Bennett Valley Voice

Bennett Valley VOICE Inside This Issue Send Money for BV Fire Explorers! Bennett Valley Noteworthy News Annadel Wildfire Concerns General Plan Update BV 2002 Community Forum Report Write Mike Cale re: BV Water Report on BHA Board Mtgs. New BHA Members Next BVHA Agenda BHA Membership

Volume 25, Number 2

Bennett Valley Homeowner's Association (BVHA)

March, 2002

Bennett Valley Fire Protection District;

What Level Of Protection Do We Want From Our

Bennett Valley Firefighters?

• The BV Fire Station was first started by local • What has the Fire District Done? volunteers in 1948, because of the slow response The 1998 Administrative Agreement with Gold time from other places. Rapid response saves lives Ridge Fire is now saving BV Fire $60,000 per and property and keeps insurance costs down.

year. • "Fully staffed" is the difference between arriving in Administration & training costs are being time to stop a fire in one room versus losing your shared with neighboring fire districts. whole house; the difference between arriving at a Recruitment & training of more volunteers medical life-and-death emergency in 4 minutes (now up to 22) is a continual effort, along with versus 15 minutes.

Explorers (See page 2) and SRJC interns. • At $8.90 per hour, we have the lowest paid Replacement hose and equipment purchases firefighting engineers in the area. Can we keep have been reduced good staff by paying them less than a living wage? Building maintenance and vehicle purchases • Increased incentive is also needed to insure at least have been deferred as much as possible.

two well-trained committed volunteers sleeping at the • The special tax now being paid by each BV property BV Fire Station each night, along with the one paid owner to the Fire District is no longer sufficient; first engineer, always on duty. We're one of the few fire approved in 1987, it is $60 per year for most Bennett districts which does NOT give volunteers a meal Valley households. Consumer price index (CPI) stipend when they spend the night at the fire station.

inflation has risen 68% since 1987. Cost for safety • Most calls to the BV Fire Station are for rescue and equipment and fire trucks has increased at a rate emergency, not fire. Calif. Dept. of Forestry, the BV closer to 10% a year, considerably faster than CPI alternative, covers only fire, not rescue & emergency.

inflation. • Costs go up-revenues are down. Per Prop. 13, • This special tax cannot be taken away by State or BV Fire is limited to approximately 7 cents for each County governments. It all stays with our BV Fire. property tax dollar paid in the District, considerably • The BV Fire Citizens' Committee recommends the less than a number of other fire districts. Also, an funding for BV Fire be improved by increasing increased amount of property tax is now being paid to voluntary donations, applying for grants and local schools, at a direct loss of $25,000 for BV Fire.

considering an increase in the special tax. • •Sonoma County now charges BV Fire at least • This BV Fire Citizens' Committee plans to contact $18,500 a year for property tax administration, accounting fees and dispatch fees (911 calls @ $40 each of the 1,700+ registered voters served by the BV Fire District, for education and dialogue.

each); services previously provided at no cost. • Mounting government requirements for added safety, • Please be sure to attend community meetings training, emergency medical care and hazardous and neighborhood meetings, as they are materials are adding tremendously to costs. scheduled and announced, to find out more about the issues and make your choices known.

BVFPD Explorer Donations Needed! By Matt Phillips, Fire Captain The Bennett Valley Fire Explorer post develops our Firefighters of the future. Currently the post consists of 10 young men between the ages of 14½ and 17. These young men are dedicated, motivated and full of ambition; they are truly inspiring to work with. They learn and train to firefighter standards and look forward to the day they will turn 18, when they can be full-fledged Firefighters, serving their community. Every spring, the California Fire Exploring Association puts on an intensive training academy for the Explorers, near Chico this year. Students are subjected to a rigorous boot-camp style training session that lasts one week. During this week, they get up at 4 am and continue through classroom and hands-on physical training until 10 pm. They learn about auto-extrication, structural and wildland fire fighting, medical procedures, building construction, light and heavy rescue and other essential fire service skills. They gain college credits and an array of State approved fire service certificates that will help them get professional careers in the future. They also come to understand the importance of discipline, respect and PUSH-UPS! After this week, the world is a different place for these kids. And they're giving up their spring-break, too!

Our Explorer post is the future BV Volunteer Firefighter core. We need the community's help to cover the costs of this week of training, which is $225 per student. Although this is a low rate for a week's room and board, combined with all the training, it is a lot of money for the BV Volunteer Firefighters' Association. We NEED your donations!

Please make the checks payable to the Bennett Valley Fire Explorer Post and either send them to 6161 Bennett Valley Rd., or even better, drop by the Fire Station and extend your support for this exceptional group of young men. They deserve it. Thank you for your support.

Bennett Valley Notes

RUTH JAMISON JACOBS, Matriarch of Bennett Valley, died March 7th, 2002. She was born 88 years ago on Jamison Road, named after her family. It was inspiring to see her participating in the BV Community Forum on 2/2/02. Our thoughts and great sympathy are extended to her family and friends. A special feature story is coming.

• BENNETT VALLEY CLEAN-UP DAY: The first of our twice-yearly clean-up days is scheduled for Saturday, April 20th, 8:30 am at the Bennett Valley Fire Station. This will coincide with Earth Day. Please wear sturdy shoes and gloves; hats are advisable too. For the first time BHA has plenty of pick-up sticks, which are a blessing for saving the backs of those residents wishing to help.

Coffee & donuts will be served. Hope to see a good number of you there to help clean-up our lovely valley • BV 2002 CALENDARS NOW ½ PRICE!!!! A few of the 2002 Calendars remain. Supply is limited so don't miss out on the calendars for ½ price - $7.50. You can contact Suzanne Dougherty, 542-1608, or Judy Temko, 544-0234, to purchase the calendars. The calendar can be found on our web-page, www.bennettvalleyhomeowners.org Spring is here and it is time to record the seasona images for the 2003 calendar. We need more than snow pictures to complete the calendar; so get out your brushes and cameras and go to work.

Bennett Valley Community Day Auction: It Is

once again time to begin thinking about how you can contribute to the Bennett Valley Community Day Auction in August to benefit the Bennett Valley Volunteer Firefighters Assn. Last year's effort was a great deal of fun, thanks to the many generous auction items donated by businesses and residents of our community. We made $10,000 toward the new fire engine and hope to do even better this year. Gift certificates, vacation getaways, wine, dinners, pottery, works of art on canvas or paper, services such as massage, yard work, or preparing a meal in your home are just a few ideas to stimulate your thinking. Let's all be creative and think of things we can donate to this good cause. Be sure to tell your friends as well. For more information, please contact Bobbie Blair, 542-1608.

• Second Annual Sonoma Mountain Art Exhibit

Sonoma Mountain Artists present their works of art on beautiful Sonoma Mountain. Come and see paintings, drawings, sculpture, collages, photography, and sorted rubble all under one big roof. It's free and promises to have something for every art admirer and collector. It will take place Saturday & Sunday, April 6-7, 2002, 10 am to 5 pm, at 240 Sonoma Ridge Rd. in Kathleen Elsey's barn. Take Sonoma Mountain Rd. 4.2 miles from Bennett Valley Rd., to mailbox 5530 and turn left. Come through the gate and drive to the barn on the right. Artists include Kathleen Elsey, Frank LaCombe, Marie Nelson, Deena Paulsen, Tamara Sanchez, Bob Sorani and Judy Vesper.

Page Two

Annadel Wildfire Concerns

Homeowners from areas surrounding Annadel State Park, such as Kenwood, Oakmont, Annadel Heights and Bennett Ridge, have expressed some concern about fire protection to their homes. Can fires which occur in Annadel be located and controlled enough to protect surrounding residences, when using the reduced ten miles of fire roads currently being maintained by State Parks? This was recently discussed at a State Parks/Fire Agencies meeting, held on February 4, 2002, at the Santa Rosa office of Wes Chesbro, our State Senator. In addition to Jim Leddy, Wes' very capable district coordinator, there were representatives from State Parks, California Dept. of Forestry (CDF), Kenwood Fire District, Glen Ellen Fire District, Bennett Valley and Bennett Ridge Homeowners' Associations, Lawndale/Kenwood Homeowners, Oakmont Homeowners' Association and Wild Oak Village Homeowners' Association. The outcome of this meeting was to plan an emergency fire drill on May 1 (assuming the ground is not oversaturated as it is now to test response time of 5 to 6 pieces of fire equipment (engines, tenders).

The Fire Districts will not know the time and place in advance and homeowners will be able to observe the drill. If the ground is too wet, this drill will be rescheduled. Jim Leddy stressed the necessity for frequent training missions into Annadel by the fire agencies to make sure all the firefighters are very familiar with the Annadel roads. The following Fire Prevention and Protection Seminar for property owners is being sponsored by CDF to help homeowners find ways to better "fireproof" their homes.

Fire Prevention And Protection Seminar For

PROPERTY OWNERS, Saturday, 3/23/02, 9am to noon Kenwood Fire Station, 9045 Sonoma Hwy., 833-2042 PRESENTORS Roy Sprague, CDF Battalion Chief, Harry Martin, CDF Fire Prevention Specialist and Bob Uboldi, Kenwood Fire Chief AGENDA Leanna Breese, Kenwood Homeowner, Introductions Roy Sprague and Harry Martin, CDF • CDF Video(s) - Fire Prevention in Urban Wildlands • Generic House/Property Walk-Through; how houses are lost to fires; how to make your property safer • Physiology of wildfires; "normal" path; impact of winds; what causes drafts.

• Importance of making your home defensible • Visible address and ease of access to property • Making use of swimming pool water • Putting sprinklers on roofs Bob Uboldi • Water storage tanks: regulations, voluntary?

Opportunity To Sign Up For Home Inspections

General Plan 2020 Update;

The Sonoma County General Plan is being updated for the first time since 1989. A Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) is working with Scott Briggs and other county staff to provide background information, solicit public comment, and make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors. For further information contact Scott Briggs, at sbriggs1@Sonoma-county.org or 565-1936. The next meeting for the CAC is Thursday, 3/21/02, 6 to 9 pm, PRMD Hearing Room, 2550 Ventura Ave., Santa Rosa.

What follows is the General Plan 2020 Issues list approved by the Board of Supervisors on 1/29/02, with only some of the specific items included. • LAND USE - Development of new population and employment projections, Coastal Plan update (surface runoff, public access, housing), timber harvesting..., land use policies related to updated circulation element, sustainability/watershed, specific/area plans, land use monitoring • HOUSING • OPEN SPACE - Updated standards for riparian corridors and critical habitat protection, designation of additional streams and creeks as riparian corridors, re-evaluation of policies... which allow for additional development within. community separators and scenic landscape units, respectively, rural character design standards, Sonoma Mountain and Mayacamas design guidelines, lighting and glare policies • AGRICULTURE - Consideration of larger rural residential properties as an agricultural land use, aquaculture, organic agriculture, horses RESOURCE CONSERVATION - Updated air quality...standards, and mitigation measures, timberland conversions, grading and erosion control, endangered species and wetlands, energy • WATER RESOURCES - Review of water resource/watershed issues...for further resolving water resource issues in the future, groundwater availability assessment..., water quality issues...

• PUBLIC SAFETY - pesticides

Circulation And Transit - Updated

countywide assessment of current and projected future traffic conditions, new evaluation of improvement needs, traffic reduction measures and funding opportunities

• Air Transportation

Public Facilities

NOISE - Updated noise assessment, standards and policies (Italicized items of possible interest to Bennett Valley.) Page Three

Bv 2002 Community Forum Report

By Bob Hasenick About forty BV residents attended the BV 2002 Community Forum at the BV Grange on 2/2/02. The planning team purposely chose fewer topics; Fire & Emergency Services, Water Availability& Quality and Disaster Preparedness. The session on Fire and Emergency Services (scored as a 4.4 on the evaluations, with 5 being excellent) was presented by Michael Friedenberg and included an overview of BV Fire funding sources, staff salaries and other costs, as described on page 1. It was followed up with a demonstration by our Bennett Valley Explorers and Firefighters. Following the session, a survey was given to those in attendance and everyone stated they wanted local fire protection to continue and supported an assessment where their money was guaranteed to go directly and only to the Bennett Valley FPD. Most of them also felt that this information on the BV fire funding could best be presented to BV residents through community and neighborhood meetings.

The Water session proved to be as lively as any other we've had. Information heard from Dwayne Starnes with Sonoma Co., is presented in the following article. We then dialogued with a panel representing a range of interests regarding water [Dwayne, Scott Gergas (State) and Matt Phillips (vineyards)]. The residents' input is summarized as: "Most of us have sufficient water for our immediate needs. Some of us are cautious about our usage and are concerned about the yield of our wells diminishing. Let's be sure Sonoma County does the planned research on Bennett Valley water." This was followed by a comprehensive presentation on Matanzas Creek Watershed Program.

The Disaster Preparedness Session was limited on time because of the lively exchange during the first two sessions. Two well-informed residents from Oakmont told us of their organized plan and supplies for emergencies. Patty Allen demonstrated what a wellstocked emergency supply kit contains. Further meetings are planned on disaster preparedness in Bennett Valley, so be sure to let Marilee Jensen know if you're interested.

Overall the session scored a 4.5, (between good and excellent) but had fewer attendees than hoped, despite all of the communication, focused agenda and advanced preparation by a number of BV residents. To correct this, we're thinking future community forums will be more time-limited and dedicated to one topic only.

We're open to ideas throughout the year on how to engage the community and improve events such as BV 2002. We welcome your ideas and involvement!

Write Mike Cale About Bv Water!

By Patricia Gundry At this BV 2002 meeting, Dwayne Starnes, Deputy Director of Engineering and Construction for Sonoma Co. Permit and Resource Management Dept., gave a good overview of the current level of knowledge about water quantity in the BV area. The message was clear; the County doesn't have enough data on water in such areas as Bennett Valley to conclude there is even a water problem. Although BV residents have expressed concern for several years about the impact new vineyards in the Valley may have on water, available information is limited.

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors has decided to do research, with the help of an outside consultant, on three areas identified as possibly being scarce on water. These areas were selected because their well permits have recently increased significantly, either from new homes or agricultural development. Bennett Valley is one of these areas along with Mark West Springs and Joy Road. The difficulty is that each area's research project is expected to cost $84,000. To ensure that BV is kept in the study (we all know about budget cuts), each of us needs to take the time to put pen to paper and write our County Supervisor, namely Mike Cale. Mike's address is 575 Administration Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95403. This is an excellent opportunity to gain the infarmation we're missing about Bennett Valley's water quantity, so let Mike know how important you feel it is to have our area included.

Please send a copy of your letter to BVHA, P.O. Box 2666, Santa Rosa, 95405, so that we can tally the number of letters that are sent. KUDOS We especially want to thank the following people who contributed so much to this BV 2002 Community Forum; Bennett Valley Grange members, Bob Hasenick, Michael Friedenberg, Patricia Gundry, Ken Mesches, Matt Phillips (BV Fire Captain, Explorer Leader and vineyard manager on water panel), Kent Reynolds (BV Fire Chief), Joe Stans (BV Asst. Fire Chief), Dwayne Starnes (Sonoma Co.), Scott A. Gergus (State North Coast Water Quality Control Board), Sierra Cantor (Matanzas Creek Watershed Program), Al Thomas and Sue Hattendorf (both Oakmont Emergency Preparedness Committee), Patty Allen, Bobbie Blair, Suzanne Dougherty, Carole Felciano, Deborah Haarstad, Marilee Jensen, Bonnie Rhodes and many others.

We were very pleased that all our efforts have resulted in such a positive response as this one: "..] was truly impressed. As you know I use to think of BHA as a royal pain...At one time, I figured it was just a bunch of self interested folks...This is not the case however. The people I've been hearing from over the last couple of years have been very interested in good forward thinking concerning all of us. BHA is a very nice organization for all of us now. You should be very proud..." Matt Phillips Page Faur

Report on BHA Board Meetings February 20th, 2002 - Board members present were Marilee Jensen, Michael Friedenberg, Helen Bates, Jim Katon, The Board of Directors' Agenda for each upcoming meeting 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, and information on the scope of the proposed action.

Lolly Mesches, Tim Murphy, Marilyn Stocks and Bobbie Blair. There were ten other BV residents also in attendance. Helen• Bates presented a Treasurer's Report, as well as an annual summary of Income and Expenses for 2001 and 2002. Even though it was later established the calendars always pay for themselves, it could be seen from this annual summary that the ongoing expenses are slightly above the income from donations January 16th, 2002 - Board members present were Marilee and members, so we'll need to find ways to increase the income Jensen, Helen Bates, Bobbie Blair, Jennifer Combs, Tim Murphy and/or reduce the expenses to some extent.

and Marilyn Stocks. There were ten other BV residents in Joe Stans came to the meeting to report that a joint committee attendance. has been formed with Gold Ridge Fire District to explore Because our Schwab checking account is now charging a applying for fire district grants, which can be used only for fire $30 per quarter fee, it was moved that the Treasurer research equipment. The applications for these grants must be submitted another bank with lower charges by September.

David Phillips, coordinator for the BVHA web-site Sonoma Co. Public Works was able to remove a discarded <bennettvalleyhomeowners.org>, gave a very informative engine from Matanzas Creek, near Sonoma Mountain Road. description on how to better use it. There was a summary of BV 2002 Community Forum (see Information about the BV 2002 Community Forum, was page 1 and page 4). It was decided to change BV Community shared with the Board, as well as an update on 2002 calendars.

Forums to periodic meetings on one topic, to encourage more The sale of the 2002 calendars has been slightly down, but resident participation. The Board approved a donation of $100 nevertheless, the revenue exceeded the costs. as a thank-you to the BV Grange for their help and support with A letter was shared with the Board from Garrett Redding the event, including the wonderful refreshments, many of them expressing his appreciation for BHA input and home-made, which Grange members prepared, arranged and recommendations on improving visibility for residents from cleaned up.

Hidden Acres when entering Sonoma Mountain Road, even with Under New Business, Bobbie Blair reported that as of one remaining oak tree left standing. 2/20/02, 295 people had joined, with 26 new members and 35 The number of directors on the BHA Board will continue to members who have re- joined after not being members last year.

be considered. A change would require a vote of 2/3's of a People were asked to talk to neighbors about joining BVHA and quorum of the BVHA members. Michael Friedenberg agreed to write an article for the VOICE, Under New Business, the Board approved having no BHA encouraging membership. Comments from those sending in Board of Directors' meeting in December.

their membership dues varied from, "Thank you....you are doing Marilyn Stocks agreed to assume responsibility for reviewing a great job." to major criticism for sending all issues of the the Board of Supervisors weekly agenda, as well as the Open VOICE to non-members. Space monthly agendas, for Bennett Valley issues.

Following the Oakland fire, the State passed an ordinance It was also approved to accept the 2001 nominating that driveways with more than two houses must have their own committee for 2002, which includes Phil Temko, Eve Boling and street name before people along that driveway are given permits Jean LaCombe.

for re-modeling or building new homes. Recently the Sonoma The Board agreed that a meeting be arranged with our County Counsel agreed that the way it is being enforced by County Supervisor, Mike Cale, for the purpose of maintaining Sonoma County may not be legal. BHA will write a letter to good communication.

Mike Cale, asking that public safety officials, such as the Fire Improving public relations between BHA and Bennett Valley Chief, be able io have some input on what will make it easier to residents was discussed. Tim Murphy will explore something find particular homes. similar to a Welcome Wagon for new BV residents. Also we want Once again, to help with this overall problem, everyone is to encourage other BV residents to let us know when new encouraged to purchase a BV Fire Explorer's address sign people move in. It was felt that BV 2002 could be a positive step for $12.50, with a reflective street address on both sides, to in improving public relations with BV residents. (See pg. 4) reduce difficulties in locating a particular home in an Finally the Board agreed that a committee was needed to emergency. These can be obtained through the BV Fire Station, change the BHA Articles of Incorporation, primarily to eliminate 6161 Bennett Valley Road, 578-7761.

all the unnecessary language to what the Secretary of State now The BVHA Board agreed a letter will be written to the new requires and to be sure they are consistent with the Bylaws. Tim owners of the old barn, "A Barn Worth Saving" (See BV 2002 Murphy and Bobbie Blair have agreed to be on the committee to calendar, month of September) along Bennett Valley Rd., to see accomplish this and Marilee agreed to ask Marge Simon if they are interested in saving the structure and would like some (previously on the BHA Board) if she'd also be willing.

assistance in locating possible resources. If they do, then the alternatives for accomplishing this will be explored further. Page Five

New 2002 Bha Members

A big welcome to our new members including those who rejoined after a year off: Roger & Denise Fortain, William Sirvatka, Michael Pinkston & Delia Pratt, Sharon Delaney & Ralph Sobieski, Walter & Elizabeth Grandjean, Christopher & Laura Mathews, Beverly Tripp-Loftus, Walter Price & Robert Murillo, Arlo & Holly Miller, Barrett Roach, Kenneth Barham, Dagmar Hoheneck-Smith, John & Mary Chalmers, Faye & Walter Ghielmetti, Gary & Susan Shaw, Diane & Michael Merzenich, Ron & Sandy Dodge, Lois & Gordon Peacock, Tony & Delores Lopresti, Bonnie Carroll, John & Ingrid McCue, Joan Maroni, Barbara & Ken Maberry, Steve & Lois Rogers, John & Terry Votruba, David & Judith Witwicki, Michael & Debra Pavone, Kevin McGuire, Michael & Deborah Haarstad, Douglas Martin & Merrill Vargo, Clyde & Alberta Wiggins, Daniel Veile, Marlyn & Lawrence McClasky, Joe & Nola Stans, Richard & Linda Rudnansky, Flora Field, Robert & Julia lantosca, F.Scott & Shirley Chilcott, Kit & Cynthia Grimm, Edward & Bonnie Kreger, Ana Pirc, Jim & Jane Furness, Norm & Carole Silverman, Joe & Carolyn Keith, David & Mary Poe, Eric & Peggy Jacobson, Mark & Lisa Young, Eric Burns, Gregory & Barbara Dipaolo, James & Bonita Bergin, Roger & Luella Sterr, Lee & Cindy Liddell, Dan & Martha Skiles, Chris & Lorna Strotz, Guillermo & Haley Recio, Danny & Deirdre Mc Caskell, Steven Sapers & Claire Green, Bud & Neva Souza, Amy Rodney, Leilani Warner, Jean Dakin-Norton, Pam & Eric Flanagan, William & Nancy Murray, Chris & Andrea Wills, and Keith & Brenda Christopherson.

BHA Board of Directors Tentative Agenda for the Next Meeting, 3/20/02 • Call to Order, Public Input, Approval of Minutes and Treasurer's Report • Monthly Reports: Board of Supervisors, BV Fire District, Sonoma County Public Works & PRMD • Old Business • Articles of Incorporation Committee Report • Proposed Letter - Naming Driveways • "A Barn Worth Saving" Report • BVFPD Citizens' Committee Report • Finding & Welcoming New BV Residents Bennett Valley 2002 Calendar • New Business Method for sending VOICE by e-mail Sonoma County General Plan Update • "Disaster Preparedness" Meeting Plans

Bennett Valley Fire Protection

District Board Of Directors

6161 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa 95404 Marie Nottingham, Chairman Lee O. Liddell Gil Moreno Matt Phillips Nola Stans You may contact Kent Reynolds, Bennett Valley Fire Chief, at 578-7761 for any input or questions. Everyone is welcome to attend these Board of Director meetings, on the second Tuesday of each month, at 7pm, at the Bennett Valley Fire Station

Bennett Valley Homeowner'S

Association (Bha) 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) Helen Bates, Treasurer (695-8760) Bobbie Blair, Recording Secretary & Mailing List/Membership Coordinator (542-1608) Leanore (Lolly) Mesches, Corresponding Secretary, (545-8684) Jennifer Combs, Director, (546-1190) Jim Katon, Director, (528-9487) Tim Murphy, Director, (542-7114) Marilyn Stocks, Director (528-2458) We want to thank the many Bennett Valley residents who provide so much help in a number of different projects, including editing and mailing out the VOICE, sending out the BV pamphlets to real estate agents with property listed for sale, helping in the preparation and presentations for the Bennett Valley 2002 Community Forum and, most recently, working with the BV Fire Citizens' Committee, to help improve the funding for BVFPD.

Page Six

Please cut-out along lines, complete and send in with attached envelope.

Bennett Valley Homeowner'S Association Annual Membership Dues, 2002

(Mailing Label on Reverse Side - for Mail Delivery) Please mail this form in with your annual dues of $15, plus any donation you're willing to make, so that we may continue to actively work toward our mission (see below). Use the attached envelope, after adding postage, and send to Blair/Dougherty, 7373 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404.

We want to hear from you, so please be sure to include any comments or concerns you might have or changes to your name(s), address, or telephone #. Also, indicate below if you want to receive the VOICE electronically and include your e-mail address. Thanks!

> I want to receive the VOICE every other month, electronically, rather than through the mail. Please circle one of the following: Yes No Telephone # E-mail address Comments/Changes: Please cut-out along lines, complete and send in with attached envelope.

Good Reasons For You To Become A Member

The Bennett Valley Homeowner's Association mission is to help preserve the scenic and rural character of our valley. We also provide a forum for community issues, a place where residents can air views and support our Bennett Valley organizations like the Fire Protection District. Membership is voluntary and is only $15 per year. Your contribution is your statement that you are part of this community and support these types of activities: • The Bennett Valley VOICE community newspaper • The Bennett Valley Homeowner's Web page <www.bennettvalleyhomeowners.org> • The Bennett Valley Pamphlet, being distributed to all potential new residents in Bennett Valley • Support for both the Bennett Valley Volunteer Firefighters Association and the Bennett Valley Fire Protection District • Advocating for an appropriate design for the replacement to Grange Road bridge • Keeping residents informed of issues in the County possibly impacting us • Sponsoring Bennett Valley Clean-up day • Sponsoring Bennett Valley Community Forums • Creating the Bennett Valley Calendar (with profits going to the Bennett Valley Volunteer Firefighters) • Requesting improved roadway markings for increased safety in Bennett Valley • Protecting Bennett Valley from outside threats, i.e. removal of oak trees, engines discarded in creeks, etc.

If you are not a member please join your neighbors. The dues are low but the benefits are great. Page Seven

997 00°d Bennett Valley Community Calendar 1.) Bennett Valley Homeowner's Association -The BHA Board meets the third Wednesday of each month, 7:30 pm, at the Bennett Valley Fire Station. The next two meetings are March 20th and April 17th, 2002. Bennett Valley residents are encouraged to attend these informal, open forum meetings.

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 next three meetings are on March 12th, April 9th and May 14th. Bennett Valley residents are encouraged to attend these meetings.

3.) BVHA Clean-Up Day, Saturday, April 20th, 8:30 am, Bennett Valley Fire Station. We need your help cleaning up all the litter and debris strewn on Bennett Valley roads over the last six months. 4.) Bennett Valley Grange Bennett Valley Grange is having their Spagetti Dinner on Saturday, April 27th. Be on the look out for the announcement at the corner of Bennett Valley Rd. and Grange Rd.

Everyone in the community is invited to attend. If you have any questions, please call Bill & Patty Allen, at 544-3721. 5.) Sonoma County Board Of Supervisors meets every Tuesday (except on weeks when there, is a holiday) at 575 Administration Drive, Santa Rosa. You can call the office of the Supervisor representing Bennett Valley and Sonoma Valley, Mike Cale, at 565-2241 for additional information.