Bennett Valley Voice

Bennett Valley VOICE www.bennettvalley.org

Volume 35, Number 4

Bennett Valley Community Association (Bvca)

September, 2012]

Where Are We Now? A Geologic History of the Sonoma Valley Area and the Sonoma Volcanics Information provided to Editor, by Scott Lawyer, Speaker and Geologist Would you like to know where Bennett Valley's circling mountains came from? How do Rodgers Creek and Hayward earthquake faults influence Bennett Valley?

What geologic processes formed our valley? Come and hear geologist Scott Lawyer talk about these questions and other interesting topics of local geology on Thursday, September 20th, at our next BVCA meeting, BV Grange Hall, 7:00 pm. He will explain some of the processes responsible for the area. What are the Sonoma Volcanics? The volcanics in our area are different than the volcanoes in Northern California and he will discuss the differences. Many people have questions about the faults that are in the region.

The Rodgers Creek Fault goes right through Santa Rosa. Where does it go? How long is it? When will the next earthquake be? Our area has been influenced by marine processes, erosion, uplift, and faulting. Some questions do not have clean cut answers, but hopefully some questions will be answered throughout the evening.

Scott Lawyer graduated from Sonoma State University majoring in structural geology. During this time, Scott had the opportunity to develop three-dimensional mapping of various geothermal fields to create a micro seismicity program. He has mapped Yellowstone and southwest Iceland. This program has given him a way to see faults throughout various areas, resulting in the detection of signs of active faulting within the region. By monitoring these small vibrations, we are able to map the movement of active faults. Being able to map terrains and compare the relationships of the rocks is a highlight.

Scott is a teacher/naturalist in Occidental, at Westminster Woods Camp and Conference Center, as well as a docent since 2007 at Bouverie Preserve. The ability to work with students and share the passion for all things geological and natural is Scott's joy in life, such as encouraging others to take the time to notice the little things outdoors that many take for granted. Scott also works on making digital geologic maps with other professional geologists throughout our region.

Miwok Name For Sonoma Mountain By Craig S. Harrison The Coast Miwok people called Sonoma Mountain "Oonapais"; also spelled Oon'-nah-pi's and Oo'-naOonapais probably means "Buckeye Mountain" and has the same ending as Tamalpais, which means "Bay Mountain." Anthropologist C. Hart Merriam recorded this name around 1902 03 while collecting oral histories from surviving Coast Miwok in Marin and southern Sonoma Counties. This reference can be found in 'Dawn of the World' and 'Interviews with Tom Smith and Maria Copa, both published by the Miwok Archaeological Preserve of Marin. The Benziger Winery in Glen Ellen is marketing a wine with the name Oonapais.

Thanks to Arthur Dawson, author of The Stories Behind Sonoma Valley Place Names (1998), for providing much of this information.

13th Annual ART ON THE RIDGE Artists' Open Studios September 22-23, Noon to 5pm By Sherry Parker The 13th Annual Bennett Ridge Open Studios is coming soon. You are invited to come and spend the afternoon amongst exciting art, lovely scenery, food, drink, and camaraderie.

The Studios tour will include 13 artists featuring exciting artwork in a broad range of media and styles - including paintings, drawings, monoprints, etchings, collage, Calder-esque mobiles, ceramics, fused glass, wrought iron furniture and sculpture, handcut paper, gourd art, native wood-turned vessels, and jewelry. The artists will show in six studios along Old Bennett Ridge Road, Rollo, Bardy and Bennett Ridge Roads. All the studios are located near each other in this community of artists.

Yellow signs will mark the open studios. Exhibiting artists will be: Tom Berto - acrylic paintings and giclées. www.sonic.net/-monicab Kate E. Black - fused abstract art glass. www.blackfusionglass.com Monica Boettcher - art glass. www.sonic.net/-monicab Colleen Cotten - kiln formed glass Heartfire - jewelry and kiln-formed glass. www.heartfire.biz Connie Mygatt - paintings/wearable art Len Mygatt - wrought iron tables and garden art Sherry Parker - mixed media collage.

www.sherryparkerart.com Jerry Pugh - Calder-esque mobiles Chuck Quibell - native wood turned vessels Karen and Stan Sommer monoprints, drawings, paintings. www.sommerartstudio.com Patti Valentine Zimmer - Handcut paper art. www.pattivalentine.com Artwork in a variety of price ranges will be available for sale. For more information or a studio tour map, please contact artist Sherry Parker, sherryparker@earthlink.net Autumn Bennett Valley Clean-up Roads Day By Sandy Sandine Saturday, October 13, 8:30am is our next "Bennett Valley Roads Clean-up Day. Meet at " #the Bennett Valley Fire Station wearing sturdy # " shoes, sun hats, and gardening gloves. Coffee " " and donuts will be offered before setting out to " " pick up trash along our beautiful valley's " " roadsides. This isn't necessarily a strenuous " chore! Bennett Valley Community Association " (BVCA) will provide pick-up sticks, safety " " vests and bright orange garbage bags, which " „can be helpful in minimizing sore backs.

"More Volunteers

ARE ALWAYS " NEEDED, so please join us and bring along "family members or friends. This is a good " opportunity for your older children who want " "'to do some community service to become " involved-we welcome them and you! " If you'd like to pick-up the roadside in front "of/near your home and cannot make Saturday " " morning, please give Sandy Sandine a call # (579-0282). She will drop off the supplies to: " you. In case it rains we will reschedule.

====== == = =" Requesting BV Rainfall Records By Craig S. Harrison and Marilee Jensen We have obtained annual rainfall records from at least three locations in Bennett Valley -- Bennett Ridge (30 years), Summit View Ranch (8 years) and Sonoma Mountain Road, near Pressley, (7 years). We plan on writing an article for the November VOICE, and possibly posting rainfall records on the BVCA web site.

We solicit hearing from anyone who has kept rainfall records, especially from locations in Bennett Valley different than those listed above, and from various elevations. If you are interested in sharing these records, please contact Craig at charrison@hunton.com or Marilee at marileejensen@gmail.com. 2 State Fire Prevention Fee Kathleen Pender, Net Worth, SF Chronicle, September 11, 2012 has written a comprehensive article on this State Fire Prevention Fee of $135, for which you'll be billed and expected to pay in 2012. She explains why it's important you pay the invoice you'll receive. She then goes on to describe the actions you can take which may enable you to receive a refund, depending on the outcome of the Jarvis association class action suit, protesting the tee as really a tax. She also reters you to applicable websites for further information. To find her article, go to SFGate.com/columns/ Net Worth.

Sonoma County ARTrails Open Studio; Celebrating 26 Years, October 13, 14, 20, 21 ARTrails Open Studio is open and free to the public. The dates are October 13, 14, 20, 21‚from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. There are over 150 juried artists all over the county that invite people to view and purchase artwork in their studios. Bennett Valley has a collection of these ARTrails artists and you are invited to stop by and visit their studios. Pick up a free catalog or have it sent to you, 707-579.2787 or check it out online at www.artrails.org BVCA Board of Director's Elections In accord with the current Bennett Valley Community Association Bylaws, the annual election meeting for Board of Directors shall be held at the board's November meeting. The term of office for each of the directors of this corporation shall be three years from when he or she is elected.

After three years, the director may choose to run or not for re-election. In this manner, the election of one third of the members of the Board of Directors will be held each year. If you personally have a future interest in being on the Board, please be sure to let one of the board members know.

Three interested Bennett Valley residents have submitted candidates' statements and each has been found to be qualified for a position on the BVCA Board of Directors. Because there are only as many candidates as open seats, the three unopposed candidates will be appointed as if elected, effective at the end of the BVCA meeting on November 15.

Candidate Roster for the 2012 BVCA Board of Director Elections Gary Barner, Incumbent Tim Bosma, Incumbent Debra J. Forton Engel, Candidate Candidates' Statements • Gary Barner: I have been a resident of Bennett Valley for 24 years and am committed to promoting and preserving the rural character and natural environment of Bennett Valley. For 19 of these 24 years, I have held various offices on the Summit View Ranch Homeowners Association; nine years as a member of the Board of Directors and seven years as a member of the Environmental Committee. Over the past three years, I have served as a Director on the Bennett Valley Community Association. I would like to continue to contribute to the ongoing efforts of the Bennett Valley Community Association in providing a forum for open discussions involving issues affecting our entire community.

Therefore, I respectfully seek your vote to continue to serve in a position of trust on the Bennett Valley Community Association Board of Directors. • Tim Bosma: I have had the privilege of serving on the Board of the Bennett Valley Community Association for three years. I'd appreciate the opportunity to continue as a BVCA Board member, working to preserve the natural beauty and scenic character of Bennett Valley. My prior environmental reclamation experience and my current position as a Business Services Director at SRJC have made me an environmental moderate keen on protecting our environment while giving me the skills to be an asset to Bennett Valley and the BVCA Board. I'm hopeful that members of the Bennett Valley community will agree and return me to the Board. Thank you.

• Debra J. Forton Engel: I have been a resident of California for over thirty years and have owned property in Bennett Valley since 1996. I am committed to preserving the rural character and natural environment of Bennett Valley. I have been employed in the accounting field for a number of years as well as employed by several law firms and physician offices. In addition I have also maintained the accounts for my own consulting business from 1990 to present.

3 Minimizing Your Propane Costs By Craig Harrison September is when I remind Bennett Valley residents of the availability of bulk purchasing arrangements for propane delivered to your home. Blue Star Gas has a special pricing arrangement for residents in the vicinity of Grange Road and Sonoma Mountain Road. De Carli's has a similar arrangement for residents in the vicinity of Bennett Ridge and Enterprise Road. Under these pricing arrangements, the companies agree to charge a flat mark-up from the price it pays to the refinery (the details of which are confidential). If you are not using one of the bulk suppliers, you are most likely paying too much, and perhaps even way too much.

Bennett Valley Fire Protection District (BVFPD) 6161 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 Phone: 578-7761 bennettvalleyfire.org Board of Directors: Mark Richardson, President; Joseph Mazeau, Vice-President; Marilee Jensen, Secretary; Don D'Avanzo and Arnie Tognozzi, Directors. Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper: Kori Lantow 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.

Bennett Valley Paid Firefighting Staff: Interim Fire Chief: Darrin De Carli, 823-5502 48-hour Personnel: Lieutenant Matt Tognozzi, Engineers Travis Browne and Rene Torres Daytime Firefighters, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm: Engineers: Ronnie Lakin, Patrick Tognozzi, Firefighters: Mike Alcocer, Derrick Alvestal, Ly Leng, and Jon Matej Bennett Valley Volunteer Firefighters There are about 29 BV Firefighters, including the volunteers.

Three rotating shifts of three volunteers each are paid a stipend to sleep overnight at the Fire Station, for improved coverage. During the day, interns are used, at no cost when available, allowing the fire station to have extra on-duty firefighters on those particular days.

Call Log; July/August, 2012 By Lieutenant Matt Tognozzi Structure Fire - 2 Vehicle Fire - 1 Grass Fire - 3 Medical Aid - 20 Vehicle Accident - 8 Public Assist - 4 Strike Team - 1 Other Type Call - 10 Total - 49 Preventing Chimney Fires By Lieutenant Matt Tognozzi As we approach the fall season we may rely on the fireplaces in our homes for heating once again. Here are some safety and maintenance tips to help prevent chimney fires. Chimneys are one of the most common locations of residential structure fires in the United States. The Chimney Safety Institute of America reports that creosote accumulation is the leading cause of chimney fires. A chimney that is dirty, blocked or is in disrepair can inhibit proper venting of smoke up the flue and can also cause a chimney fire. Nearly all residential fires originating in the chimney are preventable. An annual chimney inspection by a qualified chimney sweep can prevent fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. To keep your home safe from chimney fires follow these guidelines.

Maintenance - Good maintenance is a very important step in preventing chimney fires! • Have your chimney checked every fall by a qualified chimney professional. • Burn only well seasoned hardwoods. • Install a chimney cap. • Install a carbon monoxide detector in the same room • Have your chimney sweep ensure that your chimney has an appropriate liner.

4 • Following a violent storm, earthquake, flood or lightening strike, have your chimney inspected for damage - inside and out. Prevention - Remember prevention is your best defense against fire. Keep combustible materials well away from the stove and chimney connector. Place an approved stove board under the unit to protect the floor from heat and hot coals which might drop out.

Be Prepared - Know what to do in case of fire. If you suspect a chimney fire, evacuate your home and call 911. ''--Access to Approved Minütes För Bennett Valley Fire Protection District (BVFPD) i Members of the public can request the meeting agenda be i 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 I 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 requests to the Bennett Valley • Fire District ¡ Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper, Kori Lantow, by email, i : klantow@comcast.net, at the BV Fire Board of Directors ! meeting or by telephone, 823-1084. Below are the highlights i of the approved minutes for two board meetings, plus a strike team notice, edited by Marilee Jensen._ • Highlights of BV Fire Board Meeting, July 10 Audit Report for the 2010/2011 fiscal year was reviewed, discussed and accepted unanimously. The Board directed Kori Lantow to look into using another company to do the audit in the future, to possibly reduce the cost. Directors Jensen and Tognozzi, were selected to meet with two directors from the Gold Ridge Fire Board to negotiate a new Memorandum of Understanding, effective July 2012. Director Jensen presented a letter to members of the Board, to be printed in the July VOICE, written by Director D'Avanzo, and signed by Director Jensen. Director Mazeau agreed to sign the letter, • Highlights of BV Fire Board Meeting, August 14 The "Memorandum of Understanding" negotiation meeting between Gold Ridge Board directors, Al Fiori and Bob Gloeckner, and BV Directors Jensen and Tognozzi, was held on August 13. Requests were made by BV Fire for consideration at the next Gold Ridge Board meeting, on September 5. As reported at the August 14 Board meeting, the requests included reducing the Gold Ridge contract amount for the 2012-2013 year by $6,000 to $90,500, effective July 1, 2012, and adding their "Scope of Services" as defined in their bid proposal dated April 3, 2012, covering fire management and administration, fire operations, training, fire prevention and investigation services, apparatus, facilities maintenance and replacement plus value added services provided by Gold Ridge to Bennett Valley, with the goal of best serving the lives and property of the citizens of Bennett Valley Fire Protection District through leadership, effective management and skill.

Strike Team Notice, August 13 Interim Fire Chief Darrin De Carli reported to the BV Fire Board on August 13, that Bennett Valley Fire had sent out one of their fire engines (#7861) with four BV Firefighters on a strike team to the Wye fire in Lake County, plus two additional fires. Gold Ridge sent one of their extra fire engines to Bennett Valley Fire, #8169, for back-up. (Then again, on September 8.) Strike teams are a source of added revenue for the BV Fire District from the State of California, when Cal Fire needs extra help to fight fires. Cal EMA pays BV Fire for the use of the fire engine as well as wages for the firefighters.

SOS Trees; PG&E Transmission Vegetation Management Program By Marilee Jensen As described in the July VOICE, there was a meeting on Monday, June 25 in Congressman Mike Thompson's office between PG&E representatives and Save Our Sonoma (SOS) Trees members, generally property owners under the high transmission wires. At that meeting, Mike Thompson requested PG&E to come up with a reasonable tree management policy statewide, and not continue to negotiate with each property owner without clear standards. PG&E's stated policy for "vegetation management" is to "establish a lowgrowing plant community by clearing rights-oftall growing and incompatible plant species," (that is all the higher growing trees) according to the company's web pages on vegetation management. This policy is directly at odds with homeowners, environmental groups and public officials who want to retain as many trees as possible while maintaining power line integrity and safety.

Since this meeting, representatives from PG&E have met about five times with SOS Trees leadership, including meetings on August 30 and September 6. To quote a paper PG&E passed out on August 30, "PG&E has hosted four in-office meetings with SOS-Trees leadership to foster dialog, share information and enhance mutual understanding, in addition to one in-field meeting to review examples of completed tree work sites." At the August 30 meeting, PG&E also distributed their response to the SOS Trees/Mike Thompson request for changes to their Transmission Vegetation Management Program.

A summary of those responses follows: PG&E did agree to the following requests: •eTo include a statement in their plans which reflects their commitment to reasonable attempts to notify property owners before performing any work. •eIn addition to "selective removal" of vegetation within the defined zones, PG&E is willing to add "pruning or selective removal." • ‹They will provide easement information to property owners upon request.

•They've agreed to clean up the property (fallen branches, trees, etc. ) per easement agreements. • They've agreed to selecting treatment plans in consultation with property owners, when the property owner has responded. • They've agreed to prepare a recommendation for herbicide application, when applicable, unless the property owner has declined herbicide use.

PG&E had not agreed to the following requests: •ESOS Trees has requested, based on arborists' recommendation, allowing a 25 foot clearance between the wires and the vegetation, rather than a 40 foot clearance, as determined by maximum sag, minimum sway plus two years of growth for the species. In addition to the 40 foot clearance, PG&E also insists on four years of growth for the species as part of this determination.

•€While PG&E has agreed to have a commitment to making a reasonable attempt to contact the property owners before performing work, they decline to condition their work on property owner agreement, "as such a condition may conflict with agreements and rights contained in existing easement language." SOS Trees explained to PG&E personnel the importance of retaining trees in riparian areas, where possible, in order to reduce run-off, erosion, sediment loads in the waterways and massive land slides. Currently PG&E is applying for permits with state and federal regulatory agencies that will allow them to remove trees from Sonoma County streams.

At the September 6 meeting, SOS Trees had requested an engineering analysis from PG&E on their clearance figures (25 feet vs. 40 feet) for the 39 miles in Sonoma County under high transmission lines. Note: PG&E had been typically using 25 ft distance from wire to tree as a cutback distance prior to this new program. SOS Trees also requested a plan where property owners could request a "waiver" or ask for an appeal on PG&E's treatment plans for their property, when they don't agree.

5 BV Grange Spaghetti Dinner By Janet Alfieri ¡ On Saturday, September 22, from 5:00 to 8:00 i pm, the BV Grange will be sponsoring their delicious spaghetti dinner, for $10 per person. There is a choice of three sauces, meat, pesto and/or vegetarian. Also included are French bread, salad, dessert, and juice or water. You're welcome to bring your own wine, with no corkage fee.

In addition to the delicious food, there will be i spirited music; an accordion player, Sheri Mignano, from the popular band Zighi Bacci-fresh, which recently played at the Cotati Accordion Festival. Sheri will be playing her favorites on the accordion, ranging from Italian ballads to polka music; all very danceable.

Join us for a good time and a wonderful meal, for only $10, as a fund raiser for the upkeep and maintenance of the historic Grange Hall, in continuous operation since 1873

Bennett Valley Grange #16; An Active Center For Our Community By Patty Allen The Grange has been a essential part of Bennett Valley for 140 years. Most people know that the Bennett Valley Grange Hall is an historical building built in the late 1800's. What people may not know is that this Grange is an active organization that continues to hold monthly meetings.

Even though the Grange is an organization that operates under state and national Grange rules, the members and officers can decide what programs and activities they would like to do. We always members and new ideas. If you would like to become a member of the BV Grange, we would welcome both you and your input. Currently, dues are just $30.00 a year.

The last couple of years the Bennett Valley Grange has partnered with the Bennett Valley Community Association (BVCA), offering the hall for meetings and informative speakers. We have also co-sponsored the Grange's annual June barbecue with the BVCA, raising funds for the Grange Hall's upkeep and maintenance, especially important for an older building. At the same time, we are also raising funds for the Bennett Valley Emergency Preparedness (BVEP) funds and the BVEP emergency shelter now located at the Grange. Visit our website, bvgrange.org, to find out more and to join the BV Grange.

Bennett Valley Road Update By Rob Silva, Road Operations Division Manager, Sonoma County Transportation and Public Works A section of Sonoma Mountain Road that was ground, graded and left as a gravel road for two years was hard surfaced in August. The application used was an Armor Coat, another term for a double chip seal. The grading and prep work were done the first week of August and the double chip seal was applied on Friday August 10th for a 600' area between Pressley Road and Enterprise Road.

We have two locations we need to patch with asphalt before winter, one low spot on Sonoma Mountain Road at the slide repair site - one area of the overlay has settled - and the second location is on Enterprise Road. An area next to a concrete box culvert has settled in one lane. Both repairs should be done by mid-October. We still may do some crack sealing on Bennett Valley Road this fall. If it does get scheduled, the work would be done between Grange Road eastbound to where the road narrows and would be posted in advance on the county web page, www.sonoma-county.org.

6 Encountering Rattlesnakes By Karen Sommer, from Bouverie Preserve Information Bennett Valley has experienced an unusually high number of rattlesnake sightings this year. There are many reasons this may be occurring; one is the food supply. We have a lot of rodents for them to feed on.

The Northern Pacific Rattlesnake lives throughout Northern California and we have an ideal habitat for them to thrive. They are a naturally shy creature and would prefer to stay clear of you. If you encounter a rattlesnake: 1. Stay at least six feet back. Rattlesnakes can strike about one-half the length of their bodies. A six foot margin reduces stress on the snake and keeps hikers well out of reach.

2. If a snake is blocking your path, wait for it to go on its way before proceeding. Never attempt to get the snake to move or rattle by yelling, clapping, or poking it with a stick. 3. If the snake is blocking your path and does not move after a short period of time, go back the way you came or choose an alternate path.

4. During warm weather, snakes seek cool places under rocks, logs, or human structures. Be very careful and observant when in rocky areas and woodpiles. In the unlikely event that you or someone close to you is bitten by a rattlesnake: 1. Seek immediate help at a hospital emergency room. Time is of the essence.

The faster a bite victim is transported to emergency care, the better the outcome. 2. Try to remain calm. Remove any jewelry or watches that may restrict swelling. If possible, wash the bite area with soap and water and/or apply a cold wet cloth over it.

3. Never apply a tourniquet or ice. Never cut the wound or suck out the venom. These treatments will not help the victim and may be dangerous. Improper applications of ice or tourniquet can block arterial circulation, which may result in gangrene or eventual loss of limb.

Cutting can cause excessive bleeding and sucking venom from the wound can cause infection, making treatment more difficult. Finally, do not panic. It is extremely unlikely that a Northern Pacific Rattlesnake bite victim will die. Statistically speaking, more people actually die from bee or wasp sting reactions. With the right care, most people survive their bites quite well.

Bennett Valley Community Association (BVCA) Board Of Directors P.O. Box 2666, Santa Rosa, CA 95405 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 about the BVCA website can be directed to Bill Finkelstein.

• Latest concern related to PG&E possibly doing tree cutting at Coopers Grove. • Board Election - Jean LaCombe indicated a couple of people have voiced interest in the pending vacancy with Fay Blair not running. • Craig Harrison agreed to check with Karen Summer (who was not at the Board meeting) regarding a speaker for the September meeting Board of Directors' Tentative Agenda Thursday, September 20, 7:00 pm, BV Grange Hall • Speaker: Scott Lawyer, Geologist, speaking on Bennett Valley Geology • Business Meeting, 8:00 pm, approximately • Announcements and Public Input • Approval of Minutes • Election Nominating Committee Report • Treasurer's Report, Spending Requests • Issues Related to Name Change, BVCA • Bi-Monthly County Reports: Board of Supervisors, Open Space District, PRMD, Public Works, • Report from Bennett Valley Emergency Preparedness Committee • Road Issues • PG&E Tree Clearing • New Business as Determined by the Board • Adjourn

Bvca Membership Dues, 2012

If you haven't yet sent in your dues for 2012, the annual dues are $15 plus any additional contribution you want to make (these contributions to BVCA may now be taxdeductible). You may either send in your check to BVCA, P.O. Box 2666, Santa Rosa, CA 95405, or pay online with a credit card or Paylal account. To pay online, go to www.bennettvalley.org (our BVCA website), • не 9.

then choose from the menu on the left side of the first page "Join/Renew: BVCA Membership", and follow the instructions. If you have any questions, please call Larissa Goliti at 578-3453. Brief Summary, BVCA Minutes July 19, 2012 Meeting • Guest Speaker, Evelyn McClure on Bennett Valley History. Approximately 90 guests.

• Changing Name to BVCA still in process with State, but getting closer. • A portion of Sonoma Mountain Road left with gravel on it for two years to be paved soon. Congratulations to Bennett Valley Olympian! By Tim Murphy Over the years, you may have seen 26 year old Kim Conley, who grew up in Bennett Valley, running past the BV Fire Station or along BV ¡ Road. Her running efforts and aspirations | developed while participating in cross country I and track at Slater Middle and Montgomery | High schools and took her to UC Davis.

' Recently, she reached her two consecutive I personal bests in the 5000 meters at the US | Olympic Trials in Eugene, OR and the 2012 | Summer Olympics in London. She was joined i in London by her parents Melanie and Dave and her siblings, also former Slater and | Montgomery varsity runners, Emma and Alex.

i What a great honor and tribute to have Kim ¡ and the rest of the Conleys to represent the I community and the United States at this i international event! 7

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.

Return Service Requested • 13th Annual Art on the Ridge, Sept. 22-23 • Autumn BV Clean-up Roads Day, October 13 • State Fire Prevention Fee; What to do. • Sonoma County ARTrails, where in BV? Oct. 13, 14, 20, 21 • BV Board of Director 2012 Elections • Reducing Your Propane Costs • BV Fire Protection District; Preventing Chimney Fires Highlights of Minutes, Strike Team Notice • SOS TREES/PG&E, BV Grange Spaghetti Feed • BV Grange, BV Road Update, Rattlesnake Encounters • BVCA Board, Summary of Minutes, Agenda • Our Bennett Valley Olympian, Kim Conley!

Bennett Valley Community Calendar Mark your calendars now!! • Bennett Valley Homeowner's Association: The next meeting is Thursday, September 20, 7:00 pm, BV Grange Hall. See Tentative 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.

• 13th Annual Art On The Ridge; Artists' Open Studios, September 22-23, noon to 5:00 pm. See article on Page 2. • Bennett Valley Grange Spaghetti Dinner, Saturday, September 22, 5:00 to 8:00 pm. A fund raiser for the upkeep of the Grange Building. Great spaghetti sauces, salad, bread, desserts. No corkage fees. Plus music! See article on Page 5.

• Bennett Valley Grange #16, Go to bvgrange.org to learn more about and to join the Grange. See article on Page 6. • Sonoma County ARTrails Open Studios, Celebrating 26 Years - October 13, 14, 20, 21 —See article on Page 3. • Amateur Radio (Ham Radio) Licensing In Just One Day: (From website smrs) Below are the dates set for the one day licensing classes and exams. Saturdays, September 15, October 27 or December 8, Petaluma Senior Center. Classes at Santa Rosa Red Cross, Thursdays, September 20 or November 1. Cram session, 9:00 am - $10, Exam session, 1:00 pm, $15. Please preregister in order to get help with obtaining your Federal Registration Number. Contact Dale, 762-0414 or wb6tms@arrl.net.

• Sonoma County Board Of Supervisors: 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 concerns.

Important Phone Numbers

• For emergencies, use your landline or your cell phone to call 911. Or you can report emergencies at 576-1365. • 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 565-2121.

• 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. • Call Sonoma County Animal Control, at 565-7100, regarding the removal of dead animals along the road.

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