Local Volunteers Recognized For 'Outstanding' Service in RB Hall of Fame

Local residents Valerie Brown, Steve DeMatteo and Tom Lettington have been chosen as the Rancho Bernardo Hall of Fame outstanding volunteer leaders this year, it was announced last week.

The individuals are chosen by the community at large and narrowed down by a selection committee, made up of Hall of Fame members and leaders of other community organizations.   

Valerie Brown 

Brown has been the Director of RB United since 2007. While she was paid for this position for three years, she has continued in the position, as a volunteer since 2010. RB United was initially established to assist the 2007 fire survivors. 

Presently, RB United enables individuals and groups to work together, to collaborate on projects that benefit the North County Inland community. RB United is committed to building a community that communicates well, shares resources in an intelligent manner, and works together for the benefit of all. It works through collaborative partnership to improve communication, coordination, collaboration, and cooperation.

Brown was also recognized for her leadership as the Marketing & Fundraising Chair of the Spirit of the Fourth for 3.5 years as well as Director of RB Neighborhood Watch for over two years.  

Steve DeMatteo

DeMatteo was president of the Spirit of the Fourth organization for three years; Evening Director of the Spirit of the Fourth for one year; Chair of the RB Community Council's Maintenance Assessment District Committee (MAD) for one year; and Activities Chair of the Kiwanis Club of Rancho Bernardo for four years.  

Tom Lettington

Lettington was president of the RB Veterans Memorial Association for five years. His duties included being in charge of the three major events associated with the group each year: Memorial Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day.

As such, he would personally obtain all the keynote speakers, all the publicity, all the entertainment, the color guards, the military bands, the sound system, etc.

Criteria for nominees includes six or more years of outstanding service including three years in a leadership role, resulting in significant contributions to Rancho Bernardo.