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Golf balls pose safety risk

I’ve been a resident of Ramona my entire life. My family began on Ash Street and has over the years taken different residences in the San Diego Country Estates.

I’ve loved every moment of growing up here, from exploring the back hills of the Tennis Villas (before they were Barona Mesa) to wandering the trails of Cedar Creek and Black Canyon. I met my husband in Black Canyon, and have since raised two of our own children here, alongside his family as well.

I very rarely raise concerns about much in Ramona because we’re all pretty spoiled here. However, one thing has been nagging me since we first began living in the Estates. My concern is with the Country Club’s driving range. I’m sure most residents of the eastern half of the Estates have become accustomed to seeing several golf balls laying in the road at the turn to Ramona Oaks Road. Am I the only one that realizes how much of a problem this has become?

Every day I drive by, there are at least 10 balls laying in the road. TWICE now my vehicle has been hit by a ball either straight from the range, or as a bounce. I witnessed other cars being hit as well as near misses.

My concern is with the potential for glass windows being shattered from a stray ball, because the eucalyptus trees lack adequate coverage. All I think about is what if that one time my children are in the car, the window is down and one flies RIGHT into their faces!

Why is there only a net on the golf course side, protecting patrons of the Club and not the street side? Go to any other range in the state and there is a huge net covering the whole area of the driving range. This needs to be addressed as everyone’s safety is at risk here.

Danielle Ketterer

RamonaRight to own weapons doesn’t supersede child’s right to liveI would like to thank Mr. George Eastwood for his succinct opinion piece, “Arming the modern minutemen,” March 14, 2013. Too many Americans for too long have been focused on retaining the ability to own military style weapons that are designed only to stop a man with one shot. Since 9-11 we have seen degradation of the 1st, 4th and 5th amendments to the Constitution, as well as loss of Posse Comitatus and Habeas Corpus, while we watched domestic law enforcement become a para-military arm of the federal government. The slight of hand was “Keep your eye on the 2nd Amendment and be afraid” while they flushed our rights down the toilet.The latest assault was when our own illustrious Congressman Duncan Hunter helped draft and promote a section of the 2012 NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act), making it legal for the military to grab U.S. citizens from U.S. soil and hold them in secret prisons. All the while Hunter and his buddies touted protecting the 2nd Amendment as paramount. People who are worried about being able to own assault weapons might consider the loss of due process instead.If we Americans have to sacrifice to make life better for our children, then that’s what being a good citizen is about. Our right to own weapons does not supersede the right of a 7-year-old child to live.For more about NDAA, see www.brasschecktv.com/page/22606.html.

Dave Patterson

RamonaTeen Miss Ramona thanks her supportersAs my year serving as Teen Miss Ramona 2012 enters the last month, I want to take a moment to thank the Ramona businesses that placed ads in the Miss Ramona/Teen Miss Ramona pageant program book last year on my behalf.I appreciate all your support and I want to encourage everyone to consider these amazing local businesses when seeking products and services in Ramona.My sponsors include:• Ramona Rebels Elite Competition Cheer• Ramona/Julian Academy of Dance• The Ol’ Cup O Joe (we miss your coffee, Miss Nickie!)• Linda Hall at Bella Mia Salon• Ramona Children’s Montessori• Dr. Michael O’Dell, Back to Health• Marketing WorxA special Thank You to Joani Georgeson of the ROCC, Linda Hall, Lynda Elkins and Lauren Robie from Bella Mia, and Stephanie Ogilvie for all your help and support!It’s been an amazing year and I’m so thankful for the opportunity to be your Teen Miss Ramona 2012!

Chersten Sandvik

RamonaReasons for supporting Jim Piva for EstatesSan Diego Country Estates will have its annual Association meeting next month and there will be an election for one open board seat. After having served an aggregate total of 11 years on the board (several terms spread over many years), I’m ready to step aside.There will be three names on the ballot for that opening and I’m supporting the one I think is the best qualified to serve our community in that position.JIM PIVA gets my vote for four reasons:

  1. As owner and operator of a successful small business in Ramona for over 30 years, through good times and bad, he knows what it takes to operate a business. There are many business decisions ahead of our association that require mature judgment, and his common sense experience with resources.
  2. As a former football coach at Ramona High, he knows our youth, their needs and how to inspire them. He knows we must keep up with the growing needs of our young families for parks and recreation programs.
  3. As an active member and current chairman of Ramona’s Community Planning Group, he will help keep our association well-connected with the rest of our town. He knows how to work effectively with fellow board members.
  4. As a homeowner and dues paying member of our association for over 14 years, he knows the importance of keeping our assessments in line and the need for getting the most from those dollars.

This is why I feel we’ll all be well served by putting Jim on our board.

Chuck LeMenager

RamonaPiva’s experience makes him clear choice for EstatesSo, another San Diego Country Estates election is upon us. We are again fortunate to have candidates with the best interests of our association at heart. Having given thought to all three candidates strengths, my clear choice is Jim Piva.Jim is best positioned to work with the broader Ramona community, the Planning Group, the Water Board and the “powers that be” in the County. Jim works well with Dianne Jacob and her office, the County Planning Department and can best help our association as we work through water agreements, pond #14 development and road improvements, all large issues on our near horizon.Jim has many years experience personally serving customers at his store, building and managing a small business through these tough times and knows both the “cost” and the “value” of a dollar invested wisely. As we emerge from the doldrums of the last few years’ economy, these strengths will serve us well. We need to avoid spending money for “resort” accommodations on an “HOA” budget.Jim Piva’s invested most of his life working with youth from an early age through high school: coaching, supporting every youth activity in the area, donating time and money to projects, mentoring, etc. Jim has a large imprint on our Ramona community.During my recent years on the SDCEA Board and the Park and Recreation Committee, I’ve noted wavering support for teen-related facilities and activities and have come to believe this is the next area in which we should invest. I think Jim Piva would give the Park/Rec. committee a fair hearing and might support teen activities/facilities were we to demonstrate a clear need and rational cost and funding.Please vote for Jim Piva; his character and experience will add value to our association management.PLEASE VOTE!

Bill Fox

Ramona

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