Cal Fire increases staffing, equipment in preparation for high winds predicted to begin Wednesday evening

In response to a strong wind event forecasted for Southern California and other parts of the state, Cal Fire has increased its staffing and fire equipment throughout the state, said Cal Fire Capt. Mike Mohler.

High winds along with low humidity are expected over much of the state beginning this evening and continuing for the next few days. Winds in some areas are expected to have gusts in excess of 60 mph.

First installment of county property taxes due Dec. 12

San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector Dan McAllister reminded landowners today that the first installment of property taxes is due on Monday, Dec. 12.

“We are giving our taxpayers two extra days to pay their taxes due to the Dec 10th falling on a Saturday,’” said McAllister. `”We are encouraging our taxpayers to pay online, by phone or by mail to avoid the rush and the long lines if they pay in person.’’

Cheer team holds fundraiser at Boll Weevil

The Ramona Pop Warner Midget Cheer team is holding a fundraiser on Wednesday, Nov. 30, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Boll Weevil restaurant, 2548 Main St.

The cheer team qualified for the Pop Warner national championships at Disney World in Orlando, Fla., scheduled for later this month, and hope to raise enough money to make the trip. Donations may be sent to Ramona Pop Warner, Attn: Midget Cheer National Fund, P.O. Box 1284, Ramona, CA 92065.

Boy, shaken as baby, dies in his sleep

A 6-year-old special needs child who lived in the 1000 block of Olive St. died in his sleep early Tuesday morning from complications as a victim of child abuse, according to an adoptive family member.

The boy, identified as Sam, was one of four special needs children adopted by Chris Dahlke, said Dahlke’s daughter, Barbara Smith.

Pair charged in Barona, Fashion Valley robberies

Robbery and arson charges were filed Monday against two parolees suspected in a series of armed robberies throughout California, including one at Barona Casino and another at a Fashion Valley jewelry store.

Robert Chavira, 40, and Ryan Alan McKnight, 34, were each ordered held in lieu of $5 million bail.

State designates OPMS a model middle school

In an email Monday morning to all Ramona Unified School District employees, Supt. Robert Graeff sent “a royal congratulations” to the staff, parents and students at Olive Peirce Middle School for being selected one of only four middle school in the state to be designated a “School to Watch.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson made the announcement in a news release Monday morning.

Bulldogs place third at state cross country meet

Ramona High School’s cross country team finished third among Division II teams at the CIF state meet Nov. 26 at Fresno’s Woodward Park, while Ramona senior Dylan Blankenbaker was the second individual across the finish line.

Golden Valley High School in Santa Clarita won the Division II championship with 86 points, Loyola High School of Los Angeles was second with 111 points,

A noteworthy season for Ramona High’s marching band and color guard

“Just Simply Outstanding” is the phrase that best describes the 2011 marching season for the Ramona High School Royal Alliance Marching Band and Color Guard.

The marching band and color guard have had an outstanding, successful season this year. The band competes in two separate circuits: SCSBOA (Southern

Ramona rodeo queens ride in Mother Goose Parade

In what Ramona Rodeo Queen Pageant Director Joani Georgeson believes is a first for Ramona, the town’s reigning rodeo queen, Sarah Baughman, right, and junior queen, Megan Buckley, ride in the 65th annual Mother Goose Parade in El Cajon the Sunday before Thanksgiving. The Ramona Rodeo royalty wore their new matching Breast Cancer Awareness outfits, [...]

County approves subdivision changes considered more developer-friendly

An amendment to the County of San Diego’s Subdivision Ordinance that coordinates building permits with road construction is now in effect.

The amendments, approved by county supervisors, include requiring subdividers to develop a construction phasing plan that would be linked to rough grade approval and building permit issuance. That would allow developers to structure their developments through phasing, which would enable lot sales to pay for