Bennett Valley Voice

Bennett Valley VOICE www.bennettvalleyhoa.org

Volume 33, Number 4

Bennett Valley Homeowner'S Association (Bvha)

July, 2010

"Trash Along Our County Roads" By Marilee Jensen, VOICE Editor Wasn't it discouraging three months ago when it was announced that county crews would no longer pick up roadside trash, litter, dead animals, and discarded furniture due to budget shortfalls? Many residents were upset by this fallout from county budget woes. Recently we had written Supervisor Valerie Brown about our concerns on the cessation of trash pickup, so it was very heartening to be told about some additional resources for picking up trash along our roads as of this new fiscal year.

Tom O'Kane, Deputy Director for Sonoma County Public Works, provided some mostly-good news and clarified the situation in a recent highly-informative phone conversation with this writer. Since July 2009 a 'donation' from the solid waste division of the county public works department has funded litter control by jail inmates and sack crews, but that "donation' dried up mid-April, and the county stopped providing pickup service. On July 1, 2010 another 'donation' from the solid waste division has allowed that pickup service to re-start, as long as the funding lasts, which hopefully will be at least until April. Residents may again call 565-5100 to request roadside pickup service.

Update On Bennett Valley Road Work the Sonoma Couns. Department of Praisportation and ublic Works continues to struggle with budget problem. and has half the number of road maintenance positions that it had a few years ago. It will use crews from the California Department of Forestry, now referred to as CalFire, to brush Bennett Valley Road, beginning from the direction of Glen Ellen and working their way toward Santa Rosa during July and August. The Cal-Fire work is done on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and can be interrupted when the crews are called upon to fight fires. During the week of July 26 the department plans on rehabilitating parts of Sonoma Mountain Road between Pressley Road and Enterprise, which will include the complete rehabilitation of two short sections that are in unacceptable condition. Finally, the plans are to grade and ditch Pressley Road during August.

Get Prepared For an Emergency • and To Help Your Neighbors, Too By Karen Sommer, Coordinator, Bennett Valley Emergency Preparedness For bulk pickup, such as beds and couches left along the roads, the county no longer has personnel to do this, but they do have a limited contract with a waste hauling company to pick up these bulk items.

If you have some bulk trash to report, you may call 565-5100 to see if the waste hauling company is available to pick it up. The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors has reestablished dead animal pickup, with the Animal Control Department handling it. They've transferred the special vehicle for removing animals from the road from Public Works to Animal Control, but it will still be a while before this change is implemented.

Another idea being considered is the "Adopt A Road" program, where local communities can help keep the roads clean, while providing publicity for certain organizations or businesses. These programs have worked very well in other areas, with a minimum cost to the local government. ¡How prepared are you for an emergency in your own ¡ home - or a regional event? Can you help your family (and ¡ pets) if they need First Aid? What do you really know to ¡do if a wildfire threatens? Could you help a needy ¡ neighbor in a critical incident? Community Emergency ¡ Response Team, known as CERT, is a course taught by our ¡ firefighters, to help you learn how to cope with your own ¡ needs in an emergency, and how you might be able to ¡ assist others in your neighborhood.

¡CERT classes are being scheduled for this fall for three ¡ Saturdays, at the Bennett Valley Fire Station. Among the ¡topics to be covered are: Medical First Aid, Fire Safety, ¡ Disaster Preparedness, aspects of disaster psychology, and i neighborhood response. Fees for this course total around i $40. To be CERT certified you need to complete all ¡ classes, but you can make up missed classes at nearby fire i stations.

For more information contact Karen Sommer at 528-8982 or email: ksommer11@earthlink.net

2011 Bv Calendar Theme

Notice Of Election

"SEASONS OF BENNETT VALLEY" The 2010 BVHA election season is upon us. To be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of the chan ging Members of the BVHA Board of Directors serve for three year terms at the end of which they mind than to be hopelessly may choose to run for re-election. Terms are in love with spring.

ending for three of our current BVHA board

Now Is The Time To Get Serious About

members. They may or may not choose to run

Sending Your Photographs Of The

for re-election.

Seasons Of Bennett Valley To The

Calendar Committee.

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. Anyone interested in joining the BVHA Board of Directors is encouraged to submit a Candidate's Statement to Jean LaCombe, Chair of the BVHA Nominating Committee, by no later than Tuesday, August 31. Statements should be no longer than 250 words.

We welcome and encourage photographers of all ages to capture the uniquely beautiful seasons of our valley. Specifications for photos: • Jpegs or prints; horizontal format preferred. • If prints are sent, they should be 5"x7" at the minimum. Minimum qualifications are: 1) Candidate must be a member of good standing in the BVHA, with paid dues current, and 2) have a strong commitment to "promoting and preserving the rural character and natural environment of Bennett Valley". If you are interested but are not yet a member of BVHA, you may join at any time before August 31, simply by submitting your check to the BHA Membership Committee.

Contact Larissa Goliti, Membership Coordinator, at 578-3453 for further membership information. • No more than 4 entries per person. Try to send a photo of at least 2 different seasons. One of each season would be great. Please mail your Candidate Statements to: • Use your imagination. You can shoot almost anything - plants, scenes, animals, trees, vistas, water, sky, sunsets, etc, as long as the photo suggests one of the four seasons in our valley: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall.

2010 Bvha Election

Attn: Jean Lacombe

P.O. Box 2666

Santa Rosa, Ca 95404

• Deadline for submission: August 30. Please join our effort to make this the most beautiful calendar ever! Email photos to: Sherry Parker, sparker@ix.netcom.com If you prefer to email your statement, please send it to Jean at jeannielacombe@gmail.com. These Candidate Statements will appear in the September BVHA VOICE. All voting members of BVHA will be sent an Official Ballot 30 days prior to the annual Election Meeting, scheduled for November 18.

Or, you can send them by mail to the Calendar Committee, 2750 Bardy Road, Santa Rosa, CA. Can dar 95404. If you have any questions, feel free to email or call Sherry Parker, (707) 528-6176. Should you have questions, please contact any of the current board members whose phone numbers appear in each BVHA VOICE, shown on Page 7, or call Jean LaCombe at 585-3482.

Connecting Our Community; BV Grange and BV Emergency Preparedness Team For Grange's 138 years and Annual Picnic On June 6, in coordination with Bennett Valley Emergency Preparedness Team, Bennett Valley Grange held their annual picnic in celebration of their 138 years as a Grange. There were hours of work donated by volunteers plus numerous donations by contributors.

Artists donated their artwork and winemakers donated their wines for the auctions. There were about 200 picnickers enjoying the meal, music, auctions, and educational material. Always a hit were the 4-H animals "visiting" the picnic. The net profit of $5,400 was shared by the two organizations, for building and property maintenance for the Grange and emergency supplies plus the installation of an 8' by 20' storage unit at the Grange for the BV Emergency Preparedness Team.

The names of the groups/organizations helping out are: • BENNETT VALLEY GRANGE #16 - BV Grange Hall was completed on December 4, 1873. Their mission is * The mis =5 "Enhancing our environment through community interaction."

• Bennett Valley Homeowners Association (Bvha)

This is one of the best ways to help maintain this wonderful place to live... neighbors be organized for emergencies & disasters through on-going education and preparation, help neighborhoods establish emergency evacuation routes, locate sites for temporary shelters and obtain emergency supplies, help establish emergency communications protocol to be used during a disaster and provide CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training and CPR training, with BV Fire.

• Bv Emergency Preparedness Booth Assistance:

Karen Sommer, Katy Mangan, Suzanne Dougherty, Bobbie Blair

• Bennett Valley Grape Growers Association Is

supportive of our Grange's cooperative effort to continue uniting agriculture and the community since 1873. • PICNIC COMMITTEE: Bill and Patty Allen, Joe Judge, Janet Alfieri, Glenn Dennlier, Rob Thompson, Karen Sommer, Jocelyn Thompson. COOKS: Bill Allen, Bob Hoewing, David Crockett, Geoff Hornsby, Gary McLerran. (The chicken tasted outstanding! MJ • AUCTION HELP: Evelyn Hornsby, Carole Robison, Suzanne Dougherty, Bobbie Blair, Geoff Hornsby, Karen Sommer, Rob Thompson.

• ARTISTS DONATING WORK: Bob Sorani, Kate E. Black, A. J. Trombetta, Karen Sommer, Chuck Quibell, Sherry Parker, Stan Sommer, Tamara Sanchez, Bob Tutone. • 4-H ANIMAL DISPLAY: 4-H Leader and Club Coordinator, Robyne Thompson; Hogs....Ben & Garrett Thompson; Goats....Susan & Devon Thompson; Turkeys...Brian Swain; chickens....Susan Thompson.

Names of some of the donors to this great event: • 2010 EVENT SPONSOR: Exchange Bank, BV Branch • WINE AUCTION DONORS: Judge Family Vineyard, Jim and Gloria Mack, Jemrose Wines, Rich • Thomas; AUCTIONEER - Joe Judge • SILENT AUCTION DONORS: BV Grape Growers plus twenty-six (26) additional individuals or organizations who made specific donations for the silent auction.

• Additional Donors:

Starbucks (coffee, John Barleycorn Restaurant (beer), an anonymous donor who donated an 8 ft. by 20 ft. storage unit for Bennett Valley Emergency Preparedness, to be placed on the Grange parcel and delivered in the next couple of weeks, plus forty-two (42) individuals or organizations who made additional donations to this great event.

Thank you to the community for all the work and contributions!

Seven Flags Over Sonoma

(See the seven flags over the stage in the BV Grange Hall) By Ann Burrow, Project Chairman, BV Grange member since 1925, age 104 years old, in attendance and enjoying this picnic. SPAIN --In 1542 a Spanish ship sailed north from Mexico along the shores of Sonoma County. Juan Cabrillo, the Captain claimed the land for Spain and raised the Spanish flag. Spain, however, made no attempt to colonize this land until over two hundred years later in 1769. Father Juniper Serra established 21 missions from San Diego north to the last one to be built in 1823 in ENGLAND---In 1579 Sir Francis Drake, an English buccaneer, put into a bay north of San Francisco to repair his ship. While there he raised the English flag and nailed a bronze plaque and a six-pence to a post. He named this land "New Albion". England made no attempt to maintain the claim.

RUSSIA---In 1812 Ivan Kuskov, acting under Russian Imperial sanction, established Fort Ross and raised the flag of Russia claiming the northern California coast for Russia. This action gave the Republic of Mexico and Spain grave concern. The Russian American Company and their ur trading began. Some of the fruit trees planted by these early settlers are still growing.

The fur supply was soon depleted and the Russians withdrew to Alaska in 1842. Capt. Sutter, an American from Sacramento, purchased the land and stock. MEXICAN EMPIRE--In 1822, the Spanish people living in Mexico decided to have a government of the empire. The flag was received and soon it was flying over Sonoma County. Their sovereignty lasted only one year.

REPUBLIC OF MEXICO---In 1823 the Mexicans were not happy with an imperial government and decided to follow the United States and established a United States of Mexico. The governor of this area of Northern California changed his allegiance and ran down the Imperial Flag, replacing it with the tri-color of the Republic of Mexico. The Mexican Military Commander, General Mariano Vallejo, moved to Sonoma in 1833.

BEAR---In 1846, the Americans living in Sonoma County were angered by the Mexican order for them to leave California. On June 14, thirty-three settlers in Sonoma captured General Vallejo and took him prisoner. The hastily made Bear Flag was raised over what was to be the Republic of California. General Vallejo was kept prisoner at Sutter's Fort for two months. The California Republic lasted only 25 days.

UNITED STATES---In 1846 the settlers in Sonoma County learned the United States and Mexico were at war... On July 9, 1846 the stars and stripes were raised over Sonoma County. By early January 1847, the United States had control of the entire state. California became the 31st State of the Union on September 9, 1850.

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 March/April 2010 By Lieutenant Kevin Burris Medical Aids- 19 Structure Fires-2 Vegetation Fires-1 Vehicle Accidents-5 Hazardous Conditions-1 Fire Alarms - 2 Total calls 30 During the month of June, Bennett Valley Fire Protection District responded to a medical assist within Annadel State Park. A man had fallen into a steep ravine while he was jogging and sustained major injuries in the process. With a crew of four Firefighters and one Paramedic from American Medical Response (an ambulance company), the crew lowered two Firefighters to assess the patient's condition and package him into a rescue basket. The remaining two Firefighters assembled a rope rescue system to haul the rescue team and patient back to the trail. This type of rescue is rare and also very technical. We usually have the Sheriff's helicopter, Henry 1, as a rescue resource, but on this date it was down for maintenance. Without the full staffing of four trained Firefighters, this type of rescue would not have been possible.

In a Press Democrat article on this same incident, dated June 10, it is explained that John Anderson, 56, was hiking with friends on a narrow portion of Spring Creek Trail around 6 am when he fell onto his knees and over the side of a steep incline, tumbling about 35 feet into a gully. Anderson told his companions and rescuers he was unable to move his legs, raising fears of a spinal injury. The slope was too steep, even for Firefighters, without a rope rescue system. Anderson was admitted to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital and was awaiting surgery to repair leg tendon damage. It appeared his inability to move his legs was related to ruptured tendons.

Other Fire District Business

By Marilee Jensen, BVFPD Board of Directors • 2010-2011 Bennett Valley Special Tax Rate was set at $150 for the year at the Board meeting on June 8. This represents a decrease from the Bennett Valley Special Tax last year, which was $160 for the year. At the same time, the paid staff will receive a 3% cost-of-living increase during this fiscal year, after not receiving any cost of living increase last year. The Board of Directors and the administrative staff are always proud to maintain competent wellequipped firefighters and a professional fire district, without an increase in taxes, as possible.

• There are currently 10 Explorers with the Bennett Valley Fire District; high school-aged students in training to be firefighters. It is expected that more Explorers will be recruited when the school year starts again in August. They are one of the main sources for our volunteer firefighters, after they reach 18 years of age.

• The BV Firefighters have recently received training in auto extrication, strike team training and wildfire training, both for the paid staff and the volunteer firefighters. Each of these Firefighters who wishes to help fight in the wildland fires must pass a PAC physical test each year, in which they carry 45 pounds and travel 3 miles in a minimum of 45 minutes.

Tick Bite Protection Mayo Clinic Health Letter, May, 2010 "Spring and summer months are when people encounter the most infections related to tick bites. Although tick bites are usually harmless, ticks can pass on infectious organisms that cause serious illnesses. Left untreated, these infections can even be life-threatening. Fortunately, antibiotic treatment is usually successful, particularly when treatment is started early...

"As a general rule, if you've been bitten by a tick and develop a rash, fever, stiff neck, muscle aches, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes or flu-like symptoms, see your doctor. Generally the earlier tick-borne illnesses can be identified and treated, the better."

Taylor Park May Be County Park by 2012, from a Press Democrat article, April 7, 2010, By Bleys W. Rose "Planning for opening the 1,100-acre Taylor Mountain open space purchase as a regional park got way Tuesday when Sonoma County supervisors approved spending $483,000 on a master plan. The park, assembled through four separate land purchases by the Agricultural Preservation and Open Space district between 1995 and 2005, could be opened by 2012.

"The Taylor Mountain acquisition, so big that it spreads into two supervisorial districts, is one of the district's most notable in terms of creating parkland between southeast Santa Rosa and Bennett Valley. "It is in a prime area in our county in terms of access and usage," said board Chairwoman Valerie Brown.

"It's an absolute gem," said Supervisor Shirlee Zane. "...supervisors approved a planning contract with RRM Design Group to establish a framework for park development...The company was one of consulting firms that bid on the park planning process, which will take about two years to complete and includes public comment sessions and environmental studies.

"The Open Space District intends to turn the property over to the county regional parks department later this year, said Sara Press, an associate open space planner. It is the dominant feature of the Santa Rosa plains... The sooner we can get it open for public access the better," Supervisor Paul Kelley." Recycling Notes From the Spring 2010 "Redwood Empire Recycling News" • PAPER OR PLASTIC? - In California, 20 billion plastic bags are used yearly. Most of these end up in the landfill or as litter. Paper bags are somewhat better, but should not be an alternative to plastic bags as the air emissions, waste production and water pollution associated with paper are equal to those of plastic.

Scientific evidence has shown that using reusable bags will result in significant environmental benefits. With just a minimum of three uses, a reusable bag results in less greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts than a single use bag. When considering paper of plastic, the choice is obvious: neither. Bring your own reusable bag.

• DO YOU CHANGE YOUR OWN OIL? There's only one right way to dispose of used oil: recycle it. There are two convenient options for recycling used oil and filters in Sonoma County: Curbside recycling service for used motor oil and filters! Call Customer Service at 585-0291 or 800-2430291 to request a special container and zip-lock filter bag.

Then call our office to request a pickup. Place oil and filters at the curb next to (not in) your recycling cart for pickup on your regular collection day. The driver will leave a replacement container when your full one is collected. Drop-Off Recycling Locations! There are many locations in Sonoma County that accept motor oil for recycling. Most also take filters. To find a list of the locations nearest you, visit www.recyclenow.org and click on recycling.

• Disposing Of Compact Florescent Light

Bulbs (Cfc'S)

Although these light bulbs are safe to use and are a great way to save energy, they contain mercury vapor, which is very toxic. Putting these bulbs in the garbage will result in guaranteed breakage and the release of toxic mercury vapors. When these bulbs are broken, the mercury can disperse into the environment and cause dangerous problems, including mercury poisoning in people.

Symptoms of mercury poisoning include sensory impairment, a disturbed sensation, a lack of coordination and loss of skin, hair and teeth. Small children exposed to mercury are at risk for nerve damage. Prolonged exposure results in brain damage and even death. A collection facility which will accept curly compact florescent light bulbs, but not tubes, for disposal is Friedman Brothers on Santa Rosa Avenue. The other two resources for disposal of CFC's are as follows: • The Household Toxic Facility, with free drop-off, at the Central Disposal Site, 500 Mecham Rd., Petaluma, on Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 7:30am-2:30 pm.

• There is also free drop-off, by appointment only, at the Community Toxics Collection locations on Tuesdays, 4:00pm to 8:00 pm, throughout the county. For locations and appointments, you may call 795-2025 or 1877-747-1870 or go to www.recyclenow.org, 565-DESK (3375). Location of Rodgers Creek Fault We appreciate receiving your comments on the BVHA Membership form which you use to send in annual dues.

One of the comments received this year read as follows: "It would be good to have a precise map of where the Rodgers Creek Fault lies. Do you have that?" On Saturday, May 8, 2010, the Press Democrat sent out a brochure on "Are You Ready?, A guide to preparing for disaster." In it they had a section on earthquakes, which included a map of earthquake faults in Sonoma County, including the Bennett Valley Fault Zone and the Rodgers Creek Fault. The Rodgers Creek Fault runs north starting south of Petaluma, somewhat parallel but east of Highway 101, until Santa Rosa at Highway 12, where the Rodgers Creek Fault is contiguous with Highway 101, up past Windsor. In Bennett Valley, coming from the south, it crosses Grange Road at the top of the hill, then heads north toward the Sonoma County fairgrounds. The listed map source for this drawing is usgs.gov.

Energy Efficient Upgrades for Your Home Federal Investment Tax Credit: By Valerie Leivo Tran On October 3, 2008 H.R.1424, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 was passed. Most of us are looking for ways to live more frugally and make our homes use energy more efficiently.

One thing that the bursting of the housing bubble has shown us is how important it is to live within our means. Saving money on energy costs is not only great for our wallets, but also the planet. By using less resources, we can preserve our environment for generations to come.

Division B of this bill includes the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008. This landmark legislation extends critical Federal Investment Tax Credits for solar customers and other renewable energy projects. This bill contains $18 billion in incentives for clean and renewable energy technologies, as well as for energy efficiency improvements.

PG&E has several ways to help us save: 1.) Thinking of changing out your appliances? PG&E offers rebates on hundreds of energy efficient appliances like dishwashers and clothes driers. Get $35 for recycling an old, operational refrigerator. Visit www.pge.com/rebates for more information. 2) PG&E is installing SmartMeters™ throughout the county. There is some controversy about the accuracy of these meters but to learn more about them, visit www.pge.com/smartmeter.

A few simple home upgrades such as insulating your air ducts and sealing any air duct leaks, replacing old and inefficient HVAC units, upgrading your water heater or installing whole house fans or attic fans can save you a lot with a small investment. Your home will be more comfortable with stable inside temperatures and you'll feel better about not wasting precious energy.

Here are some ways you can save on energy bills, reduce your carbon footprint and live in a more comfortable home: • High efficiency HVAC systems and HVAC system sealing • Evaporative coolers • Efficient natural gas storage water heaters • Solar water heater systems • Cool roof systems • Reflective roofs and coatings • Attic and wall insulation • Reflective insulation or radiant barriers • High efficiency windows and glass doors • Window filming, Weather stripping • Efficient skylights • Additional building openings to provide additional natural light • High efficiency lighting installation • High efficiency pool equipment • Solar thermal systems for pool heating • Electric vehicle plug-in stations • Geothermal exchange heat pumps.

For homes: A one-time, 30% federal investment tax credit is available to homeowners who purchase and install solar electric systems through December 31, 2016. The Federal Investment Tax Credit for Residential is 30 percent of net system cost, with no cap. For businesses: The Federal Investment Tax Credit for Commercial and Business-owned systems is 30% of net system cost with no cap. In addition, business-owned systems may also be eligible for MACRS five-year accelerated depreciation (aka the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System required by the IRS.) California Solar Initiative Rebate The California Solar Initiative offers two state incentive paths to Sonoma County consumers: • Expected Performance Based Buydown (EPBB) - Owners of solar systems less than 50 kilowatts may apply for this up-front cash rebate.

Rebates are determined by the expected performance of the owner's system based on equipment ratings and installation factors such as geographic location, tilt, orientation, and shading. Customers receive their incentive payment in a lump sum after their system is fully installed and interconnected with their utility.

• Performance Based Incentive (PBI) - Solar systems between 50 kW and 1 MW must apply for the PBI, a five-year stream of fixed monthly payments determined by the system's actual metered output based on utility records. After January 1, 2010, all systems greater than 30 KW must use the PBI, although the PBI incentive path is available at any time to ANY size system.

(Consulting a solar professional is advised to determine whether PBI makes financial sense for the particular situation.) For more information and referrals call Valerie Leivo Tran at 707-490-5527 or visit www.greenvalerie.com and select "green resources."

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 Board of Directors' Tentative Agenda Thursday, July 15, 7:00 pm, BV Grange Hall • Announcements and Public Input. Speakers may address board for up to 3 minutes with name, address and concern.

• Approval of Minutes • Treasurer's Report and Spending Requests • IRS Section 501(c)(3) Update • Bi-Monthly County Reports • Report from BV Emergency Preparedness Committee • Road Issues — Should BVHA pay to remove roadside trash? Should BVHA purchase and use cameras to detect illegal roadside dumping?

• Appointment of Nominating Committee for November election • Speaker for September 2010 • New Business as determined by Board i • Adjourn 11th Annual Art on the Ridge Bennett Valley Emergency Preparation CoordinatorKaren Sommer, 528-8982, ksommer11@earthlink.net, BVHA VOICE Editor - Marilee Jensen, 576-0405, marileejensen@sbcglobal.net This year's annual art event will be the weekend of September 11 and 12. Eighteen artists will be exhibiting their art at eight separate studios in the Bennett Ridge community. The public is welcome noon to 5pm both days.

A Message From Your Membership Coordinators, Larissa Goliti and Jeannie LaCombe Thank you for all your responses to the annual membership drive, combined with your generous contributions. We welcome each of you as a BVHA member. If you haven't sent it in yet, annual dues are $15 plus any additional contribution you want to make. If you want your extra contributions (over The pieces of art will include: Jewelry, photography, mobile sculpture, metal furniture and sculpture, ceramics, wood turned bowls, glass art, paintings, monotypes, etchings, and collage.

indicate so on the check, under "memo" $15) to be used for any specific purposend your Studios located on Old Bennett Ridge Rd., check to: BVHA, P.O. Box 2666, Santa Rosa, CA Rollo Rd, Bennett Ridge Rd. and Bardy Rd. 95405. Questions? Call 578-3453. will be clearly marked with yellow signs.

Brief Summary of BVHA Meeting May 20, 2010 • The candidates' debate between Jill Ravitch and Stephan R. Passalacqua lasted until 8:15 pm, as scheduled in the Meeting Agenda and as agreed upon in advance with each of the candidates. Unfortunately, there was not enough time to ask all the questions presented in written form by the audience.

• At 8:15 pm, the business meeting proceeded, which included the approval of the minutes, Treasurer's report, BV Emergency Preparedness Committee report, information on road maintenance and speakers for the remainder of 2010. Protect Your Home Against Burglaries By Dave Sandine, President, Bennett Ridge Community Association Report of Semi-Annual Meeting, June 12, 2010 After a few recent incidents of Bennett Ridge break-ins, the sheriff has advised residents to be on the alert as there has been an increase in burglaries in semi-rural areas such as ours. If you see anything suspicious, please call the Sheriff at 565-2121. Also, try to get a license number, note the time and day, and it was recommended that you consider installing door and window alarm systems and cameras if possible (photos are necessary for conviction of theft; otherwise criminals can only be charged with possession of stolen goods). If you see a strange car parked along the road, a quick digital photo of the rear of the vehicle will document the above information.

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 land use and environmental 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: The next meeting, Thursday, July 15, 7:00 pm, BV Grange Hall. See Agenda on Page 7. .) 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. Please call 823-1084 to confirm meeting date ahead of time 3.) LANDPATHS OUTINGS & EVENTS: Visit LandPaths online at www.landpaths./org to see what events they are planning.

Their event phone number is 524-9318. 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 (Note changes) • For emergencies, use your landline or your cell phone to call 911. • Call 565-2121 to talk to someone at the Sheriff's office 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, either to report an emergency that requires a law enforcement response or with other concerns that may possibly be an emergency.

• Call Sonoma County Road Maintenance, at 565-5100 to report dangerous potholes, fallen trees or landslides and to request possible help with litter control and bulk trash in the road, as described on the first page. • Call Sonoma County Animal Control, at 565-7100, regarding the removal of dead animals along the road. This service may not be through Animal Control for a few weeks.

* Call California Highway Patrol, at 588-1400, if debris is causing imminent traffic hazards on county roads