Bennett Valley Voice

Bennett Valley VOICE www.bennettvalley.org

Volume 35, Number 1

BENNETT VALLEY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (BVCA) (proposed new name)

January, 2012

What is Bennett Valley Community Association? Why Should You Send In $15 Dues To Become A Member?

Proposed New Name, Same Mission:

Effective January 1, 2012, we are proposing a new name for Bennett Valley Homeowner's Association, as explained in the more detailed article on Page 2. The only difference is changing "Homeowner's" "Community". Members will receive their ballot shortly, to vote on changing the name to "Bennett Valley Community Association." With the name change, we will continue to be the same organization, with the same dues and the same mission, "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". This is a non-profit organization, with all activities completed with only volunteer help, as listed below.

• SPEAKERS, 2011: We've had six speakers at our meetings this last year. In May we had Arthur Dawson, Historical Ecologist, discussing BV Ecology and Caerleon Safford, from Fire Safe Sonoma, on "Learning To Live With Wildfires." In June, we had a special meeting concerning proposed changes in the Bennett Valley Area Plan, with speaker Amy Wingfield, from Sonoma Co. PRMD. In July, Michael Ellis spoke on Bennett Valley Wildlife, with a great deal of scientific knowledge, combined with humorous anecdotes and a love of nature. In September we had two speakers: David Gould and Lauren Dixon, from Parks Alliance for Sonoma County, discussing local inventive efforts to keep our local state parks open, despite the state budget cuts and the state's plans to close these parks.

• Additional Areas Of Special Efforts:

1.) Bennett Valley Emergency Preparation - See the most recent article by Karen Sommer on Page 2. 2.) Bennett Valley Roads - Besides the bimonthly update on the work being done on Bennett Valley roads, these efforts include regular interaction with the Board of Supervisors, Phil Demery, director of the Sonoma Co.

Department of Public Works, and Tom O'Kane, a deputy director, to encourage choices resulting in more money being spent on Sonoma County road maintenance and improvements. Our president, Craig Harrison, has led the way in these efforts with tremendous local support and encouragement, including a Press Democrat column by Craig Harrison, "A High Price For Crumbling Roads", on December 28 3.) Bennett Valley Fire Protection District - Our newsletter, the VOICE, is now including highlights of BV Fire Board minutes, after Fire Board approval, for increased transparency with the Bennett Valley community, plus other pertinent articles on fire issues.

4.) Additional areas of effort: bimonthly VOICE's with BV community calendar sent to 900 households, BV Clean-up Roads Days, BV art and BV Grange activities, Jacobs Ranch updates, proposed septic system changes, propane costs, recycling information, LandPaths BV schedule, BV Grape Growers' Association and other pertinent BV information.

See the ½ page insert for instructions on sending in your dues. If you have questions, please call Larissa Goliti, our Membership Coordinator, at 538-3453. Happy New Year! •

Candidates Forum, 2012: Bennett

Valley is in the First District, for the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. Valerie Brown has been the Supervisor representing our District since 2002, but she has chosen to not run for reelection. So far there are five candidates for this position, with a filing deadline of March 14: Mark Bramfitt, Gina Cuclis, Susan Gorin, Rhinehart, and John Sawyer. Bennett Valley Community Association is sponsoring a Candidates' Forum on Thursday, April 19, 7:00 to 9:00 pm, at the Bennett Valley Grange, and four of these candidates have agreed to participate. The fifth candidate, Keith Rhinehart, and any other candidate, will also be invited to the Bennett Valley forum. Join us to help decide which one you will choose. This election is sooner than you might expect, on June 5th.

Time For BVHA Members To Change Name From BVHA To Bennett Valley "Community" Association. By Craig Harrison and Marilee Jensen As we wrote in the May 2011 VOICE, a homeowners' association to most people, including the IRS and other governmental agencies, is an organization that exists for the purpose of condominium management, residential real estate management or time-share management.

Time has passed us by and our name, the Bennett Valley Homeowner's Association, is an anachronism which does not reflect the purpose and intent of our organization. This has caused us a number of problems in recent years, such as local real estate concerned about how much a BV property owner "owes" to this homeowner association when they are attempting to sell their property. As we know, no one "owes" money to BVHA; the dues plus extra donations are voluntary.

Members of the BVHA Board, especially Treasurer Fay Blair and President Craig Harrison, spent countless hours developing information to provide to the IRS to satisfy its requirements and to respond to a series of detailed questions in regard to applying for this appropriate tax status change, so that your donations are possibly deductible from your income tax. The most difficult and almost insurmountable obstacle was the of our organization as a "homeowner's association." For these and other reasons, the BVHA board of directors voted to change the name of BVHA to the "Bennett Valley Community Association" its September 2011 board meeting. We are submitting this name change to BVHA members in a ballot which will be mailed shortly, so that we can amend the articles of incorporation to become legally the Bennett Valley Community Association. The only change will be to remove the word "Homeowner'"" and substitute the word "Community." Everything else is remaining the same. This name will more accurately identify the purpose of our organization and remove us from legal entanglements now associated with "homeowners associations.

Gold Resolution for BV Grange On December 13, the Board of Supervisors for Sonoma County honored the Bennett Valley Grange for being the oldest continuously active Grange in the United States, formed in 1873, and honored the many past and current Grangers of Bennett Valley Grange No. 16. Our County Supervisor, Valerie Brown, initiated this action after a newspaper article in the Nov. 20 Press Democrat listed 12 Granges in Sonoma County, stating that the BV Grange was the oldest. Bill and Patty Allen accepted this Gold Resolution, along with at least six other BV Grange members.

2 Bennett Valley Emergency Preparedness Update By Karen Sommer Thanks to the help of Bennett Valley resident, Marian Hamann, Bennett Valley CERT, and her employer, Sutter Medical Center, Bennett Valley received 30 cots for Shelter Container located at the Grange. We are still in need of tools, first aid supplies and other shelter supplies. Residents have been generous with towels and blankets.

Please contact Karen Sommer for information on donating emergency supplies. We are half-way to our goal of building an Emergency Communication Center at the BV Fire Station. This will be an important piece in our overall emergency communications when a disaster, such as an earthquake, strikes. Our goal is to have in place a system of walky-talkies and Ham operators in the 7 key areas of Bennett Valley. These operators will filter information to the fire station that will help emergency responders assess the critical needs for these areas and respond in a timely manner. We are looking for individuals in various neighborhoods to help organize emergency communications. We can help with FRS (walkytalky) classes. We encourage you to send donations to the BV Fire District, 6161 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa, CA 95404, noting on the check, "For Emergency Communications We are also half-way to our goal of 100 trained CERT (Community Emergency Team) members in Bennett Valley.

CERT is a program that teaches citizens critical skills that will be helpful in a disaster. The course is over 3 Saturdays and is taught by our skilled fire personnel. We hope to offer classes in the Spring. If you are interested in taking the course and want more information contact: Karen Sommer, ksommer11@earthlink.net, or call 528-8982 .

Jacobs Ranch Impact on BV Roads On December 6, Craig Harrison wrote a letter to Bill Keene, General Manager of Sonoma County Open Space District, first supporting public access to open space properties, such as is expected to happen this year with Jacobs Ranch. "The project has been designed to be part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail, a region-wide network that will likely attract mountain bikers and equestrians from afar." "Our community is concerned about additional traffic on roads adjacent to Jacobs Ranch", which is located at 5297 Sonoma Mountain Rd., especially the additional traffic from "heavy-duty pickup trucks pulling heavy horse trailers, with tandem wheels, which wreak additional havoc and damage to the roads and shoulders." Sonoma Mountain Rd. and Pressley Rd. are not designated as high priority roads, and Public Works Director Phil Demery estimates that within a decade these lower priority roads will deteriorate to a point where they can only be ground up into gravel. With the increased traffic to Jacobs Ranch, these two roads will deteriorate even faster than projected. Would allowing these roads to degrade to gravel meet Sonoma County Emergency Services Dept. standards for access to the public park?

We believe that the Open Space district should provide funds to improve and maintain these two roads, as access to Jacobs Ranch, at least to a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) of "fair" and preferably a PCI of "good". (In response, General Manager Bill Keene feels that only Public Works funds can be used for these roads.)

Bennett Valley Roadwork Report By Craig Harrison Most activities of the Sonoma County Department of devoted to fixing pot holes, removing downed trees and clearing drainage culverts, even with minimal winter storms this year. The cold weather during autumn and early winter this year has resulted in numerous freeze forecasts. Crews have been routinely checking parts of Bennett Valley Road, Crane Canyon/Grange Road and Sonoma Mountain Road during the morning hours whenever a freeze is forecast, and those roads are sanded whenever icy conditions are encountered. Any major pavement work for the parts of Bennett Valley Road that are still in poor condition is pending Board of Supervisors' action. The Board's earlier approval, for all of Bennett Valley Road being classified as a high priority road, was pending finding the funds, which they are expected to discuss later this month.

Bennett Valley Fire Protection District 6161 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 Phone: 578-7761 website: bennettvalleyfire.org 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 second Tuesday each month, 7:00 pm, at the BV Fire Station.

Please confirm meeting date ahead of time by calling 823-1084. Please note: January meeting changed to third Tuesday, January 17, same time and place. Bennett Valley Paid Firefighting Staff, Fire Chief: Andy Pforsich, 823-1084 48-hour Personnel: Lieutenant Matt Tognozzi, Engineers Travis Browne and Rene Torres Daytime Firefighters, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm: Engineers Patrick Tognozzi, Ronnie Lakin Firefighters Mike Alcocer, Ly Leng, John Matej and Derek There are 25 BV Firefighters of whom eight to ten are volunteers. Three rotating shifts of three volunteers each are paid a stipend to sleep overnight at the Fire Station, for improved coverage. During the dav, interns are used when available, allowing the fire station to have the ideal fourth onduty firefighter at times.

Bennett Valley Fire Protection District By Lieutenant Matt Tognozzi Calls Activities; November/December 2011 Structure Fire - 4 Grass Fire - 1 Vehicle Accident - 5 Strike Team - 1 Vehicle Fire - 1 Medical Aid - 24 Public Assist - 4 Other Type Call - 4 Total Calls - 44 Weather Driving Safety Tips Over 450,000 injury crashes occur annually in adverse weather conditions on slick pavement, according to the US Department of Transportation. With the coming of winter, here are some general safety tips to keep you and your family safe. Get a complete tune-up prior to the onset of winter season, paying special attention to: 3 • The air, fuel and emission filters, the PCV valve and the battery.

• Antifreeze levels. • Changing windshield wiper blades at least twice a year or every 6,000 miles. • Nothing is more important when driving in rain than having a good set of wiper blades. • Spraying a good rain repellant on your windshield before driving, to help provide a clear view.

• Checking your tires regularly for correct inflation, and visible signs of wear or damage. • Don't use cruise control or overdrive on wet roads. • Allowing time in the morning for your car to warm up and your windshield to defrost. On mornings where there is dense fog, ice, or rain on the roadway it is always good advice to slow down and not tailgate. Decreased speeds and increased distance between the car in front of you allows for more time to correct problems encountered while driving in these adverse conditions. Additionally having more than one route to and from your home is a wise idea in case the roads are shut down due to unforeseen emergencies. Be safe and have a great New Year.

Uproar Over State Fire Fee By Marilee Jensen and Press Democrat, November 21, 2011 "Rural homeowners will be charged $150 fee in addition to assessments already paid to local fire districts.... NEW STATE FIRE FEES The annual fee applies to most rural parcels of property: In Sonoma County, fee applies to about 32,000 homes on 800,000 rural acres where Cal Fire provides fire protection.

• $150 per single-family home, including mobile homes. In multi-unit dwellings, $150 for the first unit, $25 per additional unit... • $35 discount for property owners who pay a local fire district assessment." While this is what the Press Democrat stated in their article on November 21, we had further information from our BV Fire Chief, Andy Pforsich. The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association filed an objection to this fee on December 9. On December 13, it was learned that the Board of Forestry had withdrawn the State Responsibility Areas (SRA) fee regulations, for an unknown reason. (The entire Bennett Valley Fire District is within the SRA.) The SRA fee issue will come back before the Board of Forestry on January 11 with a revised definition for habitable structures and then it looks like it will be approved. This means property owners in the Bennett Valley area will probably soon see a bill from the Board of Equalization. The legal challenges will proceed.

There is a possibility that the fee will be determined to be a tax by the courts, requiring a 2/3 vote of the legislature, but we have no idea what the outcome will be. It may or may not be overturned, money returned to taxpayers, etc.

Bennett Valley Fire Protection District (BVFPD) Members of the public can request the meeting agenda to be emailed to them 72 hours before the board meeting or they may pick up a copy of the agenda at the BV fire station 72 hours before the meeting. Complete minutes from the previous month's meeting will be available to the public after board approval, either by picking them up at the next Board meeting, or requesting a copy be mailed to them. Please make these requests to the Bennett Valley Fire District bookkeeper, Kori Lantow, by email, klantow@comcast.net, at the BV Fire Board of Directors' meeting or by telephone, 823-1084. Below are the highlights of the approved minutes for the November 8 meeting. The December 13 minutes will not be approved until !

the next BV Fire Board meeting on January 17, so they will be summarized in the March VOICE. Highlights of the Minutes of the Board Meeting, November 8, 2011 Public Input - Director Joe Mazeau made a statement about the letter that was sent out to the public by Director (Arnie) Tognozzi. He wanted to make the correction that the board has not put the fire district management out to bid. They are still deciding whether or not to put it out to bid. He also expressed that in the 30 years he has lived in the fire district that the department is better than it's ever been. He also said that firefighting is not about money or the bottom line; it is about saving lives and property.

-Craig Harrison spoke that he would like to see the Board of Directors to be more transparent. -Frank LaCombe asked if Santa Rosa (Fire, if it were selected for BV management) would eliminate the part time firefighter positions. Larissa Goliti asked about the CERT program and wanted to know if Santa Rosa would eliminate it.

-Battalion Chief Mike Jones from Santa Rosa Fire Department spoke and said that Santa Rosa would not eliminate the CERT program. He would expect the Board to go forward with it. He explained that Santa Rosa supports the COPE program which is similar to the CERT program. He also answered Mr. LaCombe's question and said that Santa Rosa would not eliminate the part time firefighter positions.

-Bobbie Blair asked if Santa Rosa would support the CERT and Mike Jones replied -Linda Espinoza asked if the fire district management was going out to bid. Director Tognozzi answered yes and Directors (Marilee) Jensen and Mazeau Director Mazeau explained that we were still in the finding out information stage, and that there is no hurry.

-Tom Clark asked why this service has not gone out to bid in 13 years. Director (Mark) Richardson explained that this was only the second meeting that this has been discussed... -Another resident from the audience, Matt Richardson, asked how many of the last three promotions were given to Bennett Valley firefighters. Director Mazeau explained how people are promoted in the fire service and it is based on how well you do on the test. Chief (Andy) Pforsich answered that two of the last three promotions were offered to Bennett Valley firefighters and they turned down the positions. He also explained that 15 Bennett Valley engineers also worked over at Gold Ridge. (Resident) Matt Richardson said that he resents the blending of the departments...

-Frank LaCombe asked Mike Jones if the district will lose programs if they contract with Santa Rosa. answered that Santa Rosa has no intention of doing away with -Director Tognozzi said that the Board unanimously directed the committee to go out to bid. He urged the Board to be open minded and to respect the public's opinion. Director Mazeau and Director Jensen stated that they did not direct the committee to go out to bid. Director Richardson checked the August board minutes and reported that the Board directed the committee to review the MOU (Memorandum of 4 Understanding), not to go out to bid. Director Tognozzi said he stood corrected.

-Caryn Tognozzi said that in light of the community's interest in going out to bid she would like the Board to be open minded... -Larissa Goliti asked if the bids will be secret and sealed. It was explained that if it comes to that point and bids are received they would be sealed -Monica asked how the Bennett Valley and Gold Ridge contract came to be. Chief Pforsich explained... that Bennett Valley came to Gold Ridge for help. They were in danger of coming under the auspices of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. There was a large CalPERS unfunded liability due to a Bennett Valley bookkeeping error that wiped out the fund balance. Chief Pforsich asked Ruth Newman, the Gold Ridge bookkeeper, if she knew that number. Ruth Newman reported that it was approximately $139,500 and that Bennett Valley had to borrow money from Sonoma County in July to pay their bills until the December property taxes came in.

-Director Tognozzi spoke to the audience telling them that the Board raised their taxes this year and that he answers to the community. He thanked the audience for coming to the meeting. -A resident asked if the fire district has the authority to charge people who need emergency response.

Chief Pforsich explained that they had decided for years to not charge people because it was so controversial. -Chief Pforsich explained that he has sat down with residents, such as Bill Pisenti, and is happy to sit down with anyone else who has questions for him. He also said that he is friends with Mike Jones, supports Santa Rosa Fire and would be happy to hand off Bennett Valley to them at the appropriate time if that is what the board decides to do.

-Oath of Office: Directors Marilee Jensen, Joe Mazeau and Don D'Avanzo were sworn into office by Board Chairman, Mark Richardson. New Business - MINUTES AND BOARD AGENDA: It was explained how and when the public can receive copies of the board minutes and agenda. Director Jensen passed out a draft of the VOICE that included highlights from the board minutes and agenda. She explained that she couldn't fit the entire minutes and agenda into the VOICE. The VOICE would only have highlights, after the fact, and (is only sent out) every other month. Director D'Avanzo made a motion to include an abbreviated summary of the minutes and the agenda in the VOICE. The motion was seconded by Director Tognozzi and passed unanimously.

Old Business -

A.Bennett Valley/Gold Ridge Mou: Chief

Pforsich distributed two documents to the Board. The first was a copy of a staff report he did in 2003 and the second was the scope of services which Gold Ridge has been providing to Bennett Valley. The board reviewed the documents and a discussion was held...

-Chief Pforsich brought to the Board's attention that since two of the board members have children that are either paramedics or in paramedic school, and that the firefighters put a request in writing to Santa Rosa about the use of their paramedic skills, that there may be a conflict of interest for those board members. Director Jensen stated that the committee to explore the MOU should not be related to any firefighters. Director Richardson offered to step down from the committee. Director Tognozzi said that he would need to have a lawyer explain that to him. He also said that a committee is no longer necessary and they could move forward with the entire board working on this. Larry McLaughlin suggested that the board members get legal counsel as to whether or not they have a conflict of interest. He also listed other options such as contacting the Fair Political Practice Commission for an opinion...8:57 p.m. The Board... agreed to adjourn the meeting unanimously.

Bennett Valley Community Association (BVCA) Board Of Directors P.O. Box 2666, Santa Rosa, CA 95405 Website: www.bennettvalley.org Craig Harrison, President charrison@hunton.com 573-9990 Larissa Goliti, Vice-President and Membership Coordinator Igoliti@hotmail.com 578-3453 Fay Blair, Treasurer fayblair@sonic.net 576-0152 Frank LaCombe, Secretary FrankKLaCombe@gmail.com 585-3482 Gary Barner, Director gbarner@cds1.net 481-6196 Tim Bosma, Director tbosma@comcast.net 953-8873 James K. Cobb, Director cobblaw@pacbell.net 586-9172 Richard Lukasko, Director rlukasko@hotmail.com 566-7803 Karen Sommer, BVEP Coordinator, Director ksommer11@earthlink.net 528-8982 BVCA VOICE Editor - Marilee Jensen, 576-0405 marileejensen@gmail.com BVCA Webmaster - Bill Finkelstein, 536-1026 bill@williamfinkelstein.com Any questions you have about the BVCA website can be directed to Bill Finkelstein.

Summary of BVHA Minutes November 17, 2011 • Changing the name of Bennett Valley Homeowner's Association to Bennett Valley Community Association: President Craig Harrison pointed out that it will be necessary to amend the Articles of Incorporation re: the change of the Association's name. It was agreed that a "change of name" ballot will be sent shortly after the membership dues letter in the January mailing. We will need to do a restatement of the Articles, as well as the web • Use of the Bennett Valley Homeowner's mailing list: BVHA had received a query about the use of the BVHA membership address list. Larissa had agreed to a request for the addresses of property owners in the Bennett Valley Study District, which roughly mirrors the BV Fire District households. Karen Sommer stated that individuals should not have free access to the BVHA membership list. Frank LaCombe put forward the motion that the BVHA Membership list should not be released to individuals unless approved by the Board. There was no second. Craig suggested that we discuss the matter later when more board members are present. (4 Board members were not present at this meeting.) • Report from the Bennett Valley Emergency Preparation Committee: Karen stated 30 cots had been donated to the BVEP by Sutter Medical. She also stated that Joe Judge had volunteered the extensive tool and supply inventory available in his barn, near BV Grange Hall, in the event of an emergency. Karen pointed out there will not be a CERT training this fall. Craig observed that sometimes starting a project, such as the Emergency Communications Center being planned at the BV Fire Station, can bring special attention to it, both for increased volunteer help and increased donations.

• Election Committee Report: Jean LaCombe submitted to the Board a letter of Certification for the November 17, 2011 "appoint as if elected" resulting in the re-seating of Larissa Goliti, Craig Harrison, and Karen Sommer. She also distributed the updated roster of Board member terms of office and election dates.

• Craig Harrison voiced satisfaction on the Board of Supervisors' move to include the additional 3-5 miles of Bennett Valley Road for improvement. He also read a letter which had been sent to the Board of Supervisors re: concerns about increased traffic on Sonoma Mountain Road to the soon-to-be-opened public access to Jacobs Ranch, considering the deteriorating condition of the road • Craig suggested that a special meeting may need to be held if we can get the First District supervisor candidates to address a BVHA meeting.

• Marilee Jensen addressed the Board with an informational handout about the history of the BVFPD/Gold Ridge FPD relationship. • Karen Sommer related to the Board the various grants that the Bennett Ridge community secured for fire safety and disaster preparedness through the guidance of BV Fire Chief Andy Pforsich.

• Karen also pointed out that the valley is divided into seven areas, and like Bennett Ridge, any of these areas can work together to organize and possibly apply to receive similar grants. • Meeting adjourned at 8:05 pm. At the end meeting, the Board met in private to elect officers for the coming year. The choices were Craig Harrison, President; Larissa Goliti, Vice-President; Fay Blair, Treasurer; Frank LaCombe, Secretary.

Board of Directors' Tentative Agenda Thursday, January 19, 7:00 pm, BV Grange Hall • Announcements and Public Input • Approval of Minutes • Treasurer's Report and Spending Requests • Name Change Issues • Bimonthly County Reports • Use of Bennett Valley's Mailing List • BV Emergency Preparedness Report • Bennett Valley Road Issues • BVCA Debate/Forum for Open Supervisor Seat, April 19, 7:00 to 9:00 pm, BV Grange Hall • Speakers for 2012 - spring, summer • New Business As Determined by Board • Adjourn 5 Free Trial, Bird Windowcrash Preventer One of our Bennett Valley residents, Dave Warwick, at 5730 Bennett Valley Road, 545-9898, is looking for several individuals to try out a new device that prevents birds from colliding with windows. He says it has proven to be very effective. He plans to market this and he's offering it for free in the expectation that he'll receive positive testimonials. If you're possibly interested, please give him a call at 545-9898.

Bennett Valley Community Association P.O. Box 2666 Santa Rosa, CA 95405 www.bennettvalley.org PURPOSES OF BVCA: 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.

Bennett Valley Community Association; Let's Vote for Name Change BV Grange Gold Resolution, Board of Supervisors BV Emergency Preparedness Update Jacobs Ranch Impact on BV Roads; Open Space Help? Uproar Over State Fire Fee, $150, Rural Areas, Wildland Fires BV Fire Board Minutes, Highlights, November 8 Meeting BVCA Board, Minutes, Next Agenda Free Trial, Bird Windowcrash Prevention Bennett Valley Community Calendar Mark your calendars now!!

• BENNETT VALLEY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: The next meeting is on Thursday, January 19, 7:00 pm. BV - Grange Hall, Agenda on Page 5. • 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, except for January, when they will be meeting on the third Tuesday, January 17. Please call 823-1084 to confirm meeting date ahead of time.

• LANDPATHS TAYLOR MOUNTAIN PERMIT ORIENTATION, Taylor Mountain Open Space Preserve, Santa Rosa, Saturday, January 14, 10 am to 11 am, Permits are issued after a one hour orientation. Difficulty; Easy, Moderate, Strenuous Mode: Biking, Horseback, Walking/Hiking, Call (707) 544-7284 with any questions. • AMATEUR RADIO (Ham Radio) LICENSING IN JUST ONE DAY: (From website smrs) Below are dates for the one day licensing class and exam. The fee is $25.00. Two classes are scheduled at Petaluma Senior Center, 211 Novak Drive, Petaluma, on Saturdays, January 14 and March 10, starting at 9:00 am, with the exam at 1:30 pm or earlier. There is another one day licensing class on Thursday, February 16, starting at 9:00 am, with the test around 1:00 pm, at the Santa Rosa American Red Cross, 5297 Aero Drive, with the same fee. Please contact Dale in advance, at wbstma@arrl.net or (707) 762-0414.

• SONOMA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS usually meets every Tuesday (except weeks when there is a legal holiday). at varying times, 575 Administration Drive, Santa Rosa. Valerie Brown is the Supervisor for our First District. You may call her or her District Director, Jennifer Hainstock, at 565-2241, if you have any questions or concerns.

Important Phone Numbers

• For emergencies, use your landline or your cell phone to call 911. To talk to someone at the Sheriff's office 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to either report concerns that may be an emergency or to discuss a situation that may require law enforcement response, call 5652121.

• Call Sonoma County Road Maintenance, at 565-5100 to report safety issues, such as dangerous potholes, fallen trees or landslides and to request possible help with litter control and bulk trash in the road. For more information on BV roadwork, see Page 3. • Call Sonoma County Animal Control, at 565-7100, regarding the removal of dead animals along the road.

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

To Unsubscribe

If you do not want to continue receiving email copies of the VOICE, please contact Larissa Goliti, at Igoliti@hotmail.com, or 578-3453, to let her know. Your choices are to no longer receive the VOICE or to receive a paper copy of the VOICE, by mail, instead.

Bennett Valley Community Association Membership Dues For 2012

NAME ADDRESS

Phone Number

Email Address

The annual dues for BVCA membership (previously BVHA membership) are $15, plus any extra donations you're willing to make, to better enable us to pursue our mission. You may either send in your check, to the address listed below, or pay online with a credit card or PayPal account. To pay online, go to the BVCA website (www.bennettvalley.org), and choose "Join/Renew: BVCA Membership" from the menu on the left side of the first page. You then follow these instructions. If you have any questions, please call our Membership Coordinator, Larissa Goliti, at 578-3453. If you prefer to pay by check, please send it in with this form, with your name, phone number and email address to: Bennett Valley Community Association, P.O. Box 2666, Santa Rosa, CA 95405.

BV EMAIL ALERT! You'll want to be sure to sign up for the BV Email Alert. In October, 2010, we sent out our BV Email Alert to let you know about a number of BV burglaries during that month. In April, 2009, when a man was frequently following women driving cars at night in Bennett Valley, we had to send a BV Alert by mail, with the added cost of postage, because we did not have many email addresses at that time. We're requesting your email address in order to send you the occasional BV Alert in the quickest, simplest, most economical way. Please include your email address here, so you're on our BV Email Alert list.

If you already receive a paper copy of the VOICE every other month, you'll continue to receive it that way. If you want to change the way you receive your VOICE from a copy mailed to you to an email transmission of the VOICE, please check here _ - and include your email address. We will only send your VOICE by email if you've been receiving it that way or you left a check mark here.

Please let us know any corrections or additions we should make to your name(s), address, or phone number. We're also interested in any comments or concerns you have. If you need more room, insert additional paper. Thanks! Comments/Changes: