Bennett Valley Voice

Bennett Valley VOICE

Volume 28, Number 5

Bennett Valley Homeowner Association (BVHA)

September, 2005

County Preserves Bennett Valley

Using Area Development Guidelines

Recently a BV resident wrote a letter to the BVHA At our next BVHA meeting, Dean Parsons and Karin Iheriault, from Sonoma County's Permit Resource & Management Department (PRMD) will be our guest speakers. They will cover the Development Guidelines and the Design Review process for the Bennett Valley area. The meeting is on Tuesday, September 20*h , 7:00 pm, at BV Grange Hall, and you are encouraged to come get answers to your questions and/or concerns .

Board about some concerns he had in regard to PRMD insuring the Bennett Valley Area Plan is followed and the scenic and rural character preserved. A letter was addressed to Karin Theriault describing his specific concerns and she responded thoroughly and promptly, with some of her more general statements quoted below: "What I can tell you is that I take the BV Area Plan very seriously and that I work very hard to make sure that new construction is in keeping with BACKGROUND: The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors approved a Bennett Valley Specific Plan (now known as the Bennett Valley Area Plan) originally in 1978, with the goal of preserving the rural character and natural environment of this area.

"To preserve the scenic quality of the valley, proposed construction must be evaluated by the Sonoma County PRMD to insure compliance with the Bennett Valley Plan. Such evaluation will include an application and field review by their staff. By informing your designer or architect about the Bennett Valley Area Plan early in the design process and following the Plan's Development Guidelines, the permit approval process can be streamlined."* the Plan. However, sometimes projects still do not turn out exactly as imagined or planned. When a site is being evaluated in the design review process, we ask for story poles, stakes in the ground, landscape plans, color palettes, etc. And even then, the review process can be tricky and is not an exact science; sometimes colors and materials do not turn out the way they appeared on the samples - even if the samples were very large.

Sometimes structures get moved a foot or two in one direction or another - which, can create all kinds of visibility problems...it's really a tough situation to navigate. Finally, I want to impress upon BV Homeowners that virtually all new construction A few of the key elements of the Bennett Valley Area Plan and its Development Guidelines follow: (initially) can be visible because what is being viewed may be light pieces of wood used for framing or white insulation, etc. Sometimes it will take until • Open vistas, scenic landscape units, critical habitats and historic resources will be protected.

• Skyline development is prohibited. • Roofing is to be dark-toned, if visible...The structures are to be earth tone colors, using textures and materials that also blend harmoniously with the surrounding environment. • Native vegetation and landforms are to be utilized to screen structures. * (From the Bennett Valley Brochure, 2001) the paint is on and/or landscaping has a chance to mature in order for things to blend in better. Also, remember that a lot of the sites that are left in Bennett Valley are difficult sites in that they consist of hillsides or, they don't have enough existing vegetation or foliage to screen new construction initially as much as people would like. These are very hard sites to develop and, it is often a struggle to try to find a place of balance between what the property owner is asking for and what the intent of the Bennett Valley Area Plan requires."

Proposed Bennett Valley

Well Project*

Tuesday, September 27' ,7:00 - 9:00 pm BV Grange Hall By Lois Brown BACKGROUND: Bennett Valley groundwater is the sole source of water for residences and agricultural users in the Valley. A recent study commissioned by Sonoma County examined newly-drilled wells, finding, "The trend analysis of depth-to-water in new wells together with reports of dropping water levels, seasonal well failures, and complete well failures, all suggest overdraft conditions." "But, the data do not show whether water levels in existing wells are dropping." There is no organized historical record of groundwater depth in Bennett Valley. The description which follows is an outline of a project to construct a record of groundwater depths. This project will be presented to the BVHA Board for possible approval at the Board's next meeting. As a result of the announcement in the previous VOICE, seventeen well owners have volunteered to participate.

The Bennett Valley community, in cooperation with the BV Grange, is sponsoring this informative forum in order that Valley residents can make an educated vote on the November 8° ballot. This Initiative would place a ten year moratorium on genetically engineered (GE) crops, fish, trees, animals, bacteria and other organism, thus making it illegal to grow, sell or distribute GE organisms in Sonoma County. It does not prohibit medical and agricultural research using GE technology, and the Board of Supervisors can make exceptions by unanimous vote. Voters in Marin and Mendocino Counties have already approved similar initiatives.

Ruth Waltenspiel, of the Farmers' Alliance, is the speaker representing the Sonoma County Farm Bureau, which has taken a position opposing the MISSION: The Bennett Valley Well Project will maintain an organized record of static depth-to-water for 20-30 wells in the Bennett Valley watershed Some of these wells will be individually owned or some will be operated by a mutual water system.

The data on depth-to-water will be measured accurately and will be organized in a systematic way. These data will be available for community groups to (1) educate residents concerning water issues and (2) provide factual information for community groups to use in public settings, like meetings of the Planning Commission or the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. In any case, any public presentation of these data will be coded in such a way that individual property addresses will not be revealed.

Initiative. Ruth and her husband, Ronald, were born and raised in agriculture. They started the Timber Crest Farms, in Healdsburg, where for 46 years they organically grew, processed, and sold their products. Today Timber Crest Farms still grows grapes and raises cattle. They also continue to operate a food and wine center in Healdsburg.

Dave Henson is the speaker supporting this initiative, and is the primary author of GE-Free Sonoma County. He is founder and the executive director of the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center, an education and training institute set on 80 acres of organic gardens, orchards and wildlands in western Sonoma County. Working as a project director for several national environmental and social justice organizations over the past 25 years, Dave has led OPERATIONS: Any monitored well in this project over 400 community training programs and spoken must have a copy of the original well driller's log in to community and government audiences in more order to provide baseline data on the static depth-tothan 40 US states and 20 countries.

water. We will help homeowners' obtain a copy if needed. The exact coordinates of the well will be Each speaker will make a brief presentation and determined, using GPS technology, and the height of then take questions from the audience. We hope the well-head above sea level will be estimated.

that you will want to participate in this forum and Twice a year the static depth-to-water will be come away with factual information on which to determined, perhaps using a sonic depth meter on base your critical voting choice. loan from SWIG. Some well owners will prefer to do this measurement themselves, while others will need Bennett Valley 2006 Calendar assistance. The date and depth-to-water will be recorded and maintained, to establish an organized The calendar committee is looking for someone historical record of groundwater depth in Bennett to scan the photos that will be used in the Valley, in at least a sampling of existing wells.

upcoming Bennett Valley Calendar. Please *'If you're interested in participating, contact Doug contact Kathleen Pitou at 525-0374, if you're Martin, 577-0360.) ,.willing to help..

Ge-Free Initiative Forum

Fall Clean-Up Day!

Saturday, October 8th, ', has been chosen for the next Bennett Valley clean-up day. We are asking volunteers to meet at the fire station at 8:30 am. Donuts and coffee will be served. Don't forget to wear sturdy shoes, gloves and a hat for sun protection. The BVHA provides "pick-up sticks" that are a great help in preventing sore backs.

We do appreciate the residents who come out every Spring and Fall to help keep our community roads free of litter. Bennett Valley Homeowner's Association's Adherence to the Brown Act Prior to Sept. 14*, 2004 and the rescinding of Resolution 94-1042, the BVHA Board was required to follow the Brown Act when acting in an advisory capacity to the Board of Supervisors. Since then the Board has agreed to follow the intent of the Brown Act, even though it is no longer required, as described as follows: We will post our agenda in a location "that is freely accessible to members of the public" at least 72 hours before a regular meeting. Special meetings will be posted at least 24 hours prior to the meeting, unless there is an emergency situation.

The agenda that is posted will include the time and location of the meeting and a brief description of the items to be discussed. The description will provide information on the scope of the proposed action so the public can decide whether or not to attend. Discussion items and action items will be listed.

At the meetings only items on the posted agenda will be discussed or acted upon, except to briefly respond to statements posed by persons exercising their public testimony rights, to ask questions for clarification, make a brief announcement or to make a report on activities undertaken.

There will be no discussion of possible BVHA action items with more than four other members of the Board privately, when not at a publicly posted meeting. Information can be sent on any item to all of the Board by phone or email for further discussion and action at one of the posted public meetings.

We will have a sign-in sheet for the public which specifically says that signing this document is voluntary and all persons may attend the meeting regardless of whether a person chooses to sign or not. The public will always be given the right to speak on any item of interest to the public either before or during the Board's consideration of an item on the agenda. Those speaking will be asked their name and address but may speak even if they refuse to give this information. We will choose a reasonable limitation of time.

It is the intent of the Board that its actions are taken openly and deliberations are conducted openly. In the event that any meeting is willfully interrupted by a group of persons so as to render the orderly conduct of the meeting unfeasible and order cannot be restored, the Board may clear the meeting room and conduct the remainder of the meeting in private. The Board, at its discretion, may readmit individuals.

The Last Hurrah

! For The New Grange Road Bridge!

By Jim Alfieri, Sonoma County Bridge Engineer Hello, everyone. Yes, I did promise you one : more article on our favorite bridge project - the Grange Road Bridge. And with mixed feelings here it ; is. So happy with what we all accomplished, but a little melancholy that we have arrived at this point.

{The final paving is finished, drainage structures : installed, erosion control in place, fencing and gates ¡ erected. Except for the final landscaping and tree ; planting to take place in late fall, this is it. I will be very active in a bridge replacement ¡project over Sonoma Creek on Riverside Drive this: (fall. More adventure, more challenges. Our neighbors i on the other side of the mountain will be challenged ¡to meet the high standards of support that you've always provided. If they even come close, it will be ¡another success story. Take care, and again, our ; sincere appreciation.

Response to The New Grange Road Bridge By Marilee Jensen. Every time | look at this bridge, I feel a great sense i of pride and pleasure. Bennett Valley parcel owners' ¡ actions did make a difference in the final construction plans of this bridge; safe, secure and not intrusive.

¡ Thank you Sonoma County! Bennett Valley Fire Protection District

6161 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa (707) 578-8471 (Non-Emergency #)

Bennett Valley Firefighting Staff

24-hour Shift Firefighting Engineers: Brian Campbell, Mike Musgrove and Bryon Reid Daytime Firefighters, 8 am to 5 pm: Danny Connelly*, Steve Gritsch, Matt Tognozzi* (*Also Engineers) 2005/2006 Special Tax Rate For The Bennett Valley Fire Protection District The Bennett Valley Fire Protection District voters authorized the District to set the rate for the special fire tax up to $180 each year, for a singlefamily residence. Prior to the June 14* , meeting, a public notice was placed in the newspaper on two different dates as well as posted in three places in the community, announcing the Board would be setting the special tax rate and approving the preliminary budget for the 2005/2006 year at their next meeting. At that Board meeting, on June 14th the tax rate was set at $160, for this next year for single-family residences. With administrative input and analysis, the Board concurred that $160, rather than $180, would be sufficient to continue to have an efficient high-performing Fire District. Any questions you have may be directed to Andy Pforsich, the Fire Chief, at 823-1084.

BV Fire District Board Changes In July, Deborah Haarstad resigned from the Board of Directors, following the recent death of her husband. Another director, Dan Felciano, resigned effective September yst , because he and his wife are moving out-of-state. The Board appointed Arnie Tognozzi to the Board at their meeting on August meeting, on September 14"h.

Зорат: t4. лова арові Another appointment will be considered at that meeting, to replace Dan Felciano. Deborah Haarstad's and Mark Richardson's positions were up for election this year, so Arnie Tognazzi (who was appointed to replace Deborah Haarstad) will have to run in the November, 2005 election, as will Mark Richardson. Matt Phillips, Marilee Jensen and the director appointed to replace Dan Felciano will be up for re-election in November, 2007. If the number of people running for Directors' positions is the same as the number of positions available, then the names are not put on the ballot, but "appointed as if elected". Not having any names on the ballot or any votes to be tabulated saves the Bennett Valley Fire District up to eight thousand 'dollars in any one election.

:BV Firefighter Activities; July, August By Bryon Reid, 24-Hour Shift Firefighting Engineer July/August Call activity Medical Aids-17; Vehicle Accidents-6; Vegetation Fires-5; Structure Fires-7; Trees Down-4; Hazardous Conditions-6; Vehicle Fires-1; Alarm Soundings-3; Public Assists-1 July and August have been relatively slow months for the Bennett Valley Fire District, callvolume wise.

Despite having responded to 5 vegetation fires, we are happy to report that there have been no significant vegetation fires within Bennett Valley. But we must not get complacent, despite that good news. Statistically, September and October are the busiest months for vegetation fires. In the meantime, we welcome the new bridge into our community. We look forward to a wider, better designed bridge, reducing the likelihood of vehicle accidents in that formerly awkward intersection. We have also been fortunate in not having many vehicle accidents lately. However, this is not to say that we have not had any. The fall months bring cooling temperatures and prime weather for cyclists to enjoy the scenic beauty of Bennett Valley. It is a necessity that we share the road to prevent any further accidents involving cyclists in our community.

On the other side of the country, in New Orleans, the world was shocked by the events that unfolded due to a natural disaster. One of the biggest things that we can stress is disaster preparedness here at home. Preparedness starts with acknowledging the fact that we can have a disaster here at home and includes such things as having pre-set emergency contacts and plans with your family, rations and supplies for at least 7 days (because we are in a more remote area. A safe mindset is to plan for the worst and hope for the best. For the time being, let's keep the victims of Hurricane Katrina in our thoughts and hope the best for all of them.

You'll Want To Attend The Bennett Valley Community Day! Date, Time & Place Sunday, September 25", noon until 5pm, Matanzas Creek Winery. Food & Beverages Tri-tip, Chicken, Pasta, Salad and Bread Matanzas Creek Wine and Beer Activities and Planned Events Live auction, raffle, Fire Equipment on display, "Smoky the Bear" Trailer for Children, Allstate taking fingerprints and pictures of your children

Earthquake Preparedness;

Not If, But When In Sonoma Co.

The pictures from New Orleans have dramatized to all of us the importance of Disaster Preparedness, which we've all thought about, but put off completing. It is being said that a big earthquake is going to happen here some time in the next 30 years.

Whether it's an earthquake or some other major disaster, the consequences can be greatly reduced if we have developed a Family Disaster Plan. The information in this article is oriented more toward earthquakes, but there are additional important items needed in any Disaster Plan, which are not included here. To obtain further information on disaster preparedness, you can contact the Sonoma County Office of Emergency Services, 2300 County Center Drive, #221A, Santa Rosa, (707) 527-1152.

• Prepare A Home Earthquake Plan: Choose A

safe place in every room-under a sturdy table or desk or against an inside wall where nothing can fall on you (away from windows, bookcases or tall furniture) and practice DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON at least twice a year. Inform babysitters and caregivers of your plan.

• WHEN THE SHAKING BEGINS: Drop under a sturdy desk or table, hold on, and protect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm. • If you are in bed, when the shaking starts, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow.

- If you are outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Drop to the ground. • If you are in a car, slow down and drive to a clear place, as described above. Stay in the car until the shaking stops.

• AFTER THE SHAKING STOPS: Check yourself for injuries. Protect yourself from further danger by putting on long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes and work gloves. • Check others for injuries. Give first aid for serious injuries. • Look for and extinguish small fires. Eliminate fire hazards. Turn off the gas if you smell gas or think it's leaking.

• Listen to the radio for instructions. • Expect after shocks. Each time you feel one,

Drop, Cover And Hold On!

• Inspect your home for damage. Get everyone out if your home is unsafe. • Use the telephone only to report life-threatening emergencies. • REDUCE HAZARDS: Bolt bookcases, china cabinets, and other tall furniture to wall studs, install strong latches on cupboards, strap water heater to wall studs.

• Six Basics You Should Store In Your Home

INCLUDE: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies and special items, as described below. Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container, such as a large covered trash container (possibly with wheels), a camping backpack or a duffle bag. Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version in the trunk of your car.

• Water: Store water in plastic containers. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day plus two quarts for food preparation/sanitation. Keep at least a seven-day supply, one gallon per day per person, if you live in a somewhat remote area. (The Dollar Store on Yulupa has been selling cases of six plastic gallon containers of water in a cardboard box for $6.00.) • Food: Store non-perishable food, which requires no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water. Select food items that are compact and lightweight, including ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables, canned juices, powdered, rice or soy milk, soup, peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix, and vitamins.

• First Aid Kit: Assemble a first aid kit for your home and your car, including the following items: Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes, 2-inch sterile pads (4-6), 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6), adhesive tape, triangular bandages (3), 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls), 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls), scissors, tweezers, needle, moistened towelettes, antiseptic, thermometer, tongue blades (2), tube of petroleum jelly, assorted sizes of safety pins, cleansing soap, latex gloves (2 pair), sunscreen, aspirin or other pain reliever, anti-diarrhea medication, and antacid (for stomach upset).

• Tools And Supplies: Paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, emergency preparedness manual, battery operated radio and extra batteries, flashlight and extra batteries, cash or traveler's checks, change, non-electric can opener, utility knife, fire extinguisher (small canister, ABC type), tube tent, pliers, tape, compass, matches in a waterproof container, aluminum foil, plastic storage containers, signal flare, paper and pencil, needles, thread, medicine dropper, shut-off wrench (to turn off household gas and water), whistle, plastic sheeting, toilet paper, towelettes, soap, liquid detergent, personal hygiene items, plastic garbage bags, ties, plastic bucket with tight lid, disinfectant, and household chlorine bleach.

• Clothing & Bedding: Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person. Sturdy shoes or work boots, rain gear, blankets or sleeping bags, hat and gloves, thermal underwear, and sunglasses. Leave shoes and flashlight next to your bed. • Special Items: Remember family members with special needs, such as infants and the elderly as well as your pets and livestock. Possible special items include prescription drugs, sunscreen, extra eye glasses, a pet supply box, games and books, and important family documents in a waterproof, portable container.

Bennett Valley Homeowner's Association (BVHA) Board Of Directors P.O. Box 2666, Santa Rosa, CA 95405 Marilee Jensen, President & VOICE Editor (576-0405), marileejensen@sbcglobal.net Michael Friedenberg, Vice-President (579-5310) mf@eHomeSonoma.com Helen Bates, Treasurer (695-8760) Bobbie Blair, Secretary & Membership Coordinator (542-1608) dreams7373@sbcglobal.net Leanore (Lolly) Mesches, Corresponding Secretary (545-8684) LOL7260@aol.com Eric Burns, Director (584-7531) datamonk@svn.net Frank LaCombe, Director (585-3482) Tim Murphy, Director (542-7114) tjmcpadvc@yahoo.com Marilyn Stocks, Director (528-2458) mjstocks@sonic.net 2005 BVHA Membership Send $15 or more to Blair/Dougherty, 7373 Bennett Valley Ra., Santa Rosa, CA, 95404.

E-Mail Reminders If you'd like to request an e-mail reminder for any Bennett Valley Homeowner's Association event, such as the BV Clean-Up Day on October 8th , please contact Bobbie Blair at (707) 542-1608 or dreams7373@sbcglobal.net, to let her know. Brief Summary, BVHA Board Meeting July 19th, 2005 • Jay Ruzicka and Jason Cotter from Real Goods spoke on the benefits, both environmental and economic, of using solar energy in homes. They were very informative. They are available at 1-800919-2400, for free consultation appointments.

- Michael Friedenberg mentioned that the State is putting together new regulations regarding septic systems, which could greatly impact our area when property is being sold. Articles were in the Press Democrat on this subiect on 7/18 and 7/19. • At the request of Marilee Jensen, Doug Martin has been exploring what further information is needed about Bennett Valley water quantity for better longterm planning on groundwater. It is important to unearth historical data as well as collect periodic data from wells in this area, so in a few years we can correlate this data and document changes in water level and availability. In collecting this information from individual property owners, it is also important to work out confidentiality concerns.

It was decided that Frank LaCombe and Marilee Jensen would meet with Doug Martin prior to the next Board meeting, to put together a proposal as to what needs to be done, how this information will be used and what confidential policies will be utilized in the collection of this information. The proposed ideas for the BV Well Project are included in this VOICE, for input and approval from the BVHA Board • Grange Road Bridge Historic Event - Suzanne Dougherty reported that a grand time was had at the event with the historic cars, local school flag team, short speeches, and the ribbon cutting.

Suzanne has an album of photos of the event taken by Pat Sherman, as well as the county's plan for replanting the area in the fall. BVHA has donated an October Maple for this replanting. • Update of BVHA Web-page - Eric is continuing to update the web page and we will be able to input pictures from the Bridge Celebration.

• BVHA's Policy on the Brown Act - The Board approved a policy for voluntary adherence to certain aspects of the Brown Act, as described on Page Three. • BVHA Name Change - There was a lengthy discussion by the entire Board regarding changing the name of the Bennett Valley Homeowner's Association. The reason this change is being considered is because the term "Homeowner's Association" generally applies to organizations where the association has control over covenants, conditions and restrictions and the right to levy assessments on homeowners, with mandatory membership. None of that is applicable to BVHA, plus our members don't have to be homeowners, just parcel owners. This change, though, would result in us giving up the name we've been known by for thirty-five years. It was decided to put this choice on the enclosed ballot (see Page Seven), with a simple "yes" or "no" choice. If the members decide to change the name, then the new Board will decide on an appropriate name, given our purpose and mission in the Valley.

•Contribution to the BV Grange - The Board agreed to reimburse the BV Grange $50 for each of our meetings as we had previously done at the BV Fire Station. Board Of Directors' Tentative Agenda September 20t Meeting, 7:00 pm, BV Grange Speakers Dean Parsons and Karin Theriault, with Sonoma County Design Review PRMD Bennett Valley Well Project, Doug Martin, Frank LaCombe and Marilee Jensen Update; BV 2006 Calendar and BVHA Web-Page Publicity Committee for BVHA Special Events BVHA Election Update Discussion Re: Bridge Railing Metallic Glare

Bvha Elections, 2005

To qualify as a BVHA voting member, you must be a dues-paying member of BVHA, as indicated by the check-mark in the "2005 member" box on your VOICE mailing label. You must also hold recorded title to any real property located within the "Bennett Valley Study Area." For BVHA voting members, two envelopes are to be attached to this VOICE.

Please vote for your choices by placing a check mark on the line next to your choice, both for changing the name of BVHA (Yes or No) and for the three candidates for the Board of Directors. You can vote for one, two or three candidates, but only one vote per candidate. After you have marked your choices on the ballot, place the ballot in the blank small envelope to maintain your confidentiality, then place that in the larger addressed envelope. Your name and address must be on this larger outside envelope, so that your membership status can be documented. Place the ballot (or the whole page) in these envelopes and mail to BVHA, P.O. Box 2666, Santa Rosa, CA 95405 so it is received by October 18th ', or you may bring the ballot in the envelopes to the BV Grange Hall on Tuesday, October 18th, by 7 pm. Your ballot will be disqualified if it is not received by this date and time. There will be no write-in nominations and no nominations from the floor, as it is past the nomination deadline set by the BHA Nomination Committee. Votes will be tallied and results announced at the end of the October 18th Board meeting. If you have any questions about your membership status, the "Bennett Valley Study Area" or this election, please call Phil Temko, Chairman, BVHA Nominating Committee, at 5440234. The statements of the three candidates are found below. For additional information and opinions about the BHA name change, you can refer to the VOICES for March, May and July, 2005.

Eric Burns - "I was fortunate enough to grow up in Glen Ellen with a preserve behind my home and a regional park across the street. This is part of the reason that I so love the beauty of Bennett Valley. During my last three years on this Board, I've participated in the forum format, both in keeping Bennett Valley residents informed of development as well as organizing lectures and discussions on topics of interest. My belief is that our current path as a forum is the correct way to go and I wish to continue to serve as a Director on the Board. " Larissa Goliti - "I have been a resident and property owner of Bennett Valley for over 15 years. I have also been a member of BVHA for many years.

I strongly believe in the preservation of our bucolic and rural quality of life and the Bennett Valley Specific Plan. I also believe in property rights that fall under the guidelines of the Bennett Valley Specific Plan. I am also very concerned about our water supply and how to protect it." Craig S. Harrison - "I am a native Californian, have owned property in Bennett Valley since 1998, and am a dues paying member of BVHA. I am committed to promoting the rural character and natural environment of Bennett Valley, I am an environmental attorney and have represented many conservation organizations regarding wildlife and natural habitat conservation. Formerly I was a wildlife biologist for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. I am a founding board member of the American Bird Conservancy and published a book on the natural history and conservation of Hawaiian birds. I have also worked on non-profit governance issues, including by-laws and conflict of interest issues. If elected, I would work to include all homeowners in matters that affect the entire valley, especially those residents who are relatively new to this area and not just those who live on Bennett Ridge. I would urge the BVHA to work on problems common to all of us, including our pot-holed roads, generally inferior public services, the prospect of new septic requirements, and improved access to nearby parks and conservation areas."

Bvha Ballot, Due By 10/18/05

;I. Changing The Name Of Bennett Valley Homeowner's Association (BVHA); vote "yes" or ! "по". i 1.)_ Yes, I want the name of the BV ! Homeowner's Association to be changed. i 2.). No, I do not want the name of the BV ! Homeowner's Association to be changed.

¡II. Candidates for the BVHA Board of Directors, three year terms. Vote for up to three candidates. ! 1.) Eric Burns, Incumbent (2.) Larissa Goliti, BVHA Member (3.) Craig Harrison, BVHA Member

BENNETT VALLEY COMMUNITY CALENDAR (Remember to mark these dates on your calendar.) 1.) Bennett Valley Homeowner's Association (BVHA): The next BHA Board meeting will be on Tuesday, September 20th, , 7:00 pm at the Bv Grange Hall, 4145 Grange Ra. The Tentative Agenda for this next meeting is on Page Six. BVHA meetings are on the third Tuesday of every other month, plus October, starting at 7:00 pm, at the BV Grange Hall. As described on Page Three, BVHA Clean-Up Day is scheduled for Saturday, October 8th, at 8:30 am, at the BV Fire Station.

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. You are welcome to attend these Board meetings, but it is recommended you verify the meeting day in advance, at 823-1084.

3.) The 6th Annual Art on the Ridge: Come and enjoy local artists' work on September 24* & 25th ', from noon to 5 pm. Ten "studios" or more will be open to display the work of at least 18 artists. Some of the art work and handcrafts include ceramics, metal work, jewelry, paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, wood turning, glass work, photography, handcrafted afghans, artist books, and more. Look for the yellow balloons in the Bennett Ridge area or request a map/directory by calling Karen Sommer at 528-8982, e-mail ksommer11@earthlink.net.

4.) GE-Free Initiative Forum: Tuesday, September 27* ', 7:00 - 9:00 pm, BV Grange Hall. Speakers for and against this initiative will each make a presentation and then take questions from the audience. 5.) Visit "Art Trails" 20th Annual Exhibit, Artists Open Studio: Dates are: Saturday & Sunday, October 15 and 16 and October 22and 23, from 10 AM to 5 PM. Bennett Valley Artists: Colleen Cotton, fused glass; Peter Crompton, sculpture; Donna DeLaBriandais, paintings; Tamra Sanchez, paintings. Free event and color catalog of the 130 participating Sonoma Co. artists are available at book stores and libraries. You can also call the Art's Council at 5792787 or go to the web-page www.artrails.org.

6. Bennett Valley Grange Spaghetti Dinner. The Grange is having their tasty Spaghetti Feed on Saturday, October , 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Watch for the signs! 7.) 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 County Supervisor for our First District. You may call her or Lynn Morton-Weil, her Aide, at 565-2241, if you have any questions or concerns.

Page Two Page Three Page Four Page Five Page Six Page Seven Inside This Issue Proposed Well Project Earthquake Preparedness BVHA Board, Meeting, Agenda BVHA Elections Bennett Valley Homeowner's Association P.O. Box 2666 Santa Rosa, CA 95405 BVHA web-page: bennettvalleyhomeowners.org SPECIFIC PURPOSES OF BHA: «To promote and or Bennet eleg, share aser open fort or Berme Valley community participation and provide a bridge for communication between government agencies and the Bennett Valley community." Return Service Requested GE-Free Forum, Bre Forum, 9/27 BV Clean-Up Day, 10/8