I have lived in this community for more than 10 years. The best years have been those in which I have been actively involved in the community and serving on the community council. I value the relationships I have formed with so many of you and the time I spend with you working together to solve issues in our community. Most of you know my motto: “you can be part of the problem or you can be part of the solution”. I really appreciate all of you who are “part of the solution.” We have accomplished a great deal, yet much more is needed. We need you. I encourage you to become “part of the solution,” by volunteering your time and talents and getting actively involved with your neighbors to enhance your community. The return on your time investment will be significant. After all, this is your home.

A significant change to our community occurred on May 14, 2007. A large majority of residents voted to officially change our community name to Redwood Village. A nice article was published in the San Diego Union Tribune about the name change, Farewell Darnall, Hello Redwood Village on Thursday, June 7, 2007 (http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/).

The Redwood tree provides a powerful metaphor for our community. Did you know that the secret of the Redwood’s longevity is found in its root structure? Most trees have tap roots that go down into the ground as deep as the tree is tall. Yet, the Redwood’s roots grow out, not down, as much as three times the height of the tree. The Redwood’s roots intertwine with those of the other Redwoods in the grove, and in fact, the trees thrive in the grove. After several hundreds of years, all the roots become so interwoven that the trees cannot fall. For those of you who have seen the Redwoods, you know that they do not stand alone and they are always straight up, never tilting. They are held up by the strength of each other. It has been said that “the “might” of the mighty redwood tree is not in itself but in the grove”. The Redwood Village Community Council encourages all of you to “send out your roots,” meet your neighbors, say hello, wave to each other as you drive past, and get involved in your neighborhood,. We need each other. Be the neighbor you would like to have. Together we can build the positive relationships and build an even better community.

I look forward to hearing from you!