Rancho Bernardo’s Safety Fair returns with chili cook-off

Will San Diego Police Department’s Northeastern Division be able to once again defend their “best chili” title for a third consecutive year, or will the firefighters at Station No. 33 take back the title?

That is the question locals can decide when Rancho Bernardo’s 15th annual Safety Fair returns on Sept. 13.

The firefighters claimed an early victory when the Rancho Bernardo Community Council began the contest in 2022. However, the police responded with the more popular recipes in 2023 and 2024.

Safety fair attendees will decide the 2025 titleholder when they pay $5 to taste both department’s offerings and cast their ballots.

The admission-free fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13 at a new venue — LifeBridge Church’s parking lot, 17645 W. Bernardo Drive in Rancho Bernardo.

More than 30 safety-related booths will be on hand, according to RB Community Council President Robin Kaufman. Organizations participating for the first time include Avian Behavior Conservatory, Raise Lake Hodges and Birds of Prey.

Another new participant will be the Urban Corps of San Diego County, which will accept electronic waste for free. In addition, San Diego Gas & Electric will have a couple of its drones on display, Kaufman said.

There will also be opportunity drawings.

Other free offerings include exploring responder vehicles, CPR training (not certification), face painting, demonstrations and craft activities.

Members of SDPD’s Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol will provide a free fingerprinting service for minors. Kaufman also said attendees will be able to meet firefighters and police officers, including Northeastern Division’s new captain, Judson Campbell.

For questions, send an email to Admin@RBCommunityCouncil.com.