Bennett Valley Voice

Bennett Valley VOICE

Volume 29, Number 5

Bennett Valley Homeowner's Association (BVHA)

September, 2006

Let's Get Ready For The Worst, With A Plan! By Craig Harrison and Frank LaCombe BV Emergency Preparedness Planning Sonoma Co. Emergency Services, has agreed to Meeting, Saturday, October 28th , 9am On August 2°° , 2006, Bennett Valley had an earthquake of 4.4 magnitude. As stated in "The Rodgers Creek Fault" on the following page, a quake with a magnitude of 7.4 could release possibly 144,000 times more energy than the one we just experienced. Can we even imagine that much difference? The Press Democrat on August 4* 2006, in a front-page article, states the Rodgers Creek Fault (which goes directly through Bennett Valley crossing both Pressley Road Grange/Crane Canyon Road) "is the fault in the Bay Area with the highest probability of producing a quake of magnitude 6.7 or higher within the next three decades." BVHA invites residents of our community to attend a meeting at the Bennett Valley Fire Station at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 28" , to discuss local emergency planning issues. The purpose of the meeting is to make residents aware of the extent to which we would be responsible for our own safety in a severe emergency and to explore what steps we might take as a community and in our own neighborhoods to prepare in advance to respond to such a disaster.

"(Sue) Hattendorf, (the leader of)... COPE, or Citizens Organized To Prepare for Emergencies (in Oakmont)...has signed up 1,735 households and organized them into 157 neighborhood disasterresponse team...During an emergency, your neighbors are your closest family. Learn what you learn how to prepare for a major emergency. This meeting is a follow-up to the twenty hours of Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training that will have been completed by many Bennett Valley residents earlier in October. (See Page Two Some of the questions or statements expressed in the May, 2006 VOICE are summarized below: Can AM radios be used to keep residents in isolated communities informed? How long can a generator last without additional fuel? Where are the cell phone dead spots in our community? Will existing cell phone towers function without electricity? How can we communicate with friends and family who will be worried about our safety? Are there ways to connect batteries or generators to well pumps (for water) or fans for propane heating systems, to allow their use when PG&E service is unavailable A list of resources would be useful, such as generators, tractors, chain saws, fuel tanks, water tanks, ham radios, doctors, nurses, plumbers, electricians and other skilled individuals. How do we go about forming neighborhood disaster-response teams?

Let us know any questions you have, such as those above. It would assist the participants to know what questions might be asked. Please send your questions prior to the meeting, to Craig Harrison (charrison@hunton.com). need to about them without impinging on people's privacy....Who has pets? Who needs extra help?

Where are all the gas shutoff valves?" * Press Come Hear All About Your Septic Tank! Democrat, August 14*h , 2006, Page B1 Guest Speakers: Randy Leach & Rebecca Ng, While all of us are aware of the potential Sonoma County PRMD Well and Septic Division disaster from the Rodgers Creek Fault in Bennett Where/When: BVHA Meeting, Wednesday, Valley, few may appreciate the practical limitations of September 20* 1, 7:00 pm, BV Grange Hall federal, state and local emergency agencies to What: Septic system care & maintenance, provide assistance during a major catastrophe. Bob pending legislation/regulations, policies, with Smylie, Deputy Emergency Services Coordinator of questions answered and hand-outs provided.

The Rodgers Creek Fault By Frank LaCombe The recent 4.4 magnitude earthquake that grabbed our attention on the evening of August 2n° certainly refreshed one's interest in the local geology. It was a relatively minor earthquake. Newspapers reported that, according to the U.S Geologic Survey (USGS), it was centered near the southeast edge of Bennett Valley. But it was not on the Rodgers Creek fault.

The Rodgers Creek fault has been studied with interest by both U.C. Berkeley geologists and the USGS over the past 25 years. It is a major fault capable of a catastrophic quake. All predictions are that it is "overdue" for a big event - possibly 144,179 times more energy than the August 21d event. (A 5.4 quake would yield 140 times the energy, a 6.4 quake 4,505 times the energy, and a 7.4 quake 144,179 times the energy of the recent 4.4 quake.) As traced by maps provided by the USGS, and available for viewing or purchase at the Sonoma County Permit and Resource Management Department (PRMD), the Rodgers Creek Fault does indeed intersect the Bennett Valley Area near the southwest perimeter, crossing both Pressley Road and Grange/Crane Canyon Road. It is hard to miss the deep swale that Pressley Road dips into where it crosses the fault, in the vicinity of Iron Court. But the Grange/Crane Canyon Road crossing is more subtle.

It actually crosses at the wiggly section where the road changes direction and changes names. From these two crossings the fault continues northwest crossing Highway 12 between the County Fairgrounds and Farmers Lane, and southeast crossing Old Adobe Road near Stage Gulch Road For those who are interested, the BVHA has copies of the Rodgers Creek fault maps that I am currently holding. If you would like to make arrangements to see them, please feel free to call me at 585-3482.

Cert Training

Twenty-eight BV residents are taking the Community Emergency Response Team training, being held on four Saturdays; September 9th 16th , 30" and October 14" from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. This training includes: Disaster Preparedness, Fire Safety, Medical 1 and 2 Search & Rescue, Team Organization, Disaster Psychology, Review and Final Exercises. A majority of the Board directors for the both BVHA and Bennett Ridge Community Association have agreed to cover the cost of refreshments for those four meetings (water, coffee and muffins). Attendees will bring their own bag lunches.

Varied Responses; Recent BV Quake • One Personal BV Reaction: "It was the strongest quake I have been in ever and our pictures are all crooked. Loma Prieta lasted longer but was not as strong for me (in Sonoma at the time) ...Severely shook this house. Knocked over a little clock and a Native American piece of art that broke...A very small hairline crack did appear in our (new) granite counter and I am sure it was not there before... The pendulum on our grandfather clock stopped dead in its tracks." Bobbie Blair • Three Geological Analyses of the BV Quake: Press Democrat First Page Article, August 4", , 2006 • "The 8:08 p.m. quake (on 8/2/06) was centered about three miles west of Glen Ellen, southeast of the spot where Matanzas Creek crosses Sonoma Mountain Road. ...While several smaller temblors have struck in the general vicinity along the Rodgers Creek fault during the past decade, the location of Wednesday's quake is known for a few inactive faults in an area of larger, diffuse seismic activity not typically linked to any specific fault line." • "The area's just chock-a-block with unknown faults, basically because these (slips) are happening down below the surface." Walter said. (U.S. Geological Survey seismologist Terry Walter) "These rocks are moving past one another but don't ever get to the surface. They are happening below the surface but have no surface expression." • "Geologist Terry Wright of Forestville, a Sonoma State University professor emeritus of geology, said the entire area is a transfer zone, or step-over, through which energy generated in the Rodgers Creek fault is transmitted via a complex system of minor fault lines to the Maacama fault to the north and east."

Fall Clean-Up Day!

Saturday, November 4th, has been chosen for the next Bennett Valley cleanup 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.

If it is raining, this will have to be rescheduled. To confirm the date and time, please call Sandy Sandine, at 579-0282. We really do appreciate those residents who come out to help keep our community roads free from litter!

Sonoma Mountain Road Closure As reported in the May, 2006 issue of the VOICE, the 6400 section of Sonoma Mountain Road has been closed since mid-January, because the road has collapsed. This has occurred because of excess underground water and resultant landslides. Similar problems have occurred in that area in earlier wet years, such as 1980, 1986, and 1995.

Following receipt of the geologist's report, Supervisor Valerie Brown arranged for a meeting concerning this issue on May 24th , which included her aide, Lynn Morton-Weil, Robertson, Deputy Director of Transportation & Public Works, Ken Giovannetti, also from Sonoma Co. Public Works, Marilee Jensen from BVHA, and about 14 neighbors from Sonoma Mountain Road.

Dave Robertson had a large topo map of the area and drawings of 2 potential solutions. He gave a good overview of the geology of the problem - a 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 Michael & Helen Bates' driveway would be lost. The second option would be more like a railroad trestle, which would need stable material (as an "anchor") under the active slip plane; but it is not known if any stable material is under In the latest letter among the neighbors, written by Toby Rosenblatt, on 8/27/06, it is stated that David Robertson reports there have been a number of meetings with the consulting geologist (Blackburn Consulting - retained by the County) since the May meeting and the Board of Supervisors has agreed to fund additional testing at that site. There will be more test drilling, beginning September 18th ', seeking to find the geologic conditions underlying the major slide and seeking to determine if they can find any "anchor" or stable material. Dave Robertson expects it will then be about another three weeks after drilling until they come up with a report for the County, considering various possibilities. Dave Robertson noted that he does not expect any road rebuilding will begin before next spring. In the meantime, before October 15th, the County will probably do some "winterization" in the site area to try to deal with possible effects of water run off, perhaps with a "V" to let the water through.

Regarding emergency services for the households on both sides of this road closure, it has been determined that both the fire districts serving the area (Bennett Valley Fire and Glen Ellen Fire) as well as the ambulances services, have this road closure identified in their dispatch system, so they will know the correct direction needed for each particular address. For instance, to get to the Bates' home you must come from the east on Sonoma Mountain Road (Enterprise Rd. direction) in order to avoid the road closure. Apparently a few months ago a sheriff deputy, responding to an emergency call in that vicinity, didn't have the correct information and came from the wrong direction, making it necessary to add another 25 minutes and 10 miles to the trip, to get to the right address. On September 1st ", First District Supervisor Valerie Brown stated the following in a personal message: "I will make sure to alert the Sheriff's department and Vern Losh, our Emergency Services Director (about this road closure). I believe we are covered then and proceeding nicely to resolve the road problem." One related problem is the poor condition of both Enterprise Road and Bennett Valley Road (in the narrower section between Enterprise Road and the overhanging oak trees toward the west). Both of these roads are crucial to emergency services getting to this area where Sonoma Mountain Road is closed, and they both currently have a significant number of good-sized pot holes. (On 9/8/06, the potholes on that section of Bennett Valley Road were fixed, but as of 9/10/06, the even worse potholes on Enterprise Rd. were still not fixed.) Ken Giovannetti, with Sonoma County Transportation and Public Works, was called by several of us recently, to complain about the condition of these roads. When the roads are in such bad shape, it significantly increases the traffic hazards as well as potential vehicle damage.

2007 Bennett Valley Calendars ¡Our 2007 Calendars, featuring intriguing images ¡ of water in all its forms in Bennett Valley, will be ¡ available at our table at the Bennett Valley ¡ Firefighters' Association Community Day on ! October 1st at the B.V. fire station as well as for ¡the election held there on November 7th. Still ¡only $15, these calendars are a precious record jof our amazingly pristine valley with images ! taken by its residents each year. They also make wonderful Christmas gifts. SHOP EARLY!

¡ Proceeds will go to Bennett Valley organizations, isuch as our firefighters and/or the Bennett ! Valley Grange, as selected by the BVHA Board of ! Directors each year.

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 823-1085.

Bennett Valley Paid Firefighting Staff 24-hour Shift Personnel: Captain Brian Campbell, Lieutenant Bryon Reid, and Lieutenant Gabe Stirnus Daytime Firefighters, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm: Engineer Danny Connelly, Firefighter Steve Gritsch, & Engineer Matt Tognozzi Supplemented and supported by 25 to 30 Trained Firefighting Volunteers; every night at least two of the volunteers spend the night at the Fire Station.

BV Firefighter Activities; July/August 2006 By Lieutenant Bryon Reid Medical Aids- 21; Structure Fires-1; Hazardous Conditions-1; Vehicle Accidents-4; Smoke Investigations-2; Alarm Soundings 5; Wildland Fire-10; Total Runs: 44 (Increase of 9 from May/June) July and August have proven to be busy months for Bennett Valley in terms of wildland fires.

We have had fires, both here in the district, in the surrounding throughout the state. The BV firefighters, on our type III engine (E-7861, the wildland fire engine) spent two weeks combating a forest fire in Humboldt County near the town of Orleans. This fire was referred to as the "Orleans Complex." A complex is when there are multiple fires that are anticipated to burn into each other to form one large main fire. The crew that went to this fire participated in protecting several subdivisions of homes and outbuildings while a firing operation took place to contain the fire. Also, E-7861 traveled to Lake County, where the BV crew helped fight a grass fire of several hundred acres near Middletown.

Here, the crews participated directly in creating "helispots," a place for helicopters to land, in remote locations to create a "line" to contain the fire. "Why does Bennett Valley send resources such as personnel and apparatus out of county?", one may ask. All fire agencies in the state participate in "Mutual Aid." This is basically being a good neighbor. When other agencies request help, we will go. In return, if the day ever arises that we require assistance, any engine within the State of California could possibly be in Bennett Valley to assist. For example, there was an approximately 3 acre wildland fire that came close to several homes near Sonoma Mountain Rd.

Resources from Bennett Valley, Glen Ellen, Santa Rosa, and CDF all participated in the suppression of that fire. In other current events, Bennett Valley just received a new thermal imaging camera, through a grant from the Federal government. This device picks up sources of heat, so that people and animals can be identified when there is limited visibility such as in dense smoke or at night. The thermal imaging camera has a wide operating range that will be useful on fires of all types and even searching for victims who may have been ejected from vehicles at night. Specialized training in Florida on the use of the thermal imaging camera was received by Brian Campbell, Captain of the Bennett Valley Fire District, in August, 2006, as part of this Federal grant.

As always, we appreciate your continued support and hope the next couple of months are safe for you. Thanks!

Re: 6131 Batesole Lane Fire

To Whom It May Concern: Last night I was running my bobcat tractor ¡ in the yard and noticed lots of white smoke coming ¡ from a house a couple of properties away from mine. !I immediately stopped the tractor, called 911 from my ! cell phone and started running towards the fire when I heard the fire department sirens go off. By the time I arrived, Fireman Matt Tognozzi and other BVFD ¡ crew were already on site, had the fire out and the situation under control.

So this is a "THANK YOU" for your fast ¡ response, efficiency and competence. With this i current heat wave and the direction the wind was ! blowing last night, this fire could have turned ! ugly very fast. Your actions last night confirmed and reassured me that the money allocated through the bond measure is money well spent.

Again, thank you and my hat is off to all of ¡ you at Bennett Valley Fire Department! ! Respectfully, ! Lester E. Shorter, Property Owner

Comparison of Propane Prices By Craig Harrison Bennett Valley residents who use propane know that shopping for this energy source is not easy. Price continuously changes (summer is generally cheaper than winter), few suppliers will provide a long-term fixed price contract, suppliers do not openly compete by advertising their prices and apparently no newspaper provides price comparisons. Recently I contacted most companies that service Bennett es marions any Valley to request pricing information.

Many companies offer special low price deals on the first tank for new customers, so the only way I could fairly compare prices was to ask what current customers are paying now. Here is what I learned about the price per gallon: Amerigas ($2.75): Blue Star ($1.88): Community Propane (2.29): DeCarli's ($2.58); Ferrellgas ($2.25); McPhail's ($2.41); Proflame ($2.43); Redwood Oil Ferelgas (8225) ($2.28); Suburban ($2.83). The quote for Blue Star was probably cheap because it has a special bulk purchasing price for residents on Grange Road and Sonoma Mountain Road. DeCarli's has a special price arrangement for residents of Bennett Ridge, which is confidential and not reflected in this comparison.

Apparently banding together in neighborhood groups to negotiate prices and other aspects of your propane contract (e.g., annual lease of tanks) can be very beneficial to both consumers and the company. Companies prefer having many customers close together because the cost of transportation to scattered customers is a huge expense. "Pre-buy" rates in which you can contract to have a fixed price for the next year are offered by Amerigas ($2.69) and Suburban Propane ($2.99).

Letter to the Editor By Michael Cronin A year is long enough to sidestep an important issue. In the September 2005 VOICE, it was mentioned that the BVHA Board received a letter by a BV resident which was later revealed as sent by Spencer Humphrey, a past member of the Bennett Valley Design Review Committee, voicing his concerns in regard to PRMD insuring the Bennett Valley Area Plan be followed, the scenic and rural character preserved, and what BVHA's actions and responsibilities are in regard to the Bennett Valley Area Plan standards.

This issue, "Board Clarification on BVHA role: Standards in BV Area Plan, when changes are being proposed (PRMD), complaints are received or apparent noncompliances are observed" , has been on the agenda for every meeting in 2006 and has been tabled for one reason or another. I think it's time to address this past sensitive issue that is of concern to both sides.

Response by Marilee Jensen, BVHA President: This issue was first on the agenda in January, 2006. Per the minutes of that meeting, I presented my thoughts on this subject to the Board, for continuing discussion at another meeting. At the March meeting, three Board members were not present plus we had Greg Carr as the speaker on the Sonoma Co. General Plan Update, which was a lengthy discussion, so decided to put off this Board discussion until July, 2006, when we would not have a speaker. In July, only five out of nine Board members were present, so despite a couple of grumbles, I decided to put it off until the October 2006 meeting, when we would not schedule a speaker and there would be three new Board members in attendance. It is crucial that the "new" Board, which will not include me, agree with whatever conclusions are reached.

As explained by Pete Parkinson, PRMD Director, PRMD sends copies of applications on land-use changes to Bennett Valley Homeowner's Association for all discretionary applications within Bennett Valley Plan boundaries, except Administrative Design Review. These include BV Area Plan amendments, General Plan amendments, Lot Line Adjustments, subdivisions (Major and Minor), zone changes, building envelope changes, use permits, and variances. Many times I have found these changes are inconsequential, such as some of the lot line adjustments, so no further action is indicated. When there are more significant changes being proposed, such as a subdivision, I'm recommending the "new" BVHA Board of Directors consider the following: • When a copy of one of these applications is received, the first step is to call the PRMD planner to get his/her ideas on what is being proposed. If it appears it may be of interest or concern, then this should be shared with the other BVHA Board Directors.

• If anyone on the BVHA Board is interested in exploring it further, it is important that this be discussed with the parcel owner, to better determine his/her intentions, plans, etc. • If it Is then decided that this should be on the agenda at the next BVHA Board meeting for public input and for a Board decision, then it is essential that the owner knows and understands this ahead of time, as well as the PRMD planner. This should also be announced in the VOICE prior to the next meeting, so other BV residents may have an opportunity to present their input. After hearing the information, the BVHA Board would then vote to recommend approval or disapproval to PRMD, possibly with both a majority opinion and a minority opinion, when applicable.

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) goliti@hotmail.com Craig Harrison, Director, (573-9990) charrison@hunton.com Frank LaCombe, Director, (585-3482) franksqarage@peoplepc.com Come Join BVHA And Support Your Rural Community by Bobbie Blair, BVHA Membership Coordinator If you haven't already joined BHA, don't forget to send your check in now.

The goal is to preserve and protect our lovely valley, and your continued support is the one way it can be done. 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. Also, you can get your copy of the VOICE faster via email and help the Association save money. Just include your email address and return it with your dues. We will do all the rest. If you have any questions, please call Bobbie at 542-1608 or email her at dreams7373@sbcglobal.net.

Brief Summary of BVHA Meeting, July 19th, 2006 • The Board agreed that Bobbie Blair will send out two postcards; one to all the BVHA non-members, as a reminder to send in their dues (see above) and the second one to all Bennett Valley parcel owners, (using email messages, when possible) describing the intormation to be presented on septic svstems at the next BVHA meeting on September 20th • Marilee noted there had been about 20 requests for the BV Brochure, following the July VOICE article, letting people know it is available upon request.

• The estimate is that Jean LaCombe sends out about 80 BV Brochures annually, to realtors who are in the process of selling Bennett Valley parcels, so that all potential owners will be familiar with the conditions described in the Bennett Valley Area Plan, prior to their purchase.

• Sally Weare, a BV resident, has found a source for having the 2007 BV calendars printed for only $10 a calendar. The calendar proceeds are contributed to different Bennett Valley organizations. • It was agreed that Craig Harrison and Frank LaCombe would organize a community meeting on Planning Emergency Preparedness for Bennett Valley. At this meeting information will be presented about steps to be taken to prepare for such emergencies as earthquakes and fires, with suggested BV neighborhood team areas, including Savannah Estates, Bennett : Ridge, Woodside, Hidden Acres, Summit View, and other possibilities, such as Matanzas Creek Lane, Jamison Road, and sections along Bennett Valley Rd., Enterprise Rd., Grange Road, Crane Canyon Road, Sonoma Mountain Rd. and Pressley Rd. The meeting is to be scheduled on a Saturday, after the four sessions of the CERT training are completed.

• Doug Martin provided information on the results of his twice-a-year measurements of 15 wells plus three mutual water systems in Bennett Valley. We want to include more of the mutual water systems in the area such as Woodside (Yulupa Mutual Water), Mt. Taylor Water (Branger Water Board), Holland Heights Water and others. Additional effort will be made in this regard, for the purpose of recording historical data on a larger number of wells serving more people in Bennett Valley.

• Meeting Adjourned about 8:45 pm. Board of Directors' Tentative Agendas Wednesday, September 20th, ', 7 pm, BV Grange • Speakers Randy Leach and Rebecca Ng, Sonoma Co. Well & Septic Division of PRMD, will 1.) discuss Septic Systems, including care and maintenance, policies, pending legislation and regulations, remodeling and how it affects a septic system; 2.) answer questions; and 3.) provide handouts.

• Updates on the BVHA 2007 Calendar, BVHA Website, Sonoma Mountain Road Closure, and BVHA Board of Director elections • Final planning details for Community Emergency Preparedness Planning Meeting, scheduled for Saturday, October 28th, ', 9:00 am, BV Fire Station. Wednesday, October 18*, 7 pm, BV Grange • Election results & BVHA Role with BV Area Plan.

After adjournment, selection of BVHA officers by new Board for next year.

Bha Board Elections, 2006

If you qualify, please vote by placing a check mark on the line next to the candidates of your choice for the Board of Directors. To qualify as a BVHA voting member, you must be a dues-paying member of BVHA, as indicated by the check-mark in the "2006 member" box on your VOICE mailing label. You must also hold recorded title to any real property located within the "Bennett Valley Study Area". If you have any questions about your membership status, the "Bennett Valley Study Area" or this election, please call Jean LaCombe, Chairwoman, BVHA Nominating Committee, at 585-3482.

For BVHA voting members, two envelopes are attached to this VOICE. After you have marked your choices on the ballot, place the ballot in the small envelope to maintain your confidentiality, and then place that in the larger "outside" envelope. Your name and address must be on the larger outside envelope, so that your membership status can be documented in order for your vote to be counted. Mail the larger envelope (with the smaller envelope inside) 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 Wednesday, October 18th, by 7 pm. Your ballot will be disqualified if it is not received by this date and time.

You can vote for one, two or three candidates, but only one vote per candidate. There will be no write-in nominations and no nominations from the floor, as it is past the nomination deadline set by the BVHA Nomination Committee. Votes will be tallied and results announced at the end of the October 18t Board meeting.

Bha Ballot, Due By 10/18/06

Candidates for the BVHA Board of Directors, for three-year terms. You may vote for three candidates. Paul Hamilton Dan McCaskell Connie Montague Paul Hamilton - "Together with 3 others we initiated the Bennett Valley Homeowner's Association. I was a member for several years. I graduated from Glendale College & L.A. Art Center. I have lived in Bennett Valley since 1960. I have practiced architecture for 62 years with projects from the Canadian border to Cabo San Lucas, Baja, Mexico. AWARDS: The Sea Ranch Award & Sea Ranch Community Enhancement Award; Matanzas Creek Winery, one of the 10 best buildings in Sonoma County." Dan G. McCaskell - "Please consider this letter my application to run for the position of a member of the Bennett Valley Homeowner's Association. I have a strong commitment to protect and preserve the rural character and natural environment of Bennett Valley. Bennett Valley has a rich history long before Senator James Bennett received his land grant of the valley (in 1852). On a personal note, I have lived in this county since 1971. I hold a Doctorate Degree in Clinical Neuropsychology and three of the highest national certifications in my industry. More relative, however, is my involvement with land-use planning. In my family are architects and environmentally sensitive builders, who have lived on Sonoma Mountain for over 40 years. My father-in-law is a charter member of the original Bennett Valley Design Review Committee. I have been affiliated with professional environmental planners for City of Santa Rosa, as well as the County of Sonoma. I have a personal belief that houses should be built to fit the environment, rather than the converse. In keeping with that spirit, Paul Hamilton, architect (and one of the other candidates) designed my house to "fit" into the most inconspicuous place on my property. I believe "reason" should win and property owners' opinions should be given "great weight" in their keeping with the rural character of Bennett Valley. This is your important decision and your opportunity to choose a meaningful delegate." Please cut out and mail in, with your choices marked, per the above instructions.

The statements submitted by candidates follow: Connie Montague - "I am asking for your vote of confidence to serve the Bennett Valley community as a member of the BVHA Board of Directors. I meet the qualifications by being a voting member of BVHA, and my family and I are devoted residents of Bennett Valley since 1971. It is my desire to give back to the great community ; by committing of my time, talents, and hard work for the i coming three years. I will abide by the BVHA bylaws, and I : will work cooperatively with the other board members and make decisions that insure the promotion and i preservation of "the rural character and natural environment of Bennett Valley." You may know me i through my background work which includes 6 years with : Bank of America, 25 years with Santa Rosa Recreation and ! Parks summer aquatic programs in management and ¡ teaching, and 10 years with Bennett Valley Union School ! District as the school office manager (at both the Bennett ; Valley and Strawberry Schools). For the past 5 years, I ¡ have worked half-time with my husband's family business ! in Santa Rosa. I graduated in May 2006 from the Santa ; Rosa Junior College with a major in Social and Behavioral i Sciences. I volunteer through my church and as a gatethe three -' opener/trail-walker with Sonoma County Regional Parks."

Bennett Valley Community Calendar

(Remember to mark these dates on your calendar.)

1.) Bennett Valley Homeowner'S Association

1 (BVHA): The next Board meeting will be on Wednesday, September 20th, 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 Valley Fire Station. Please confirm the meeting date and time in advance, by calling 578-7761.

3.) BENNETT VALLEY COMMUNITY DAY, Bennett Valley Firefighters' Association, scheduled for Saturday, October 1s', 2006, around noon until 5 pm, at the Bennett Valley Fire Station. 4.) BENNETT RIDGE Annual ART ON THE RIDGE, Saturday and Sunday, September 23'd and 24"h to 5 pm. Come visit over 20 artists, at a number 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

Bennett Valley Community Service

OLD FLATBED WAGON WANTED for one week, to be used in shooting a PBS documentary in Bennett Valley, early October. We will transport from and to your site. Please contact Joanne Shen, ClockDrive Productions, (415) 561-2250 x 112, jshen@alumni,Princeton.edu. Timothy Ferris

Page Two Page Three Page Four Page Five Page Six Page Seven Inside This Issu The Rodgers Creek Faul Sonoma Mtn. Road Closure BV Fire Protection District Propane Prices Compared BVHA Board Ellections BVHA Board, Meetings Bennett Valley Homeowner's Association P.O. Box 2666 Santa Rosa, CA 95405 BVHA webpage: bennettvalleyhomeowners.org f Bennett Valley, serve as an open forum for Benne Valley community participation and provide a bridge for communication between government agencies and the Bennett Valley community." Return Service Requested BV Emergency Planning, October 28th BV Clean-Up Day, November 4th