RB Council Recap: Fire Prep, Welcome Sign and Graffiti

The Rancho Bernardo Community Council met Thursday.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Graffiti: A tagging crew known as S.K.A.—Still Kicking Ass—is suspected in a series of graffiti incidents around the community, including two hits at Rancho Bernardo and Mount Carmel high schools in recent days. Officer Jose Oliveras, in a joint presentation with Officer Susan Steffen, talked about what residents can do. The officers recommend residents call the department to report graffiti so officers can document the damage. This can be a complicated process, Oliveras said, because officers need to measure the graffiti and evaluate the costs and environmental effects of cleanup.
• Fire Chief Javier Mainar: "I was saddened by how many homes inside these communities had been damaged," Mainar said of the 2007 wildfires. The department has made changes since then as a result of recognizing some of their mistakes, in particular realizing the need for better patrol in the interior portions of communities, he said. While firefighters in the past have concentrated along the canyon rims, embers can travel more than one mile and have ignited homes in the middle of communities, he said. During past fires, officials would check on homes and think the fires were out, only to discover they had rekindled later. It's important for residents to keep at least 100 feet of defensible space around their homes, and to be aware of exterior decorations and landscaping that can be hazardous, Mainar said. This can be difficult if your neighbors won't remove their decorations, which can be dangerous for your home, he said.
• Welcome sign: In a 14-1 vote, the council approved the welcome sign concept recommended by its Maintenance and Assessment District subcommittee. The design, with an arch highlighting the traditional RB logo, was created by professionals who volunteered their services. In voting against the sign, Councilmember Dick Katz objected to the design not having a red roof and its resemblance to cemetery designs. "Maybe it should say the Cemetery at Rancho Bernardo," Katz said. What happens now is unclear, as the RB Planning Board, which must agree with the council on a design, has already approved a different design and said it would not consider any further designs.
• Public safety: The council's Public Safety Committee has been coordinating senior scam presentations around the community, including one . Another is schedule for 1 p.m. Aug. 31 at the Seven Oaks Community Center.
• Meeting change: Starting in January, the council will meet on the fourth Thursday in the multipurpose room at Remington II, 16925 Hierba Dr.

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