fertilizer (to prevent excessive top growth), extra phosphorus for root health, and potassium for stress resistance, photosynthesis, and overall plant strength. Additionally, I included some of my usual amendments: seaweed from Newfoundland, molasses, iron, zinc, amino acids, a wetting agent, and manganese—basically, the same vitamins we take every day to stay healthy (except for the seaweed, I think!).

The fairways didn’t receive sand due to budget constraints (at $1,700 per truckload of 26 tons), but we did raise some heads and valve boxes and overseeded with Bermuda. Next on the list are the tees, which we’ll aerify with ¾-inch hollow tines, recover the plugs to use in the fairways, and then apply a generous sand topdressing to level the tees and build up the thatch layer.

In the coming weeks, we’ll be preparing the course for winter by raising the cutting heights of Bermuda grass for added cushion, applying pre-emergent herbicide to tackle spring weeds (especially Poa annua, or annual bluegrass), and roping off areas to control traffic. We’ll also be re-grassing the par-3 tees with perennial ryegrass.

As always, please repair your ball marks (and one other) on the putting surfaces! This is especially important as we head into the winter months.

Feel free to stop and say hello when you see me around, and remember to drive in the rough and on paths whenever possible. Happy Halloween!

“Golf teaches us that every shot is a new opportunity to excel… or curse wildly, blame anything but ourselves, and cry inconsolably.”

— Me

3rd Annual Superintendent's Revenge - October 25

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 16:04:52 GMT

Join us for the 3rd annual "Superintendent's Revenge," where you'll face San Vicente Golf Resort's toughest conditions in a thrilling 4-person scramble challenge. Sign up by Monday, Oct. 21!

On Friday, October 25th, we invite you to take on the ultimate challenge at San Vicente Golf Resort with our 3rd annual "Superintendent's Revenge." This is your chance to experience the course at its most demanding. The greens will be lightning-fast, pin placements almost absurdly difficult, and random obstacles will test your skill and patience. Head Golf Pro Matt Brumbaugh has collaborated with our Superintendent, Scott Walwyn, to design a unique and unforgettable course setup.

Expect the longest yardages and most challenging angles from the tee boxes, ensuring that even seasoned golfers find themselves pushed to the limit. Don't anticipate your best round — this event is about enduring the toughest conditions, with survival, not perfection, being the goal. Between the breakneck speed of the greens and tricky pin positions, staying calm will be the key to success.

We'll serve hamburgers at the turn, with beverages available for purchase at the Snack Bar. After the round, we'll present awards for the top scores in each flight and raffle off some great prizes.

Format:

4-person scramble
Choose your tee box:
Black Tees for the Championship Flight
Other Tees for Open Flight (using the Peoria handicap system)

This event fills up fast, so be sure to register today!

Are you up to the challenge?

Click Here to Sign Up

Bring the Whole Family to Clean & Green Day and Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 19

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 23:48:42 GMT

Join us starting at 4 pm at Ramona Oaks Park for a fun-filled family event celebrating community, sustainability, and the fall season with activities, games, food, and music!

The event kicks off at 4 pm with Clean & Green Day, a family-friendly event all about making our community and our world safer, cleaner, and more beautiful now and for future generations. Here are a few of the fun and interesting things you can do:

Kids, experience a surPRIZE when you meet Boo Crew founder Phoenix West and the Boy Scouts from local Troop 679. Find out how you can volunteer with the Boo Crew to clean up your SDCE neighborhood after the trick-or-treat festivities on Friday, Nov. 1.
You may have questions about recycling, and Ramona Disposal Service will be there to answer. What goes in each of your disposal bins—what is trash vs. recycling vs. organic waste? What can you do with paints, solvents, motor oil, batteries, and electronics? Disposing of these items properly helps keep our planet healthy.
Stop by and talk to the folks at Sustainable Ramona and find out how to do your part in helping Ramona develop into an even more land-and-people-friendly climate. Learn about the exciting ongoing efforts to develop Ramona’s profitable, independent, electricity-producing microgrid.
At the SDCEA booth, pick up a very handy, high-quality reusable shopping bag. While you’re there, grab a coupon for a discount on your next trip to the Ramona Food and Clothes Closet.

Then, starting at 5 pm, things really get hopping when the Fall Festival gets underway with even more cool things to do:

Try your hand at some challenging carnival games and see who can win the most prizes.
Strut your stuff and show off your costume as you participate in the cakewalk.
Visit the craft booths and pick up a few handmade items from our talented local vendors.
Set your creative side free by getting an awesome temporary tattoo.
Work up an appetite dancing to the rock and dirt road country sounds of Whiskey State of Mind.
Fill your belly with delicious food from Outlaw BBQ, Carnival of Food, and Nomadic Pizza Trolley.

Want unlimited fun? Make sure you get your wristbands for just $10 each.

This will be an amazing day you really don’t want to miss!

Remember:

What: Clean & Green Day and Fall Festival

When: Saturday, October 19, 2024 – 4 -8 pm

Clean & Green Day 4 -6 pm

Fall Festival 5 -8 pm

Where: Ramona Oaks Park, 25341 Pappas Road, Ramona

Why: To celebrate the fabulous fall season, show love for our planet and community, spend quality time with family and friends, and have an absolutely terrific time.

See you there!

View the flyers: Clean & Green Day | Fall Festival

San Vicente Golf Club Board of Governors Annual Meeting

heather.mcghee@sdcea.net (Heather McGhee) — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 23:43:42 GMT

The San Vicente Golf Club Board of Governors annual meeting highlighted key updates on membership, tournaments, course improvements, and leadership changes, followed by a social hour for attendees.

Last Saturday, the San Vicente Golf Club Board held its annual meeting at 4 pm in the Rotunda. The meeting provided a recap of the past year's accomplishments and upcoming events, followed by a social hour where attendees enjoyed food and drinks.

Bruce Carter, who has served as Board President for two years, opened the meeting by thanking the group of about 50 attendees. He introduced the meeting's speakers: General Manager Darren Shaw, Head Golf Professional Matt Brumbaugh, and Golf Course Superintendent Scott Walwyn. Carter also shared that he and his wife, Carrie, would be moving to Utah soon. He recognized the new board members Olin Hanf and John Massery who will be filling open board positions in January 2025. Carter also mentioned that one board position remains open.

Carter highlighted several key updates:

Board Policy Changes: He noted a few policy changes were made in the past year, and thanked everyone for contributing to an SDCEA record-breaking online form comment response, which helped retain club benefits such as a 10% discount in the resort’s restaurants and a 15% discount on merchandise in the Golf Shop.
Golf Club Webpage: He encouraged members to utilize the Golf Club webpage on the Association's website to stay informed and advised everyone to read the policies and procedures.
New Member Packet: The club's New Member Packet containing a membership card, golf bag tag, and information pack was organized by club members and handed over to the Golf Shop Team for distribution.
Social Club and Tournaments: The club’s upcoming events include Oktoberfest, the Turkey Trot (with a catered turkey lunch), and a Christmas party featuring a new, exciting theme.
Golf Genius: The cloud-based software platform, implemented in January 2024, streamlines the management of tournaments and events under the supervision of the Golf Shop team.
Sweeps Update: The informal competitions, or "sweeps," now offer a check for the balance if a member moves or passes away.
Emeritus Members: The $25 entry fee for retired or long-standing members has been waived, and a certificate is now issued to recognize these valued players.

Next, Darren Shaw expressed his gratitude to the golf club members and volunteers for fostering such an active club. He praised the dedication of Bruce and Carrie Carter as club volunteers and as active participants in golf member activities.

Shaw highlighted recent accomplishments by the Management Team across several areas, including Food and Beverage, Equestrian Facilities, San Vicente Guest Rooms, and Recreation areas such as the pools, racket sports courts, bandstand, and parks, noting the recent opening of San Vicente Park. He also touched on essential Administration projects, including the implementation of a new phone system, wireless network, updated management software, and an enhanced security system. Shaw briefly mentioned the draft 2025 SDCEA budget, which is set for review at the October board meeting. He confirmed he would be stepping down from his position next month and expressed gratitude for the positive experiences over his three-year tenure.

Head Golf Professional Matt Brumbaugh followed, thanking members and volunteers for their support. He noted that the club's membership stands at approximately 300, with efforts underway to increase that number. He emphasized that the best aspects of the golf experience at San Vicente are the people first, followed by the quality of the course.

Brumbaugh provided updates on several topics:

Golf Changes: Several changes were made over the past year, and members have embraced them well.
Junior Golf: The Junior Golf program continues to be a success, with 42 children participating in the summer Jr. PGA Program.
Twilight Golf: This year saw record participation in the Thursday evening Twilight Golf events, with a diverse group including couples, mothers, kids, and casual golfers. One recent participant joined after attending a Callaway Golf Club fitting event.
Course Conditions: Brumbaugh praised the hard work and dedication of Scott Walwyn and the Golf Course Maintenance Team for continually improving the playing conditions.

Golf Course Superintendent Scott Walwyn closed the meeting by echoing the appreciation for Brumbaugh and the entire golf team. He noted that the Golf Team handles all aspects of the course, including tournaments, events, clinics, lessons, and communicating course conditions. Walwyn also acknowledged the team's involvement in event barbeques when needed.

Walwyn extended his gratitude to volunteers, specifically recognizing the contributions of the Carters and Hills in assisting with course projects. He also praised the "great crew" he works with and his excellent mechanics.

Walwyn apologized to residents near the course, explaining that early morning maintenance sometimes begins at 4 am during hot summer months to avoid working in extreme heat. With 25 years of experience across ten different golf courses, he shared insights into the challenges of maintaining short grass, managing bunkers, aerating greens, and handling water and sprinkler systems, noting that Bermuda grass is particularly difficult to manage.

He also reiterated the importance of golfers taking care of the course, reminding everyone that they play a role in its upkeep—even if he didn't explicitly say, "Repair Your Ball Marks!!!"

The meeting concluded with a social event where attendees enjoyed catered food, cookies, and a selection of drinks and cocktails.

With Gratitude and Appreciation, We Thank the Carters

"Bruce Carter has been an invaluable member of our community, serving with dedication as chair of the Environmental Control Committee and the San Vicente Golf Club Board of Governors. His leadership and passion have shaped our community, from preserving the community's exterior standards to ensuring the success of the golf club. As Bruce and his wife Carrie, who also serves on the board of governors, move on to new adventures, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for their service. They leave behind a legacy of commitment and care and will be missed. We wish them all the best in this next chapter."

Darren Shaw, General Manager

East Coast Charm: October Home of the Month

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 14:16:17 GMT

David and Gerry Ann Lloyd were in search of a horse property when they moved to Ramona from Los Angeles 11 years ago. They found that and much more in their SDCE home and October’s Home of the Month.

David and Gerry Ann Lloyd have been married for 48 years and have lived in their home in SDCE for 11 years. The 3,000-square-foot house sits on 1.25 acres and was designed by an architect from New England. Her east coast inspiration is evident in the design, from the huge wraparound porch to the uniform windows and shutters. “It’s a spectacular house,” says David.

When the couple was hunting for a new home, David searched the area on Google Maps and discovered the perfect home in a cul-de-sac on Poco Way. He found it conveniently close to the International Equestrian Center. They bought the house specifically for the property; it has a large, flat backyard perfect for their two horses, an Andalusian and a Hanoverian. They have two beautiful pastures and an enclosure in their backyard with enough room to exercise their horses. Being so close to the IEC is a plus because there are so many amenities there that David says he can’t duplicate in his backyard.

The Lloyds have made many upgrades over the years. They installed a new roof, well pump, air conditioning, and furnace. David says they were one of the first homes in the area to install solar. Gerry Ann adds that they made upgrades in every room and redid the kitchen. They replaced windows and made basic changes for deferred maintenance. They put in a patio and built a hay and tack shed in the backyard.

Gerry Ann says the bones of the house were good, and the colors of the interior were quite lovely—neutral and light. “It was a brilliant choice,” said Gerry Ann. “You can decorate with anything.”

David says they are thankful to be here. It’s a friendly place to live, and they love the people. He adds that golf and horses are popular in this area. The trails around their house are full on the weekends. “We are all about horses,” says David. “We have our stamp on it.”

Congratulations, David and Gerry Ann, on being awarded Home of the Month for October!

Lunch Ideas and Playdates: Keeping Kids Nourished and Engaged

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 13:58:17 GMT

Healthy tips for parents from a local health and wellness advocate.

Elizabeth Pochel, mother of three, is a home healthcare provider and a health and wellness advocate. She educates people on the best ways to live a healthier lifestyle.

According to Pochel, the best tip for parents who want their children to stay healthy is to stick to real food when packing snacks and lunches and avoid or limit prepackaged foods as much as possible. Real whole food is what is healthiest for us to eat. When comparing real food to prepackaged processed food, there are many things to consider. Real whole food is far more nutrient-dense, providing us with essential vitamins and minerals needed to be healthy. Prepackaged processed foods may claim to have added vitamins and minerals, but they will most likely be synthetic and have artificial additives and preservatives that have been proven to have ill effects on health, ranging from behavior problems and obesity to chronic diseases.

Some simple and easy ideas for kids’ lunches include turkey and cheese with hummus rolled up in a tortilla and sliced into pinwheels, sliced apples with a nut butter dipping sauce, or thinly sliced veggie sticks with either hummus or a ranch dressing dipping sauce. Quesadillas are another favorite because they’re quick and easy for kids to prepare. They can be savory with meats and cheeses or thinly sliced veggies and hummus, or can be a sweet treat with fresh fruit and nut butter. Pochel adds that dinner leftovers can also be great for lunches. “We actually do that a lot,” she says. “We will make larger meals for dinner with the intention of having enough leftovers for lunches.”

Meal prepping is a huge help for busy families, and Pochel highly recommends it. She usually meal preps on the weekends because that’s what works for them, and her husband of 22 years, Steve, always cooks a big batch of homemade breakfast burritos for the week. The ingredients change depending on his mood and what they have in the refrigerator. Sometimes, it’s simple, such as bacon, eggs, cheese, and veggies; and other times, if they have leftover steak, they mix it with eggs and homemade Pico de Gallo. Once the burritos are assembled and cooled to room temperature, they wrap them up individually and store them in the refrigerator for an easy and healthy breakfast that’s quick to warm up.

Pochel’s family sometimes makes up a big batch of mini pancakes, usually with dried cranberries, and freeze them. They are easy to grab from the freezer and toss in the toaster oven. The dried fruit makes them sweet enough to eat toasted without syrups or other toppings.

Veggies are great to slice up and prepare ahead of time. Kids are more likely to eat food if it is readily available and easy to grab as a snack or toss in their lunches. Parents can slice up carrots and/or cucumbers and put them in small baggies or containers that are easy to grab and go. Pochel’s family also loves those little mini sweet peppers as a snack.

Meal prepping does take a little time and getting used to, but Pochel finds it extremely helpful, especially on busy mornings when everyone’s trying to get ready for their day. She really loves having children help prepare and make their own healthy snacks. It’s a perfect time to try to start teaching healthy eating habits. “I have found that if children are involved with making the snack, they are more likely to sample foods that they normally wouldn’t want to eat.” It also helps to try and make the process fun and creative. With a quick search on the web, parents can find endless ideas for creative and fun snack ideas for kids. Some of Pochel’s favorites are using fruits and veggies to make different shapes of animals on the plate.

“We don’t need to reinvent the wheel,” says Pochel. “There are so many fresh and creative ideas out there already. We just need to take a few minutes to look for it.” She adds that Pinterest is another place where she likes to search for kid-friendly recipes.

In addition to nutrition, keeping kids engaged and active is very important to the well-being of children. Pochel believes play dates are highly beneficial for children. It helps them develop social skills such as good communication, cooperation, and problem-solving. It can also help build lasting friendships and help with overall mental wellness. There are many options when planning play dates, from indoor activities like arts and crafts projects to building blocks and science experiments.

Pochel’s favorite is just letting the children have free play outside and then having them help prepare and make their own healthy snacks. Unorganized outdoor play is essential and beneficial to children. It helps promote their physical health as they run around, developing their motor skills and coordination. It stimulates creativity and enhances their imaginative play. It’s been proven that exercising outdoors can reduce stress and anxiety, help with relaxation, and improve our overall sense of happiness. “I think that’s all extremely important and should be considered in this busy, chaotic world that we all live in today.” Pochel’s family has also participated in many local activities over the years, ranging from mommy and me classes with Ms. Liz, located right here in SDCE, to the Amazing Athletes Program that meets at Ramona Oaks Park.

By pairing nutritious lunches with active playtime, we can help children develop healthy habits that fuel their bodies and minds for years to come.

New and Existing Homeowners, Explore San Diego Country Estates

heather.mcghee@sdcea.net (Heather McGhee) — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 13:46:34 GMT

San Diego Country Estates offers a peaceful, nature-filled lifestyle with modern amenities, community engagement, and recreational opportunities, making it an ideal home for families, retirees, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Living in San Diego Country Estates offers a unique and enriching experience, combining the tranquility of nature with the convenience of modern amenities. Nestled among boulder-studded mountains and scenic landscapes, this community embraces a country lifestyle that fosters relaxation and outdoor adventure.

Residents have access to a wide range of amenities, including a newly renovated 18-hole golf course, tennis and pickleball courts, two heated pools, three community parks, 14.6 miles of trails, and extensive equestrian facilities, ensuring that there's something for everyone to enjoy.

The community prides itself on its family-friendly environment, with recreational programs, camps, and classes for all ages. Ramona Oaks Park, the largest in the area, plays host to events such as car shows, fall festivals, summertime concerts, and our annual Fourth of July Parade and Celebration. For those looking to enjoy a meal with family and friends, two scenic restaurants, The Oaks Grille, and Par Lounge, offer delicious and high-quality meals and drinks for adults and children with picturesque views of the golf course and mountains. For those looking for a quick bite, we serve hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, ice cream, and more in the Snack Bar near the San Vicente Pool.

Celebrating events is a part of our culture, and we offer personalized weddings in one of two venues: the Golf Course Hole 18 Waterfall experience or the country-inspired Georgia's Garden area. The San Vicente Room is designed for dining, dancing, and developing relationships with others during a wedding, birthday party, memorial, or corporate event. It's a convenient place in our community to celebrate.

A key part of life in San Diego Country Estates is the sense of connection and involvement. The community is managed by a five-member volunteer Board of Directors and supported by numerous committees, allowing residents to actively participate in maintaining and enhancing the neighborhood's quality of life and home values. With a strong emphasis on pride in ownership, the association works diligently to preserve the area's natural beauty and overall appeal and partners with homeowners to ensure conformance with our governing documents.

Whether you're enjoying the comforts of your home, the connecting experience of our community's amenities, or participating in one of the many events, life in San Diego Country Estates offers a blend of comfort, community, and active living. It's an ideal place for families, retirees, and everyone in between to call home.

View our Welcome Book.

Log into your account and view our Community Calendar.

Community Relations Department: Partnering for a Better Community

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 13:32:39 GMT

The Community Relations Department supports homeowners through inspections, project applications, and ensuring compliance with governing documents. It also maximizes resources to cover the Association efficiently.

The Community Relations Department (CRD) has been actively partnering with homeowners to support their needs. The department’s primary objective is to conduct inspections, implement corrective measures, and facilitate the operations of the Environmental Control Committee in processing project applications. CRD operates with the understanding that homeowners have a personal investment in their property and seek to maintain both their quality of life and property values through the protections outlined in the governing documents.

The CRD team conducts regular inspections, including routine items such as trash cans and parking, Property Reviews for a more in-depth look, and Escrow Inspections. With only one inspector on the team, we cover a lot of ground.

Since the start of the year, CRD has issued 1,668 conformance notices. The pie chart shows the different rules referenced and the number of occurrences for each.

Additionally, we manage our inspection routes to provide the greatest coverage of the Association. The included map outlines each notice that has been opened this year and how well the CRD team covers each portion of the Association. Typically, with communities of our size, there are five inspectors. While we don’t have that level of staff, we are effectively using our available resources.

When you are ready to start a project or have questions about the governing documents, CRD is ready to help. Contact us at CRDdept@sdcea.net or 760-789-8747.

Ramona Archway Sign to be Unveiled on Halloween

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 01:20:50 GMT

Homeowner Jim Piva dedicated many years of hard work, fundraising, and endured delays due to COVID shutdowns, and the Ramona Archway is finally ready to be presented at its home on 10th and Main Street.

On Thursday, October 31, the Ramona community will come together to celebrate the unveiling of the Ramona Archway sign at the intersection of 10th and Main Street. The event will take place during the Merchants Safe Trick-or-Treat. The block party celebration will feature live music by Dirty Confetti starting at 5:30, and the unveiling ceremony will begin at 6:30.

Jim Piva, a San Diego Country Estates resident since 1997 and owner of Piva Equipment Services since 1983, has been working on the Ramona Archway project for almost a decade. He says they wanted to do the unveiling when Main Street is already going to be busy with The Merchants Safe Trick-Or-Treat event, bringing an audience of 5,000 parents and kids. "It will be neat to do it while they are there," says Piva. Supervisor Joel Anderson for the County of San Diego gave a $250,000 grant to the Ramona Archway Association, of which Piva is the president. Anderson will have the honor of performing the ceremonial unveiling.

The artist for the Ramona Archway is Leslie Souza, who also did the "Welcome to Ramona" sign located at State Route 67 and Highland Valley Road, so there is continuity in the artwork. The "Welcome to Ramona" sign is now owned by the Ramona Archway Association, who relandscaped it and added lighting so it's visible at night.

Piva wanted an archway in Ramona like the one in Encinitas, Old Town, and the Gaslamp Quarter. He says the archway is amazing. "It will be in the middle of town. You can't miss it," he says. They will be able to hang banners on it throughout the year supporting community events.

"We had our shovels ready," Piva says. "And contractors lined up." There were 20 contractors who volunteered their time and labor and were committed to the archway. So many Ramona community members donated their time and money to bring this project to fruition. "A lot of good people have stepped up to make it happen." They were fortunate enough to have Hankins Construction on board. The owner, Debbie Hankins, did a lot of the paperwork and forms. She was born and raised here, and her family has been here for generations.

Piva thanks his committee members, including Bob Halloway, CPA, who donated his time and did all their paperwork for this 501(c)(3) organization. The secretary on the committee is Stephanie Norvell from Town & Country Home Loans & Real Estate. She is very active in the community. The project manager, Chip Rumis, knows how to build things and runs a tight ship on the project. He keeps everyone focused and moving forward. The committee held countless meetings preparing for this special day to present the archway.

Piva also thanks his wife of 26 years, Melanie Piva, who stepped it up at work so he could make the archway happen. She was critical to the effort behind the archway. She made sure Piva had the time to dedicate to the project.

Ramona is a great community, and Piva says he couldn't be prouder. The community has been behind him all the way, and it's been really rewarding. "It's taken tens of thousands of volunteer hours to make this a reality," says Piva. He is so proud of everyone's efforts and how they donated their time. "The kid who donated a quarter is just as important as the guy who cuts the biggest check."

Many people have asked what name they are going to place on the plaque that would be displayed on the archway. Piva said they will not be putting names on the plaque for recognition as other cities do. There is no degree of importance, and this archway is for the community who pulled together to create it. It's for the community of Ramona; the people of this town constructed the archway.

After the unveiling of the Ramona Archway sign, Piva is going to shift his focus to putting a "Welcome to Ramona" sign on Highway 78 by Haverford Road near Frosted Faces, and another on the East end of Main Street near Earlham Street. Once finalized, there will be three "Welcome to Ramona" signs, plus the Ramona Archway. This way, everyone will know they are welcome to this beautiful town no matter where they're coming from.

Photos courtesy of Jim Piva.

Grand Opening of San Vicente Park Celebration

heather.mcghee@sdcea.net (Heather McGhee) — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 22:57:19 GMT

Experience San Vicente Park, a relaxing amenity we hope you enjoy.

Almost 150 guests gathered to experience the Grand Opening of San Vicente Park last Saturday evening. This event, designed to foster community engagement and celebrate our shared commitment to environmental sustainability, included several elements to ensure the participants learned the project background and celebrated with others.

An Inspiring Opening:

SDCEA Board President Jeffrey Wells started the ceremony and spoke about the community and the project as a neighborhood amenity and enhancement. General Manager Darren Shaw walked through the project details and the work done by the project visionary, Landscape Manager Nancy Zadrozny, and her team. Nancy shared the project history and how she secured $150,000 from SoCal Water$mart to fund the project, her vision of the park experience, and the project work by the Landscape Team. She also thanked homeowners Carol and Charles Oswalt for the donated wooden benches, and Ed Sapp for the handcrafted wooden park entrance sign.

Jeff was presented with a $150,000 check from SoCal Water$mart by Nancy, and then he cut the green ribbon to officially open the park .

Backyard BBQ Classics:

Event participants raved about the freshly grilled smash burgers and hot dogs prepared by Executive Chef Ben Peterson and Sous Chef Chris Ostermann. Food and Beverage Front of House Manager Colleen Doulgeropoulos worked with Server Jackie Espinosa and Lead Server Victoria Kaping to set up tables and food and drink stations, and ensure guests were served well.

Live Music:

Dave Chandroo, lead singer of Harmony Grove, played his guitar and sang songs we all knew.

If you did not get a chance to visit the park yet, please view this brief video .

A Little History:

The turf reduction project was completely funded by a county rebate and designed to reduce water use. The grassy area just west of the pickleball courts was transformed into a park-like design after removing the turf and placing native and drought-tolerant plants. Walking paths, benches, a dry creek bed, and a boulder bridge create an area of serenity in nature and extend our community park options.

Photos by Mary Ellen Stevens.

Horsefeathers

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 22:47:54 GMT

The Equestrian Team continues to make progress improving our equestrian facilities.

Arena 2 at Casey Tibbs is complete! A new DG base was installed, extending the arena an additional 16 feet, and we have a new washed concrete sand footing. The new sand will require extra watering and dragging for the first few weeks to get it fully worked in. We are still waiting for the last two panels to be delivered, but it is fully functional for riding and turnout now.

We pulled the rails down on both dressage courts at IEC, leveled and drug the footing, and now the courts are much better and ready to ride in. The infield was cleaned up. The trees were trimmed, old logs were removed, the area around the arena was weeded, and a new cross-country jump was installed.

Also, the San Vicente Saddle Club held a fun Horse Social Hour event last weekend. Read the story here .

Upcoming Events

Equestrian Committee meeting: Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 6:30 pm in the Rotunda

We are receiving the new well tank at Casey Tibbs on Thursday, Oct. 10; installation is planned for shortly thereafter.

Tree trimming in the IEC infield and oak removal by the entrance to Casey Tibbs will begin on Friday, Oct. 11.

Call for Story Submissions: Share Your Fall Fun!

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 22:24:47 GMT

Submit your favorite fall traditions, recipes, and fun activities to be featured in our community newsletter and help us celebrate the season together!

Fall is here, and we want to hear how you and your family celebrate this special season! Our community is filled with unique stories and traditions, and we’re inviting homeowners to share their favorite fall memories, recipes, and seasonal activities for our weekly newsletter.

What does fall mean to you? Is it the smell of freshly baked pumpkin pie or the crisp crunch of leaves underfoot during a morning walk? Do you have a long-standing tradition of visiting the pumpkin patch or decorating your home with autumn colors? Maybe you’ve got a delicious fall recipe, like warm apple cider or your famous butternut squash soup, that you’d love to share with your neighbors.

We’re looking for all kinds of stories that showcase the beauty and charm of the season—whether it’s a fun family activity, a meaningful tradition passed down through generations, or a new fall favorite you’ve discovered. Your submission could inspire others in the community to start new traditions or try a recipe they’ve never had before!

It’s easy to submit a story idea:

Submit your story idea about fall fun, fall traditions, favorite recipes, or anything else that makes this season special to you or a neighbor. You can share your ideas by clicking the submission link below.

Our writer will contact you, and your story could be featured in one of our upcoming newsletters!

So, cozy up, reflect on what makes fall magical to you or a neighborhood friend, and share the story idea with us. We're excited to hear from you and spread the joy of the season with the whole community!

Indalecio Leyva: October's Employee of the Month

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 20:30:22 GMT

Hats off to the Employee of the Month for October, Indalecio Leyva! Your dedication is genuinely appreciated.

Indalecio started with the San Diego Country Estates Association on May 4, 2010. He does landscape maintenance as part of the Open Space and Landscape Team. He works all aspects of landscape maintenance and is skilled as an equipment operator, a Class B Commercial Driver, and an all-around hard worker.

According to his supervisor, Nancy Zadrozny, Indalecio is the Association's only Class B driver and provides this service to both the Landscape and Equestrian departments. Indalecio is familiar with all the areas of SDCEA and is crucial during the annual Weed Abatement mowing process.

Indalecio's skills extend beyond maintenance. His background in construction and knowledge of concrete materials and processes have been instrumental in various projects. His work on the rock retaining wall at the pickleball courts and the retaining wall at Ramona Oaks Park Pool has not only enhanced the aesthetics but also improved the usability of these areas, providing a usable pathway for staff and guests.

When he is not working, Indalecio enjoys spending time with his family and young son, keeping busy with various activities. As an SDCEA employee, he loves the people he works with and enjoys working with his fellow crew members. His nickname is "Smiley," and he is a joy to work with.

Indalecio, your outstanding contributions have not gone unnoticed. We are eager to see what more you will accomplish in the future.

Thriving Through Social Connection

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 20:17:33 GMT

Last Saturday, at the San Vicente Saddle Club Horse Social Hour at the International Equestrian Center, there was fun for all ages with pony rides, crafts, a tack sale, raffles, prizes, and a little friendly competition.

Community members and equestrians came together last Saturday, for a fun-filled afternoon featuring pony rides, mini horse photo ops, raffles, prizes, a coloring contest, a horseshoe tournament, cornhole, crafts, a tack sale, and more.

Cheryl Schlauch, San Vicente Saddle Club Treasurer, says this was their first ever Horse Social Hour and their biggest event yet. The purpose of the event was to encourage equestrians, members, and non-members to socialize and enjoy a beautiful day with like-minded people. Marketing Designer Michelle Kelleher says the club hosts several events a year. They currently have 50 members and gained many more members from the event. "We are active at bringing the community together."

Horseback riders were taken out on the Pony Trail toward Gunn Stage Road in the early afternoon. San Vicente Saddle Club member Lisa Spounias said the trail looked great when they rode on it. She added it was very nice, peaceful, and serene. There were pony rides given by two trainers, Candace Regal, who has been a trainer for 35 years, and former horse racing jockey Kelly Van Zant, who has been a horse trainer for eight years.

Krystin Withers, a San Diego Country Estates resident for ten years, brought her two daughters, Hailey and Arya, to the event. She said they wanted to attend the Horse Social Hour because they don't have a horse, but her oldest daughter Hailey loves horses and wanted to get the opportunity to get in the saddle and be around them.

Megan Bugzavich brought her 4-year-old daughter, Kora Saragosa, to the horse social hour because Kora takes lessons with Miss Kelly. Kora loves horses and can already steer and trot. She is saving up to buy one of her own; Kora came up with a plan to earn money by selling eucalyptus bundles. Megan told her that if she wants a horse she needs to work hard, train hard, and listen to Miss Kelly. "It's been a real confidence boost," says Bugzavich.

Bella, the mini horse, was onsite for photo opportunities, and visitors were able to feed her a carrot. The Amazing Mini Miracles and their mini therapy horses were also at the event, meeting and greeting visitors. Owners Paul and Donna Carlomagno said they take the horses to schools, hospitals, retirement homes, and hospices to put smiles on people's faces. They have four mini horses and were invited to the event by Kelleher. "We are so happy to be here," said Donna.

The Honorary Town Mayor, Tim Connelly, joined the festivities and pulled raffle tickets for the donated gift baskets at the end of the event. Danny's Kitchen donated free weekly Bundt cakes for a month; The SDCEA donated a $50 gift certificate to the Par Lounge or The Oaks Grille; Smoking Cannon Brewery donated a "stop in and fill up" of two growlers with a t-shirt, stickers, and beer glass; Trudy Steele, donated a basket of hair care products; Poco Montaña Winery donated two bottles of wine and additional goodies; Kahoots Feed & Pet donated goodies for your horse and 50-pounds of hay pellets; and The Gym donated a 30-minute massage, 30-day membership, group training, and tanning.

Thank you to the sponsors and contributors, including the San Diego Country Estates Association, Danny's Kitchen, Red Whites and Brews, Diamond D Feed & Supply, John Hancock Photography, Smoking Cannon Brewery, Trudy Steele, Poco Montaña Vineyards, Kahoots Feed & Pet, PrintPost, and The Gym Ramona. Coldwell Banker Country Realtor, Shaylene Desma Kauvar donated water bottles, and Halloween candy to guests. Delicious food was available from the Nomadic Pizza Trolley.

The San Vicente Saddle Club (SVSC) stands as a beacon of community spirit and equestrian passion in San Diego Country Estates. For nearly half a century, SVSC has galloped through the heart of equestrian tradition, fostering a love for horses and riding. Their commitment to equestrian events, education, and community service is unwavering, even in the face of challenges like Covid and VSV. With the finalization of their 501(c)(7) non-profit certification on the horizon, SVSC is poised to leap into a future where trail rides, educational lectures, and community projects continue to flourish. The club's extensive list of activities and contributions, from poker rides to scholarships, and from trail maintenance to memorial walls, showcases a rich tapestry of service and camaraderie. As they gear up to revive and host more equestrian events, the club's enthusiasm is palpable, ensuring that the legacy of SVSC will trot on for years to come, bringing together horse enthusiasts and community members alike in a shared love for all things equestrian.

Photos by Tiffany Pressler

Car Show Enthusiast Winners Took the Stage at Ramona Oaks Park

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 20:36:32 GMT

Car owners kept it classy, showing off a wide array of classic and vintage cars at the 21st Annual Classic Car Show & Concert held on Saturday, September 21. Residents were moving and grooving to music by Steal Dawn while checking out timeless automobiles on display.

Cars play a vital role in people's lives, serving not only as a key source of transportation but also as a way to connect with others. Every car has a story, and on Saturday, September 21, classic car owners came together to bond over their collective passion and appreciate the work and history behind every automobile. Enthusiasts were staged around their vehicles at Ramona Oaks Park with family and friends while community members mingled. The commendable classics were parked on the grass, and many owners showcased the ins and outs of their automobiles, opening their hoods and revving their engines.

The first place People's Choice Award went to John Carterette and his 1955 Porsche Type 55 Spider; second place went to Steve and Linda Glau and their 1967 Camaro RS/SS; third place went to Tom and Kathy Luckie and their 1967 Austin Healey.

Third-place winner Tom Luckie, Jr. and his father, 87-year-old Tom Luckie, Sr., restored their two Austin Healey cars side by side over 30 years. They built their cars together—Luckie, Jr.'s 1959 and his father's 1967, which they took back to Tennessee, where he resides. Luckie, Jr. sold his car 15 years ago and brought his father's car back to California last year, and he told his father he would win something with the car. He won at the car show that night. The father and son put a lot of work into their automobiles as nothing is left unrestored on his beautiful car. Luckie, Jr. texted his father updates and photos of the car show throughout the evening.

San Diego Country Estates resident of 43 years, Bill Schacht, has attended the car show every year for about 12 years. He drives through cruise night with Ramona American Graffiti Cruise and likes to see all the people at the event. He brought his 1940 Ford Deluxe 5-window Coupe to display. He bought the car in 2015 and spent five years restoring it. His wife Carol helped restore the car, doing the upholstery inside the vehicle. Bill said the parts and vendors used to restore the car were "all sourced locally" in Ramona.

Another couple, Mark and Alison Farrin, have been married for 40 years and together for 45 years. Mark has had his 1973 Plymouth Road Runner for 50 years, longer than he has known his wife. "The car was five years old when I met her," says Mark. It was brand new when he started college. The car is a Root Beer color and has a big engine equipped with the "beep-beep" Roadrunner horn. They like the setting of this car show and say the cars look better on the grass.

This event is made possible by the hard work and dedication of several people. Crystal Carle, Accounting Assistant on the Human Resources Team for the San Diego Country Estates Association, has been helping put on the car show for years with her husband of 13 years, Brandon. "He helps me every year, measuring out the park for parking spaces and a designated driving lane for the vehicles," says Crystal. She has a 1967 Camaro, and Brandon has a 1969 Jeepster Commando. "We both share a love of old cars." They did not show their vehicles this year but hope to start restoration on both cars in the next year or so.

"My dad just bought a Corvette, his dream car," says Crystal. They are very close, and he is the one who got her into cars, teaching her how to change her oil and brakes, among other things. Her dad, Frank Klopp, had his torch-red Corvette on display at the car show, which attracted a lot of attention. Klopp is 82 years old, and he says it took him 82 years to finally get his dream car. "It was my dream car since it came out," says Klopp. "I'm a Chevy guy."

Crystal also wants to thank the people who volunteer to make the car show a success. Milt Galik, head of Patrol at SDCEA, volunteers every year to help place car show signs in the community and then picks them up after the event. This is such a help to Crystal each year. Tannis Dickson, Juli Elliott, and Nim Miranda volunteer to help count votes, locate winners, and check in cars the day of the show. Crystal says their help and support are worth so much, and she wouldn't be able to do the show without such amazing people volunteering their time each year. "I love the relationships and connections I've made over the years organizing the event, and it is a blessing to me to be able to watch so many enjoy the show each year," says Crystal.

Photos by Tiffany Pressler.

Helping Kids Express Their Feelings in Different Ways

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 20:02:18 GMT

At the Recreation Center, we are dedicated to helping children express their feelings in positive ways, such as through drawing journals and one-on-one walks, fostering an environment where they feel safe, loved, and heard.

In our programs here at the SDCEA Recreation Center, we've observed that some children are having difficulty expressing their feelings. We find that some children are showing that they are upset by pushing, hitting, or throwing things, or they may withdraw and refuse to talk. Recognizing that each child is unique, we're committed to finding what works best for each individual. Our ultimate goal is to create an environment where every child feels safe, loved, and heard.

Over time, we have found effective ways to help the children express their feelings in a new, positive way, and we would like to share two of them with you:

Drawing Journal: When the child is having a rough day, instead of having them just sit, give them their own journal and have them draw how they are feeling. This activity allows them to release their feelings in a safe and productive way, and I have found that they are more open to talking about it afterward.

One-on-One Walks: One-on-one walks help a child in our program feel like someone is invested in them. One of our staff members takes a walk around the park with the child and talks about feelings, how their day is going, and sets goals they would like to reach for the day. We have found that our daily walks have helped the children feel safe talking to us about anything that is on their minds and show that we care.

I like to tell the children that no child is bad, but sometimes, we can make bad choices. I also remind them that no one is perfect and even adults make mistakes!

Crafted Cocktails & Sunset Scenes: An Unforgettable Experience

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 19:47:49 GMT

Experience an unforgettable evening with handcrafted cocktails and breathtaking views of our picturesque golf course, where vibrant flavors meet serene ambiance.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of handcrafted cocktails set against the stunning backdrop of our scenic golf course. Relax and unwind as you enjoy the perfect blend of flavors and scenery in a vibrant yet sereneatmosphere.

Signature Cocktails

Golf Course Mule : A crisp mix of vodka, ginger beer, and fresh lime, garnished with mint. A refreshing choice for a warm evening.
Sunset Spritz : Aperol, prosecco, and a splash of soda come together, topped with an orange slice to compliment the sunset hues.
Herb-Infused Gin and Tonic : Premium gin paired with tonic water and fresh herbs for a refreshing take on a timeless classic.
Berry Basil Lemonade : A fruity and fresh combination of berries, basil, strawberry rum, and lemonade served over ice.

Immerse in the Atmosphere Sip your cocktail while soaking in the breathtaking views of rolling greens, the peaceful sounds of nature, and the vibrant colors of the sunset. Whether you’ve just finished a round of lateafternoon golf or are simply looking for a relaxing evening, the setting is perfect for every occasion.

Join Us Whether celebrating with friends or savoring a quiet moment, our crafted cocktails will elevate your experience. Indulge in the flavors, the views, and the ambiance. We look forward to welcoming you!

Join Us for an Exciting Pickleball Tournament

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 19:29:36 GMT

Pickleball players, get your paddles ready and join us for a tournament at the San Vicente Resort on Saturday, October 26.

Nim Miranda, Executive Assistant at the San Diego Country Estates Association, has been playing pickleball since 2021 and practices on the court at the San Vicente Resort. She says that pickleball is good for your health and good for people socially. She knows a lot of people and homeowners who play and has made a lot of friends playing the sport.

Most commonly, people play doubles, consisting of two players on a team working together to cover the court, strategize, and score points. The goal is to score points by hitting the ball over the net into the opponent’s court. Points are won when the opposing team fails to return the ball correctly. The game lasts approximately 15 minutes, depending on how long the rallies last.

The tournament will have men’s, women’s, and mixed divisions for all skill levels. On the day of the event, check-in for the women’s division begins at 7:30 am, and they play at 8 am. The mixed division’s check-in begins at 10:30 am, and they play at 11 am. The men’s division check-in begins at 2 pm, and they play at 2:30 pm. The tournament will include a round-robin event with playoffs. All teams will play in their skill-level group. Balls are provided by Gear Box, the tournament ball sponsor, but players need to bring their own paddles.

The registration fee for members is $35 for their first game and $20 for their second game. Non-members will be charged $45 for their first game and $20 for their second game. The registration deadline is October 21.

“People usually sign up as a double,” says Miranda. “People like to play with a player they have been practicing with and know how their partner plays.” If single players are looking for a team, you can contact Miranda at her desk at 760-789-3788, 5000 or email her at Nim.Miranda@sdcea.net, and she will do her best to match players up with partners.

Gather your friends and be part of the pickleball action!

Check out the event flyer!

Making a Difference: Laura Miller is Recognized as this Quarter’s Outstanding Volunteer

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 18:27:17 GMT

The San Diego Country Estates Association takes pride in the dedication, hard work, and commitment of our team members. This quarter, we are excited to honor Laura Miller as our Volunteer of the Quarter.

Laura Miller joined The Community Relations Committee (CRC) in March 2022. The CRC conducts hearings for members as requested by the Association’s governing documents and California Civil Code. She joined the Environmental Control Committee (ECC) in March 2024. The ECC members consider and act upon any and all proposals or plans submitted by Homeowners to ensure that any improvements constructed on properties by anyone conform to plans approved by the ECC.

On the CRC, Miller is part of a 5-member committee that meets monthly with homeowners when a non-conformance has risen to the level of requiring a hearing. The committee makes every effort to work with homeowners to resolve conformance matters, though some issues require authorizing fines to gain conformance. Miller accepted the position of committee chair in November 2023.

On the ECC, Miller is part of a 3-member committee that meets twice a month to review applications for improvements on homeowners’ lots. The committee drives through the community to conduct progress inspections on existing applications and selects the Home of the Month.

Miller moved to Ramona from Colorado and has been a San Diego Country Estates homeowner for three years. She was a business owner in project engineering construction and is now retired. She also took classes in business and engineering and worked for Aerospace. She says it was a high-intensity job. She worked 12 hours a day, six days a week for 53 weeks. “Sitting and doing nothing is not in my bones,” she says. She likes to keep herself busy with the committees. She enjoys helping homeowners with issues they may be experiencing and makes sure to follow documents when reviewing requests for revisions to properties and homes. “We want to help to follow documents as close as we can,” says Miller.

According to her lead, Josh Jones, Assistant General Manager of the San Diego Country Estates Association, Miller brings a wealth of experience to both her committees with a background in construction project management and a positive demeanor with fellow homeowners. She is genuinely interested in helping others and promoting SDCEA as a friendly place to live.

Sip & Stay Package

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 17:32:08 GMT

Sip & Stay Package
In partnership with Milagro Winery

Looking for the perfect staycation while visiting local wineries? San Vicente Resort, together with Milagro Winery, invites you to experience our exclusive Sip & Stay package.

Relax in one of our beautifully appointed guestrooms, each offering a stunning view of the golf course, while you sip wine on your private balcony. Bask in the serene beauty of the surrounding mountains, take a moment for yourself, and… breathe.

Your package includes:

Early check-in at 12 pm
Upon arrival, your choice of a featured bottle of wine from Milagro Winery:
2019 Bellorosso: A blend of 67% Sangiovese and 33% Cabernet Sauvignon. This Super Tuscan-style wine is one of our most popular, presenting notes of nutmeg and leather with lingering flavors of dried cherries, tobacco, and sage. Perfect with Italian fare, olives, or red sauce dishes.
2023 Ballena Blanco : A fresh, fruit-forward blend of 36% Pinot Gris, 32% Chardonnay, and 32% Sauvignon Blanc. This light-bodied wine has a bright, clean profile that pairs beautifully with seafood (oysters, ceviche, cioppino) or light appetizers (prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, bruschetta, endive with goat cheese).
Two San Vicente Resort logo wine glasses
Two bottles of water
A buy-one-get-one-free wine-tasting voucher for Milagro Winery

Rates:

One King Bed: $189 + tax
Two Queen Beds: $209 + tax

Want to extend your stay? Book a second night for just $169 + tax (King Room) or $189 + tax (Two Queen Beds), including another bottle of wine of your choice! Available October 1 - December 31, 2024.

This package is based on availability and includes all the offerings listed above. It is available for new reservations only and cannot be combined with other offers or promotions. Wine is not sold separately, and you must be over the age of 21 to purchase this package.

View our flyer.

Movie Night at Ramona Town Hall Theater

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 00:04:45 GMT

Honorary Deputy Vice Mayor Garrett Wear is giving Ramona Town Hall new life with community movie nights. The next movie night features The Rocketeer and Dick Tracy on Saturday, Sept. 28, and then continues every Saturday during October and December and the last Saturday of the month in November.

Ramona Town Hall has unique origins. According to Honorary Town Mayor Tim Connelly, the town hall was finished in 1894 and was donated to the townspeople of Ramona by Augustus and Martha Barnett. It is owned by the town and held in a trust by a volunteer board of five trustees.

“That building makes people stop,” says Connelly. It was originally built with adobe and no steel and needed retrofitting to be functional. They need to spend another $2.4 million to restore the town hall, and that price changes with the costs of supply and labor. He added that Town Hall is a very important part of Ramona because of its symbolism. It slowed our town from looking like every other manufactured town across the country with our three blocks of old buildings on Main Street.

The last time a movie was shown in Ramona Town Hall was 78 years ago. But Honorary Deputy Vice Mayor Garrett Wear has set out to bring the pastime back. “It’s a little hobby and passion of mine,” says Wear. Movie night originated when Wear wanted to watch movies in the town hall by himself. He says he is a bit of a rebel and thought it would be really cool to sit in an old building and watch movies. He decided to invite friends for a bit of camaraderie. Wear went one step further and started a movie night open to the community, with all the proceeds going to the Ramona Town Hall.

“We are a living-frozen-in-time town,” says Wear. He says he tries to choose movies that remind him of Ramona or what Ramona could have been like during different periods. He tries to make a connection to the town and says that even though the movies shown weren’t filmed here, it looks like they could have been. “I like to educate people,” says Wear. Before each movie, former Program Director of Turner Classic Movies, Kristina Kingsley Fairweather, provides a 5–10-minute introduction and commentary, giving a brief insight about each movie and its importance.

Wear has had two movie nights so far, and attendance for those shows was about 30 to 50 people. He is thankful for the help he has had setting up for each event. His nephew and friend work the concessions, his mom runs the ticket booth, and a few trustees of the town hall have helped. He wants to remain consistent and let the community know he plans to continue movie nights. “I have to chisel away at my list,” says Wear. He has a few ideas for the movie lineup in the coming months. He says “It’s a Wonderful Life” will definitely be shown, and he would like to incorporate a movie night during the Christmas Tree Lighting on Main Street.

The movies play in the main hall, a big room in the middle that hasn’t been open to the public in decades. It’s now up to the construction code to fit people in safely. The movie is viewed on three giant 15x12-ft canvases that are painted white and bolted down to make a movie screen. Wear is setting aside money to purchase a 22-ft wide retractable screen that will be a permanent fixture. He plans to buy this screen wholesale for $3,000 with funds from movie nights. The first two movie nights have been very successful, bringing in $1,000 each night.

Wear wants to put Ramona on the map and bring more people out through the movies he shows. He lives a vintage lifestyle and likes the idea of making it a Pleasantville. He says anyone who loves history and wants to get involved and be a part of saving it is very much appreciated. “We’re also trying to let the school districts know to tell the kids that there’s a new place to hang out now since they’re so nostalgic for the 90s.”

The next movie night is on Saturday, Sept. 28. Wear will be screening The Rocketeer and Dick Tracy. Wear says he loves dark, crime-ridden film noir movies. He adds that neo-noir is a film genre that revives the classic film noir style and themes while adding a modern sensibility. Ramona is a perfect living movie set for such a drama.

Doors open at 5:30 pm, and the movie starts at 6 pm. The double feature ticket price is $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased with cash or Venmo at the door.

Comfortable cushioned chairs are set up for viewers the night before each screening. Guests can also bring their own chairs or bean bags if that is more comfortable. Kids can also lounge right up in front of the screen. They offer affordable snack options such as boxed candy, popcorn, water, lemonade, and soda. Guests can bring their own food as long as they are quiet and clean about it.

The October lineup consists of spooky movies, including:

Saturday, October 5-It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, The Lost Boys, and Dracula (1931)

Saturday, October 12-The Monster Squad and Frankenstein (1931)

Saturday, October 19-The Ghost & Mr. Chicken and The Blob (1958)

Saturday, October 26-The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (cartoon), Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow, and Häxan: Witchcraft Through the Ages (1922 Silent).

Wednesday, October 30-Halloween and Halloween II.

Thursday, October 31-The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Dress up and bring props)

Information on upcoming movies can be found on The Ramona Town Hall Theater Facebook page .

The Town Hall rents out two rooms. The basic hourly rate, which includes tables and chairs, is $30 for the east wing and $40 for the west wing. Connelly said these rooms are often rented out by various groups, and a church meets there every Sunday. They have even held weddings inside, which raise a lot of money for Town Hall’s maintenance and restoration.

A concert was recently held at Town Hall, and Ashley Norton is set to play at the Songbirds & Sunflowers 3rd Anniversary Festival on Friday, October 4. Doors open at 5 pm and the music starts at 6 pm. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

Both Connelly and Wear thank Woody Kirkman for his contributions. “He is the longest-standing champion, and the building would have fallen down without his die-hard dedication,” says Connelly. Anyone interested in donating to the restoration of the townhall can ramonatownhall.org and fill out the pledge form under the “donate” tab.

SDCEA Lifeguards are Back in the Water for Bulldog Water Polo

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 23:43:35 GMT

Aeson Buckley and four other boys who were lifeguards at the San Vicente and Ramona Oaks Park pools this summer are back in the water representing the Ramona High School Boys’ Water Polo team this season.

RHS students and SDCE residents Aeson Buckley, 15, Mark Gilliland, 15, John Gilliland, 17, Greg Richardson, 15, and Ramona resident Henry Pepich, 16, were all lifeguards for the San Diego Country Estates over the summer and are on the RHS Water Polo Team, playing in Division 2.

“We started lifeguarding June 9 to now,” says Aeson. His mom, Jenna Buckley, says, “It was a great first job and a great job for a water polo player.” As a lifeguard, they learn customer service skills by keeping people at the pool safe and enforcing rules. The boys are well-liked by the community and are role models for the younger kids. Aeson plans to lifeguard next summer at the San Diego Country Estates pool. He says he loves to swim and likes to be in the water more than on land.

The RHS Water polo season started in August and runs through November, with daily 2.5-hour practice Monday through Saturday. “They work really hard,” says Jenna. The boys go to school from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm and are in the pool from 4 to 6:30 pm. Water Polo is fast-paced, with six players on each team and a goalie, similar to football or soccer. Players have to tread water for seven minutes at a time and can only touch the ball with one hand. Aeson says they use their bodies to move, score, and defend, which conditions their bodies and teaches teamwork. Jenna, says that when people come and watch the games, they are amazed by the game’s complexity and how physical it is.

Water polo was dubbed the toughest sport in the world by a 2016 Bleacher Report based upon six parameters of strength, endurance, speed, agility, skill, and physicality. Aeson says there is a higher chance of obtaining a scholarship through water polo.

The sport doesn’t get as much attention as other high-intensity sports like football, basketball, and baseball, but it is gaining popularity. The USA Men’s Water Polo team won a bronze medal in this summer’s Paris Olympics. Three of the players on the Olympic team were from San Diego. Each July, USA Water Polo hosts the Junior Olympics, the largest youth water polo tournament in the U.S., where the best teams in the country battle for the gold medal. This summer, two Ramona Bulldog players participated in the national tournament with their club teams: Brady Bailey (senior) on 18U with Del Mar Water Polo Club and Aeson Buckley (sophomore) on 16U with Poway Valley Water Polo Club.

“We hope it excites some kids in the community to learn more about it and consider checking it out next summer,” says Jenna. She wants to get the word out and introduce the sport to Ramona because it’s not very well-known. RHS Water Polo has a varsity and junior varsity team with a total of 18 kids led by three coaches. It’s a summer/fall sport and a good option for our climate.

People looking for more information or who want to follow the boys' progress this season can find them on Facebook at Ramona Boys Water Polo and Instagram: @ramonaboyswaterpolo .

The next home game is Tuesday, Oct. 8, against Fallbrook High School, and the team would love to see some new fans.

Photos courtesy of the players. The name on each photo is the swimmer with the ball.

The San Vicente Saddle Club Horse Social Hour: Saturday, Sept. 28, 2 – 7 pm

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 23:02:23 GMT

Join the San Vicente Saddle Club for their first-ever Horse Social Hour, a fun-filled day for the whole family featuring games, raffles, vendors, pony rides, and delicious food, with all proceeds supporting the local horse community.

The San Vicente Saddle Club is excited to announce our first-ever Horse Social Hour! Bring a friend, your kids, your horse, and a chair for a day of fun. We welcome people of all ages—there’s something for everyone. Even our Honorable Mayor, Tim Connelly, will be there with some exciting announcements.

Families are encouraged to join the festivities! Ride your favorite horse while the kids enjoy a coloring contest or board games. Dads, test your aim with horseshoes or cornhole (courtesy of Red, Whites, and Brews). Capture sweet moments with mini pony Bella, who loves meeting the kids.

Satisfy your cravings with pizza from the Nomadic Pizza Trolley or baked treats from Cedar Rose Cafe. Our vintage popcorn machine will also be running—just one dollar a bag (or one ticket).

Tickets are only a dollar each and can be used for popcorn, games, pony pictures, or raffle prizes. We’ll also have a tack sale, with a variety of vendors and crafters showcasing their goods. Don’t miss Kahoots’ giveaways, which your pets will love!

This fundraiser supports the San Vicente Saddle Club, with all proceeds going back into the local horse community. The Ramona community has been incredibly supportive, and we can't wait to see everyone for a day full of fun!

Raffle prizes include:

Wine basket and goodies
Gift basket of hair care products
Bundt cakes for a month (one per week)
Horse products gift basket
$50 San Vicente Resort gift card
50 lbs. of hay pellets
Grooming tote filled with horse products
Two jugs of beer of your choice
T-shirt, stickers, and more!

A special thanks to our sponsors:
Coldwell Banker Real Estate - Shaylene Desma, Kahoots Feed & Pet, Diamond D’s Feed & Supply, Poco Montana Vineyards, Trudy Steele, Danny’s Kitchen, SDCEA, Smoking Cannon Brewery, and Reds, Whites & Brews.

Golf Course Maintenance Update

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 22:53:05 GMT

The San Vicente Golf Course is preparing for its most labor-intensive season with aerification, maintenance, and fertilization to ensure optimal conditions through fall and into winter while keeping the greens in excellent shape despite challenging weather.

Welcome to fall, fellow golf enthusiasts and residents! Most Americans are thinking about pumpkin spice, falling leaves, and cozying up by the fire with a mulled wine, but for a golf course superintendent, this time of year means one thing: poking holes in the grass and filling them with sand. Fall is the most labor-intensive time of year at a golf course.

Here at our beloved San Vicente Golf Course, we have big plans to aerate our greens—though they’re in excellent condition right now. It’s taken a lot of TLC, wetting agent tablets, extra syringing in the mornings and afternoons, and a few tricks of the trade to keep them thriving. We’ve endured about 30 days of temperatures soaring into the 113°F range, with turf surface temperatures reaching 125°F! When grass is cut at just .120 inches, growing grass becomes challenging, especially if the afternoon winds pick up. Credit goes to my team of watermen for their diligent hand watering!

I’ve been told that some unseasonably warm weather is still ahead in October, accompanied by the Santa Ana winds, and this contributes to one more hurdle for the season. Last year wasn’t too bad, so fingers crossed for the same this season.

Preparing for Winter and Spring

Over the next six weeks, we’ll be busy with maintenance practices to prepare the course for next spring. This includes plenty of punching, spraying, fertilizing, and readying the course for winter dormancy. Please remember to repair your ball mark—and while you're at it, fix one other.

“The shorter the shot, the longer the excuse as to why you missed it.” – John Biro

Invitation to the Grand Opening of San Vicente Park: Saturday, Sept. 28, 5 pm

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 22:29:04 GMT

Experience San Vicente Park. A relaxing amenity we hope you enjoy.

We are excited to invite you to the Grand Opening of San Vicente Park, an event designed to foster community engagement and celebrate our shared commitment to environmental sustainability. This park is located west of the pickleball courts, and is a special place for the community to come together, connect, and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, Sept. 28

Time: 5 pm – end
Golf Cart Assistance: 4:30 – 6:30 pm

Join us for an evening of celebration featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony, engaging speakers, live music, and a delicious BBQ! Plus, learn about the park's positive environmental impact and how we're contributing to a more sustainable future.

What to Expect:

An Inspiring Opening: Landscape Manager and project visionary Nancy Zadrozny, SDCEA Board President Jeffrey Wells, and General Manager Darren Shaw will share the story behind the park. This will be followed by the presentation of a $150,000 check from SoCal Water Smart and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Backyard BBQ Classics: Savor complimentary hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, and refreshing cold soda and water.

Live Music: Enjoy the evening with music by Dave Chandroo, lead singer of Harmony Grove.

Golf Cart Assistance will be available to ensure you can comfortably enjoy the event.

We hope to see you there to celebrate this exciting milestone with our community!

See a video preview of the park.

Pups’ Time to Shine at the BowWow PowWow

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 16:32:09 GMT

Dog owners will gather with their furry friends at the Ramona Fairgrounds on Saturday, September 14, to participate in the 16th Annual BowWow PowWow Dog Show.

Dogs and their owners will be dressing up and competing in fun categories at the Kiwanis Club of Ramona’s 16th Annual BowWow PowWow Dog Show. The categories include Best Costume (adult’s dog), Best Costume (child’s dog), Most Beautiful (female), Most Handsome (male), Dog and Owner Look Alike, Dog and Child Look Alike, Most Talented, Best Tail Wagger, Cutest Little Dog, Best Kisser, Senior Dog, and People’s Choice. Three judges will choose which dogs/handlers receive the prize ribbons.

Apart from the entertaining competition, there will also be a raffle and silent auction. Dog houses made by Montecito High School construction students and a dog package from Kritter camp are a couple of the items that will be available for silent auction bidding. The dog package includes a choice of two weeks at Kritter Kamp’s boarding facility or one week for two dogs.

The event will take place at the Ramona Fairgrounds located off Fifth Street and Aqua Lane from 11 am to 3 pm on Saturday, September 14. Food and refreshments such as hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, and root beer floats will be available.

Admission is $5, with free admission for children 12 and younger, handlers and their dogs. The registration entry fee is $20 for up to five contest categories. Registration begins at 10 am, or you can register online at ramonakiwanis.org.

Event proceeds will go to Ramona Kiwanis Foundation Community Services benefiting student scholarships, Guy B. Woodward Museum, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3783, Ramona Senior Center, Ramona Skatepark Champions, and other youth, military, and community projects.

Thank you to the sponsors who contributed to this event: Kritter Kamp, Rancho Land Co., Senior Solutions, Tiffany Lynch Realtor, Ramona Real Estate, and Ramona Disposal Service.

For more information, email ramonakiwanisbwpw@gmail.com or visit Ramona Kiwanis’

Facebook page or the service organization’s website .

A Friendly Reminder from the Community Relations Committee

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 16:16:41 GMT

The Community Relations Committee (CRC) reviews homeowners’ non-conformance with community guidelines, focusing on issues like trash can concealment, and offers opportunities for residents to address special circumstances during monthly meetings.

The Community Relations Committee (CRC) is a panel of volunteer homeowners appointed by the board that meets monthly to review notices of non-conformance with the CC&Rs and the SDCEA Handbook. A commonality is trash can concealment.

As a friendly reminder, trash cans are to be obscured from view from the street or neighboring properties, with some exceptions. Below is an excerpt from the SDCEA Handbook, section 1.3, Debris and Outside Storage:

Trash cans and other debris shall not be visible from any portion of the street or neighboring lots except on trash pick-up day. Curb staging may occur on the day prior after 4 pm and removed following pick-up by the end of the day.

If you receive a courtesy reminder letter from the Community Relations team and you believe there are special circumstances, we are here to help. A portion of each meeting is allocated to homeowner input; please come tell us about your situation, and we will work with you to try to find a solution.

CRC meetings are typically held on the second Wednesday of the month in the Admin Board Room, next to the Golf Pro Shop. More information can be found in the Community Calendar in the Valley News or online in your Member Portal. If you have questions about conformance notices or the governing documents, please contact Community Relations at CRDdept@sdcea.net, call 760-789-8747, or visit their office at 15910 Avenel Lane.

Par Lounge Favorite Ashley E. Norton Returns from European Tour

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 15:52:59 GMT

For the past three years, Par Lounge and Deck has been the home spot on most Wednesday nights for Ramona-based singer and songwriter Ashley E. Norton.

If you missed seeing and hearing Ashley in August, that’s because she was touring in Europe, bringing her unique voice, infectious smile, and original Americana tunes to an audience that hasn’t had the pleasure of seeing her in person since her 2019 tour with former band Whitherward.

This year, when one of the venues in Germany asked Ashley if she’d be willing to come back and perform, it was the catalyst for a new European tour with three concerts in Germany, two in the UK, and additional time built in for sightseeing, relaxation, and visiting with family overseas.

“Even though I was gone for a long time, it was a small tour,” she says. “But you know, sometimes things just happen the way they’re supposed to happen.” As it turns out, her tour coincided with the release of her new album, “Call of The Void,” resulting in what Ashley calls a “happy accident.”

Just before she hit the road, Ashley heard from her European promoter that she had been listed as one of the Euro Americana Chart “Artists to Watch,” an impressive indication that her popularity is not simply a local Ramona phenomenon. While Ashley traveled through Europe, performing, and reconnecting with old fans and meeting new ones, local DJs were spinning her tunes, and critics were praising her latest album. Then, mere days after returning home and unpacking her bags, she got exciting news--“Call Of The Void” had hit the #20 spot on the September 2024 Euro Americana Chart.

“So, I’m just getting notification after notification that all these FM radio stations across Europe are playing my music,” she says with a humility and disbelief that belies her talent. “It almost doesn’t feel real, but it is, and it’s really incredible.”

She continues, “This tour was kind of me dipping my toes back in the European market, and it clearly went very well. And now that I’m getting all this radio play, I think you can expect some more tours to Europe from me.” As if anticipating my next question, she quickly adds, “But don’t worry—I'm not moving there!”

A relative newcomer to the area, Ashley is a well-known and respected contributor to the local music scene. Among other things, she is the producer of the popular all-female songwriter showcase, “Songbirds.” She co-founded Ramona Music Alliance with Ramona Music Center owner John Hasz, and earlier this year, the two of them were recognized as Citizens of the Year by the Ramona Chamber of Commerce. She’s made Ramona her home, and her affection for the town is apparent. “I’ve only been here for four years, but I absolutely love it. I love how quiet it is and the community. It’s just an incredible place to be.”

Ashley’s European tour was full of too many great moments for her to pick a single highlight, but as I listened to her share a few stories, one stuck with me. While attending an Americana showcase in the Netherlands, she was captivated by a Nashville performer named Emily Nenni. “I saw her, and I loved her, and I got her CD and everything,” Ashley explained. When she heard a couple of days later about a Dublin radio DJ who had been playing Ashley’s music, she visited him in the studio and saw a stack of CDs that included both her and Nenni’s latest albums. “Going to see this artist and then being played on the same exact radio station” is what Ashley describes as her “favorite kind of kismet.”

It might be hard to believe that a rising star like Ashley, with a growing fan base both across the country and overseas, is so sure about staying in Ramona, but her sincerity is obvious. And when people say they’re worried about losing her to the big city and the fast life, her answer is always the same: “No, Ramona is my home.”

And we sure are lucky to have her. You can catch Ashley regularly in venues throughout Ramona, performing with her bands Lady Psychiatrist’s Booth , Ash and the Mondays , and, of course, performing her original music and creative covers of popular tunes every Wednesday at Par Lounge and Deck. She even takes requests!

Ashley’s new album, Call Of The Void, is available to download from all streaming services, including Spotify and Bandcamp .

Local Artist to Feature Painted Wine Barrel at Par Lounge Meet the Winemaker Event: Wednesday, Sept. 25

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 15:16:01 GMT

In celebration of the upcoming November Ramona Arts, Wine, & Music Festival, Par Lounge created a special Meet the Winemaker Event on Wednesday, Sept. 25 featuring Artist Johnathan Martinez, Winemaker Elaine Lyttleton from Hatfield Creek & Musician Ashley E. Norton. Experience this event from 5:30 - 8:30 pm, meet Johnathan, and see the finished wine barrel!

SDCE artist Johnathan Martinez has creativity and a drive to create beautiful art with an emotional connection. His newest piece is a wine barrel he painted with a vineyard theme featuring beautiful grape vines with depth and a variety of colors.

Martinez’ wine barrel artwork will be displayed in the Par Lounge on Wednesday, September 25th, at the Meet the Winemaker Event featuring Hatfield Creek Vineyards & Winery and music by local artist Ashley E. Norton. Martinez will also be at the event, talking about his newest piece.

Martinez’ love for creating artwork started when he was three or four years old. “My Mom was an artist.” He loved to draw while his mother painted in the dining room. He followed her artistic footsteps and continued drawing until he entered the Navy. He started painting again in 2007 and became more serious about it in 2010 and 2011.

In 2012, Martinez was painting portraits and getting bored and uninspired with the repetition of painting photos of a subject’s face. He prayed and told God he didn’t know what to paint. He says God told him that, since all his walls are white, he should paint art on his walls, so he started abstract painting.

Martinez has been playing and experimenting with different styles. “Art is always evolving, and it speaks to people.” He decided to paint subjects without facial features and started with a long-haired, faceless woman in a green shawl. He found that people connected with her and developed an emotional connection to the art. “I don’t do faces because I choose not to,” says Martinez. Painting subjects without faces enables people to connect and project themselves into the piece.

He has been painting wine barrels on and off for several years. “Wine barrels are cool,” says Martinez. People can bring a piece of furniture into their home that doesn’t just go on the wall. It’s a conversation starter. He also painted two murals for the Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Mural Project. The first one is called “La Quinceañera” and is located at Leslie’s Pool Supplies at 1905 Main Street. The second is a multidimensional image that features two garden visitors, one of which is a hummingbird located at 680 Main St.

“I wanted to do something native to San Diego and colorful,” says Martinez. “Everyone likes hummingbirds, and they are full of color.” The Hummingbird Mural inspiration came from the Anna and Costa Hummingbirds, and he painted a mixture of both. He has a lot of flowers and hummingbird feeders in his backyard, so he has a lot of hummingbird visitors. He adds that hummingbirds face several threats to their habitat.

Martinez and his wife moved to San Diego Country Estates in 2010. The couple met when he was in the Navy. He was 25, and she was 24. “I charmed her,” says Martinez. He met her before his first deployment and got her parents’ address so he could write to her while he was away. He likes to write; he writes poetry and songs.

They love that Ramona, and the Estates, provide a family-based community, especially with their four children. “Once you live here, it’s like a little slice of heaven,” says Martinez. He added that it’s nice to have the benefit of living near a lot of big cities while still being in a small community. He feels safer here and says the people are more wholesome. Martinez is thankful for the Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Mural Project for bringing attention to Ramona with the wineries, nature, art, and music.

Check out Martinez’ murals around Ramona and stop by the Par Lounge on September 25th to see and hear about his newest piece while enjoying delicious food and fabulous wine. San Vicente Resort is sponsoring the Meet the Winemaker Event, which is sure to spark creativity for all.

Click here for information about the Ramona Arts, Wine, & Music Festival on Nov. 2.

Art in progress ... Be the first to see the final barrel.

SDCEA Equestrian Committee Event: Evacuation & Emergency Preparedness Clinic

heather.mcghee@sdcea.net (Heather McGhee) — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 14:24:46 GMT

The San Diego Country Estates Association (SDCEA) Equestrian Committee hosted an Evacuation & Emergency Preparedness Clinic on Saturday, September 7. Experts from SDCART, the County of San Diego, and other organizations discussed horse evacuation planning, trailer safety, and emergency response.

Members of the SDCEA Equestrian Committee led by Committee Chair Missi Stone and Committee Secretary Vanessa Jerrell welcomed over 30 participants to an event during the scorching heat-filled morning of Saturday, Sept. 7. Cold drinks, light refreshments, and a complimentary emergency kit were prepared by Missi and Vanessa for guests to enjoy before the experts on Evacuation and Emergency preparedness presented helpful information while others were available on the sidelines and at tables.

San Diego County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Daniel R. Sloppye opened the clinic and shared helpful information about the critical role of sheriff’s department personnel and the services they provide in emergencies. Three Ramona patrol deputies stood by.

Battalion Chief Bud Sullins from CAL FIRE San Diego County - Ramona Fire Station 81 raised awareness about firefighter challenges in an evacuation and emergency and stressed preparedness as a fundamental action. Planning for people and families is critical, and additional preparation steps are equally important for pet and horse evacuations.

The experienced animal control officer with San Diego County, Denise “DJ” Gove, presented helpful emergency preparation information specific to animals, especially horses, which was well received by the equestrian-owning participants. Her caring personality and firsthand knowledge facilitated an easy-to-understand presentation on highly specific topics, including local and state emergency requirements for pets and the collaborative nature of the many organizations that work together in an emergency.

Topics Presented

The importance of planning for your horses
Shelter-in-place procedures
Temporary Evacuation Point details in case of evacuation
Best practices for evacuating horses
Ensuring your trailer is connected correctly
Inspecting your trailer for safety and readiness
Handling horses that are difficult to load
Personal Liability

DJ walked through many situations and best practices for evacuation and preparedness and addressed participants' questions and comments. Many others were on hand to assist in answering questions and providing information including volunteers Julie Swain and Todd Cameron.

View the entire presentation here.

MORE INFORMATION

DJ Gove, Emergency Coordinator for the County of San Diego, Department of Animal Services: Oversees emergency preparedness and response efforts for animals during disasters, including coordinating evacuations, sheltering, and providing guidance on animal safety and welfare.

San Diego County Animal Response Team (SDCART): Provides emergency response services for animals during disasters, including rescuing and evacuating animals, setting up emergency shelters, and coordinating with other agencies to ensure animal safety and care.

For more information, click here.

Ramona West End Fire Safe Council: Works to enhance community wildfire preparedness and safety by promoting fire prevention strategies, conducting educational outreach, organizing community events, and collaborating with local agencies to reduce fire risks and improve emergency response capabilities in the Ramona area.

For more information, click here.

Kahoots in Ramona donated an emergency first aid kit. Teresa O’Donnell and Rosalinda Stevenson from the SDG&E Wildfire Preparedness Team were on hand and provided information and materials.

Gearing Up for the Classic Car Show

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 17:30:26 GMT

Classic car owners and enthusiasts are washing, waxing, and polishing their cars in preparation for the 21st Annual Classic Car Show and Concert at Ramona Oaks Park.

Steve and Linda Glau have participated in the Classic Car Show for over 17 years. Steve has lived in the San Diego Country Estates for 27 years, and Linda has lived here since she and Steve got married eight years ago. In 2008, Steve’s 1967 Camaro won Best Muscle Car, and in 2018, he won 1st place. Now, he and Linda each bring a car to the show, a ’67 Corvette and a ’67 Camaro. “It’s a his and hers thing this year,” says Steve. Linda adds that she is taking the Corvette, and it's super cute.

The couple really enjoy the social aspect of the car show and like to see all the people who come out to support the community. “It’s a lifestyle, not a hobby,” says Steve. He feels an obligation to the old cars and to involve people with them. Linda added that she is a caretaker of these cars and helps to carry on the tradition and share the history with the younger generations. She says that little kids get so excited when they see these classic cars, and she loves it when people come up to them to talk about their cars. “It’s a way to relive your youth through these classic cars,” says Linda.

“One additional interesting feature of the car show is that it is a People’s Choice show,” says Steve. Some shows are judged by a specific group of people, but the People’s Choice means that everyone attending the show has a vote for the winners. Each car is assigned a number, and the ballots are handed out early during the show. It allows car owners and the public to participate in the event.

The Glaus participate in more than classic car shows. They both race Autocross with the Sports Car Club of America, in which traffic cones are used to make a mini-road course in a parking lot. Linda races her Subaru BRZ. “It’s the most fun thing I’ve done in my entire life,” says Linda. “It’s a timed event.” They have a 2018 Corvette Grand Sport, a streetcar they race in Autocross. They have a 1968 Camaro that is not quite finished yet, but once it's ready, Steve will drag race it at Barona. They are also involved with the Ramona American Graffiti Cruise and cruise every Thursday night.

Harold and Gretchen Carlisle have been married for 53 years and SDCEA homeowners for 38 years. Harold has been coming to the car show since 2008 and was a winner in 2008, 2010, 2019, and 2021. Now his son, Harold Dean III, also known as Tripp, and his two grandsons, Kaleb, 18, and JJ, 13, are following Harold’s footsteps, making it three generations of car guys who have been coming to these car shows for 16 years.

Harold has three classic cars and built them all: a 1933 Ford Component, a 1967 Camaro Super Sport, and a halfway-done 1972 Chevelle that they have been working on for the last year and a half. “JJ did the breaks on the ’33, and they work,” says Gretchen. They have worked on other cars, including a 1967 Cobra car they finished in 2008 but no longer have. According to Harold, it’s a labor of love. Harold hopes to build his son and daughter each a car and hopes his grandkids will inherit them one day and say, ‘That’s what grandpa did.’

He spends a couple of days prepping each car for the car show—cleaning, polishing, and waxing them from top to bottom. “I write the checks,” says Gretchen. She also provides moral support for the car show guys by making sure they have food and drinks while working on the cars.

Harold enjoys seeing the community’s interest in looking at cars and likes to share what he built with his son and two grandkids. He says that’s what makes it special. Harold added that some of the prizes for the show include a trophy, gift cards for rounds of golf, and lodging at the hotel.

Crystal Carle, Accounting Assistant at the San Diego Country Estates Association, organizes the event. Carle registers no more than 65 cars since the space on the grass is limited, and she wants to ensure everyone is safe. The registration fills up quicker every year, and she has had to turn away late entrants for the last five years.

“Crystal puts on a great show and band,” says Harold. “It’s great to see shows not on pavement but grass.” He adds that he likes the venue; it’s like a tour of elegance.

The Classic Car Show and Concert will be on Saturday, September 21, at 5 pm at Ramona Oaks Park, 23341 Pappas Road. There will be live music by Steal Dawn from 5 to 8 pm as part of the Summer Concerts at Ramona Oaks Park. Admission is free, and food will be available for purchase from Carnival of Foods, Outlaw BBQ, and Nomadic Pizza Trolley.

Car photos courtesy of Steve Glau and Harold Carlisle.

Classic Car Show flyer - event details.

Earn $100 by Referring a Golfer to San Vicente Resort Golf Clubs

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 17:24:10 GMT

Are you a San Diego Country Estates (SDCE) homeowner who loves golf or knows someone who loves to golf? We are looking to increase the number of people in our golf clubs, and even if you're not a golfer, you may know someone who is. Refer a friend and get rewarded!

Now is the perfect time to share information about our very affordable golf club with nearby friends and neighbors! The San Vicente Golf Club invites you to refer a golfer to our homeowner-exclusive club – San Vicente Golf Club, or The Players Club, which is open to the public. As a token of our appreciation, you’ll earn a $100 reward for every successful referral.

Benefits of our Golf Clubs

Both Golf Clubs offer an exceptional golfing experience with an array of benefits. Here's what your referrals can enjoy with a monthly membership:

Unlimited Golf: Play as often as you like on our beautifully maintained course.
Golf Activities and Social Events: Participate in various tournaments and social events designed for men, women, couples, and juniors.
Early Tee Time Booking: Secure your preferred tee times up to 7 days in advance through our convenient lottery system.
Flexible Cart Options: Choose from daily use, lease, or annual trail pass golf cart options.

Very Affordable Monthly Fees

San Vicente Golf Club: Single $242, Family (4) $302

The Players Club: Single $278, Family (4) $339

Additional Benefits for the Exclusive Homeowner Club

Complimentary Driving Range Balls: Sharpen your skills with unlimited range balls.
Golf Shop Discounts: Enjoy 15% off merchandise in the Golf Shop (excluding sale items).
Dining Discounts: Save 10% on dining at The Oaks Grille, Par Lounge, and the Snack Bar.
Guest Passes: Receive two free guest passes each quarter to share the experience with friends.

How It Works

Refer a Friend: Simply refer a golfer to join San Vicente Golf Club.
Successful Membership Enrollment: Once your referral becomes a member by placing your name in the referral portion of the application, you’ll receive a $100 gift card reward as a thank you for spreading the word.

There is NO limit to how much you can earn!

Invitation to the Evacuation & Emergency Preparedness Clinic Saturday, Sept. 7, 9 – 11 am

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 22:41:16 GMT

The San Diego Country Estates Association (SDCEA) Equestrian Committee is hosting an Evacuation & Emergency Preparedness Clinic on Saturday, September 7, from 9 – 11 am at the Rotunda at the International Equestrian Center. Join experts from SDCART, the County of San Diego, and other organizations as they discuss evacuation planning for horses, trailer safety, and emergency response.

Members of the SDCEA Equestrian Committee have organized this clinic to help you learn from professionals about evacuation and emergency preparedness.

Topics covered will include:

The importance of planning for your horses
Shelter-in-place procedures
Temporary Evacuation Point details in case of evacuation
Best practices for evacuating horses
Ensuring your trailer is connected correctly
Inspecting your trailer for safety and readiness
Handling horses that are difficult to load

DJ Gove will also share information on how to assist others in evacuations and discuss personal liability concerns.

Representatives from Cal Fire, Animal Control, SDCART, and SDG&E will be available to answer any questions.

Kahoots in Ramona is donating an emergency first aid kit. Raffle tickets are $1 each, with proceeds going toward equestrian facility safety improvements.

Evacuation & Emergency Preparedness Clinic
Saturday, Sept. 7, 9 – 11 am
The Rotunda at the International Equestrian Center. 16911 Gunn Stage Road, Ramona, CA 92065

Please register: www.sdceeq.com/events .

Equestrian Committee Members

Committee Chair: Missi Stone

Committee Vice Chair: Terri Law Terry

Committee Secretary: Vanessa Jerrell

Members: Jeff James, Chris Luitjens, Michael Minor, Tim Smith

That’s a Wrap: Twilight Golf

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 20:27:18 GMT

San Vicente Golf Course saw the summer’s highest number of Twilight Golfers on Thursday, August 29, with 90 players participating in the last twilight round of the season.

Twilight Golf started in June and continued all summer. It was held every Thursday from 5 to 7:30 pm so all could experience the beautiful Ramona sunsets. The 9-hole round included a cart, prizes, and a beverage of your choice.

The golf course provided hot dogs and drinks to players at their season-end celebration. There were $2,000 worth of prizes, including a $100 gift card to the golf shop for the player who got closest to the pin on holes #2 and #12, a golf bag, a GPS watch, golf putters, a Sky Caddie, and a Puma Speaker.

Married couple Tim and Nancy Martin enjoy playing at San Vicente Resort’s Twilight Golf. Nancy started golfing two years ago and loves it. “It’s fun,” says Nancy. “They make up different games for us to play.” She added that there were prizes for the winners of those games. Her husband, Tim, has been golfing for about 30 years. Tim plays golf at Coronado or Fairbanks Ranch. He added that Twilight golf is a good opportunity for beginners to play in a group environment. It’s not as serious and is good for players to get out for fun.

Father and son duo Walter and Hunter Pietila are happy to get on the course together. “My son got me started and got me to play,” says Walter. Walter played golf as a kid and tries to play more now that he is retired, and his son took a liking to it. He added that Twilight golf time is slightly cooler than daytime golf rounds. Hunter, age 21, has been golfing since age 4. He plays golf all around San Diego, but the San Vicente Golf Resort is his home course. He plays here two to three times a week. “I heard how much fun it was, and it was a good opportunity to get out and play,” Hunter says about Twilight Golf. “They have done a good job at it; it’s very cool.”

Local golfer Greg Marquez, who played this game solo, lives at the house near hole number two. He moved to Ramona two years ago from Point Loma and has been golfing for eight years. The last Twilight Golf of the season was his first Twilight game. “The weather is nice, and it’s not as hot,” says Marquez. He says he has played a lot of golf courses, and this is a tough one. It’s bigger and longer than most courses and not overcrowded. He likes that he doesn’t feel rushed by other players, and it’s more peaceful. He mentions that when he plays in Bonita, balls are coming in from different directions, and it’s a lot harder to play.

Paulina Wasco and her two children, Karen, 6, and Jaxon, 8, have been golfing for two years. She likes that they can come in the afternoon, and it’s a relaxed environment. “It’s fun, and there is always a little tweak,” says Paulina. She says it’s also less competitive. Her kids love the raffle and the prizes. Jaxon says his favorite part of Twilight Golf was when he got to throw the ball in during the game and when he won three red balls at the raffle.

Matt Brumbaugh, PGA and head golf professional, facilitates checking the golfers in and getting them on their way to the course. He says Twilight Golf is a good option for golfers because it's people on the course having a good time in a casual atmosphere. He likes to see families coming out to golf together. Brumbaugh says they will start Twilight Golf back up in June 2025 through the end of August on Thursdays at 5 pm.

What’s next for San Vicente Golf Resort? Wednesday, September 4, was the Parent-Junior Tournament. Parents teamed up with their kids aged 6-13 to play a 9-hole round. Coming up on Friday, October 25, they will be hosting the 3rd Annual Superintendent Revenge. They will set up the most difficult golf course with the hardest pins, and the greens will be fast and firm. “We only do this once a year,” says Brumbaugh.

Dust off your clubs and enjoy a round at our award-winning golf course.

Karly Ewing: September’s Employee of the Month

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 20:09:08 GMT

San Diego Country Estates Association is proud to announce Karly Ewing as employee of the month for September.

Karly Ewing joined the SDCEA team on October 5, 2023. As Program Coordinator for the San Diego Country Estates Association Recreation Department, Karly oversees the planning and running of the after-school program and summer camp.

She earned the honor of employee of the month with her dedication and impressive work ethic. She collaborates well with the camp counselors and is always willing to jump in and help. She is the type of person who sees what needs to be done and volunteers to help before being asked.

Karly has been her supervisor, Amy Holsapple-Lueck’s, right hand, helping with community events and going beyond her job description. “She just finished her first summer camp with us, and Karly made sure the staff and the children had a good time,” says Holsapple-Lueck. “Karly is a wonderful addition to our department.”

She excelled in planning a 10-week summer camp. She planned crafts, field trips, games, and activities for 50 children. She also volunteered to help run some of our concerts in the park and help with our BBQ competition.

Karly likes working with the Recreation staff and watching the children thrive at the recreation center. When she is not at work, she enjoys camping, playing with her pigs, and relaxing with a glass of wine and a good book.

Landscape and Open Space: Hobbit House is Complete | Save the Date for San Vicente Park Grand Opening

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 20:02:43 GMT

In addition to the daily work we do to maintain our landscape and open space, our landscape team continues to enhance areas.

Hobbit House is Complete

At the corner of San Vicente Road and Ramona Oaks Road, I viewed an old tree stump several months ago and reimagined it as a Hobbit House. Inspired by one of my favorite authors, J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” series, these small dwelling units are homes to hobbits, fictional creatures characterized by their small stature and love of peace, quiet, and a simple, pastoral lifestyle.

A local carpenter, Mike Bernd, owner of Bernd Construction and Contracting, recently reopened his woodworking company named Bernd Custom Creations. He works on the creative side and loves to make various unique wooden products. Mike has been a carpenter since he was 19 years old. His love of building and woodworking started when he was about six years old, and his father and uncle worked on their house improvement. He attended Ramona High School and learned carpentry.

He donated his time to build a circular door to capture the Hobbit home’s essence for this artistic element in our community, and he donated materials. When not working, he is a family man and father of three children who loves the Padres.

The project is now complete. This is a little landscape project, which may provide inspiration to people who have experienced it.

“Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.” – J.R.R. Tolkien in the “Fellowship of the Ring.”

San Vicente Park Grand Opening: Save the Date

I am happy to announce that I am working with several managers to plan a wonderful San Vicente Park Grand Opening for our Estates members on Saturday, Sept. 28. The event will include live music, complimentary barbequed food, and some cold, non-alcoholic drinks.

The grassy area just west of the tennis courts was transformed into a park-like design with native and drought-tolerant plants. Walking paths, benches, a dry creek bed, and a boulder bridge create an area of serenity in nature. I’ve been sharing the details of all the work on this turf reduction project, which is entirely funded by a county rebate and designed to reduce water use.

Details about the “People-Park” opening will be shared next month. Stay tuned.

Photos by Nancy Zadrozny: Hobbit House and Mike Bernd in the header image above. San Vicente Park in the collage below.

San Vicente Park

Carried Through the Storm: Surviving a Wildfire

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 18:55:31 GMT

San Diego Country Estates residents Tom and Bonnie Crawford tell their story of living through the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California’s history, the Camp Fire in Paradise.

On November 8, 2018, at about 8 am, Tom and Bonnie Crawford received a call that their entire town of Paradise was under a mandatory evacuation order because of a wildfire coming down the ridge. They quickly gathered up their dog, two cats, and a few possessions as they expected to be back that night.

As they left, they saw ash and debris floating through the air and heard propane tanks exploding around them. They could see plumes of white smoke coming up behind their house. Bonnie prayed over all the 14 homes on their street, and they headed toward Chico with no idea where they would go.

While driving through town and trying to avoid gridlock, Bonnie received a call from a college friend who lived on a small farm in Willows, about an hour away. The friend heard about the evacuation and invited the couple to stay on their farm until they could return home. “As we headed toward their farm and looked back up the hill toward Paradise, we realized this was more than a fire drill,” says Bonnie. “The entire sky was black like an atomic bomb had gone off.”

The town was destroyed within two hours. The devastation was so swift that, with only three roads out of Paradise, many didn’t make it out. Tom took a rural road out of town, but a lot of people got stuck in gridlock and died in their cars trying to evacuate.

“It was truly a surreal experience,” says Bonnie. “We lost our entire town,” says Bonnie. “We were wiped off the map.” The couple was overwhelmed with calls and support from friends all over the country, offering them places to stay and any other help they could provide.

A friend of theirs was a builder in Redding and had several newly furnished duplex rentals that he offered to them and members of their church life group for as long as they needed. Other residents weren’t as fortunate. Red Cross had people camping out in the Walmart parking lot. Some people were buying RVs and trailers to live in while waiting for their homeowner’s insurance to come through.

Three days after the fire, the Crawfords received a call from a neighbor informing them that their home was one of the 10 percent that didn’t burn down. About five days after the fire, the couple learned that Paradise was under Marshall Law and the National Guard wouldn’t let anyone into the town except by police escort. Their friend’s son was a police chief and agreed to escort them to their home.

As they drove to their home, they were shocked to see nearly total devastation of a once beautiful mountain community. Electrical wires were hanging everywhere and still sparking, and small fires were burning here and there. The air was very smoky and had a horrible stench. There were burned-out cars and even a burned-out school bus along the road. There was no color anywhere; everything was black and covered in ash. All the neighborhoods surrounding them were completely gone. Bonnie had been asked by five different friends to check on their homes and was heartbroken to report to them in every case that their homes were gone.

“We finally got to our home, navigating downed wires, burned-out vehicles, fallen trees, and potholes, and despite everything, it was still standing,” says Bonnie. But their home and beautiful treed landscape were barely recognizable. “It truly was a miracle our home hadn’t burned down.” There were flame licks up the side of the house that destroyed the landscape and left fire scorch marks on all the exterior walls. Somehow, the propane tank and gas piping didn’t explode. “God truly had protected our home,” says Bonnie.

“We grabbed a few more possessions, cleaned out our refrigerators and freezers, and drove back to Redding a little shaken but incredibly grateful for having been spared our lives.” The couple learned later that 86 people had died in the fire. “God reminded us that the most important things in life are not ‘things,’” says Bonnie. She loves the Bible verse from Ephesians 3:20: “There will always be trials and tribulations in life, but God will carry you through every storm.”

Shortly after the fire, they were able to house-sit for some friends in Kona, Hawaii, for almost a month, giving them a chance to rest and rejuvenate from the stress of the fire. After that, they stayed at an Airbnb on a horse ranch in Ramona for a month. “Ramona was high on our list to move because we had family here, including our son, brother, their wives, and my 96-year-old mom in Solana Beach, where I grew up,” says Bonnie.

After about three months of repairs to their home, they sold it and moved to Ramona. “We bought a “fixer-upper” that we now love and feel incredibly blessed at this season of life.” They feel very fortunate to be in Ramona after such a tragedy. Bonnie is happy to be close to family and gets to watch their 21-month-old grandson, Henry, at least two days a week. Tom enjoys retirement and spending time at the nearby golf course. “We are not retired, we are re-fired,” says Tom. Bonnie explains that “re-fired” means revved up to do something better, and they are fired up to be in Ramona.

Thomas and Bonnie stress the importance of having a go-bag ready and shared some tips.

The “Six P’s” of evacuation include:

1. People and pets.

2. Papers, phone numbers, and important documents.

3. Prescriptions, vitamins, and eyeglasses.

4. Pictures and irreplaceable memorabilia.

5. Personal computers (Information on hard drives and disks.)

6. Plastic (credit cards, ATM cards & cash)

As the height of fire season approaches, may these stories of loss help us empathize with those who have gone through a national disaster and provide an opportunity to be prepared in case disaster strikes close to home. Stay safe and always be prepared.

Photos courtesy of Bonnie Crawford.

Wildfire Season: Always Be Prepared

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 18:42:29 GMT

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Cal Fire, reminds us that in California, wildfires are not a matter of “if” but “when.” To be ready in the event of a fire, follow their 3-step wildfire preparation plan, “Ready, Set, Go!”

Fire season is upon us; though, according to Fire Captain of Station 81, Bert Ramirez, fire season in Southern California is all year round. Ramirez has been at Station 81 at 24462 San Vicente Rd for ten out of his 23 years as a fire captain.

Fire season is generally between May and November, but the times are declared differently depending on the fuel, also known as brush or vegetation, and how much rain has fallen, among other factors. The most dangerous times for fires are during October and November because of the Santa Ana winds; these fires are the hardest to contain.

Ramirez says, “We are looking for people to have good clearance and have their address marked where we can find them.” Clear brush around your home, don’t sack firewood around your house, and make sure your driveway is clear. The goal is to have brush clearance of 50 feet around the home and sometimes even 100 feet, depending on how much vegetation is around the property. “Help us help you.”

Ramirez lived in the San Diego Country Estates during the 2003 and 2007 fires and worked both. He says it’s important to have a plan for evacuations and what items you plan to take with you set in place before a fire and evacuation, especially if you have animals. Failing to make arrangements for their animals is one of the main reasons people get held up during an evacuation. The best way to prepare your home and family for fires is to follow CalFire’s 3-step plan: “Ready, Set, Go!”

Get ready.

1. Harden your home. To keep your home safe from wildfires, focus on stopping flames from touching your home, protecting it from heat, and blocking flying embers. These steps form the first line of defense against wildfires. Some home hardening tips include:

Material choice. The roof is the most vulnerable part of your home. Homes with wood or shingle roofs are at a high risk of being destroyed during a wildfire. Opt for composite, metal, clay, or tile roofing to resist fires.

Ember sealing: Close off gaps under roof tiles and shingles to block wind-blown embers.

Debris removal: Regularly clear leaves, pine needles, and other debris from the roof to prevent ignition.

For chimneys, cover your chimney and stove pipe outlets with a non-flammable screen. Use metal screen material with openings no smaller than 3/8-inch and no larger than 1/2-inch to prevent embers from escaping and igniting a fire.

Close the fireplace flue during wildfire season when the chimney is not in use.

2. Create a defensible space around your home as a vital barrier against wildfires. This area, free from flammable materials and vegetation, significantly lowers the risk of fire reaching your property.

Defensible space is a buffer zone you create between your property and the surrounding wildland area. The space is key to slowing and stopping wildfire spread and protecting your home from embers, flames, or heat. It also gives firefighters a safer area to defend your property.

3. Select fire-resistant plants and incorporate these plants in your landscaping to enhance your home’s wildfire defense. These plants, less prone to ignition, add an extra layer of safety while keeping your garden looking good.

Developing a fire-smart landscape goes beyond just maintaining a neat yard; it involves choosing and placing fire-resistant plants that thrive in California’s dry climate. Fire-smart landscaping is cost-effective, too, as it conserves water and can increase your property value.

Get set.

1. Build a Wildlife Action Plan detailing evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and safety procedures. Ensure every member understands and can implement this plan swiftly in case of a wildlife threat.

2. Prepare your family. Craft a family-specific plan that addresses the needs of all members, including children and pets. Regularly practice this plan to ensure everyone can evacuate quickly and safely during a wildfire emergency.

3. Pack your ‘Go Bag.’ Prepare an emergency ‘Go Bag’ for each family member, filled with necessary supplies for survival during a wildfire evacuation. Include essentials like water, food, medications, and important documents for immediate access.

Go!

1. Follow the evacuation guide . It’s a structured evacuation guide when a wildfire necessitates immediate departure. This guide provides steps for securing your home and ensuring a safe, orderly evacuation plan for your entire family.

2. Get your home ready. If time allows before evacuation, complete critical steps to safeguard your home against wildfires. These include shutting off gas, securing windows, and removing flammable items to improve your home’s chances against fires.

3. Protect your animals. Plan for the safety of your pets and farm animals as part of your wildfire preparedness. This includes arranging safe evacuation options and preparing emergency supplies for them, safeguarding their wellbeing in a crisis.

For more information on fire safety preparedness, please visit https://readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/ .

Horsefeathers: August 2024

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 18:29:47 GMT

Maintaining and improving our equestrian facilities is a priority for the Equestrian team. We are focusing on renovating patience poles and water features, performing necessary maintenance, completing footing repairs, and strategically planning future projects while also promoting the facilities at local events, like the Ramona Rodeo, and updating informational materials.

Project Updates

IEC Patience Poles: Both patience poles at IEC were renovated earlier this week. DG – decomposed granite – was placed to level the ground, which was then compacted, and we secured mats on top at the end. Patience poles are a training tool used to train horses to stand quietly and patiently while tied.

Facility Maintenance: The team is working hard to complete the necessary maintenance throughout both facilities, including small repairs to manure boxes, waterers, round pen walls, weeding, etc.

IEC Water Feature: The IEC infield water feature has begun renovations; the footing and water feature is no longer ideal for use. The old footing and broken liner were removed. We will be adding DG to the base, replacing the liner, and adding new footing on top for riding. The project is expected to be completed next month.

Casey Tibbs Arena 2: Footing repair to Casey Tibbs Arena 2 was completed this week. The project included removing the panels, then ripping, laser leveling, and recompacting the existing base. Once the base was prepared, 2.5 feet of washed concrete sand was placed on top.

The Equestrian Committee has recommended pausing the corral footing projects at both facilities and the corral hay sheds at the IEC as they discuss a strategic plan for the equestrian facilities. Corral hay sheds will continue to be approved as needed on a case-by-case basis. If you need a shed, please contact management.

We were thrilled about the Ramona Rodeo in R-Town last weekend! The Equestrian Team placed a banner at the rodeo to share our facilities and services with equestrians, and we attended the rodeo Saturday night to cheer on our hard-working employee Colton Snyder as he rode a rodeo bull.

In addition, the newly updated Equestrian brochure is on our webpage. Click here to view.

Please call for more information about our facilities and services.

San Vicente Golf Club News: Women’s Member-Member Summer Splash Golf Tournament

heather.mcghee@sdcea.net (Heather McGhee) — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 02:24:50 GMT

Twenty-two ladies enjoyed a competitive two-day Women’s Member-Member Summer Splash Golf Tournament, culminating in a pool party, with special congratulations to the winners Cathy Knowles, Kris Jolly, Elaine Wynn, and Joyce Whitehead.

Twenty-two ladies participated in a two-day Women’s Member-Member Golf Tournament on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 16-17. The event concluded with a Saturday afternoon pool party at Joyce Whitehead’s home.

Long-time members of the Ladies Club welcomed fellow golf members to the Summer Splash, introducing seven who were new to the event. “This event was a super fun experience with a variety of game formats to play over two days. The ladies are so much fun!” said two-year member Suzanne Shupe. Her partner, Amy Sailors, a golf club member since February 2024 who was new to the event, added, “I had such a great time, and my partner and I worked together during play. I do have a real love/hate relationship with the game.”

Congratulations to the Winners:

Overall Winners - Low Net Score: Kris Jolly and Cathy Knowles

Winners - Low Gross Score: Elaine Wynn and Joyce Whitehead

Great job by the event leads, Darla White and Robyn Bolitho.

Learn more about the exclusive SDCEA Members-only San Vicente Golf Club , offering unlimited golf and preferred tee times.

Photos by Darla White and Heather McGhee

The Gift of Simple Syrup

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 01:35:14 GMT

Explore your creativity in the kitchen by experimenting with simple syrup in various drinks, from iced tea to cocktails, and enjoy the process of cooking as a fun and inventive experience.

Waking up in New Orleans around 7 am, where I learned to cook with my mentors years ago, I got ready for my day and walked out into what seemed like an insurmountable wave of heat—so thick and dense that it felt like pushing through a packed subway car during prime travel time in New York City. I was in awe of the Southern humidity; whether in a good or bad way remains to be seen.

But alas, my one savior after that day of hard work came—a large glass of sweet tea. The culture surrounding late afternoons in Louisiana was perplexing to a West Coast kid: people sitting on their porches, sometimes with their feet in a kiddie pool, chatting with strangers passing by as if they'd been friends for years, sipping on one of two things—a really cheap glass of wine or sweet tea. I initially thought the tea was obnoxiously sweet, like an overly sugared batch of Kool-Aid. But like that heat, or the Southern 'be courteous to thy neighbor' mantra, it stayed with me and became embedded in who I am, much like most generational things we adopt as we grow older.

It was here that I became aware of how often blueberries are used in Southern drink recipes. While not as traditional as ingredients like lemons or peaches, blueberries are popular in Southern beverages like Blueberry Sweet Tea, Blueberry Lemonade, and some cocktails. I liked the taste, so I created a recipe.

Blueberry Simple Syrup

It's simple for a reason: two parts sugar, one part water, and a half-pint of blueberries. You can add this simple syrup to nearly anything—coffee, adult beverages, or to impart flavor or sweetness that may otherwise be lacking, like in our previously mentioned tea.

Here is a recipe we have been using:

1/2 pint fresh blueberries

2 cup sugar

1 cup water

Zest of 1 lemon

1/8 tsp salt

Bring all ingredients to a rolling boil, then turn down to a simmer for 12-15 minutes. Note- The blueberries should, within this time frame, release their juices and turn to pulp.
Allow to cool to room temperature, then pass contents through a mesh strainer.
Store, refrigerated, in a 24-oz mason jar or plastic deli container.

Over our culinary legacy as chefs, we've learned to enhance flavor by adding fruits, herbs, spices, or even savory elements like bacon fat. That may sound odd, but when I say 'Bacon-Infused Old Fashioned with Smoked Orange Bitters,' it suddenly sounds more alluring. The beauty in most great things in cooking is simplicity, much like those late afternoons in Louisiana.

Have freedom with your creativity!

Add it to iced tea with muddled blueberry and a sprig of mint!

Add it to a Vodka Soda with a squeeze of lemon!

Try the recipe with strawberries instead of blueberries!

Have fun with it. After all, cooking is supposed to be fun.

Summer is Over, and School is Back in Session | Enjoy the Upcoming Community Events Safely

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 01:15:53 GMT

Summer has wrapped up, school is back in session, and we look forward to a safe and enjoyable season of community events.

We had an action-packed and enjoyable summer! The ImagiCamp experience, which began June 10 and continued for nine weeks, was filled with arts and crafts, indoor play, outdoor games, swimming, and the kids' favorite—bi-weekly field trips to local destinations.

Our after-school program began on Monday, August 19. The program costs $20 per day for homeowners, with non-homeowners paying an additional $5. During our after-school program, we play group games, help the children with homework, engage in fun seasonal crafts, and teach the importance of respect and care for others. Kids aged 5 to 12 who aren't in school can be dropped off at The Recreation Center between 2:30 – 6 pm. I'm excited to announce that we've added four Chromebooks to our center this year to assist the children with their homework. Not all families have a computer at home, and now we can help by providing Chromebooks for the children to use.

The Concerts in the Park have been well attended this year, and we have one more summer concert on Saturday, September 7, featuring Harmony Grove from 6 to 9 pm. Following this, our Fall events begin with the 21st Annual Classic Car Show on Saturday, September 21, at 5 pm. Click to view the detailed flyer.

Paintings with H.E.A.R.T. - Highlighting San Diego Country Estates Artist

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 00:26:07 GMT

Check out local murals in various locations around Ramona that add beauty to public and private spaces. Murals bring people together to celebrate the heritage and history of the community and can transform plain buildings or walls into beautiful works of art.

San Diego Country Estates resident and artist Johnathan Martinez has painted two of the Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Murals. His first is called “La Quinceanera” and is located on the side of Leslie’s Pool Supplies at 1905 Main Street. The mural represents the celebration of a Catholic girl’s 15th birthday. Martinez shows through his art the ideals of family, love, friendship, and the joy of living life. These subjects are painted without faces so viewers can focus on the essence of the subject without being distracted by their physical appearance.

“The Garden” is Martinez’ second mural for the H.E.A.R.T. project. The multi-dimensional image is located in a small but highly visible area in the center of town at Main Street Coffee at 680 Main Street. The joyfully vibrant mural consists of two adjacent panels featuring two garden visitors.

Martinez has been involved in the community for many years and has completed pieces used by multiple Ramona businesses. He helped raise funds for the H.E.A.R.T. Mural Project by painting wine barrels for the Ramona Art and Wine Festival. In addition, he painted two utility boxes located outside the Women’s Club at 524 Main Street. To see more of Martinez’ art, follow his Facebook page, Johnathan Martinez Art .

The Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Mural Project’s mission is to encourage economic vitality by increasing tourism, promoting community pride, and celebrating the rich cultural heritage through an outstanding outdoor visual arts program. Murals help create a sense of community and inspire creativity and wonder. They make cities and towns more vibrant and meaningful places to live.

To view photos of the murals around town, please visit the website or follow The Ramona HEART Mural Project on Facebook.

And plan a mural tour in R-Town by following the murals map .

Stay tuned! Johnathan is painting a wine barrel for the Ramona Art, Wine, and Music Festival this year which will be on display at the San Vicente Resort next month.

Mural images courtesy of the H.E.A.R.T. Project.

Bridal Shower Celebration: English ParTea

heather.mcghee@sdcea.net (Heather McGhee) — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 22:05:46 GMT

Caitlyn Doulgeropoulos and Bobby Ay, who met at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and have been together for nearly eight years, celebrated their upcoming wedding with an English Tea-themed bridal shower at the San Vicente Resort, featuring family treasures, elegant attire, and a delightful array of treats and games.

After almost eight years together, Caitlyn Doulgeropoulos and Bobby Ay are set to marry on October 5. To celebrate, Caitlyn's family threw an English Tea-themed bridal shower at the San Vicente Resort on Saturday, August 17. The couple met while attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where Bobby was a standout pitcher for the Cal Poly Mustangs baseball team. Their relationship began as a friendship that blossomed into romance during college. After graduation, Bobby moved to play baseball for the Arizona Diamondbacks organization for four years while Caitlyn pursued her nursing career. They continued their relationship, and Bobby eventually proposed. Caitlyn, of course, said, "Yes!"

Caitlyn is the daughter of Colleen Doulgeropoulos, the Food and Beverage Front of House Manager at San Vicente Resort. Caitlyn’s aunt, Maureen Garcia, who is Colleen's sister, and her daughter Emily, brought Caitlyn's English Tea theme to life using family treasures such as teapots and table settings that belonged to loved ones who had passed away. The theme took on a personal touch with Maureen and Colleen's sister Kathleen’s teapot collection and beautiful place settings from their parents, the Flahertys, who owned a successful catering business.

Maureen and Emily set up two bridal shower tables under the theme "All Her Favorite Things," showcasing Caitlyn's love for books, tea, and a charming old typewriter. The setup included fun shower games and a craft where guests could create their own bouquets with flowers from the table, reminiscent of an English garden.

Guests arrived dressed in brilliant English Tea party attire, including dresses, hats, and fascinators. The first stop was the "Bubbly Bar," featuring champagne, a selection of juices, and fresh fruits. Guests raised their glasses and toasted the couple.

The buffet table began with a baseball-themed basket of goodies, and guests enjoyed a variety of English treats, fresh fruit, nuts, snacks, and a beautiful charcuterie board created by Chef Ben. Three-tiered servers on the tables featured small tea sandwiches, scones, and macarons to complement the tea or a glass of champagne.

Catering Manager Joyce Whelehon and Executive Chef Ben Peterson, along with their teams, crafted a personalized and delightful experience for this memorable occasion.

Bride-to-be Caitlyn Doulgeropoulos, enjoy your wedding and your new last name, Ay!

Photos by Heather McGhee.

Not His First Rodeo: Bull Rider Colton Snyder set to Ride at the 43rd Annual Ramona Rodeo

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 03:37:58 GMT

The 43rd Annual Ramona Rodeo will be August 22 - 24, and our Equestrian Employee and bull rider, Colton Snyder, is competing for the coveted gold buckle.

SDCEA Equestrian Team employee Colton Snyder will be one of 45 bull riders expected to compete at the Ramona Rodeo next weekend, August 22 - 24. Bull riding is a rodeo sport where a rider attempts to stay on a bucking bull for eight seconds while holding on to a bull rope with one hand. The free arm remains in the air and can’t touch any part of the bull for the entire 8 seconds. Eight seconds is all it takes, but those seconds can feel like an eternity on top of a bucking bull. If the rider stays on for 8 seconds, it’s considered a qualified ride. However, if the free arm touches the bull, the ride doesn’t qualify.

24-year-old Snyder is no stranger to the equestrian world. His father, Craig Snyder, is a professional team roper who retired in 2009. Snyder grew up on the back of a horse and was swinging a rope by the time he was one-and-a-half years old. His mother, Christine Snyder, is a horse trainer at C Bar S Ranch in Ramona and can do just about anything with horses. She is also a 4-H leader for the Wranglers and leads the horse group. Colton owns two horses and works in equestrian maintenance at the International Equestrian Center. He has been in the position since November 2023 and runs the tractor, grooms the arenas, fixes water pipes, weed whacks, and maintains the facility. “I do anything and everything,” says Snyder.

Snyder has been bull riding for almost four years and loves the sport. His passion for bull riding dates back to when he was a child and would spend time at the ranch his grandfather ran in Jamul. He recalls a particular bull from when he was 4 or 5 years old that disliked everyone except him. Whenever he visited the bull, it would walk behind him and stand.

This is not Snyder’s first rodeo. He has competed in bull riding at the Ramona, Lakeside, Poway, and Norco Rodeos, and Bulls Only Rodeos. He rides two or three times a week and gets on three to five bulls in Campo at Rancho El Borracho, a ranch that holds bull riding practice. The owner runs cattle and holds practice for anyone who wants to get on a bull. Snyder also flew to Texas and attended world champion bull rider Gary Leffew’s Bull Riding School. Last year was his first professional year. He rode a bull named Battle Mountain that qualified for the National Finals Rodeo in 2018.

Bull riding is a dangerous sport, and Snyder has been injured numerous times. He has broken his wrists, been knocked out twice, had his head stepped on by a bull, bruised ribs on both sides, split his shin, separated his shoulder, and sustained several bruises. “It’s pretty much like the last gladiator sport that is still around,” says Snyder. “It’s man versus beast.”

“I like it; it’s a different challenge,” says Snyder. “It’s more of a mental game and getting over the fear.” He has been married for two years to his wife, Kamryn. They have a two-and-a-half-year-old son, Clayton, and are expecting a baby boy in September. “My wife is my biggest supporter,” says Snyder. He adds that Ramona has a lot of horse people and not a lot of bull, saddle bronc and bareback riders. He hopes to change that. The prizes for bull riding in the Ramona Rodeo include a cash prize and a custom buckle. For Snyder, winning money is good, but the prize he has his eye on is the gold buckle. “Money is great, but everyone goes for the gold,” says Snyder.

Snyder hopes to be scheduled to ride on Saturday night at the rodeo. Be sure to go out next weekend and show your support to him and all the competitors.

Stay tuned for our next article about Colton's rodeo bull ride ...

Photo by Tiffany Pressler

Dog Park Playtime

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 03:29:54 GMT

Canine enthusiasts are meeting up at the local San Diego Country Estates dog parks to let their furry friends run, play, and socialize with other dogs.

SDCE is home to three dog parks: Ramona Oaks Dog Park, Gunn Stage Pocket Park, and Bassett Way Dog Park. All are open from dawn to dusk. Shelly Mullin, a San Diego Country Estates resident, veteran, business owner, and dog-lover, visits these parks regularly. She frequents Ramona Oaks dog park the most.

Mullin has lived in the San Diego Country Estates since 2018 and owns Shellz Dezign Photography & Dogs. She does drop-in care for pets, dog-sitting, and dog walking. She also takes care of other animals, including horses, pigs, chickens, cats, and more, depending on clients’ needs. She visits the local dog parks with her brand ambassador and best friend, a 7-year-old yellow lab named Yosemite. “She is my world, and we are a package deal,” says Mullin.

Mullin offers some tips for a safe and effective dog park visit. Before entering the dog park with your dog, it's important to know its history and triggers. Dogs are pack animals and are used to being with other dogs, but it’s good to study your dog’s behavior and start with neutral-ground pack walking, where you walk with other dogs in a neutral space away from its home and territory. She says it will help the dog trust and feel secure around the other dogs before you let them loose in the dog park environment. “I never take my clients to the park with dogs I don’t know,” says Mullin. There is a possibility the dogs may not like each other, and she wants to make sure she knows the other dogs’ behaviors. Mullin also recommends bringing your own water dish to prevent the spread of disease among dogs.

Understanding and practicing proper dog park etiquette is crucial. This includes picking up your dog’s poop and being mindful of your dog in the setting. Sometimes, owners start chatting with other dog owners at the park and can miss the signs that their dog may not be getting along with another dog, which could result in a fight and lead to the dogs getting injured.

It’s always important to close the gates at the dog park. There are two gates that need to be properly secured before unleashing your dog. She adds that it’s important not to keep your dog leashed in the fenced area. It can create tension, and the dog may feel like it cannot get away to defend itself. However, when outside the dog park, Mullin recommends always keeping dogs leashed. This could prevent a fight and protect the dog handlers. She also reminds dog handlers to be mindful of the heat when walking dogs, as the hot asphalt could burn their paws.

Dog parks are not just for our furry friends, they also offer a social aspect for dog owners and handlers. At Ramona Oaks Dog Park and Basset Way Dog Park, about 10-15 people show up every night to let their dogs socialize while they visit with each other. This number may be a little less during the heat of the summer months. "It’s a really good group," says Mullin.

If you have yet to visit one of our SDCE dog parks with your furry pal, follow Mullins' steps for everyone's safety and take your pup for some outdoor fun.

Photos courtesy of Shelly Mullin.

Invitation to the San Vicente Resort Guest Rooms Open House: Tuesday, Aug. 27, 4 – 6:30 pm

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 03:24:37 GMT

Do you have friends or family looking for a place to stay?

After several months of planning and upgrading our guest rooms, we are excited to invite all SDCEA members to an open house to tour the newly refreshed resort guest rooms on Tuesday, Aug. 27, from 4 to 6:30 pm. Please visit the Front Desk at the San Vicente Resort, where a Member-Guest Services agent will guide you through the tour. The tour will include:

A King bedroom
A room with 2 Queen beds
An ADA King bedroom

Light snacks and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages will be served.

Upgrades include:

Triple-sheeted beds with upgraded linens
Patio furniture
Desk chair
Bed bench
Armchair with computer side table
Shutter bypass doors
New bath and pool towels

Our goal is to provide your guests with an exceptional experience at our community lodge, available at a special member rate of $109 Sunday-Thursday and $129 Friday/Saturday . These amenities ensure your friends and family enjoy their stay to the fullest:

Comfortable bedding with a pillow-top mattress
A private balcony or patio with mountain and golf course views
Wi-Fi connection
Flat-screen cable television
Mini-fridge and coffee brewer
Rooms open to an exterior hallway
Three-story building (no elevators to top or bottom floors)
Family-friendly heated swimming pool and hot tub
Lighted tennis and pickleball courts with complimentary rackets and balls
Complimentary parking

I look forward to welcoming you to our Open House!

View the San Vicente Resort brochure.

Pool and racket sports courts photos by Shelly Mullin.

Room photos by Heather McGhee.

A Quick Peek at August's Home of the Month

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 03:24:34 GMT

Compliments to Harold and Gretchen Carlisle for being awarded August’s Home of the Month. The couple has been married for 53 years and have lived in their home on Del Amo Road for 38 years since November 1985.

When Harold and Gretchen Carlisle moved into their home on Del Amo Road, it was a completely blank slate with no landscaping. “We bought it under construction,” says Gretchen. “It was a spec house.” They remodeled the kitchen and enhanced the living room with a stack-stone fireplace and a vaulted cedar ceiling with beams. They also added a 1,200-square-foot family room with a guest room, bathroom, and gym weight room. The addition, complete with a big-screen television and air hockey table, is a perfect place for their grandkids when they visit. “We have six grandkids in total,” says Gretchen. Their son and his family live in the San Diego Country Estates and have two boys. Their daughter lives in Redondo Beach and has four children.

The 2,950-square-foot home sits on ½ acre landscaped with grass, plants and rock separated by a block wall. They added a pool right after they moved in that has proven useful during the summer heat. In 2019, they built a 1,000-square-foot shop in the back of the property where Harold builds and restores cars.

“Cost versus reward brought us here,” says Harold. They moved from Spring Valley to Ramona because it was affordable. They lived in a starter home in Spring Valley and found they could get much more for their money here in Ramona. They were also drawn to the area because of the good schools and family-friendly community. Gretchen says that the San Diego Country Estates was a good atmosphere for their kids growing up; her daughter used to ride at the International Equestrian Center.

The completely redone home has been a labor of love, deserving of August’s Home of the Month award. Congratulations, Carlisle family!

Photos courtesy of the Carlisle family and Tiffany Pressler.

Explore Top-Notch Golf Services at our Golf Shop, and See our Upcoming Events

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 03:21:32 GMT

San Vicente Golf Shop provides a comprehensive range of golf services, including equipment sales, club regripping, personalized lessons, and a junior program, all within a stunning 18-hole course redesigned by Andy Staples.

At San Vicente Golf Shop, we offer a wide variety of services. Did you know that we have a fully stocked shop with golf shoes, apparel, gloves, bags, balls, and the latest golf clubs? The Golf Team can also regrip your clubs and help you find the best golf equipment for your swing. We offer individual or group golf lessons by appointment with one of our three experienced instructors. Ladies Clinics and a Junior Program for ages six and up are also available.

Our 18-hole golf course with five sets of tee boxes allows golfers of different skill levels to play the course at a length that matches their ability, making the game more enjoyable for everyone. The challenging layout, redesigned by “Andy Staples” in 2020, was awarded the Golf Inc. 2021 Renovation of the Year award. The new greens have matured and are getting great reviews from players. The Bermuda grass fairways thrive in the summer, and the views are amazing.

We also have three practice areas: a driving range, putting green, and a practice hole. Players can sharpen their skills and be ready to take it to the course.

Take advantage of our full-service facility. Contact the Golf Shop if you have any questions by calling 760-789-3477 between 6 am and 5 pm every day until the time changes.

We hope to see you soon at San Vicente Golf Resort!

Upcoming Golf Events

Twilight Golf Season Close Event: Aug. 29. Check-in at 4:30 pm and play at 5 pm

9-Hole Twilight Golf includes a golf cart, a hot dog, and a cold beverage of your choice. Prizes are awarded after the game.

View the event flyer.

Parent-Child Tournament: Wednesday, Sept. 4, at 4 pm - Shotgun start

Juniors: Ages 6 - 14

$50 per team includes golf, cart, and prizes.

View the event flyer.

Vandalism on the Rise at Golf Course: Community Urged to Help Identify Offenders

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 21:18:21 GMT

Vandalism at the golf course has increased, and we are asking the community to report any activities to the Sheriff and SDCEA staff.

Vandalism on the golf course has increased, with e-bike and mini-bike riders damaging putting greens and fairways. Golf Course Superintendent Scott Walwyn contacted the sheriff earlier this week, providing photos and details of the damage to holes 14, 15, and 17. The Golf Course Maintenance Team promptly began repairs. We are now asking for assistance from anyone who witnesses vandalism to help prevent further damage.

To put this vandalism in perspective, the golf course green is the area where the hole is located, with finely cut grass for smooth putting. The fairway is the area between the tee box, where a golfer takes their first shot, and the green. The damage is costly and impacts the ability of homeowners to use this amenity.

If you witness a motorized bike on the course or anyone causing damage, please call right away:

Call the Front Desk at 760-789-8290 x0 .
Call the Sheriff’s Office Communications Center/Dispatch at 858-565-5200 .

Safely record details, videos, and photos to show to the responding deputy.

We appreciate your help to stop those who are vandalizing the community’s amenities.

Community Relations: Home Improvement Projects

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 19:57:12 GMT

Home improvement projects happen year-round. Connect with the Community Relations team to process your applications.

It can feel like home maintenance is never-ending, and there is always an exciting new project at the back of your mind. Perhaps you’re looking to repaint the house, put in a new patio bar or add a shed to the garden. Any exterior changes to a property need approval from the Environmental Control Committee (ECC), and the Community Relations Department (CRD) is ready to help with project applications and short-term permits. We love chatting with homeowners and hearing your questions and project ideas.

Architectural Applications

When you’re ready to change your landscaping, add buildings or make any other changes to your property, CRD is here to help process your application for review and approval by the ECC. All changes require ECC approval before work can begin. Applications are available for download here and can be submitted through your homeowner portal, by emailing CRDdept@sdcea.net, or by delivering to the CRD office at 15910 Avenel Lane. We are happy to discuss the details of your project and plan out a completion timeline.

Permits

Member ID Cards

Reach out to Community Relations at CRDdept@sdcea.net or call 760-789-8747.

Horse Trails and Easements: Trail Courtesy Policy and Prohibition of Motorized Vehicles

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 19:25:25 GMT

A Guideline for a safe and enjoyable Horse Trail and Easement experience

Trail Courtesy Policy

In California, trail courtesy policies for horses, bikes and hikers are designed to ensure safety and enjoyment for all users. These guidelines help minimize conflicts and accidents on multi-use trails. The standard trail courtesy policy typically follows the "Yield Triangle" rules:

Horses:

Equestrians have the right of way on trails.
All other trail users (hikers and bikers) should yield to horses.
When encountering horses, hikers and bikers should step off the trail on the downhill side and speak calmly to the rider to avoid spooking the horse.

Hikers:

Hikers yield to horses.
Hikers should also yield to uphill hikers, as those moving uphill may have a more strenuous effort and less visibility.
When approaching from behind, hikers should announce their presence and pass on the left when safe.

Bikes:

Bikers yield to both horses and hikers.
Bikers should slow down and announce their presence well in advance, especially when approaching from behind.
Bikers should pass on the left when safe and give ample space.

Motorized Vehicles

Several SDCE residents and managers have expressed concern about motorized vehicles using the horse trails and easements. It's important to note that this issue is addressed in the SDCEA Handbook (Section 1.15, Vehicles and Parking). The handbook stipulates that all off-road recreational vehicles are prohibited on easements, horse trails, and green spaces. This includes but is not limited to e-bikes—bicycles equipped with an electric motor to assist with propulsion. Motorized vehicles may only be used on horse trails and green spaces for maintenance, fire, medical, law enforcement, and equestrian purposes (such as feed delivery, manure removal, farrier, and veterinarian services).

Municipal restrictions prohibit this activity for several reasons:

Safety Concerns: The noise and movement of motorized vehicles can easily spook horses, potentially causing accidents and injuries to both riders and horses.
Trail Damage: Motorized vehicles can cause considerable damage to horse-designated trails, creating ruts, erosion, and other forms of degradation that compromise both security and enjoyment.
Environmental Impact: Motorized vehicles can cause soil compaction, damage to plants, and disruption to wildlife habitats, which undermines the environmental integrity of horse trails.
User Experience: The presence of motorized vehicles disrupts the serene, natural experience that horse riders seek. The noise, exhaust, and speed clash with the quiet, leisurely enjoyment of nature.
Regulatory Compliance: Since many horse trails are reserved for non-motorized use by regulatory agencies, using motorized vehicles on these trails can breach local, state, or federal laws, potentially leading to fines and penalties.
Conflict Prevention: Introducing various types of trail users can result in conflicts and accidents. Excluding motorized vehicles from horse trails helps prevent these issues.

Let's keep our horse trails and easements safe and enjoyable for all.

Twilight Golf: Last Game Before Dusk

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 17:41:26 GMT

Rain didn’t stop 72 golfers from participating in Twilight Golf on Thursday, August 1.

Twilight Golf is a round of golf played in the late afternoon or evening, with the goal of playing as many holes as possible before it gets dark. It can be a good option for golfers who have an open afternoon schedule or want to finish a round before the end of the day. It’s also great for those who work during the day and want to fit in a round before the sun goes down.

This style of golf has gained popularity with its reduced rates, cooler temperatures and scenic beauty. The timing makes it less crowded and provides a more laid-back, social environment, perfect for unwinding with friends or family after a day’s work.

Matt Brumbaugh, PGA and head golf professional, says Twilight Golf is a fun recreational option for golfers. They play fun games, and it’s enjoyable for everybody. It’s a non-traditional league, and he likes to keep it low-stress. “I have two rules,” says Brumbaugh. “Keep it fun and casual.” He adds that it’s a great way for husbands and wives, as well as teens and neighbors, to play together. Many who participate in Twilight Golf are couples or families who don't typically golf. According to Brumbaugh, golf can be intimidating, but Twilight Golf is the opposite; it's enjoyable for the family.

Tim Smith, golf shop assistant, has been playing the game for over 20 years. He teaches junior and adult golf and helps run golf tournaments. He says they are building the game, and it's fun for residents to come out and play. It’s less competitive and a great way to join in the community and use the amenities.

Matt, Tim, and Darryl Ness, golf shop assistant, were at the event to ensure the registration process was efficiently managed, and players walked to the nearby Snack Bar for their complementary drink.

According to Smith, one of the fun activities they play during Twilight Golf is “Beat the Pro.” The goal is for the Twilight Golfers to beat the professionals, including Tim Smith, Cody Snyder and Darrell Neff. The object is for the winner to hit the ball closest to the hole on the outing green.

“It’s a great way to get on the course, and the cost is good,” says golfer Robin Brainard. This was her second time playing Twilight Golf. She adds it’s a lot of fun, and the weather is good.

Married couple Blane and Kelsey Clements are the San Vicente Golf Club members. This was their second-ever Twilight Golf event, but they play two to three times a week. Kelsey has been playing the game for one year, while her husband has played for 25 years. Blane enjoys the sport and looks forward to the free drink given to each golfer during the event. “It’s fun, and it keeps golf interesting,” says Kelsey. She said that last week, there was a scramble where they got to throw the golf ball into the game, and it didn't count as a stroke.

The couple play Twilight golf with their best friends, Sam and Amy Sailors, who have been golfing for a little over a year. Amy says it’s low stakes and a great way to get introduced to golf. Sam says that he likes the social aspect and never knows what to expect, which keeps it interesting. He says Twilight Golf is less pressure, the staff is amazing and, like his friend, he enjoys the free drink. Both Sam and Amy work remotely, so they have the freedom to play Twilight Golf and take advantage of what San Diego Country Estates has to offer.

Another golfer, Allen Wheeler, has been golfing for six months. He says he started playing because he is married to Tim Smith’s niece, and Smith got him involved in the game. He is new to playing golf and says it’s a lot of fun.

Twilight Golf is held every Thursday from 5 to 7:30 pm through August 29. Check-in is at 4:30 pm. It’s a 9-hole round and includes a cart, prizes and a beverage of your choice. There are fun formats chosen by the Matt weekly. Cost is $15 for members and $25 for guests. Players can sign up in the Golf Shop or by calling 760-789-3477.

See you on the course!

Photos by Tiffany Pressler

Meet Amazing Athletes’ New Owner

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 17:33:28 GMT

Amazing Athletes North Inland continues to enrich children’s lives under the ownership of Taylor Dick.

On May 1, the previous Amazing Athletes franchise owner, Jennifer Keller (Coach Jenn), passed the torch to Taylor Dick. Dick pursued this field of work because she has always worked with kids, and her kids have been involved with the program. When Jennifer was selling the franchise so she could focus on her career as a schoolteacher, Dick didn’t want to see the program leave. She says, “It’s a really great program that sells itself.”

Amazing Athletes is an educational sports program for kids with over 250 franchises. Dick’s franchise covers the North Inland Territory that includes Ramona, Escondido, Valley Center, Bonsall, Fallbrook, Temecula and Murietta. “It’s a big area in our territory,” says Dick. The program services ages 18 months to 12 years. They have Amazing Athletes Tots for ages 18 months to 2 ½ years old, Preschool for ages 2 ½ to 5, and Amazing Athletes P.E. for ages 6 to 12.

Amazing Athletes introduces children to the fundamentals of ten different sports. Two sports are taught weekly—one active sport and one patient sport. The active sports include basketball, soccer, and baseball. The patient sports include tennis, lacrosse, hockey, track and field. The patient sports are more technical and include the use of another item, such as a hockey stick or a racquet. The curriculum also includes muscle identification and introduction to nutrition. The kids learn about fruits and vegetables and how they help their bodies. They also work on counting numbers, shapes, and colors.

Dick offers her programs through SDCEA Recreation at Ramona Oaks Park with an 8-week program through the summer. She also offers a program at this location throughout the school year from September to May. The classes are all offered outdoors unless the weather does not permit, in which case they have flexible options for moving the activities indoors at locations with open space.

Dick added that her program is used in most of the preschools in Ramona. The focus is on enrichment throughout the school day, so parents don’t have to take their kids to after-school sports activities. She is also in communication with Ramona Unified School District to have Amazing Athletes offered as an after-school program for the district. She is excited and says it would be great for kids to have this as an after-school program.

According to Dick, the program is rewarding for her because she gets to see the kids' growth. It introduces sports that most kids at an early age don’t have the opportunity to pursue. Most 3 ½ year-olds may not otherwise have a chance to play tennis, but with Amazing Athletes, they get to swing the racket at a young age, which could spark an interest in the sport and lead them to go on to be a professional tennis player.

For more information about the program, please visit www.AmazingAthletes.com/northlandca or call Taylor Dick at 619-339-7025.

Photo of coaches courtesy of Taylor Dick, third from left.

Ramona American Graffiti Cruise in the Estates - Rain or Shine

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 17:08:28 GMT

Chevelles, Chevrolets, Corvettes, Dodges, Fords, Plymouths, Mustangs and old classic cars, to name a few, can be seen cruising through San Diego Country Estates neighborhoods twice a year as part of cruise night.

Thursday, August 1, was the second cruise night of the season through the Estates. An hour before the cruise, a severe thunderstorm warning was issued, but that didn’t stop several drivers. Cruisers started up their engines and continued with the route that was planned for SDCE residents to enjoy.

Ramona American Graffiti Cruise Night runs from April through September, and there are generally two cruises through the Estates during the season. The first one was held in May. The San Diego Country Estates Cruise starts at the old Kmart parking lot, where participants gather with their vehicles. Leroy Clubb, a founding member and event organizer, arrives at about 5 pm to set up, and the cruise takes off at 6 pm.

“Cruise night started in 2013 and grew from there,” said Clubb, Ramona American Graffiti Cruise organizer. “It’s our 11th year.” It started out with eight or ten people, and one of them, Ramona American Graffiti Cruise member Jerry Keller, suggested they do cruise night on Thursdays and call it Ramona American Graffiti Cruise. “There were half a dozen of us then,” says Clubb.

Cruise night through San Diego Country Estates started during COVID to give people a chance to see the cruisers in their neighborhoods. Residents could walk out into their front yards and maintain social distancing while enjoying the parade of cars. “It was motivated by Covid,” says Clubb.

The club raises money and donates the proceeds to the Ramona Senior Center, and their Executive Director Lora Cicalo Yule participates in the events. They hold raffles and sell T-shirts, hats and mugs. Clubb says they receive a tremendous amount of support from Ramona, and local businesses have donated all the gift cards they give away. They have raised almost $24,000 for the Senior Center. “For a small town, a lot of people donated,” says Clubb.

On June 20, the group hosted a 50s Rock-N-Roll Sock Hop in the Albertsons parking lot. On July 18, they held the First Responders event in the same location. Police, Sheriff, Highway Patrol, CalFire, Paramedics and Smokey the Bear were all in attendance. “It draws a lot of people, and it’s fun for the drivers and cruisers,” says Clubb. “We started the club to drive our cars and for something fun to do, and it grew. It’s good for the community.”

Cruise night dates are listed on the Ramona American Graffiti Cruise Facebook Page . The Facebook group now has over 8,000 members and features photos of past events as well as schedules of upcoming events.

Cruising is open to anybody who wants to join, whether down Main Street or the San Diego Country Estates route. Anyone with any kind of car can come out and enjoy the fun.

Car photos by Tiffany Pressler, and fundraising photo courtesy of Leroy Clubb.

Landscape and Open Space: Creating Magic and Beauty While Keeping Us Safe

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 00:47:43 GMT

In between the daily work to maintain our landscape and open space, our Landscape Team continues to enhance areas.

San Vicente Saddle Club: Tack Sale

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 23:55:30 GMT

San Vicente Saddle Club organized a tack sale on Sunday, July 28.

The San Vicente Saddle Club leaders organized a tack sale last Sunday, and 15 vendors offered “tack,” which is a term for the equipment and accessories needed for horseback riding. Items were displayed in the back of trucks, in booths with easy-ups, and on stands, providing a variety of tack stores to experience.

The event was filled with people who love horses and riding, and there were many interesting moments. Below are a few highlights:

Legacy of Service: Connie Sparks Memorial and Chris Martinez Open Golf Tournament

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 23:28:21 GMT

The 10th annual Connie Sparks Memorial Golf Tournament and 1st annual Chris Martinez Open raised over $10,000 to support the battle against cancer and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

On Friday, July 19, and Saturday, July 20, golfers gathered at the San Vicente Golf Course to participate in the 10th annual Connie Sparks Memorial Golf Tournament and 1st Annual Chris Martinez Open. John Sparks started the Connie Sparks Memorial Golf Tournament in honor of his mother to support City of Hope and those battling cancer.

San Vicente Golf Resort has been a refuge and go-to destination for the Sparks family for over four decades. It has been a wonderful place in Southern California to stay and play as much golf as they can for two weeks a year. They have become a part of the community during those annual visits since 1981. John’s father, John Sparks Sr., was the golfer in the family. He was a +2 player until he was 55 years old. His golf handicap was still a 6 when he passed away in 2007 at the age of 83. “Our whole family revolved around golf, golf events and golf vacations. My Mom would complain she was a golf widow. So, we thought it fitting that the golf tournament would be named after her. And we used that to create this event and raise monies and awareness for all types of Cancer and the City of Hope.”

Connie passed away on June 27, 2012, from breast cancer. She was diagnosed with very aggressive breast cancer in her 80s and, during that time, developed a close bond with her doctor from City of Hope, Dr. Arti Hurria. City of Hope is one of 57 National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated comprehensive centers in the U.S. Connie told her doctor that she wanted to see her grandkids graduate from high school and college. Dr. Hurria used those goals to create a program that would give Connie some time and hope. This program succeeded in giving Connie time to accomplish her goals and is used with geriatric cancer patients today. Connie was a registered nurse all her life and was able to give back well into her 80s, continuing her legacy of service.

This year’s 1st annual Open honored Chris Martinez, a frequent visitor to Ramona, who passed away from Bile Duct Liver Cancer in January 2022. “He never missed a Ramona golf event for over 30 years.” He loved Ramona and enjoyed playing golf here. He helped John Sparks start Blue Sky Golf in 2009 and was instrumental in making it what it is today. His wife, Bea Martinez, acted as the Ambassador for the weekend’s Open.

They added ALS this year because John has a close friend, Mike “Frosty” Foster, who is battling ALS. “He is in the fight of his life, and we want to support him and his family.” Mike has been present at all the golf tournaments and made every Connie Sparks Memorial. Mike’s group, “Team Frosty,” is fundraising and raising awareness for ALS year-round. So, ALS has been added to this event and will be every year. Mike was present on both days and acted as Ambassador for the event. “Adding Chris and Mike seemed like the right thing to do. After the pandemic, it all made sense.”

The fundraiser had more sponsorship this year than ever. They had great swag bags and good raffle ticket items. They also added a silent auction. “The sky is the limit to expand our event and raise more money and awareness.” The tee sponsors included City of Hope, Brighton Best International, Maslaf, Pull Patch, Team Frosty, J&J Services Consulting, DP Promotions and Blue Sky.

The fundraisers have brought in a minimum of $3k every year, and John hopes to continue increasing that amount. Their goal this year was $10k. With that goal met, they have raised approximately $25-30k, maybe more since the beginning.

Photos courtesy of John Sparks.

Big Dreams in R-Town: Ramona Junior Fair 2024

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 22:46:44 GMT

Young SDCE resident wins big at the Ramona Junior Fair with his rabbit meat pen.

The Ramona Junior Fair, which took place from July 19 to 28, showcased local 4H and FFA members’ animals and Home Economics displays with the theme “Big Dream in R-Town.” One participant was San Diego Country Estates resident Trevor Ogilvie, 10, who is a member of the Ramona Wranglers 4H group and won Reserve Grand Champion Rabbit Meat Pen.

A Rabbit Meat Pen is a category consisting of three rabbits judged as a group. Each rabbit must weigh a minimum of 3 ½ pounds and a maximum of 5 pounds and all must be close in weight and conformation. Trevor’s rabbits are 70 days old and from the same litter, although that is not a requirement for the competition. “Rabbits are a low-commitment project,” says Stephanie Ogilvie, Trevor’s mother.

According to Stephanie, the rabbits her son raised are Californian does and bucks and are from the breeding stock of her mother, Trevor’s grandmother, Debbie LeRoy’s rabbits. Trevor kept the rabbits at his grandparents’ farm in Ramona. While caring for his rabbits in the months leading up to the Ramona Junior Fair, Trevor wrote letters to ten buyers to build interest in his project and have potential buyers bid on his meat pen at auction. He mailed some of his letters and hand-delivered the rest. The auction was held on Saturday, July 27, and Trevor sold his rabbit meat pen to Feltet Drommer for $1200.

“It’s fun to be back at the fair,” says Stephanie. “I grew up doing this my whole life.” Stephanie graduated from Ramona High School in 1996 and grew up showing in 4H and FFA. Her final year in FFA was in 1997. She was able to show one year after graduation in her alumni year and couldn’t be happier that her son is following in her footsteps in an organization that she is very passionate about. Stephanie judged the primary division, showmanship rabbit division and cavies, and junior, intermediate, senior and FFA classes. She also judged the small animals master showmanship class.

Trevor has been excited to be part of the RJF and helped with the fair all week. During the fair setup, he helped fix clogged misters in the pig area in the barn to keep the animals cool. He enjoyed running around the fairgrounds with his friends and was very excited to ride the rides at the Ramona Country Fair, which was from July 26-28. He attends Barnett Elementary School and will be starting 4th grade at the end of August. He plans to show rabbits again next year and hopes to show a pig as well. Congratulations, Trevor, on your win at the Ramona Junior Fair!

Hugo Valdes: Employee of the Month for August

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 22:31:03 GMT

Greenskeeping team member Hugo Valdes is recognized as Employee of the Month for August.

Hugo Valdes joined the Golf Course Maintenance Department in December 2009. He tried his hand at various things, including construction, before landing as a greenskeeper here at San Vicente Golf Resort. He is now being celebrated for his hard work and contribution to our team.

Golf Course Superintendent Scott Walwyn says, “Hugo has done just about everything there is to do in golf maintenance,” and he trusts him to operate any equipment carefully and efficiently. “Now, having said that, when he aerifies the fairways, he has occasionally hit a flagged irrigation head. His response is always, ‘disculpame.’ Translation: ‘Forgive me,’” says Walwyn.

Walwyn also says Hugo is a good guy - very reliable, dependable and uses initiative. He has a great sense of humor and is fun to have around. Walwyn has learned he can count on Hugo not only for his experience at the San Vicente Golf Resort but also for any operation that needs to be accomplished. “I appreciate his perseverance and his attitude,” says Walwyn. “He gets things done!”

When he is not at work, Hugo enjoys hiking in the foothills around San Diego, relaxing, and watching movies. He has been with SDCEA for roughly 15 years and enjoys the job, the crew, and the golf course.

“I am proud to recommend Hugo as the employee of the month here in golf maintenance,” says Walwyn. Congratulations, Hugo. Your hard work and dedication are truly commendable, and we are excited to celebrate your fantastic accomplishment.

Storybook House: July Home of the Month

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 00:56:38 GMT

Congratulations to Jeff and Gina and their storybook house for being awarded Home of the Month for July.

Jeff and Gina have lived in Ramona since 2016. They moved to SDCE when they fell in love with their house and the community. According to Gina, their home is unique because it’s a Tudor-style home, a storybook house style that came to the United States in the 1900s. It has a staircase that goes through a double brick fireplace.

The landscaping is complete with retaining walls and garden beds. The couple replaced the rock landscaping with perennials and trees, including 15 varieties of fruit trees.

The couple has been married for 19 years and has three children: two girls—Taylor, 17, and Korey, 14—and one son, Luke, 12. They moved to this community from Oceanside because they wanted more land and space to raise their family.

Gina works from home so she can be with her children. Their spacious yard gives their family plenty of space and captivating views while surrounded by mountains.

Their beautiful home is 2,500 square feet, and the couple has made it their own with several upgrades, including new exterior paint, a new roof, solar, and upgrades to the kitchen, bath and flooring. “All of the improvements made in our home have been done by ourselves, besides the exterior paint. It makes us love our home even more because of all the personal touches and TLC put into it.”

Pony Club

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 00:35:37 GMT

Pony Club is an educational organization that provides a program that teaches riding and horsemanship.

Michael Minor, a San Diego Country Estates resident for 38 years, is the Ramona Vicente Pony Club District Commissioner and has held this position since May 2022. He is newly retired from Ramona Unified School District as a special education teacher, having spent most of his time teaching at Ramona High School.

The Pony Club fundamentals include instruction, safety, sportsmanship, stewardship and leadership. The club currently focuses on dressage, eventing and hunt seat, but Minor hopes to expand the instruction lineup to include western-style riding and vaulting.

The equestrian sport of eventing, which is like an equestrian triathlon, was first recognized in the Olympics in 1912. The sport originated as a calvary test comprised of three phases: dressage, cross country and show jumping. Dressage shows the graceful partnership of a horse and rider through a sequence of movements. Hunt seat is a discipline that mimics fox hunting and includes jumping a horse in a controlled fashion.

Pony Club Members participate in rallies as the primary form of competition, and as they earn new certifications, the rally levels increase in difficulty. Historically, Pony Club has been for children, but now adults are accepted as members. The core group for this chapter is ages 8-18, and they focus on equine education.

Ramona Vicente Pony Club offers two mounted and unmounted meetings per month on the 2nd and 4th Thursday at 6 pm. This schedule will run through September and October, at which point they will set a new schedule to accommodate its members. The mounted and unmounted instruction is provided by International Equestrian Trainer Candace Regal. Each session is an hour long. Mounted instruction focuses on jumping and dressage, while unmounted instruction focuses on horse management, nutrition, health and first aid. The members also need to know the parts of the horse, saddle and bridle.

Minor says pony club rallies are similar to scouting jamborees. Pony club rallies are like horse shows, and members are tested on their knowledge. Rally teams have a stable manager, and the members ride in the rally discipline. “It’s a way for kids to compete,” says Minor. “And you don’t have to have a fancy show horse.” He adds that horse shows can be costly, and Pony Club gives kids who ride an average horse an opportunity to compete. Rallies also have a quiz where the members can show what they know.

Ramona Vicente Pony Club has five members and is looking to grow its membership. Pony Club is a pathway to learn, and it doesn’t take away from a student’s trainer but rather supplements training. Membership is open to people of all ages and experience levels. For more information, please call Minor at 619-972-0164 or email him at mhminor38@gmail.com.

Photos courtesy of Michael Minor.

Horsefeathers: July 2024

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 23:40:52 GMT

Projects work continues in both of our facilities.

Our Equestrian Team continues to be focused on making improvements to Casey Tibbs Western Center (CTWC) and the International Equestrian Center (IEC).

Project Updates

Trimmed trees around IEC.
We appreciate all boarders who have taken home their personal sheds behind the barn. Almost all have been removed as part of our fire safety initiative. Thank you to everyone.
Added a picnic area behind Barn D under the trees.
First Equestrian Committee meeting. They will take place the second Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm in the Rotunda moving forward.
Placed more fly bags and fly predators to help with fly control at both facilities during the hot summer months.

Safety First: Be aware of heat safety for your horses! Don’t exercise in the heat and make sure there is always fresh water available. We recommend always having at least one additional bucket of water available to ensure that your horse has access to water, and in case there are any issues with your waterer or the water supply at the facility. For horses in the barns, we recommend keeping the doors open and having fans on to increase circulation. Contact management if you need to fill out an alteration form to add a fan to your horse’s stall. All fans need to be agriculture outdoor fans and no extension cords can be used for fire safety.

San Vicente Golf Club: 2024 Couples Club Championship

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 18:59:34 GMT

2024 Couples Club Championship hosts share the tournament results.

Congratulations to John & Toni Massery, winners (Overall Low Net) of the 2024 Couples Club Championship! The Masserys will receive a trophy of their own, their names will be on a plaque on the perpetual trophy kept in the SV trophy case, and they'll receive $90 in sweeps to spend in the pro shop!

Congratulations as well to second-time Low Gross winners Basia & Danny Casara, who will also receive a trophy and $65 in sweeps! 1st Low Net went to first-time participants Vicki and Ken Ingalls, who will receive $45 in sweeps, followed by 2nd Low Net winners Annette & Gerry Schwipper, who will be awarded $20 in sweeps!

A fun time was had by all with a great lunch, wine and Angie's birthday cake, which her husband, Jerry, contributed.

A big welcome to Sam and Amy Sailors, Blane and Kelsey Clements, and Vicki & Ken Ingalls, who played in this tournament for the first time. We all enjoyed meeting you and hope to see more of you in the future. The next couples’ social tournament will be the Endless Summer Tournament on Saturday, August 10.

Closest to the Pin ($10 gift cards):

-Sat. #2: Gerry Schwipper-7'7"; Corinne Hill-34'5"

-Sat. #12: Blane Clements-13'7"; Basia Casara-8'8"

-Sun. #8: Gerry Schwipper-10'7"; Janet Flores-14'1"

-Sun. #15: Jim Hill-15.6"; Basia Casara-13'7"

2nd Chance ($10 gift cards):

-Sat. #2: Danny Casara-2'3"; Lynda D'Amato-2'8"

-Sat. #12: Rob Vass-2'9"; Kathleen Kankelberg-7'3"

-Sun. #8: Danny Casara-16'6"; Angie Rios-21'7"

-Sun. #15: Blane Clements-1'10"; Corinne Hill-7'1"

Thank you, Sergio, Cody, Darryl and Fred, and Matt for your support in running this tournament. And thank you to Colleen and Jackie for setting up our tables and serving our lunches in The Oaks Grille!

Photos courtesy of the Hills.

Junior Golf Clinics

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 18:24:08 GMT

Learning skills as a youth to foster a lifelong love of golf.

Junior Golf Clinics are back. After a very successful PGA Junior League with 33 participants ages 6-13, we are back to offering Junior Golf Clinics on Wednesdays at 4 pm and Saturdays at 10 am.

Clinics cover "Fundamentals" of full swing, chipping, pitching, bunker shots, and putting. The lessons are designed to establish a solid foundation that will stay with them for a lifetime.

Junior Clinics are important for several reasons:

Skill Development: Clinics provide structured training sessions where young golfers can learn and improve their skills under the guidance of experienced coaches. They cover everything from basic techniques to advanced strategies, helping juniors develop a strong foundation in the sport.

Socialization: Golf clinics often involve group activities, which help juniors socialize and interact with other young golfers. This can be particularly beneficial for their social development, teaching them teamwork, communication, and sportsmanship.

Access to Coaching: Clinics give junior golfers access to professional coaching that they might not receive otherwise. Coaches can provide personalized feedback, correct mistakes early on, and offer guidance tailored to each junior's abilities and goals.

Introduction to Golf Culture: Junior clinics introduce young players to the culture and etiquette of golf. They learn about rules, proper behavior on the course, and respect for the game, which are essential aspects of golf that go beyond just swinging a club.

Physical Activity: Golf clinics encourage physical activity and promote a healthy lifestyle among juniors. They involve practice sessions and drills that improve fitness, coordination, and motor skills.

Building Confidence: Success in golf clinics, whether through mastering a new skill or achieving a personal best, boosts a junior golfer's confidence. This confidence can translate into other areas of life, promoting a positive self-image and a willingness to take on challenges.

Long-Term Engagement: By fostering skills, social connections, and confidence, junior golf clinics can cultivate a lifelong love for the sport. Many professional golfers started in junior programs, demonstrating the potential impact of early exposure and training.

Golf is a great individual and family activity. When you get your kids involved with golf, then the fun can be shared by the whole family. Keep an eye out for our upcoming junior and family golf events: Drive, Chip & Putt, Parent Child Tournament, and Family Golf Day,

For information on Junior and or family events please contact me at Matt.brumbaugh@sdcea.net

I hope to see you at the golf course.

Matt Brumbaugh PGA

Heat Waves and Golf Course Maintenance

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 18:02:01 GMT

Golf Course Superintendent Scott Walwyn emphasizes the importance of caring for our beautiful course through these hot summer months.

Summer is here. How do I know? Last Saturday, I left my house at 2:30 to do some hand-watering around the greens, and my vehicle temperature gauge read 107°F. “F” for “flipping HOT!” As a California coastal guy, 80°F is toasty for me. So, kudos to the brave golfers who were out playing.

These extreme temperatures bring many cautions and things to consider as I rise at 3:45 am to prepare for the day ahead: employee safety, employee production, potential for humidity, which can lead to diseases, coupled with the heat, ensuring the grass is kept short and WATER, WATER, WATER, targeted and on the ground (in the turf canopy) before the heat of the day. A measurement that is often used in maintaining fine turf is evapotranspiration (ET), defined as “the amount of water that evaporates from the soil and transpires from the leaves of plants into the atmosphere.” I use this tool to assist in planning irrigation. Wind adds further concern. At these temperatures, and with this level of sustained heat, any amount of wind can further assist in producing disastrous conditions on very short grass. It's important to balance moisture in the turf canopy to avoid creating a wet environment that could promote disease, while still ensuring the turf is ready for play, heat, and wind. This environment leads me to my next most significant area of concern, and I have harped on it extensively: repairing ball marks on the greens.

REPAIR YOUR BALL MARK AND ONE OTHER. I have preached vehemently on this topic. At this time of year, with the greens existing at a little more of a “moist” condition, your ball flying in from a beautifully constructed 9 iron from 135 yards out, hurtling majestically toward that pin-high position 6 feet left, will create more of a ball mark, which will need to be repaired BY YOU immediately. My staff and I go to great lengths to provide a pristine putting surface with our blood, sweat, tears, seaweed extract, calcium, ice picks, etc. The least you can do is repair your ball mark AND ONE OTHER. Thank you.

Food for thought: “The harder you work, the luckier you get.” -Gary Player

Hitting the Trails with Frosted Faces

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 17:50:59 GMT

The Frosted Faces Foundation is a rescue that focuses on dogs eight years or older who have lost their homes for various reasons. They have occasionally rescued younger dogs with serious medical needs.

Frosted Faces Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization started in June 2014 by Andrew and Kelly Smisek. According to Smisek, their mission is to deliver the promise of family and quality veterinary care to senior animals whose love and lives are in jeopardy. There is a pet overpopulation crisis in Southern California and many other parts of the country. Too many dogs and cats are being bred and end up in the public shelter system. Most shelters are overcrowded to the point that they regularly euthanize healthy and adoptable pets because they don’t have the space and capacity for care. Senior pets are more likely to be euthanized because they are considered less adoptable. So, the Smiseks rescue as many senior pets as possible and have established programs to help keep them in their homes and out of the shelter system.

Volunteers are such an essential part of this foundation. Thousands of wonderful people have registered to volunteer throughout the years. Some volunteer only on occasion, while others volunteer nearly every day. They try to have at least two to three volunteers on site to help the staff during their hours of operation from 7 am to 5:30 pm. “We are always looking for more volunteers to engage with our frosted faces and improve the dogs’ quality of life while they wait at our facility for a family,” says Smisek.

Frosted Faces welcomes volunteers to join them on their weekly hikes with the dogs. On Sunday morning, everyone meets at the designated trail at 8:00 am, where Frosted Faces arrive with their van full of all the dogs. Each volunteer gets to hike with a dog for about 1.5 hours before the dogs are loaded up and taken back to the facility. “We always choose a hiking trail around Ramona for our Sunday hikes,” says Smisek. “We are so lucky to live in a beautiful area with lots of access to nature. We often hike local trails like the Ramona Grasslands Preserve, Barnett Ranch, the Ramona Oaks Shade Trail, Stone Mountain Trail, and Simon County Preserve.”

The hikes are a great way to give these dogs some exercise and enrichment, as well as engage with our community. Plus, some volunteers fall in love with the dogs they hike with and choose to foster or adopt them. “We’ve been doing these hikes every Sunday for almost five years, and we are very grateful to have had consistent attendance of 50+ volunteers each week.” Many volunteers attend every week and have even become good friends with each other as a result. The community of compassionate people that has formed around Frosted Faces Foundation is a core part of their success. If you are interested in volunteering at the facility or on the hikes, you can fill out the Volunteer Registration Form on their website.

Now that summer is here, Frosted Faces will be conducting Sunday hikes regularly at the Ramona Oaks Shade Trail, where they can find the most shade on warm mornings. They host an Open House every Saturday and Sunday at the facility from 10 am to 1 pm, where the public can tour the facility and meet all the dogs. They also host a volunteer orientation every Sunday from 11 am to 1 pm, where new volunteers can get trained on the basics of volunteering onsite and see how the operation runs on a daily basis.

Frosted Faces always has about 50 dogs onsite. Whenever someone takes a dog home through foster or adoption, it opens space to save another dog from a shelter. According to Smisek, dozens of families living in the San Diego Country Estates have adopted or fostered animals from the Frosted Faces Foundation and volunteer at the facility. “We are so grateful to have so much support from the Ramona community and beyond,” says Smisek.

One of the fun events they have lined up in the fall is their Trick or Treat Trail around Halloween time. The event is held on their property, and the public is invited to attend with their dogs. They set up doggy stations around their walking trails, each with a game or activity for the dogs to win a treat. They also have music, a food truck, beverages, and a costume contest judged by Ramona community leaders. Everyone is encouraged to dress up in costume with their dogs for a chance to win.

The facility is located at 1448 Pine Street, and they hope to see you on the trail!

Fire Abatement: Easement Maintenance

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 21:27:20 GMT

The importance of clearing easements in fire safety.

Maintaining a fire-defensible space around homes and structures is key to ensuring a robust barrier against wildfires. Like landscaping, it is important to regularly maintain easements between properties. As a courtesy, the Association provides clearing only once per year and that is usually after the rainy season.

Each homeowner is responsible to maintain the easement that is on their property. Not all properties have an easement, you can reference the Horse Trail Map available on our website, or check with CRD at 760-789-8747 or CRDdept@sdcea.net .

Maintaining your easement entails regular trimming of plants, shrubs, and trees to ensure unobstructed access through the easement. Grasses and plants should be maintained at a height of 4 inches or less, and trees trimmed to maintain a clearance of 13 feet 6 inches from the ground. Dead vegetation must also be removed.

Fourth of July Celebration

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 19:42:01 GMT

Connecting the community with a parade and park celebration.

Thanks to the precise planning by Recreation Manager Amy Holsapple-Lueck, an estimated five hundred people of all ages sat along Pappas Road to watch over fifty parade participants drive or walk in the annual Fourth of July Parade, a tradition our community has celebrated for decades. Moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas, children of all ages, and friends gathered on the sides of the road to celebrate America’s Independence Day in RTown style.

The hard-working Recreation Team, led by Amy, collaborated seamlessly with other SDCEA Team members, including Joshua Jones, Juli Elliott, Nancy Zadrozny, and Mark Stone, ensuring the parade and celebration provided an excellent experience for all attendees.

Ramona Royalty waved at the spectators—most dressed in a sea of red, white, and blue—and the Rodeo Queens waved while seated on their horses. Members of the San Vicente Saddle Club, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, CalFire and Smokey the Bear in shiny trucks, and many driving vintage tractors or vehicles participated along with Ramona business leaders, local service organizations, schools, sports teams, and champions, and the popular SDCEA Lifeguard Team sprayed everyone with water. Many Estates members also joined the festivities by decorating their golf carts and driving in our hometown community parade. Recreation Team members Joanne Rivera and Sophie Sheets served as the entertaining emcees and announced the parade participants as they passed.

SDCEA Board of Director members Vanessa Jerrell, Kathleen Kankelberg, Jackie Sedler, and Jeff Wells, along with their passengers and General Manager Darren Shaw, drove in festively decorated golf carts.

The Opening Presentation at the bandstand began at 11 am with a warm “Welcome to the Community” by SDCEA Board President Jeff Wells. Darren Shaw followed, serving as the Master of Ceremonies, and introduced Ramona Royalty, followed by the Estates Boy Scout Troop 679, who performed a Color Guard Ceremony, and Dave Castberg, who sang the National Anthem.

The winners of the parade were:

1st Place : Early Day Gas Engine and Tractor Association

2nd Place: Always Sunny Senior Day Care

3rd Place: Ramona Pony Baseball

After the parade, the park opened for the kids to swim in the pool, play games and take part in recreational activities and water experiences, including the popular water slide jumper. Six teams competed in the Horseshoe Tournament. Fresh BBQ food was prepared and served by the San Vicente Food & Beverage Team led by Chris Ostermann and Colleen Doulgeropoulos, and Outlaw BBQ was enjoyed.

At noon, the Black Canyon Band took the stage and played many of their favorite songs.

Countless excellent moments and joyful experiences were shared by those who attended. A huge thank you is extended to Recreation Manager Amy Holsapple-Lueck and all her dedicated Recreation Team members, who planned the details and executed everything, making for a fun and memorable day for all. A big thanks to Amy’s husband Joey and daughters Emma and Ella, who volunteered to help as needed.

Photos courtesy of Shelly Mullin at Shellz Dezign, Photography & Dogs, LLC.

Adventure Awaits at ImagiCamp

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 17:04:44 GMT

The ImagiCamp program at the Recreation Center is a great way to keep kids entertained during summer break.

Kids can escape from the boredom of being stuck inside the house during the warm summer days and play with other children at SDCEA’s ImagiCamp. Children aged 5-12 can be signed up one week at a time through August 16, right before school starts. Not only will they spend the summer doing fun and engaging activities with friends, but attending the camp will also help them ease back into their daily routine for school.

Camp begins each day with the kids gathering at the Ramona Oaks Park outdoor stage, where they listen to the counselors share the agenda for the day. Then, they have an opportunity to map out the day with the counselors' guidance while enjoying the fresh morning air.

There are many fun activities in store for them, including group games, board games, snack times, sports, indoor and outdoor free time, two hours of pool time each day, crafts and much more! To keep things exciting, there is a different theme each week, and the crafts coordinate with that theme. Recently, the kids were entertained by a guest Ventriloquist! On Fridays, many of the kids and counselors dress up according to the week's theme.

There are bi-weekly field trips to places like the Birch Aquarium, FunBelievable, the movie theater and the beach, to name a few.

The camp costs $275 per week with a 10-percent discount for siblings. Kids have a great time while making new friends and memories. Camp hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, with extended care available from 7-8:15 am for an additional $5 and 4:45-6 pm for an additional $5. For more information, call the Recreation Center at 760-789-4146.

Joe Gandelman & Friends entertain the children with comedy and fun v entriloquism. Photos by Recreation Manager Amy Holsapple-Lueck.

Volunteer Sheriff Members Make their Presence Known

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 16:41:17 GMT

The Volunteer Sheriff are the extra eyes and ears for the Ramona Sheriff Department.

San Diego Country Estates resident and Volunteer Sheriff Randy Fetter has been volunteering for the Ramona Sheriff’s Department for three years and oversees media relations for the volunteers. He is a retired postmaster who enjoys giving back to the community and being valuable to others.

There are 22 volunteers, and their duties include visiting the homebound residents through You Are Not Alone (YANA), Project Lifesaver, traffic control, home vacation security checks and enforcing handicapped parking regulations.

Fetter’s favorite program is YANA, in which the volunteer sheriffs make phone calls to those who signed up for the program and live alone. If the individual chooses, the sheriffs can visit them. The volunteers visit them once a week, though the individuals are not required to accept the visit. The volunteers ensure the person living alone is cared for and has good living conditions. If the individual cannot be reached, a deputy will be sent out. Fetter says they have had people who have fallen and are unable to get to their phone for help. “We check on them.” As volunteers, they cannot enter the premises without being invited in.

Project Lifesaver is another program for at-risk people who wander and need a caregiver. Some examples of those needing this program include individuals with Dementia, Attention Deficit Disorder or Autism. Members of this group receiving assistance need to wear a watch band on their wrist or ankle that helps the Volunteer Sheriff to locate them if they are missing. This program is paid for and sponsored by Ramona Kiwanis, so it is available to Ramona residents through the Sheriff’s Department, not San Diego County.

Fetter says, “We do traffic control for the San Diego Country Estates Fourth of July Parade.” The volunteers also conduct traffic control for accidents and fires, which can be one of the most dangerous jobs for them because the first responders are helping people while the volunteers direct traffic. There can be glass and other hazards on the street while the volunteers are trying to get the drivers safely around the accident or fire.

Volunteers also perform home checks while residents are on vacation. The Sheriff’s Department offers these checks as a free service, though many don’t know about it. “A lot of folks are not taking advantage of it.” The Volunteer Sheriff members check the homes once a day for damage and break-ins. They also check for broken sprinklers, and if they notice anything unusual, they give the resident a phone call. In addition, they remove all newspapers from the driveway, so it’s not obvious that the resident is on vacation. They service all of Ramona, including San Diego Country Estates. On average, the number of home checks ranges from 2 to 9 homes per day and can go as high as 15 per day. Residents can sign up for this service by filling out a form at Sdsheriff.gov. The form must be printed, signed, and returned to the sheriff's station. The signature enables the volunteers to go on the property without it being considered trespassing.

They also check the Clubhouse parking lot to ensure there are no handicap parking violations. According to Fetter, they enforce disabled parking and can write tickets. One can expect a $342.50 ticket if they park in an ADA parking space without a handicap placard.

Fetter enjoys the comradery of volunteering as he is always with a partner; they never go out alone. “It’s a great group.” Volunteers must be 50 years and older and pass a background check; they receive training and are asked to work a minimum of six hours per week. “We are always looking for volunteers.” If you are interested in volunteering, contact 760-738-2466 to get started.

Hummingbird Coffee Hut Movie Nights

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 15:33:38 GMT

The Hummingbird Coffee Hut hosts outdoor movie nights for all ages.

Hummingbird Coffee Hut, located at 23658 San Vicente Road, hosts movie nights every Friday at 8 pm from June 7 through October 25. The movies are displayed on an inflatable screen next to the shop.

The lineup of movies moving forward includes Moana, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Jurassic Park, The Secret Life of Pets, Lego Movie, Toy Story, Rango, The Incredibles, Raya and the Last Dragon, Rio, Lilo and Stitch, Despicable Me, How to Train Your Dragon, Trolls, Hotel Transylvania and James and the Giant Peach. They also have a popcorn machine on site. They recommend bringing your own chair and blanket to the movie night, as chairs are not provided.

The shop also has a book exchange where customers can drop off a book and take one to read, as well as 3D-printed items for sale, such as dragons, gadgets, and ear pod case holders. There are games for kids inside the café, and chalk is available if they would like to draw on the big rocks outside the hut. In addition, they have a community board where customers can leave business cards to promote their businesses. In July, they will be starting customer appreciation, choosing one customer a month to highlight their favorite drink and business. On July 26, when they are showing Jurassic Park, the coffee hut will be doing a raffle to give away a 3D-printed baby dragon.

The coffee hut is open Monday through Friday from 5 am to 2 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 6 am to 2 pm. It is also open during movie night, serving its regular menu of drinks and food, including specialty coffee, tea, milk, juice, baked goods such as cookies and pastries, empanadas, and breakfast sandwiches.

Hummingbird Coffee Hut has been open since May 29, 2023. Owner Esther Elmasian wanted to kick off movie nights so the community could have something fun to do with their kids. “It was all her,” said barista Ronna Schacht, “to bring people together.” If you’re looking for a family-friendly Friday night activity, come out to Hummingbird Coffee Hut to enjoy a movie and some tasty treats.

Community Relations: Homeowner Update

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 15:00:36 GMT

Working to ensure our community is well-maintained and safe.

The Community Relations Department (CRD) has been busy partnering with homeowners. Understanding that owners have a personal stake in their property and seek a quality of life through the protections built into the governing documents, the department’s primary objective is to provide inspections and corrective measures and facilitate the operations of the Environmental Control Committee with processing project applications.

For the first time this year, we started tracking easement maintenance separately. Previously, this was grouped with landscape maintenance. With the increased attention on fire abatement and educating owners about their responsibility to maintain their easements, it made sense to separate this number into its own category. The goal is to keep the easements clear and safe.

Since the start of the year, CRD has issued 70 notices for easement maintenance. The easements are a portion of a homeowner’s property that the Association has reserved for access. This means the property still belongs to the owner but needs to remain accessible to the membership and be maintained in accordance with the governing documents. This maintenance includes trimming plants, shrubs and trees that can prevent access through the easement. Plants should be kept at 4 inches or less, and trees trimmed to maintain a 13-ft. 6-in. clearance from the ground.

To see the easement for your property, check out the Horse Trail Map , available on our website, or check with CRD.

CRD is ready to help with questions and guidance; contact us at CRDdept@sdcea.net or 760-789-8747.

First Pickleball Tournament at San Vicente Resort

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 18:09:42 GMT

Eighty-two pickleball players competed last Saturday in three divisions: Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed.

On Saturday, June 29, pickleball competitors of all skill levels, from recreational to advanced, came together at the resort to play on 12 courts.
Tournament Lead and avid pickleball player Nim Miranda, the SDCEA Executive Assistant, suggested and meticulously planned every aspect of the event. She reached out and collaborated with an experienced and well-known Tournament Director, Dorcy Norton, to make the day a success.

Forty-eight players in the Men’s and Women’s divisions began their matches at 8 am, when the temperature was cooler, and 34 players in the Mixed division started at 11 am, playing in almost 90-degree heat by the end of the match.

Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals were awarded to the winners in each division and skill level. The Men’s Division competed in four skill levels, the Women’s Division competed in two skill levels, and the Mixed Division competed in three skill levels. Photos of all the winners are posted on the Facebook page San Diego Pickleball Events .

Gearbox, a pickleball equipment brand, provided free balls for the tournament. Two booths were on site: one featuring 'Honoring USA Heroes' with Founder and CEO Ed Presnillo, and another showcasing Pickleball apparel 'Love This Bag' with Julie Abrams.

Over the past several years, pickleball has experienced significant growth worldwide and in our community. The sport has seen a surge in popularity across all age groups due to its accessibility, engaging gameplay, and social appeal. The courts are located west of the lodge in Courts 3 and 4, and in Court 2, a tennis court can be set up for pickleball play. Contact Member-Guest Services at 760-789-8290 x0 to reserve a court.

Stay tuned for an announcement of our second tournament later this year when the weather cools down.

"Whoever said 'don't sweat the small stuff' clearly never played pickleball." - Jimmy Fallon

PGA Jr. League Season-End Match

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 17:13:46 GMT

The PGA Jr. League wrapped up its 2024 season with 33 participants aged 6-13.

Junior golfers gathered at the San Vicente Golf Course on Wednesday, June 26, for the final match of the 2024 PGA Junior League. Sporting their uniforms—an orange or blue polo with the player’s name and chosen number on the back—and split into four groups, the golfers competed against each other in a scramble format. Parents cheered their kids on, and a few even participated in a friendly driving contest against their kids. After the match, players and families enjoyed a pizza party on the putting green.

“This is the third year we have done it,” said Matt Brumbaugh, PGA and head golf professional. The season runs from mid-May to the end of June. “Fun and participation is number one.” He says there is a place for everybody, regardless of their skill level. It’s always about keeping it fun and growing the game.

Another mission is to increase the number of junior and female golfers. This year, in the jr. league, the ratio of male to female golfers was almost 50/50. In addition, Matt said the league has doubled in size since the beginning. The program started with two small teams and has now grown into four teams, with older kids, too. Every year, there are more kids, and they are playing better. They are growing, and their skill set is increasing.

Matt has watched the whole movement flourish, and families are coming to spectate at the golf course. The support of parents has been instrumental in making this league a success. It’s a group effort, and it's heartening to see how interactive the parents and kids have been.

According to Laurence Meyerowitz, parent of players Natan, age 8, and Aidan, age 9, this is an amazing program. It teaches kids golf etiquette and comradery, and the instruction from the professional golfers has been excellent. Instructing the kids takes a lot of time and effort, and he has seen it grow over the last few years.

The season started May 15 and continued through June 26. There were six matches, with one practice and one match per week. Regular Jr. Golf Clinics are put on hold during the Jr. PGA League. Now that the season is over, clinics will start again on July 10. Clinics are held at the driving range every Wednesday at 4 pm and every Saturday at 10 am to help kids work on their technique. If your child is interested in joining the golf clinics, email Matt at Matt.brumbaugh@sdcea.net or call 760-789-3788 x3020 for more information.

Also to come will be the parent and sibling golf tournament. Matt encourages members to check their emails for more information.

Summer Sensations at The Oaks Grille and Par Lounge!

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 16:57:54 GMT

Stop by our neighborhood restaurants and let us serve you.

Beat the heat with cool, refreshing cocktails and tasty food. Some of our specialties include:

Mandarin Cosmo : Absolut mandarin vodka, Triple sec, and cranberry. This fabulous creation is served chilled, so it really hits the spot!

Strawberry Basil Lemonade : Dragonberry Rum, fresh strawberries and basil mixed with refreshing lemonade. Nothing says “summer” like this!

Wine Slush : Like white wine? You’ll love the “White Angel!” Prefer red? You’ll want to order the “Red Devil.” Can’t make up your mind? Let us put both in the same glass! Just ask for a “Mixed Mischief.” Satisfying, like a Slurpee but grown-up style!

There’s nothing like an ice-cold beer on a hot summer day. We have over 20 varieties, including five delicious draft beers.

Have you been craving a juicy hamburger? Our Double Smash Burger is now available at a Thursday Special price of $10 and includes a Coors Light! You’ll get two 4-ounce Angus Beef patties, secret sauce, real American cheese, and a house pickle. When you order it during a Padre game, you can get an Alesmith 394 and honor Tony Gwynn!

For a lighter fare, try one of our signature salads:

Sunshine Strawberry : Fresh strawberries, golden raisins, quinoa, blue cheese, candied walnuts, red onion, and tangy raspberry vinaigrette dressing.

Watermelon : Arugula, avocado, fresh mint, Feta cheese, sunflower seeds, watermelon, and a delicious lemon vinaigrette dressing.

Chinese Chicken : A crowd favorite! Made with Napa cabbage, wontons, scallions, cashews, peanuts, edamame, cilantro, oranges, and a sesame ginger dressing.

Our fabulous FISH TACOS are always available, and now we’ve added Grilled Swordfish Tacos for our seafood lovers! With jalapeno/avocado crema, pickled onions, peanuts and fresh cilantro, white sauce, and soft tortillas, you’ll experience a sweet and spicy flair!

A seafood appetizer you need to try is fried calamari, seasoned to perfection.

All our menu items are available for takeout! Give us a call at 760-789-3788, ext. 2211, and we’ll have it ready for you! Click here to see our menus.

Family-Owned Fruit Stand

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 16:42:20 GMT

Farhat Produce is the fruit stand that pops up on the weekends on San Vicente Road near Wildcat Canyon Road to serve the community fresh produce.

Farhat Produce is owned and operated by Aziz Farhat and his son, Kristian Farhat. Aziz has been selling produce to the Ramona community for over 20 years. He has been at the San Diego Country Estates location for 6 or 7 years and has had fruit stands off Hwy 67, Main Street, and 10th Street. He has lived in Ramona for over 40 years and previously owned the liquor store called Old Time Country Store in Woodward’s shopping center. He sold the business in 1995 or 1996.

Aziz and Kristian are committed to sourcing their produce from local growers in the area, including Fallbrook, Vista, Valley Center, Hemet, Temecula, and Carlsbad. “We try to keep it local,” says Kristian, “whatever we can find.” They want to get the best quality produce—most of it organic—for a fair price for their customers. “We go to all the farms and ranches to find good quality produce,” says Kristian.

They sell a wide variety of produce, including avocados, tomatoes, grapefruit, onions, watermelon, cherries, seedless grapes, cantaloupe, nectarines, peaches, plums, apricots, kiwis, pears, apples, roasted peanuts, red yams, red potatoes, spaghetti squash, sweet potatoes, and raw honey. They have had some of the same customers for years because they know they will get quality produce that tastes great. Customers rave about the quality of fruit at the produce stand. “We find the freshest produce we can,” says Aziz. “And we have very good people.”

Kristian says the best thing about running the produce shop is seeing his customers happy when they see good produce. He likes to see them return to the stand and give positive feedback about the quality of the produce. It makes him happy and motivates the customers to return.

The fruit stand is located at 22589-22665 San Vicente Road. They sell produce at this location from January through August and are open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm. They are also open on Monday holidays. They advertise on Next-Door under the name Kristian Rodriguez and only accept payment in cash.

Their strawberries are currently on sale: 3-pack of strawberries for $10 and half-a-flat for $18. So, stop by for some fresh quality produce at a great price.

Summer Getaway at San Vicente Resort

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 16:28:17 GMT

Members receive an exclusive resort guest room rate.

It's summertime and the perfect season for family gatherings, out-of-town guests, staycations, and more! Invite them to enjoy a relaxing stay at San Vicente Resort, where we're ready to make their summer memorable.

Our neighborhood resort boasts newly upgraded amenities, including brand-new patio furniture, luxurious bed linens, and plush bathroom towels. A private patio is the perfect place to soak in the serene views of our pristine golf course. Guests can also swim in our recently renovated pool, children’s pool and relaxing hot tub or enjoy a game of tennis or pickleball.

Room Options: King Bed, Two Queen Beds, or Mobility Accessible King Bed

Take advantage of our special homeowner rates:

Sunday to Thursday: $109 per night
Friday and Saturday: $129 per night

To reserve a stay, please call Member-Guest Services at 760-789-8290 ext. 0 today.

We look forward to welcoming your guests to San Vicente Resort for an unforgettable summer getaway!.

View our San Vicente Resort Guest Room Guide.

Summer Activities in the Estates

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 16:11:25 GMT

Our community has something for everyone.

We are in the sunniest months; the kids are out of school, and summer fun is in full swing! Our community is filled with amenities for people of all ages to enjoy. Look at all the activities you can participate in just a short drive or walk from your home!

Aquatics

Two pools are open, and member access is available with your homeowner ID card (also known as a “pool pass”). If you don’t have a homeowner ID card, stop by the Community Relations office located at 15910 Avenel Lane, from 7:30 am - 4 pm. Please bring a valid form of ID, such as your driver’s license, and you’ll be given cards for members aged 14 and older who live in your home. Family members ages 14 to 17 must be accompanied by their parent to obtain a pool card. You will need your card to enter the pools.

Ramona Oaks Pool at the Park

Open Sunday - Saturday through October, 11 am - 6 pm

8 – 11 am Classes

11 am – 6 pm Open Swim

San Vicente Pool at the Clubhouse

Our family-friendly and heated pool is open:

7 am - 10 pm (Mon., Wed., Fri., Sat., Sun.)

8 am – 10 pm (Tues., Thurs.)

Scheduled Swim

7 - 8 am Master Swim (Tues., Thurs.)

11 am – 7 pm Family Swim

3:15 - 8 pm Ramona Swim team (Mon. through Fri.)

8 - 11 am Lap Swim (Tues., Thurs.)

7 – 11 am Lap Swim (Mon., Wed., Fri., Sat., Sun.)

7 – 10 pm Lap Swim

Dog Parks

Dogs can play in designated fenced-in areas. A dog ‘watering hole,’ as the locals call it, is available. Remember to keep dogs on a leash when outside the fences.

Ramona Oaks Park : Two fenced-in areas are available: one for small dogs, one for large dogs.

Basset Park : Located on Basset Way between Scarbery and Spangler Peak. Two fenced-in areas are available: one for small dogs, one for large dogs.

Golf

Our award-winning recently renovated golf course at the center of our community includes a Driving Range and Golf Shop, exclusive benefits for San Vicente Golf Club members, lessons, junior golf clinics, and fun tournaments to play in. Members receive a reduced daily rate. Call 760-789-3477 for information.

For those busy during the weekdays, we have Twilight Golf on Thursday nights starting at 4:30 pm. The event includes 9-hole golf play with a golf cart, prizes and a beverage of your choice. See the flyer for details.

Lodge at San Vicente Resort

Are guests coming to visit who need a place to stay? Reserve a room at our discounted homeowner rate: $109 Sunday - Thursday, and $129 Friday/Saturday. Call Member-Guest Services at 760-789-3788, x0, to make a reservation.

Tennis and Pickleball Courts

Courts located on the resort grounds are open 8 am - 9 pm. Call Member Guest Services at 760-789-3788, x0, to make a reservation. Stop by the desk for a key card to open the gates. Players bring their own equipment.

Tennis Courts : Two courts in court 1 and 2

Pickleball Courts : Eight courts in court 3 and 4

Ramona Oaks Park

Our community park, located at 25341 Pappas Road, is filled with fun and games for members and their guests.

Open Sunday - Saturday | 8 am - sundown

Kids’ Park in a Gated Area : Swing set for infants and young children, two play structures designed for many activities such as fitness and learning: straight and winding slides, rock climbing walls, a tic-tac-toe game, short hang and glide, and balance game combine for an engaging place for kids. Picnic Tables : We have tables in covered areas.

Corn Hole : Two sets of boards. Bring your own bags.

Gaga Ball : Known as a kinder, gentler version of dodgeball, this game is played with a soft foam ball and combines the skills of dodging, striking, running and jumping while trying to hit an opponent with the ball below the knees. More players mean more fun. Bring your own ball.

Basketball Court : Meet friends for a game of basketball. Bring your own ball.

Volleyball Court : One net, one sandy area to play and it’s like you’re at the beach right near your home. Bring your own ball.

Horseshoe Pits : Four pits built to tournament design specifications, located in an area with picnic tables and partial shade. Bring your own horseshoes.

Trails for Equestrian, Hiking and Biking : Our community is filled with miles of trails that are shared with three types of outdoor enthusiasts: Equestrians, hikers and bikers. For safety, all who utilize our trails must respect the priority of others using the trails.

NO motorized vehicles allowed on SDCE trails.

View our Trail Map.

Luke Taliaferro: July’s Employee of the Month

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 15:31:41 GMT

Our Food and Beverage Team is pleased to announce Luke Taliaferro as Employee of the Month for July.

Luke joined the Food and Beverage Team in July 2022 and is a station cook in the kitchen that serves The Oaks Grille, Par Lounge, and Catered Events guests. He is responsible for prepping and serving food from his part of the kitchen, cutting up meats and vegetables and prepping items such as pizza dough. He also uses the grill to cook steaks and hamburgers.

Luke is always approachable and willing to do whatever needs to be done, whether it's working on a scheduled day off, training a new employee or washing dishes. According to his lead, Chef Ben Peterson, Luke brings a likable demeanor to the team and is one of the most reliable and cool-headed employees in their kitchen. “It doesn’t matter how busy it is,” says Peterson. “Luke will always make it seem easier.”

Luke is a student at Palomar College studying film. He enjoys creative things, like writing, film, and music. He is also interested in video game production and is trying to learn as much as possible while attending school. He is constantly on the lookout for new and exciting things to learn about.

Luke feels a strong sense of community working at the resort in the Estates. He really enjoys the people he works with and feels that everyone here is very easy to get along with. When he is not working, he enjoys hanging out with friends and eating at new places.

Congratulations, Luke, on your well-deserved recognition.

Landscape Update: San Vicente Park

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 01:13:33 GMT

Creating a safe and beautiful environment.

After completing our annual weed abatement mowing, the Landscape Team is in Fire Fuel Management mode, a new process being developed this year. The goal of this work is to identify homes that need the 100-foot clearance per County Codes, which may extend beyond their property line and back up to open space. Additional clearing and limbing up of trees will also be a focus in our Open Space areas.

View the Fire Abatement Plan Map

The Turf Reduction Project at San Vicente Park will be completed by the end of this month, and the final county inspections and approvals will occur next month. Numerous plants have been placed in various areas of the park, and we look forward to seeing the plants fill in, especially the new Butterfly Garden with many native plants and other pollinator attractors. Plant name tags will be added to identify the varieties. A natural area for kids to climb on tree stumps and logs is planned to be added soon. We hope you take a moment to come by, stroll the pathways, enjoy the serene environment, and be inspired by the beauty of our native plants and other drought-tolerant garden plants.

Pickleball players are invited to use the new pathway from the west side, which was developed in conjunction with this project. This access point features a beautiful new rock retaining wall, a DG path and an interesting mix of succulents lining the walkway.

June Home of the Month-All About Vintage

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 22:40:41 GMT

Thomas and Bonnie Crawford enjoy country living at their home in the Estates. They have lived there for the last five years and were honored to accept the June Home of the Month award.

Before Thomas and Bonnie Crawford moved to Ramona, they lived in Paradise in Northern California. “We went from tragedy to triumph,” Thomas said. In 2018, there was a campfire in Paradise that was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California’s history. Their home was part of the 10 percent that didn’t burn, although they lost all their antique yard items due to the fire.

They rented an Airbnb for a month in Ramona while deciding if they wanted to move to the town and found the home they are in now. The house was a real fixer-upper and needed a lot of work when they bought it. They painted it, added dormers on top to give it height and did a lot of upgrades on the inside as well as on the outside. The remodeling inside took about two years, and it took about one year to upgrade the outside. They upgraded the front yard in the summer of 2022 and updated the backyard in the fall of 2023.

The backyard was all dirt; it looked like a blank slate. Now, it is concreted and beautifully equipped with a green garden cottage and a red barn shed. The backyard is landscaped with a variety of plants and flowers and decorated with antiques. The couple raves about their landscaper, Gabino Sanchez, who spearheaded the yard transformation. “It was brilliant how he tied it all together,” says Thomas. “We feel really blessed.”

Bonnie is an avid gardener, a member of the Ramona Garden Club, and a former antique dealer. Their home was featured on the Ramona Garden Tour on May 4. The Garden Tour selected four homes and sold the tickets for $25 a ticket; the proceeds went toward scholarships for Ramona High School graduates.

The home overlooks beautiful views of mountains and is very peaceful. The Crawfords are very happy they ended up on Pappas Road. Their son, Wes, his wife, Corey, and 18-month-old son, Henry, also live in SDCE. “It’s a real blessing to live near family,” says Bonnie. Thomas quotes a verse from the bible, “All things work together for good. It took a fire to bring us to Ramona.”

Congratulations to the Crawfords for being awarded Home of the Month for June!

Understanding the Current Insurance Market Challenges: What You Need to Know

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 22:19:04 GMT

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.

Many people are feeling the challenges of keeping up with recent insurance changes. I hope that you find the following information useful and that it helps explain what is happening in the insurance world today. It won't matter what carrier you are with; this is an industry-wide issue.

The insurance marketplace is tightening up, and it's happening fast. It's happening especially fast for home and auto insurance companies. This is regardless of what state you are in; however, California, Florida, Louisiana and Texas are being hit especially hard. Carriers are pulling a full hard stop on issuing any new policies across the country, and carriers that have NOT put a moratorium on binding new coverage are leaving the market or selling to other carriers/merging. They simply can't operate profitably in this inflationary market.

Every day, we hear about a pause on new business or a carrier putting a full stop on writing new policies. Some carriers require "full premium payment" up front for new business or a 20 to 30-day hold on new applications. Carriers may shift underwriting guidelines, so they "only want preferred business," no claims within five years (increased from 3 years), home and auto bundles, etc. Some carriers will NOT reinstate coverage if it lapses, no matter the reason.

The market is disrupted, and it will affect you. If it hasn't yet, it will. I have personally seen premiums double and triple what they were the year before.

The cost of claims has risen exponentially in the past two years, resulting in carriers having to raise premiums or pull out of some markets. In some states, carriers have applied for rate increases but have not been able to get them approved, so they simply shut down for new business.

If you have an auto or home insurance policy, your rates have gone up; if they haven't, they will. This isn't personal; it's not based on a claim you may or may not have had. It's simply the cost of doing business. If you have not received a rate increase, be prepared for one at your next renewal, if you get renewal terms at all.

The cost to rebuild your home is up dramatically due to the rising cost of materials and labor. The supply chain for materials continues to be an issue. We can all agree that everything has gone up in price. Carriers simply can't survive paying these higher prices without charging more themselves.
The cost to repair your car is up dramatically due to the rising cost of auto parts and labor to fix your car. In addition, parts in vehicles now include some technological features. Replacing a side mirror or windshield used to be $500 - now it's more than triple that.
The cost of medical care continues to skyrocket. Bodily injury in auto accidents is off the charts.
Litigation is expensive, and settlements are rising at an unprecedented rate.
Both the frequency and severity of auto accidents are WAY up post-COVID, along with the rising frequency of auto fatalities.
ReInsurance (the insurance your insurance carrier buys to help cushion catastrophic loss) is at or approaching capacity in many markets, and rising rates are unsustainable.

This is a significant issue affecting the property & casualty industry, and pricing correction is anticipated at least through 2024. It won't be for forever, but it is here now.

There are some things you can do to help get through these current insurance market challenges:

Consider higher deductibles. This will help save some money on your policy.
Safe Driving Telematic Programs: Telematics can reward you by giving you a discount for good driving.
Discount Reviews: Make sure you're getting everything you're entitled to. Every carrier has different discount opportunities. Go over those with your agent.
DO NOT let your policy cancel or lapse for any reason. Carriers are not reinstating coverage as easily as they once did. If it does cancel, they may require the premium to be paid in full before reinstating. This is across the board for every line of coverage.
Bundle your Auto and Home for more discounts and more stable pricing. Bundled/Packaged policies almost always include better coverage and benefits, and the savings is usually 10-15% (or more) on each policy. Many business risks can also bundle options.
Consider tenure. Jumping companies too often will hurt you in the long run. In addition, some carriers won't take you as a new client if you have less than two years with a carrier. More importantly, carriers are getting off some risks if a claim happens in the new business term or for the number of claims in a 3 to 5-year window. Tenure matters with a carrier.
Follow the laws so you don't get any tickets. Ticket charges really add to your policy and stay on your record for 3-5 years, depending on the carrier.
Absorb small claims when you're able and save coverage for catastrophic losses. Talk with your agent and let them claims counsel you should a loss happen. Stop using your towing or roadside assistance as a maintenance policy. Frequency of claims REALLY matters.

Lastly, please remember that we are agents for the carriers. We don't make the rules, we don't have control over the rates, and we don't decide if the carriers cancel your policy. We are here to help educate, make sure you have the best insurance for your situation, manage your account with the carrier, and claims counsel when needed. We are doing our best to manage carrier changes with client needs.

I hope this article explains some of what is happening in the insurance marketplace. Please be nice to your insurance agent - they are also taking the same increases, navigating carrier changes and doing their best to help you through this.

Thank you to some really smart agents who helped put this information together so it can be shared widely.

Our job is to ask you about your Life Insurance. Please don't make it our job to tell your family you didn't have any. Ask us how we can help you protect your family today!

sdcea

Manager Spotlight: Catering and Event Planner Joyce Whelehon

Find Your Balance at Estates Yoga: Where Wellness Meets Serenity

A tranquil backyard studio turned thriving community hub, Estates Yoga offers more than classes—it’s a welcoming sanctuary where mindful movement, connection, and holistic wellness come together to help you reconnect, recharge, and truly find your balance.

Spring Gardening Tips for 2026: Get Ready to Grow

Spring 2026 is the perfect time to dig in, as expert tips and local know-how make it easier than ever to grow a thriving, colorful, and productive garden.

Young Entrepreneur Sweetens San Diego Country Estates

Seven-year-old Savanna Butler is turning homemade chocolate chip cookies into a thriving community business—proving big dreams can start with a single sweet idea. ﻿

Sneak Peek: Easter Brunch Menu

Oaks Grille’s Easter Brunch offers a vibrant, family-friendly buffet with made-to-order stations,

seasonal dishes, and festive touches in a welcoming community atmosphere.

Easter Traditions Come to Life in SDCE

Children at the San Diego Country Estates recreation center shared how Easter traditions like egg hunts, family time, and sweet treats bring their community together and create lasting memories.

Spring Break Fun: Activities for Families Around San Diego

Spring break in Ramona and the San Diego Country Estates is packed with family-friendly fun—from camps and egg hunts to outdoor adventures and local attractions—making it easy to keep kids active, entertained, and making memories all week long.

Take a Book, Leave a Book: One Family’s Little Library Strengthens Community in SDCE

On a quiet stretch of Del Amo Road in San Diego Country Estates, a small wooden book house is making a big impact.

A Lucky Weekend on the Links at San Vicente

San Vicente Golf Resort hosted two festive St. Patrick’s weekend tournaments, with a strong turnout on Friday’s public event and John and Toni Massey, alongside Keith and Suzanne Shupe, winning Saturday’s members' Couples Tournament with a 54.6 in a fun Tic Tac Toe format.

New Leadership, Renewed Vision: Ramona Soroptimist Continues Its Mission to Empower Women and Girls

With new president Tammy Tinsley at the helm, Soroptimist International of Ramona is launching an inspiring new chapter—expanding its powerful work to uplift women and girls through education, support, and advocacy that transforms lives across the community.

Casey Tibbs Riders Launch 2026 Gymkhana Series at Casey Tibbs Arena

The Casey Tibbs Riders kicked off their 2026 Gymkhana Series on March 7 at Casey Tibbs Arena, drawing 30 riders and more than 80 spectators for a day of competition and community activities.

Love Yourself: Katy Wagner’s Message of Self Worth

Former Ramona resident Dr. Katy Wagner transformed a life-threatening skiing accident on Mount Hood into a calling, now helping high-achieving women regulate their nervous systems, practice self-compassion, and redefine success without burnout.

February Home of the Month: Where Hollywood History Meets Modern Elegance

February’s Home of the Month beautifully blends a unique Hollywood legacy with thoughtful

modern renovations, sophisticated design, and fire-conscious landscaping that exemplifies pride

of ownership in the San Diego Country Estates.

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Love, Laughter, and Low Scores Highlight San Vicente’s Valentine’s Tournament

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.

Pilates Instructor Alexa Kanj Finds Strength and Balance in San Diego Country Estates

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.

Fresh Air and Sunshine

Mild winter weather and easy access to open space make spending time outdoors one of the simplest and healthiest ways to start the new year.

Heart Month Emphasizes the Importance of CPR Training

During February Heart Month, CPR training and readily available AED machines help strengthen safety and preparedness across the SDCEA community.

Love is in the air, and in the cup, at San Vicente Golf Resort

San Vicente Golf Resort celebrates a remarkable moment as Paige Megna and Joe Weir each recorded hole in ones within weeks of each other.

Treasures of the Heart Craft Fair Brings Community Together at Ramona Oaks Park

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.

A Love That Never Faded: Honoring 69 Years with Colleen and Tom

Raising the Bar in the Par: A New Premier Draft Beer Experience Under Chuck Kast’s Leadership

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.

Golf Course Update: Native Area Restoration Between Holes 1 and 9

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.

February Employee of the Month: Susanne Hopkins Leads with Heart

From Resolution to Routine: Fitness Goals After the January Rush

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.

Pamo Valley Winery Wine, Pasta, Music, and a Birthday Celebration

January Home of the Month: Welcome the New Year at Home

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.

From Kickoff to Card Off, Super Bowl Couples Tournament Delivers Excitement

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.

Easement Maintenance: Protecting Our Community with Fire Abatement

Proper easement maintenance ensures safety, accessibility, and fire prevention, and the Community Relations Department (CRD) is here to guide homeowners through the process.

A Valentine’s Getaway Worth Sharing

Enjoy a romantic staycation or share a special escape with loved ones, featuring renovated guestrooms, champagne, dining perks, and late checkout at San Vicente Resort.

Building Tomorrow: Your Seat at the Table - SDCEA Committees Extend an Invitation

SDCEA invites residents to join committees that shape community facilities, policies, and activities.​

(Ad Hoc) Golf Course Water Storage Committee - 5 Members

San Vicente Valley News Editorial Advisory Committee – 5 Members

A Strong Start to 2026 at Our Equestrian Centers

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.

Golf Membership That Fits Your Life

San Vicente Golf Club is an exclusive homeowners club offering unlimited golf, exceptional benefits, and a welcoming community just minutes from home.

From First Swing to Full Swing: San Vicente’s Junior Golf Program Welcomes Young Players

A fun, welcoming junior golf program helps local kids build skills, confidence, and friendships while enjoying the outdoors at San Vicente.

Ramona Rodeo Foundation Poker Run Brings Community Together

The Ramona Rodeo Foundation’s inaugural Poker Run brought hikers, bikers, and horseback riders together for a fun, family-friendly morning that celebrated community spirit while raising funds to support local youth programs and charitable initiatives in Ramona.

A Joyful Start to 2026 at Recreation

Capturing the Wild Heart of Ramona: A Look at Photographer Roy Toft

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.

Honoring Our Native Landscape: Fire Safety, Sustainability, and Thoughtful Replanting

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.

New Year’s Eve: Bringing Back a Favorite for One Night Only

Year of the Horse Kicks Off with Wild West Trivia Night

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.

Mastering Your Game in the New Year: The Benefits of Golf Lessons

Seven-year-old Savanna Butler is turning homemade chocolate chip cookies into a thriving community business—proving big dreams can start with a single sweet idea.

SDCEA invites residents to join committees that shape community facilities, policies, and activities.