News Briefs
Jones’ bill advances
District 71 Assemblyman Brian Jones said one of his bills has been approved by the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
“I am very pleased that the committee approved of AB 873 and agreed it is time we clarify the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Automotive Repair,” said Jones. “Clarification is key for Californians to have transparency in all state departments and organizations.”
AB 873 will require the Bureau of Automotive Repair, within the Department of Consumer Affairs, to determine through regulation which automotive services are minor and which necessitate oversight.
District 71 includes Ramona, several East County communities and southern Riverside County.
Patriot tribute
Tickets for the 9-11 Patriot Day Tribute in Ramona Mainstage, 626 Main St., on Saturday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m. are $25 each and are available at Old Town Ramona Antique Fair, 734 Main St., and by calling 760-788-7215 or 760-789-0574.
The Ramona Town Hall benefit will feature a talent show featuring singers, dancers, musicians, Ramona High School Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, Ramona Community Singers and Ramona Rockettes. A panel with audience participation will judge the entries, and a silent auction will be held.
Vaca earns degree
Rachel Vaca, daughter of Laura and Rick Vaca of Ramona, graduated from Creighton University in May and now works as an admissions counselor for the university.
Vaca, a 2012 graduate of Ramona High School, majored in communications and minored in business at the university in Omaha, Neb. She was on the dean’s list for spring 2016.
Mental illness alliance
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) San Diego will begin a free 12-week family-to-family course in Ramona, beginning Wednesday, Sept. 7. The class will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday until Nov. 23 at Ramona United Methodist Church, 3394 Chapel Lane.
Those attending will learn about different types of mental illness and disorders. Also provided will be up-to-date information about medications and research, strategies for handling crisis and relapse, and guidance on support and services in the county.
Workshops will focus on problem solving, listening and communication techniques.
To register for the course or for more information, see www.namisandiego.org, or call 800-523-5933.
NAMI also conducts a support group on the first Wednesday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Ramona United Methodist Church. Visit NAMI’s website or contact the number above for more information.
2017 Grape Stomp
Ramona’s first Grape Stomp has a date and location: Sept. 9, 2017, at the Ramona Outdoor Community Center.
Three groups are staging the event: Ramona Rotary, Ramona Valley Vineyard Association and Ramona Senior Center. Kim Lasley, event chair, said momentum is already building for Ramona’s inaugural grape stomp. Proceeds will be split among the three groups.