SAN DIEGO, Nov. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Heroes of the recent wildfires will
be recognized and thanked by Rancho Bernardo area residents and merchants
at a free concert and picnic featuring the San Diego Symphony on Saturday,
November 17, 2007, at the Rancho Bernardo Community Park located at 18448
West Bernardo Drive (Thomas Bros. Page 1150, A-6).
    Free parking shuttles will run from the Hewlett-Packard parking lot
located at 16550 West Bernardo Drive (Thomas Bros. Page 1169, J-3). Parking
at the park and in neighborhoods adjacent to the park is prohibited.
    "Symphony on the Green: A Tribute to Heroes" is presented by the Rancho
Bernardo Town Center Merchants Association; Lorraine Weikel, owner of the
Rancho Bernardo Town Center shopping center; and Boardwalk Development, a
Rancho Bernardo property management and development firm.
    Area residents are invited to bring picnic lunches, drinks, blankets
and family members to spend the afternoon at this free concert featuring
the San Diego Symphony conducted by Jahja Ling.
    Early arrival is strongly advised.
    Additional entertainment is being provided by The San Marcos High
School Jazz Ensemble and The San Diego Children's Choir.
    Channel 8 KFMB News reporter Larry Himmel, whose home was lost in the
fires, will emcee the community event.
    The day's program runs from 12PM-3:30 PM.

    10:00 AM:     Gates Open, Shuttle Service Begins

    12-12:30 PM:   San Marcos High School Jazz Ensemble

    12:45-1 PM:  San Diego Children's Choir (60-70 3rd, 4th & 5th graders)

    1:15-2 PM:     Program recognizes the community heroes, volunteers and
                  residents who saved, inspired, helped and protected Rancho
                  Bernardo

    2:00-3:00PM:  SD Symphony performs a one-hour concert
    Attendees are requested to drive directly to the Hewlett-Packard
parking lots at 16550 West Bernardo Drive for free event parking and free
shuttles. Parking at the park and in neighborhoods adjacent to the park is
prohibited.
    Ron Bamberger of Boardwalk Development explains why his company, along
with RB merchants, decided to create and sponsor this event. "Rancho
Bernardans are especially grateful to the hundreds of fire fighters,
police, utility crews, elected officials, city, county and federal
employees who helped save lives and protect our community from even more
widespread damage. We have so many people to thank and recognize. 'Symphony
on the Green: A Tribute to Heroes' was an idea we had to recognize those
heroes, but to also help our neighbors refocus on rebuilding their lives
and homes. With Thanksgiving just two weeks away, we're just thrilled to
help our neighbors to celebrate the holiday spirit as they band together to
remember and rebuild," Ron said.
    San Diego City Council member Brian Maienschein represents Rancho
Bernardo, and offered his thoughts on the event. "This event will serve as
an important tribute to the men and women who worked so hard to ensure the
safety of our community," said Council member Brian Maienschein. "It will
also be a positive opportunity for friends and neighbors to reconnect and
look ahead to the rebuilding of Rancho Bernardo."
    Edward B. "Ward" Gill, executive director of the Symphony, states, "The
San Diego Symphony is honored and privileged to perform on November 17, at
the Rancho Bernardo Community Park. It is our way of acknowledging a job
well done for all those who battled the firestorm of 2007, and we want to
help lift the spirits of the community through the healing power of music."
    Firms and sponsors donating their services thus far include:
    Rancho Bernardo Town Center Merchants Assoc.
    Lorraine Weikel, Rancho Bernardo Town Center
    Boardwalk Development
    AdGraphics Printing
    Patera Design
    San Diego Symphony
    KFMB Channel 8
    Diamond Parking Services
    Mitch Berner's Public Solutions
    Starbucks
    Pomerado News
    San Diego Childrens Choir
    San Marcos High Jazz Ensemble
    Jay Paul Development Company
    Allied Grading & Paving
    Diamond Environmental

    Elected officials confirmed to attend are:
    San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders
    San Diego City Council member Brian Maienschein

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