RAMONA AND ROUND ABOUT — SECOND EDITION — was first written in 1989 when the area was less populated and somewhat different. The book won the Institute of History Award from the San Diego Historical Society in 1990 for its professional account of the history up until that time. The new second edition contains all the original material, but goes on to tell about important changes that have happened since. For example, it describes how the avocado industry has drastically declined, while grapes and winemaking have recently established Ramona Valley as a new AVA (American Viticultural Area). All the background of Ramona’s roots are told, from early Indian occupation into the Mission era. The town was born out of the Californio rancho period, when a merchant sea captain married the daughter of a Mexican Don and was granted a large land grant that later became the town of Ramona. The book chronicles the early American period, with its water and boundary disputes and land speculators, as Ramona was established during the California land boom of the 1880s. Several chapters examine specific aspects of Ramona’s heritage, such as the one-room schoolhouse, early routes and transportation, law and order, gemstone and gold mining, and the small town press. Eagle Peak Publishing Company’s original book was described by one reviewer as “Fascinating reading — this book is the definitive work on Ramona,” and the second edition promises this and more. It is one of the books in the author’s ‘Backcountry Historical Trilogy,’ which also includes “OFF THE MAIN ROAD — REVISITED” and “JULIAN CITY AND CUYAMACA COUNTRY.” "He did his home work and has made a valuable contribution to local history" Journal of San Diego History "Fascinating reading - this is the definitive book on Ramona" Rodger Hedgcock, national radio commentator, and former mayor of San Diego "A fine piece of local history, this book belongs in every library with interest in California history" Books of the Southwest, University of Arizona It tells of the people of Santa Maria  and neighboring valleys, starting with early Indians, tracing the white occupants, from Mexican rancho grantees, through the first American settlers in Ballena settlers in Ballena. How promoters of the Santa Maria Land and Water Company bought up most of the land of that valley to develop lots and small farm sites and changed the towns name of Nuevo to Ramona in 1888. The start of a new town of Nuevo, later named Ramona. Same book that won the San Diego Historical Society Institute Award in 1990, but up-dated to include important new developments. Includes establishment of booming wine and viticulture industry - and diminishing avocado groves. Ramona's recent cultural renaissance - $11 million award-winning library made possiblewith $1 million raised by Ramona citizens.