ESCONDIDO —— In more ways than one, Sandy and Ray Russell know their way around the California Center for the Arts, Escondido.

Ray began giving tours of the center before it opened in October 1994. Donning a hard hat, he would escort community members and dignitaries through the site, pointing out where the various facilities would be once construction concluded.

The Russells quickly found other ways to get involved. Both helped in the off-site ticket office on Grand Avenue before opening day. They gave tours once the doors to the center opened and have worked as ushers from the very beginning.

They are now designated as "red jackets," volunteer ushers with special expertise about the center. They answer the tough questions and take care of the special requests posed by center patrons.

The Russells have also helped in the center museum, are on the holiday decorating committee, have worked in the education department and assisted in marketing efforts, delivering brochures to local businesses. They're also pretty high up on the list to call for last-minute fill-ins.

"They call quite often because they know they can get two," said Ray.

"Two for the price of one," added Sandy, "and they know we won't turn them down."

The Russells are among about 300 volunteers serving in a variety of capacities at the arts center, which incorporates performing and visual arts venues, a conference center and education program. They are among a group of about 40 volunteers who have assisted at the center for more than 10 years.

The couple were honored as the center's volunteers of the year in 2001 and received the Virginia DeVore Five-Year Outstanding Service Award in 2003. The next year they received a volunteer award from the city of Escondido.

"They have just done it all," said Tina Ostrem, director of individual giving and special events. "They have all the history because they are both tour guides. They know all the trivia. They know the center like the back of their hands from a physical and historical standpoint."

Ostrem was on the other end of the phone when Ray called to inquire about volunteering after retiring from NCR Corp. after 35 years. He had seen a note in the newspaper seeking volunteers. Needing something to do, he called Ostrem and "she said to come down."

Sandy followed shortly afterward as she wrapped up her career working in the lab at Palomar Medical Center.

They have greatly enjoyed their connection with the center, particularly the friendships with other volunteers and staff members, and the interesting things they have learned from talking to patrons of the shows or tours.

Their most memorable moment was a tour they gave a couple of years back to officials from the Salt Lake City area. In the midst of the tour, one of the men received a call on his cellular phone notifying him that kidnapped teenager Elizabeth Smart had been found.

"They turned to us and said, 'This isn't for general consumption. Don't call the newspapers.' That's the most exciting tour we've ever given," said Sandy.

Working with the center put them in position to be tapped when Chandra Keir, a one-time center employee, sought volunteers to help with First Night Escondido, the city's alcohol-free New Year's Eve celebration.

Keir signed both Russells up for the performing arts committee, which Sandy has headed for the past three years. She spends much of the year with committee members listening to performer tapes and CDs, choosing acts and working out contracts and logistics for the event's main stages.

Ray takes responsibility for the "street surprises" —— the clowns, jugglers, strolling musicians and the like who provide diversion throughout the First Night area.

They have a hard time saying 'No,' when it comes to the arts center and related activities, the Russells admit.

"Some people there say, 'We should get you beds, you two are here so much,' " said Ray.

Contact staff writer Jeff Frank at (760) 740-5419 or jfrank@nctimes.com.

To volunteer with the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, call (760) 839-4138. To apply as an usher, call Alan Corbin at (760) 839-4165.