The only certainty in school budget is uncertainty

Budgets planned for this year and next in California are in historic
territory, not just for financial reasons, but also due to timing,
Ramona Unified School District Assistant Superintendent David Ostermann
said at the March school board meeting.
California’s 2008-09 budget was adopted three months late, making it
the latest on record, said Ostermann, adding that three weeks later
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called a special session, because the budget
was “already in trouble.” Furthermore, the 2009-10 budget is four
months early. Both present difficulties, said Ostermann, although such
an approach is necessary in this economy.

Open House introduces community garden to public

An open house was held Saturday to help bring awareness to St. Mary’s
in the Valley Episcopal Church’s presentation of Labyrinth: A Garden
for Ramona.
Set on an acre of land beside the church at 12th Street and San Vicente
Road, the garden will be divided into approximately 100 plots for
people to share in the enjoyment of gardening, the rewards of fresh
fruit and vegetables, and a sense of community as they get to know
their fellow Ramonans.

‘Get Away From It All’ with PONY Baseball; Season starts March 7

Last year, Ramona PONY Baseball themed its season a “Salute to Our
Heroes” to honor those who have served our country, and also those who
helped with the sports fields that were damaged by the Witch Fire.
This year, they are encouraging everyone to “Get Away From It All,” as
PONY Baseball provides a great escape from the stress and struggles
affecting people these days. Forget about your worries, and invest a
couple of hours in some fun. It’s a chance to relax, meet new people
and watch kids enjoy playing the national pastime.

‘Get Away From It All’ with PONY Baseball

Last year, Ramona PONY Baseball themed its season a “Salute to Our
Heroes” to honor those who have served our country, and also those who
helped with the sports fields that were damaged by the Witch Fire.
This year, they are encouraging everyone to “Get Away From It All,” as
PONY Baseball provides a great escape from the stress and struggles
affecting people these days. Forget about your worries, and invest a
couple of hours in some fun. It’s a chance to relax, meet new people
and watch kids enjoy playing the national pastime.

Start Smart, CHP officer tells young drivers

Teens, parents pack PAW, hear harsh realities of the road

California Highway Patrol Officer Brian Pennings spoke to Ramona High
School students who would be taking to the road soon, or who already
have, about how they could avoid tragedy.
Pennings opened his Start Smart program in the Ramona High School
Performing Arts Wing (PAW) last Monday night with some information
about who he is and how he became a CHP officer, but he soon launched
into his lecture on keeping teenage drivers safe.

School district works for balance in budget crisis, official says

Ramona Unified School District (RUSD) may take a hit of $7,156,000, or
13 percent of its $55 million budget, Assistant Superintendent David
Ostermann said during his budget presentation at the school board
meeting last Thursday.
Factored into next year’s budget must be increased cost related to
salaries and benefits for RUSD teachers and other employees. Automatic
increases in pay of $750,000 for employee “step and column”
advancements for years with the district and additional education are
anticipated. Another $650,000 increase is projected for health and
welfare benefits.