Tom Brokaw has a best selling book titled "The Greatest Generation" about those who fought for our country during World War II. A true ‘emergency’ as it related to people wanting to take over the world by force. Some of those same "Great Generation" people, the Al Totinos and Bob Smiths, recognized the need for being prepared for a natural emergency or disaster. Hence, the Rancho Bernardo Emergency Preparedness organization.

The EPP organization has grown and is now a mature, volunteer group that works toward being prepared. April is EPP and Earthquake Preparedness month in California; Governor Davis has declared a "Ready to Ride it Out?" campaign This has triggered a theme and set of goals and objectives for 2001.

The theme for the Rancho Bernardo Emergency Preparedness Program ( RB EPP ) for 2001 is to ‘Continue to improve the RB EPP organization and assist RB residents to be personally ready.' Even though the RB EPP is a model for many other towns and San Diego neighborhoods, it can still be improved.

The goals and objectives are broken down into five categories: Education, Operations, Data Base and Statistics, Publicity and Finances.

In reverse order: Finances relate to the need for minimal monies needed to operate each year. EPP is a non-profit, all volunteer organization under the 501(k) of the Rancho Bernardo Community Foundation (in fact, it is the reason the Foundation was started) that has a need of $5000 to $10,000/year to replenish emergency supplies in each Community Center (batteries, first aid supplies, water, etc.), plus administrative supplies.

Publicity concerns news articles, Seminars, information booths at Rancho Bernardo community events, newsletters, volunteer recognition and increased awareness.

Data Base and Statistics refer to the computer data base and statistics that exist at the Neighborhood Watch/EPP headquarters at the library: who lives where, special needs, mapping of neighborhoods, crime statistics, etc.

Operations at the seven Community Centers are being improved by updating procedures and operations manuals, and prioritizing each Center’s need for emergency supplies (due to our limited funds).

Finally, the top of the list, Education. A need exists to extensively expand the training of all EPP volunteers and provide education for Rancho Bernardo residents, organizations and businesses. (If you or your group have a need for this education, call Jim Harmon at 451-9550.)

The above theme and goals and objectives cannot be met without the continued efforts from current and future volunteers. Want to be a part of the "New Greatest Generation?" Call Jim at the phone number above if you would like to help. We need you.

The RB Community Council's regular meeting in the library at 7 p.m. April 26 will feature Captain Brian Fennessy and Deputy Chief Berner of the SD Fire Department, in keeping with the month of April's commitment to Disaster Preparedness. All residents are urged to attend.