Community News
A webpage for announcements of community news and events.
Is your club, service organization or nonprofit organization having a fundraiser, upcoming meeting, guest speaker, looking for volunteers or have news to share with the rest of the community? If so, please send your information to us as the Rancho Bernardo Community Council is adding this Community News page to our website which will help inform the public of any information you wish to share.
To submit a Community News Story for this website, please send your email to news@RBCommunityCouncil.com.
| Please join us for a free, informative education at the Rancho Bernardo Library! Compassionate Communication: A free workshop for family caregivers and the general public. Communication tips you won’t find elsewhere! Lunch will be provided. Presented by: Dr. Diane Darby Beach, MPH, Ed.D, Community Education Manager, Alzheimer’s Association Thursday, September 23rd, 12-2pm Rancho Bernardo Library, 17110 Bernardo Center Drive, San Diego, 92128 Communication is more than the ability to exchange words; it is the ability to connect with someone. Upon completion of this program, attendees will be able to: -Articulate tips to improve their overall communication skills with memory-impaired individuals. -Identify techniques that play a key role in coping with challenging behaviors such as wandering, shadowing, etc. **Attendees will also receive a copy of the book Understanding Challenging Behaviors, compliments of the Samuel and Katherine French Charitable Trust. Please RSVP by Monday, September 20th (760) 737-7900 or rbishop@silveradosenior.com |
 Click here for a printable flyer |
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IMPORTANT PUBLIC HEALTH NOTICE The Rancho Bernardo Community Council does its best to keep the community informed of various issues. Our Public Safety Committee would like to inform the public of the following information: |
| Rancho Bernardo Travelers will meet at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, September 10, 2010, in the auditorium of Seven Oaks Community Center, 16789 Bernardo Oaks Drive, San Diego. Local author Bette Blaydes Pegas will present "Chasing a Dream in the Galápagos." Guests over 18 are welcome to enjoy the program and pick up a list of available trips. Refreshments are served, and a drawing is held for discount travel certificates. For questions, call 619-252-3720. |
Medfly Quarantine Lifted The Medfly quarantine that included parts of Rancho Bernardo was lifted on August 16. Residents are now free to donate produce to friends or to the Backyard Produce Project, which helps local families in need. Collection sites for the Backyard Produce Project are: |
| Modern Square Dance Class: A beginner Square dance Class is open for new students Sept 8 & Sept 15. The Sept 8th class is FREE to check and see how much fun square dancing can be. Wednesday 7-9pm. Classes serve rancho Bernardo, Poway, and Rancho Penasquitos and are held at Rolling Hills Elementary School, 15255 Penasquitos Dr. The class is sponsored by Wranglers Square Dance Club. Singles/Couples/Families welcome 11 years old & up. Casual attire at class. Info: Lou 858-485-7421, LRHarris1@earthlink.net, www.thewranglers.org/class.htm |
| The Friends of the Rancho Bernrardo Library will be holding book sales every Wednesday from 1 to 7 p.m. in their Book Shop located on the RB Library's first floor, 17110 Bernardo Center Drive. All books will be sold at half the marked price. For more information, call 858-613-3926. |
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| JULY 2ND BERNARDO WINERY FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK: Join friends and family at the winery's summer venue on the first Friday of each month--June through October. Drop by and visit local artists, taste a little wine, enjoy music and a dance performance between 4 p.m. til 8 p.m. Visit charming new shops and enjoy dining at your leisure. www.bernardowinery.com |
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| RB Lions Fundraiser - the Rancho Bernardo Lions Club, US Flags UP/DOWN program are put on eight (8) Holidays for businesses in Rancho Bernardo. The cost is $80/year (5/31/10 - 5/31/11). For information call: Lion Dick Strauch (858) 451-6139. |
| In the event of an earthquake, do you know what to do? Take this short quiz to see how much you know: Preparing for an Earthquake Quiz |
| Due to the city of San Diego budget cuts, all city of San Diego libraries will have reduced hours beginning March 20, 2010. For listing of new hours, visit: new city of San Diego library hours |
| RB Lions luncheon meetings on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday at Bernardo Heights Country Club. 11:30 a.m. Cost $18. Call for reservations: Barbara Doss (858) 740-7478. Next Luncheon Meeting March 23rd. Guest Speaker: Anstes Agnew, writer of Braille, will bring her machine and talk about her Braille work. |
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| Document Shredding offered by PPH: Palomar/Pomerado Health is offering paper shredding the second Friday of every month through 2010 at both hospitals. Due to the popularity of the event in 2009, they are asking for a suggested donation of $2 or more dollars per box/bag. The event is from 11 am through 1 pm. The following restrictions apply: -limit of three boxes of papers -no metal (paper clips, etc). -no cardboard or plastic Events at Palomar Medical Center, located at 555 East Valley Parkway in Escondido, will take place on: January 8 March 12 May 14 July 9 September 10 November 12 Events at Pomerado Hospital, located at 15615 Pomerado Road in Poway, will take place on: February 12 April 9 June 11 August 13 October 8 December 10 -enter the grounds of Pomerado Hospital, turn right, look for a shredding truck on your right in the small parking lot across from the emergency department. For more information on PPH’s recycling programs, please call: 858.613.4774. |
| The Rancho Bernardo Senior Services offers numerous fee services to seniors in our community: Free legal on Monday 1pm to 3pm by appointment, Free financial on second Tuesday of every month, by appointment. Free blood pressure 10am to 12pm every Wednesday. Free simple wills on last two Fridays of every month, by appointment and Free Medicare and insurance information by appointment. They also give free flu shots and they do free taxes starting in January. Rancho Bernardo Senior Services also has a hot meal program for homebound, delivering in Rancho Bernardo by volunteers. They are also in need volunteers for our office (one or two days a month 3 ½ hour shifts) and drivers to deliver the hot meals. For more information or to make an appointment, contact the Rancho Bernardo Senior Services at 858-487-2640, 16769 Bernardo Center Drive, Suite K14, San Diego, CA 92128 |
| The North County Inland Older Adult Center, 15905 Pomerado Road in Poway, offers a variety of programs on a daily basis for seniors. Lunch is also offered for $4. For more details on the programs for August, please read this newsflyer. |
| Give a Neighbor a Lift Would you drive a neighbor to a doctor’s appointment or other errand? Sign up with Rides & Smiles of Rancho Bernardo/Poway. You’ll receive liability insurance, mileage reimbursement, and a weekly list of ride requests. You choose which rides, if any, to give. Call Marilyn Greenblatt (858) 391-0033. |
| Pomerado Hospital Seeks Volunteers: Pomerado Hospital is seeking volunteers to push patients in wheelchairs, work in the gift shop, attend to families of patients in surgery, staff the lobby desk, and help with sewing projects. Join a great group of volunteers. For more information, call (858) 613-4659. |
New Passport Application Information: On Monday, June 1, the second phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) went into effect, and travelers must now have a passport book, passport card or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security to be able to re-enter the U.S. when returning from Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and Bermuda by land or sea ports-of-entry. Without the proper travel document, travelers will be denied entry into the U.S. Since May 22, the Clerk of the Board processed more than 1,286 passports and lines have stretched into the halls of the County Administration building. Under normal circumstances, the department processes approximately 350 passport applications per month. Adopting an appointment-only system is intended to ensure a quicker and more orderly application process for our customers. |
| Free Recycling of Styrofoam and Bubble Wrap: Two thumbs up to Village Mail & More for doing their part in recycling. Pat O'Sullivan, owner of the store, is offering to recycle bubble wrap and styrofoam popcorn for free. Simply bring place it all in a bag and drop it off at Village Mail & More, located at 12463 Rancho Bernardo Road. |
| SHOK - Seniors Helping Our Kids: Schools in Rancho Bernardo and 4S Ranch are seeking senior volunteers to come to school an hour a week and help a first, second, or third grader with reading. You pick the school, day, and time. No special background needed -- we'll show you what to do. It's fun and rewarding. Call or email Jane Radatz 858-485-5449 or jradatz@att.net. Visit the website at www.SHOKprogram.org. |
Firefighting after Prop. A's defeat | The San Diego Union-Tribune
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Update on Lake Hodges Pedestrian Bridge. http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20080210/images/design.html
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| The New I-15 Express Lanes ~ A revolution is coming to the I-15 Express Lanes, in addition to the existing 8-mile stretch, 4.5 brand new miles of the smartest, most innovated highway in the U.S. are opening in September. It will be an expressway within a freeway. Revolutionize your commute with more choices to get around San Diego County. There will be new direct access points for entering and exiting; you can park the car and enjoy priority access by carpool, vanpool or Express Bus; if you are driving solo, use FasTrack at a special introductory toll of just 50 cents for the new 4.5 mile segment. For more details, visit www.511sd.com |
| City Attorney Investigation into Demolition Contractors in Rancho Bernardo The City Attorney's Office is undertaking an investigation into alleged overcharging and fraudulent billing by two demolition contractors hired by the City of San Diego to clear land of victims of the wildfires in 2007. The Attorney's Office is seeking to speak to individuals who were victims of the wildfires and who have hired contractors - either through the City program or a private demolition contractor - talk about their experience. Interested individuals can contact Kevin Christensen, an Investigator for the City Attorney's Office. Kevin can be reached at his office at (619) 533-6573 or by e-mail at kchristensen@sandiego.gov. You can also contact City Attorney, Craig Rose. 619-533-6100 crose@sandiego.gov |
| Give a Neighbor a Lift Would you give a senior neighbor a lift to the doctor or store if someone would pay for the gas? Join Rides & Smiles! Each week you'll receive a list of ride requests. You pick which rides, if any, to give. You'll receive liability insurance and mileage reimbursement. Call (858) 391-0033 for more information. |
| The RB Community Computer Club has put up a web site at RBCCCONLINE.ORG. |
| Rotary Club of Rancho Bernardo's Weekly Meeting Information: The club will be meeting every Thursday, 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. at the Bernardo Heights Country Club. The cost of the luncheons, with various guest speakers, is $17. For more information, please contact Barbara Baldwin at (858) 472-2631 or bbaldwin@san.rr.com. |
| Costco has a new program to recycle your old electronics computers, cameras, etc --any age. They will send you a prepaid shipping label to send in your item, thus shipping is free. If it's of any value, they may send you a cash card to use at Costco. Also, they have a zero tolerance landfill policy meaning that none of the components of the recycled item will end up in a landfill -- all of it is utilized! |
| Rides & Smiles™, a program of Jewish Family Service, launches a new Volunteer Recruitment Campaign for 2008. Rides & Smiles™, a volunteer based senior transportation service, has provided over 12,000 rides since the program was launched in March 2004. The campaign’s goal is to assist the many older adults on the waiting list by enrolling 30 new volunteers by July 2008. All new volunteers will receive a coupon for a free full service car wash upon enrollment. Current volunteers will also receive a coupon for a free full service car wash for every new volunteer they recruit. Help open the car door for someone in need by becoming a volunteer driver for Rides & Smiles™. Volunteering is easy. You decide who you drive, where you drive and when you drive. At your convenience, once enrolled, you can access the web based scheduling system and accept rides that will work for you. There’s no minimum number of rides required to provide. Jewish Family Service provides mileage reimbursement and secondary auto insurance. For more information or to schedule an orientation, contact Marilyn Greenblatt, Rides & Smiles™ Coordinator at 858-391-0033 or marilyng@jfssd.org or visit www.jfssd.org |
| Important Notice for Poway Residence: Poway , CA - The City of Poway has learned that individuals are contacting residents requesting entrance to their homes in order to test the water quality. These individuals claim to be with Water Quality, are carrying some type of badge, and are presenting blue door hangers printed in Spanish. The City of Poway is not conducting water quality tests. Additionally, employees of the City of Poway would not ask to enter a home. Residents are advised not to let these individuals into their homes. If approached by an individual who wants to enter your home to test your water quality, please contact the City of Poway Customer Services at (858) 668-4401 or the Poway Sheriff's Office at (858) 513-2800. For more information, click here: http://www.ci.poway.ca.us/Index.aspx?page=13&recordid=131&returnURL=%2Findex.aspx |
| For Music Lovers ~ If you love music from the '40s and '50s, Sandy DeVito Trio plays every Friday night at the Courtyard by Marriott, at 11611 Bernardo Plaza Court, from 6:30-9:30 p.m. |
| Boy Scout Troupe 680 in RB ~ Troupe 680 picks up newspapers, magazines, aluminum cans and phone books the second Saturday of each month (rain or shine). For more details, email Mike Burgess at the following email address: mike@burgess.com |
| Lake Hodges Native Plant Club ~ The Club mission statement is: Preservation, conservation, and education about the native plants of Southern California. We meet on the 4th Monday of every month at 2 pm, at the Rancho Bernardo Public Library, 17110 Bernardo Center Drive. For more information on upcoming guest speakers and other events, please visit our website at Lake Hodges Native Plant Club or call 760-745-6435. |
| Protect Your Identity ~ Do you receive a large amount of unsolicited advertisements which fill up our landiflls? If so, the Environmental Services Department encourages you to contact the credit reporting agencies and the Direct Marketing Association and request to opt out of receiving mail advertising. -Reduce credit and insurance offerings by calling the three top credit reporting agencies ~ Trans Union, Equifax and Experian at 1-888-567-8688. -Trim down on direct mail advertisements by writing to: Mail Preference Service, Direct Marketing Association, P.O. Box 643, Carmel, NY 15012-0643. Request to 'activate the preference service' and include your complete name address and zip code. For more information, go to www.creditsourceonlin.com/opt-out.html and www.dmaconsumers.org/dmasponsorship.html. |
| Burning Questions Regarding Recycling? ~ Do you or your children have burning questions regarding the mysteries of recycling? If so, email Bonita Blue Bin at recycleorelse@sandiego.gov or write to Bonita Blue Bin at City of San Diego Enviornmental Services Department, 9601 Ridgehaven Court, Suite 320, San Diego, CA 92123. |
| Free Smoke Alarms for Seniors ~ The Burn Institute Smoke Alarm Program provides free installation and free smoke alarms to people 55 years or older who own their own home and do not have working smoke alarms. To sign up for the program, call the Burn Institute at 858-541-2277. |
| A VERY SPECIAL THANKS! The Rancho Bernardo Community Council wishes to give a very special thank you to Print Pros, Commercial Print and Copy Center in Rancho Bernardo. Print Pros generously donated their printing services to the Community Council, designing and printing our business cards. Mike Griffin, owner of Print Pros often donates the companies services to local organizations in our community. Print Pros also generously donated their printing services for the printing of the Rancho Bernardo Off Leash Dog Park Liaison's business cards. Thank you Print Pros for your support and generosity to our community. |
| Household Hazardous Waste Transfer Facility ~ Location is at Miramar Landfill entrance on Convoy Street, just north of the 52 freeway. The facility is open every Saturday, except holidays, 9:00am-3:00pm. Appointment and proof of San Diego residency is required. Call (858) 694-7000 to ask questions or make an appointment. |
| Rancho Bernardo Farmers Market ~ every Friday, 9am-12pm, Bernardo Winery parking lot, 1330 Paseo del Verano North. |
| California Wolf Center ~ An educational program beginss at 2pm every Saturday at the facility near Julian, http://www.californiawolfcenter.org/ . Cost is $4 to $8, free to members. Reservations are required. For more information, call (619) 234-9653. |
| Blue Sky Walks ~ Every Saturday and Sunday at 9 a.m. at the Blue Sky Ecological Reserve Park off of Escala Road. The slow paced guided tour is free and is geared for the whole family. Bring comfortable shoes and bottled water. For more information, call 679-5469. |
| 4S Ranch Boys & Girls Club ~ The 4S Ranch Boys & Girls Club gym is presently forming summer basketball leagues for all girl and boys 1st grade through high school. For more information, call (858) 676-2230. |
| IDENTITY THEFT AND MERCHANTS: The Truncation Law, a state law which requires merchants to blot out all but the last few digits of your credit card number on your receipts is not being followed by all merchants. This leave a person wide open for identity theft. Review your credit card receipts. If your entire credit card number is displayed, the merchant is in violation of the Truncation Law. You can report the incident anonymously by either calling toll free (877) 662-6384 or visiting the Meth Strike Force Website (who sponsors this) at www.no2meth.org. County Supervisor Dianne Jacob initiated the Meth Strike force in 1996. Ms. Jacob wrote a column in the May 4, 2006 Rancho Bernardo News Journal entitled Meth-fuled ID thieves are out for receipts. |
| West Niles Virus Information ~ West Niles Virus is a serious situation in our County. To help prevent this, please make sure there is no standing water on your property. To learn more on how to safe guard your property, click here: West Nile Virus - Safe Guard Your Home . To learn more about Vector Control and other West Niles Virus information, click here: Vector Control Program - West Nile Virus Home Page. |
| CPR Class in Poway ~ The Poway Fire Department offers these classes 8:30 am - 2:30 pm on the first and third Saturdays of each month, at the fire station located at 13050 Community Road. Reservations for classes are required. Call 858-668-4460 for information and reservations. |
RSVP - Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol - Free Services for Rancho Bernardo Residents The Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol is here to serve your community! We are completely funded by the generosity of citizens, businesses, service clubs and similar organizations. All contributions are tax deductible. RSVP does not charge for any of the above services. |
| Questions about new recycling rules: For information on locations for recycling or on properly disposing of household electronics, batteries, light bulbs, thermometers, etc., contact: www.earth911.org or (800) CLEANUP. |
| Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve: Tours include a walk through the adobe, the barn and the spring house. Free tours on Saturdays at 11 a.m., Sundays at 1 p.m. For more information call: (858) 484-7504. |
| Pacific Southwest Railway Museum: A leisurely 1 1/2 hour historic train ride and tour at the museum takes place on Saturdays and Sundays. Train departs 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on both days. For more information call (619) 465-7776 or visit their website at www.psrm.org |
| Ner Tamid in Poway -- offers various adult courses which are open to the public. For more information visit their website at www.nertamidsd.org or call (858) 513-8330. |
| Project Wildlife -- is seeking volunteers to assist in helping injured, sick or orphaned wild animals found in San Diego. Volunteer information can be obtained on their website at www.projectwildlife.org or by calling (858) 866-0557. |
| Conserve-A-Tree Nominations Open -- The City of San Diego has launched a new program that gives local citizens the opportunity to nominate trees for preservation and historic designation. There may be a tree in your neighborhood that’s been there since your grandmother lived in her house, or one that is an important landmark. Through efforts of the City’s Community Forest Advisory Board (CFAB), citizens can now do something to help keep those trees from being cut. “It is extremely important for us to promote protection and preservation of our trees,” said Nancy Huges, Chairperson for the CFAB. “We encourage community members to join us in this effort to make a difference in our environment.” Criteria taken into consideration for tree protection will vary from: aesthetic or historical value, size, shape, health, age, species and form. To nominate a tree to be considered for protection by this designation, citizens must fill out and submit a “Conserve-A-Tree Nomination Form” to the City of San Diego’s Street Division. Once the form is received, the tree will be inspected by the Street Division Urban Forester to ensure all designation criteria are met. An Arborist will then evaluate the nominated tree for confirmation. The nomination must also be approved by the CFAB. Upon approval, the tree will be added to the City of San Diego’s Tree Protection Status, as described in the Tree Protection Policy adopted by City Council in May 2005. The policy states that construction or renovation permits must now recognize the need to keep these trees alive. To obtain a “Conserve-A-Tree Nomination Form” contact Drew Potocki at (619) 527-3145. Completed forms can be faxed to (619) 527-7534. |
| Love On A Leash Pet Therapy -- do you have a well behaved pet (dog or cat) who does well with people? If so, you and your pet can become a certified pet therapy team and bring joy to people in hospitals, nursing homes, hospice, etc. You can help children learn to read better at two of our libraries or our local schools. To learn more on how you and your pet can become one of these wonderful volunteers, please visit our website at: www.powayloal.com |
| Seniors Helping Our Kids -- Local elementary schools are seeking volunteers to come to school an hour a week and read with a child. Your one-on-one encouragement is priceless. No special background needed. Call Jane Radatz (858) 485-5449 for details or visit the website at www.SHOKprogram.org. |
| Pomerado Hospital -- Pomerado Hospital is seeking volunteers for a variety of positions throughout the hospital -- lobby desks, gift shop, parking lot shuttle, emergency department, wheelchair service, offices, etc. Be part of a friendly community hospital. Call (858) 613-4659 for details. |