RANCHO SANTA FE — For the past six years, the California Highway Patrol has sought to increase its level of service and enforcement in Rancho Santa Fe. The Senior Volunteer and Explorers programs have stepped up to the plate to help achieve these goals.

Both programs consist of volunteers who donate time and even provide their own uniforms to help serve as a visual enforcement deterrence, issue warnings and assist in traffic control along with other services. To show support and help fund these programs, on July 17 the Association donated $3,000 to the Senior Volunteer Program and $1,000 to the Explorers program.

The Senior Volunteer Program, or SVP, is headquartered at the Rancho Santa Fe Patrol’s office in the fire station on El Fuego and is actively supervised by the Oceanside California Highway Patrol. The program consists primarily of retired individuals who want to serve their community by periodically directing morning and afternoon school traffic during drop-off and pick-up hours; issuing warnings to parking violators in the village; reporting traffic, circulation and speeding problems to the California Highway Patrol; helping deal with abandoned vehicles; and serving as a contact point and conduit for citizen complaints and concerns.

The SVP is part of the California Highway Patrol’s overall commitment to increase enforcement in the Covenant. In addition to the 20 hours of weekly overtime enforcement contracted by the Association, a full-time sworn California Highway Patrol officer, Sam Shockley, patrols the Covenant and enforces speed limits and other Vehicle Code regulations with the assistance of SVP volunteers. Sometimes motorcycle officers assigned to the I-5 corridor divert enforcement to the Covenant when freeways are clogged and enforcement is unnecessary and unproductive. SVP volunteers help during these times as well. Ed Rodriguez, a resident of the Ranch since 1997, has served as a SVP volunteer for many years. “I really enjoy helping out,” Rodriguez said.

The Explorer Program is an internship program that gives young people considering a career in law enforcement the opportunity to learn through on-the-job training. Usually 15 to 21 years old, these young people gain insight as to what is needed to be a law enforcement officer and are helpful when events, such as the recent Fourth of July parade, take place. “We have more parades than New York City,” Chief Officer Matt Wellhouser said. “I added 25 uniforms to help with the Fourth of July parade. They were very valuable.”

Chris Ramos has been with the Explorer program for the past two years. “This program has provided me an opportunity to explore law enforcement,” he said. “We learn a lot of things in the Explorer program. We participate in the ride-alongs. We help around the office, and learn how to write reports and help with the radio.”

“We appreciate what you do for us,” Board Director Bill Beckman said, speaking on behalf of the Association board. “The least we can do is help you with a little financial support.”

Association President Lois Jones presented checks and certificates of thanks to Ed Rodriguez, representing the SVP, and to Chris Ramos, representing the Explorers program. Both donations are part of the yearly budget. She thanked both groups for their efforts and the services they provided.