Captain Bob Hartnett informs us that San Diego Firefighters Local 145 has received many calls from concerned members and citizens about how they can make contributions to the families of firefighters claimed by the New York tragedy. As a result, they have established a sub-account of the Community Responsibility Fund for people to make donations specifically for this tragedy. Just bring your checks to any fire station made out to "SDCFF Local 145 CRF FDNY"; they will also have a fireman with a firefighter's boot in front of Station 33 to collect money (and also plan to have one at a major intersection in RB.) This is a legitimate fundraiser whereby 100% of the money collected will go to the victims' families.

While walking my Beagle dog, Amy, at the RB Community Park last week, I stopped to examine the area which will become the RB Dog Park, hopefully before 2002. It looks like a great place for a Dog Park and eventually parking for same. Needs some trees, but that will come.

I came across a lone man at a baseball diamond who was shoveling and hauling dirt from one place to another. I couldn't resist asking him why he was doing this on a Sunday morning, of all things. It turns out that he is building a couple of pitcher mounds for Little League. It also turns out that the mounds were scraped flat for the Girls Softball tournament. I couldn't figure why the girls team didn't put them back where they belonged after they finished their play.

So this Dad, this volunteer, was doing it all by himself. I thought something was wrong here - where were the team players? Why was no one helping him? He said he asked a number of people to help, but he had been there an hour with no sign of help.

While I was driving home, I started thinking about this committed guy, Dan Touchstone and his wife Vicki, on the RB Planning Board, who do so much for the community. He said he could understand why people were too busy to help. Busy? Too busy to help their own team? Who are busier than the Touchstones?

Dan also mentioned to me that more managers are needed for both teams (ages 13-15 and 16-18) if Fall Little League baseball is going to be a success. Call Dan at 487-7381 if you want to manage and have an understanding both of the game and youth baseball. Needed are 3 juniors managers and 2 seniors managers. Also, check out the Little League website: www.RBLL.ORG/

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Remember to sign up now to show your interest in the new Dog Park. We need a large group of area volunteers to help with this exciting project. And we promise you, you will not be asked to shovel dirt for pitchers' mounds! Send name, address, telephone, email address to: dogpark@rbernardo.com or call 858-487-4012.

The Seven Oaks Fall "Fiesta" will be held Saturday, October 13 at the Seven Oaks Community Center starting at 9 a.m.. Don't miss the arts, crafts, good food , wonderful door prizes, music and dancing. Bring your money for Holiday gifts for all the family.