Bennett Valley Voice

Bennett Valley VOICE www.bennettvalleyhoa.org

Volume 33, Number 2

Bennett Valley Homeowner'S Association (Bvha)

March, 2010

What Do You Need To Know About Sudden Oak Death? Master Gardeners, Sonoma Co. U.C. Cooperative Extension Sudden Oak Death (SOD) has killed thousands of majestic oak trees in our county resulting in serious long-term effects to our ecosystem. The Sonoma County UC Master Gardeners have received a grant from the USDA Forest Service to educate the public about the causes, distribution and treatment options of Sudden Oak Death. As part of their outreach, Master Gardener SOD specialists will give a presentation on the disease at the next BVHA meeting, Thursday, March 18, 7:00 pm, at the BV Grange.

These Master Gardeners have completed extensive training in the biology of Phytophthora ramorum (the pathogen that causes SOD). This has included training about the disease spread, hazards, and preventive treatment options available to homeowners. As enthusiastic purveyors of science-based horticulture and garden information, they are interested in sharing this knowledge with the residents of Bennett Valley.

2011 Bv Calendar Theme

"Seasons Of Bennett Valley"

A BIG THANK YOU to those of you who have generously volunteered for the Calendar Committee this year and to all who purchased calendars last year in support of the BV volunteer firefighters, BV Grange and/or BV Emergency Preparedness. Happily, we will now be able to produce a calendar for 2011. The theme this coming year will be SEASONS OF BENNETT VALLEY.

"To be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring." The seasons wear many alluring costumes - glistening rain, mysterious fog, bright colorful wildflowers and gardens, bounties of ripe fruits and vegetables, brilliantly red and yellow fall trees and grapevines, and occasionally, even snow.

CALL TO PHOTOGRAPHERS: We welcome and encourage photographers of all ages to capture the uniquely beautiful seasons of our valley. Please send your entries to the calendar committee by September What's in this SOD presentation? 1. And, this year you can eMail your jpegs directly to sparker@ix.netcom.com. Prints are also welcome.

(Horizontal format preferred, and only three per A one hour talk and discussion session: entrant, please). • What is SOD and where did it come from? • Which oaks are susceptible and which are not? • Where is SOD in Sonoma County? In CA? In USA?

• What do I do with a tree infected or killed by SOD? • What are the hazards of Sudden Oak Death? Followed by a half-hour demonstration: • How and when do I treat my trees? • What are the treatment options? • How do I choose which trees to treat?

The May VOICE will provide more detailed entry specifications. In the meantime, it's not too early to start shooting the dramatic rainy season we're experiencing now. And, if you have a photo on your computer which illustrates the magic of the seasons of Bennett Valley, just forward it to Sherry Parker's eMail address (above) any time. Also, please feel free to eMail her if you have questions.

Sudden Oak Death Blitz Week-End The Sonoma County UC Master Gardeners will be hosting a Sudden Oak Death (SOD ) Blitz weekend, April 17-18, and are asking all Sonoma County residents concerned and curious about SOD to participate in this weekend citizen science project. Please RSVP your interest so that we know ahead of time how many people will come. Contact Lisa Bell at Ikbell@ucdavis.edu, or call the Master Gardener help desk at 707-565-2608.

1. Attend a Saturday morning meeting on April 17. Here you will learn how to identify and take leaf samples from trees that have symptoms of Sudden Oak Death. There will be two meetings in Sonoma County: • 9-10:30 am at the Environmental Discovery Center in Spring Lake Park, Santa Rosa • 10-11:30 am at the Healdsburg Branch, Sonoma County Library 2. Go look at your trees and collect samples.

3. Return samples to a UC Master Gardener, Sunday afternoon, April 18, at a location to be announced at the meeting the previous day. From here your samples will be driven to a UC Berkeley pathology laboratory for diagnostic testing. 4. Get an eMail notification of the results as soon as they are available.

5. Attend a later meeting in which UC Berkeley Plant Pathologist, Dr. Matteo Garbelotto, discusses the results and what they mean for Sonoma County. These events are occurring throughout SOD-infested counties. See this website for information: http://www.cnr.berkeley.edu/garbelotto/english/so dblitz.php Lisa Bell, Coordinator Sonoma County Sudden Oak Death Program lisakbell@ucdavis.edu 707-565-2050 Bennett Valley Road Work Update By Marilee Jensen Sonoma County Department of Transportation and Public Works was significantly reduced last year by 37 positions because of budgetary shortfalls. As a part of this cutback, they no longer have a culvert crew and they've significantly reduced their number of road maintenance yards in the community. For Bennett Valley roads, their Cotati yard is responsible for maintenance on Pressley Rd., Crane Canyon/Grange Rd. and Bennett Valley Rd. west of Grange Rd. Their Sonoma yard is responsible for the remainder of Bennett Valley Rd., Sonoma Mountain Road, Enterprise Rd., and the Bennett Ridge neighborhood.

They can only pick up bulky/weighty trash left along the road, such as a sofa, on two days a week. With the projected deficit in the state budget, further cutbacks can be expected in the Sonoma County Road Maintenance budget for 2010/2011. Sonoma County continues to contract with the California Department of Forestry (CDF) for the fire protection brushing along the local roads, at a comparatively minimal cost. The CDF crew recently did an impressive job along Crane Canyon Road, in cutting back extra brush for improved road drainage and reduced fire hazards. Sonoma Co. Road Maintenance supported that effort with brush chippers and traffic control. The CDF crews are planning to finish the brushing along Pressley Road in March/April and then possibly move on to Bennett Valley Road, depending on the other demands at that time.

If you see any dangerous potholes, landslides, fallen trees or bulky/weighty trash along the road, please call Road Maintenance at 565-5100, but understand their increasing limitations. Spring Clean-Up BV Roads Day Saturday, April 24, 8:30 am has been chosen ! for the next Bennett Valley Clean-up Roads Day.

; We'll meet at the fire station and refreshments will ibe served. Don't forget to wear sturdy shoes, : gloves and a hat for sun protection. This isn't a i strenuous chore! There are many easy-to-walk roadsides with level footing that you can select to i pick-up litter, as well as in the vicinity of your own ! home. BVHA provides orange safety vests and "pick-up sticks", that are a great help in preventing ' sore backs.

More Volunteers Are Always

¡ NEEDED, so please join us, and bring along other : family members or friends. You'll see a sign on Bennett Valley Road, : across from the golf course, as a reminder. If it rains, this event will have to be rescheduled, so : please phone Sandy Sandine, 579-0282, for i questions or to confirm date and time. We really do ! appreciate those residents who come out to help ¡ keep our community roads free from litter!

"Lights Out On Sonoma Mountain Road Bennett Valley Emergency Preparation Night tennis aced out by county" By Karen Sommer (Article from kenwood press, February 15, 2010) CERT training in Bennett Valley is scheduled on March 13, 20 and 27. The class is held once a year "Allowing 8,000 watt tennis court lights in a rural subdivision on Bennett Valley Road would set an 'undesirable precedent,' at least according to four Sonoma County Supervisors who turned down an appeal by the property owners of a similar decision by the County's Planning Commission last September. The owner told the Planning Commissioners that the lights were designed to fall in the tennis area, and the tennis court surface was designed to have low reflectivity. He had also planted a row of Cypress trees to block the view from neighbors, although the choice of tree type and legality of the planting came into question." and provides citizens of Bennett Valley the skills to help themselves, their families and neighbors if and when a major disaster overwhelms or delays our professional responders. These skills may help to sustain or save lives until help arrives, following a disaster.

Bennett Valley Emergency Preparedness along with the Grange is planning a fundraising event on June 6 at the Grange. This is traditionally the Grange Annual Picnic. We will have entertainment and auctions along with the traditional BBQ. Come celebrate the riches we share living here.

"The owner's appeal was denied at the regular Board meeting on Feb. 2, after hearing arguments from the property owner, Jim McIntyre, that the proposed lighting would not impact his neighbors in the 6700 block of Sonoma Mountain Road. All the supervisors but Paul Kelley agreed with the Sept. 2, 2009 decision of the Planning Commission not to allow the lights. According to the Staff Report presented in February, one Commissioner noted that, 'Sonoma Mountain and Bennett Valley are special places as indicated by the Scenic Resources zoning overlay zone. And that due to the beauty of the area, there is worry of projects like this set (sic) an undesirable precedent.' Karen Theriault, project planner for the county, said that, "The findings are essentially that it would set a precedent to allow for excessive lighting in a rural area with a scenic overlay. They felt the lighting would be inappropriate for the area.'" The combined fundraiser helps to support the Grange Hall and Bennett Valley Emergency Preparedness. Donations for the BVEP will provide emergency shelter supplies to be located in the new storage container at the Grange.

Your donations will also help to support the addition to the fire station for emergency communications and supplies. CPR is scheduled for a Sunday in April, date still not definite. This course is a 2 year certification and is limited to 10 participants. If you would like to be included in this course call Karen Sommer at 528-8982 or eMail: ksommer11@earthlink.net.

34 Acres Donated On Sonoma Mountain Press Democrat article, February 23, 2010 "The Drake family has donated a 34-acre property on the north flank of Sonoma Mountain to Sonoma til be consenta Land Trust under a transaction that guarantees it! will be conserved as a wildlife habitat corridor between Annadel and Jack London state parks...

'We are privileged to do our part to ensure that vistas of green hillside remain unspoiled, said Peter Drake.i The property which contains no residences, is located at the southern end of Bennett Valley, about five miles southeast of Kenwood, and has sweeping views of the Mayacamas Mountains and of Annadel State Park. Coastal oak woodland covers more than half!

the parcel, which also contains grasslands in which: gray fox, coyote, bobcat and mountain lions have been spotted. Land Trust officials said the Drakes have agreed to limited, supervised guided tours of the property in the future." Accused Roadside Attacker on Trial The BVHA NEIGHBORHOOD ALERT sent out on April 6, 2009, stated, "There is a predator following women driving in Bennett Valley at night. We have personal reports of it happening FIVE

Times This Last Week In Bennett Valley...'

" These local incidents fit the same patterns and timing as used by the suspect named below, during his recent hearing. Press Democrat articles, January 27 and February 1, 2010 Terry Menshek, Sonoma Co. District Attorney's office, March 8, "One of two women testifying Tuesday in a series of roadside attacks that terrorized Sonoma County residents identified Thomas Boccaleoni as the man who tricked her into pulling over on a darkened Sebastopol road, fondled her and threatened her before she escaped... Most charges involve women driving alone who reported a man - his face sometimes masked or covered - flashing his headlights, driving side them and feigning emergencies to get them to stop....Prosecutor Jason Riehl argued details of the assault were similar to two other attacks on women. One was on Bennett Valley Road...

(where he was linked to) the crime through DNA evidence taken from her clothing..." 'It's the same story, Riehl said. 'The same M.O.' ... He remains in custody... At trial, he faces eight felonies, including genital penetration, assault with intent to commit rape and false imprisonment. He faces up about 40 years in prison if convicted, prosecutors said." His next hearing is scheduled for March 23.

Bennett Valley Fire Protection District 6161 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 Non-Emergency Business Phone: 578-7761 Board of Directors: Mark Richardson, President; Joseph Mazeau, Vice-President; Marilee Jensen, Secretary; Arnie Tognozzi, and Don D'Avanzo, Directors. Board meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday each month, 7:00 pm, at the BV Fire Station.

Please confirm meeting date ahead of time. Bennett Valley Paid Firefighting Staff: Fire Chief: Andy Pforsich, 823-1084 48-hour Personnel: Lieutenants Kevin Burris, Matt Tognozzi and Danny Connelly Daytime Firefighters, 8:00am to 5:00pm: Engineers Patrick Tognozzi, Brian Drees and Ronnie Lakin Permanent Part-time Firefighters, 8:00am to 5:00pm Firefighters Mike Alcocer, Ly Leng and John Matej Bennett Valley Volunteers Supplemented and supported by as many as twenty-five trained firefighting volunteers. Also three rotating shifts of three volunteers each are paid to sleep overnight at the Fire Station, for improved coverage. During the day, interns are also used when available, as the fourth on-duty firefighter.

Bennett Valley Fire Protection District Call Activities January/February 2010 By Lieutenant Kevin Burris Medical Aids-8; Hazardous Conditions-4; Vehicle Fires-1; Vehicle Accidents-5; Structure Fires-1; Public Assists-1; Total calls- 20 Bennett Valley Fire District added four new firefighter interns for 2010. These internships are for Santa Rosa Junior College students after they've completed the Junior College's Firefighter One Academy. It's the way for students to continue their training with participating fire districts. Bennett Valley requires the Interns to work six day-shifts each month for one year. After one year students will receive their California State Fire Marshall's Office Firefighter 1 Certificate. This program benefits not only the students but also Bennett Valley Fire District by having a trained firefighter EMT working 6 days a month at little cost to the fire district. This program allows for increasing daytime staffing levels at the fire station to four personnel on most days each month. It's been said that Bennett Valley Fire District and Gold Ridge Fire District have the premier intern program in Sonoma County. Some of the interns eventually become employees.

Sonoma Mountain Trail on Track Press Democrat article, March 1, 2010 "Construction of Bay Area Ridge Trail link set to begin this summer. Sometime next fall, the carving of a Bay Area Ridge Trail segment across Sonoma Mountain will be completed, allowing hikers access to one of the highest peaks in the county for the first time.

"Construction of the $1.4 million project involving a 4.25 mile trail portion, road improvements, parking area and trailhead is expected to start in June or July. "The trailhead would start east of Petaluma off Sonoma Mountain Road at Jacobs Ranch, cross four properties protected through easement or purchase by the county open space district and end up in Jack London State Park.

"Sonoma Mountain now joins the ring of Bay Area summits that provide public access," said Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Valerie Brown. "...The Bay Area Ridge Trail Council's goal is to have a trail that runs from Helen Putnam Regional Park near Petaluma, crosses Sonoma Mountain, passes through Jack London and Annadel state parks, sweeps through Hood Mountain and Sugarloaf Ridge before entering Napa County...

"Supervisors last Tuesday approved a key portion of the project when they agreed to an $80,000 contract with the council for trail design, project development and construction supervision... "Officials have said trail construction will be complicated because of an 800-foot elevation rise and requirements for retaining walls, switchbacks, climbing turns, drainage ditches and log barriers. The 4-foot wide trail will cross Matanzas Creek, several seasonal streams and requires construction of at least three bridges." A Veteran Finds Work in the Vineyards Excerpts from Press Democrat article, March 4, 2010 "Iraq war veteran Shane Brannan ... on Friday, will stop by the Food and Farming Veteran Career Fair, an event aimed at linking ex-military men and women with jobs or training programs for the food and farming industries. ..

It runs from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building... Admission is free and lunch will be provided... Joe Judge, a Bennett Valley grape grower, will be there as well, urging fellow vineyard owners to hire veterans. "We are indebted to them for their service," said Judge, president of the Bennett Valley Grape Growers Association. "I look upon this as a method of repaying my personal debt." He said he has hired three veterans over the past few years to help tend his 10-acre syrah and sauvignon blanc vineyard... Brannan said, "It's definitely a great career path."... For information, go to the... website at farmvetco.org or call (530) 756-1305."

Bennett Valley History Vacation Resorts 1903 - Bennett Valley Area An article written by Marilyn Franc in the BVHA VOICE, dated January, 1984, From the 1850's through the early 1900's Bennett Valley and Sonoma Mountain homes and ranches hosted many a traveler looking for the peace and quiet the country offered from San Francisco and surrounding cities.

A recent trip to the Sonoma County Historical Library found a very interesting publication by the Northwestern Railway on Vacation Resorts along their routes in Marin, Sonoma, Lake and Mendocino counties. Individuals or parties interested in a vacation resort could write for reservations... (Some Bennett Valley homes are then listed, such as Mrs. G. W. Mayfield.) Most of these vacation spots were advertised as being between 5 and 8 miles from town, guests to be met at the depot, offering meals, lodging, fishing, swimming, hunting, hiking, and daily mail delivery!! Rates were $6.00 per week, special rates for families.

... In talking with Mrs. Wm. (Ruth) Jacobs, Mr. Leonard Talbot, and the Brunings, many of the old homes took in summer guests, not necessarily as a resort for extended periods, but on occasion. Some of these old homes are still standing: the Bruning home (WALDRUHE), the Talbot home (for 2 years took in summer guests), ...

the Cambou place WALNUT LANE (present site of Woodside), the Guenza home HANSON'S HEIGHTS now owned by the Witt's, the Mayfield home BENNETT VALLEY having been located on the now Batesole Lane off Sonoma Mountain Rd., and the Bremners' home very near the Talbot's in Bennett Valley.

A profile of the WALDRUHE RESORT here follows as a result of visiting with Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Bruning January 5th ', 1984. Waldruhe (meaning "Forest Nest" in German) was owned and managed by the parents of Mr. Herbert Bruning at 6565 Sonoma Mountain Ra. Herbert Bruning was born the youngest of three children in 1910.

The main house still stands and was built in two stages. The front part of the house was built in 1856 and included 5 bedrooms and a parlor. The kitchen and dining room were housed in a nearby building. In 1910 an addition was added to the back of the house and included a living room, a pantry, a 24' x 24' dining room, kitchen and bath.

In those days the dining room would be cleared and used as a dance floor. Mr. Bruning's sister played piano and people came from all around for the music and dancing. When the phonograph came along the piano became outdated but the people still came for the entertainment.

Guests arrived by spring wagon from the train depot in Glen Ellen. The now narrow stretch of Sonoma Mountain Rd. between the Brunings and the bottom said grade... had been located on the opposite side of the creek. The present road having been put in by the senior Mr. Bruning many years ago after automobile travel became impossible on the bed rock road traveled for so many years by wagon.

The resort accommodated guests for the weekend, a week, or two weeks mostly during the summer months; occasionally guests came during winter. Choices of rooms included the main house, a 6-room cottage with beds or tents on platform The Sonoma Creek boasted some 15 foot swimming holes, then.

Once a month saw a visit to Santa Rosa for supplies by horse-drawn wagons. The resort had a garden, chickens, and dairy cows for milk products. Several hogs were butchered in a year and all tomato products were home canned. Daily meals cost 25 to 30 cents. The elder Mrs. Bruning did all the cooking and reportedly cooked for the Kaiser in Germany before coming to this country. She came to this country with the influx of Germans fleeing the harsh military service in Germany then. In later years, butter and cream was sold to neighbors and to the Vella Cheese Company in Sonoma.

Jack London visited the mountain often riding horseback across the Bruning property. Mr. Bruning knew Martin Eden well, a subject of one of London's books. Mr. Eden was a Swedish man who worked around many of the ranches from the Thompsons down into the valley.

When haying time came neighbors gathered together to help one another... (Mr. Bruning recalls) also, of attending the Enterprise school. The original WALDRUHE RESORT consisted of approximately 200 acres below Sonoma Mountain Ra., now mostly sold as vineyard property. In 1917, the elder Mr. Bruning purchased 100 acres across and uphill of Sonoma Mountain timbered with oak, madrone and bay.

The purchase was made to preserve the timber and land. Later it was sold and developed into Waldruhe Heights by Captain Obermeyer of San Francisco. The property was split into lots of 25' x 100'. These lots with a cabin and furnishings went for $285.00 payable in monthly installments of $5.00, and included improvements, care when unoccupied and free of taxes and interest for 3 years. It was advertised as the "Switzerland of America".

Most people bought up several lots so as to have some acreage around their vacation cabin or permanent residence. Unimproved lots went for $100.00, payable in $2.00 monthly installments... At the time of the development approximately 22 cabins were built. Today about 15 homes are in the "HEIGHTS" and all but one or two of the original cabins remain. With the advent of the automobile most people wanted to travel farther from the city for vacations, so the trend for travelers to visit the routes along the railroad in time soon vanished.

Today, Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Bruning continue to reside on the Bruning's WALDRUHE RESORT site. They farm five acres of vineyards producing Gewurstraminer, Chardonnay and the Napa Gamay grapes. Most of the grapes are sold to fine wineries. They make some of their own wine and maintain a year-round garden. I would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Bruning for their warm hospitality and the time they took to tell this story. The history of the Resort and Heights are truly of historical importance to this area...

Bennett Valley Homeowner's Association (BVHA) Board Of Directors P.O. Box 2666, Santa Rosa, CA 95405 Website: bennettvalleyhoa.org Craig Harrison, President charrison@hunton.com,_ 573-9990 Eric Burns, Vice-President datamonk@svn.net, 584-7531 Fay Blair, Treasurer tayblair@sonic.net, 576-0152 Tim Bosma, Recording Secretary tbosma@comcast.net Larissa Goliti, Membership Coordinator Igoliti@hotmail.com, 578-3453 Gary Barner, Director gbarner@cds1.net, 481-6196 James K. Cobb, Director cobblaw@pacbell.net, 586-9172 Frank LaCombe, Director FrankKLaCombe@gmail.com 585-3482 Richard Lukasko, Director rlukasko@hotmail.com, 566-7803 Bennett Valley Emergency Preparation CoordinatorKaren Sommer, 528-8982, ksommer11@earthlink.net, BVHA VOICE Editor - Marilee Jensen, 576-0405, marileejensen@sbcglobal.net A Message From Your Membership Coordinators, Larissa Goliti and Jeannie LaCombe Thank you for all your response to the annual membership drive and your generous contributions.

If you haven't sent your dues in yet, to be a 2010 member of Bennett Valley Homeowner's Association, you can use the form on the bottom of Page 6 to do so. Send your check for $15+ to: BVHA, PO Box 2666, Santa Rosa, CA 95405. Questions? Call 578-3453.

Brief Summary of BVHA Meeting January 21, 2010 • The Board members present were Craig Harrison, Eric Burns, Fay Blair, Gary Barner, Jim Cobb, Larissa Golita, Frank LaCombe, and Richard Lukasko. Tim Bosma was not present. Those in the audience were Bill Allen, Leroy Gustafson, Marilee Jensen and Karen Sommer.

The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm and adjourned at 8:09 pm. • Treasurer, Fay Blair, presented a very complete Treasurer's report covering January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009. In summary, both the actual revenue and expenses exceeded our budgetary expectations for 2009, but still the income received was about $800 higher than our expenses for the year. There were 268 dues paying members for the year, with 56 of those members making donations in addition to their dues. The profit from the 2008 Bennett Valley calendars was $222.50 and from the 2009 BV calendars it was $447.45. The Board decided to allocate this calendar profit to the Bennett Valley Emergency Preparedness fund.

• The Swig Foundation made a significant donation to BVHA as they do each year. A thankyou letter was being sent. • Craig received a minor subdivision notice for 40 +/- acres, four parcels, on Grange Road. No zoning variance had been requested and BHA took no action.

• Karen Sommer announced the $2,500 donation from Geoff and Evelyn Hornsby, to pay for the emergency supplies/communication unit planned for the BV Grange Hall parcel. The other unit is planned for at the BV Fire Station, although funding for that still needs to be raised.

• Topics for monthly speakers include wildlife, sudden oak death and the County Sheriff. • Leroy Gustafson alerted the Board that the 20 year moratorium on Santa Rosa expansion is due to expire in 6 years. He also has all the paperwork for an incorporated "town of Bennett Valley" which was being considered at one time.

BVHA will see that these records are archived. Board of Directors' Tentative Agenda Thursday, March 18, 7:00 pm, BV Grange Hall + 7:00 pm - Guest Speaker, Sonoma County UC Master Gardeners' Specialist, Sudden Oak Death ¡ (SOD) - See Page One for more detail on presentation.

+ 8:15 pm - (approximate) Business Meeting Announcements and public input, up to 3 minutes per speaker. Approval of minutes • • Treasurer's report and spending requests Bi-monthly Sonoma County reports Report from BV Emergency Preparedness Committee Plan for speakers, remainder of 2010 New business, as determined by Board

Important Phone Numbers

•Call Sonoma County Road Maintenance, 565-5100, to report dangerous potholes, landslides or fallen trees along the road or to remove bulky/weighty trash which has been dumped along Bennett Valley roads. • You can call the Redcom dispatch # 576-1371 in an emergency from your cell phone in Bennett Valley, in order to possibly get a quicker response than by calling 911. When in doubt, call 911.

Call 565-2121 from any type of phone, to talk to someone at the Sheriff's office 24 hours every day, either for emergencies that require a law enforcement response or with other concerns that may or may not be an emergency. Cut out and keep in an obvious place for immediate reference.

2010 Membership and Contact Information Please mail this half page today with your check to BVHA - P.O. Box 2666 - Santa Rosa CA 95405 Name _Telephone Number Mail Address Yes, I want to support BVHA services and activities. • My annual membership of $15 is enclosed; check made payable to 'BVHA.' O I'd like my extra contribution to specifically go to 'Bennett Valley Emergency Preparedness' efforts • l've added an extra contribution to help support BVHA's programs, newsletters, and service work.

Yes, send me via eMail special alerts (such as the sexual predator alert) for fast delivery and to reduce costs. • Here is my eMail address to send special alerts: • Yes, I would also like my VOICE newsletters sent via eMail, to help eliminate paper, printing, postage.

Please note if there is a second eMail address to be used: (Not needed if VOICE is already coming via eMail.) • l've got a suggestion or comment for BVHA directors and other volunteers, written on reverse side. → Questions? Call Membership Coordinator, Larissa Goliti. Her phone is 578-3453

Bennett Valley Homeowner's Association P.O. Box 2666 Santa Rosa, CA 95405 bennettvalleyhoa.org PURPOSES OF BVHA: "To promote and preserve the residential rural character and natural environment of Bennett Valley; To educate, instruct, train and inform the local residents on disaster preparedness and emergency response as well as local environmental and land use issues; to serve as an open forum for Bennett Valley community participation; and to provide a bridge for communication between government agencies and the Bennett Valley community." Return Service Requested Bennett Valley Community Calendar Mark your calendars now!!

1.) BENNETT VALLEY HOMEOWNER'S ASSOCIATION (BVHA): Next meeting, Thursday, March 18, 7:00 pm, BV Grange Hall. See Page Six for agenda. ) BENNETT VALLEY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT: The Board of Directors meets the second Tuesday of each month, 7:C n, at the Bennett Valley Fire Station. Please call 823-1084 to verify meetings in advance as they can be changed at the last minut 3.) AMATEUR RADIO (Ham Radio) LICENSING IN JUST ONE DAY: (From website smrs.us) Saturday, April 15, American Red Cross, Santa Rosa, and May 8, Petaluma Senior Center. Both sessions run from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm. Contact Dale at 762-9414.

4.) BENNETT VALLEY GRANGE Spaghetti Dinner, Saturday, April 24, 5:00 to 8:00 pm; BENNETT VALLEY GRANGE and BENNETT VALLEY EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, Sunday, June 6, Grange Hall, Annual Picnic and community fund raiser. See Page 3 and watch for signs with more detail. 4.)_SONOMA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS meets every Tuesday (except on weeks when there is a legal holiday), at varying times, at 575 Administration Drive, Santa Rosa. Valerie Brown is the Supervisor for our First District. You may call her or her staff assistant, Jennifer Hainstock, at 565-2241, if you have any questions or concerns.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS (See Page Six, for cut out version of these numbers.) •Call Sonoma County Road Maintenance, at 565-5100 to report dangerous potholes, or to remove bulky/weighty trash which has been dumped along Bennett Valley roads. •Cal 1 576-1371 from a cell phone to report emergencies in Bennett Valley. When in doubt, call 911.

•Call 565-2121 from any type of phone, to talk to someone at the Sheriff's office 24 hours every day, either for emergencies that require a law enforcement response or with other concerns that may or may not be an emergency.