Rancho Bernardo/4S Ranch Digest - Issue of Jan. 10, 2010

Teen driving

San Diego Police will present the free Start Smart teen driver safety program from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23 in Del Norte High’s Performing Arts Center, 16601 Nighthawk Lane, 4S Ranch.

It is for teens who have their learner’s permit or recently received their license. A parent or guardian must accompany them. Space is limited. Registration is required at https://sdpd-nw-start-smart.eventbrite.com/#.

Learn to dance

Registration for San Diego Civic Dance Arts’ spring semester will occur through Sunday, Jan. 13 at the class location and time with the instructor.

Classes are taught at recreation centers throughout the city, including Rancho Penasquitos (Jan. 10 at Hilltop and Jan. 11 at Canyonside) and Rancho Bernardo (Jan. 12).

A semester of weekly classes (Jan. 14 to May 19) for children and adults is $48. For a registration form and schedule, go to www.civicdancearts.org or call 619-525-8258.

Are you a “Friend”?

All are welcome at the 4S Ranch Friends of the Library’s annual meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16 in the library’s community room, 10433 Reserve Drive.

Dessert will be served. Attendees who join that night (minimum dues are $15) will receive a tote bag. A drawing will be held for a basket of chocolate treats donated by Jimbo’s. Call 858-759-4599 or send an email to 4Sranchfol@gmail.com.

Museum speaker

Ashley Gardner, executive director of the Women’s Museum of California will present “Learning to Love History: Confessions of an accidental director” at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16 in the Rancho Bernardo Historical Society Museum in Bernardo Winery, 13330 Paseo del Verano Norte. Admission is free.

Her talk will highlight experiences and contributions of some San Diego women during history, including those at the forefront of the social, cultural and political scene. The Women’s Museum of California at Liberty Station in Point Loma is one of five museums focusing on women’s history in the U.S.

Choir needs singers

RB Chorale is seeking new members, especially men, to join its choir of 100-plus singers. There are no auditions. The spring semester’s first rehearsal will be 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22 at Westwood Elementary, 17449 Matinal Road, Rancho Bernardo.

The group will rehearse weekly for its spring show at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts. Questions? Go to www.rbchorale.org or call 858-485-7664.

Business mixer

Rancho Bernardo Business Association’s first mixer of the year will be 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15 at the Rancho Bernardo Inn, 17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive.

Cost: free to RBBA members, $15 for non-members. RSVP by Friday, Jan. 11 at marys@rbbusinessassociation.com.

Politically minded?

Ruth Weiss will talk about the county’s Election Integrity Project at the 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17 Rancho Bernardo Tea Party meeting at the Country Club of Rancho Bernardo, 12280 Greens East Road. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome.

Job searching?

There will be a career fair and professional growth workshops from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, Jan. 24 at the Rancho Bernardo Inn, 17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive.

The workshops will include resume refining, interview skills, professional dress tips, military transition employment and using LinkedIn to find a job.

Admission and parking are free to career seekers. Businesses that want to participate pay $175 if San Diego North Chamber of Commerce members, $275 for non-members. Contact Danielle Ehrlich at 858-487-1767 or danielle@sdncc.com.

Board needs candidates

Rancho Bernardo Swim & Tennis Club needs members to run for election to the club’s board of directors. This is for a 3-year term beginning in March.

Deadline for nominations is Wednesday, Jan. 30. The board meets monthly on the third Tuesday. For details call Norm Gillespie, nominating committee chairman, at 487-1548 or leave your name and contact information at the club office.

Political discussion

California’s initiative and referendum process will be discussed at the 9:30-11:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 14 League of Women Voters Rancho Bernardo/Scripps Ranch/Poway Unit meeting. It will be in the TV Room at The Gateway, 12751 Gateway Park Road, Poway. All are welcome, but only LWV members will decide any positions the group takes.

Aging with grace

Rabbi Aliza Berk, a licensed psychotherapist and spiritual director of the Jewish Family Service Healing Center of San Diego, will share tools to help oneself and loved ones grow older with dignity, respect and grace. She will talk at the 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15 Aviva Chapter of Hadassah meeting at Seacrest Village, 12730 Monte Vista Road, Poway. Refreshments will be served.

Cost $10. RSVP by sending check to Barbara Kotkin, 17141 Ruette Campana, San Diego, CA 92128.

Sunday fun

The Never Alone On Sunday group now meets at 1 p.m. every Sunday for a fun day of games including bridge, canasta, contract gin and mah jong. It meets at Bernardo Heights Community Center, 16150 Bernardo Heights Parkway, Rancho Bernardo.

Admission is free but RSVPs are required. Call Shirley Mallon at 858-451-0065.

Christmas tree recycling

The City of San Diego is offering free tree recycling through Wednesday, Jan. 23. There are 16 drop-off locations, including Rancho Bernardo-Glassman Recreation Center, 18448 W. Bernardo Drive. Remove stands, lights, ornaments and tinsel. Flocked trees are OK. Trees can also be placed for curbside pickup if residents have curbside yard waste collection.

Family yoga

Family members 9 years through adult can do yoga exercises together in free classes led by Miss Seema at the 4S Ranch Library, 10433 Reserve Drive.

They will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, 19 and 26. Sign-ups are required. Call 858-673-4697.

Zumba for seniors

Zumba dance fitness for seniors fuses Latin rhythms with easy-to-follow moves in free classes at the Rancho Bernardo Library, 17110 Bernardo Center Drive. The routines feature interval training sessions where fast and slow rhythms and resistance training are combined to tone and sculpt while burning fat.

Classes are 1-2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11, 18 and 25, and 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15 and 29. Call 858-538-8163.

Computers for beginners

Adults can gain basic skills on using a computer, surfing the Internet and printing web pages in a free class. It will be 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 12 and 26 in the Rancho Bernardo Library, 17110 Bernardo Center Drive.

Sign-up at the Information Desk. Call 858-538-8163.

Bilingual storytime

Stories and crafts for preschoolers presented in Spanish and English will be offered at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 14 and 28 in the 4S Ranch Library, 10433 Reserve Drive. Call 858-673-4697.

Fitness for little ones

A free fitness class for ages 18 months to 5 years will be offered at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16 in the 4S Ranch Library, 10433 Reserve Drive. Sign-up is required. Call 858-673-4697.

Like to paint?

Jack Ragland will talk about how to resurrect a painting at the 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24 Rancho Bernardo Art Association meeting at the RB Swim and Tennis Club, 16955 Bernardo Oaks Drive.

Members can bring paintings they need help with to get improvement suggestions.

Cost: $5 for non-members, free to members. For details, go to www.ranchobernardoart.com or call Phyllis Hensperger at 858-675-2262.

Free concerts

Rancho Bernardo Library offers free concerts for adults and youths (ages 7 and older if accompanied by an adult). Upcoming performances will be:

• 6:30-7:45 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 10 chamber concert featuring the Orvieto Trio consisting of pianist Byron Chow, violinist Lauren Basney and cellist Daniel Frankhuizen.

• 6:30-7:45 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23 chamber concert featuring pianist Ines Irawati, cellist Erin Breene and violinist Robert Schumitzky.

Concerts are held in the library’s second-floor community room, 17110 Bernardo Center Drive. Call 858-538-8163.

Computer class

Adults can master skills to navigate different web sites and learn how to use e-mail at a free computer class taught at the Rancho Bernardo Library, 17110 Bernardo Center Drive.

Classes are 3-4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16, 23 and 30. Sign-up at the Information Desk. Call 858-538-8163.

Do you play chess?

Free sessions for children, teens and adults to learn and practice the game of chess will be offered at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, 19 and 26 in the 4S Ranch Library, 10433 Reserve Drive. Call 858-673-4697.

Becoming a citizen?

A free citizenship class for adults preparing to take U.S. citizenship tests will be offered at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 14 and 28 in the 4S Ranch Library, 10433 Reserve Drive. Call 858-673-4697.

Like the desert?

Don Barrie and Naomi Lake will present “Tales of the Anza Borrego Desert” at the 1:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11 Rancho Bernardo Travelers meeting in the Seven Oaks Community Center auditorium, 16789 Bernardo Oaks Drive, Rancho Bernardo.

Those over 18 are welcome. Refreshments and door prizes will be available. Call Dave Donley at 858-451-3964.

Baby clothes needed

The non-profit organization Gently Hugged needs gently-used and new baby clothing for newborn to 1 year olds, which is distributed to military and low-income families.

Collection bins are at Roots Hair Salon, 11671 Duenda Road in Rancho Bernardo, and Floaties, 13180 Poway Road in Poway. Details are at www.gentlyhugged.org.

Artists wanted

Rancho Bernardo Community Council is seeking artists interested in beautifying the community by painting some SDG&E utility boxes. Those interested must first submit a four-color draft to council for review and approval. For full details, go to https://rbcommunitycouncil.com/page.php?tag=utilitybox.

Drivers needed

Would you drive a neighbor to a doctor’s appointment or to the store? Sign up with Rides & Smiles, where volunteers give local seniors rides for appointments and errands.

Drivers receive liability insurance, mileage reimbursement and weekly list of ride requests to select as their schedule permits. Call 858-637-3051.

Hear a siren?

San Diego Fire-Rescue has launched a website at www.sdfiredispatch.org so those in the City of San Diego can see to what type of emergencies the department is responding when they hear sirens. The site is updated every five minutes.

Protect RB

Rancho Bernardo Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol needs locals, 50 years and older, to join their group that assists San Diego Police Department. Members help prevent crime by serving as SDPD’s “eyes and ears” and perform non-confrontational tasks so police can perform other law enforcement duties.

RSVP members also patrol the community, help with traffic control, make vacation house checks, visit elderly shut-ins, and make photo and fingerprint ID cards for children.

Members are trained, wear a uniform, use a provided vehicle and volunteer a minimum of three days a month. To join, call 858-538-8146.

Help at school

Local elementary schools are seeking senior volunteers to come to school an hour a week to help a child with reading. No special background is needed. Pick your day, time and school. Contact Jane Radatz at jradatz@att.net or 858-485-5449 for details.

Are you single?

Rancho Bernardo Singles is holding a membership drive. The club is open to single men and women who live in Rancho Bernardo or adjacent communities. Most members live in the age 55-plus neighborhoods of Oaks North and Seven Oaks.

The club offers a variety of activities. Annual dues are $17. Call Nedra Ward (membership chairwoman) at 858-673-9584.

Free Zumba for seniors

Rancho Bernardo Library is offering free Zumba classes for seniors at 1 p.m. on Fridays in the library’s community room, 17110 Bernardo Center Drive.

Zumba is dance-style exercise done to Latin rhythms. Those who are wheelchair bound can also participate. Call 858-538-8163.

Donate magazines

Pomerado Hospital is seeking used magazines for its waiting rooms and patient magazine cart. Please donate news magazines up to a month old and monthly magazines up to three months old. Bring to the front desk, 15615 Pomerado Road in Poway. Questions? Call 858-613-4659.

Help with harvesting

The Backyard Produce Project is seeking volunteers to harvest residential fruit trees. It is an enjoyable outdoor group activity. Participate at your convenience. All fruit is donated to local families in need. Contact Jane Radatz at jradatz@att.net or 858-485-5449.

Help needed

Palomar Health is looking for volunteers for its medical facilities. Positions include those with and without patient contact, various locations and duties, and flexible hours.

For details, go to www.pph.org/volunteer or call 760-739-3081 ext. 3654 for volunteer services at Palomar Medical Center and 858-613-4659 for volunteer services at Pomerado Hospital in Poway.

Flag disposal

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7766 in Rancho Bernardo will pick up worn, torn or badly faded American flags so they can be disposed in a respectful manner. Flags must be removed from poles.

To schedule a free pick-up, contact Mike Vaughn at 619-316-6851 or adj@vfwpost7766.org. To purchase a new, high quality, American-made flag, go to www.VFWstore.org.

Grief help

San Diego Hospice presents “Understanding Grief: A Workshop for the Newly Bereaved” for adults recently impacted by a death from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Tuesday at the RB Swim & Tennis Club’s Club 21 Room, 16955 Bernardo Oaks Drive in Rancho Bernardo. Call 619-278-6141 or go to www.sdhospice.org.

Emergency website

Get critical emergency information on your computer, mobile phone or tablet using San Diego County’s new website, www.sdcountyemergency.com. Visitors can also get information about preparedness and recovery, up-to-date maps, shelter locations and social media messages.

Like to write?

Rancho Bernardo Writer’s group is accepting two new members writing a novel, memoir or articles. Members critique each others’ work. It meets 9 a.m. to noon every Friday in Rancho Bernardo. Call Peter Berkos at 858-485-7148.

Adopt a doll

Sponsors are needed to provide healing dolls to children at hospitals in San Diego and Jerusalem. The dolls are made by local Aviva Hadassah chapter members and those at Jewish Family Service at Temple Adat Shalom.

Cost: $18 to adopt a doll that will be donated to a child. Dolls are inscribed with a donor’s or honoree’s name. Call Rose Greenberg at 858-487-5882 or go to www.adoptadoll.net to adopt a doll or volunteer with the project.

Hospital seeks volunteers

Pomerado Hospital, 15615 Pomerado Road in Poway, is seeking volunteers to help in the emergency room, work in the gift shop, drive the parking lot shuttle, transport patients in wheel chairs, attend to families of patients in surgery and do other interesting jobs. Call 858-613-4659.

Book bargains

Friends of the Rancho Bernardo Library has book specials from 1-7 p.m. each Wednesday in its Book Shop on the library’s first floor, 17110 Bernardo Center Drive. All books are half the marked price. Call 858-613-3926.

Got news?

News brief submissions need to be received by noon Friday. Items run on a space-available basis. Submit by email at rbnews@pomeradonews.com or to Rancho Bernardo News Journal, 14023 Midland Road, Poway, CA 92064.

Provide comfort

Volunteers are needed to knit, crochet or sew afghans or quilts that will be given to local foster children. Call Chris Bodle at 760-480-3412.

Green thumb?

Volunteers are needed to tend a garden near Pomerado Hospital in Poway, growing produce for local families in need. No gardening experience is needed. Shifts are one hour a week on the day of your choice. Contact Jane Radatz at 858-485-5449 or jradatz@att.net.

Help RB’s seniors

Rancho Bernardo Senior Services needs volunteers. Front office volunteers are needed 3.5 hours a day to answer phones, schedule appointments, greet visitors and provide community information. Drivers are needed to deliver hot meals to home-bound individuals who live in Rancho Bernardo.

The office is at 16769 Bernardo Center Drive, Suite K-14. Call Beth Wilson at 858-487-2640.

Be fire-prepared

San Diego County has a website with free information on how property owners can prepare for emergencies, especially wildfire, at www.ReadySanDiego.org.