San Diego, CA

Vonnie Argen Ruple Jr. – San Diego Union-Tribune

Published

12 months ago

April 24, 2025

Vonnie Argen Ruple Jr. – San Diego Union-Tribune

Vonnie Argen Ruple Jr.

OBITUARY

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing ofVonnie Argen Ruple Jr., known affectionately by many as V.A., Von, and Rip. He passed away peacefully on April 2, 2025, at the age of 93, surrounded by his loving family in Poway, California.

Born on December 1, 1931, in Chualar, California, Vonnie spent much of his childhood in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and soon-to-be great-great-grandfather. His family was the cornerstone of his life, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wifeSybil Davis Ruple, to whom he was married for 67 wonderful years, as well as a brother and sister. Von and Sybil were high school sweethearts, marrying while still students–he a junior, and she a senior–at North Little Rock High School. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised one daughter,Deborah.

Vonnie enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1951 during the Korean War, serving as a plane captain and patrol bomber. Following his military service, Von held a variety of jobs that showcased his hands-on skill and tireless work ethic. He worked as a riveter for a steel mill, a railroad machinist for Missouri Pacific Railroad, and a U.S. Border Patrol officer in Texas. In 1959, Von and his family moved to Poway, California, where he worked as a missile test mechanic for Convair Astronautics until 1961.

That same year, he began his distinguished fire service career as a firefighter engineer for the Poway Municipal Water District. He quickly became known by the nicknames “Rip” and “Taz” for his strength and tenacity. Von was promoted toCaptain in 1963, then toAssistant Chief in 1975, a role he held until his retirement in 1982. Never one to stay still for long, he went on to serve asChief of the Ramona Fire Departmentfrom 1982 to 1983, before his final retirement.

Von was instrumental in the founding and development of the Poway Fire Department and played a key role in training generations of firefighters–many of whom would rise to become captains, assistant chiefs, and even chiefs themselves. His legacy in the fire service is deep and lasting.

In 1967, Von suffered severe burns during wildfires and was hospitalized for over two months, undergoing extensive skin grafts. During his recovery, he was visited by none other thanPastor Billy Graham, a moment that left a lasting impression.

Von’s dedication extended beyond the firehouse. He volunteered with theSan Diego Humane Societyand served as avolunteer sheriff deputyin Poway. A man of deep faith, he read his Bible daily–cover to cover, multiple times–and found great strength in his spirituality.

A true jack-of-all-trades, Von could fix or build anything. His hobbies includedstained glass work, carpentry, gardening, and he was especially proud of hisprize tomatoes.

Debbie fondly remembers frequent family trips to the desert, where they rode dune buggies and made lifelong memories. After retirement, Von and Sybil traveled extensively in their RV, including many trips to North Carolina to visit their eldest granddaughter and great-grandchildren. Remarkably, he made hisfinal solo RV trip at age 86, just shy of his 87th birthday.

Von is survived by his loving sister Jean of Arkansas, his daughter Debbieand her husband Paul Loska of Ramona, CA, and his cherished grandchildren:Robyn Wolfeand husbandCraigof North Carolina;Allyson Bowersand husbandJadeof Utah;Kristyn Coxand husbandWayneof California;Daniel Loskaof Idaho;Shea Loskaof Virginia; andLauryn Loskaof California. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren:Turner and Taelyr Jacksonof North Carolina,Ella and Oliviaof Utah, andKennedy, Anthony, and Lukeof California.

Von’s legacy is one of devotion–to his family, his community, and his faith. He will be dearly missed by his family, his many friends, and especially his dear lifelong friendsAnn Wills, Lavine Powell, Bill Briscoe, Harvey Latshaw and Joanne Herman.

A privategraveside servicewill be held atDearborn Cemeteryin Poway at11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025. Apublic celebration of lifewill follow atPoway Fire Station 3at1:00 p.m., and all who wish to honor his memory are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Von’s honor toAlzheimer’s San Diegoand/or theSan Diego Humane Society.

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San Diego, CA

The Best Things to Do in San Diego: May 2026 | San Diego Magazine

Published

2 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Press Room

The Best Things to Do in San Diego: May 2026 | San Diego Magazine

When we think of May, we think of Mother’s Day, blooming flowers, sunny skies, and lots of fun, seasonal events in the city. This month, locals can dine on the creations of James Beard Award-Winning Chefs at Rancho Bernardo Inn, or take advantage of berry season at the annual Vista Strawberry Festival. Theatre lovers can enjoy a showing of Kim’s Convenience at The Old Globe, while the San Diego Natural History Museum invites art enthusiasts to view its latest marine-themed exhibit. Grab your tickets and crack open that planner. Here are all the best things to do in San Diego this month:

Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to Do

Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Month

29

Louisiana legend Juvenile, enhances by the live instrumentation of The 400 Degreez Band, will perform career hits and his newest album, Boiling Point, at House of Blues San Diego.

Photo Credit: Dahlia Katz

Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Month

5/5–6/1

Turning the spotlight on contemporary LGBTQ artists, the inaugural ArtSpectrum 2026 will showcase both the grand and intimate scale of contemporary painters, photographers, and mixed media artists at Village Arts Outreach in Balboa Park.

12–24

The only ordinary element of the San Diego International Fringe Festival is the constant thrill of the extraordinary. Discover a plethora of innovative performances at venues from Pacific Beach to Baja.

5/15–6/14

A Korean-Canadian family balances tradition and assimilation from their Toronto storefront in Ins Choi’s comforting satire Kim’s Convenience, making its local premier at The Old Globe.

5/22–2/2027

Ocean debris will receive a new beginning at the San Diego Natural History Museum. Using repurposed pollution, Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea depicts creatively sculpted marine life.

More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Month

4/30–5/3

Enjoy fine dining at its finest from a lineup of gastronomic titans during 54 Hours with James Beard Award-Winning Chefs. Savor elegant meals, masterclasses, tastings, and more at Rancho Bernardo Inn.

2

Unlimited bites, regional craft beers, and animal observations are on the menu for San Diego Zoo Food, Wine & Brew (with live music), a culinary evening in support of the San Diego Wildlife Alliance.

7

Spend An Evening with David Sedaris, humorist, essayist, and best-selling author. Never afraid to point the pen at himself, Sedaris will share old favorites and works in progress in the classic satirical style he’s known for at Jacobs Music Center.

15–17

Say cheese! And toast to the Cheese & Libation Expo. Explore three days of all-you-can eat and drink fare at BRICK, along with boutique shopping and bountiful pairings.

PARTNER CONTENT

10 Years In, Puffer and Malarkey Are Just Getting Started

Elevating an Icon: Inside the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Clu…

16

Stroll the private grounds of several luxurious homes, accompanied by live music, tabletop designs, and outdoor artistry, during the Secret Garden Tour, La Jolla Historical Society‘s flora and fauna fundraiser.

24

Vista recalls its days as a strawberry-producing superpower through its free Strawberry Festival. Wear your berry best fit, watch film screenings, and enter contests for shortcake, pie, and sundae indulging.

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San Diego, CA

City considering cutting funding to resource center for those experiencing homelessness

Published

14 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Press Room

City considering cutting funding to resource center for those experiencing homelessness

Last week Mayor Todd Gloria released the budget proposal for the 2027 fiscal budget. Protected homeless services is among his top priorities mentioned in the proposal. However, some of the reductions he’s proposing could impact thousands of San Diegans experiencing homelessness.

Located on 17^th and K Street, the Neil Good Day Center offers an array of services to nearly seven thousand people experiencing homelessness. The services include giving them a place to shower and do laundry, and connecting them to a case manager, among others.

“These are critical services that are helping people off the streets, but really better their lives and their health and their employment situation as well,” Deacon Vargas with Father Joe’s Villages said.

Deacon Jim Vargas heads Father Joe’s Villages, which runs the center. He said through their prevention and diversion strategies, they’ve managed to keep nearly one thousand individuals from falling into homelessness.

“So by helping them pay rent, or helping them with their utilities, or helping them to reunite with family,” Vargas said.

Right now, the city allocates at least $850,000 per year to the Neil Good Day Center, according to Vargas.

But the future and funding for these services are in limbo because of Mayor Todd Gloria’s proposed budget cuts.

“The impact to those whom we’ve been serving the Daily Center would be very severe,” Deacon Vargas said.

In a statement to NBC 7, Mayor Todd Gloria said in part, “We must find more efficient and cost-effective ways to address this crisis and prioritize funding for programs that provide shelter beds and maximize resources to programs that place people into permanent housing.”

Since it’s still at a proposal stage, Deacon Vargas said it’s unclear how the city will decide to move forward.

However, Deacon Vargas said services would be significantly reduced because they would be forced to operate solely on a budget of about half a million dollars they receive from philanthropy.

“The hours would be cut. Some days would be cut. We would have showers that might be impacted because they’re given seven days a week and we’d close two days a week, then the showers would be five days a week, the case management,” Deacon Vargas said.

Deacon Vargas is certain of one thing.

He would like to continue offering services at the Day Center, even if the city goes through with the funding cuts.

“As we work with individuals at the Day Center and at Father Joe’s Villages, the community becomes healthier as a result of it,” Deacon Vargas said.

The budget also recommends additional cuts to homeless services, but does not give specifics as to where those cuts would be.

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