The statistics are sobering: fewer than 6% of rapes lead to arrest. Less than 2% of domestic abusers ever serve jail time. Only 1% of rapists see prison. Again and again, our society sends the same cruel message: violence against women is acceptable.
Read MoreHome is the crucible where life unfolds: where kids do homework, families gather, and friends become neighbors. When housing becomes unstable, everything suffers—health, work, relationships. In Ramona, homeownership remains out of reach for many: the median home sale price recently sat around $600,000, and homes often sell within just over a month.
Renters face their own strain. The average rent is now near $1,590/month—just slightly below the national average—but still requires households to spend about 26–30% of their monthly income on housing alone.
Read MoreSt. Mary’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church in Ramona is exploring the possibility of building affordable housing on 2.5 acres of vacant land at 11th Street and San Vicente Road, formerly home to a community garden. Vicar Hannah Wilder said the church sees the project as both a social and spiritual calling, rooted in the values of hospitality, justice, and care for the most vulnerable. The Bishop’s Committee voted unanimously in June to study housing options, with the goal of addressing the needs of young couples, families, seniors, and workers who are priced out of Ramona’s housing market.
Read MoreTrans people belong in the church. Not as objects of pity, not as theological debates, but as full and equal members of the body of Christ. We are not waiting for permission to exist. We are here, claiming what has always been ours: our faith, our dignity, and our rightful place at the table.
Read MoreBecause we are called to live the Gospel, serve our neighbors, and steward our land wisely. We have underused land, and this is an opportunity to help meet Ramona’s housing needs, provide long-term financial sustainability for the church, and live out our mission in a visible and powerful way.
