Last month, we asked readers to nominate local people, businesses and organizations that are doing good in their communities to be featured here on Hoodline. This week, we're running a series based entirely on those reader suggestions. Here's one such story. 

You'd be hard pressed to find a Hayes Valley local who volunteers more energetically than Bob Barnwell, who devotes much of his time to what some may call the "less fun" aspects of running a nonprofit organization: member recruiting, fundraising, and outreach. 

Barnwell devotes 45-50 hours a month to several Hayes Valley organizations. He is the membership manager for the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association (HVNA), and each year has managed to grow the association's paid membership. Barnwell also manages HVNA's the Public Safety Committee, organizing monthly meetings to address concerns of local residents. Finally, he volunteers as a fundraiser for Mo' Magic, a Western Addition community group that seeks to address the needs of children in the neighborhood through events, field trips, and education. 

We met up with the man himself to learn about the many ways he contributes to the Hayes Valley neighborhood, and what drives him to do so. 

The person who nominated you called you "Bicycle Bob"—why do you have that nickname?

I got that name years ago when I lived in Torrance, because I rode my bike all over the place. I still ride in San Francisco, but not as much. I used to sometimes do a hundred miles a week, just running errands. I have a medical condition, so I don't have a car. I moved up here for the public transportation.

When did you move to the neighborhood?

I moved here nine years ago, and I've been in the same place overlooking Patricia's Green the whole time. Thank Heavens, rent-controlled apartment. 

How long have you been working as the Public Safety Officer with the HVNA? 

I've been doing it about six or seven years. I had an instance with a homeless guy where he sucker-punched me, causing a broken eye socket. And so I got involved with the police. They tried for a long time to get this guy off the street, and finally they did. So I got involved with the Public Safety Committee at the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association.  

What I've tried to do is have these monthly meetings, first Monday of every month. We tried to get a city department to be there, to discuss their role in public safety. Public safety is not just the police—it's a whole team effort, the City Attorney's office, the District Attorney's office, the Department of Public Health, Department of Public Works, and so on. 

The next meeting we're having is on December 7th, at 7pm at the Korean American Center (745 Buchanan St.). The President of the Police Commission, Suzy Loftus, will be there. She's a Hayes Valley original, she used to live here. 

What do you think some of the biggest public safety concerns are for Hayes Valley residents?

Car break-ins are a big problem right now. Smartphone thefts used to be the number one concern. Northern Station is up 80 percent with car break-ins—it's much more organized, they might have two or three people break in. There's hot spots, like Alamo Square, Japantown. We had a big Public Safety meeting several months ago about it.

Tell us about Taste of Hayes.

Sometimes when we have a really big Public Safety Meeting I get local restaurants to contribute one or two dishes, or hors d'oeuvres, or finger foods. We always highlight the restaurant at the beginning of the meeting, we always have their cards around. One of the big ones was Hayes & Kebab, but they're gone. Papito, Chez Maman, we used to have La Boulange. There are so many restaurants.

What work do you do with Mo' Magic?

I'm one of Mo' Magic's fundraisers. Right now I'm kind of in charge of the holiday food box program. We go to the housing developments in the neighborhood, and the housing director selects 25 families to receive a turkey and some other items. We have a budget of $6,000, and we use that for 250 food bags. 

I also organize National Night Out, and in the past we raised money for the backpack giveaways. Mo' Magic has a yearly fundraiser in May, and I'm in charge of getting the silent auction items. 

Outside of the neighborhood, what else are you involved with?

I'm a member of the Kiwanis Club. I just wrapped up my term as president. It's a service club—we provide service to the community, and we get together for friendship and fellowship. I take BART to Berkeley three times a week, for board meetings, Tuesday lunches and other service projects. I'm the membership chairman. 

What did you do before you became a full-time volunteer?

Well, I was able to retire early, and I'm disabled. I used to work in local political campaigns in Southern California. I worked on Barbara Boxer's campaign. Jane Harman, a prominent representative, she ran for Governor—I worked on her campaign. I worked on Ross Mirkarimi's campaign for D5 Supervisor.

I worked on inside sales, and sold high-tech electronic equipment to defense industries and exporters. The space shuttle had some of my stuff on it. I was the only one in my office who could write a grant, and I wrote one to NASA. It was very difficult to do. 

How much time do you actually spend volunteering?

I log 45-50 hours a month, not counting Kiwanis. That includes membership recruiting for HVNA, Mo' Magic's food bag program, and the public safety committee. You're seeing me at one of my busiest times of year. 

Why do you devote so much of your time to these causes?

Well, I needed to keep busy! I didn't want to just sit around. 

Thanks to Thea S. for nominating Bob.