Neighborhood Watch is privileged to have the team of Casey Gwinn, San Diego City Attorney, and Ashley Walker, Executive Director of the Human Relations Commission, speak to residents on domestic violence; what it is, how to recognize it, how to prevent it and who is at risk. Come to the RB Library's Community Room (2^nd floor) on Friday morning, November 30 at 9 a.m. and bring your questions. The meeting will start promptly at 9:30 a.m.

Prior to Casey Gwinn's election as City Attorney in 1996, he headed the Child Abuse/Domestic Violence Unit for nine years. This unit has been recognized for its aggressive prosecution of batterers even when the victims are unwilling or unable to participate. His work as a prosecutor is credited with playing a major role in the drop of domestic violence homicides. He has been recognized as a leader in the new trend toward assigning prosecutors to neighborhoods to assist police officers and neighborhood groups (such as ours) in solving crime problems before cases end up in the court system. Gwinn is a frequent speaker for criminal justice organizations, law enforcement agencies, churches, service clubs and other groups throughout the country as he calls for aggressive, effective early intervention strategies to address crime problems at the earliest possible stages.

Ashley Walker's Human Relations Commission (HRC) advises the Mayor, City Council and City Manager on discrimination and civil right issues. The HRC promotes and sensitizes people to the issues of conflict resolution, multiculturalism, diversity, discrimination, equal opportunity and violence prevention. For 10 years she was a POST (Police Officers' Standards and Training) certified trainer, training the police and sheriff departments in the county on methods of responding to child abuse and domestic violence. One of her publications includes the first Emergency Assessment tool for dealing with domestic violence by hospital emergency room staff. She has received widespread recognition for her work including the 2000 Domestic Violence "Guardian Angel" award and the Susan B. Anthony Award from the National Organization for Women. She has given over 1,000 lectures and seminars to civic, financial, educational, legal, medical, business, religious and social service agencies.

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A CHANGE OF PLANS: On Wednesday, November 28 at 7 p.m. in the Library's Community Room, Northeastern Police Captain Nancy Goodrich will be introduced for the first time in Rancho Bernardo at the RB Community Council meeting. She will speak about community issues and answer your questions.

JOIN THE CONTINUING EDUCATION CENTER'S TOUR of four Point Loma homes decorated for Christmas. All Souls' Episcopal Church of Point Loma is celebrating its 50th anniversary with its annual home tour. Bus from RB Saturday, December 1 at 11:30 a.m. Tour includes the church's Christmas craft fair, and a light tea will be served. Return to RB at 5:30 p.m. For more information or to sign up, call CEC at 858-487-0464.