Article in the December 6th issue of the RB News Journal regarding the upcoming Christmas tree lighting on December 13th.

RB community tree will be lit Dec. 13
By Elizabeth Marie Himchak December 6, 2006

Rancho Bernardo Business Association founding members Steve Riddle, Marty Judge and Larry McIntyre were on hand while the inaugural Rancho Bernardo Community Christmas tree was being decorated with 16,200 multi-color lights.
Staff photo by Steve Spangler.

To help get residents in the holiday mood, the Rancho Bernardo Business Association is starting a community tradition.

The inaugural Rancho Bernardo community Christmas tree will be lit at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13 outside San Diego National Bank, 16789 Bernardo Center Drive.

While the tree lighting ceremony is free, there is a $5 cost for those attending the 5:30 to 7 p.m. reception inside the bank who do not belong to the business association.

Reception RSVPs will be accepted until Monday, Dec. 11 at 858-451-3406.

The idea to have a community Christmas tree originated with Marty Judge, RBBA secretary, who began proposing the idea five years ago to other community organizations.

Though the idea was not implemented, Judge continued to pursue the idea and earlier this year proposed it to the newly formed RBBA, whose members, Judge said, liked the idea and decided to “make it happen.”

About 16,200 multi-colored lights — installed last week — decorate the 55-foot conifer.

Judge said the display costs $1,700 and that Hawthorne Lift Systems donated the cherry picker used to hang the lights, which would have cost RBBA an additional $1,000.

“It will be quite a dramatic presentation,” Judge said, adding that they are working on obtaining a menorah that would be installed on the building’s balcony, in honor of Hanukkah.

According to Judge, having a community display is important because “we all lead busy lives and (sometimes) forget the spirit of Christmas.”

Following the tree lighting, longtime resident and trumpeter Jack Mitchell will lead attendees in singing carols for about 15 minutes.

The display will remain lit through New Year’s Day.

For information on RBBA, go to http://www.rbbusinessassociation.com.