It's Over: A New Welcome Sign is Chosen

The Rancho Bernardo Community Council held its monthly meeting on Thursday.

Here is a look at some of the highlights:

• Welcome/Community Sign: The council unanimously approved a design concept for new welcome sign—which is now being referred to as a "community sign"—ending a multi-year process to select the new look. The previous sign, on Rancho Bernardo Road west of Bernardo Center Drive, was destroyed by a motorist in late 2009. The selected design (see attached image) was crafted by a joint committee of Rancho Bernardo Planning Board and Community Council members, the most recent volunteer committee to tackle the project. The design has been approved by all groups that needed to give the OK—the Planning Board, Community Council and Maintenance and Assessment District Committee—and can now move to the city for implementation. For a history of the process and a look at past designs, visit our Welcome Sign Page.

• Mad About Medians: Several residents spoke out against the recent black resurfacing of medians throughout the community, which they said has made it difficult to see the medians at night. Ed Muna, head of the Maintenance and Assessment District (MAD) Committee, said the resurfacing was needed to maintain the medians and prevent further deterioration. MAD will look into having yellow lines around the medians repainted to make them easier to see.

• Burglary Series: San Diego police Officer Susan Steffen said there have been at least nine burglaries in Rancho Bernardo since the start of the month. They have happened mostly in the north part of the community, some while residents have been at home. The suspect has left when encountering residents in the home. The department has taken special measures (which she did not disclose) to watch out for such crimes, Steffen said.

Other Notes:

-The council will begin meeting at the Rancho Bernardo Library again in July, due to an insurance issue at the Oaks North Community Center. The council moved to the center from the library in January.

-A mayoral candidate forum is set for 7 p.m. Thursday, April 12 at the Ed Brown Senior Center. Only two of the four major candidates—Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher and Rep. Bob Filner—are set to appear. Councilman Carl DeMaio, who represents RB in District 5, and District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis have declined. The forum is being co-hosted with the Rancho Peñasquitos Town Council.