Bennett Valley Voice

BENNETT VALLEY VOICE Vol. 12, No. 2 Bennett Valley Homeowners Association July 1989

Bha Board Of Directors

Bill Wright Wells Wagner Nancy Batson Terry Babineaux Michael Bates Tamara Boultbee Marilyn Franc Bill Jacobs Dave Steiner President Vice President Secretary Treasurer of approximately $860M for improving Highways 101, 12 and 116 as well as local roads in and around Santa Rosa. Our major concern is a possible alternative that would make Bennett Vly. Rd. a 4-lane from Santa Rosa to Glen Ellen which, in our view, would adversely affect the rural environment we all enjoy, not withstanding the environmental impact on this beautiful, scenic corridor. There have been no serious proposals before the transportation committee as such; however, a group in Oakmont, together with certain private citizens have proposed such a solution as part of the county-wide transportation system improvements. We have to remain alert to any such proposal and if such a proposal develops, it will take the concerted effort by the BHA as well as all residents of Bennett Valley to devote their time and energy in defeating such a proposal.

We will keep you informed of any such developments.

Memo From The Board

Since our last newsletter in February, your BHA Board of Directors has been very active in many key areas; namely, road safety, proposed subdivisions/re-zoning, unauthorized structures, proposed annexations and county-wide transportation planning. General—The county-wide General Plan update has been completed and released. It has in effect replaced the old Bennett Valley specific plan however, through the efforts of your board, led by Dave Steiner, all inconsistencies and important features of the Bennett Valley Specific Plan were incorporated in the General Plan. All of our future efforts will utilize as a basis the new General Plan update for all matters brought to our attention.

Road Safety—I am pleased to report that the county Public Works We have many challenges ahead as our valley continues to grow. We Department has now incorporated double yellow lines with reflecmeet every 3rd Wednesday of every month at 7:30 at the Bennett tors, as well as speed limit signs on lower Sonoma Mt. Road. In Valley Fire Station. We invite all of you to attend our meetings and addition, double yellow lines and 35 mph speed limit signs have been to participate in our deliberations and challenges ahead. Don't added on the eastern portion of Bennett Valley Road to Warm hesitate to call any board member. We appreciate your input.

Springs Road. We have followed up with a request to the Public Works Department, that the left hand turn lane at Grange and Bennett Valley Road, as well as the improvement in the shoulders in the Pisenti Curve Area be accomplished this construction season. These improvements were promised by our First District Supervisor, Janet Nicholas, in her letter to the BHA in August 1988.

Sonoma County Transportation

Committee Status

Proposed Subdivisions/Re-Zoning—We have had increased referrals from the County Planning Department on large plots of acreage to be re-zoned to large lot residential (40 acres) all of which have been approved since they meet the county requirements according to the new general plan. In other cases, lot line adjustments and changes in access roads have been requested which we have coordinated with Design Review in preparing our response.

The recommended expenditure plan prepared by the Technical Advisory Committee of the County Transportation Committee, based on a one percent sales tax increase over a 20 year period, is as follows: Expenditure Plan % Unauthorized Structures-Even though we have been successful in Northwestern R.R. (right-away) bringing to the attention of county authorities unauthorized struc- U.S. 101 tures and mobile homes, progress has been slow. We are renewing Highway 12 our efforts, along with the Bennett Valley Design Review CommitHighway 116 tee to bring these violations to the attention of the appropriate Highway 1 agencies. In another instance, a 2-storey structure was to be dis- Bikeways assembled in the spring of this year yet no progress has been made.

Transit In another case, a temporary financial problem has resulted in a Local Allocations deferral of construction of a home thereby replacing an unauthorized Administrative Services structure. We are working with concerned neighbors and county agencies to rectify this situation with a definite time limit to correct it.

51.5 22.5 3.5 0.5 3 11 Total Amount $40.3 414 181 28.3 4.7 17 24.2 87.7 8 $860M (The wine industry and environmental groups alternatively recommended increased allocation for transit projects and local allocations County-Wide Transportation Plan-Various board members have and a reduced expenditure for Highway 101.) attended the weekly Sonoma County Transportation Committee meetings chaired by J. Harberson. Our basic objective is to be cognizant of all the alternatives associated with the proposed expenditure (Continued on Next Page)

The $181M proposal for Highway 12 would cover the following: 1. Highway 12 to highway 101 Connector

Bennett Valley Design Review

Construct a 4-lane freeway from Highway 12 and Farmers Lane to Melita Road. Included are diamond I/Cs at Farmers The Bennett Valley Design Review Committee would like to remind Lane and Summerfield Road, and O/C at Yulupa Avenue and homeowners that any construction project under consideration which a diamond I/C (except for loop eastbound ramp) at Melita requires a Sonoma County building permit is subject to review by the Road.

Committee. This also includes Agricultural Exempt classified struc2. Expand existing 2-lane roadway on the north side to provide tures. The only buildings not requiring building permits are those 4-lane divided highway. smaller than 10' x 12', including roof overhangs. A. 0.3 miles east of Highway 116 to Llano Road B. Llano Road to west of Fulton Road 3. Construct new interchanges at: A. Fulton Road I/C Diamond I/C with depressed freeway.

B. Stony Point Road I/C C. Diamond I/C with depressed freeway. Since our interest is in preserving the scenic beauty of our area, we would like to invite to our committee meetings any individual who would like to discuss his project while in the planning stages. We will be glad to review preliminary plans and advise where we might notice a conflict between a proposed project and our "Guidelines for Development in Bennett Valley." D. Farmers Lane I/C Diamond I/C at Farmers Lane.

4. Improve Highway 12 from Melita Road to Fifth Street West in Sonoma A. Melita Road to Pythian Road. Widen to 4-lane divided facility. B. Pythian Road to Agua Caliente Road. While we cannot offer design services and do not wish to choose style or color for any project, we believe that our preliminary input regarding siting, color and other concerns could be of assistance in moving a project through the County permit process with minimum effort. The Committee meets each 2nd and 4th Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., at the Bennett Valley Fire Station.

Widen to 40 feet (two lanes) with left turn lanes at major intersections. C. Agua Caliente Road to West Thompson Avenue. Widen to 3 lanes.

Chet Adamick

President Bennett Valley Design Review D. West Thompson Avenue to Fifth Street West. Widen to 5 lanes. It should be kept in mind that the above is a proposal not a firm decision. But it does illustrate the present thinking and approach. MEMBERSHIP The increase in membership dues from $5.00 to $7.00 did not seem to cause much concern among Bennett Valley dwellers. Many of you contributed more than the amount for dues, and to those of you who made out checks of up to $25, thank you, and be assured your contribution will be put to good use. Many of you included letters of appreciation to the BHA Board of Directors for their efforts; these were especially well received.

Total revenue collected from dues was $1,387.00. This represented dues and contributions from approximately 151 renewals and 43 new members, for a total membership of 194, to date. Membership dues are still coming in—a final tally will be reported in future editions of The Voice.

There are approximately 800 families living in the Valley who are eligible for membership in the BHA. If your Board is to continue to maintain influence at the county level concerning the Valley and how it is affected by issues such as the results of the Transportation Committee Study, we should have BETTER REPRESENTATION.

As you know, in politics, numbers (votes) count. So, if you have not renewed, or joined, please do so soon. Also, encourage your friends and neighbors to join—we are all working for the same cause-THE

Preservation Of The Rural Nature And Natural

Beauty Of The Valley.

Bennett Valley Community Day

Important News!

On Sunday, August 20, The Bennett Valley Volunteer Firemen's Association will be hosting Bennett Valley Community Day, a celebration in the country with numerous Bennett Valley groups. We're planning a fun-filled day including live music, entertainment, wine tasting, a live auction, a children's petting zoo, local crafts displays, a raffle and a wonderful bar-b-que of salmon, chicken, pasta and other delights. Our event will be held at Matanzas Creek Winery and will begin at 12:00 continuing until 5. If you would like to put a display or booth up for your group or your crafts, or wish to volunteer, contact Bennett Valley Community Day chairman Gary Galeazzi at 544-0826. Mark your calendar, this is one event you won't want to miss!

To all of those of you who were able to attend our Firemen's breakfast, THANK YOU! It was our most successful breakfast yet thanks to the community turnout. WE APPRECIATE IT! It was great to see old and new friends alike getting together.

Greg Mccollum

President Bennett Valley Volunteer Firemen's Association

Bennett Valley Fire District

While the late rains and relatively mild temperatures have helped

Terry Babineaux

prolong the dreaded wildland fire season, the grass is taller and thicker than we have seen in a while. Unfortunately, it is only a matter of time before the grass does dry out and the potential for wildland

The Bennett Valley Voice

fires will be high. California State Public Resources Code #4291, requires grass be cleared a minimum of 30 feet around all structures, and 50 feet or more in high hazard areas. In addition to the above There had been some difficulty with the delivery of our first newsrequirements, we recommend that grass be cleared back from private letter at the beginning of this year and you may not have received it.

roadways and driveways as catalytic converters on cars are a major As a result, we are sending this second issue to old and new members cause of wildfire every year. Bennett Valley Fire Fighters have been alike from last year along with the membership form. If you did not conducting weed abatement inspections, however, with 25 square receive the last issue, please check the appropriate box and we will miles to cover, the season could be over before we get to you. Note: mail you one. Thank You.

a reminder that ALL FIREWORKS ARE ILLEGAL in the unincorporated areas of Sonoma County. Please help us help you by

Marilyn Franc

complying with the above requirements and recommendations. If (Continued on Next Page)

any concerns or question regarding the above, or fire safety in absence to return to the classroom. Mrs. Leaf comes to Bennett general please feel free to call the Bennett Valley Fire Station, Valley from Rincon Valley School District where she has been business hours and phone, Monday Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., #578- employed for the past 2 years.

7761.

Greg L. Martin

Fire Chief Mr. Mahoney and Mrs. Leaf were welcomed to the district with a reception, open to staff and community, held on June 13, 1989 at Yulupa School. School Enrollment

Bennett Valley

Union School District

If any families are new to the Bennett Valley School District or have children who have not been previously enrolled in the district, and wish to enroll a child in the schools for the fall term, please enroll your child as soon as possible. This facilitates the planning that must Retiring Teachers Honored take place well before school starts and makes for a much smoother The Bennett Valley Union School District employees and Board of transition when school begins. The school district would certainly Trusteesrecently honored three retiring teachers-Mrs. ErmaJohnson appreciate it. For information, contact the district office at 542-2201, (24 years), Mrs. Pat Spencer (21 years), and Mrs. Betty Witchey (24 Monday-Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

years. A reception held in their honor on June 10, 1989, was planned and hosted by members of the various school staffs. The large

Tamara Boultbee

turnout of teachers, aides, support staff, board members, friends and family enjoyed a wide array of hors d'oeuvres and beverages at the party. The retirees were honored for their many years of dedicated service with a bouquet of roses—one for each year in the district. In addition, they each were given a gift certificate, a crystal heart

Fable Annexation

Proposal Update

necklace, a plaque and a Board resolution recognizing their outstanding individual contributions to the students of the district. The city of Santa Rosa is going to be the lead agency in preparing an Environmental Impact Report on the proposed Fable annexation. The occasion was a happy/sad one. Happy because Erma, Pat and (We reported on the proposed annexation in the last newsletter.) Betty are looking forward to finally doing all the projects they've put Requests for information to be included in the report were sent out on hold for so many years, and yet sad because, as fine teacher and with the deadline for receipt of such information being June 14, delightful individuals, they will be sorely missed.

1989. The BVHA has responded asking that information in the following areas be included: School Staff Additions The Bennett Valley Union School District recently hired two new principals for the 1989-90 school year....Scott Mahoney and Devon Leaf. Trafficways (transit service and trafficways system); Scenic corridor (development, reconstruction, improvements, fragile roadway; Environmental safety and seismic concerns; Public Services (city's ability to provide) and Development pattern; Uniqueness of eastern Scott Mahoney has been hired to be principal at Bennett Valley entrance to city/open space around city; Housing (urban and rural School, succeeding Sanford Brousseau, who leaves the principalblend).

ship in order to pursue other interests. Mr. Mahoney comes to the district from the Konocti School District where he has been employed for the past 9 years. These areas were in addition to the areas listed by the city-geology/ soils, hydrology, visual, archaeological/historic, vegetation.

Devon Leaf has been hired as principal for Strawberry School so that the current principal, Kitten Keith, could take a year's leave of

Tamara Boultbee

Please cut along dotted line and return with your check. Thank You

Membership Dues

The Bennett Valley Homeowners Association

1989

Renewal O $7.00

New Membership

O I Did Not Receive First Issue of 1989 VOICE. Please Send. OCCUPATION • $7.00 (Please Print) NAME ADDRESS Please make checks payable to : Bennett Valley Homeowners Association and send to: Bennett Valley Homeowners Association P.O. Bry 2666 Santa Rosa, CA 95405

9997 04 0 d GI H

Bennett Valley Homeowners Association Membership List 1989

Chet Adamick Tom & Becky Alexander James & Janet Alfieri L.D. Anderson Peter & Jane Axtell John & Barbara Azevedo Terry L. Babineaux Renato & Beatrice Baculo F.W. & Maggie Bartlett Michael & Helen Bates Dick & Nancy Batson Ann Beccia Fred & Carol Berger Barbara Blair Norman & Eve Boling Nathan Botwinik Gordon & Tamara Boultbee Lori Bowden Gardner & Debbi Britt Robert & Lois Brown Bob & Kaye Burlingame Rick Calou Patrick & Faith Campbell Bob & Pat Carroll Jerry & Jackie Chamberlain Mel & Nancy Clarke Myron & Sue Close Maria Cobo Don & Betty Colli Vic & Peg Colli Mr. & Mrs. J.R. Collier William & Joan Costello Craig & Dorla Cousins James H. Cox Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Cuneo Rodney D' Acquisto Don & Kerry Davison Lorraine Day Bill & June Dayton Les & Donna de la Briandais Jim Devereux Richard S. Dinner Norman & Charlotte Dolan Suzanne Dougherty Schota & Patricia Dumbadse Grace E. Dumm James David Edwards Melvin & Helen Ehlers Linda M. Espinosa Marilyn K. Evans Dr. Yvette M. Fallandy Daniel & Carole Felciano Stephen & Julia Fenner Joseph Ficurelli Robert & Doris Forsblad Keith & Marilyn Franc Kenneth R. Funsten Jim & Barbara Gaddis Gary & Carole Galeazzi K & H Gast Randy & Denise Gault Abe & Dorothy Gerstein Oreste & Josee Ghilarducci Edward & Evelyn Gibson Tom & Phyllis Gilseth Richard Mark Glover Blaine & Sidne Goodwin Bill & June Greer Ralph & Verley Gregerson Henry & Joyce Gronroos Roy Gustavson Bruce & Linda Hagen Mrs. James Haggin Michael Hagstrom Charles & Suzanne Hall John & Pamela Harman Charles & Lynn Harris Robert & Joan Haz Fred & Diane Hazlett Mark Heerema Bryant & Diane Hichwa Ann Gray Hodder Louis & Margaret Holloway Dave & Robin Hopkins Mr. M.R. Hyatt, Jr., Weldon & Gladys Jackson Bill & Ruth Jacobs Eric & Peggy Jacobson Norman & Norma Jacobson Grace Jaeger David & Marlene Jeffery Ed & Sally Jensen Ron & Marcia Johns Bob & Carol Johnson Mrs. Patricia C. Jordan Richard & Sandra Karas Ann Kennedy Mr. & Mrs. Ian W. Kennedy Penny King Peter Kondilas Mrs. Frank Krutak Steven & Monika Lang Frank & Marjorie Lange Byron LeGay Lauretta Leggerini James & Valerie Leih Harold & Alice Levenson Lee & Cindy Liddell Raymond & Peggy Longman William & Dorothea Loving William & Sandra MacIver Maya Margaronis Ross & Judy Martin Yvonne Martin Manuel & Cherie Martinez James & Michele Martino Kenneth & Barbara Mayberry Gregory & Linda McCollum Martin & Olga McDonough John & Virginia McGarry Scott & Jennifer McIntosh Royal & Betty McShea Henry W. Meyer Ray & Carol Michelis Harold & Nancy Mickens Walt & Elizabeth Mills Dona Moberly Paul & Margaret Mowbray Bill & Nancy Murray Mrs. George Nicholas Doug & Pat Noren Richard & Marie Nottingham Henry & Peggee Novak Robert & Penny Nydew Don & Donna Parker Raymond & Vera Petersen David & Dale Phillips George Phillips Michael Pinkerton Walter L. Price Charles & A. Catherine Quibell Geary & Leslie Rea Jerry & Judy Reasoner Michael S. Repko Steve & Phyllis Ribeau Dr. Lois Roberts Tom & Mary Roberts Doug & Mary Agnes Robertson Frank & Carole Robison Amy Rodney Richard & Loria Rolander Doug & Dee Rorick Jonathan & Linda Rutledge Jim Saitone Deborah Salomon David & Sandra Sandine Vincent & Rene Savio Jacques & Sande Schlumberger Nicholas Schroder Peter & Kate Sequeira J. Anna Settle Mr. & Mrs. David Shippey Ron & Jo Shultz Dick & Mary Sibbet Barry Silberg Roy & Marguerite Simmons Ronald & Judith Simpson Stanley & Karen Sommer Bob & Sharon Sorani Bill & Kathy Stambaugh W.A. & Elinor Stanfield Joseph & Nola Stans Edward S. Steensland David A. Steiner Philip Fay Stevenson Jack Taylor Dorinda Thompson Robert D. Thompson David & Winnie Tierney Dwight & Clarice Tipton A & J Torre Gerald Toso Peter & Noni U-Brown Loui & Shalimar Vavra Views Land Company Clarence & Anne Voightlander Gwenne Volpert Mike & Donna Wade Wells & Mary Wagner Roberta Walker L. & J.E. Wallcave Peter & Sarah Warmerdam Clare E. White Larry & Rosemarie White John & Adeline Winset Adam & Connie Wolf Don & Joan Wolf Sheila J. Woolley Bill & Sharon Wright Greg & Carol Young Dave & Sue Zedrick