Unincorporated Town, San Diego County
© McCormack's Guides
Zip Code: 92065
Country
town with conveniences of suburban life, drugstores, supermarkets, about 40
restaurants, some with down-home flavor. Located east of Escondido. www.mccormacks.com
Named
after heroine of Helen Hunt Jackson’s novel, a best seller in 19th century.
About 36,405 residents in and around town, living in 10,023 single homes, 1,639
multiples, 501 mobiles. Region called Valley of the Sun.
Ramona's
streets are laid out in grid pattern, the old style. Many trees and shrubs.
Sidewalks start and stop. Homes modest in town but many mansions and ranchettes
in the area. Also upscale subdivisions, San Vincente and San Diego Country
estates.
Click for regional or detailed map
Sheriff's
substation in latter. One homicide in 2005, zero in 2004, two in 2003, one in
2002, zero between 2001 and 1996, one in 1995. See Crime.
Another
golf course located near Mt. Woodson. Equestrian activities popular. Many
ranches train horses.
More homes
planned. Many arguments over density and protecting rural life and some
residents are contending that Ramona should incorporate as a city to head off excessive
development. www.mccormacks.com
Nature
groups and county are buying grasslands to create 8,000-acre preserve for
Canadian hawks that visit annually. In 2004, conservationists purchased 4,000
acres south of town. Local
council, elected by voters, helps guide development but county has final say.
Served by Ramona Unified School
District. Scores in 70th to 90th percentile. About 7,200 kids attend nine
public schools. In 2005, district won grant of $428,000 to build safer paths to
schools. See Schools.
About 50-60 miles from downtown San
Diego, a long haul, especially when the freeways jam. But as the increasing
population attests, many people are willing to endure a difficult commute for
the pleasures of country quiet.
In recent
years, many businesses have opened along the Interstate 15 corridor (Rancho
Bernardo, etc.) and for those holding jobs here, the commute is less
infuriating. Short drive to
Escondido and its malls and theater center.
Small
airport northwest of town. In 2006, pilot, age 84, crashed on takeoff and was
killed. www.mccormacks.com
Library.
Bookstore. Churches. East side is newer and more modern than the west, which
exudes the charm of the hamlet of the 1890s, when Ramona was founded. Ramona
has a utility district that supplies water and treats sewage.
Days hot,
evenings cool. Dry heat; mild in winter. In the late 20th century,
residents figured out that wines would thrive in this climate. The region has
19 wineries and in 2006 the feds gave their official OK to allow wines to be
labeled Ramona Valley.
Little
League. Soccer. 4-H. Pop Warner football. Dance studios. Golf. Girls softball.
Boys and Girls Club. Country fair. Pioneer Days festival. Two parks, one a
giant that hosts the fair and has most of the town’s playing fields. Museum.
Annual air show. Annual rodeo. Movie house converted into playhouse; in 2006,
presented “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” Music group presents four
concerts a year. Artists sponsor annual studio tour. Local newspaper.
• San
Diego Gas & Electric wants to build a power line through region. Many opposed.
Chamber of
commerce (760) 789-1311. www.mccormacks.com
