The events of this recent disaster underscore the need for local agency management of the burdens put on our infrastructure. It was clear to all that the “reactive” evacuation was implemented by agencies that really did not understand the limitations of our transportation corridors. Many also feel that the actual need to evacuate the entire planning area was unnecessary. There have been several good “proactive” plans over the years to handle a crisis such as this, but none have been implemented because of a lack of authority to do so. We were so fortunate that the fire did not sweep over any of these grid locked roads.

There have been several reports from citizens that did not evacuate of efforts to put out small embers that could have started fires in even more structures than actually burned. This leads one to wonder if some of the destruction could have been avoided through better proactive management. Many in Ramona feel that they have a right to look out for their own property.

News Flash!

Menifee Valley has been approved by the Riverside County LAFCO for their ballot measure to incorporate. It was unanimous. They were very successful in reducing their costs by negotiating with LAFCO for reduced requirements on their studies, and by doing a lot of the actual studies themselves.

Our Boundaries Committee is looking for help. This is a critical next step. It has become apparent that a formal polling will help to determine boundaries. We are working on the structure of the poll. There will be a fund raising effort to off set costs. If you have experience or an interest, please contact Bob Hailey 760-522-2625, Paul Tarr 760-788-9600, Torry Brean 760-789-4624, or Woody Kirkman 760-789-2156.

We are looking for a site to hold regular meetings that will accommodate 60+ people on occasion. The most promising site is the Community School multipurpose room. Application with the school district is in process. Monday nights seem to work best for most.

A word of sorrow for Julie Kiehne-Lamkin, our P. R. Chair, whose husband Bob passed away recently, at the same time of the fires. They have 2 children. Julie is an attorney and has been an aggressive PR chair. We are asking, if you feel so inclined, for articles on issues related to the need for local agency control of activities and funds for Ramona. Our Vision is to “Preserve Ramona’s Rural Character.” Our Mission is to study the feasibility of incorporation, and bring the issue of incorporation to a ballot measure for the people to decide.

Now, more than ever, Ramona needs to determine its own future.

Paul Tarr

Director

City of Ramona, NOW! Inc.

760-788-9600

P O Box 3762

Ramona, Ca 92065

www.cityoframona.org