PV on the Net, by Ted Vegvari

          Since 1994 Ted has been the powerhouse behind the non-profit PV on the Net, whose mission is education and training through community service.  He wanted to do something with computer training and technology to benefit Peninsula residents, their self-governance, local non-profit organizations, services and emergency preparedness.  (He was brought into PV Sunset Rotary by our late Past President John McTaggart, who helped to set up the pilot program 17 years ago.)

          The program caught the attention of Microsoft founder Bill Gates who, always on the lookout for unique programs, gave PV on the Net unlimited license of his software to PV schools and for home use, and who donated $2.5 million in software.  In addition, the City of Rancho Palos Verdes donated the use of a bungalow at the City Hall complex, and then a second one, for the PV on the Net annex.  Ted, a hobbyist carpenter, built all the shelves and tables in his garage and then assembled them in the classrooms which seat 16-18 students.

          Another former PV Sunsetter, Jean Etter, who retired from career counseling at Peninsula High School and has now moved to the San Diego area to be closer to her daughter, has referred hundreds of high school students for low- or no-cost training at the PV on the Net facility.  It is an instructor-led system that offers subjects not usually available to all ages, such as animation, media and architectural drawing.  Moreover, the organization has been a business incubator by partnering with media companies, teaching how to create business plans and finding mentors in the media industry.  With solid instruction and hands-on experience to put on their resumes, many students are consistently first to be hired for openings in these professions.

          Over 30,000 adults have availed themselves of this training over the years, in addition to every age from 4-year–old to graduate students and older.  Classes are free to seniors.  PV Net also has loaner computers for emergencies.

          The organization has achieved many firsts, such as offering the first animation program on the Peninsula (1997), first and only Geographic Information System (GIS) with information about homes sold, building, pavement and curbs, & surroundings; police and fire emergency preparedness, first television channel, computer center, computer animation class.  In providing services to many organizations in our four local municipalities, some are valuable in subtle but critical ways.  For example, it assisted the PV Horsemen’s Association in creating an up-to-date map of all horse trails on the Hill.  Consider that in case of an emergency if paved roads are obstructed, peace and emergency personnel will need access to reach citizens in need.  (For our information, we are in Area G in disaster preparedness.)

PV on the Net (http://www.pvonthenet.com/) is located at 30940 Hawthorne Blvd, Rancho Palos Verdes; (310) 541-7992.