Valley News - November 8, 2024: Ramona Archway is Unveiled! | Board President Jeffrey Wells Talks 2025 Budget | Landscape Update | Make Reservations for Thanksgiving Dinner | Weekly Calendar

Volume 39 - No. 046 - Nov. 8, 2024

Connecting our Community

Ramona Archway Unveiling: A Community's 11-Year Journey to a New Landmark

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.

From the President’s Desk: A Budget for Growth and Sustainability

Jeffrey M. Wells explains the necessity for increasing HOA fees in 2025 due to rising operating costs, capital improvements, and plans to elevate the underused Equestrian amenities, asserting that the budget reflects careful financial management with minimal waste.

Community Calendar

Enjoy the Drille Divas event, stop in all day on Veterans Day - veterans and active military save 25%, and plan to attend the early Board meeting this month!

View the calendar

Nov 22.: Bingo Fundraiser

Landscape and Open Space Update: Fire Fuel Reduction

The Landscape and Open Space Department is actively working on reducing fire fuel, clearing invasive species, and developing the required 100-ft defensible space between living space structures and open space brush.

Ramona Arts, Wine & Music Festival

At the Ramona Art, Wine & Music Festival, Jonathan Martinez's winery-inspired barrel, sponsored by San Vicente Resort, fetched $3,500 at auction. The winning bidders were Rita Castillo and her husband, Andrew Crain, co-owners of Ramona Valley Olive Oil, a family-operated business in Ramona. The festival showcased 29 artist booths, 14 wine, cider, and beer booths, and featured performances on four stages by various local bands.

Pictured from left to right: Rita Castillo, Andrew Crain, and Jonathan Martinez.

Boo Crew Cleans Up Our Community

Representatives from the Ramona Substation of the San Diego County Sheriff's Department initiated the Boo Crew's post-Halloween trash pickup event last Friday. In the absence of founder Phoenix West, who was ill, his younger brother Carter led the efforts alongside their mother Kelly, grandmother Teri Bastia, and friends David Smith and Claudia Contreras and their children. Joining them were four members of the SDCEA Team: Lodge Manager Mary Ellen Stevens, Golf Pro Matt Brumbaugh, Assistant General Manager Joshua Jones, and Recreation Manager Amy Holsapple.

Maureen Brown: November’s Employee of the Month

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.

Dash Before You Dine-The History of the Turkey Trot

The San Diego Country Estates Turkey Trot was a community tradition from 1999 to 2019. Recreation Manager Amy Holsapple-Lueck recalls the 20 years of turkey trots she worked on.

Environmental Control Committee Volunteer Opportunity

An exciting volunteer position is available on the Environmental Control Committee (ECC). This is a wonderful opportunity for a member to contribute to the beauty and vitality of our community.

The Environmental Control Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving all proposed exterior improvements to homeowner lots. The ECC is significant in that it establishes architectural standards for the community, encompassing landscaping, RV concealment, and construction requirements. The committee is composed of three members, meeting on the 1^st and 3^rd Tuesday of each month for three hours to approve and inspect homeowner projects. The ECC has the greatest impact on every homeowner's property and the aesthetic of the community, making it so important to find homeowners with experience reading project plans or understanding various aspects of construction or project management.

Find out more about this opportunity and how to apply by reaching out to the Assistant General Manager at Joshua.Jones@sdcea.net or calling 760-789-8747.