Bennett Valley Voice

Bennett Valley VOICE

Volume 29, Number 4

Bennett Valley Homeowner's Association (BVHA)

July, 2006

Water...Water...Everywhere! Images of Water in Bennett Valley, Calendar 2007 Look around our valley and everywhere you see water! You don't? Look again and see the creeks and waterfalls (both year-round and seasonal), riparian corridors, the vernal pools, our reservoirs, cattle ponds and tanks, irrigation furrows and the water in our gullies, spas and swimming pools, even those pesky roadside pudales...

Bennett Valley "Cert" Training

(Community Emergency Response Team) Sonoma Co. Red Cross and FEMA Supported Water is something we talk about a lot here in Bennett Valley, but we really want you to stop and look at water in a different way - artistically. Training Interested BV Residents To: • Lend critical support to first responders • Provide immediate assistance for victims • Organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site.

How about photographing, sketching, painting some form of water that you see a little differently than most of us? Think about it, and then grab your camera or brushes ... because we'd like to see your image of some local water in the 2007 Bennett Valley Calendar, from your own unique perspective. As you plan and arrange your images remember that our calendar pages are horizontal.

Training Will Cover The Following: • Disaster Preparedness • Fire Safety • Disaster Medical Operations • Triage and Treating Life-Threatening Injuries • Light Search and Rescue • Team Organization • Disaster Psychology Mail your pictures to Karen Sommer, 2707 • Terrorism and CERT Final Exercise Bennett Ridge Rd., Santa Rosa 95404, before Friday, August 11. The pictures may include photographs or artistic images. Include your name as you want it to appear in the calendar, plus your telephone number, if there are any questions. If you want your pictures returned, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Questions? Please call Lolly Mesches (545-8684), Sandy Sandine (579-0282) or Karen Sommer (528-8982).

The training is presented in four sessions, scheduled on four Saturdays; September 9th, 16th, 30th, and October 14th, from 9 am to 2 pm, at our BV Fire Station. It is important to sign up no later than August 15' ', by completing a CERT application.

For a CERT application or more information, please contact Bennett Valley resident Karen Sommer at ksommer11@earthlink.net or 528-8982. So far 18 people have signed up; there is room for only 12 Get going now..."your water picture" may be a more. seasonal image of water now starting to recede or evaporate. We're eager to see it the way you see it! You'll find the Calendar Entry Form on the back of the VOICE.

To be certified, you must complete all the classes, but make-up sessions will be scheduled. The only cost is a $25 registration fee, which is returned to graduates as CERT safety equipment. The course will be closed after the first 30 registered

applications have been received. Upcoming BVHA Board Elections Come one, come all! The time has rolled around once again for nominations for directors on the Bennett Valley Homeowner's Association (BVHA) Board. Each year three directors are to be elected, and the term of office is three years. The directors whose terms are expiring in 2006 are Marilee Jensen, Lolly Mesches and Marilyn Stocks; three of the five officers of the BVHA Board of Directors. Marilee is not planning to run again, even though she is willing to continue as the Editor of the VOICE, for the immediate future. It is important we find other BV residents who will consider running for the BVHA Board of Directors.

announced at the following meeting of the BVHA Board of Directors, on October 18th. «Bennett Valley" Brochure In September, 2001 BVHA sent out the Bennett Valley brochure/pamphlet to Bennett Valley parcel owners and residents. This brochure was created to familiarize and inform prospective buyers as well as current parcel owners with both Bennett Valley and the Bennett Valley Area Plan. Since that time, BVHA has continued to send out the brochure to real estate agents who are in the process of selling parcels in Bennett Valley and to be sure Sonoma County Permit and Resource Management Department (PRMD) has a supply.

Why was this brochure created? In 2000, a group of ten Bennett Valley residents met together a number of times for about six months, as the The Board has changed their meeting day back to "Bennett Valley Common Ground Committee", the third Wednesday of every other month (seven the goal of working out differences about ways to months a year), at 7:00 pm at the Bennett Valley protect and preserve Bennett Valley. At these Grange Hall. Occasionally, there are also special meetings, Frank LaCombe presented the idea of meetings, as needed.

developing a very attractive pamphlet/brochure on Bennett Valley and the Bennett Valley Area Plan that Qualifications for office (from the BVHA bylaws) are realtors would want to pass out and people would that each candidate (1) must be a voting member of want to read. Frank LaCombe, Heather LaRiviere BVHA and (2) must have a strong commitment to and Marilee Jensen developed the brochure, with promoting and preserving the rural character and input received from PRMD and the Board of natural environment of Bennett Valley. This second Directors of BVHA.

qualification must be evidenced by a statement of 250 words or less, to be included with each What's in this brochure? The brochure includes a candidate's request for nomination. Members may large map of Bennett Valley, a description of "Where declare their candidacy and submit their statements is Bennett Valley?", a general summary of the after July 1st. All requests for candidacy, with Bennett Valley Area Plan and the "Key Elements of accompanying statements, must be in the hands of the Bennett Valley Area Plan and Its Development the Nominating Committee Chairman, Jean Guideline. " Key Elements include such requirements LaCombe, by 5 pm, Friday, September 1st.

as "Open vistas, scenic landscape units, critical Candidates, please send notice of your candidacy habitats and historic resources will be protected, together with accompanying statements to Jean Skyline development is prohibited, Roofing is to be LaCombe, at 4393 Pressley Road, Santa Rosa, CA dark-toned, if visible...The structures are to be earth 95404, (707) 585-3482. BVHA members or others tone colors, using textures and materials that also having questions concerning these procedures blend harmoniously with the surrounding should also contact Jean.

environment." The brochure also includes Bennett Valley history, "James Bennett purchased his For campaign purposes, such as sending out fliers, property from General Vallejo in 1852." and quite a candidates may submit a written request to BVHA, few lovely pictures, including one taken in 1890.

including a statement about the intended use, for a list of names and addresses of those members If you'd like to receive this brochure, please call entitled to vote in the election for directors. Marilee Jensen at 576-0405, or email her at Telephone numbers cannot be used for this purpose.

marileejensen@sbcglobal.net The brochures will also be available at BVHA Board meetings (July 19", Ballots, together with candidates' statements, September 20th ", and October 18"), Bennett Valley instructions for voting, and return envelopes, will be Community Day (tentatively planned for September mailed out to the membership with the VOICE, by 10th), and other community events. At the BVHA September 15th. Results of the election will be meeting on July 19th, there will be an open

discussion of BVHA's role with respect to the The possibility of a Grange in Bennett Valley, the first Bennett Valley Area Plan. Your ideas are welcome! in Sonoma County, was now a reality. The 134th Annual Grange Community membership voted on the name "Bennett Valley Grange." On May 27' ', 1873, Mr. and Mrs. G.N.

Picnic! A HUGE Success! Whitaker extended the hospitality of their home to By Bill and Patty Allen the new members and prepared a harvest feast-a Thanks to the Bennett Valley residents who attended pattern that has continued for 134 years, on the first and participated in our 134 Annual Bennett Valley Sunday in June, as Founders' Day.

Grange BBQ and fundraiser on June 4*h. . Our annual picnic was a huge success. From these financial gains, the Grange Hall will receive much needed maintenance and repairs, including installing new hardwood floors in the entry and furnace rooms, the installation of new entry gates, and upgrading the restrooms.

We would like to thank the great committee of volunteers who did a terrific job in organizing this event. Rob Thompson was chairman with assistance from Jocelyn Thompson, Joe Judge, Bill & Patty Allen, Amanda Totemieir and Suzanne Dougherty (who did an outstanding job organizing Meanwhile, that same year, other Granges were being organized in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Two Rock, Bloomfield, Bodega, Green Valley and Glen Ellen. Just two months after its organization, Bennett Valley Grange announced its intention to build its own meeting hall. John Hughes offered one acre of land from Hughes' Grove to the Grange for a building site. Lumber would be transported from Smith's Mill in Howard's Station (now Occidental) by oxcart, a perilous journey, which involved at one point crossing a steep grade.

the silent auction and art display). We hope everyone enjoyed our expanded 4-H animal display as well as our BBQ, wine auction, homemade desserts, raffle baskets and the live music. If you couldn't make it this year, you can plan on joining us next year on Sunday, June 3rd. We would like to thank everyone again for the strong community support.

The Bennett Valley Grange, Beginning in 1873 In 1873, the United States was in the middle of an economic depression, one that was just beginning to be felt in California. Bennett Valley ranchers were not yet experiencing the full impact, but were beginning to have some difficulties. Memories of the Civil War, eight years earlier, were growing dimmer.

Thoughts focused on successfully making life on the farm, as well as in the city, more productive. Farmers got together throughout the United States, beginning in 1867, to establish a network organizing their farming procedures, and working together to unite in order to increase both production and distribution.

In the early spring of 1873, the ideas of a Grange in Bennett Valley were emerging. On April 26*h, ", 1873, sixteen residents of the valley met informally in the old Strawberry School to discuss the possibility of organizing a grange. Eighteen men and eight women paid their dues (fifty cents to three dollars each) with the intention of becoming charter members of the Grange.

The Bennett Valley Grange Hall was built as it stands to this day, completed and dedicated on December 4* , 1873, in just four months. It's a fun experience to be in the Grange Hall and think about its history of 134 years. It did not have electricity or heat for its first 50 years!

The national Grange has changed its focus somewhat. Many Granges have ended because of the differences in society between then and now. The most successful Granges have been working in the community and supporting agricultural projects such as vineyards, organic foods and outreach programs. The Bennett Valley Grange Mission Statement is "Enhancing our environment through community interaction." The Grange Hall is currently being used by the following groups, as part of their community interaction: the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, activities for the Deaf, 4-H meetings and functions, homeowners associations, private water districts, grape growers, county polling station, etc.

The Grange is raising money to preserve the Grange Hall for future generations. With the members' help and community donations, they have earned enough money to replace the entry hall floor, update some electrical problems, replace kitchen and dining room lights and replace downspouts. Members do as much of the work as they can, so the donated money goes mostly for materials. Any donations to the Grange are greatly appreciated. Donation checks can be made out to Bennett Valley Grange and sent to Bill & Patty Allen, 6905 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa 95404. A donation over $250 will result in your

name being placed on our Permanent Plaque at the Grange. If you have any questions you can call Bill & Pally Alien, al4-372T. Bennett Valley Fire Protection District 6161 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa 578-7761 (Non-Emergency Business Phone) Board of Directors Mark Richardson, President Joseph Mazeau, Vice-President Marilee Jensen, Secretary Arnie Tognozzi and Don D'Avanzo, Directors The Board meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday each month, 7:00 pm, at the BV Fire Station. You're welcome to attend, but please confirm the meeting date first. If you have any questions or concerns, you can leave a message for the Bennett Valley Fire Chief, Andy Pforsich, at 823-1084.

Bennett Valley Paid Firefighting Staff 24-hour Shift Firefighting Engineers: Captain Brian Campbell, Lieutenant Bryon Reid, and Engineer Gabe Stirnus Daytime Firefighters, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; Danny Connelly*, Matt Tognozzi*, & Steve Gritsch (*Also Engineers) rescue organization. Any questions you have may be directed to Andy Pforsich, the Bennett Valley Fire Chief, at 823-1084.

BV Firefighter Activities; May/June 2006 By Lieutenant Bryon Reid Medical Aids- 9; Vehicle Accidents-8; Structure Fires-2; Smoke Investigations-1; Hazardous Conditions-3; Public Assists-1; Fire Alarm Soundings-3; Vegetation Fire-5; Illegal Burns-2; Vehicle Fires-1 Total Runs: 35 (Increase of 8 from March/April) May and June, have officially brought about the beginning of fire season.

The hills have completely turned from green to brown. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) has gone to full staffing throughout the state. Annually, we at Bennett Valley lose a few volunteers in the summer months, due to the extra CDF hiring of firefighters. However, the loss in our staffing is made up for with the availability of extra staffed CDF engines in the communities surrounding Bennett Valley.

Supplemented and supported by 25 to 30 Trained Firefighting Volunteers with at least two of them. identified as "sleepers", spending every night at the Fire Station. 2006/2007 Special Tax Rate For The Bennett Valley Fire Protection District The Bennett Valley Fire Protection District Voters authorized the Fire Board to set the rate for the special fire tax up to a maximum of $180 each year for a single-family residence. Prior to the June 13th , 2006 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 Prevention and vegetation management is always a point that we stress in the summer months. The easiest fire to fight is the one that is prevented. If a fire does start, properly maintained vegetation can keep a fire from spreading to surrounding areas. It is best, when cutting high grass, to do so in the early morning so the relative humidity is still high enough to help prevent inadvertent fire starts. Also, be sure to let the lawn mower cool before adding more gasoline. Any questions regarding vegetation management can be answered at the BV Fire Station during business hours or at the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection website, www.cdf.ca.gov.

We hopefully are looking forward to an uneventful fire season here in Bennett Valley. preliminary budget for the 2006/2007 year at their next meeting. At this June Board meeting, Even though the weather has changed from wet after reviewing, discussing, and approving the to dry we still need to exercise caution in the preliminary budget for the next fiscal year, the Bennett Valley area. The warm weather brings Board set the tax rate at $150, for singleabout more bicycle riders and we are all family residences. The Board was pleased to encouraged to "Share the Road." During the concur that a $150 special tax, rather than $180, summer holiday season, CHP has kicked up would be sufficient to continue to have an their drunk driving enforcement. If you choose efficient high-performing fire protection and to drink remember to choose a designated

driver. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to serving our community any way that we can. Smoke & Struggle: Training a Wildland Firefighter (A summary of an article by Jonah Owen Lamb, published in the "Point Reyes Light", June 29" , 2006; a Pulitzer Prize winning weekly newspaper.) At the Marin Fire Department's Wild Land Fire Academy, our instructors spoke of fire as if it were alive. It has a body and a head; it's born and dies.

Fire breathes and fire eats. They told us about fires they'd seen that jumped over freeways and then back again, gaining momentum for another try. We watched videos of fires so large they created their own weather, fires with enough rain to put themselves out. We saw fires with fire whirls twisters of flame, eating everything in their path. We watched fires burn across the canopies of forests and rumble like demons. "It's Satan," said our instructor, "Can you hear him?" I learned about fire with a class of mostly young men, the majority of whom were seasonal firefighters for Marin Fire. In the past 18 years, 800 students have passed through this weeklong program. The man who introduced us to fire was short, compact and powerful, with a shaved head and a graying handlebar mustache.

"Why are we here?" he asked. "To learn about fire," the class replied. "Do we know fire?" he asked. "Yes," blurted someone. "Pretty bald statement." said our instructor. "I don't know if | know fire. It can surprise me. Why do we want to know about fire?" "So it doesn't kill us." another voice called out. "All and all we really don't want to die. That should be on your resume,' " said our instructor. But fire education hasn't always been what it is today, he told us.

The Mann Gulch tragedy In America, one fire changed our view of how fires work, he said. Then he held the book, "Young Men and Fire" above his head like it was scripture and said, "Mann Gulch. Now that was a significant emotional event " In 1949 Mann Gulch made the cover of Life magazine after it killed 12 elite smoke jumpers in Montana. They were unorganized, didn't know local topography, had no escape routes and tried to outrun a fire uphill with the wind to their back. After this tragedy, firefighters were taught fire behavior.

For three days we dozed at our desks and learned about fire. We learned about fire so it wouldn't kill us. On video we watched the story of the victim of a burn, one of the most painful kinds of injuries. His melted fingers and ears reminded us of what fire could do, even if it spared you.

They taught us to attune our senses to the world around us like hunters. They taught us to use the dryness of our boogers as an indicator for humidity. They asked us, was there dew on our cars that morning? How long had it been since it rained? What was the weather doing? The wind? The fog? What kind of topography surrounded us? How would it affect a fire's behavior? They picked at the grass and broke dry twigs in their hands to test the fuel around them. They looked at the world as if its only purpose were to burn. And they taught us to see fire as something ultimately out of our control. The classroom portion of the academy was complete.

The next morning we would be in the field, preparing for real "fire on the ground." At 8 a.m. it was already hot in the parking lot. I suited up. I pulled on my yellow, fire resistant outfit over my jeans, stuck moleskin on my heels and donned my new fireproof boots. Finally, I slung on my pack, helmet, goggles and gloves. All geared up, we were broken into squads. We spent the day practicing. We screwed and unscrewed nozzles, rolled hose and ran it up the hill, and then carried it back down again.

It was broiling. Our double layers made it even hotter, so we drank water...and then drank more. We practiced and drilled in the heat, weighed down with our packs, our boots gnawing into our feet. The next day was hotter. (It) was spent cutting firebreak line; a snaking trail, stripped down to the mineral soil, meant to stop flames. We built our firebreak all day on that hot hill, clumps of grass and clouds of dust blowing off the line as our metal tools scraped the ground bare.

Finally the burn had come. But I was too tired to think too much or be afraid. Fire crews had burned the grass beside our line. At 9 am we lined up under the hill, our shadows thrown on the dirt as the morning sun rose to our backs. "There is no shame if you are uncomfortable with the fire." said one of our commanders. I watched the first fire burn from the road. It followed the lead of the man holding a torch that dipped a mixture of fuel into the tall grass.

Globules of flame reached up each blond stalk until the fire bore itself up the hill. By late morning our turn had came to face the fire, and I finally got a chance at the nozzle. I leaned up the hill shooting water onto the flames. Six-feet tall, they flapped before me and radiated heat through my gear and onto my face and body. Smoke blurred everything on the hillside and I could barely see the flames. I sucked down hot air, into my lungs, and my eyes watered and streaked tears across my face. I soaked the ground with fluid and shot a stream at the high flames above. We followed the fire as it meandered up the hill, the flames picking up speed with each gust of wind. In the midst of the fire, I felt as if it were anything but

under control. At day's end, we patrolled the some holes before the end of this month to explore firebreak on the top of the hill as one last crew the feasibility of drainage below and above the slide. finished off the burn. And then the fire crackled and went out. There was nothing left to burn.

Sudden Oak Death Speaker, 5/17/06 Sonoma Mountain Road Closure At the last BVHA meeting, Dr. Elizabeth Fichtner, As reported in the May, 2006 issue of the VOICE, a UC Davis research scientist, presented an the 6400 section of Sonoma Mountain Road has enlightening overview of Sudden Oak Death, been closed since mid-January, because the road discussing the symptoms, spread, and management has collapsed. This has occurred because of excess of the disease. Primary host plants and main underground water and resultant landslides. Similar transmitters of the disease are the bay laurel tree problems have occurred in that area in earlier wet and tan oak tree, neither of which die from the years, specifically 1980, 1986, and 1995.

disease. Redwoods can have the disease but don't Following receipt of the geologists report, die or transfer the disease. While the oak tree can Supervisor Valerie Brown arranged for a meeting die from this pathogen, it does not transfer the concerning this issue on May 25th herself, which included disease. The pathogen is a water-loving fungus her aide, Lynn Morton-Weil, which is not active when the rain stops, but it is still Robertson, Deputy Director of Transportation & there. Fungicides only suppress the pathogen but Public Works, Ken Giovannetti, also from Sonoma don't kill it. The best methods for preventing the Co. Public Works, Marilee Jensen from BVHA, and transmission of this fungus include removing infected about 14 neighbors from Sonoma Mountain Road.

bay trees (which can transmit spores within a 15 to Dave Robertson had a large topo map of the area 20 foot range), cleaning shoes, tools, and bike tires and drawings of 2 potential solutions. He gave a with Lysol after being in infected areas, and good overview of the geology of the problem maintaining distance between oak and bay trees.

smaller active slide, and the underlying, larger and older dormant slide. The two potential solutions included a single-lane Bailey Bridge, with the cost of that bridge structure, before installation, being more than $500,000. If that solution were used, the slide area between the two bridge abutments would be left unsupported, and the Bates' driveway would be lost. The second option would be more like a railroad trestle, which would need stable material under the active slip plane, but it is not known if there is any stable material under there. Dave Robertson noted that the window of time for any work on the road would end about mid-October, because of the rainy season, so apparently nothing will happen this year.

The following is a quote from a letter by Patrick Report On BVHA Clean-Up Day The Homeowner's Association held its Spring cleanup on Saturday, June 3rd. The volunteers did a great job of helping to clean up along the the valley roads. We want to especially thank the following people for their time and effort: Bobbie Blair, Norm & Eve Boling, Sandra Carr, Scott Chilcott, Suzanne Dougherty, Mike & Patty Hickey, Tim Murphy, Sandy & Dave Sandine, Lu Schultz, Noellene Sommer and Mike Treinen. We would also like to thank everyone at the BV Fire Station for accommodating us all these years. Finally, we want to thank Luci and Valerie at Sonoma Co. Public Works for arranging for the trash bags and for scheduling the pick up of trash.

Campbell (a resident on Sonoma Mountain Road) to Valerie Brown, dated June 1st , 2006, "..Just to reiterate, if the engineers can't get to rebuilding the road for months or years, at least let's get started on diverting the water that flows through the vineyard away from the slide area. This is a modest project that can be done THIS SUMMER. At worst, diverting water via a French drain will drain off surface water next rainy season; at best, it might completely eliminate sub-surface water flowing into the site area and effectively solve the "root" of the problem. We all really appreciate your help with this..." Since then, there has been another "on-site" meeting which included Eric Nichols, the geologist and Ken Giovannetti, a civil engineer from Sonoma Co. Public Works. The County has agreed to bore Sonoma Co. General Plan 2020 Update The Planning Commission public hearings regarding the Open Space and Resource Conservation Elements to be included in the General Plan 2020 are scheduled for Tuesday, July 18'h and Tuesday, July 25", from 6:00pm - 9:00pm, at the Merlo Theatre, Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. August 15th is the date scheduled for the public hearing on the Water Resources Element in the General Plan, but this may have to be postponed if the hearings on Open Space are not completed. To keep up with these schedules, go to www.sonoma-county.org/prmd and click on the General Plan Element, and Planning

Commission Hearing Schedule. You may also phone ob Gaiser, PRMD, al 565-8343. 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 Tim Murphy, Vice-President (542-7114) tjmcpadvc@yahoo.com Helen Bates, Treasurer (695-8760) hbates@att.net Marilyn Stocks, Recording Secretary, (528-2458) mjstocks@sonic.net Leanore (Lolly) Mesches, Corresponding Secretary (545-8684) LOL7260@aol.com Eric Burns, Director (584-7531) datamonk@svn.net Larissa Goliti, Director, (578-3453) Igoliti@hotmail.com Craig Harrison, Director, (573-9990) charrison@hunton.com Frank LaCombe, Director, (585-3482) franksgarage@peoplepc.com Brief Summary, BVHA Board Meeting, May 17th, 2006 •Dr. Elizabeth Fichtner was the speaker, presenting an overview of Sudden Oak Death, as summarized on Page Six.

• Eric Burns reported that on the BVHA website, the telephone number list, the minutes and agendas of the BVHA meetings still need to be updated. • The 2006 BV Calendar earned just about what it cost; we broke even. The 2007 BV Calendar will be printed earlier, which is expected to significantly increase the number of calendars sold.

• The Committee on Emergency Planning for Bennett Valley felt that a meeting with the BV Fire and other emergency agencies, such as Sonoma Co. Emergency Services, was the next step to better identify what steps need to be taken. BV Fire has asked that people submit their questions ahead of time, prior to a meeting in September. Please direct any questions to the Emergency Committee, that is Craig Harrison or Frank LaCombe, listed above.

• BVHA Directors and other BV residents were asked to recruit or recommend interested and committed candidates for the BVHA Board, as described on Page Two. Board of Directors' Tentative Agenda Wednesday, July 19th, 7 pm, BV Grange • Updates on the BVHA 2007 calendar, BVHA Website, Emergency Planning for Bennett Valley, Speakers at future BVHA meetings, BV CERT training, the Sonoma Mountain Road closure and the BVHA Board election.

• There will be an open discussion with the BVHA Board and those BV residents in attendance on BVHA's role with respect to the Bennett Valley Area Plan and individual parcel owners when changes are being proposed through PRMD, when complaints are received or apparent noncompliances are observed.

Come Join BVHA and Support Our Rural Community by Bobbie Blair, BVHA Membership Coordinator If you haven't already joined your BVHA, why not send your check in now? The goal is to preserve and protect our lovely valley, and your continued support is very important. To join, just send your check made out to "BVHA" to Blair/Dougherty, 7373 Bennett Valley Rd. Santa Rosa, CA 95404, for the annual dues of $15, plus any donation you're willing to make. You can get your copy of the VOICE faster and help the Association save money by receiving it via email. Just include your email address and return it with your dues. We will do all the rest. If you have questions, please call Bobbie at 542-1608 or email her at dreams7373@sbcglobal.net.

Bennett Valley Community Calendar

(Remember to mark these dates on your calendar.)

; 1.) Bennett Valley Homeowner'S Association

: (BVHA): The next Board meeting will be on Wednesday, July 19th, 7:00 pm at the BV Grange.

¡2.) Bennett Valley Fire Protection District:

: (BVFPD) The Board of Directors meets the second : Tuesday of each month, 7:00 pm, at the Bennett i Valley Fire Station.

:3.) Bennett Valley Community Day, Bennett

¡ Valley Firefighters' Association, tentatively scheduled for Sunday, September 10"h at Matanzas Creek ¡ Winery.

¡4.) Bennett Ridge Annual Art On The Ridge,

Saturday and Sunday, September 23'd and 24t ; noon to 5 pm. Come visit over 20 artists, at a number i of different Bennett Ridge homes, identified by ¡ yellow balloons out front.

; 5.) Sonoma County Board Of Supervisors

! meets every Tuesday (except on weeks when there ¡ is a holiday) at varying times 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, with questions or concerns.

Calendar Photo Entry Form 2007

Images of Water In Bennett Valley Deadline: August 11, 2006 NAME:_ ADDRESS: PHONE:

Number Of Entries:

• Photos of BV water and photos of original images of BV water are being requested. • A horizontal format works best on the calendar page. • Please put the photo title and date taken on the back of each picture. • Please do not put your name on the back of the photographs.

• If you want your images mailed back to you, please include a SASE. Mail this form and photos to: Karen Sommer 2707 Bennett Ridge Rd. Santa Rosa, CA 95404 We are happy to answer questions. Call Karen at 528-8982 or e-mail her at ksommer11@earthlink.net Inside This Issue BVHA Elections Bennett Valley Brochures Grange Success & History BV Fire District Tax Rate/Info "Smoke & Struggle" Sonoma Mtn. Road Closure Sudden Oak Death Info General Plan Update BVHA & Community Calendar Bennett Valley Homeowner's Association P.O. Box 2666 Santa Rosa, CA 95405 BVHA webpage: bennettvalleyhomeowners.org SPECIFIC PURPOSES OF BHA: "To promote and preserve the rural character and natural environment of Bennett Valley, serve as an open forum for Bennett Valley community participation and provide a bridge for communication between government agencies and the Bennett Valley community." Return Service Requested