Ramona Archway Unveiling: A Community's 11-Year Journey to a New Landmark

After 11 years of dedicated effort, overcoming numerous challenges, and collaborating with many Ramona residents and the talented Ramona Archway Association, homeowners and local business leaders Jim Piva and Stephanie Norvell proudly stood on stage as the Ramona Archway sign illuminated, capturing the town's spirit through art and craftsmanship since its establishment in 1883.

On Halloween, a crowd of about 400, including trick-or-treaters, local business leaders, financial supporters, archway workers, sheriff and firefighters, and many residents referred to as "Ramonans," enjoyed music by Dirty Confetti and listened to speeches by the Association team and San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson.

Artist Leslie Souza acknowledged her husband, Cliff Fuerst, and brother-in-law, Johnny Fuerst, for bringing her drawings to life. Former Ramona Mayor and 94-year-old community activist John Degenfelder had recognized her work on the Ramona monument, leading to her selection to create the archway. "Because of this, this was your fault," Souza stated, acknowledging Degenfelder's encouragement.

"When I was asked to come up with something that shows Ramona and the things you would see around Ramona, at first, it was a concept. We love our barns, and we love large and small farming; we have gardens; people love the earth, the land, and the wildlife," she explained. "We have the airport with the air show, the aviators, and we have Caltrans, and I wanted to include this as they are so much a part of our town. And then the grassland, and the cattle, and the people that would say they got stuck in a traffic jam on Highland Valley Road. They were moving cattle from one field to the other, and it was the coolest thing."

She briefly discussed the process, starting with her drawing, leading to the precision of the metalwork, and building a strong, lasting structure with Ramona craftsmen and professionals. She became emotional upon seeing the tallest piece of art she had ever created, saying, "I didn't know if it was going to look good until it was, and there were so many people. I want them to be able to be proud of it. And I'm just so glad that it is what it is."

Piva recognized the contributions of all members of the Ramona Archway Association, including his longtime friend, Stephanie Norvell, who distributed stars cut out from the columns. Norvell presented the stars, featuring the Ramona logo, to herself (secretary), Piva (president), Chip Rumis (project manager), Bob Halloway (treasurer), Debbie Hankins (general contractor) and her husband Dave, Shelly Mullin (photographer), and others, including San Diego Supervisor Joel Anderson. "Without you, Joel, we would not have this archway, and our community thanks you from the bottom of my heart," she said.

Piva then detailed the process of building an archway, stating, "You don't go to school to build archways, and we figured it out. The county made this a priority for us to get this done because of Joel Anderson." He also acknowledged others who helped navigate the building process and secure funds, including a $250,000 Neighborhood Reinvestment Program grant, which covered about half of the necessary funds.

"The one theme we kept pushing is that there are over 41,000 Ramonans who are going to look at this and be affected, I believe, in a very positive way and be proud of their town. We had 25 businesses and contractors in this town, Ramona businesses, that donated approximately 250,000 hours - money and time - to make this happen," he continued.

San Diego Supervisor Joel Anderson spoke, saying, "It's a pleasure to be here; I've represented you since 2006. I have to say I've never had a prouder moment than seeing this archway because I know everything on this archway; I've seen personally in your community. No other community could have pulled this together and made it happen. The mountain that this community climbed was steep and long." He then proclaimed October 31, 2024, as Ramona Archway Association Day throughout San Diego County, recognizing the dedication to creating a landmark that embodies the entire community of Ramona.

Photos courtesy of Jim Piva, Shelly Mullin, and Heather McGhee.