Recently, Reader’s Digest awarded Mayor Joe Gomez and City of Barstow a $1,000 check as part of their “We Hear You Campaign!”  This program is intended to capture the very best that American cities and towns have to offer.

Given the overwhelming response that has been received, Reader’s Digest recently announced that they are conducting a second phase to the contest.  Each participating city will be given a website link through which the community can “cheer” for their town.  The contest, which runs through May 16, 2011, will grant 10 winning cities prizes that range from $10,000 to $40,000!

Barstow is in position to win this additional funding, but we do need your help!  Participating is easy just follow these simple steps to get started now!

1. Log on to http://www.rd.com/wehearyouamerica.

2. When you get to the website, you will see a headline on the right side of the page which reads Cheer Now For Your Town!

3. Enter “Barstow, CA” in the dialogue box and click on the “Cheer!” button.

4. Once you complete that simple task, you will be taken to a new page where Reader’s Digest will ask you for some basic data.  Enter the requested information and then click on the “Cheer!” button.  This will take you to the Barstow webpage.

5. Once you are at the Barstow site, click on the “Cheer” button located on the left side of the page.  Each time you click that button, you will be cheering for our community. 

6. You are allowed to “Cheer” for Barstow 10 times each day, so bookmark the site and make sure you visit every day until the contest ends on May 16, 2011.

7. Each time you cheer for Barstow, you will be able to track where our City is ranked… so be sure to encourage all of your family and friends to participate in this great opportunity to support our amazing town!