Bennett Valley Voice

Bennett Valley VOICE

Volume 30, Number 2

Bennett Valley Homeowner's Association (BVHA)

March, 2007

"Looks Like Stress To Me!" By Frank LaCombe Among all of the potential disasters imaginable, I find | am content to look at these small quakes as earthquakes to be the easiest to accommodate my indicators of the immense stress purported to be capacity for total denial. How can something so gathering on the Rodgers Creek Fault, which devastating be so stealthy and unpredictable in its happens to be in our backyard, and is slated for arrival? No scent on the wind, no plumes in the sky, some big activity.

no satellite images, no particular creeks or rivers to focus on. Maybe this explosive event won't even happen in my lifetime, or will it strike before I finish writing this sentence? This sheer unpredictability is so difficult to grapple with that it seems absurd to think about it.

Yet... Some years back there were several television features about the U.S. Geological Survey's preparation in Parkfield, California; a site of "big quake" regularity. Using various exotic technologies, the USGS endeavored to monitor the next big quake there to detect any precursors to the event itself. But when the event finally happened in September 2004, no glaring indicators of the impending event (quake or temblor) stood out. There were inconsistent, subtle little changes in deep bore holes and curious signals on instruments so extremely sensitive that their meanings are still being studied and pondered today. However...in the lead-up to all of this, the USGS showed their retrospective studies of, among others, the Great Quake of 1906. Geologists pointed out the many small earthquakes that occurred around the San Andreas Fault, but not necessarily on the fault itself, as indicators of the enormous stresses building before the catastrophic release of those stresses in April 1906. After that event, the earth was quiet around the fault for decades.

Within the past months, scientists have said that our recent local quakes are so inconsequently small that they have no bearing on Rodgers Creek Fault. Really? Looks like stress to me! Am I ready? No. I've taken the most obvious and easy steps to prepare...water, radio, batteries, duct tape, extra eyeglasses and prescription medications.

Some of the bigger issues l've also addressed: bolting down items of extreme hazard - propane tank, water heater, water storage tank, some book shelves. But if it were to strike today, my cupboards, if they remained on the walls, will certainly disgorge all of their contents. My chimney pipe will probably disconnect from the stove or the ceiling. Breakables will break, books will tumble and scatter, and my claw-foot tub will walk on its own.

So still I have an uneasiness. I still have work to do. I am still chipping away at it. To be absolutely ready, I could disassociate with all of my belongings and live in a canvas tent. But then the event itself may force me to do just that anyway!

! The Emergency Preparedness Planning Meeting held at the Bennett Valley Fire Station in October 12006 was both illuminating and inspirational ¡Paul Hess, Director of Emergency Preparedness !for the City of Santa Rosa was very motivating We became aware of processes and resources Lavailable, all within ourselves as a community.

¡People unable to attend that meeting have 'expressed regret at missing the presentation. Many people who attended that meeting feel we Ishould indeed begin the steps to prepare jourselves. Given that, Mr. Hess has graciously ¡agreed to return on March 21, 2007, to speak at ithe regular meeting of the Bennett Valley ¡Homeowner's Association, at 7:00 pm, at the ¡Bennett Valley Grange Hall. You should plan to be there.

Bennett Valley CERT Competes in First Sonoma County Challenge By Karen Sommer On a sunny Saturday morning on March 3rd, , 2007, Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) from Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Healdsburg, Petaluma, Forestville and Bennett Valley gathered at the Santa Rosa Fire Training Center to hone our skills in Emergency Preparedness.

With 20 hours of CERT training completed last fall, we were not too sure we were up for this Challenge. But, we were wrong in a big way. Our team worked well together and we had a good time, too. Last September, many of us were strangers to each other, but by the end of training we were old friends.

We were given Challenges in six different emergency scenarios. Each team rotated through the disaster drills every 40 minutes. The drills included searching a building for survivors after an earthquake, how to use ladders in untraditional ways, such as forming walls for a tarp to hold water, and filling sand bags (this drill was organized by our own Bennett Valley Fire District's Matt Tognozzi).

Our third drill was a triage and cribbing exercise. The scene was a Wednesday night Market and a car gone awry taking out vendor booths and pedestrians. As a team we had to size up the disaster and triage the victims as well as removing rubble to rescue others.

After our lunch break and an energy pick-me-up of chocolate, we tackled putting out fires with green tree branches and another fire with sand. We got excellent marks from the Healdsburg Fire Department, who organized that drill. We then learned how to organize after a disaster strikes and to incorporate untrained volunteers who spontaneously appear to help. Our final drill was a carry and rescue, using various carrying techniques.

This Challenge was far more than we expected and has energized the eight members who participated to keep it going. Even though some of us were nervous about our abilities when we signed up for this Challenge, we performed well and learned so much Participating team members from Bennett Valley were: Katy Mangan and Karen Sommer from Bennett Ridge, Deborah Rogers and Dino Ricci from Bennett Valley at Sonoma Mountain Road, Suzanne Dougherty and Bobbie Blair from eastern Bennett Valley, Diane and Anne Giles from Hidden Acres.

Find Out About Bennett Valley CERT Training For You! Learn how you can be more prepared in case of a disaster such as a major earthquake or wild land fire. An orientation on Bennett Valley Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training is planned for Saturday, May 19'h from 9:00am to 11:00am at the Bennett Valley Fire Station. This meeting will give a brief description on the CERT training, and how this program can prepare our community if a disaster strikes. We can also consider possible options for the best time to schedule 20 hours of CERT training in Bennett Valley for residents who want to participate. Possibilities include evening meetings, Saturday meetings or a combination of the two. If you want to start your CERT training sooner, Sebastopol Fire Dept. (8238061) has a program starting April 4** '. For any questions regarding the BV CERT program, you may e-mail Karen Sommer at ksommer11@earthlink.net or call her at 528-8982.

BV Spring Clean-Up Roads DayThe next Bennett Valley Roadside Clean-up ı Day is on Saturday, April 21st. Volunteers are ¡ asked to meet at the BV Fire Station at 8:30 am. Donuts and coffee will be served. The I firefighters will be getting ready for their ¡ Pancake Breakfast the next day, so we need to 'be sure not to leave any trash at the fire station.

! For that reason, we will be taking the full ¡ garbage bags to another nearby designated | location. You can expect to see signs along the road ¡ announcing this Clean-Up Day about two to ! three weeks ahead of time. If you don't see the ! signs, or if you have any other questions, please i call Sandy Sandine (579-0282) or Mike Hickey | (568-6856). Also, if there is even a light rain on !April 21St ", the Clean-up Day will have to be i rescheduled for safety reasons.

Be sure to wear sturdy shoes, gloves, and a !hat for sun protection. BVHA provides "pick-up i sticks" that are a great help in preventing sore backs. If you would prefer picking up litter along ! the roads where you live, just let us know your i preferred location when you come to the Fire | Station to pick up the bags, vests, etc. We really 'appreciate the residents who come out to i help keep our community roadsides free of Litter!

History of Bennett Valley Clean-Up Day Early Bennett Valley History In the "Fall Issue, 1996" VOICE, there was an At the last BVHA meeting, on January 17h article entitled "LITTER" ", which says, "There is an information was presented by Dan McCaskell and accumulation of trash along Bennett Valley Road Patty Keiser about the early Bennett Valley history in which seems to get worse every year...Several Homeowner's the 1800's. Patty Keiser's family has some personal experience with this as her grandparents purchased Association sponsor a Clean Up Bennett Valley 600 acres along Bennett Valley Road, just west of Road Day...lf you are interested in such an event, Warm Springs Road in 1913. They raised six please contact Eve Boling..." The first committee children there and continued to live on the Bennett included Dave Sandine (who apparently originated Valley ranch, farming and raising cattle until their the idea, David Kest and Eve Boling. Dave Sandine deaths, into their eighties. Patty's father, Fred helped Eve learn how to get the PRMD permit, the Joseph Keiser, was born on the ranch in 1917 and road signs, vests, and empty litter bags, as well as lived there until his death at the age of 80. One of arranging for Sonoma Co. Public Works to pick up Patty's aunts, June Keiser Davis, now lives on the the full litter bags, afterwards. Jim Alfieri helped by part of the ranch which includes the original home getting leftover vests from Cal Trans and two road and barn. Patty grew up on the Bennett Valley ranch signs. BVHA purchased the pick-up sticks.

and still lives on 60 of the acres. A brief summary of Eve Boling has been coordinating this BV some of this early history provided by Patty Keiser Clean-up Day for ten years with Sandy Sandine cofollows: coordinating with her for the last five years. After the * 1837 Most of the native people, especially the November, 2006 clean-up, Eve decided to "retire" Pomo Indians, had been wiped out by from this position. BVHA and the residents of Bennett Valley want to express our great smallpox.

appreciation for all the work Eve has done all * 1846 Bear Flag Revolt these years, as well as Sandy Sandine, typically • 1849 Gold Rush twice a year. We need a new BV Clean-Up • 1849 James N. Bennett arrived in the Valley. Coordinator. If you're interested, please call Tim He settled here after his daughter died of Murphy, 542-7114. Maybe you and a friend could Typhoid Fever. He purchased the property share the job as Co-coordinators.

from General Vallejo. Bennett Peak was Sonoma Mountain Road Closure On Friday, February 16*h, ", Supervisor Valerie Brown had a meeting with Public Works personnel for all immediate neighbors and others, regarding the Sonoma Mountain Road closure at the Glen Ellen Fire Station. One of the encouraging announcements at the meeting was that Sonoma County is planning to ultimately open the road, especially because of fire and law enforcement concerns. There have been continuing problems with this section of Sonoma Mountain Road over the last thirty years or so, and it wasn't always certain that it would be re-opened County is planning to significantly improve the drainage in the area of the collapsed road this year and if there are no new discoveries of underlying problems there is a possibility that one lane may be open by next winter. In the long run, the County is planning to do a major project, removing great quantities of unstable earth, replacing it with more stable earth and reinforcing an earthen dam in the problem areas along this road. The bad news is that the total cost of these needed changes and repairs is about $1.5 million, and the County does not have the needed extra funds. Where and how are they going to find the necessary funds? They are exploring possible remedies for this difficulty.

originally named Yulupa. * 1850's, Bennett Valley saw an influx of settlers. " 1851 Bennett was elected to the State Assembly. * 1851 Coleman Talbot family arrived. * 1851 1s* School Organized * 1853 1st School Built near "Matanzas Creek" * 1854 Bennett introduced the bill that made Santa Rosa the county seat.

* 1862 Isaac DeTurk grew grapes on land he acquired from James N. Bennett and named his winery "Belle Mount". * 1873 Grange Hall was built. %, 1884 Valley had become a highly productive agricultural region. * 1890's many of the grapes were attacked and destroyed by phylloxera.

* Names of old timers, such as Talbot, Mitchell, Guenza, Peracca, and Jamison, can be seen gracing street signs in the area.

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, 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 8231084. Bennett Valley Paid Firefighting Staff 24-hour Shift Personnel: Lieutenant Gabe Stirnus, Engineer Kevin Burris, Engineer Matt Tognozzi Daytime Firefighters, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm: Engineer Danny Connelly, Engineer Steve Gritsch, Firefighter Ronnie Lakin Supplemented and supported by 23 Trained Firefighting Volunteers, as of 12/31/06; every night at least two of the volunteers spend the night at the Fire Station.

Engineer Kevin Burris Kevin first participated in the Explorer program at the age of 16. Shortly after that, his parents moved to Bennett Valley in the year 2000. He found he was very interested in firefighting and began working for Bennett Valley Fire District as a volunteer at age 18. He worked for Bennett Valley Fire as one of the first paid firefighters for two years, then worked for California Department of Forestry (CDF), in Glen Ellen, for two years, as they paid better money and there were more calls. In November 2006, he left CDF and started at Bennett Valley on December 4th, as a 24-hour shift Engineer, after being selected by Chief Andy Pforsich, to replace Brian Campbell and/or Bryon Reid, both of whom transferred to Santa Rosa Fire Department.

Kevin has always been especially interested in the Explorer Program, which is high school students being trained once a week in firefighting. He has been the leader for the Bennett Valley Explorer program for 3 or 4 years, with the training drills held every Monday night. Kevin continues to also do extra work as a volunteer or part-time engineer, for Kenwood, Gold Ridge, and Glen Ellen Fire Districts.

Kevin is also pursuing a more formal education. At Santa Rosa Junior College, he has taken courses in Fire Science and General Education. He's planning to transfer to Sonoma State University and eventually get his Bachelor's Degree. He takes about 6 to 9 units each semester, while working at all these firefighting positions.

Firefighter Ronnie Lakin Ronnie Lakin was selected to fill a paid firefighter position by Chief Pforsich, starting January 7*, 2007, when Matt Tognozzi was promoted to one of the 24-hour Engineer positions. Ronnie first became interested in being a firefighter because both his grandfather and uncle were Fire Captains in Los Angeles City and County. When Ronnie moved to Sonoma County and was attending Analy High School, he joined the Explorers' program at the Gold Ridge Fire District. He "loved the drills", ", felt the firefighters were "nice guys" and found the whole experience "exciting." Ronnie has worked as a volunteer at Gold Ridge Fire for two years, and every Wednesday evening, he continues to help train the Gold Ridge Explorers. He also fills in occasionally for Kevin Burris, with Bennett Valley Explorers. Ronnie plans to become an engineer before long, but he is doing it self-paced, rather than in the engineer academy now in progress. He also expects to receive his driver's license for independently driving a fire engine soon. Recently, Ronnie was hired as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) for Verihealth Ambulance Co.

Ronnie has attended Santa Rosa Junior College for over two years and received his Associate Degree. He expects to continue part-time in college until he receives his bachelor's degree. Bennett Valley doesn't have as many calls as some of the other fire districts, including Gold Ridge, but there are advantages to that, such as more time for training and completing fire related projects. He continues to feel "stoked, happy, and excited" about working as a firefighter and receiving more training (as well as providing training to the Explorers) along the way. We feel very pleased to have these two qualified, experienced firefighters, that is Kevin Burris and Ronnie Lakin, now employed in Bennett Valley Fire District.

BV Firefighter Activities; Jan./Feb. 2007 By Engineer Steve Gritsch Medical Aids- 19; Structure Fires-2 Vehicle Accidents-8; False/Malicious Alarm-1 Other calls-5 (smoke checks, burns, debris in road) Total Runs: 35 During January and February, the Bennett Valley Fire District had an unusually low call volume, which is a good thing for the public! During the rains and icy weather people were slowing down to a safe speed, preventing the accidents we have become so accustomed to. Remember, during inclement weather and low visibility situations such as fog, it is California law to have your headlights on. They not only assist your driving, they also help keep other drivers aware of you!

- .— *While we are nearing the end of controlled burning season, you can still purchase permits at the Bennett Valley Fire Station. Permits are ten dollars, and are valid until April 30th. That date is tentative, as decreased rainfall and apparent warming trends may push up the opening of fire season. Remember, permits are mandatory for controlled burns; failing to have one in possession while burning may result in citations and/or fines from Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

i self you don't yet have one of the green address signs in front of your property, especially important in an emergency, please be sure to phone the BV Fire Station, at 578-7761, to order one for only $15.

Bennett Valley Well Project By Doug Martin The Bennett Valley Well Project measures depthto-water in 17 residential wells in the Bennett Valley watershed twice a year. The goal of the project, begun in September, 2005 by BVHA, is to understand whether there is a general groundwater decline in our watershed.

Bennett Valley groundwater is affected by two factors: annual rain, a small part of which percolates into porous rock to resupply the aquifer; and water withdrawal when we pump for domestic or agricultural use. Annual rain can vary quite a lot year-to-year. For this reason, groundwater studies are long-term efforts spanning many years.

The Well Project has some long-term data from a few well-owners who have kept records over two or more decades, but most of the wells have only been measured recently. Some of these wells do, however, have records from the time they were originally drilled.

From all this data, one definite conclusion can be drawn: There is no clear overall pattern across the entire watershed. As you would guess from looking around the valley and surrounding hills, our geology is not very uniform. The valley and hills were formed by old volcanic flows and shifting of the earth from earthquakes. So, it's pretty cut up down there and the well data shows this, with some wells showing a decline and others holding steady. Well try to keep our eye on things over the years. Call Doug Martin at 577-0360 if you're interested in volunteering to have your private well (or wells) measured twice a year, with the results kept "anonymous"; or call if you have any questions or suggestions.

Is Mandatory Well Monitoring Really Dead? By Larissa Goliti and Craig S. Harrison The Board of Supervisors is likely to take up the controversial issue of well monitoring in late summer or early fall when the general plan hearings commence. Because Sonoma County already requires monitoring of large-scale and commercial wells, at issue is expanding regulation of residential The Sonoma County Planning Commission rejected well monitoring of existing residential wells at a meeting on January 11, 2007. According to the Press Democrat, 200 irate well owners attended the meeting at which they loudly made their objections known. The commission said that it had no intention of monitoring water use in their homes.

Nevertheless, they approved provisions requiring water level monitoring for any newly drilled wells in areas where there could be water shortages, which includes Bennett Valley. A severe earthquake on Rodgers Creek Fault could damage well shafts and force many Bennett Valley residents to drill replacement wells. These residents, along with others whose wells are no longer deep enough to supply sufficient water, must install monitors when they apply for a permit to deepen or repair their wells On January 30th ", the Board of Supervisors established a ground water study for Sonoma Valley, saying it would not force well owners to place water usage meters on their wells. The study is expected to last two years.

County officials are also considering establishing a monitoring system with voluntary participation by property owners in addition to state, county and water company wells. This study seems similar to the on-going study in Bennett Valley, under the auspices of Bennett Valley Homeowner's Association, by resident Doug Martin, where the results are kept anonymous and all participation is voluntary.

There are about 40,000 private wells located in Sonoma County, perhaps the most in any California county. Most Bennett Valley residents own, maintain and operate their own wells, except for families living in such areas as Bennett Ridge, Summit View Ranch and Woodside where community water is available under a mutual water system.

While overall mandatory monitoring of existing residential wells is not currently required, expansion of the new approved regulations is a possibility. General plan hearings are vitally important to Bennett Valley residents. During the process to update the 1989 Sonoma County General Plan, the citizens' advisory group recommended that all wells, including existing wells at single family residences in Bennett Valley, be metered. The advisory group voted to require procedures for "meters, access, testing and reporting of water levels, flow direction and quality and responding to monitoring results." Well owners should be vigilant when the general plan hearings commence later this year. We will try to keep you posted and if you have any information regarding this matter, let us know.

Native American quote (circa 1850) All things are bound together. All things are connected. What happens to the earth happens to the children of the earth. Man has not woven the web of life. He is but one thread. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.

Bennett Valley Homeowner's Association (BVHA) Board Of Directors P.O. Box 2666, Santa Rosa, CA 95405 Tim Murphy, President tjmcpadvc@ socglobal.net,_ 542-7114 Craig Harrison, Vice-President charrison@hunton.com,_573-9990 Helen Bates, Treasurer hbates@att.net,_695-8760 Connie Montague, Recording Secretary ecmonty@teevax.com, 542-4987 Eric Burns, Director datamonk@svn.net, 584-7531 Larissa Goliti, Director Igoliti @hotmail.com, 578-3453 Paul Hamilton, Director, 527-0671 Frank LaCombe, Director franksgarage@peoplepc.com,585-3482 Dan McCaskle, Director dangmccaskell@aol.com, 546-6155 • BVHA Membership Coordinators- Larissa Goliti, 578-3453, and Jean LaCombe, 585-3482 • BVHA VOICE Editor - Marilee Jensen, 576-0405 marileejensen@ sbcglobal.net Brief Summary of BVHA Meeting January 17'h, 2007 • About 40 people came to the meeting to hear the presentation on the early BV History.

• A motion was approved to invest some of BVHA'S funds in a CD with a higher return. The Board is also considering refreshments at the meetings. • Paul Hamilton, an architect by profession, stated that plywood frame buildings on a concrete slab floor, such as at the BV Fire Station, are generally more stable and secure than other forms of construction, in withstanding earthquakes.

•There are a few 2007 BV Calendars left for $8. Contact Sandy Sandine, 579-0282. • In discussing Sonoma Co. rural roads, the Board made a motion to invite Transportation Dept. staff and Supervisor Valerie Brown to a future BVHA meeting. A BVHA letter will also be sent to the Board of Supervisors regarding BV roads upkeep.

• Private well-monitoring was discussed by the Board with various perspectives. See article on Page 5. • Larissa Goliti and Jean LaCombe are the new Membership Coordinators, replacing Bobbie Blair, who is stepping down after about seven years. • Jean LaCombe has agreed to be the BVHA Nominations Committee Chairman for 2007. As mentioned on Page 3, we're still looking for a coordinator for the semi-annual BV Clean-up Days.

• The Board has approved a Bennett Valley T-Shirt Fundraiser, with the money to be used for Bennett Valley disaster planning. The t-shirts will be sold at Bennett Valley community events. • Board of Directors' Tentative Agenda, March 21st Meeting by Tim Murphy *SPEAKER: Paul Hess, Director of Emergency Preparedness for the City of Santa Rosa, discussing vitally important safety information for Emergency Preparedness in Bennett Valley.

• Letter to Board of Supervisors re: BV Roads • UPDATE: BVHA website status, Sonoma Mtn. Road Closure, T-Shirt Fund Raiser, 2007 BVHA meeting schedule, speakers, themes • Approval of purchase for BVHA computer for membership /BVHA files • Information: BV Clean-up Day and CERT training

Emergency Calls From Cell Phones

By Marlee Jensen :There was an article on this in the January 2007 : VOICE, but since then, there has been an excellent : editorial in the Press Democrat, dated 1/19/07. First, : it said the average wait on a cell phone, after dialing :911, is one minute. It went on to say the network needs to be updated, so that every community has : an "enhanced 911 system", , which tracks the location • of the cell phone user and routes the call to the • appropriate local agency. This system is already in • place in Healdsburg, Sebastopol and much of Santa • Rosa. Second, until that happens, residents need to : store their local seven-digit emergency numbers in : their cell phones. For Bennett Valley, those are: • Fire & Emergency Medical - 576-1371 OR 5761365 (Redcom Dispatch emergency numbers) Sonoma Co. Sheriff's Dispatch - 565-2121

Verizon Cell Tower And The

Bennett Valley Fire Station

Bennett Valley Fire Chief Andy Pforsich reports that he's met with Verizon, to negotiate the possibility of having a cell tower at the BV Fire Station. Verizon is proposing to put up a 72' pine tree tower "around existing trees" on the hill behind the Bennett Valley Fire Station or a replacement flag pole tower in front of the fire station, as well as a 12'x20' equipment shelter and generator. If this is approved, Verizon has agreed to pay a monthly fee of $1,500 to the BV Fire Protection District. Per PRMD, as of 3/12/07, Verizon has not yet filed a formal application for a county permit. PRMD would have to approve this permit for a cell tower at the Fire Station before it could be installed and the expectation is that it will take from 12 to 18 month before the cell tower would be operational. Having a cell tower is seen as a public service since it will improve cell phone service in the area and thus possibly public safety.

Bennett Valley Homeowner'S Association Annual Membership Dues, 2007

(Mailing Label on Reverse Side) ADDRESS_ NAME Current Phone Number (optional): Please mail this form with your annual dues of $15 plus any donation you're willing to make, in order to enable us to pursue our specific purposes: 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. Make the check out to BVHA and mail the envelope to Bennett Valley Homeowner's Association, P.O. Box 2666, Santa Rosa, CA 95405 or call Larissa Goliti, Membership Coordinator, at 578-3453, if you have any questions.

Help us reduce postage, paper, and printing costs by receiving the VOICE by e-mail. Include your e-mail address here. E-mail address:_ We also are interested in any corrections or additions we should make to your name(s), address, or phone # and hearing any comments or concerns you may have. If you don't have enough room, insert additional paper.

Comments/Changes: A BIG THANK-YOU - Larissa Goliti, one of the BVHA membership coordinators, would like to express A Very Big Thank-You to the people who sent in their membership dues with additional donations and notes of appreciation for the work done by Bennett Valley Homeowner's Association!!

Spring Hike on Taylor Mountain_Saturday, March 24*,"Spring" for a chance to explore another section of this beautiful property, which forms one of the prominent backdrops to Santa Rosa. We'll take a "cross-country" sneak peak at the southern and eastern corners, highlighting the colorful history of the land and future plans for public access. Leaders: District & LandPaths staff. All Landpath outings are free and open to the public. However, as space is limited, reservations are required. To reserve space and for outing details contact them at: Email: outings@landpaths.org or call LandPaths Event Line: (707) 524-9318. Most outings run from about 9:00 am to 2:30 pm. Details for the outings are sent to participants approximately 3 5 days in advance of the outing.

A Water Wise Gardening Series for Homeowners The City of Santa Rosa's Water Conservation and Storm Water Programs presents a series of three classes, focusing on the following topics: April 12, 2007 - Low Water Use Plants Learn how to select and establish low water-use plants in your garden. April 19, 2007 - Irrigation Efficiency for the Home Learn how to determine the efficiency of your system, identify plant water needs and develop irrigation schedules. April 26, 2007 Healthy Gardens Learn how to maintain a healthy garden that supports our creeks and wildlife. Classes will be held at Finley Community Center, 2060 West College Ave., 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Sign up through the City of Santa Rosa's Adventure Guide or call (707) 543-3282.

Help Save the Bennett Valley Honey Bees This Spring by Bill Sirvatka All residents who find swarms of honey bees in their yards should contact me right away, at (707) 292-2655 cell or 579-8065 (home) so | can safely remove them to their new homes. With the problem of pesticides and colony collapses this year, we must do as much as we can to keep them alive and well. Swarming really occurs in March/April/May and is the best time to relocate them, for their own protection.

Bennett Valley Community Calendar

Mark these dates on your calendar. 1.) Bennett Valley Homeowner's Association (BVHA): The next meeting will be on Wednesday, March 21st, 7:00 pm at the BV Grange Hall, 4145 Grange Road, with Paul Hess, Director of Emergency Preparedness for the City of Santa Rosa helping us find the ways to better prepare for emergencies.

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 important you call 578-7761 or 823-1084 to verify the meeting day in advance.

3.) Bennett Valley Spring Road Clean-Up Day: Saturday, April 21st ', 8:30 am, at the BV Fire Station 4.) Bennett Valley Firefighters' Association PANCAKE BREAKFAST, Sunday, April 22nd • Plan on savoring a delicious breakfast at the BV Fire Station on that date, prepared personally by the firefighters.

5.) Bennett Valley Grange Spaghetti Dinner: The Grange is having their tasty Spaghetti Feed on Saturday, April 28th, 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Watch for the signs! 6.) 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.

"Never underestimate the ability of a small group of committed individuals to change the world. In fact, that's the only think that ever has. "...Margaret Mead

Page Two Page Three Page Four Page Five Page Six Page Seven Inside This Issue CERT Challenge, Training Help With BV Clean-up! Sonoma Mtn. Road Closure Early BV History BV Fire District BV Well Monitoring? BHA Membership Form Spring Hike, Taylor Mtn. Water-Wise Gardening Save the BV Honey Bees!

Bennett Valley Homeowner's Association P.O. Box 2666 Santa Rosa, CA 95405 BVHA web-page: bennettvalleyhomeowners.org Speerre perra racter an atralete content 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 BV Spring Roads Clean-up, Sat 4/21