President Bush called on the nation to commit to volunteerism:

"Many ask, what can I do to help in our fight. The answer is simple. All of us can become a September the 11th volunteer by making a commitment to service in our own communities. . .You can participate in your Neighborhood Watch or Crime Stoppers. You can become a volunteer in a hospital, emergency medical, fire or rescue unit."

The folks at Neighborhood Watch and Emergency Preparedness would like to show you what they do and how you can help Rancho Bernardo keep safe and informed. You can work at the office, at your home, or within your district. It’s a win-win situation: you can help your neighbors and your community as well as work with dedicated people who you will enjoy.

Perhaps you would like to help out in your own community. Volunteers are urgently needed in all Districts. Here are your leaders - give them a call.

Bob Showalter, 485-6376, Neighborhood Watch Coordinator for District C (Oaks North) needs Area Coordinators and block captains. Frank Terschan, 451-7706 (shatzie35@aol.com), Oaks North Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, needs volunteers for light search & rescue, Citizen Band communications and first aid.

Gary Carlson, 451-9961 gcarlson@aol.com), Neighborhood Watch Coordinator for District D (Swim & Tennis) is anxious for volunteer help as block captains and area coordinators. Ralph Parris, 487-1711 (rparris@juno.com), is Swim & Tennis Emergency Preparedness Coordinator and is anxious to help volunteers learn the drill for disaster preparedness.

Ralph Stewart, 487-4962 (rstewa10@san.rr.com) Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for District E (Seven Oaks) acknowledges that his team and the Neighborhood Watch team need many more volunteers. Call him to see how you fit in - on the job training.

Stan Racik, 674-5689 (sracik@worldnet.att.net) of District F (Bernardo Heights) urges all residents to volunteer for Neighborhood Watch and Emergency Preparedness programs. " We cannot wait for a local disaster or series of crimes to realize that many areas, perhaps your immediate area, are not covered at all." Call him for information as to how you can help the Heights community be safer, better informed and better prepared.

Mike Gray, is looking for volunteers as block captains and area coordinators in High Country West. Call Mike at 487-6511 (mdgray@mindspring.com).

Westwood, Eastview and Seven Oaks have a number of block captains and area coordinators, but have no NHW Coordinator. Call Jacquie Nelson, RB Neighborhood Watch Coordinator, 487-4012 (jnelson9@san.rr.com) and/or Jim Harmon, RB Emergency Preparedness Director, 451-9950 (harmonjm@worldnet.att.net ) to meet and talk with you about these jobs. In most cases, the job is to coordinate existing volunteers.

Jim Scanlan, leader of RB Emergency Radio Services (RBERS) needs more volunteers for his amateur radio group. Call him at 485-0879 (jscan2@aol.com).

It’s important and very rewarding to volunteer. This is not just "busy work." This may save lives! Please volunteer - Rancho Bernardo needs your help.