Ramona Rodeo returns to sold-out crowds
More than 8,500 spectators attended the three-day Ramona Rodeo, with contestants coming from Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada and Oregon.
All Stories
A birthday for the books: La Jolla is in local man’s plans for 57 adventures in 57 hours
Michael Harlow will celebrate his 57th birthday by encouraging people 'to embrace life'
Colton Snyder takes his bull riding dreams to Ramona Rodeo
As a 2-year-old, Colton Snyder would sit on the arm of the couch at home, pretending he was riding bulls along with the rodeo stars on TV. Now, the 24-year-old...
Cathryn Beeks to be inducted into San Diego Music Hall of Fame
Beeks, of Ramona, is a singer/songwriter, radio host and show host
Patriotism at the heart of Pacific Beach’s American Legion Auxiliary
Pacific Beach residents of all ages are being asked to write a letter, postcard, note or draw a picture to express their appreciation for elderly war veterans going on an...
Agriculture enthusiasts gather in Ramona to promote agritourism
Farmers, ranchers and other agricultural producers have sought to reap the benefits of agritourism, with activities as simple as u-pick operations to educational programs and farm tours.
Listen to the Band: Bonus tracks, remixes and special editions
This is the place to find out about special events, as well as album and video releases by Ramona musicians.
Soroptimist International of Ramona holds annual retreat
Soroptimist International of Ramona hosted their annual retreat on July 21 at the San Vicente Resort. Nearly 30 women attended the meeting, led by co-presidents Kimberly Buckley and Jacqueline Tenwick....
Ramona Town Hall officials announce new deputy mayor, concert donation
Garrett Wear was sworn in July 22 as the town’s honorary deputy mayor; Ashley E. Norton raised $2,150 for Town Hall renovations at June benefit concert.
Ramona brewery, VFW post received complaints about live music
Boutique wineries were not the only establishments caught up in recent complaints to the county over the live music issue. Ramona Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3783 received a cease-and-desist...
County offers clarification that allows live music at Ramona wineries
Boutique wineries will now be able to have live amplified music in their indoor tasting rooms - a change from earlier this year when they were prohibited from doing so.
Ramona Junior Fair goes to the dogs as youngsters show off their pups
“Showmanship is judged on how well the kids and dogs interact together,” said Mary Churchill, who has been judging 4-H showmanship classes for the past five years, and has shown...
Farmstand 67, a popular Ramona spot for produce, plants has closed
Ryan Montour, the owner of Farmstand 67 for a year, said he received an eviction notice in May.
For some kids, guinea pigs are favorites to show at Ramona Junior Fair
Guinea pigs, or cavies, always go home with their owners after the Ramona Junior Fair.
Golden Eagle Farm’s new Night Market a draw for farmers and shoppers
Revenue from the night market will be used to make improvements on the Mesa Grande reservation, help the tribe become economically self-sufficient and revitalize their way of life, Golden Eagle...
Point Loma artist makes her pottery as multifaceted as her experiences
Elizabeth Woolrych, who works and teaches at the Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park, will show her creations in the San Diego Coastal Art Studios Tour in September.
Ramona Country Fair to feature Ramona musicians, Banda Night
The Ramona Country Fair will offer 20 performances this year ranging from country and indie to banda night.
Frosted Faces Foundation celebrates its 10th anniversary with gala
In just 10 years, more than 3,100 senior dogs — plus a few cats — have been saved through the work of Frosted Faces Foundation, a Ramona rescue focusing on...
Ramona 18-year-old wins state in rodeo team roping, heads to nationals
James Dukes, 18, whose team roping partner is his cousin, Fermin Gilbert, says he appreciates the strong of his family.
Listen to the Band: Bonus tracks, remixes and special editions
performances will feature Thea the Band, Astra Kelly, Dusty Recor and Goldpine.
Project Linus had delivered more than 50,000 blankets to children in need of a hug
The San Diego chapter of Project Linus, based in Pacific Beach, has donated more than 50,000 handmade blankets to children and teens since the chapter was founded in 1987.
Owners bring pets to Ramona park for a Sunday blessing
About 20 pets were blessed by the Rev. Kristie Grimaud at the Ramona United Methodist Church's Blessing of the Animals at Collier Park.
Center strives to save endangered wolves from extinction
The California Wolf Center near Julian is a conservation, education and research facility dedicated to the return of wild wolves to their natural habitat.
Quilt show hosted by Guy B. Woodward Museum draws crowd
More than 70 people attended the Antique Quilt Show on June 22 at Ramona's Guy B. Woodward Museum.
Oasis Camel Dairy owners add fields with five varieties of lavender
The owners of Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona have a new venture where people can go to relax - lavender fields.
ToothAcre Ranch in Ramona wins gold, silver awards for their olive oil
Scott and Susan Toothacre, owners of ToothAcre Ranch, brought home some coveted awards in 2024 Extra Virgin Olive Oil competitions.
Listen to the Band: Bonus tracks, remixes and special editions
special events include Milly’s Burlesque Honky Tonk, the Julian Town Square Music Festival, Thea The Band's 'Whiskey Revival' tour and Dusty Recor and The LoveNotes.
Ramona museum’s 120-year-old enger wagon gets a glow-up
Next up for repairs is a freight wagon that for years ed the Ramona Christmas tree at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting.
Ramona Country Fair is coming Friday through Sunday: Here’s what you need to know
The fair features amusement rides, a variety of food, vendor booths, carnival games, wine tasting, musical acts, equestrian shows, a cornhole tournament and an off-road exhibit.
Thea the band, Ramona distillery team up on ‘Whiskey Revival’
Mix a fun, memorable song by a local musician with a one-of-a-kind drink, add in a big dose of community, and you might just end up with “Whiskey Revival.”“Whiskey Revival”...
Montecito High School’s valedictorian Keira Cardinal loves acting, musicals
Keira Cardinal, a senior at Montecito High School, loves drama — the kind that involves acting.But she said that ending the school year as 2024 class valedictorian, with a 4.0...
Mountain Valley Academy valedictorian Hannah Madison to study engineering at Point Loma Nazarene
Hannah Madison, who has been attending Mountain Valley Academy since kindergarten, ended her time at the school as class valedictorian with a 4.21 GPA. Madison, 18, has been accepted to...
New facility at Kendall-Frost Marsh set to serve the community, researchers and students
It’s taken more than 50 years, but the Kendall-Frost Field Station and Community Learning Center’s May 10 ribbon cutting ceremony marked more than just a new facility.Advocates said they believe...
Roy Toft shares photos of local creatures in his book, “Wild Ramona”
Whether he’s after jaguars in Brazil, scarlet macaws in Costa Rica or elephants in Botswana, wildlife photographer Roy Toft is typically in search of elusive animals in unique settings.But it’s...
Good character and movies is the focus of monthly discussions at Pacific Beach Library
The question of good character — what it is and who has it — has been the subject of curiosity and consideration by psychologist Paul Kelly for quite some time.He...
Musical duo Desert Crossing to present history of protest songs at Ramona Library
As a history professor at Palomar College, Rose Darrough had an idea to mix history with live music, so her students might find the information more interesting.“They loved it,” she...
New Liberty Station art exhibits to focus on fun, flowers and butterflies
Floral displays and images of butterflies and summer fun — all of them tied to the artists’ experiences living on both sides of the San Diego/Mexico border — await visitors...
Ramona winery owners receive historical preservation honors for jet crash memorial
More than 60 people attended a ceremony Saturday, May 18 to honor the owners of a Ramona winery and commemorate the site of a Navy jet crash that occurred on...
Cathryn Beeks puts spotlight on women of Ramona in new video, song
When the “I Love Ramona” album compilation was released in December, musician Cathryn Beeks' tune of the same name barely made it in.“It’s basically just me playing the song on...
‘Old Man River’ tackles trash, water issues on neglected property in Ramona
As a security guard for a Ramona tow yard, 81-year-old Jim Argleben has plenty to keep him busy.But it’s his work on Maple Street that has strangers and friends waving...
Wine sales fell in the U.S and California but grew in San Diego area, including Ramona
A new report by San Diego's winery trade group has encouraging news for wineries in San Diego County: In 2023, sales and hiring were both up year over year.That includes...
New Liberty Station art exhibits to focus on fun, flowers and butterflies
Floral displays and images of butterflies and summer fun — all of them tied to the artists’ experiences living on both sides of the San Diego/Mexico border — await visitors...
Custom hats are a feather in the cap for designer Tara Holsapple
When Tara Holsapple decided to throw her hat in the ring as a designer, she was hopeful there would be some interest in her custom-designed hats.A short 11 months later,...
Hatfield Creek Winery owners to be honored for memorial at fatal jet crash site
A project started nearly 20 years ago by Ramona residents Norm Case and Elaine Lyttleton has resulted in an award from the local chapter of the Daughters of the American...
Custom hats are a feather in the cap for Ramona designer Tara Holsapple
When Tara Holsapple decided to throw her hat in the ring as a designer, she was hopeful there would be some interest in her custom-designed hats.A short 11 months later,...
Listen to the Music: Bonus tracks, remixes and special editions
In addition to the regular weekly music events being held, many local artists take part in one-time-only events, performances and collaborations, in town and down the hill. This is the place...
Military veterans develop razor for a new kind of clean shave
Starting the day with a clean shave gives many people a sense of dignity and of being prepared, as well as pride in how they look and even the work...
Ramona kindergartener fighting leukemia gets a dream Make-A-Wish day
Kindergartener Elizabeth “Lizzie” Grant loves her family, her friends and her pets.Two of those pets — miniature pigs Moose and Marvin — are especially cherished. They have helped the 6-year-old...
Listen to the Music: Bonus tracks, remixes and special editions
In addition to many of the regular weekly music events being held, many local artists take part in one-time-only events, performances and collaborations, in town and down the hill. This...
Ramona’s new Rodeo Queens announced at first pageant in 10 years
After 10 years without a Ramona Rodeo Queen pageant, the tradition was brought back on Saturday, April 13.When Isabella “Izzy” Lynch was named Ramona Rodeo Queen 2024, more than 350...
Ramona’s new Rodeo Queens announced Saturday night
After 10 years without a Ramona Rodeo Queen pageant, the tradition was brought back on Saturday.In front of a packed auditorium at Olive Peirce Middle School, Isabella “Izzy” Lynch was...
Point Loma veterinarian writes children’s book about America’s first female animal doctor
Jacqueline Johnson likes mysteries and little-known moments in history.As a practicing veterinarian, she can accommodate her interest in mysteries on a daily basis.As for those historical moments, she satisfies her...
Ramona Beer and Tacos Festival to feature bull riding, music and dancing
It’s not going to be the usual taco festival.Bull riding, Latino bands, food and craft vendors, and of course, beer, will be featured at the Ramona Chamber of Commerce's Tacos...
Ramona couple use maps and YouTube channel to put spotlight on local farm stands
As a child, Carissa Ultsch never hesitated to jump in a stream and bring home a crawdad or frog she had captured.As an adult, she shares her love of farming...
Astra Kelly song and video mark return of Ramona Rodeo Queen pageant
When a song about rodeo queens was suggested, it turned out to be a perfect fit for musician Astra Kelly. “I believe music is supposed to make us feel and help us...
Environmental awareness s 46 years of growth for organic plant nursery in Pacific Beach
As a college student pursuing a marine biology degree, Paul Backus never intended to own a plant nursery.More than 46 years later, Backus, the owner of Green Gardens Nursery in...
James Dukes Elementary contest winner gets pi and more pie
Harlie Fields doesn’t claim that math is her favorite subject. But when the sixth grade teachers at James Dukes Elementary School challenged their students to see who could memorize the...
Listen to the Band: Bonus tracks, remixes and special editions
In addition to the regular weekly music events in Ramona, many local artists take part in one-time-only events, performances and collaborations, in town and down the hill. This is the...
Rodeo Queen pageant returns to Ramona with 11 contestants vying for titles
Being a rodeo queen, at least in Ramona, is about more than being able to look pretty while sitting on a horse.Contestants in the Ramona Rodeo Queen pageant on Saturday,...
Local brewery Smoking Cannon wins gold, silver medals at state competition
“When you absolutely love what you do, you will succeed,” says Natallie Phillips, who owns Smoking Cannon Brewery with her partner, Mike Nelson.And they proved it, taking home four medals...
Sharing his love of music helped Ramona musician to heal, help others
Whether it’s playing a rock song for a few friends or knocking out a country classic with packed crowds singing along, Michael Dean Goodrich loves performing.Music has always been a...
New Ocean Beach banners fly with local scenes of ‘High Tides and Good Vibes’
Colorful new banners featuring iconic Ocean Beach sights are decorating light posts around town.More than 30 local artists submitted concepts for the banners, an annual project of the Ocean Beach...
Ramona community school garden gets a refresh from Home Depot volunteers
Having a classroom of kindergarten students amble through a project involving building, digging and work tools might sound like an impending disaster.But in this case, the project on Feb. 29...
Ramona musicians get noticed with several nominations for San Diego Music Awards
Ramona musicians made a strong showing in the list of 2024 San Diego Music Awards nominations.Ramona musicians dominated the Best Folk or Acoustic Song category. Nominees included Cathryn Beeks, Astra...
Ramona chamber seeking signatures on petition ing live music at wineries
A petition being circulated around Ramona is asking residents to weigh in on whether they would like to see local wineries continue to host live entertainment.The petition follows the news...
Longtime resident, business owner Randall Engstrom named 2024 Pacific Beach Honorary Mayor
“Fighting back tears” was how Randall Engstrom said he reacted to being named the 2024 Pacific Beach Honorary Mayor.“It was a total shock and surprise to me,” Engstrom said. “It...
Injured mountain lion cub on the road to recovery at Ramona Wildlife Center
When mountain lion cubs are found on their own, there are few facilities in California able to provide the specialized care needed to rehabilitate them.The Ramona Wildlife Center, part of...
After her move to Ramona, musician Chloe Lou Liddell finds music is fun again
Chloe Lou Liddell has loved music since she was a 2-year-old dancing around a department store.Her father, Kevin Liddell, re they were at Target one day when he tried to...
Ocean Beach Woman’s Club celebrates a century of sisterhood and for community
For 100 years, the Ocean Beach Woman’s Club has stood for friendship, philanthropy and sisterhood.The club is well-known across OB for its community advocacy, and it was honored recently with...
With new Tuesday gigs, live music is playing somewhere in Ramona every night
When local performers declared their intentions to make Ramona a musical destination, they weren’t playing around.Their latest goal is to make sure there is live music somewhere in town every...
Ramona barn owl drama can be watched worldwide on livestream
Neighborhood disputes, deadbeat dads and other family drama are part of a soap opera that has been playing out in Ramona for generations.And for the past 10 years, Stacey Mae...
One of Time magazine’s Best Inventions of 2023 has local origins
Wildfires are always a concern as they continue to evolve into bigger and more regular threats, in Poway and Rancho Bernardo and across California. One of Time magazine’s Best Inventions...
Kitchens for Good in Pacific Beach marks two years of helping shoppers, those entering culinary arts
Foodies, home cooks, lovers of kitchen collectibles, bargain hunters and those wanting something unique are flocking to Kitchens for Good Shop in Pacific Beach.The shop’s successful recipe includes new and...
One of Time magazine’s Best Inventions of 2023 has Ramona origins
Wildfires are always a concern as they continue to evolve into bigger and more regular threats, in Ramona and across California. One of Time magazine’s Best Inventions of 2023 not...
Colorful Monsaraz hotel mural gives public art a place to stay
Artist Sarah Stieber believes the sky really is the limit — and she recently painted a multistory mural in Point Loma to help other people believe it, too.The mural —...
Newest public artwork at Liberty Station combines water, light and words
If ever an artist was meant to combine water and light in an art piece, Kline Swonger is surely that artist. And if the location for the piece was meant...
Pacific Beach resident turns unwanted trash into free treasures for her neighbors
Taking someone else’s discards and refurbishing or recycling them — often called “trash to treasure” — isn’t new. But Pacific Beach resident Holly Reville has a unique twist on the...
Year in Review: Ramona’s music scene came alive in 2023
On stages both large and small, the musicians and artists of Ramona continue to attract appreciative audiences wherever they perform.Although Ramona has long had a vibrant music scene, with resident...
Business Spotlight: Greenway Irrigation, Lawn and Landscape a labor of love for owners
When he started Greenway Irrigation, Lawn and Landscape, owner Scott Lawn said he wasn’t even thinking how unusual his last name would be when combined with his business.“I must have...
Musicians who call Ramona home are ready to celebrate their rural town in song
Many of the growing number of musicians and songwriters calling Ramona home have come to love the town as much as longtime residents. And they’ve given voice to their feelings...
Comments needed by Dec. 7 on De Anza Natural plan
Whether your interest is in enjoying native wildlife, public camping, water sports or any other use of De Anza Cove, your input is still being sought, as city officials work...
New compilation of songs about Ramona to benefit Town Hall renovation
Many of the growing number of musicians and songwriters calling Ramona home have come to love the town as much as long-time residents. And they’ve given voice to their feelings...
Ramona Wildlife Center celebrates hippo Hannah Shirley’s 50th birthday
While those around her sang “Happy Birthday,” Hannah Shirley, a pygmy hippo, happily munched on her favorite foods, including cantaloupe and senior equine pellets.The gala celebrating her 50th birthday was...
Point Loma church crafts online worship experiences designed for parishioners with memory loss
As people age, many of the things they did with ease when they were younger become increasingly difficult.This isn't only because of normal body changes. It's often also caused by...
Filming of indie thriller ‘Hemet, or the Landlady Don’t Drink Tea,’ in Ramona was a family affair
Although the spooky season may be over, there’s no shortage of creepy films still to see — and at least one, soon to premiere, was filmed almost entirely in Ramona.The...
Business Spotlight: Renowned violinist Eugene Drucker kicks off Poway Symphony Orchestra 20th season
Even if you’ve never been to a classical concert, John LoPiccolo hopes you can make it to the Nov. 19 season opening of the Poway Symphony Orchestra.“The experience will be...
Community needed as Pacific Beach parents face mounting medical bills
A former coach and longtime friend of the Whitehurst family is hoping the Pacific Beach community will rally behind them, as they face increasing medical bills.A GoFundMe fundraiser has been...
Business Spotlight: Renowned violinist Eugene Drucker kicks off Poway Symphony Orchestra 20th season
Even if you’ve never been to a classical concert, John LoPiccolo hopes you can make it to the Nov. 19 season opening of the Poway Symphony Orchestra.“The experience will be...
Point Loma going Big Blue with new swim school
Though hanging out in the water brings relaxation to many, it’s a different matter for parents whose children don’t know how to swim.But Big Blue Swim School — one of...
Business Spotlight: Greenway Irrigation, Lawn and Landscape a labor of love for owners
When he started Greenway Irrigation, Lawn and Landscape, owner Scott Lawn said he wasn’t even thinking how unusual his last name would be when combined with his business.“I must have...
Family gifts two rescued bear cubs at Ramona Wildlife Center with 467-pound pumpkin
A couple of bears have taken ownership of a giant pumpkin grown as a labor of love by the Bush family in Escondido.The 467-pound veggie could have gone to waste, but...
Pacific Beach Library showcases the work of local artist Hilary Dufour
Hilary Dufour grew up in Pacific Beach, and spent many happy hours of her childhood at the PB/Taylor Library.Now an artist, the library is hosting an exhibit of Dufour’s artwork,...
Business Spotlight: Triple Threat Basketball Club coach does things his way
For years, Coach Daryl Ravani has been teaching young girls about basketball.His Triple Threat Basketball Club offers lessons to girls from third to eighth grade, especially those who are interested...
Farm Truck’s second annual Barn Dance to showcase Americana music
Organizers of the second annual Farm Truck Barn Dance on Saturday, Oct. 21 are promising great music, a variety of vendors and lots of dancing.In addition to Farm Truck, Ashley...
Point Loma church crafts online worship experiences designed for parishioners with memory loss
As people age, many of the things they did with ease when they were younger become increasingly difficult.This isn't only because of normal body changes. It's often also caused by...
52 Boats Memorial remains on patrol after repairs
The 52 Boats Memorial — a series of monuments dedicated to those who served on U.S. submarines in World War II — finally is back to looking as it did...
Rockin’ Robin Music Fest to raise funds for new Ramona animal rescue
Those who are ionate about animals and live music can celebrate both at the Rockin’ Robin Music Fest and Fundraiser on Sunday, Oct. 15.Robin's Nest Rescue Ranch and Resort, one...
‘Home,’ the newest Installation at the Station, captures local history and culture in colorful mural
A colorful mural combining history, culture and artistic expression is not only bringing viewers something to contemplate — it has brought the artist unexpected pleasure as well.The 2,535-square-foot mural painted...
Ocean Beach author conjures time travel and historical fiction in first novel
After a trip to Sicily, freelance writer Mary Knight was inspired to combine her love of food, gardens, history and travel into a book.But “The Sicilian Sorceress,” the first novel...
Frightful fun: Biggest haunted house in Pacific Beach to again welcome guests on Halloween night
If your idea of Halloween fun is anything spooky, frightening, creepy or just plain scary, you won’t want to miss the Diamond Street Haunted House.Sure to give you the chills,...