Nine candidates are in the running for seven open seats on the 15-member Ramona Community Planning Group.
Registered voters in the Ramona Community Plan Area are asked to vote for seven candidates in the Nov. 3 General Election.
The plan area consists of approximately 84,000 acres in an area east of the city of Poway and north of Lakeside, according to the county’s Planning & Development Services department.
Those who are elected serve four-year terms.
Representatives of the unincorporated areas of the county have the opportunity to advise and assist County of San Diego officials on matters of planning and land use affecting the group’s area, according to the county.
Ramona Community Planning Group meetings are held monthly at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday, typically at the Ramona Community Library, 1275 Main St.
Below are statements by the nine candidates that describe their qualifications.
William “Bill” Adelson
Age: 70
Residency: Ramona resident for 22 years
Occupation: Architect and substitute teacher
Adelson said he aims to be a Ramona Community Planning Group member because after 44 years of working in corporate America it’s time for him to apply his skills in his local community.
“Especially now that my daughter and son-in-law have moved here with our grandson,” Adelson said.
William ‘Bill’ Adelson. (Courtesy of William ‘Bill’ Adelson)
As an architect Adelson said he is familiar with real estate and the design/build industry so he believes his professional experience aligns with the mission of the county’s planning groups.
Adelson said his experience has been almost completely in commercial building design and construction. He said he started in the field by working on high-rise office buildings and then on several suburban corporate headquarters projects.
After moving to California in 2004, he said he developed a unique system for deploying solar energy systems on parking lot canopies. This system was widely adopted by California’s K-12 school districts and he built these projects on more than 200 school campuses from Napa to Chula Vista.
“My broad experience, both in California and nationwide, can add well-tested solutions to ongoing issues in Ramona’s built environment,” Adelson said.
On a personal note, he said his wife, Erna P. Adelson, and his daughter, Erna L. Adelson, are well immersed in the Ramona equine community. Much of William Adelson’s spare time involves tasks related to caring for and managing the three horses the family keeps in Ramona, he said.
“I will often be seen picking up our grandson at the Ramona Community Montessori School,” he said. “I am also a certificated substitute teacher for Ramona schools.”
Sophia Browning
Age: 35
Residency: Ramona resident for four years
Occupation: Attorney
Browning said when she moved to San Diego County in 2022, she quickly fell in love with Ramona because the town reminded her of where she grew up and the community that shaped her.
“I want to be on the Ramona Community Planning Group because I am incredibly proud to live in Ramona and I believe it’s essential that the county government understand that there’s nowhere else like Ramona anywhere in the county,” she said.
Courtesy Sophia Browning
Sophia Browning. (Courtesy Sophia Browning)
Browning said that although she grew up around horses and animals of all kinds in a quiet town, she attended Georgetown Law and practiced at major law firms in Washington, D.C. She has been immersed every day in federal and local government, law and policy, and politics, she said.
“I learned in that setting how important it is for a community to have a patient and persistent voice at the tables where policies are shaped,” Browning said. “Even now, working in the city of San Diego and providing pro bono legal services at the domestic violence clinic at the El Cajon courthouse, I see how the perspectives of communities in the rest of the county can differ dramatically from those downtown.”
Browning said she knows how important it is for those quiet towns, like her childhood hometown and Ramona, to have a strong voice in the conversations that shape county policies.
“Our perspectives, needs and contributions are unique and must not be overlooked,” Browning said.
She said her background, training and experience as an attorney working with business, regulatory, legal, policy and governmental issues every day makes her uniquely positioned to effectively bring Ramona’s perspective before county government.
“The entire point of government is to listen to the people it serves,” Browning said. “While I have several issues that I believe are key for Ramonans (fire prevention and road maintenance topping that list), the point of this role is to make sure county leaders know what you, the residents of Ramona, want and need from them. As a planning group member, I would constantly advocate for the interests of Ramonans.”
Browning said she lives in eastern Ramona with her partner, who was formerly in the military, her parents, their horses, dogs, donkey and a cow. During the weekends they like to hike a local trail or watch an IndyCar race.
Scott Doig
Age: 49
Residency: Ramona resident for seven years
Occupation: Electrical salesman
Doig said he wants to be a member of the Ramona Community Planning Group because he cares about the community. He also said he wants to be a part of thoughtful growth for future generations to maintain the small-town country living people have come to enjoy while living in Ramona.
Doig has worked for the same company, Consolidated Electrical Distributors, in San Diego for 23 years.
“I started out working in the pipe yard and have worked my way into the position of outside salesman,” he said. “I am very knowledgeable about all aspects of construction, including managing the interests of all parties and working towards solutions.”
Courtesy Scott Doig
Scott Doig. (Courtesy Scott Doig)
During the past year and a half he said he has regularly attended the monthly Ramona Community Planning Group meetings.
“By participating, I have learned how the group functions and believe that I can contribute positively to its functioning,” he said. “I will serve the community as a group member by listening to the interests of the community and ensuring that their voices are heard by the planning group.”
Doig said he and his wife are locals to San Diego County. He grew up in La Costa and his wife grew up in Solana Beach.
“In 2019, we decided to move to Ramona because we desired the space, safety, values and culture of a small town,” Doig said.
The couple’s two children attend Montessori Children’s Elementary and the family is active with Ramona Soccer League where the children play soccer and his wife is a board member and a coach. They also regularly attend Mountain View Community Church. In their free time they enjoy going to the desert or the lake, or spend time with close friends and family.
Lisa Marie Garcia
Age: 54
Residency: Ramona resident for about seven years
Occupation: Claim specialist at Geico; previously an executive assistant for more than 30 years
Garcia said when she was asked to run for the Ramona Community Planning Group she said yes, because she wanted to help her community.
“I’m new to local politics, but I see that as a strength – I bring a fresh perspective without any baggage,” Garcia said. “I actually grew up in an even smaller town, Bowling Green, Va., so I understand small-town life and what it means to protect it.”
Courtesy Lisa Marie Garcia
Lisa Marie Garcia. (Courtesy Lisa Marie Garcia)
For more than 30 years, Garcia said she worked as an executive assistant, supporting leadership teams and handling detailed, high-stakes work behind the scenes. Earlier this year she said she became a claim specialist at Geico.
“I think that background suits the planning group well – it’s detail-oriented work that directly affects people’s daily lives, without needing to be the person in the spotlight,” Garcia said.
Garcia said she would come to every meeting prepared, having read the materials in advance, and she will listen carefully to different viewpoints before forming an opinion.
“My work has taught me to pay close attention to people’s concerns and not brush past the details – I’d bring the same care to serving Ramona,” she said.
Garcia said she is married to Rene Garcia. She has a 26-year-old son who lives in Virginia. Her stepchildren are ages 14 and 16 and live at home with the family along with two dogs.
“When I’m not at work or home, I’m probably out on a Jeep trail ride,” she said.
Kristi Mansolf
Residency: Ramona resident for over 35 years
Occupation: Librarian; secretary for the Ramona Community Planning Group; chair of the RCPG Mt. Woodson (Parking Lot) ad hoc Committee
Mansolf said she is seeking an eighth term on the Ramona Community Planning Group so that she can continue to work to maintain Ramona’s rural character and unique sense of community. She said development projects can fit in with the town’s rural community and not exceed infrastructure capacities if the planning group collectively works to see that they do.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the community on the Ramona Community Planning Group for over 20 years,” Mansolf said.
Courtesy Kristi Mansolf
Kristi Mansolf. (Courtesy Kristi Mansolf)
As secretary of the RCPG, Mansolf said she brings extensive knowledge to the group. She adds that she welcomes community input and answers all inquiries, drawing upon professionals’ knowledge when necessary.
“Ramona residents, with project proposals in their area, often give the planning group the best information on which to weigh the projects and for making recommendations to the county,” she said.
Over the years, Mansolf said she has attended numerous meetings on projects and policies that could impact Ramona to better understand how to lessen those impacts. Additionally, Mansolf said she has worked to enhance public safety and to bring a level of public transit back to Ramona after services were cut.
“I have insight into Ramona’s history, unique characteristics and special infrastructure needs,” Mansolf said. “Our agricultural and equestrian elements are valuable to retaining our rural atmosphere while contributing to our economic base. Planning for future development should be done to retain our rural characteristics while adequately addressing the infrastructure needs of our town.”
While Ramona has some serious traffic issues, Mansolf said growth should be planned sensibly and not be permitted to exceed the capacity of Ramona’s infrastructure.
“I do feel, at this time, that our roads are not adequate to serve our community if there is an evacuation as a result of a wildfire,” she said. “If re-elected, I will continue to look at development projects for potential problems and possible, viable solutions at both a site specific and at a communitywide level. I will advocate for safer, less congested roads and having better, more effective, evacuation routes for the community.”
If re-elected, Mansolf said she will continue to vote to preserve and enhance Ramona’s rural character.
“Future development proposals should fit in with what is here already. And given the chance, I will continue to work to see that they do,” Mansolf said. “Ramona is unique and I will advocate to keep it that way.”
Richard Cruz Retrato
Robin Joy Maxson. (Richard Cruz Retrato)
Courtesy of Dawn Perfect/Lifetouch Inc.
Dawn Perfect. (Courtesy of Dawn Perfect/Lifetouch Inc.)
Courtesy Timothy ‘Tim’ Roberts
Timothy ‘Tim’ Roberts. (Courtesy Timothy ‘Tim’ Roberts)
Sabrina Lynn Photography
Lauren Welty. (Sabrina Lynn Photography)
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Richard Cruz Retrato
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Robin Joy Maxson. (Richard Cruz Retrato)
Robin Joy Maxson
Residency: Ramona resident for 24 years
Occupation: Chair and founder of the Association of Planning Groups-San Diego County, which represents the county’s unincorporated area including Ramona
Maxson said public service is a privilege and a trust and she is running for a seat on the Ramona Community Planning Group because she wants to continue to work on behalf of Ramona.
“As a current member and vice chair of the Ramona Community Planning Group I have been dedicated to ensuring that Ramona’s safety issues and affordability concerns have been acknowledged and concrete action related to earmarked funding and planning for improvement of these issues has been taken,” she said.
Maxson said she has twice been voted on by her peers to chair the RCPG. She also currently chairs the RCPG’s Ramona State Routes Subcommittee responsible for improving state Routes 67 and 78.
“Working with Caltrans, the county and the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is an ongoing part of the work I do to serve Ramona,” she said. “I understand the role of the many jurisdictions that have oversight of Ramona and how we in Ramona can access programs and funding that benefit our community, which is vital to making the change we need to see in our community.”
Maxson said Ramona’s status as an “unincorporated” town means that the county Board of Supervisors is the community’s first level of government. Ramona does not have a mayor or city council, she said.
In order to elevate the town’s needs, she said she founded the Association of Planning Groups that includes membership of all 18 community planning groups in San Diego County.
“With this association we secured a seat on the SANDAG Board of Directors specifically representing the unincorporated area,” Maxson said. “As the association’s representative to this seat I am able to directly advocate for SR-67 wildfire evacuation improvements, highway funding, and public transportation.
“Many programs serviced through SANDAG are benefits enjoyed by the cities, paid for with our tax dollars, and woefully lacking in our own unincorporated Ramona,” she added.
If re-elected, Maxson said she would continue to work with the community on goals to improve safety in wildfire evacuations and daily travel; increase youth activity opportunities such as by developing a skatepark; promote a business-friendly environment; and support Ramona’s agriculturally-based operations.
Maxson said her other goals include continuing to ensure Ramona’s values and goals for its future are respected and followed when working with the multiple agencies that serve our town.
Maxson said she and her husband, who have adult children and many grandchildren, have worked hard for their home in Ramona.
“We care for our senior animals and take care of several gardens – sharing our bounty with others,” she said. “Just like you, we experience the joys and challenges of living in this wonderful country town.”
Dawn Perfect
Residency: Family has lived in Ramona since the early 1970s – five generations including Perfect’s parents, children and grandchildren
Occupation: School district governing trustee and nonprofit executive
Perfect said she wants to continue to serve as a Ramona Community Planning Group member because she would like Ramona to remain a nice place to live, with roads, parks, schools and jobs sufficient to meet the needs of the residents.
“I’ve been in this town a long time and love it here,” Perfect said. “I’ve seen a lot of changes; some good, some bad. I have served on several committees for the planning group, with a focus on transportation and trails, parks and town center livability. These years have been filled with learning experiences about how things work, including the role of government (state and local), how legislation affects what gets built here, and strategies used by developers.”
Perfect said Ramona is a nice place to live and work, and she would like it to stay that way. Private property rights need to be respected, she said. Development needs to be balanced, she said, adding that traffic needs to flow safely, every day and during emergencies.
“I’ll make sure Ramona has a voice,” Perfect said. “I’m very easy to reach, and expect community members to guide the direction of the town. My email is public – dawnperfect@att.net. I want to hear from people.”
Perfect said she raised her family in Ramona and has been highly active in the community for a long time.
“I’ve been involved in just about every sports league and service club in the community,” she said. “Living and working in Ramona keeps my focus local, and makes me personally invested in Ramona being a great place to be.”
Timothy “Tim” Roberts
Age: 61
Residency: Ramona resident for 32 years
Occupation: Retired after working for Hawthorne Cat for more than 25 years, ending his career as a general service manager for the Power Systems Division
Roberts said his goal to be a Ramona Community Planning Group member stems from watching Ramona’s population grow while little to nothing is being done for the infrastructure in the community, he said.
“After being evacuated from my home twice and seeing more and more housing going in I felt I needed to have my voice heard for the best interest of the community,” Roberts said. “I am not opposed to growth as long as it is handled properly.”
Roberts said he has managed teams that have worked across the globe and feels he has a lot to offer in planning and logistics to help improve the community.
“Having commuted out of the valley for the past 30 years I feel I can bring a different perspective to the group that would at least help the group to consider different options and solutions for the best of the community infrastructure,” Roberts said.
He said he is “first and foremost” a family person and has been married for more than 26 years. Together they have a blended family of four children. They like to camp and ride off-road vehicles.
“The kids are grown and living very well on their own in different states and also here in San Diego,” he said. “We have five grandchildren and enjoy riding touring motorcycles and have over 150,000 miles riding together.”
Lauren Welty
Age: 38
Residency: Ramona resident for 12 years
Occupation: Land use developer for a local company; chair of the Ramona Community Planning Group
Welty said she wants to continue her four-year service on the Ramona Community Planning Group because she has learned that knowledge is invaluable and instrumental in exemplary foundational structure.
“Participating in our local government is paramount to the sustainability of our town for future generations and something that I truly love and cherish being a part of,” she said.
Welty said her career revolves around the longevity of well-managed growth. With nearly a decade of land use project management knowledge, she said her greatest career accomplishments have resulted in equestrian facilities, multi-family residential projects, wineries and event venues – all local to the place we call home, Ramona. Prosperous new growth not only injects vigor into the town, but also improves roads, brings in tax revenue, and safely keeps residents within Ramona, she said.
“Encouraging those that share in the same vision and are willing to navigate the process through the county of San Diego, when done in a codified manner, will directly benefit our town,” Welty said.
If re-elected, Welty said continued contribution to the success of Ramona would take precedence – whether that be fostering viable stewardship, assisting with the rejuvenation of our common areas or helping to navigate the streamlining of new growth.
In her spare time, Welty said she enjoys hanging out with her six kids and husband, going camping or to the river, watching football and trail running.