Bennett Valley Voice

Bennett Valley VOICE

Volume 25, Number

Bennett Valley Homeowner's Association (BVHA) Inside This Issue Notes: BV Fire Station Knox-Box Rapid Entry County General Plan Update Water Resources Groundwater Study BV 2003 Calendars Clean-up Roads Day Annadel Wildfire Concerns Native Oak Woodlands BHA Agenda, Meetings

—November, 2002

Thanks To Over 1,000 Bennett Valley Voters!

The Bennett Valley Fire Protection District residents Of special note were the outstanding fliers, the wellhave just completed a great campaign, both for and placed signs which were continuously moved against Measure Y, with over 1,000 people casting around, the "Burma shave" signs and the greeters at their votes. This measure proposed an increased a number of places & events. Special thanks to special tax for Bennett Valley Fire and proved to be some of the other people not already mentioned who admirable in terms of the open communication provided so much help in this effort, as listed below: between those for and against the measure, as well Bobbie Blair, Suzanne Dougherty, Heather LaRiviere, Larissa Goliti, as all the people helping and the wonderful ideas Michael Cronin, Weldon Jackson, Matt Phillips, Nola Stans, Dan & which emerged. The only blight on the campaign Carole Felciano, Mark & Jodi Richardson, Ken & Lolly Mesches, was the people taking down both "No" and "Yes" Marilyn Stocks, Bill Allen, Nancy Horrall, Joesph Swindt, Bill & Mary Ann Sullivan, Tom & Linda Morrisey, Robin Levander, Jim & signs for Measure Y. As one letter to the Editor in the Jinx Coops, Eric Burns, Phil & Judy Temko, Ann Hodder, Diane & Press Democrat recently said, taking down election Anne Giles, Patti White, Lu Schultz, Kathleen Elsey, Terry signs really interferes with our right to free speech.

Babineaux, Mike Beigler, Wells Wagner, Carol Hasenick, Robert As we all agreed at the last BHA Board Meeting on Friend, and Jennifer Combs. October 16th, no one should be taking down any elections signs until after the election! This campaign started with meetings in a number of neighbors' homes, including one in Bill' Pisenti's home. An important element was careful budget consideration with Marie Nottingham, Chief Kent Reynolds, Ruth Newman, Marilee Jensen, Tim Murphy, and Joe Stans, to ensure that we were proposing a very conservative budget used primarily for the firefighters themselves. The Bennett Valley Fire Protection Board of Directors approved this proposed budget ($180 per year from the typical Bennett Valley homeowners) and agreed it would be voted on by BV Fire District residents on 11/5/02.

Michael Friedenberg provided excellent leadership for this campaign, as President, Friends of Bennett Valley Fire. This included an excellent article in the Press Democrat and a radio show including both himself and Bill Pisenti, the "No on Y" leader. For the "Yes on Y' campaign, there were four committees, headed by Joe Judge (telephone calling), Michael Hickey (communication - fliers, signs), Deborah Haarstad (greeters at local stores, events) and Michael Friedenberg (press relations and fundraising for this campaign).

YES ON Y has 74% approval, before absentee vote counting. This vote and this campaign shows our strong support for our firefighters. Congratulations to our local heroes, our

Bennett Valley Firefighters!

The strength of the United States Constitution is that it "manages to meld our divergent viewpoints into a system of governance that transcends our differences," and is "designed to moderate our most contentious impulses."* This campaign proved to be a good example of the workings of our democracy and the transcending of our differences.

* (Press Democrat Editorial, July 4th, 2002) Congratulations, Valerie Brown! Bennett Valley Homeowners Association Board of Directors congratulates Valerie Brown on winning the election as our First District Supervisor, covering Bennett Valley, Sonoma Valley, Glen Ellen, Kenwood and part of eastern Santa Rosa. We have certainly appreciated her responses, input and interaction at both an introductory meeting in her office and at our "Candidates Night" at the last Board of Directors meeting. We are looking forward to continuing to communicate and work with Valerie on matters pertaining to Bennett Valley.

NOTES: Bennett Valley Fire Station • The three paid firefighting engineers and all of the volunteer firefighters at the Bennett Valley Fire Station really appreciate the support their community has shown them with the 74% "yes" votes for increasing their pay and providing the incentive stipend for overnight volunteers.

• The necessary process & timing for billing the Bennett Valley property owners for the additional funds is being studied by the Bennett Valley Fire Protection District. Be sure to attend the BV Fire Board meeting on December 10th, 2002 if you want to hear more about this.

• The three paid firefighting engineers currently at the BV Fire Station are Jason Mallory, Brian Campbell and Mike Musgrove. They alternate their 24 hour shifts, beginning at 7 am, with one of them on duty at all times. Their efforts and protection are supplemented by up to 22 highly-trained volunteer firefighters.

• The Bennett Valley Fire Protection District also recently received a $3,000 grant for "turn-outs" from the Exchange Bank Foundation, through the efforts of Jennifer Combs. From what Bennett Valley Fire Chief Kent Reynolds has said this will purchase three complete turn-outs, which are the safety pants and jackets for firefighters, including the helmets. This safety equipment is what enables them to be protected when they are going into burning areas to help rescue people and/or put fires out. Jennifer is planning to pursue other possible grants for the Bennett Valley Fire Station. Thanks so much to Jennifer for all of her very special and successful efforts for our BV firefighters.

• Matt Phillips reports that he has ten, Explorers again this year. These are high school students who are being trained weekly in firefighting. It's great that we keep seeing more Explorer Address signs up in front of different houses in Bennett Valley. Remember, these signs make it much easier for the firefighters or others to find your home in an emergency, coming from either direction. The address sign sales also provide extra funds which help the Explorers pay for the intensive one-week training camp available to them for a cost during the early spring. Many of our BV firefighters started as Explorers when they were in high school. Please be sure to remember to call or stop by the Bennett Valley Fire Station to order your Explorer address signs for only $12.50.

What is a Knox-Box and How Can It Help You? By Engineer Brian Campbell, BVFPD Since 1975 the KNOX-BOX Rapid Entry System has provided non-destructive emergency access to commercial and residential property. From key vaults to comprehensive key control systems, Knox provides the public safety community with proven and dependable products and services.

Knox-Box provides the Bennett Valley Fire District with the ways and means to gain emergency access to a property without the costly effects of using forcible entry. These "costly effects" can range from cutting a $5 master lock to breaking down a $6,000 gate, all of which considerably reduce response time. Forcible entry is not necessary with the Knox-Box system. The Knox system is a tightly-documented secure method for quick and non-destructive access to commercial and residential properties.

Here are some frequently asked questions: Q.) What is the Knox Company's policy regarding key security? A.) Knox provides the keys to the authorized fire district in our area (Bennett Valley, Sonoma County Fire Services) for use with the Knox system. Although fire districts take possession of the keys, the ownership of the Knox master keys remains with the Knox company. This is necessary to ensure the security of the Knox system.

Q.) What does Bennett Valley Fire District do to maintain key security? A.). 1. Keep all Knox keys in a secure location. 2. Does not release the Knox-provided key to any party outside of the Fire District. 3. Notifies Knox immediately of loss, theft, or attempted duplication of any key.

If you have any further questions, please call the Bennett Valley Fire District at (707) 578-7761 or stop by the BV Fire Station to receive literature and order forms for the Knox-Box system. Bennett Valley Fire Protection District Board of Directors 6161 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa (707) 578-7761 Matt Phillips, Chairman Dan Felciano, Deborah Haarstad Mark Richardson, Nola Stans The Board meetings are on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, at 7:00 pm. at the BV Fire Station.

Everyone is welcome to attend. If you have any questions, please call the Bennett Valley Fire Chief, Kent Reynolds, at (707) 578-7761. Page Two

Sonoma County General Plan Update: Progress Report* This Sonoma County General Plan update was authorized by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors in the spring of 2001. The community has had an extended opportunity to provide comments on and affect the issues that are being addressed. There is a General Plan Website which Following are some examples of the policy issues for which the CAC has completed its deliberations and approved its recommendations as of June, 2002.

1.) Mixed use in Commercial/Industrial Areas: The CAC has recommended policy language in the Land Use Element that supports the expansion of mixed-use and live-work opportunities on all lands that are designated for commercial or industrial use. has been established and can be used by the public for access to public notices, calendar, staff reports and minutes.

• The Citizen's Advisory Committee (CAC) has been appointed, with three representatives from each Supervisorial district, has received some basic training on General Plans, 2.) Siting of Churches and Private Schools: The CAC has recommended revision of the criteria for locating churches and private schools in rural areas. The recommended criteria would prohibit these uses on agricultural and resource lands and on other lands more than a half mile from urban areas...

participated in the development of the Work Plan, and has become fully engaged in learning about and deliberating upon the issues. The three representatives appointed from District 1 are Tamara Boutbee, Dick Fogg and Vickie Mulas. There are 53 issues being considered as part of the Work Plan that will be reviewed, considered, and addressed by the 15 member CAC. Each of five key issues, listed below, is first being considered by a 3member subcommittee: Agricultural Tourism, Agricultural Processing, Riparian Corridor/Biological Habitat, Water Resources 3.) Organic Agriculture: The CAC recommended additional policy language in the Agricultural Resources element that would encourage marketing and promotion of Sonoma County products that are produced using sustainable and organic practices.

4.) Horses: The CAC recommended adding a new section...that would explicitly recognize the Horse Industry as agriculture. The CAC was careful to include language that clarified that facilities related primarily to recreational uses, such as race tracks, public trails, etc., are not considered agricultural uses in this context.

and Circulation/Transit. Policies addressing the remaining issues are being presented by staff directly to the full CAC. The CAC has been meeting regularly since February and has completed its recommendation on about 14 issues, as of their 8/15/02 meeting. The CAC and Subcommittee review and 4) Hazardous Materials: The CAC recommended revision of three existing policies ...that would increase education efforts re: the County's Household Hazardous Waste Program, green business opportunities and other ways to reduce the use of hazardous materials.

consideration of policy issues is proceeding as rapidly as could be expected, given some 4) Pesticides: The CAC heard an extensive of the complexities and competing interests presentation from the County Agricultural involved. The anticipated completion date Commissioners' Office regarding the limitations has now been extended (at least) two months, to September, 2003.

involved in County regulation of pesticides and recommended policy language.that would • Key milestones... are as follows: encourage reduction in pesticide usage in general, but specifically targeting county operations. • CAC Subcommittees complete policy deliberations... For more information on any of these issues or the • Full CAC completes policy deliberations...

dates of specific meetings, please call Scott Briggs, • CAC reviews rough drafts of General at 565-1936 or e-mail him at ‹briggs@sonomaPlan/EIR... county.org>. These meeting notices are also posted at the BV Fire Station. Your input is still • Begin hearings at Planning Commission encouraged and welcome.

(Late Spring, 2003). Begin hearings at Board of Supervisors *This information is primarily from a memo on "Progress Report, General Plan Update*, ; addressed to Planning Agency (Mid-summer, 2003). and Citizen's Advisory Committee from Scott Briggs, dated

8/12/02. Cac

representative Tamara Boultbee has also provided some additional information. Page Three

Some Issues Considered in the General Plan Update Water Resources Sub-Committee A. "Groundwater Issues: Concerns stated in the issues identification process include: • Local... declines in groundwater levels • Regional... declines in groundwater levels • New wells interfering with existing well levels or yields • Well permits not required to show or consider existing well locations • Well locations limiting the locations of septic systems on adjacent parcels.

• Lack of groundwater assessment and discretionary approval for agricultural wells. • Requiring "proof of water" without assessing impacts on existing wells. • Cumulative groundwater impacts of allowed uses in waterscarce areas... • Deterioration of groundwater quality. • Lack of monitoring and reliable data on water yields, use and quality.* B. "Ongoing Groundwater Studies: Before 1999, larger-scale assessment of groundwater in the County consisted of CA Dept. of Water Resources (DWR) and Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA) studies of geology and groundwater in the major valley basins...In September 1999, the Board of Supervisors began a major effort to address concerns about groundwater availability by directing Sonoma Co. Permit & Resource Management Dept.

(PRMD) to prepare a report on regulatory options in water-scarce areas. (Added note: such as Bennett Valley) In January 2000 the Board directed PRMD and SCWA to bring back options for a countywide groundwater study, and in July 2000, the Board approved a contract with Kleinfelder Associates to assess groundwater data and prepare more focused studies for particular water-scarce areas...

Information About Possible Sonoma County Groundwater Study in Bennett Valley "Kleinfelder has begun work on the procedural evaluations and designing the in-depth groundwater assessments for the Joy Road, Bennett Valley and Mark West Springs study areas. It is anticipated that the proposed design for these pilot studies will be completed ...and presented to the Board.

Groundwater Management: The summary of groundwater management practices attached to Kleinfelder's June 2001 report to the Board stated that, according to DWR, the required elements of a groundwater management plan are as follows: 1. Locate and identify water wells, and collect groundwater level and quality data.

2. Determine the amount of groundwater that is extracted by each well or otherwise removed from the groundwater basin. 3. Prepare maps and graphs that show: -Past groundwater levels and groundwater quality. -Present or recent groundwater levels, quality and rates of extraction. -Recent precipitation... -Changes in groundwater levels and groundwater quality...

5. Use drillers' logs and other data to estimate specific yield. 6. Project future rates of extraction and estimate the rate of decline of groundwater levels and possible change in groundwater quality. 7. Develop a plan for managing groundwater supplies. Such a plan may require reductions in extractions so iong-term changes in storage do not cause water quantity or quality problems.

If the Board (of Supervisors) approves proceeding with one or more of the in-depth pilot studies, some of the above information will be generated for the study areas. Twelve counties have reportedly implemented groundwater management plans, but most of these plans focus on deep alluvial basins, not the fractured bedrock and upland areas where many concerns have been reported in Sonoma County. DWR can provide some information on geological conditions, monitoring results and overdraft conditions in some basins." This information was extracted from the

"Attachment To Minutes Of September 24,

2002 MEETING OF WATER RESOURCES SUBCOMMITTEE." While the work of Kleinfelder Associates is described in this document, please note there is no direct connection between the Water Resources Sub-committee and Kleinfelder, other than the focas on Sonoma County water. If the Board of Supervisors decides to proceed with an in-depth pilot study in Bennett Valley, then Kleinfelder Associates will need parcel owners of forty or fifty wells in Bennett Valley, including the larger operations such as Bennett Ridge and Woodside water companies, to volunteer to participate in a monitoring plan as listed above.

This information would be necessary in order to possibly discover the answers to some of the groundwater concerns being expressed by Bennett Valley residents over and over again through the years. Be sure to discuss this with other Bennett Valley residents with wells, so we can demonstrate to the Board of Supervisors that we have both the concern and the cooperation for this pilot study here in Bennett Valley.

Page Four

Bennett Valley 2003 Calendars Are Here !!! The Fourth Edition of the Bennett Valley Calendar is now available at three locations on Yulupa Avenue - Bennett Valley Ace Hardware, Long's Drug Store, and Paterson Nurseries, plus the Bennett Valley Fire Station. The cost remains $15.00. You can also purchase calendars from Judy Temko, 544-0234, Suzanne Dougherty, 542-1608, and Marilee Jensen, 576-0405.

The calendar committee would like to thank the 28 residents who submitted such quality entries for the calendar, even though it made it more difficult for the judges to pick the 14 photos to be included. The judges were Pat Sherman, Bob Sorani, and Katie Black. We also want to acknowledge the invaluable, creative assistance of Patti White who scanned the pictures, created the graphic layout, and negotiated a very favorable price from the printer.

Keep those cameras clicking and brushes painting for 2004. Bennett Valley "Clean-up Roads" Day 10/19/02 We want to express our special appreciation to the 23 people who were at the BV Fire Station to help pick up litter or trash along some of the roads in Bennett Valley on this date. As usual they were able to collect at least 40 large bags of litter which was left at the BV Fire Station for Sonoma Co. Public Works to pick up. There was also a CHP car cruising the area, at our request, from 7:30 am until almost 11 am, to keep it safer for the people along the roads. A number of exceptionally dedicated people, including the Pavone family, the Sandine family and Ron Simpson, picked up litter for extra hours and/or extra places. The new pick-up sticks proved to be very helpful. There are also some plans to have the 4H and other BV Youth Groups help in this effort, scheduled twice a year.

The necessary pre-arrangements for the "Clean-up Roads" day, including a county permit, orange bags, safety vests and road signs, were handled by Eve Boling, Sandy Sandine, Bobbie Blair & Suzanne Dougherty. The willing volunteers who helped with this clean-up are as follows: Gail & Bob Baron, Lois Brown, Eric Burns, Sandra Carr, Suzanne Dougherty, Mike & Patty Hickey, Ed & Sally Jensen, Marilee Jensen, Jim Leih, Mary McElhaney, Philippe Michel, Mike, Debbie & Jenae Pavone, Garrett Redding, Dave, Sandy & Deborah Sandine, Lu Schultz, and Ron Simpson.

Annadel Wildfire Concerns As noted in the July 2002 VOICE, meetings were held October 21st and November 1st regarding Annadel State Park : Wildfire concerns, with representatives from State Parks, includin Superintendent Dave Nelson, Calif. Dept. of Forestry (CDF), Kenwood Fire District, Glen Ellen Fire District, Lawndale/Kenwood Homeowners, Oakmont Homeowners, Wild Oak Homeowners, and Bennett Ridge Homeowners. Also present at these meetings were representatives from Valerie Brown's office (the 1st District County Supervisor) and Pat Wiggin's office (the State Assemblyperson from this area).

These meetings were held in State Senator Wes Chesbro's office in Santa Rosa, with his district coordinator, Jim Leddy. State Parks has already contracted for some additional trail clearing on Warren Richardson Trail and Canyon Trail, which should occur either in the spring or the fall and allow for better road clearance for emergency vehicles. There has been some brush removal on Marsh Creek also, and the clearance is a little higher. They are also in the process of planning "prescribed fires" in Annadel State Park, in "management compartments" probably sometime this next year in order to reduce the fuel load available for fire. Previously there have been some controlled fires in Annadel. This hasn't been done for 5 or 6 years, and they feel this will help significantly in reducing the potential for wildland fires. Air Quality Control in the Bay Area has some stiff standards which will have to be met, such as no smoke in the area after dark. We will hear more about this as the plan is developed and approved.

The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, 1/10/03. Poison Control Systems- Pets & People Some BV neighbors reported that their little puppy ingested window glazing and they found that American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has a national poison control center. It is staffed 24/7 by vets who specialize in poison and hazardous materials problems with pets. The phone number is 1-800-548-2423, and a $45 fee is charged to a credit card to defray costs for this non-profit organization.

But what about people? Listed in the Pacific Bell telephone book in the "Business White Pages" is "Poison Control, Emergency 24 hour Hotline, 1-800-876-4766." This one toll-free emergency hotline number is used throughout California Further information about the California Poison Control System is also available at the web page calpoison.org.

Done Es..

Report on the BHA Board Meetings Anyone is free to obtain complete copies of the minutes of these meetings, either through the web <bennettvalleyhomeowners.org> or by calling Bobbie Blair, 542-1608. September 18th, 2002 Present at this meeting were Marilee Jensen, Tim Murphy, Helen Bates, Michael Friedenberg, Marilyn Stocks, and Leanore Mesches. There were also 5 other Bennett Valley parcel owners present.

During public input, someone in the audience asked about installing a windmill on his property on Pressley Road. The Board wasn't. sure about the issues and referred him to Karin Theriault; PRMD Planner, who continues to handle the design review issues for most Bennett Valley properties.

After the minutes of the last meeting were approved, Helen Bates presented the Treasurer's Report, including details of $350 being presented to the BV Volunteer Firefighters Association. PRMD reports they have a request from Olmsted and Associates, 6241 Bennett Valley Rd., to have the acreage removed from the Williamson Act.

As a land-use issue, BHA will review for possible input to PRMD. It was also reported that the BV Fire Protection District has now sworn in Deborah Haarstad as the fifth member of their Board of Directors. Michael Friedenberg reported for Friends of BV Fire, that he had arranged to be on the Pat Thurston radio show on KRO (1350 am. Friends of BV Fire is requesting $3,000 more in individual donations to cover the cost of the fliers and postcard to be mailed to all of the property owners in Bennett Valley and the over 50 "Yes on Y" signs to be purchased and installed.

The BVHA Board of Directors have an introductory meeting scheduled with Valerie Brown in her office on 10/2/02, to discuss some of the Bennett Valley issues pertaining to the Board of Supervisors. There has been a great deal of concern about all the earth-moving which has been visible on the west side of Bennett Ridge. The Sonoma Co.

Code Enforcement Supervisor, Ben Neuman, informed Marilee that the property owners were doing everything legally, in terms of permits, working with the Agriculture Commissioner's office (Gail Davis) and providing engineering consultation to help prevent erosion on the steep slope where they are planting a new vineyard. When Marilee talked to Gail Davis, she also expressed concerns, but was very carefully monitoring what was being done to be sure that all the laws were being followed.

Eric Burns, one of the candidates for the BHA Board of Directors, has agreed to take over the BVHA web-site from Gerald Phillips, who originally developed it. Gerald Phillips has been too Page Six busy to keep up with all the needed updating. The BV Volunteer Firefighters Community Day was a great success in earning $16,000 from both the live auction and the silent auction, as organized for the second year in a row by Bobbie Blair and Suzanne Dougherty.

It was reported that the pictures have been selected for the BV 2003 calendar and only 250 calendars will be printed. They will be available in November. The meeting was adjourned at 8 pm. October 16th, 2002 Present at this meeting were Marilee Jensen, Michael Friedenberg, Tim Murphy, Lolly Mesches, and Bobbie Blair. Guests present included the candidates for the First District Supervisor position, Valerie Brown and Edward Kenney. There were also 17 other residents and/or guests present. Prior to the introduction of the candidates, the BHA Board and the Friends of BV Fire denounced the removal of the "No on Measure Y" signs that had been taken down in the past few days.

Valerie Brown and Ed Kenny each spoke for 5 - 10 minutes about what they have done and could bring to the office. Then they both took questions from the audience and Board members, lasting about one hour. During public input, Judy Temko asked who to contact regarding cleaning up the area just outside the Hidden acres entrance from Sonoma Mountain Road. Marilee agreed to phone her with the contacts.

Levi Gurule of Public Works has said they may start to build the new Grange Road Bridge as early as next Spring, depending on how long it takes to work out the rights-of-way, with the driveway that has to be moved. First they will build the detour bridge in the same location, which will be even better than the current old bridge. They have been able to save a lot more of the oak trees with this new plan of following the old road pretty closely. The bridge will be ten feet higher than it is now and have two lanes, twelve feet wide, with two shoulders, six feet wide.

BV Clean-up Day on October 19th was announced again. Phil Temko, as the BHA Nominating Committee Chairperson, counted the votes for the BHA Board of Directors election and said all three candidates running were voted in, that is Bobbie Blair, Eric Burns and Michael Friedenberg.

The Board meeting was then adjourned, and the Directors met to determine who the officers would be for the next year. All the officers stayed the same: President, Marilee Jensen; Vice-President, Michael Friedenberg; Treasurer, Helen Bates; Recording Secretary, Bobbie Blair; and Corresponding Secretary, Lolly Mesches.

BHA Board of Directors Tentative Agenda For Meeting on 11/20/02. • Call to Order, Public Input, Approval of Minutes and Treasurer's Report • Monthly Report: Board of Supervisors, Open Space District, Matanzas Creek Watershed Group, Sonoma County Public Works • Old Business • Election results, Bennett Valley • BHA Officers, Anna Contier interest sat inte Director Orientation, • Sonoma Co. General Plan update; possible water study in Bennett Valley • BVHA Web-page update • BV Clean-up Roads report No BHA Meeting in December * New Business • Annadel Wildfire Concers The Board of Directors Agenda for each meeting is posted on a bulletin board at the BV Fire Station and on the BHA web-page, 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.

Bennett Valley Homeowner'S

Association (Bha) Board Of Directors

P.O. Box 2666, Santa Rosa, CA 95405 BHA Web-Page <bennettvalleyhomeowners.org> 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) Eric Burns, Director (584-7531) Jennifer Combs, Director (546-1190) Tim Murphy, Director (542-7114) Marilyn Stocks, Director (528-2458) BVHA Mission Statement: "Committed to promoting & preserving the rural character and natural environment of Bennett Valley." For 2002 BHA Membership, please send your $15 annual dues to Blair/Dougherty, 7373 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa, CA 95404.

Thanks to so many Bennett Valley residents for all of your help! Native Oak Woodlands • In a telephone call on 11/11/02, arborist Rob Gross confirmed that there is a possible treatment for Sudden Oak Death, but most likely it will not be available for at least one year. Meanwhile you can use a copper spray to provide possible protection for especially vulnerable oak trees. Please call Rob at 942-9139 if you have any questions.

• *Our mission is to protect and perpetuate native oak woodlands. Talk needs to lead to Statewide Oak protection in 2002... The Oak Woodlands Monitoring Act is posted on COF's website at <www.californiaoaks.org>.™ California Oak Foundation, OAKS, Winter, 2001 • "Loss of oak woodland habitat is analogous to what would occur to wildife if other habitats, such as wetlands, riparian or old-growth coniferous forests, were substantially altered. In addition, these habitats support the greatest number of wildlife species of any comparable habitat in the State." California Department of Fish and Game, 1993 • *There is strong evidence from recent statewide surveys that valley oak is in decline over most of its range and is also especially vulnerable to habitat loss through land use conversion from rangeland to intensive agriculture and residential development." University of California, 2000 • *...Riparian areas contain a rich mix of trees, including vailey oaks, cottons, willows, sycamores and box elder, and understory shrubs and vines.

Some areas, especially after a flood, have willow scrub. Seasonal flooding is an important ecological process for riparian areas. The seeds of several species, like cotton woods, only germinate in fresh, bare silt after a flood. • Riparian trees are fairly easy to propagate. ...Valley oaks, for example, grow from planted acoms...The development of young (valley oak) trees, expansion of remaining woodlands and establishment of new woodlands is extremely important. Artificial planting of valley oaks in historic sites with rich bottomland soils is an effective way to re-establish woodlands. Weed removal and light irrigation for the first two to three seasons greatly improves chances of success.

Pace Sauan

7502E 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 BV Fire Station. The next two meetings are November 20th, 2002 and January 15th, 2003. Please note: There will be no meeting in December. Everyone is invited to attend the BHA Board meetings.

2) Bennett Valley Fire Protection District -The Board of Directors meets the second Tuesday of each month, 7:00 pm, at the Bennett Valley Fire Station. The next two meetings are December 10th, 2002 and January 14th, 2003. Everyone is encouraged to attend the Bennett Valley Fire District Board of Director meetings.

3.) Bennett Valley Grange #16, Friday, December 6th, 7:00 pm, public meeting and No-Host Cookie Exchange. Watch for further announcements. 4.) Sonoma County Board Of Supervisors meets every Tuesday (except on weeks when there is a holiday at 575 Administration Drive, Santa Rosa. Valerie Brown is the Supervisor for our First District, so you can call her or Lynn Morton-Weil, her Aide, at 565-2241, if you have any questions or concerns.