Ramona's Natural Resources

By Vivian D. Osborn

Ramona's special history, our topography & geographical location in San Diego County is of State and National importance.

Ramonan's elevation compliments the Cleveland National Forest, that borders our Planning Area, and serves as part of the system for clean air in San Diego County. With a lower, rural population in Ramona, the air has a chance to clean itself as the pollution from the cities below, rise toward Ramona. This effect will be eliminated by further increased population in Ramona. The proposed increased population for Ramona, by the County of San Diego, is not in the best interest of the health, safety and welfare of the current or future citizens of Ramona or the County of San Diego.

Ramona is a source of clean water for several dams that serve San Diego County. Urban development and increased roads in developments will produce pollution and adversely affect the streams and creeks that run through the Ramona community. There are effort now to clean up the urban runoff in the cities. It is not sensible to contaminate the up-land streams in our rural community.

The recent discovery of a 2000 year old Native American village in the west end of Ramona's remaining grasslands, is of importance to all who are interested in knowledge of our past in order to understand how to guide our future. This discovery in the last year is another reason to present Ramona as a tourist destination. These historic places are part of our unique and valuable history. Why would we want to cover this valley with urbanization when we have these most valuable assets to present to the visitors who enjoy San Diego County as a truly special place.

We are the farthest corner of the southwest of the United States of America. That is special in itself. We may want to treat ourselves that way by presenting excellence in planning and a respect for the gifts we have been given.

The preservation of the unique grasslands in the heart of our valley will be the jewel to visit by those in urban areas who will renew their spirit with fresh air and wildlife that is unique in all of California. Ramona is unique & precious, we must protect and preserve Ramona for the present and the future.