Board reviews plans for wine trail signs, two more murals
Ramona wine trail signs and two more murals for Old Town are in the works, adding more reasons for the community to be a destination, said project organizers.
The projects were discussed at the Ramona Design Review Board’s April 30 meeting, followed by appointment of a new member and election of officers.
Dave Billick, vice president of the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association (RVVA), said the idea of creating and installing wine trail signs is to direct visitors to the many wine tasting rooms in the area and to eliminate the sandwich board signs on the main thoroughfares during weekends.
“We want to make this kind of a high-class wine trail,” said Billick.
When asked if non-RVVA members would be listed, Billick replied: “Our objective of the RVVA is to be all inclusive.”
Billick presented his design of a 10-foot tall, 5-foot-wide sign with the RVVA logo at the top and individual shingles listing a winery name and direction, such as “2 miles on the left.” Billick said seven locations throughout the community were identified for a sign. Since locations would include state routes 67 and 78, Billick said the county is working with Caltrans.
“We are working on many fronts to make it all official,” he said.
Billick said he’s been working on the project for over a year and is still deciding on materials.
“My intention is this looks rustic and goes with the rest of the town,” he said.
Design review members applauded the idea and look, although there was discussion on the height and whether the signs should be double-sided. Chair Greg Roberson said the height limit is 8 feet. Member Jim Cooper said the signs should be perpendicular to the road.
Billick said he would bring plans back to the board so action was tabled until next month.
Judy Nachazel of the Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Mural Project board presented tentative plans for a mural of 1938 Ramona Turkey Queen Dottie Richardson on the east side of the Ramona Business Barn, 369 Main St. The mural would depict a publicized photo of Richardson on a turkey and be painted in sepia tones, said Nachazel.
“It is an iconic photo,” she said. “It went all over the United States and in magazines. She was kind of a pin-up girl of the time. It will be an eye-catcher.”
The mural would say “Welcome to Ramona” and in smaller letters Richardson’s name and turkey queen title.
Nachazel displayed a portrait of Richardson as painted by Sake, the muralist proposed for the project. Members said they were pleased with the idea but they would like to see it superimposed on the building’s wall before approving, so action was tabled.
In another mural project, Nachazel showed a July 4, 1914, photo of downtown Ramona and said it is the scene for a proposed mural on the wall of Turkey Inn, 716 Main St. The board approved the scene with members Rob Lewallen and Chris Anderson recusing themselves because they are on the mural committee. Nachazel said they still have to fundraise and issue an artists call.
In other business, the board appointed resident Rex Gammon to a vacant seat on the board. Gammon, an electrical contractor, said he has a degree in architectural technology.
His appointment will go to the county Board of Supervisors for approval.
With the terms of Roberson, Anderson and Carol Close expiring, each was nominated to serve again. A longtime member, Roberson was the only one to decline, saying, “I’m going to take a rest.”
However, when it came to election of officers, the board could not find a chair. Lewallen was nominated but said he will miss several upcoming meetings.
Since the term of the vacant seat expires Sept. 25, Anderson asked Roberson if he would fill that seat and remain chair until the end of the term, at which time Lewallen could become chair. Gammon could then fill the three-year term of Roberson’s seat. All agreed to the arrangement.
Scotty Ensign agreed to stay on as secretary and Darryl Larson will remain vice chair.