Ramona Queen Returns to The Par
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.
