Bennett Valley Voice

Bennett Valley VOICE

Inside This Issue

Fund-raising for a BV Fire Engine BV Silent Auction BV Wildland Fire Safety Pesticide Spraying Alarm Matanzas Creek Watershed BHA Board Meetings, Dues

Volume 24, Number 2

Thoughts To Share...

Bha Members, 2001

Once again we've had a good response to our annual membership drive...people working together to preserve an area that is one of the most beautiful and unique scenic areas in Sonoma County. So far about 260 households have sent in their annual dues with 49 sending in extra donations and 31 new households joining (See pg. 7). Also on page 7 you will find another membership form to send in if you don't have the membership box on your mailing label checked. The written comments and concerns sent in with the dues are always appreciated. Some of these expressed thoughts, both positive and negative, follow: "Please make every effort to heal the rift in the Valley. " Editor's response - We strongly agree with this concern and are making special efforts toward that end.

"We appreciate the time and effort spent to maintain our valley and preserve the quality and beauty of our land." "Please work to preserve the rural character and stop development." "Thankyou for all your hard work in protecting "our valley". "Enjoy your reports, data, etc. Doing a great jo6." "If you sell or give away these numbers to anybody, I will be very angry. " Editor's Response - Your numbers are kept confidential and safe. They can only be used for BHA's organizational business. "We want to thank all those who give their time to serve on the BHA Board." "Printing the VOICE on dark green paper makes it unnecessarily hard to read." "Please do not use staples. " Editor's Response - From now on we are planning to choose different shades of light pastels, for easier reading, and to use staples only to attach something to the VOICE, such as the dues envelopes. "Thanks again for your commitment. Great job done. Any support we can give-please ask." Bennett Valley Homeowner's Association (BVHA)

March, 2001

Now It'S Your Turn! We'Re

asking for your opinions. As a change in policy, we will now regularly be asking for the opinions of Bennett Valley parcel owners on certain matters which come to the attention of the BHA Board of Directors. In reaching any decisions on these issues, we want to include input from other Bennett Valley residents.

We obviously can't concur with a number of different opinions, but we can take the different opinions into consideration in reaching our final conclusions. We can also mention these other opinions in presenting the Board's final recommendations. We're asking your opinion on the four following items this month. If you have questions about any of these items, please be sure to call one or more of the directors on the BHA Board.

(1) VOICE Mail-outs: Even with all of the volunteer help, the VOICE costs close to $800 to publish and mail to the 900 parcel owners in Bennett Valley and close to $400 to mail to BHA members only. With six issues a year the cost may vary from $3,200 to $4,800. We have always mailed out the first two issues to all of the parcel owners, for membership recruitment. There is also the advantage of keeping everyone informed about issues affecting Bennett Valley, such as the BV Fire District, the Sudden Oak Death disease, Matanzas Creek Watershed, Community events, etc. With 400 BVHA members, we take in $6,000 in dues, plus extra voluntary donations. Do you think we should mail out all six issues to everyone in Bennett Valley or not?

(2)Access to Annadel State Park: There is a 24 acre piece of property on Bennett Valley Road, adjacent to and just east of 4975 Bennett Valley Rd. In 1997 the (Turn to ANNADEL ACCESS, page 2))

(Annadel Access)

Open Space District, through the Board of Supervisors, purchased this property. Now California State Parks is considering acquiring it, as it is next to Annadel State Park. Some people are very interested in having access to Annadel from this south side of Bennett Mountain. The two apparent options for access to this "Open Space" would be through Galvin Park, across private property or directly off of Bennett Valley Rd. The objections to access off of Bennett Valley Rd. are as follows: a) This is an especially dangerous narrow stretch of Bennett Valley Rd., where there is a history of numerous accidents. b) Making Bennett Valley Rd. safe for the additional vehicle traffic and access on & off the road would interfere with the "rural character" of the area. c) At the other entrances to Annadel, a number of cars park along side nearby streets.

When the Board of Supervisors purchased this parcel in 1997 they included the "easement" that it could not be used as a trailhead for Annadel or for public access. Passage through Galvin Park is an uncertainty, because the intervening private property owner has never agreed to this. There are also some additional problems from Galvin Park related to an eroding seasonal stream bed and close access to other homes. Please let us know your opinion about this property becoming a part of Annadel State Park and the issue of public access.

(3 )Street names for driveways? A County ordinance requires that when a new home is built on a driveway with more than one home, the driveway should be given a street name for easier location identification for emergency services. Some Bennett Valley residents with well-marked driveways & homes on Bennett Valley Rd. are actively objecting to this. Kent Reynolds has written a letter to Sonoma Co. PRMD, dated 2/28/01, saying in essence, that there are situations where renaming the driveway "could cause a delay in response by... firefighters." He has asked that each case "be reviewed individually, with input from fire jurisdictions." What is your opinion about this issue?

(4) Veternarian Articles in the VOICE? There have been some objections to these because it is seen as "free advertising." Sometimes they take up space needed for other important information for Bennett Valley parcel owners. Do you find them useful or interesting? Would you like to see them continued when there is space available?

Please let us know what you think, by sending your opinions on one or more of these questions either to P.O. Box 26ó6, Santa Rosa, 95405 or by e-mail to "marilee)@sprintmail.com".

Bennett Valley Tidbits

Spring Clean-Up Day, 4/21/01, 8:00 Am

It's time once again to ask our community to volunteer a morning to help clean up the roads in Bennett Valley. We will be meeting on Saturday, April 21s1, at 8:00 am at the Bennett Valley Fire Station. This year our spring road clean-up will coincide with Earth Day which is April 22nd. If you are planning to help, be sure to wear sturdy shoes and gloves. A hat for sun protection is a good idea too.

Update, Bha Calendar Committee

All 300 of the Bennett Valley 2001 calendars have found homes and proceeds from their sales will be donated by the BVHA to the Volunteer Firefighters' Association. The calendar committee welcomes new participants to help in the process of producing the perfect calendar for our unique scenic area. For next year's calendar we have decided to include (1) photographs of paintings of Bennett Valley scenes and (2) slides, which make for better color reproduction. These are in addition to photographs, which we are requesting be in a horizontal format. If you have ideas or would like to join the committee, please phone Suzanne Dougherty, 542-1608 or Judy Temko, 544-0234.

Sudden Oak Death (Sod); Impact Potential &

Further Information

The latest information from Rob Gross, the consulting arborist, is that this fungus, phytophthora, has now been isolated in the following plants: coast live oak, tan oak, black oak, Shreve oak, manzanita, madrone, rhododendron and huckleberry. The loss of these plant species will impact a number of different types of wildlife, such as native deer. Acorn production directly impacts the population fluctuations of deer. Rob Gross will be presenting the latest on SOD at the Calif. Native Plant Society meeting at the Luther Burbank Art Center, 2050 Yulupa Ave., Tuesday, March 20th, at 7 pm; contact person Abagail Zoger, 577-8865

Sonoma Mountain Art Show

Sunday. 4/1/01, 10 am, at Kathleen and Victor Elsey's barn. From Bennett Valley Rd., take Sonoma Mountain Rd., go exactly 3 miles and turn left through gate. Show is in barn on the right. • Robert Ellison - Sculpture, Furniture Kathleen Elsey - Paintings Victor Elsey - Paintings Frank LaCombe - Metal Sculpture, Sorted rubble Marie Neison - Collage Deena Paulsen - Mixed Media, Sculpture Tamara Sanchez - Watercolor, Pastel Bob Sorani - Stone and Wood Sculpture • Judy Vesper - Photography, Polaroid Transfers For more information, contact Deena Pausen, 586-8720.

Sonoma Co. Outdoor Recreation Plan Citizens

Advisory Committee Meetings:

3/15/01, 7:00 - 9:00 pm, Santa Rosa Vets Bldg. 4/5/01, 7:00 - 9:00 pm, Petaluma Vets Bldg. Page Two

Mystery Donor Helps Pay For Glen

Ellen Fire Engine! Why Do We Need

"Mystery Donors" In Bennett Valley?

There was a recent report in the Press Democrat about a "mystery donor" contributing $69,000 to the Glen Ellen Fire District. "It caps a $220,000 fundraising effort by volunteer firefighters that has Lasted 15 months. " This donation enabled them to order the fire engine they needed. Matt Phillips, both a volunteer firefighter and one of the Directors on the Board for the Bennett Valley Fire District (BVFD), has provided us with the following information about the BV Volunteer Firefighters Association, the BY Fire District, and the need for obtaining a similar fire engine.

The Bennett Valley Fire District has a unique situation. The parcel owners or "customers" have figured out that there is just about no place on Earth like Bennett Valley and therefore, rarely leave. As a result of Proposition 13 many years ago, the existing assessed property values in Bennett Valley are about 20% of the actual value. Why? Unless the land/house is upgraded significantly, or sold outright, it is not re-assessed. So persons who have not remodeled more than 50% of their house and who have lived in Bennett Valley for twenty years are paying property taxes on what their houses were worth in 1981. As one would suspect, the values have gone up by 75% or greater in many cases. Because of this and several other reasons related to less government funding, BVD is a $500,000 district run on $330,000 per year. Regardless, the customers expect and need a particular level of emergency service in Bennett Valley. This is where the Bennett Valley Volunteer Firefighters' Association comes in.

As a result of the above, the Volunteers spend a great deal of time and energy supporting the district in several ways. The most significant way is through the continuing purchase of major life-saving equipment for the district. The first reason for this is that the BVD has the hardest time finding money for the "big stuff". Secondiy, people who donate money and offer their support at events like Community Day can then see the results of their donations first hand. Thirdly, the Volunteer Association is able to give out tax-deductible receipts for these donations.

So, the latest project is the new fire engine, specifically, a Type 1 urban-interface structure engine, which means it is designed to fight both wildland and structure fires. This particular engine will have a four to five man cab and have an extremely tight turning radius coupled with the ability to perform as well off road as on. "Type 1" means it will pump over one thousand gallons of water per minute. It will also carry life-saving equipment for car accidents, medical assist calls, and a whole variety of emergencies, both for the firefighters in the cab as well as the volunteers arriving in their own vehicles. This fire engine, with the big cab to carry more firefighters and life-saving equipment, is now recommended by the National Fire Protection Association and may be required by law in the next couple of years. It also makes it easier to meet the "two-in, twoout" nation-wide standard for fire districts.

This means that during active firefighting, there must be a minimum crew of two firefighters in the structure and two firerighters cutside, at the ready, should the interior crew need to be rescued. That is a four-person minimum for any fire, but the current fire engine cabs only hold three firefighters and firefighters are no longer allowed to ride on the "tail boards" of fire engines.

Another important reason for the larger cab is its importance in widespread emergencies where firefighters have to live out of these cabs for a number of days, such as Matt Phillips did for 17 days at the Fork incident in Lake County in August, 1998. If something like this occurs in this area, such as in Annadel State Park, the firefighters need all the help they can get.

At this time the BVFD is in the process of making the payments for their most recent major purchase, the "wild land interface truck", which will be paid off in 2003. The current Bennett Valley "Type 1" Fire Engine is over ten years old and showing it. It needs to be put in reserve status very soon, so it can still serve as a backup unit for many more years. Should it continue to receive its current heavy use, it will not see 2005 without a major and costly overhaul. Even with an overhaul, it will still only be able to carry three firefighters and far less equipment, thus reducing the BVD's ability to quickly develop a "Rapid Intervention Team." The current plan is for the Bennett Valley Volunteer Firefighters' Association to make payments on the new larger Type I fire engine for the BVFD costing $199,000 or $35,000 a year for a ten year lease-purchase, until the BVFD has paid off the wild land truck. After 2003, the BVFD will then assume the payments for the remainder of the lease-purchase loan for this new larger fire engine. In order for the Bennett Valley Volunteer Firefighters' Assoc. to make this commitment, it must get more support than ever from the Bennett Valley parcel owners and businesses and keep it up for a long time! Obtaining this fire engine can make a crucial difference in being able to effectively save people in Bennett Valley as well as improving the insurance rating in the area, which directly affects the premium of your homeowner insurance policy.

Split-second differences in time can be the Rey to saving or not saving lives, as seen recently in a fire in the Gold Ridge area, on 12/7/00. To quote Kent Reynolds, also the Bennett Valley Fire Chief, about this incident, "It was right on that life or death edge. They (the firefighters) got there right as the windows blew open and the flames came out." Be sure to contribute whatever you can to the Bennett Valley Volunteer Firefighters' Association, to help in the purchase of this new Type 1 Larger fire engine, with direct cash donations (c/o the BV Fire Station), Bennett Valley Community Day, the Silent Auction, or any other way possible.

Page Three

Silent Auction To Be Added To

Bennett Valley Community Day'S

CELEBRATION By Bobbie Blair The Bennett Valley Community Day Celebration will be held on August 26th this year to raise money for our Volunteer Firefighters' Assoc. Some of the residents are putting together a silent auction to add to the festivities. There are many talented people in this Valley and we could all participate by donating a piece of art or a service of some kind and then coming to the event to bid on these items. All the proceeds will be donated to the Volunteer Firefighters' Assn. Some ideas for services that could be donated are: a. a set number of hours weeding or trimming b. if you are a travel agent (or know one) donate a Tahoe two-night three-day stay. Disneyland packages, wine country tour packages, etc.

c. if you are good with computers, donate 2-3 hours of personal in-home training d. agree to cook a gourmet meal and deliver it to the top bidder's house e. donate a dinner for two at a nice restaurant f. wash and wax someone's car.

g. if you are a body worker, donate a session or a massage. etc. h. donate wine by the bottle or by the case i. maybe you have some time from a timeshare property to donate Be creative and think of other services you could donate to the cause or get someone else to donate. If you are an artist and could donate works of art on paper or canvas, pottery, sculpture, woodwork, carvings, ceramics. glass or any other artistic medium it would be much appreciated. Business cards and brochures can be left with the art for advertisement purposes. Donations will be tax deductible as the Volunteers have a non-profit tax number. We are checking on tax deductions for services as well. At BV Community Day there will be salmon, chicken or pasta and wine as usual for purchase from the Firefighters and the traditional live auction will also be part of the festivities. It is a great outing for the whole family. Put your thinking caps on and figure out how you can be a part of this and don't forget to mark your calendar for August 26th. Please contact Bobbie Blair 542 - 1608 if you have any questions or would like to volunteer your help. We need volunteers now and also on the day of the event. Watch for more information in future VOICE issues and in your mail!

Bennett Valley Wildland Fire Safety

Presentation, 9:30 Am, 3/31/01

By Cori Reynolds There will be a Wildland Fire Safety presentation for property owners at the Bennett Valley Fire Station on March 31st. This presentation will cover how to protect your home in case of a wildland fire in the Bennett Valley area. Landscaping, vegetation management, building materials, and the safety of your families are just some of the fire safety topics that will be covered.

Cori Reynolds will facilitate the presentation. Cori is a volunteer firefighter with the Gold Ridge Fire District. She is also a student at Ursuline High School and this presentation is being organized by Cori as her Senior Service Project. In addition, Cori has arranged for guest speakers and will have handouts with further information.

The presentation will begin at 9:30 AM on Saturday March 31, 2001. It will last for approximately one hour. Please mark your calendar and come to the station for this important and useful information. If you have any questions for Cori, you can leave a message at the fire station, 578-7761.

Homeowners May Be Sprayed With

Pesticides Against Their Will

By Monica Schwalbenberg-Pena The State of California has declared an emergency against the Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter (GWSS), a leaf hopper insect which transmits Pierce's Disease to plants, particularly to grapes. The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors has adopted a work plan which calls for forced spraying of properties (including schools, homes) within a 300 yard radius of "five adult GWSS found within a 5 day period, or the detection of multi life stages". The pesticides proposed are Carbaryl (Sevin), a nerve polson and endocrine disruptor particularly toxic to children, birds, fish and bees, listed by the EPA as a medium high cancer concern; Chloryprifos (Dursban), another nerve poison, which has been banned for home use by the EPA; and Permethrin, which is highly toxic to fish and bees, and in synthetic form often contains other nerve poisons. Because the State has declared an emergency, property can be sprayed against the will of the property owner. The hazards to human health, particularly to children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised are very real, as is the threat to the county's wildlife, water quality and to organic farming. I intend to resist spraying on my one acre property, as I have worked six years to have a pesticide-free garden. From my garden, I feed my family year-round and have a diverse population of insects, bees, and birds along Matanzas Creek. If you would like information on resisting forced spraying on your property, visit www.freestone.com/nospray or contact me at 542-8107.

Page Four

Bha Board Of Directors Tentative

Agenda For The Next Meeting, 3/21/01

• Call to Order, Introduction of Board • Public Input • Minutes & Treasurer's Report • Monthly meeting reports: Board of Supervisors, Open Space District, BV Fire District & Matanzas Creek Watershed Group

• Old Business:

• BV Pamphlet Review • BHA Deposit of Funds • BVHA Web Page oBV 2001 Leadership Recruitment • BHA's 30 Year Anniversary Celebration • Report on visit to John & Patricia Schmitt's, BV Road, Annadel access concerns

• New Business:

Report on opinions and input rec'd from VOICE readers re: the following: • VOICE mail-outs • Access to Annadel • Street names for driveways • Veternarian Articles in the VOICE • Board discussion and recommendations on these same issues • Land use recommendation, PRMD

Bennett Valley Fire Protection

District Board Of Directors

Wells Wagner, Chairman Lee O. Liddell, Marie Nottingham, Matt Phillips and Nola Stans. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the Fire Chief, Kent Reynolds, at 578-7761, or attend the Board meetings at 7 pm on the second Tuesday of each month.

Bennett Valley Homeowner'S

Association (Bvha) Board Of

DIRECTORS

P.O. Box 2666, Santa Rosa, Ca 95405

Marilee Jensen, President & VOICE Editor (576-0405 -phone # and FAX) Michael Friedenberg, Vice-President (579-5310) Nancy Dell'Ergo, Treasurer (525-1202) Bobbie Blair, Recording Secretary & Mailing List/Membership Coordinator (542-1608) Leanore (Lolly) Mesches, Corresponding Secretary (545-8084) • Jim Katon, Director (528-9487) David Phillips, Director Marilyn Stocks, Director (528-2458) Bill Sullivan, Director (528-6804 It you Rnow or anvone who resides in and or owns land in Bennett valley and does not recerve the

Matanzas Creek Watershed Group

On Thursday, February 15th, Sierra Cantor and Laurel Marcus from the Sotoyome Resource Conservation District met with people in the area at the Bennett Valley Grange Hall at 7 pm, regarding the Matanzas Creek Watershed. During this meeting, there apparently were considerable concerns expressed by some Bennett Valley residents regarding vineyard expansion and possible impact on ground water availability. Information was presented to the group about the proposed monitoring program for Matanzas Creek, which is expected to be developed by the end of March. The actual monitoring schedule on Matanzas Creek will be presented at the "Creek Stewardship Program Symposium" on Saturday, April 7, 2001 at the Steel Lane Community Center, from 9 am until 12 pm. This symposium is free of charge and coffee and donuts will be served. Space is limited so be sure to RSVP by March 30th, 2001. The purpose of this meeting is to share data that has been gathered on the tributaries involved in the Creek Stewardship Program, which includes Matanzas Creek. Information will be presented on how watersheds work, how watershed science is used to identify problem areas, and new and existing restoration projects being implemented. Residents in the different watershed areas, such as Matanzas Creek, as well as Fife, Hobson, Hulbert, Maacama, McNab, Parsons and Upper Mark West Creeks, are especially encouraged to attend. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Sierra Cantor at (707) 569-1448 or "sierrac@sonic.net".

Pare Five

Report On The Bha Board Meetings,

January 17th 8z February 21St, 2001 The Board Agenda for each of these meetings is posted on a Bulletin Board at the BV Fire Station at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. The agenda includes a brief description of items for proposed action or discussion at the meeting, including information on the scope of the proposed action. The purpose of this is to inform the public ahead of time about the issues or actions to be considered at that particular meeting.

At the 1/17/01 Board meeting there were six Board members and approximately 17 other Bennett Valley residents in attendance. Jeff Bovee, the Chief Ranger from California State Parks, discussed a proposal regarding the possible purchase by the State of a parcel of property along Bennett Valley Rd. (see pages 1 & 2 under "Access to Annadel.") At this January meeting the Board agreed to solicit input on this issue from other Bennett Valley residents, through the VOICE, prior to reaching a Board decision at the March meeting.

Information from the Bennett Valley Common Ground Committee was presented. Frank LaCombe showed a mock-up sample of the Bennett Valley pamphlet being developed to introduce people to both Bennett Valley and the Bennett Valley Area Plan. He was aiso thanked by the Board for the great Bennett Valley map he obtained for this pamphlet, as well as the BHA bylaws. These pamphlets are expected to be ready for review shortly. Michael Cronin reported that more information was needed from Supervisor Mike Cale regarding "administrative changes" which would be possible in the language of the Bennett Valley Area Plan. It was also mentioned that any "administrative changes" in the BV Area Plan would require a public forum and review.

The BHA Nominating Committee from last year (Phil Temko, Eve Boling and Jean LaCombe) agreed to be the Nominating Committee again for this year's elections. They are planning to make improvements on such things as streamlined instructions, smaller ballot, 250 word statement from each candidate with no preset questions, and the nominating committee should be the one giving out the member list, once it is determined the person requesting it is a member and working for a particuiar candidate.

A "Conflict of Interest" statement was approved by the Board, and each of the Board members will be expected to sign it annually. A letter had been received from Nicole Wagner, stating she was returning the check from BHA, not rebuilding the bus stop, and considered the matter closed. Michael Friedenberg agreed to receive and review the agendas for the Board of Supervisor meetings as well as the Open Space meetings. Information was presented to the Board in a memo about the Brown Act's relevance for BHA, as interpreted by County Counsel. Anyone interested can obtain a copy of this memo on the Brown Act or the adopted "Conflict of Interest" policy from one of the directors on the Board.

Bobbie Blair reported that a committee had been formed to organize the Silent Auction to be held at BV Community Day on August 26th, with all the proceeds going to the BV Volunteer Firefighters' Association. The Board agreed to send all six issues of the VOICE to all 900 BV parcel owners. The Board also agreed to meet only eleven times a year, and not have a meeting the third Wednesday of December.

At the 2/21/01 Board meeting there were eight Board members and approximately 12 other Bennett Valley residents. John & Patricia Schmitt presented their concerns about use of the narrow strip of open space property behind their home as possible access to Annadel State Park through Galvin Park. On this strip of land is a seasonal creek which has been eroding.

Some Board members agreed to visit their home to view the area. John Schmitt mentioned they had considerable difficulty receiving any response from Mike Cale about this matter. During "Public Input", Lois Brown requested that the Board reconsider the idea of sending all issues of the VOICE to all property owners as approved last month. For this reason, this will be on the Agenda, again, at the March meeting.

The Treasurer's report included a detailed description of the checks and deposits since January 2000. The Board decided that when the CD matures in March, the funds should be moved to a more accessible money market fund with comparable interest. Michael Friedenberg and David Phillips agreed to research which one would be best for BHA.

David Phillips presented bids he received from four designers and examples of their work for the BHA web site, The Board approved Atomic Workship, with the bid of $2,175. David has agreed to be the web coordinator for BHA, to keep up with changing input into the site. Securing the name, Internet service provider and monthly hosting fees are the other items which need to be completed. Other issues mentioned in luded the Bennert Valley utility poles, which Pacific Bell is having removed. Marilyn Stocks & Lolly Mesches agreed to explore ideas for the BHA 30 year Anniversary Celebration.

Page Six

Bennett Vally Homeowner'S Association Annual Membership Dues, 2001

Please complete this form and mail it in with your annual dues of $15, plus any extra donations you're willing to make. You can add postage to the attached envelope and send to BHA, Blair/Dougherty, 7373 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404. We welcome your comments or concerns, either on the back of this form or on a separate sheet. We look forward to hearing from you. Thanks.

BE SURE TO CHECK ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: (Both membership types are welcome.) 1) Check here if you own a parcel of land in the "Bennett Valley Area".* (BHA voting member) 2.) Check here if you do NOT own a parcel of land in the "Bennett Valley Area".* (Non-voting Associate Member) *If you have any questions about what is included in the "Bennett Valley Area", please call 576-0405.

NAME (S)

_Phone Number

Mailing Address

RESIDENCE ADDRESS (if different).

E-Mail Address

Comments Or Concerns

FAX #

Bha Contributions, 2001

A big thank you to the following homeowners who made extra contributions to the association along with their dues: Elizabeth Hansen, Bill and MaryAnn Sullivan, Bonnie and Robert Falconer, Clarence and Anne Voigtlander, Daniel and Lynette Erlach, Donna and Les DeLaBriandais, Doug and Georgina Noren, Bobbie Blair and Suzanne Dougherty, Eve and Norm Boling, George and Katy Mangan, Gordon Buck, Harold and Nancy Mickens, James and Janet Alfieri, Jim and Stephanie Hoch, Jok and Jon Legallet, June Greer, Kathryn Gaehwiler, Ken and Lolly Mesches, Kent Chilcott, Larry and Lotta Levine, Marilee Jensen and Frank Nye, Micheile and Robert Friend, Mike and Foster Beigler, Patty and Michael Hickey, Ray and Carol Michelis, Ray and Hilde Lemieux, Ray and Peggy Longman, Richard and Sylvia Gerioff, Rob and Nancy Dell'Ergo, Robert and Jocelyn Thompson, Robert and Lois Brown, Ruth Dicker, Spencer Humphrey, Toby Rosenblatt, Kent and Nancy Sibbald, Susan Gilliland, Philip Lyons, Gary and Rene Markarian, Marge and Hilton Simon, Brad and Corine Bollinger, Chuck and Kati Quibell, Jim and Jinx Coops, Robert and Sally Johnson, Steven and Monika Lang, Paul and Catherine Hofman, Bob and Donna Thompson,

New Bha Members For 2001

Welcome to the 31 new members who have joined the Homeowner's Assn. for 2001: Doug and Georgina Noren, Linda Carroll, Elizabeth Hansen, Greg and Carol Young, Jack and Mollie Blades, Robert ONeill, Marie and Peter Young, Graham Schneider, Harold and Nancy Mickens, Rob and Hilary Main, Alan and Linda Schroffei, Eugene and Gail Graser, Samuel and Nola Watson, Keith Hewitt, Elizabeth Emmel and Nancy Clark, Cora Darling, William and Cathleen Barnier, Brent and Sue Zerult, Carolyn Zecca Ferris, Dorinda Thompson & Chet Adamick, Jonathan and Carosell Morris, Bruce Henson, Barbara and Mitchell McGee, Bill and Sara Shoemaker, Ruth Jacobs, Arthur and Josephine Torre, Lee and Cecile Skinner, Sally Caruso-McCarthy, Eliz Landrus, Earle and Terri Sweat, John Tarrant, and Darrell and Catherine Verduso.

Dare Caven

9997 0g O°d

Bennett Valley Community Calendar

1.) BENNETT VALLEY HOMEOWNER'S ASSOCIATION The Board of Directors meets the third Wednesday of each month except in December,at 7:30 pm, Bennett Valley Fire Station. The dates of the next two meetings are March 21st and April 18th. Information about what occurred at the these bad metings are tended to the total And Open for Ormeet Valley residents within certain time limits. Your opinions are welcome and we encourage you to attend.

2.) BENNETT VALLEY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT -The Board of Directors meets the second Tuesday of each month, 7:00 pm, Bennett Valley Fire Station. The dates of the next two meetings are April 10th and May 8th. The Bennett Valley Fire Chief, Kent Reynolds, encourages Bennett Valley residents to attend.

3.) SONOMA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS meets every Tuesday, except on weeks when there is a holiday, at 575 Administration Drive, Santa Rosa. Information about the Board of Supervisors agenda, meeting dates or times can be found at www.sonoma-county.ord, or you can cal1 5272241. Michael J. Cale is the First District Supervisor representing the Bennett Valley Area and Sonoma Valley.

4.) Bennett Vally Wildland Fire Safety Presentation, Saturday, 3/31/01, 9:30 Am, Bennett

Valley Fire Station. See page 4, inside, for more information. 5.) Sotoyome Resource Conservation District's CREEK STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM SYMPOSIUM, Saturday, April 7, 2001, Steele Lane Community Center, 415 Steele Lane, Santa Rosa, 9 am to 12 noon. See Matanzas Creek Watershed, page 5 inside, for more information.

6.) BVHA CLEAN-UP DAY, Saturday, April 21", 8:00 am, Bennett Valley Fire Station. See Page 2, inside.