New Patch Editor, Kindergarten Kick-Off, School District Blog and Fundraising

1. Amidst nationwide Patch.com changes, Ramona Patch is still here! I'll be taking over from Melissa Phy, who is sorely missed. My name is Steven Bartholow, and I've been editor at Santee Patch for 3 years- I'll now be covering both cities. Here's more about me:http://santee.patch.com/users/steven-bartholow
Reach out at steven.bartholow@patch.com 

Melissa posted this to the Ramona Facebook page:

To all of the Ramona Patch faithful readers and followers: Last Friday, Patch made some severe cuts, laying off nearly 500 employees, including myself. I am sad to go and leave behind such a great community. Thank you all for the tips, pictures, questions and curiosity. Ramona is such a special place. You guys made my time here oh so worth it. Have a glass of wine for me tonight. Cheers -MP

2. Kindergarten Kick-Off- 1 p.m. Tuesday, Ramona Library, 1275 Main Street.

3. Friends of Ramona Unified Schools needs $264!
FORUS is raising funds for its first project, replacing the often vandalized student bathroom soap dispensers at RUSD secondary schools with vandal-proof dispensers, and with a soap supply that will last 2 years.

4. Blog of the day- School District's future is grimm
"The Ramona School Board was gracious enough to invite the public to a review of the long-term district finances, Saturday 8/17.  The school district presentation was foreboding as all the recent cuts and labor negotiations barely pushed it into the black this year.  In 2014~15 they are looking at a $3.3M deficit and growing into the future."
What do you think? 

5. Weekly Hike & Climb with the "Losers Without Friends" Meetup group- 5:45 p.m. at Mt Woodson.
"Woodson is great for a butt kicking hike and fun bouldering on the way back down. Most of the time we can catch a great a great sunset at the top."