Discover Ramona

In this episode of Discover Ramona , we sit down with Nancy Pritchett, Founder and CEO of TripleLite, the Ramona-based company behind the patented 180° wide-beam flashlight that's changing the way people think about portable lighting. Nancy shares the entrepreneurial journey of building TripleLite alongside her husband, Ronnie—from a simple idea sparked by a near accident to creating an innovative...

In this episode of Discover Ramona , we sit down with Mike Bittinger, co-founder of Kahoots Feed & Pet, a homegrown company that has grown from selling hay out of the back of a pickup truck to becoming one of Southern California's most respected independent pet supply retailers. Mike shares the story behind building Kahoots from the ground up, staying true to family values, supporting local co...

In this episode of Discover Ramona , we sit down with Joel Anderson, San Diego County Supervisor for District 2, whose district includes Ramona and more than 40 communities throughout East County. Joel shares his commitment to representing unincorporated communities and ensuring local voices are heard at the county level. A longtime public servant, Joel has served on the San Diego County Board of...

In this episode of Discover Ramona , we sit down with Kimber Williams, Founder and President of Robin’s Nest Rescue, a nonprofit sanctuary in Ramona dedicated to rescuing animals and creating meaningful healing experiences for both animals and people. What started as a lifelong passion for animal rescue has grown into a remarkable sanctuary home to horses, alpacas, pigs, tortoises, dogs, and more—...

In this episode of Discover Ramona , we sit down with Thea The Band, Ramona’s own “Cosmic Americana” group blending country, blues, soul, and indie rock into a sound that’s completely their own. Fronted by songwriter Thea Tochihara alongside drummer and producer Jeff Litzman, the band brings raw storytelling, gritty vocals, and heartfelt energy to every performance. From their SDMA-nominated music...

In this episode of Discover Ramona , we meet Paula Stykel Wiessner, a historian with a deeply personal connection to the past. Paula shares the remarkable story of her father’s red guitar—an instrument that carried far more than music during wartime. Hidden inside was a radio transmitter used to secretly send messages to the resistance, helping warn troops and ultimately save lives. It’s a powerfu...

In this episode of Discover Ramona , we sit down with Sara Allen of Water Wise Well Service, a trusted local professional dedicated to keeping Ramona’s water systems running strong. Sara shares how she got started in the well service industry and what it means to serve a community where water isn’t just a utility—it’s a lifeline. From maintaining wells to helping homeowners navigate challenges uni...

In Episode 62 of Discover Ramona , we sit down with Tammy Tabeek, owner of PacTab Enterprises and an extreme endurance cyclist taking on one of the toughest races in the world. 🚴‍♀️ Tammy shares her journey from growing up in East County to building a successful business with over 40 years of experience helping companies design and bring custom packaging to market. Beyond business, Tammy opens up...

In Episode 61 of Discover Ramona , we sit down with Josh Lawson, local stand-up comedian and owner of San Diego Pools. Josh shares how he balances running a successful pool business while pursuing his passion for comedy, bringing laughter to stages throughout the region. From the challenges of entrepreneurship to the art of stand-up, Josh talks about the creativity, resilience, and sense of humor...

In Episode 60 of Discover Ramona, we sit down with Cheryl Wegner from the Ramona Trails Association. Cheryl shares the mission behind the organization and the work being done to preserve, maintain, and expand Ramona’s trail system for hikers, equestrians, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts. She talks about the importance of protecting open space, building safe and accessible trail connections, and...

In Episode 59 of Discover Ramona, we meet Josh Lehman from Bisher’s Quality Meats, a long-standing local favorite known for its quality cuts, house-made specialties, and friendly, knowledgeable service. Josh shares what goes into maintaining the high standards Bisher’s is known for, from sourcing and preparation to helping customers find exactly what they need for family dinners, barbecues, and sp...

In Episode 58 of Discover Ramona , we meet Marissa Travis from the San Diego Country Estates Equestrian Center. Marissa shares what makes the equestrian center such a special part of the community, from riding lessons and boarding to creating a welcoming space for riders of all ages and experience levels. With a deep love for horses and horsemanship, Marissa talks about the responsibility, dedicat...

In Episode 57 of Discover Ramona , we meet Kathy Parsons, owner of White Glove Window Cleaning, to talk about running a successful local business while staying deeply connected to the community and an active lifestyle. Kathy shares what it takes to build a company rooted in quality, consistency, and trust, and how attention to detail has helped White Glove Window Cleaning stand out. Beyond busines...

In Episode 56 of Discover Ramona , we sit down with Pat Donovan from the Guy B. Woodward Museum to explore the rich history that helped shape Ramona. Pat shares stories about the museum’s mission to preserve and celebrate the community’s past, from early settlers and ranching roots to the people and events that built the town we know today. Throughout the conversation, Pat highlights why preservin...

In Episode 55 of Discover Ramona , we sit down with Kathryn Riggs Bacon, Chair of the New Year’s Eve Gala! 🎉✨ Kathryn shares the excitement, planning, and community spirit behind one of Ramona’s most anticipated annual celebrations. From elegant décor to lively entertainment, the Gala brings neighbors together for a night of connection, celebration, and local pride. Hear how Kathryn and her team...

In Episode 54 of Discover Ramona , we sit down with Michael Raher from the Ramona Home Journal! Michael shares how the Journal highlights the people, events, and stories that make Ramona such a special community. From local features to in-depth reporting, he’s dedicated to keeping residents informed, connected, and proud of their hometown. Hear how the Journal supports local businesses, celebrates...

In Episode 53 of Discover Ramona , we sit down with Rachelle Laws from the Ramona Heritage Alliance! 🏡📜 Rachelle shares her passion for preserving the rich history of Ramona and the stories that shaped the community. Through the Heritage Alliance, she and her team work to protect historic landmarks, celebrate local heritage, and educate future generations about Ramona’s unique past. From restori...

In Episode 52 of Discover Ramona, we visit California Farm Life with Akke Dowle! 🎃🌻 Akke shares the story behind her beautiful pumpkin farm, where family, fun, and community come together every fall. From vibrant pumpkin patches to hands-on farm experiences, California Farm Life has become a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike. 🧺✨ Akke talks about her passion for sustainable far...

In Episode 51 of Discover Ramona , we meet Nicky Riordan, coach at ADMA Elite Training! 💪 Nicky shares her passion for helping people transform not just their bodies, but their confidence and mindset through fitness. With a focus on motivation, consistency, and community, she helps clients push past limits and find joy in the journey. From group challenges to personal training, Nicky and the ADMA...

In Episode 50 of Discover Ramona , we sit down with Andrew Hayes—County Supervisor, Taxpayer Advocate, and Lakeside School Board Member. 🌟 Andrew shares his journey in public service and how his roles allow him to champion fiscal responsibility, support education, and ensure that the voices of local residents are heard. From advocating for taxpayers to shaping policy that impacts our schools and...

In Episode 49 of Discover Ramona , we sit down with Johnnie Holdenried of the Ramona Food and Clothes Closet, a nonprofit that has been serving the community since 1987. 🏡✨ With a mission of “a hand up, not a handout,” the Closet provides food, clothing, scholarships, and essential resources to families and individuals in need. Johnnie shares how the organization has grown over the years, from i...

In this episode, we sit down with Brandon Powell from Woodcrest Real Estate Ventures to talk about growth, development, and the future of Ramona. Brandon shares his vision for how thoughtful planning and development can create opportunities, strengthen our community, and provide spaces that truly serve the people who call Ramona home. From preserving the small-town charm that makes Ramona unique t...

Meet Roger Reynoso, a dedicated powerlifting coach with a passion for guiding people into the world of fitness, one step at a time 🏋️. In Episode 47 of Discover Ramona, Roger opens up about his philosophy that the gym should feel like a playground for grown ups a place to explore your limits without pressure or intimidation. From building confidence to creating a welcoming, fun environment, Roger...

Meet Tom Perfect, lifelong Ramona resident and CEO of Uplift Property Management, in Episode 46 of Discover Ramona! 🏠 As founder and steward of one of the most innovative property management companies in San Diego County, Tom combines local roots with modern systems to elevate the rental experience—for owners, tenants, and the community alike In this episode, we explore how Tom’s values—service,...

Meet Joel Anderson, San Diego County Supervisor for District 2, featured in Episode 45 of Discover Ramona ! 🏛️ As a longtime advocate for unincorporated communities like Ramona, Joel gives us an inside look at how he works to ensure county government serves local residents whether it’s boosting transparency in tax spending, improving roads, or supporting wildfire preparedness. Tune in to hear Joel...