It only stands to reason that McGruff would want to do himself proud in 2000! He’s as excited as he can be.

Award-winning Channel 10 Leadership recipient, McGruff, the Crime Dog, lives in the Police Storefront above the Rancho Bernardo library and is barking for help. He needs more little friends to talk to. He’s got a lot to talk to them about, too.

McGruff talks to children about "stranger / danger" - how to react to someone who may approach the kids that they do not know. He teaches them about 9-1-1 and how to use it and not abuse it. He teaches them about bicycle safety and the rules to follow. He wants them to know that the policeman is their friend; to be alert and report things they don’t think are right to a policeman, an adult, parents, or teachers.

He stresses the importance of saying "NO to drugs," and the danger of fire and playing with matches.  It is so important that the children are given this guidance and this information at a young age while they are so impressionable. It will make them better citizens (ready to help others) and prevent them from becoming victims as they grow up.

McGruff says "I need more to do. I need more kids to talk to." Call him at the Police Storefront at 538-8146. He’ll be glad to come to your school, pre-school, church or synagogue, play school, safety fair, community picnics, or any other place where children hang out.

The McGruff team is growing. Now there are five. Jean Richmond recently joined the team of Merv Adams, Stan Gingold, Lola Bellinger and Bill Talcott, and they put on ‘the dog’ whenever asked.

Look what our furry hero has been up to. Since the team was started in 1994, it has educated and delighted over 26,000 children, received an Appreciation Certificate and a donation of colorful goody bags from the Rancho Bernardo Community Council, as well as the prestigious Channel 10 Leadership Award. And, for the past three years, McGruff has averaged four to five appearances a month. It’s a little slow right now, so call him at 538-8146 if your children’s group needs a visit.

And what do the McGruff team members say? "We love what we’re doing, so bring on the kids!" Their next appearances are: Monday, March 13, 9 am, Children’s Center, 12145 Alta Carmel Court, Suite 270; Thursday, March 16 and Monday, March 20, 9:30 am, Sundance Elementary School, 8944 Twin Trails Drive, Rancho Penasquitos; and 2 appearances Friday, April 7 at 10:30 and 12 noon at the Special Ed classes at Highland Ranch Elementary School, 14840 Waverly Downs Way , Carmel Mountain Ranch.

Congratulations and welcome to the two new 1999 members of the RB Hall of Fame - Jim Reading and Ron Wilson, and to the new members of the Community Council, Planning Board, and Recreation Council. Check www.RBernardo.com for their names under RB 2000 Elections.

-Courtesy RB NEWSJournal
March 9, 2000