Chairman Greg Cox and the Board of Supervisors have proclaimed that "April is Emergency Preparedness month" in San Diego County.

California residents have suffered the effects of various disasters ranging from severe winter storms to major earthquakes and wildland fires, resulting in costs of hundreds of millions of dollars. In light of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the President has declared war on terrorism. The County of San Diego is an active participant in the Terrorism Working Group of the Unified San Diego County Emergency Services Organization, consisting of local, State and Federal agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A new County program under Homeland Security is beginning training and is called the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

The essential responsibilities of the RB Emergency Preparedness Program are to: comply with public policy to advise and assist residents of the seven Rancho Bernardo districts, visitors, and local businesses to be prepared for up to 72 hours for any natural or man-made disaster affecting the community; organize, train, and equip authorized disaster response teams to provide limited services to the community for the protection of life and property for up to 72 hours; assist RB districts, which utilize Neighborhood Watch members in their local emergency plans with appropriate training and support; cooperate with and assist all agencies, public or private, in order to provide disaster relief to Rancho Bernardo.

Need more be said? Emergency preparedness is no longer an option; it is a necessity. Rancho Bernardo has an outstanding team of Preparedness workers who need help in all 7 Districts. Eastview, High Country West and Westwood are lacking Emergency teams, In the past, Eastview and Westwood were very active. Let’s revitalize Rancho Bernardo! Let’s do what the County, the Governor and the President want us to do: organize our communities to fight crime, prepare for emergencies, disaster and terrorism. It takes very little of your time, but it may save your life. Get in touch with Director Jim Harmon at 451-9550; he will tell you of the many opportunities for you to help.

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The new 2002 Census Profile figures are out for the Rancho Bernardo Community Planning Area. Total population is 39,571; total households, 17,896; median age is 44.5; females outnumber the males except in the under 18 group; median housing value is $262,015, although 23% live in homes in the $300,000 to $399,999 range. 41% of the homes were built from 1980 to 1989. As far as education attainment goes, 30% received a Bachelor’s degree, 25% had some college, no degree. Median household income, $63,255. This Census was conducted in April, 2002. For much more information, go to http://cart.sandag.org/spw/spw.asp Click on 2002 Census, scroll to Rancho Bernardo from the "City of San Diego CPAs" pull down menu on the right.