Regina Elling
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Articles by Regina Elling
Creek bed cleanup underway for Country Estates Condos
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The long-awaited cleanup of the San Diego Country Estates Green Haven condos is officially underway, with the hope that this first phase will be done by Thanksgiving. Doreen Smith, a Green Haven resident, said she was elated. “They are finally, finally doing something,” Smith said.
Lots of Halloween fun in Ramona for next two weeks
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Spooky season is upon us and in Ramona there are a number of ways for those of all ages to get into the Halloween spirit. HAUNTED HOUSES AND TRAILS Dos Picos County Park Haunted Trail will feature a family-friendly ½-mile walk through the woods on Saturday, Oct. 17. Activities begin at 4 p.m., with the haunted trail open 7 to 9 p.m. Parking is $5. This event is not recommended for those easily startled. The park is at Dos Picos Park Road.
Ramona teen wins equestrian world championships
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Madalyn “Maddie” Kennedy is spilling the tea on bringing home two World Champion titles on a horse called Teapot. Kennedy, 16, competed at the 2026 Western Dressage Association of America World Championship Show in Guthrie, Oklahoma from Sept. 15-19 on Teapot, an Arabian gelding officially known as AM Suwanee Twain.
Survey launched to determine interest for green burials in Ramona
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Do those planning to spend eternity in Nuevo Memory Gardens, Ramona’s public cemetery, want the option of a green or natural burial? That is what resident Michael Martin is trying to find out through an online survey he has launched. Responses are due Nov. 8.
Ramona couple raising rabbits for meat and show strive to use every part of the animals
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Growing up with a family that was allergic, Dominique Martinez couldn’t even pet a rabbit as a child. As an adult, however, Martinez can pet any of the 30-plus rabbits she owns as part of Painted Rock Rabbitry & More. Martinez, a farm animal technician, and her fiancé, Jason Hoffman-Miller – a small engine mechanic, raise the animals on their Ramona homestead for showing and for meat, along with chickens, turkeys and quail.
On the Menu: Southern California healthy cuisine is showcased at Dockside 1953
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Looking outward, diners at Dockside 1953 can enjoy a “100% ocean view of Mission Bay,” said Executive Chef Alejandro Sicairos. “It’s a beautiful location facing boats cruising around the ocean.” Dockside 1953 is the signature waterfront restaurant at the Bahia Resort Hotel on West Mission Bay Drive. Sicairos said he strives to capture the outdoor views within the restaurant with a menu based on the flavors of ocean and coastal cuisine.
Rockin’ Robin Music Fest set for Oct. 11 in Ramona
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... “Red, White & Rescue” is the theme of the fourth annual Rockin’ Robin Music Fest, a fundraiser for Robin’s Nest Rescue. The event is set for 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11. Robin’s Nest is a nonprofit sanctuary for rescued animals located in Ramona. The organization provides no-cost therapeutic animal experiences for vulnerable groups such as at-risk youths, exonerees and veterans.
California Farm Life Pumpkin Patch is welcoming visitors through Oct. 17
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... California Farm Life officially welcomed fall by opening its admission-free pumpkin patch last Saturday. At least a couple hundred guests visited throughout the weekend, as a market was held on Sunday. “I’m so excited,” said Akkie Dowle, who co-owns the farm with her parents.
Poway Rodeo to celebrate 54 years of history and community
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... A variety of traditional western skills needed for work on cattle and horse ranches will be showcased at the 54th Poway Rodeo. The two-day event is set for Friday, Sept. 25 and Saturday, Sept. 26 with three performances across the two days. “We’re expecting this year’s rodeo to be as well attended as those we’ve held in the past,” said rodeo chair Murray Bankhead.
Ramona seventh-grader pursues his musical passion, wins several prestigious competitions
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... On his seventh birthday, Orin O’Neal received a pocket trumpet from his mother, Joanna O’Neal. Now, the 12-year-old, Olive Peirce Middle School seventh grader has won a prestigious competition with his trumpet playing skills. The honor includes being invited to perform as a featured soloist with the Coronado Philharmonia Orchestra on Oct. 24.
Ramona Heritage Museum hosts 9/11 memorial event
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Like so many others, the events of Sept. 11, 2001 will forever be remembered by Matt Sullivan and Richard “Richie” Catalano as both were living in New York at the time. On Saturday morning, they recounted their experiences in two presentations at the Ramona Heritage Museum to mark the upcoming 25th anniversary of 9/11. Sullivan moved to Ramona in 2020. Catalano still lives in New York.
Fixit Clinic provided repairs, reuse and a sense of connection in Ramona
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... From clocks to clothes, bikes, stuffed animals, mini fridges and remote-controlled helicopters, locals and their broken items filled the Ramona Library’s Community Room on Saturday. Hoping to keep their items out of the landfill, refrain from purchasing replacements and make their own repairs in the future, the attendees were part of the free San Diego Fixit Clinic. Being able to reuse a repaired item was fulfilling in itself, said several attendees.
Greenway Committee plans trail cleanup, pushes for Ramona community involvement
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Although many residents are familiar with the Santa Maria Creek that runs through the center of Ramona, it is sometimes viewed as nothing more than an overgrown, dry, weed-filled ditch. But the Santa Maria Creek, which runs from the Santa Maria Valley to the Ramona Grasslands County Preserve, supports vernal pools to oak woodlands, and hundreds of unique plants and animals, according to the County of San Diego County Parks and Recreation Department.
Beautification projects and donations change Ramona’s cemetery grounds
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Recent improvements, potential new burial options and an idea for a new memorial were among the items discussed at the Ramona Cemetery District board meeting on Aug. 27. Led by Cemetery District Manager Patty Estrada, the district manages Nuevo Memory Gardens, Ramona’s public cemetery at 532 Ash Street. Cemetery changes include new fencing, beautification of the rose garden and the installation of an upright headstone.
On the Menu: Rush Bowls offers bowls, smoothies for those wanting healthier options in Pacific Beach
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... When Adrian and Liz Lopez first began contemplating opening up a Rush Bowls franchise, they had no idea how important it would become in their personal journey to better health. The COVID pandemic, coupled with the unrelated loss of some of their younger family members, had already reinforced the couple’s desire to focus more on their health, they said. “After the pandemic, we wanted to shift to a healthier lifestyle,” Adrian Lopez said.
Local youngsters to showcase their skills at the Ramona Rodeo
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... While the seasoned competitors will certainly get their share of the limelight at this year’s Ramona Rodeo, several youngsters are also looking forward to showcasing their skills. Opening today (Thursday) and continuing through Saturday, this year’s rodeo will feature barrel racing, mutton bustin’, team penning, bareback riding, breakaway roping, bull riding, team penning, saddle bronc riding and tie-down roping.
Ramona residents reminded roadside vegetation can fuel fires
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Most wildfires in California are caused by people, and the majority of fires often start along roadways, according to Jeff Heys. He is the shared stewardship coordinator at the United States Forest Service. At an Aug. 18 Ramona West End Fire Safe Council presentation in the Ramona Library, Heys discussed the Southern California Ignition Reduction Program (SCIRP) and how keeping roadsides clear is important to creating defensible space.
Ramona Rodeo celebrates a 45-year tradition on Aug. 27-29
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Rodeos are full of tradition and the 45th Ramona Rodeo is no exception. From Thursday, Aug. 27 through Saturday, Aug. 29, the Ramona Rodeo Foundation has planned a full lineup of bareback riding, team roping, barrel racing, breakaway roping, bull riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping and mutton bustin’ for guests to enjoy. Mutton bustin’ is for children ages 4 to 7 who weigh 55 pounds or less.
OB resident Mark Atkinson moderates two panels at this year’s Comic-Con
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... After attending Comic-Con International as a fan for more than 20 years, Ocean Beach resident Mark Atkinson found himself experiencing the event in a very different way this year.
Ramona equestrian completes 100-mile endurance ride on rescued horse
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The “toughest horse race in the world” is universally acknowledged to be the Western States Trail Ride, commonly known as the Tevis Cup. It covers 100 miles of rugged terrain in just 24 hours. Ramona rider Glen Morgan completed this year’s race, which took place Aug. 1, on an Arabian gelding named Mojave, which he adopted from a horse rescue. Although the pair successfully finished the race, they were eliminated at the final post-ride veterinary exam.
Exhibit by neuro-diverse artists draws a crowd to Ramona gallery
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Artists with diverse ways of thinking, communicating and creating were celebrated during an Aug. 7 reception for the “Neuro-Diverse Universe,” an exhibit on display at the 2Create Gallery. The artwork is viewable on weekends through Saturday, Aug. 29. “This show is for all the artists, from the ones whose artwork is already hanging in galleries to the artists whose work should be,” said exhibit curator Helen Munroe.
Diamond D Feed is new owner of Bryan Horseshoeing Supply
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... After decades in the horseshoeing business, Wayne and Vicki Bryan, owners of Bryan Horseshoeing Supply in Ramona are retiring — but not without ensuring that their legacy lives on. David and Amanda King, owners of Diamond D Feed & Supply Co., along with Matt Mattia, have purchased Bryan, and are incorporating it into the Ramona store.
On the Menu: Beachfront dining and coastal California dishes at Oceana Coastal Kitchen in Pacific Beach
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... With the sea on one side and Mission Bay on the other, the menu at Oceana Coastal Kitchen inside the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, is inspired by the ocean, according to executive chef Bryan Stuppy. “In San Diego, we can get ‘boat to table’ seafood, which is pretty cool,” Stuppy said.
Experience old-fashioned fun at the Ramona Country Fair
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... From carnival rides to cotton candy, cornhole, an off-road car show, crafts and concerts galore, the Ramona Country Fair that opens Friday and goes through Sunday is a celebration of old-fashioned fun and community. “One of the things we’re focused on this year is bringing the community together and we’ve brought together a lot of different interests,” said Vincent Ciampoli, Ramona Chamber of Commerce president and fair chair.
Ramona’s Off-road Car Show returns on Saturday
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... For many people, spending the weekend having to make car repairs in a location far from home doesn’t sound like a good time. But for off-roading enthusiasts, who enjoy driving Broncos, Jeeps, off-road motorcycles, dune buggies and more on dirt roads and natural terrain, it’s all part of the fun.
Redesigned air attack base in Ramona increases area’s firefighting capabilities
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... San Diego County’s wildfire fighting capabilities have been greatly enhanced with the state’s 11th CalFire Helitack base being established in Ramona. Monday’s grand reopening of the Ramona Air Attack base included a celebration that its $20 million major reconstruction is complete and a CalFire C-130 Hercules air tanker and a Sikorsky S-70 CalFire Hawk helicopter have arrived.
Young Ramona author self-publishes first book, is working on his second
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... While many 12-year-old boys have creative hobbies, Ben Wohlgemuth has taken one of his a step further than most of his peers. The soon-to-be sixth grader at Mount Woodson Elementary enjoys writing, and recently self-published a 95-page book featuring a pair of attorneys and their cases. “Sam and Patrick Kid Attorneys,” revolves around friends’ cases tackled by friends Sam and Patrick, and their secretary, Penny, all of whom are 11- or 12-years-old.
Ramona Ranch Winery wins ‘Double Gold’ at international competition
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Ramona Ranch Winery earned several prestigious awards at the 2026 Sunset International Wine Competition, held June 16-18 in Sonoma County. The winery’s 2022 Estate Tannat earned Double Gold with a 98-point score as well as Best of Class at the event, while its 2022 Estate Montepulciano earned a silver medal and the 2022 Estate Grenache a bronze. Winners were announced June 30.
Ramona Rodeo seeks nominations for its Ambassador Program
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The Ramona Rodeo Foundation is continuing its Ambassador Program as a way to honor outstanding community members for the second year. “The Ramona Rodeo Ambassador Program is a tradition created to recognize the individuals who embody the spirit of our community and the values celebrated throughout the Ramona Rodeo,” said Charlie Koehler, foundation president.
Paul Sage Cannon, Stucky Leigh to perform at Gallery Sessions on Sunday in Ramona
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Musician Cathryn Beeks recently announced Paul Sage Cannon and Stucky Leigh as the newest set of performers at the 2Create Gallery in Ramona. They will perform for the Sunday, July 12 Gallery Sessions, said Beeks, who hosts the show through her ListenLocalRadio.com platform. Primarily out-of-town and traveling musicians are featured for the sessions, which take place in the intimate setting of The Art Center inside the gallery.
Ramona wineries bring home awards in RVVA competition
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Ramona wines brought home numerous medals at the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association 2026 Wine Competition awards banquet on June 17. “The competition is important because all the wines are made from grapes grown exclusively in San Diego County,” said Kim Whalin, competition chair. “It’s also one of the few competitions where the entrants receive feedback from the judges.” The event was held at The Oaks Grill at the San Vicente Golf Resort.
Ramona Heritage Museum showcases fashions of the past
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... A variety of fashion from the late 1800s through nearly the end of the 1900s is on exhibit at the Ramona Heritage Museum. “Ramona Styled — The History of Women’s Clothing in Ramona,” at the museum’s Barnett Barn, covers clothing from 1880 to 1980, said Leslie Delaney, curator at the museum, formerly the Guy B. Woodward Museum.
Liberty Station celebrates America’s 250th anniversary with artwork and festival
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... To honor America’s 250th anniversary as well as Liberty Station’s past as the former Naval Training Center, the cultural and commercial hub in Point Loma will host “Anchored in Freedom: An Independence Day Celebration” on Friday, July 3. The event will include a 5K race, a parade and a festival.
Commercial building code enforcement could be costly for Ramona wineries
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Wineries and tasting rooms in Ramona have weathered a number of obstacles in recent years, from the increasing cost of goods and supplies to the county’s evolving requirements for live music performances. The latest challenge is perhaps the biggest one.
Ramona Fourth of July event to be ‘bigger and better’ this year
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The Ramona Fourth of July celebration this year coincides with the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and promises to bigger and better than previous years, with a new venue, new activities, live music and more food and craft vendors, organizers said. “We look forward to a day filled with patriotism, family fun, community spirit and an unforgettable fireworks show,” said Susan White, fireworks fundraising chair.
Gillie’s Auto Lounge serves a community driven by a love of classic cars
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Step into Gillie’s Auto Lounge and you won’t see the stereotypical man-cave-style decor of oil and gas signs, gas pumps or a pool table. Instead, owner Michael Olguin has created an inviting, unexpected auto storage membership club in the Midway District for owners of classic and exotic cars, featuring speakeasy vibes and plenty of spaces to hang out and connect. The new lounge is deeply personal to Olguin.
On the Menu: From late night cravings to comfort food, Seniore’s Pizza satisfies in Pacific Beach
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... When Seniore’s Pizza opened in Pacific Beach last September, it was a full circle moment for owners Armin and Liz Eberhard. With options including pizza, pasta, burgers and more, Seniore’s Pizza is great for a meal after a late night partying or a long day at the beach. “In PB in particular, people work hard and play hard,” Armin Eberhard said.
Peter Campbell, Mountain Valley Academy valedictorian, has a higher calling after graduation
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Mountain Valley Academy senior Peter Fulton Bailey Campbell realizes that he’s in a unique position — what he wants to do as a career doesn’t really match with his chosen major in college. Campbell, 17, plans to attend the University of Dallas, a Catholic university, and major in math. But once he graduates, he plans to become a priest. “I’m a pretty serious Catholic, and I believe it’s what God wants me to do,” he said.
Family candle business in Ramona aims for sweet smell of success
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Greg Stevens has felt a sense of urgency to teach his three children life skills since their early years. Stevens has a rare genetic degenerative eye disorder caused by mutations in the CERKL gene. Diagnosed years ago, he has gradually been losing his vision. Symptoms can eventually lead to severe vision impairment or blindness, he said.
Julian Town Square Music Festival Set for June 6
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Now in its fifth year, the Julian Town Square Music Festival is continuing to raise funds for work on the outdoor park and performance space, as well as showcase local and area musicians. The latest event, on Saturday, June 6 from noon to 6:3 p.m., will feature Tim Flannery and the Lunatic Fringe, Sarah Petite, Elizabeth Bowersox, Salinas Road, Rootful and Donn Bree. The free, family-friendly event is hosted by the Julian Community Heritage Foundation.
Longtime resident Mel Cary appointed to Ramona Cemetery District board
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... San Diego County Board of Supervisor Joel Anderson has appointed Ramona resident Mel Cary to a vacant third seat on the Ramona Cemetery District board. The appointment was announced at the May 19 cemetery board meeting. Cary has lived in Ramona since 1985, while his wife, Lisa, has lived in town for nearly 70 years. Both have family and friends buried in Nuevo Memory Gardens, the cemetery overseen by the cemetery board.
Ramona Senior Center seeks new board members
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The Ramona Senior Center is asking for interested residents to consider joining its Board of Directors. “We have several board members up for reelection,” said Lora Yule, executive director of the center. “We ask for board members in May and vote in June.” Yule said the center usually has eight board members, but would prefer a minimum of nine. “We need one more member for sure,” she said.
County awards Neighborhood Reinvestment grants; extends one for The Grange
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Several Ramona organizations recently received San Diego County Neighborhood Reinvestment Grants, while The Grange got an extension on a $100,000 grant that had been awarded last year.
Three local musicians take home honors from San Diego Music Awards
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Some familiar Ramona names were among the winners when the 35th San Diego Music Awards concluded with an awards ceremony on May 6. The Beard and The Bird, the husband-and-wife duo with Jon Hasz and Cathryn “Cat” Curry Hasz, took home the honors for Best Folk or Acoustic Song for their tune, “My Dearest Eloise.” Elizabeth Bowersox won for Best Folk or Americana Album award. She lives in Pacific Beach, but grew up in Ramona and often performs locally.
Way Out West weekend brings back Main Street Parade after 6-year absence
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... As the kickoff to the Way Out West Weekend, the Ramona Main Street Parade will return on Saturday, May 16. The Way Out West event on May 16 and 17 is a way to bring more attention to the Western lifestyle, said Charlie Koehler, Ramona Rodeo Foundation president. “It’s a nod to the cattle and ranching community here in Ramona,” he said.
On the Menu: Spitz Mediterranean Restaurant combines Old World inspiration with modern touches in Pacific Beach
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Mediterranean street food has always been known as tasty. But by combining well-loved flavors with an upbeat vibe, Spitz Mediterranean Restaurant has garnered a loyal following of local patrons, which continues to grow well beyond the Pacific Beach community. “It’s fun, colorful and different, with great happy hours,” said Aidan Brennan-Law, who owns the restaurant with his sister, Shealin Brennan-Law, and her boyfriend, Chris Burnthon.
Colored pencil artwork on exhibit at the Pacific Beach Library
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Many artists don’t consider colored pencils as a medium for their work, even though they can be used to create art with incredible color and depth, according to Judy Jacobs. “Colored pencils are not as messy as many other mediums, are portable and are versatile,” she said.
Original cabaret featuring Broadway songs, local musicians, set for May 2 in Ramona
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... A cabaret show coming to Ramona promises to make viewers “laugh, cry, reflect and have every emotion you can think of.” Julie Rogelstad and Dave Penic, who form the musical duo Riptide, along with Julie’s nephew, Trevor Rogelstad, will be performing “A New World,” a cabaret show they produced, at the Ramona Mainstage Theater on Saturday, May 2 at 6:30 p.m. “You will see a little bit of singing, story telling and dancing,” said Penic.
Ramona 10-year-old gets dream Florida vacation from Make-A-Wish San Diego
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Grant Carlson was looking forward to his 10th birthday last May. However, he wasn’t able to celebrate because he was undergoing treatment for leukemia. This year, Make-A-Wish San Diego plans to help Grant make up for missing that celebration by announcing that his biggest wish — to go to Florida for a big 11th birthday party with his family and friends — has been granted. “Grant has always wanted to go to Florida,” said his mother, Jessica Carlson-Petersen.
Celebration of Life and Haybarn Dance combined to honor Craig Fischer
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... In honor of Craig Fischer, the Ramona singer, songwriter and guitarist, a Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, May 16, preceded by a Barn Dance the night before. Fischer, who had lived in Ramona since 1994, died on March 20 from heart-related issues. He was best known for forming Farm Truck, an alt country band that played throughout California and Arizona.
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