Last week’s Neighborhood Watch and Emergency Preparedness Seminar at the Library was packed with people who had concerns regarding some of the quality of life obstacles in Rancho Bernardo. Jim Harmon, Director of Emergency Preparedness was acting as leader, with facilitators: Arlene Cawthorne, former president of the RB Community Council; Ted Gaasch, president of the Community Council; Joel Kordis, member RB Community Council’s Public Safety Committee; Ralph Parris, , Swim and Tennis Emergency Preparedness coordinator; Stan Racik, District Coordinator for Bernardo Heights, Bob Showalter, Oaks North District Coordinator; Ralph Stewart, Seven Oaks Emergency Preparedness Coordinator; Gaye Kuyper, manager of the Community Service Center in RB; and Paul Lennon, SDPD Community Relations Officer.

It seems the audience who attended felt that Rancho Bernardo had many frustrating situations to work through, among them over zealous speeders and conversely, speed limits that are unreasonably low for the climate and conditions. The group was thirsty for information on how to contact the proper authorities or organizations to help with questions, permits, rules and regulations, telephone solicitations, RB projects status, i.e. Webb Park, Dog Park, new soccer fields, etc. Also paving, street cleaning, street signs, road humps, poorly maintained property, and parking on the streets in front of houses were noted as significant.

More important than the frustrations were the safety and security issues that the audience felt needed attention: how to control the growing number of stolen cars, alleviate identity theft through stolen documents, personal passwords and social security numbers; how to keep your home safe, and how to get more detailed crime stats. Paul Lennon spoke to these issues.

Since many attendees were members of the Neighborhood Watch and Emergency Preparedness groups in Rancho Bernardo, they had some ideas on how improve these organizations: develop a ‘New Neighbor’ information package, with plans for possible disasters and ‘easy to read’ disaster basics; motivate more residents to become block captains; and try to get all email addresses for the Storefront database. This, of course, will simplify the publicizing of meetings, seminars, social functions, and recognition.

The audience enjoyed the interaction with other residents and neighbors. It was mentioned that perhaps it would be advantageous to have other similar meetings. Since this was a Wednesday morning meeting, perhaps an evening and/or Saturday meeting as well. This will certainly be discussed by the Board of Advisors and Paul Lennon.

Next week, I will publish some of the many resources we have in Rancho Bernardo to report problems, find answers to many questions, and identify organizations that can help.