Editor

Susan Gill Vardon

Susan Gill Vardon is an editor with the Poway News Chieftain, the Rancho Bernardo News Journal and the Ramona Sentinel. She previously worked for The Orange County as a reporter, editor and team leader overseeing city coverage, and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, where she was a city and general assignment reporter. She has a B.A. in English from Cal State Fullerton.

Garden Party Fashion Show models stand in front of the fireplace at Always Sunny. From left re: Sue Porath, Event Co-chair Marlene Dimich, Darlene McNeal, Patsy Heald, Janna York, Cyndi Wear, Peggy Bergman-Smith, and Jean Scofield. (Maureen Robertson)

Fashion Show tops $4,600 for student scholarships, community nonprofits

April 29, 2025 at 12:24 p.m.

Early results of Ramona Woman’s Club’s Garden Party Fashion Show and Catered Luncheon showed the fundraiser raised $4,677 for student scholarships and community nonprofits. The event, held at Sponsor Janna...

Hundreds of protesters on both sides of Bernardo Center Drive held up signs and waved at ing cars during the protest of the Trump istration on April 19. (Susan Gill Vardon)

Several hundred people rally in Rancho Bernardo against Trump, Musk

April 22, 2025 at 12:34 p.m.

An estimated 700 people chanted and held handmade signs to protest actions by the Trump istration at a rally in Rancho Bernardo on Saturday.

Ramona Archway Association board cheer as the archway sign lights up at the unveiling ceremony Oct. 31. (Stephanie Ogilvie)

Year in Review: A look back at Ramona in 2024

December 30, 2024 at 2:16 p.m.

From a new $500,000 archway to a transformation on the Planning Group and completion of improvements to SR-67, here are some of the big stories in Ramona

Ramona Unified’s classified and certificated employees are getting a 2% pay raise that is retroactive to July 1, 2024. (Sentinel file photo)

Ramona Unified trustees approve settlement in state voting rights case

December 3, 2024 at 1:37 p.m.

The settlement approved Monday night was for over $1.4 million, according to plaintiffs' attorney

An early rendering of a possible new “North Campus” for CTE classes at Ramona High. (Courtesy Lord Architecture Inc.)

Ramona Unified’s $26.7 million school bond headed to defeat

November 11, 2024 at 10:52 p.m.

Measure GG would generate funds to improve Career Technical Education (CTE) facilities

Poway, Rancho Bernardo newspapers win 18 San Diego Press Club awards

October 24, 2024 at 10:49 a.m.

The ceremony was held Oct. 22 at the Liberty Station Conference Center in Point Loma.

Ramona Sentinel wins six San Diego Press Club awards

October 23, 2024 at 2:32 p.m.

The ceremony was held on Oct. 22 at the Liberty Station Conference Center in Point Loma.

Ramona senior lunch menu: Week of Oct. 23 – Nov. 8

October 22, 2024 at 1:07 p.m.

The Ramona Senior Center is open for in-person dining from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

The Ramona Unified School District lost an appeal of a ruling that it violated the California Voting Rights Act and must pay the plaintiffs’ $878,849 in attorney fees.

Ramona Unified loses appeal in state voting rights act case

August 22, 2024 at 9:21 a.m.

Appeals court upheld decision that the district violated voting rights act when it held an at-large school board election in November 2020.

Ramona High School head football Coach Damon Baldwin accepts a check for $1,500 to go toward football spirit packs for 2024 season players from Chris Bertolero, Kiwanis Club of Ramona immediate past president and service leadership chair after football practice at Bulldog Stadium on Aug. 13. Ramona Kiwanis each year donates the money from its foundation to help defray the cost of football gear the players must purchase. Pictured from left are Wyatt Davis, Gage Gwynn, Ramona Kiwanis Treasurer Ken Bates, Bertolero, Baldwin, Ethan Grajada, Ryder Tomkiel, Kiwanian Liz Albertson, and Ramona Kiwanis President Darryl Albertson. (Ramona High School Football Program)

Kiwanis donates $1,500 for football spirit packs

August 21, 2024 at 8:29 a.m.

Football Spirit Packs

Poway 4-H show off a Nigerian dwarf goat named Machiatto. (Julie Gallant)

Poway 4-H Club at Ramona Junior Fair

July 30, 2024 at 11:45 a.m.

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A fire leveled a 25,000-square-foot building that housed about 70,000 chickens Thursday evening at Pine Hill Egg Ranch in Ramona, Cal Fire officials said.

Flames engulf poultry building at Pine Hill Egg Ranch in Ramona

July 19, 2024 at 2:36 p.m.

An estimated 70,000 chickens were reported to be in the building, but it is not known how many were lost in the fire, officials said Friday.

Uncle Sam (Charles Keith) is sought out every year by the Wilson Family: Joe (dad), Sydney Wilson-Binder (daughter), Riley (puppy), and Leslie (mom). They’ve taken a family photo with Uncle Sam at Old Poway Park for the past 13 years. (During the pandemic, they took their family photo with a photo of Uncle Sam). (Criselda Yee)

Poway celebrates Fourth of July with games, picnics and fireworks

July 10, 2024 at 9:11 a.m.

Poway’s Fourth of July celebrations took attendees back to the turn of the 20th century with old-fashioned entertainment, children’s crafts and traditional games at Old Poway Park. Two fireworks shows...

Poway, Rancho Bernardo papers win 20 Society of Professional Journalism awards

July 5, 2024 at 8:41 a.m.

The Poway News Chieftain and Rancho Bernardo News Journal won a total of 20 awards, including four first place honors, in the Society of Professional Journalists San Diego Chapter 2024 journalism awards competition.

Ramona Sentinel wins 7 awards in Society of Professional Journalists competition

June 28, 2024 at 2:11 p.m.

The Ramona Sentinel won seven awards, including three first place honors, in the Society of Professional Journalists San Diego Chapter 2024 journalism awards competition.

A tableful of desserts at the Ramona Junior Fair Pie Auction & BBQ included cookies, brownies, cheesecakes and pies. (Julie Gallant)

Variety of goodies at pie auction raise $16,250 for Junior Fair

June 28, 2024 at 8:49 a.m.

The $16,250 in proceeds from the annual Pie Auction & BBQ benefits the Ramona Junior Fair, which will be held July 19 to 27.

Ham radio operators make s through the night of the annual 24-hour Field Day event. (Mark Garrow)

Calendar of Events

June 23, 2024 at 5:05 p.m.

How to submit your event Send details (who, what, where, cost and information) or questions in an email to [email protected] The deadline is noon Friday. Items run on a...

Thomsen Learning Center in Ramona has had its licenses to operate a preschool and infant care facility revoked, and owner Pam Thomsen and Director Nicolle Daniels are prohibited for life from working at facilities licensed by the state Department of Social Services, officials said Monday, June 17. (Julie Gallant)

Thomsen Learning Center in Ramona is closed by the state

June 20, 2024 at 12:33 p.m.

A judge's orders take effect revoking the center's licenses and banning its owner and director from working at state-licensed facilities.

The license for Thomsen Learning Center, a preschool and infant care facility in Ramona, has been revoked by an istration law judge after a hearing last month. State officials received several complaints about the facility.

License of Thomsen child care center in Ramona is ordered revoked following complaints

May 27, 2024 at 2:07 a.m.

The license for Thomsen Learning Center, a preschool and infant care facility in Ramona, has been ordered revoked after state officials received several complaints, including about the center being over...

Egg contest announcer Jodie Taylor (second from left) and coordinator Katie Sprankles (second from right) pose with Cal Fire team: Brent Pascua, Cal Fire PIO (far left); Engineer Paramedic Ron Rommelfanger (center); Captain Ubaldo Gamboa (far right); and Engineer Carl Schwettmann III (egg container dropper on ladder). <br/>

James Dukes Elementary students learn about science at annual Egg Drop

April 2, 2024 at 7:59 p.m.

James Dukes Elementary School's PTA held its annual Egg Drop on March 27.The event is a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) project where the students design and engineer an...

Due to a stolen delivery truck, this week's Ramona Sentinel issue may not be delivered until Friday, Dec. 31.

Ramona Sentinel wins eight San Diego Press Club awards

October 6, 2023 at 8:54 p.m.

The Ramona Sentinel won a total of eight awards in the San Diego Press Club’s 50th annual Excellence in Journalism Awards competition.The ceremony was held on Oct. 3 at the International Houses...

Poway, Rancho Bernardo newspapers win six Society of Professional Journalists awards

July 12, 2023 at 4:21 p.m.

The Poway News Chieftain and Rancho Bernardo News Journal won two first place awards in the Society of Professional Journalists San Diego Pro Chapter 2022 journalism awards competition.The awards were announced...

Ramona Sentinel wins five awards in Society of Professional Journalists competition

June 28, 2023 at 3:50 p.m.

The Ramona Sentinel won five awards, including one first place honor, in the Society of Professional Journalists San Diego Pro Chapter 2023 journalism awards competition.The awards were announced June 22 at a...

Ramona Unified School District s are developing plans for either in-person or virtual styles of instruction.

Judge orders Ramona Unified to pay $878K in plaintiff attorney fees in election suit

February 14, 2023 at 1:37 a.m.

A judge has ruled that Ramona Unified School District must pay $878,849 in plaintiffs fees, following his earlier decision that the district violated the California Voting Rights Act when it...

Cathleen Post, Mrs. Claus; Isabel Barragan, Ken Post, Santa Claus; and hero Donnie Frank, a detective at the Sheriff's Poway Station at the Holiday With Heroes event Dec. 8. <br/>

Children learn the joy of gift-giving at Poway’s Holiday with Heroes

December 14, 2022 at 5:44 p.m.

Isabel Barragan was standing in a line outside a packed Mickey Calfagna Community Center, talking to her mom about what she wanted for Christmas."I want an iPhone 14," the Valley...

Hannah Shirley, a pygmy hippopotamus, celebrates her 49th birthday with presents and a vegetable cake, at Ramona Wildlife Center.

Hannah the hippo celebrates 49th birthday at Ramona Wildlife Center

December 1, 2022 at 6:39 p.m.

About 20 years ago Andy Blue got a call asking for his help in moving a pygmy hippopotamus from an Escondido backyard to what was then the Fund for Animals...

Hannah the hippo celebrates her 49th birthday at Ramona Wildlife Center

November 29, 2022 at 5:16 p.m.

About 20 years ago Andy Blue got a call asking for his help in moving a pygmy hippopotamus from an Escondido backyard to what was then the Fund for Animals...

Poway, Rancho Bernardo newspapers win 14 awards in San Diego Press Club competition

October 27, 2022 at 10:41 p.m.

The Poway News Chieftain and Rancho Bernardo News Journal won a total of 14 awards at the San Diego Press Club’s 49th annual Excellence in Journalism Awards Ceremony on Oct....

Ramona Sentinel wins 16 awards in San Diego Press Club competition

October 31, 2022 at 3:18 p.m.

The Ramona Sentinel won a total of 16 awards at the San Diego Press Club’s 49th annual Excellence in Journalism Awards Ceremony on Oct. 25.The contest is one of the...

Timothy VanderPloeg at the Dart launch at Vandenberg last November.

Ramona High grad plays a part in NASA’s asteroid-busting mission

October 4, 2022 at 5:43 p.m.

A collective cheer went up in Mission Control when a NASA spacecraft slammed into an asteroid 7 million miles from Earth on Sept. 26.The mission was like something out of...

Angela Brandt wins Golden Quill Award for education reporting

August 17, 2022 at 1:45 p.m.

Angela Brandt, the reporter for the Poway News Chieftain, has been chosen as one of 15 recipients of the Golden Quill Award.The Golden Quill Awards are presented by the California...

Poway, Rancho Bernardo newspapers win three Society of Professional Journalists awards

July 22, 2022 at 6:51 p.m.

The Poway News Chieftain and Rancho Bernardo News Journal won three first place awards in the Society of Professional Journalists San Diego Pro Chapter 2022 journalism awards competition.The awards were...

Ramona Sentinel wins eight awards in Society of Professional Journalists competition

July 22, 2022 at 6:32 p.m.

The Ramona Sentinel won eight awards, including two first place honors, in the Society of Professional Journalists San Diego Pro Chapter 2022 journalism awards competition.The awards were announced Thursday evening...

Auctioneer Brian Kantner, right, has assistance auctioning mostly desserts from Ramona FFA member Karlee Klemm, left, and Ramona Junior Fair Board representative Morgan Nelson.

Pie Auction, barbecue dinner net $27,035 for 2022 Ramona Junior Fair

July 20, 2022 at 5:04 p.m.

A variety of desserts and special treats made mostly by 4-H and FFA and other Ramona Junior Fair ers filled long tables at the 2022 Pie Auction and Barbecue...

About 25 people rallied and marched in Ramona on Saturday, June 11, for an end to gun violence. Organizer Cindy Dodson, in the white blouse with long dark hair, is ing a local March for Our Lives chapter.

Ramona residents march to end gun violence after spate of mass shootings

June 15, 2022 at 3:40 p.m.

About 25 people marched on Main Street in Ramona on Saturday, June 11 to send a message about gun control.The Ramona marchers were among scores of people who rallied last...

Ramona Unified schools must follow the health guidelines established by the San Diego County Health Services Department.

Judge rules Ramona Unified violated state voting rights act in 2020 at-large election

February 10, 2023 at 9:14 p.m.

A San Diego Superior Court judge has ruled that the Ramona Unified School District violated the California Voting Rights Act when it held an at-large school board election on Nov....

A look at this year's student achievements in the Ramona Unified School District.

Ramona Unified trustees to take fifth look at policy on controversial issues

December 13, 2021 at 8:37 p.m.

Ramona Unified School District trustees will make their fifth attempt on Tuesday night to update a policy on controversial issues.Discussion on the proposed policy, which would guide instruction on issues...

Julie Gallant won five awards from the San Diego Press Club and four awards from the Society of Professional Journalists.

Ramona Sentinel reporter wins nine awards in two journalism competitions

October 28, 2021 at 5:54 p.m.

Julie Gallant, a reporter for the Ramona Sentinel for the past four years, won five awards at the San Diego Press Club’s 47th annual Excellence in Journalism Awards ceremony on...

The large classrooms provide enough space for Mandarin teacher Yan Yan's extensive library of Mandarin books.

New state-of-the-art classroom building opens at Pacific Beach Middle School

October 12, 2021 at 2:51 p.m.

When students returned to Pacific Beach Middle School on Aug. 30, they were the first to experience the new two-story, state-of-the art classroom building— the highlight of a $40 million...

Sheriff’s reports recently filed in the sheriff’s Ramona station.

Toddler’s mother and her boyfriend arrested after child shot in leg in Ramona

October 6, 2021 at 4:19 p.m.

Sheriff’s deputies on Sunday arrested the mother of a 2-year-old girl and the mother’s boyfriend in connection with a shooting that injured the child at a Ramona home, authorities said.An...

Ramona school board to wait for public input before rewriting Controversial Issues policy

September 15, 2021 at 9:47 p.m.

Ramona Unified School District trustees agreed to start fresh with their update of a policy on Controversial Issues after complaints by teachers and students that some of the proposed changes...

South Mission Beach resident Tina Verburgt finds artistic expression painting utility boxes in the community.

Mission Beach resident finds artistic expression in painting utility boxes

September 2, 2021 at 4:57 p.m.

Painting beach scenes on Mission Beach utility boxes has its perks.For Tina Verburgt, it's a chance to use her artistic skills to beautify her neighborhood. She initially volunteered for the...

Heidi Redlitz of Hillcrest, left, took a ProTaste dining tour of Pacific Beach in May to celebrate with her friend Ali Edelman, who was moving to St. Louis.

Pacific Beach restaurants highlighted in self-guided culinary tour

August 27, 2021 at 9:46 p.m.

When Ben Brown looks at Pacific Beach, he sees a number of restaurants that might be overshadowed by the vibrant nightlife.With the creation of TastePro, his San Diego dining tour...

A red-necked Phalarope is one of the birds that thrives in the Kendall-Frost Marsh Reserve.

Wander the Wetlands program opens Kendall-Frost Marsh Reserve to the public

August 5, 2021 at 10:15 p.m.

For two hours on July 24, visitors were allowed on the 40-acre Kendall-Frost Marsh Reserve.It was the debut of Wander the Wetlands, a partnership between UC San Diego Natural Reserve...

Karlie Dougherty, of Ramona FFA, with mom Jamie Severtson after the record-breaking bid for her pig, Kate Dutton at the Ramona Junior Fair livestock auction.

Raising animals leads to big payoffs at Ramona Junior Fair auction

August 9, 2021 at 2:49 p.m.

When the totals were announced for Saturday's 50th Ramona Junior Fair livestock auction, they exceeded expectations. The auction raised $250,570 for the young exhibitors, and resales and auction add-ons boosted...

A Pacific Beach middle school field is being dedicated Aug. 5 as a park in the name of William Payne, the first black teacher at Pacific Beach Junior High. In October 1945, PB residents and parents collected 1,900 names on a petition demanding his removal.<br/><br/>

Fannie and William Payne Community Park, honoring Black educators, to be dedicated Aug. 5

August 2, 2021 at 7:22 p.m.

A dedication ceremony will be held Thursday, Aug. 5, for Fannie and William Payne Community Park — an event over a year in the making.The late William Payne was a...

Pickles and relish are one of the categories in the Best of Show competition at the Ramona Country Fair.

Ramona Country Fair’s Home Sweet Home contest adds tamales to its lineup

July 28, 2021 at 3:47 p.m.

Most years the Ramona Country Fair's Home Sweet Home contest introduces a new category. This year it's tamales.So on Saturday, homemade tamales will be laid out on the tables along...

The Ramona Country Fair, which runs July 29 through Aug. 1, includes the usual vendors with everything from kettle corn to Italian ice and hog dogs.

The Ramona Country Fair returns for its 50th year with a mix of old and new

July 23, 2021 at 3:21 a.m.

The 50th Ramona Country Fair will be one to — and not just because of the anniversary.Organizers have had to scramble to put together the big community event in...

Three generations: Katie Phillips, 21; her mother Karen Phillips, 45; and Sharon Toth, maker of Toth's World Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies, 76.

Friendly competition brings top dollar for ‘world famous’ cookies at Ramona Junior Fair Pie Auction

July 15, 2021 at 9:57 p.m.

When the Ramona Junior Fair is over, the talk is often about how much the kids made in the livestock auction.Just as likely, though, is a discussion about how high...

Friendly competition brings top dollar for ‘world famous’ cookies at Ramona Junior Fair Pie Auction

July 23, 2021 at 7:38 p.m.

When the Ramona Junior Fair is over, the talk is often about how much the kids made in the livestock auction.Just as likely, though, is a discussion about how high...

Ramona resident Steve Pachura, 78, got food, toys and treats for his pony, Missy, and labradoodle Spike from the Ramona Senior Center through a $4,000 Pet Smart grant.

Ramona Senior Center uses $4,000 grant to help seniors and their pets

June 30, 2021 at 3:57 p.m.

The food containers in the front yard were the first clue for Lora Cicalo and others at the Ramona Senior Center that something was wrong.While homebound seniors in the community...

San Diego artist Larry Groff's exhibit, "Through a Grain of Sand, Inventions from the Microscopic Landscape," opens July 10 at Santa Ysabel Art Gallery.

Santa Ysabel Art Gallery exhibit by painter Larry Groff opens July 10

June 30, 2021 at 3:17 p.m.

Santa Ysabel Art Gallery's first exhibit in over a year — "Through a Grain of Sand, Inventions from the Microscopic Landscape," by painter Larry Groff — opens July 10.The showing...

Roger Housgard shows off the 40-foot Ramona Die Cast Car Rally race track he built that will be used to engage children and to attract people to local businesses.

Portable car race track to debut in July to help struggling Ramona businesses

June 23, 2021 at 11:55 p.m.

A portable 40-foot race track for miniature cars to promote local restaurants and businesses? That's the idea behind the Ramona Diecast Car Rally.The track, built by Estates resident Roger Housgard...

Tracey Jones from Ramona Rotary presents Mountain Valley Academy senior Erin Siegel with a $1,000 scholarship. Siegel was also recognized for excellence in Advanced Placement English Literature, Civics/Economics, <i>summa cum laude</i> (4.0+ GPA), and her leadership among other awards and scholarships.

Mountain Valley Academy announces scholarships, honors students for academic achievement

June 17, 2021 at 2:36 p.m.

Mountain Valley Academy held its Awards Night June 8 to recognize scholarship recipients, academic achievements and leadership."We may be a small school, but the caliber of our students makes us...

Retired Air Force Col. Victor Vizcarra and his son, 4S Ranch resident Mark Vizcarra, a retired Navy commander, at the 2018 GI Film Festival San Diego. They are holding their “Best Film” trophy for the documentary film “Thud Pilots,” made by Mark that was inspired by Victor’s book.

Filmmaker’s work on F-100 pilots in Vietnam – including his father – featured at GI Festival San Diego

May 19, 2021 at 10:25 p.m.

For his latest film, "Hun Pilots," Mark Vizcarra didn't have to look far for inspiration. His father, Victor Vizcarra, a retired Air Force colonel and 22-year Ramona resident, had extensive...

Ramona Elementary Girls on the Run participants and coaches do their cheer after everyone finished the 5K.<br/><br/>

Ramona Elementary girls show off their ‘star power’

May 12, 2021 at 3:59 p.m.

Fifteen Ramona Elementary students — all girls wearing T-shirts and blue net tutus over their black tights —crisscrossed the campus on May 8 for a 5K run.The event was the...

Timothy VanderPloeg, 27, a Ramona native, started working for NASA in the launch services program at the Vandenberg Air Base on April 12 .

Where Are They Now? Ramona grad starts dream job at NASA

May 5, 2021 at 4:46 p.m.

When Timothy VanderPloeg went to school in Ramona, he re being fascinated by news s of the space shuttle launches and classroom discussions about moon missions.And when he was asked...

Wildlife officials on April 8 confirmed rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2) infection in two desert cottontail rabbits found dead in the Canada de San Vicente Ecological Reserve in Ramona.<br/>

Deadly virus detected in two wild rabbits from Ramona

May 5, 2021 at 1:31 p.m.

A highly contagious and deadly virus targeting wild and domestic rabbits has been detected in two rabbit carcasses found in the Canada de San Vicente Ecological Reserve in Ramona.Wildlife officials...

Deadly virus detected in two wild rabbits from Ramona

May 5, 2021 at 4:56 p.m.

Pacific Beach Woman’s Club’s meeting hall sold for $1.4 million

April 28, 2021 at 11:36 p.m.

Over the last century, the one-story beach cottage on Hornblend Street in Pacific Beach has seen its share of history, from rallies for women's suffrage in the 1920s to welcoming...

Heather Hooper with her daughter, Kalianna.

Ramona businesses hold fundraisers for family of 3-year-old girl with autism

April 14, 2021 at 3:38 p.m.

When Kalianna Trujillo turned 3 in March, she was diagnosed with the most severe form of autism.Kalianna had been receiving services through the San Diego Regional Center, but at age...

The Spirit of Joy Lutheran church is selling its 9-acre parcel on the corner of state Route 67 and Highland Valley Road for $3.5 million. The property — long envisioned as the site for a new church — sits behind the Welcome to Ramona sign.

Spirit of Joy church selling Ramona property long envisioned for new sanctuary for $3.5 million

April 14, 2021 at 4:32 p.m.

A 9-acre Ramona parcel the Spirit of Joy Lutheran church has long envisioned as the site for a new church and community center has been put on the market for...

Cameron Dingman, winner of the NFL Way to Play Award, after making a touchdown at the March 26 game against Fallbrook.

Ramona Bulldog Cameron Dingman wins NFL ‘Way to Play’ award

March 30, 2021 at 9:05 p.m.

Cameron Dingman, the senior starting corner back and wide receiver for the Ramona Bulldogs varsity football team, has received the 2020 NFL Way to Play High School Football award for...

Pacific Beach Middle School students Juliniel Woods and Nuhamin Woldeyes coordinated a successful campaign to get a park renamed Fannie and William Payne Community Park.<br/><br/><br/>

Pacific Beach Middle School students succeed in drive to rename park after 2 Black educators

March 30, 2021 at 12:31 p.m.

When Juliniel Woods and Nuhamin Woldeyes heard how their Pacific Beach school's first Black educator was treated back in 1945, they launched a campaign to highlight his legacy in San...

Pacific Beach Middle School students succeed in drive for park renaming to honor two Black educators

March 29, 2021 at 5:40 p.m.

When Juliniel Woods and Nuhamin Woldeyes heard how their Pacific Beach school's first Black educator was treated back in 1945, they launched a campaign to highlight his legacy in San...

Running back Cash Jones heads in for a touchdown in the Bulldogs' 40-0 win over San Pasquale on March 19.

Ramona Bulldogs kick off football season with 40-0 win over San Pasqual

March 25, 2021 at 7:57 p.m.

In their season opener, the Ramona High School Bulldogs varsity football team came out strong with a 40-0 win over San Pasqual High. Among the highlights, running back Cash Jones...

A rendering of Jackalope Junction, as envisioned by designer Greg Schumsky.

Could Jackalope Junction, a Western-style steampunk theme park, find a home in Poway?

March 18, 2021 at 4:50 p.m.

Greg Schumsky has a vision for San Diego — not the city or the suburbs, but the more rural areas. Perhaps on the east side of Poway.He wants to build...

Ramona resident John Strizver, who has battled prostate cancer for 24 years, with Rachelle Manookian, a genetic counselor who worked with him. Strizver was one of two winners in the Prostate Cancer Foundation's fourth annual TRUE Love contest for a tribute he wrote about her.

Ramona resident honored for tribute to ‘caring spirit’ who helped him fight prostate cancer

March 18, 2021 at 3:35 p.m.

John Strizver, who has been battling prostate cancer for 24 years, has always strived to be a champion of his own health care.But even proactive patients like the 72-year-old Ramona...

Could Jackalope Junction, a Western-style steampunk theme park, find a home in Ramona?

March 11, 2021 at 4:35 p.m.

Greg Schumsky has a vision for San Diego — not the city or the suburbs, but the backcountry.He wants to build Jackalope Junction, a 20-acre theme park with Western and...

Could Jackalope Junction, a Western-style steampunk theme park, find a home in Ramona?

March 10, 2021 at 10:48 p.m.

Greg Schumsky has a vision for San Diego — not the city or the suburbs, but the backcountry.He wants to build Jackalope Junction, a 20-acre theme park with Western and...

Could Jackalope Junction, a Western-style steampunk theme park, find a home in Ramona?

March 10, 2021 at 10:57 p.m.

Greg Schumsky has a vision for San Diego — not the city or the suburbs, but the backcountry.He wants to build Jackalope Junction, a 20-acre theme park with Western and...

This eight- octopus is one of the sea creatures that will be displayed in "Fathoms," a mural that will to be installed in June on the east wall of the Jefferson Pacific Ranch apartment complex off Interstate 5.

New Pacific Beach sea life mural will brighten freeway drive

March 1, 2021 at 4:03 p.m.

Motorists on Interstate 5 are going to notice a big difference in Pacific Beach this summer — and it doesn't involve traffic.Instead of the long, blank concrete wall of the...

Cars lined up Feb. 6 at Ramona High School, the site of a weekend mobile COVID-19 vaccination clinic put on by Cal Fire for residents in rural communities. <br/>

Seniors can turn to community resources for help in getting COVID vaccinations

February 25, 2021 at 12:08 a.m.

When Cal Fire was in Ramona doing a weekend of mobile COVID-19 vaccinations earlier this month, the phones at the Ramona Senior Center started ringing more than usual. One of...

Ben Baker Jr., an elder on a two-year mission with the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, with his card sculpture.

Missionary answers religious and artistic callings by carving decks of cards

February 17, 2021 at 5:29 p.m.

When Ben Baker Jr. arrived in Ramona in mid-January after short stays in Lakeside, La Jolla, Chula Vista and Poway, he discovered a way to combine his church mission with...

Happy Valentine's Day from photographer Alexa Machado.

Ramona photographer envisions a socially distanced Valentine’s Day

February 14, 2021 at 6:57 p.m.

For a Valentine's Day shoot, photographer Alexa Machado wanted to illustrate love in the time of "corona chaos."She turned to friends Zach Diaz and Daniel Robinson, and an unlikely prop...

The Ramona High School parking lot was the site of a mobile COVID-19 vaccination clinic Saturday and Sunday put on by Cal Fire for residents in rural communities.

Ramona residents head to high school for COVID-19 vaccinations

February 10, 2021 at 5:52 p.m.

Over the weekend, 525 people received COVID-19 vaccinations at a drive-through clinic at the Ramona High School parking lot.The vaccinations, being done as part of the Operation Collaboration program by...

Ramona leaders who advocate for widening state Route 67 to four lanes at a February Transportation Committee meeting of the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) are, from left, Dawn Perfect, Casey Lynch, county Supervisor Dianne Jacob and Dan Summers.

Dianne Jacob ed in Ramona for building partnerships

January 21, 2021 at 6:46 p.m.

When Dawn Perfect was getting started as a community volunteer in Ramona, Dianne Jacob was already up and running as a San Diego County supervisor.Perfect, who went on to become...

Sentinel file photo of a curve on San Vicente Road

Officials urge action after three traffic accidents leave four dead in Ramona

January 14, 2021 at 5:29 p.m.

For Ramona, which sees a number of traffic accidents on its rural, sometimes winding roads, this past week was a deadly one.Four people died in three separate traffic accidents —...

2020 review search focus results numbers red and zoom glass len isolated - 3d rendering

2020 Year in Review: Top stories in Ramona

December 31, 2020 at 5:53 p.m.

The coronavirus pandemic is by far the biggest story of 2020 in Ramona and beyond.It led to intense struggles for businesses, schools and households — but also to finding creative...

Volunteers Yesenia Robbins and Bonnie Marden get the toys ready for the families at the Ramona Food and Clothes Closet's Share Your Christmas event on Dec. 17.

Local families find toys galore at Share Your Christmas event

December 22, 2020 at 5:16 p.m.

When all the toys, the bicycles, the gift cards and even the holiday food boxes were laid out for the Ramona Food and Clothes Closet's Share Your Christmas event Dec....

Santa's elves Ella Morel, 13, and Jamie Vincent, try to bring customers into Boll Weevil restaurant in Ramona as part of Santa Saves Ramona.

Ramona resident launches holiday effort to save local restaurants

December 16, 2020 at 5:29 p.m.

Lora Morel found something useful to do with the Santa Claus costume that has been sitting in her closet.At a time when COVID-19 restrictions are making it tough for restaurants...

Dawn Perfect, executive director of the Ramona Parks and Recreation Association, at the horseshoe concourse in Wellspring Park that is scheduled to open in January or February 2021.

After long wait, Ramona’s tournament-ready horseshoe concourse close to opening day

December 16, 2020 at 7:33 p.m.

Jorge Romero has been lobbying for about five years to get a spot in Ramona for horseshoe tournaments that isn't in someone's backyard.His wait is almost over. A tournament-level horseshoe...

The Ramona Community Singers performed last Christmas at the Ramona Town Hall, but this year will be putting on a virtual program, "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood."

Ramona Community Singers present virtual ‘A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood’

December 9, 2020 at 7:03 p.m.

Like many in the music business, Gina Seashore has missed performing in front of a live audience.This summer, the musician, teacher and director of the Ramona Community Singers turned to...

Hank Newman, 78, has taught popular yoga classes in Ramona for four years and has spent 16 years working with hospice patients through Elizabeth Hospice in Escondido.

Community Heroes: Helping others is second nature to Ramona yoga teacher

December 9, 2020 at 6:51 p.m.

When Hank Newman started teaching free yoga classes at the Ramona Branch Library, he focused not on the yoga styles seen at local fitness centers but on movement and breathing...

Logan Krapf's friends gather at a memorial at the site of his accident. From left, Della Chvarak, Annalyse McCormick, Kyle Willford, Zac Stene, Aiden Cameron, Eva Ettore.<br/><br/>

Friends, family mourn 14-year-old Ramona skateboarder killed in accident

December 2, 2020 at 6:39 p.m.

When the grief gets to Zac Stene and he wants a quiet place to his best friend, Logan Krapf, he goes to a white wooden cross that's planted near...

Edward "Eddie B" Borysewicz, a Ramona resident and legendary cycling coach, died Nov. 16 after contracting COVID-19.

Edward Borysewicz, legendary cycling coach and Ramona resident, dies at 81

November 26, 2020 at 11:06 p.m.

Edward "Eddie B" Borysewicz, a Ramona resident and cycling coach who worked with riders such as Greg LeMond and Lance Armstrong and in his later years with masters cyclists in...

Logan Krapf, 14, of Ramona was killed in a traffic accident Tuesday evening, Nov. 24 when he was struck by a truck as he was riding his skateboard on Barona Mesa Road.

Ramona teenager on skateboard hit by pickup, killed in San Diego Country Estates

November 26, 2020 at 12:00 a.m.

Logan Krapf, a 14-year-old Ramona boy, was killed Tuesday night, Nov. 24, after he was struck by a pickup as he was riding his skateboard on a residential road in...

Ramona teenager on skateboard hit by pickup, killed in San Diego Country Estates

November 25, 2020 at 11:49 p.m.

Logan Krapf, a 14-year-old Ramona boy, was killed Tuesday night, Nov. 24, after he was struck by a pickup as he was riding his skateboard on a residential road in...

Edward Borysewicz, legendary cycling coach and Ramona resident, dies at 81

November 22, 2020 at 6:48 p.m.

Edward "Eddie B" Borysewicz, a Ramona resident and cycling coach who worked with riders such as Greg LeMond and Lance Armstrong and in his later years with masters cyclists in...

Elias "EZ" and Moe Cordero from Cordero's Honey in Ramona and Casa Rustica are sponsoring the Artisans Market with 19 vendors that kicks off Saturday, Nov. 14 and is scheduled to repeat Dec. 5 and 19.

Ramona Artisan Market kicks off as showcase for local small businesses

November 13, 2020 at 2:05 p.m.

Elias "EZ" Cordero re what Main Street looked like when he and his wife, Moe, moved to Ramona about two years ago."There were hundreds of people every weekend," said Cordero,...

Perfect leads, Drum and Rajcic in tight race for second seat on Ramona Unified school board

November 11, 2020 at 5:39 p.m.

Incumbent Dawn Perfect has a comfortable lead and incumbent Daryn Drum has a narrow 3-vote lead over challenger John Rajcic in the race for two open seats on the Ramona...

Ramona Artisan Market kicks off as showcase for local small businesses

November 13, 2020 at 4:21 p.m.

Elias "EZ" Cordero re what Main Street looked like when he and his wife, Moe, moved to Ramona about two years ago."There were hundreds of people every weekend," said Cordero,...

Toni Beckett capturing the view in front of her Ramona house.

Ramona photographer finds inspiration right outside her door

November 11, 2020 at 5:13 p.m.

As a photographer, Toni Beckett is skilled at getting the best shots outside her house on a 10-acre property off East Julian Highway.She knows where the light is best at...

Perfect and Rajcic ahead in early results for Ramona Unified school board

November 6, 2020 at 6:32 p.m.

Incumbent Dawn Perfect and challenger John Rajcic are leading in the race for two open seats on the Ramona Unified School District board, according to early election results.Perfect, the current...

Ramona Sentinel reporter Julie Gallant won eight awards in the 2020 San Diego Press Club's Excellence in Journalism Awards ceremony on Oct. 27.

Ramona Sentinel reporter wins six awards in Press Club competition

October 30, 2020 at 5:21 p.m.

Julie Gallant, a reporter for the Ramona Sentinel for the past three years, won six awards at the San Diego Press Club’s 47th annual Excellence in Journalism Awards Ceremony on...

Ramona Unified School District faces lawsuit over election change

October 21, 2020 at 4:12 p.m.

A lawsuit filed against the Ramona Unified School District contends the sudden change to an at-large from trustee-area election on Nov. 3, in response to what s said were procedural...

Al Schaffer is captain of a team named in honor of Mark Fisher, an assistant in the SDSU men’s basketball program. Fisher was diagnosed with ALS in 2011.<br/><br/>

Former Ramona High basketball coach named ALS Walk honorary chairman

October 14, 2020 at 4:12 p.m.

For the last seven years, Al Schaffer has headed a team that participates in an October walk to raise money to fight ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.The walk...

John York, a Ramona winemaker, has just released his third book, the a sci-fi tale "The Eighth Day, A New Order."

Ramona winemaker explores clash of parallel worlds in new novel

October 7, 2020 at 3:51 p.m.

The scariest thing Ramona winemaker John York has faced in recent months is likely the horde of aggressive hornets that descended on his vineyards during the grape harvest.That's nothing compared...

Jon Scott Ferlet, known around Ramona as Cowboy, died Sept. 12 after years of being homeless and struggling with alcoholism.

ing Cowboy, a familiar figure who preached kindness

March 28, 2021 at 11:38 p.m.

Most people in Ramona knew him as Cowboy.The friendly man with the well-worn white cowboy hat had his usual hangouts. He could be found sweeping the floors at Pete's BBQ,...

Trevor Herman, a 2019 graduate of Ramona High School, is a Future Farmers of America national finalist in the Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance Placement Proficiency category.

Ramona High grad a national finalist for Future Farmers of America honor

September 23, 2020 at 6:19 p.m.

At Ramona High School, Trevor Herman raised two steers and two heifers for local fairs. But while he loved working with livestock, he discovered that his real ion was in...

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