Bennett Valley Voice

Volume 36, Number 6

Bennett Valley VOICE www.bennettvalley.org

Bennett Valley Community Association (Bvca)

November, 2013

Sonoma County Roads Remain Worst in Bay Area Craig S. Harrison, SOSroads The Metropolitan Transportation Commission released its annual pavement condition index (PCI) scores for roads in the nine Bay Area counties in October. The average PCI is 66 out of 100 possible points. With a PCI of 44, Sonoma County retains the distinction of having the worst county roads in the region.

Santa Clara County, with a PCI of 76, has the best county roads in the Bay Area. County's residential roads, 66% of the county road system, are in pathetic condition with a PCI of 34. In our area, all roads are classified as "residential" except for Bennett Valley and Grange Roads. Almost two-thirds of Sonoma County roads are now considered to be either poor (PCI 25-49) or failed (below PCI 25).

Save Our Sonoma Roads hopes the county's long-term plan to address the ongoing crisis, expected by the end of this year, will seriously address the repair and maintenance of county We question some of the county's spending priorities. It is considering building a new 160 bed Community Corrections Center that will cost the state $67 million for construction (about $420,000 per bed) and the county $11.5 million per year to operate.

Assuming a 30 year life, this calculates to about $86,000 per bed per year. Those state and county funds would be better-spent fixing our roads. SOSroads congratulates the county for recent decisions to bolster funding and for improving 67 miles of county roads (5% of the system), including almost 3 miles of Bennett Valley Road. However, there is no plan for such improvements to continue until the county road system is in good shape.

Update from Better Roads for Bennett Valley Coalition Steve Soldis, Better Roads For Bennett Valley Coalition We've been busy seeking the repair and restoration of Sonoma Mountain and Pressley Roads. Our Petition asking that these roads be improved now has over 550 signatures, with more arriving each week. (If you haven't done so, please download the Petition from the BVCA website, www.bennettvalley.org, sign it and send it as requested in the Petition.) On September 10, five of us appeared before the Board of Supervisors.

Each described why these roads need to be improved. We also presented binders of the signed Petitions to Supervisor Susan Gorin (who represents Bennett Valley), to Veronica Ferguson, the County Administrator, and to Susan Klassen, the Director of Sonoma County Transportation and Public Works Department (SCTPWD). The binders also included a letter from "Backroads", the bicycle touring company, strongly supporting our position.

On September 27, two of us met with Ms. Klassen in her office. We explained why the roads deserve to be repaired or restored and learned from her how the county plans to decide which of the few "local" roads it may have funds to repair next summer.

She confirmed that our message had been heard, but she made no promise that Sonoma Mountain or Pressley Roads will be among those improved. On October 9, a Road Summit was held in Sonoma, organized by Gina Cuclis. The speakers included Supervisor Gorin and Director Klassen, plus Craig Harrison and Michael Troy spoke as panel members on behalf of SOSroads. Ms. Gorin and Ms. Klassen readily confirmed that many of the rural county roads are in deplorable condition, (continued, next page)

that this condition was caused by a number of factors, including a failure to maintain the roads over many years, and that there is insufficient funding now available to improve most of the roads (other than filling potholes). They said that a long-range plan for addressing the condition of the roads is scheduled to be announced in the next few months, including a more recent survey of the conditions of specific roads.

Finally, on October 23, three of us met with Supervisor Gorin in her office. We discussed with her the most recent county map showing the Road Pavement Condition of roads in her First District. We emphasized that much of Sonoma Mountain Road and portions of Pressley Road were classified as "Failing." She noted that other roads on the map also were failing and that if any repairs were made to Sonoma Mountain Road or Pressley Road, they would involve only small portions of the roads. We reminded her that there is an additional $8 million in the current budget to be used only to repair local roads such as Sonoma Mountain Road and Pressley Road.

We have followed up the meeting by contacting SCTPWD personnel to request that they accompany us on a drive to inspect the worst portions of both roads. What can you do? You can contact Supervisor Gorin and Director Klassen (or Tom O'Kane, Deputy Director of SCTPWD, who is responsible for Sonoma County roads) with your views about the need to improve Sonoma Mountain Roads and Pressley Road: Supervisor Susan Gorin: susan.gorin@sonoma-county.org Director Susan Klassen: 2300 County Center Drive, Suite B 100, Santa Rosa 95403 Or Deputy Director, Tom O'Kane: tom.okane@sonoma-county.org Will A New Jail Rob From Roads?

October 2013 SOSroads Newsletter "SOSroads has cautioned the supervisors about the proposed new Community Corrections Center. It is estimated to cost the county $11.5 million per year to operate, which will come from the county general fund. We predict it will cost more... "Encumbering the county general fund with yet another expensive obligation seems unwise until the supervisors have approved a long-term plan to fix our county road system. The supervisors are considering a 1/4 to 1/2 cent sales tax to fix roads.

"Perhaps the public should be asked whether it wishes to raise taxes to support the new corrections center... 2 Bennett Valley Area Tidbits • What do Joe Judge and his growers think of this year's grape harvest? When asked, Joe : Judge stated that this year was potentially an even better year than last year. He said what made a big difference is that both the white and red grapes ripened two or three weeks ahead of last year's harvest, which helped improve both the quality and the quantity of this year's harvest.

• What is the status of the "new" cell-phone tower at the BV Fire Station? The proposed new AT&T cell-phone tower, when combined with the Verizon tower which is already there, will be redone as one tower for both AT&T and Verizon cell phone transmission. The Sonoma County PRMD design review team is in the process of evaluating the design proposal for this new tower.

It is expected that the PRMD approval, which needs to precede the ground breaking, will occur in the spring, at which time AT&T will start making $1,500 monthly payments to BV Fire. • Improved Year-Round Parking at the BV Grange Hall, The BV Grange is thanking the Bennett Valley Community Association for their $3,000 donation which has been used for the improvement of the BV Grange parking area. This will enable the BV Grange to have community meetings and other events throughout the year, without damaging their parking area during the wet weather, as had been happening up until now.

•Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue Monica Schwalbenberg-Pena reports that the Wildlife Rescue could really use any fresh deer carcasses to feed their resident cats. If you call them at (707) 526-9453, they'll come pick up freshly killed deer (not maggoty ones). Bennett Valley Road Work Report The Sonoma County Transportation and Public Works Department is in the process of awarding a striping contract to place center and fog line stripes on all of the roads that were chip sealed this summer, including 2.9 miles of Bennett Valley Road. The striping will be reflective thermoplastic which should greatly improve night visibility, especially in the narrows. The work is expected to commence by late November, weather permitting, and Bennett Valley Road should be treated by the end of the year. We are entering the winter storm season and pavement preservation activities have stopped until spring.

Road work for the next several months will be focused on filling pot holes and cleaning clogged culverts. Please call Public Works at 565-5100 to report any safety issues.

Bennett Valley Fall Clean-Up Day By Sandy Sandine October 19th was fall Clean-Up Day in Bennett Valley. Only twelve people (rather than the usual twenty or so) turned out to pick up trash alongside our roadways on that beautiful Saturday morning. The twelve helpers were Jeanne & John Delario, Lu Schultz, Patty Hickey, Ron Simpson, Dave and Sandy Sandine, Gordon Boultbee, Norm Boling, Suzanne Dougherty, and Patty & Bill Allen. They cleaned Bennett Valley Road from Old Bennett Ridge Road to Galvin Park and portions of Sonoma Mountain Road and Grange Road. Thanks so much to each one of them for doing so much to help all of us enjoy our valley a little cleaner!

The next Clean-Up Day will come in April and we hope that you will consider coming out to help, by volunteering a few hours to make our roads trash-free, once again. In the meantime, please help by picking up trash where your property faces the road or when you're just walking along the roads. When you're driving a pick-up, please make sure there are no cups or papers to blow out. If each of us took a little more time to keep the area around us cleaner, it would help make our valley even more pleasant to live in and to drive through.

"The Gentle Man...On his devotion could depend, to great and low he played the friend." The Gentle Man, Edgar Albert Guest (1881-1959) Fay Herron Blair, March 7, 1925-September 21, 2013 By Craig S. Harrison and Marilee Jensen Bennett Valley Community Association (BVCA) treasurer, Fay Blair, passed away at his home on Bennett Valley Road on September 21st. He is survived by his wife Linda, two sons, and a daughter.

Fay fell in love with our Bennett Valley when he first saw it, and it didn't take him long to purchase property here in 1978. He and his wife Linda have made it their home since 1985. Fay came to the Bay Area from rural Idaho in 1942 serving at the Alameda Naval Base.

He later earned a BA and MBA in accounting at University of California, Berkeley and enthusiastically supported "Cal" academic and athletic programs thereafter. Fay was elected to be the BVCA treasurer beginning in January 2008, and he served for five years. As a retired CPA and with Linda's help, as an active CPA, he did Fay was instrumental in preparing the documentation to persuade the Internal Revenue Service to allow BVCA to qualify for section 501(c)(3) status. This allows the donations we receive to be taxdeductible.

Fay Blair had a sweet and cheerful disposition and was always willing to assist any of us, as well as BVCA. We sure miss him. Bennett Valley Grange Report By Bill Finkelstein • Fall Harvest Dinner -This is for BV Grange members, only, with their family and friends, at no charge. The Grange is having their Fall Harvest Dinner on Friday November 15t , 6:00 pm, and RSVPs are a must by Tuesday, November 12th to Bill & Patty Allen, paddybill@sbcglobal.net, or 544-3721. The Grange is supplying turkey, potatoes, and gravy.

Those coming need to bring a salad, vegetable, side dish, a favorite dressing/stuffing, and/or dessert to share. Also, they are free to bring their own beverage. • Holiday Potluck - Everyone is welcome at the BV Grange for this holiday potluck, Thursday, December 12, at 6:30 pm, followed by Pirate Bingo (bring a white elephant gift). Those attending are asked to bring one dish for dinner (entrée, vegetable, salad, etc.) for 6 to 8 people, along with the beverage of their choice and a white elephant gift. If you have any questions, please call Bill & Patty Allen, at 544-3721.

• Spaghetti Feed - Bennett Valley Grange held another one of their famous spaghetti dinners, on Saturday, September 21. Over 100 attended this wonderful event featuring outstanding pasta and sides. All had a spirited time with many dancing to the music of accordion player, Sheri Mignano, from the popular band Zighi Bacci, which recently played at the Cotati Accordion Festival. This event raised over $500 for the Grange Building Restoration Fund.

• Adult Halloween Party - Over 120 attended the multi-generational, adult Halloween party held at the BV Grange, Saturday, October 26. transformation of the building and the grounds was Everywhere one looked something interesting to look at which was easy to miss on the first glance. Upon arrival, guests were greeted at the check-in casket, then stepped into the black lit Grange of Surprises. From the ghosts in the trees to the unresponsive zombie participants arrayed around the dance floor the audience was delighted by added effects they found and the transformation of the 141 year old hall. The guests' costumes were totally amazing, and included the beautiful, the strange, the curious, and the macabre. While many danced the night away, some took the time to chill and enjoy the warmth by the outdoor fire pit. Of course, there was food and drink to be had. It was a truly fun and wonderful event. Those attending made many new friends as well as raising over $1,400 for the Grange Buildina Restoration Fund.

• Bennett Valley Grange: The National Grange was founded in 1867 and the Bennett Valley Grange was founded and built in 1873. This is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, fraternal organization that advocates for rural America, local agriculture, and the rural life. With a strong history in grassroots activism, family values, and community service, the Grange is open to membership by all who are interested.

For more information on joining the Grange or renting the hall, please visit the website at http://bvgrange.org 3

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, 823-1084, klantow@comcast.net Administrative Supervisor, Ruth Newman 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: Fire Chief: Dan George,(707) 481-8105, Battalion Chiefs: Darrin DeCarli, (707) 823-5502, Adam Schipper 48-hour Personnel: Lieutenant Matt Tognozzi, Lieutenant Travis Browne, Engineer Rene Torres Part-time Firefighters, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm: Engineers Ly Leng, Jon Matej Bennett Valley Volunteer Firefighters There are approximately 28 BV Firefighters, including the volunteers and interns.

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 cover unfilled firefighter positions on those particular days.

Bennett Valley Firefighters Fund Raiser, Friday, November 1, Ricardo's Restaurant Press Democrat, Chris Smith column, October 31, and Lieutenant Matt Tognozzi Bennett Valley residents, Rick and Lori Miron, have purchased the old John Barleycorn's restaurant/bar in the Bennett Valley shopping center on Yulupa Avenue, across from Safeway. It returned to life on October 31, with the name "Riccardo's". To celebrate the opening, the Mirons decided to donate 100% of their receipts on the first three nights of operation; October 31 to Montgomery High's Sports Boosters and Education Fund, November 1 to the Bennett Valley Firefighters' Association (BVFA), and November 2 to animal programs.

At the request of BV Firefighters, the Bennett Valley Community Association agreed to send out in advance an email about this fundraiser on November 1, at Ricardo's, to those Bennett Valley property owners who receive their VOICE by email. "On behalf of the Bennett Valley Volunteer Firefighters Association, I would like to thank Rick & Lori Miron, everyone involved at Ricardo's, and the Bennett Valley community for their support in this fundraiser. There was an amazing turnout from our community, and we were able to raise $4900! These go directly towards purchasing/upgrading safety equipment and tools used by our firefighters in emergency situations. The Bennett Valley Fire Protection District is very fortunate to have such strong support from our community; time and time we are pleasantly reminded of that.

fundraiser night was a huge success and we all wish Riccardo's the best of luck in their new business venture in the years to come." Matt Tognozzi Bennett Valley Call Log September/October By Lieutenant Matt Tognozzi Structure Fire - O Vehicle Fire - O Grass Fire - 2 Medical Aid - 30 Vehicle Accident - 2 Public Assist - 2 Other Type Calls - 8 Total - 44

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

The Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act (Senate Bill - SB 183) has required owners of all single-family homes with an attached garage or a fossil fuel source to install carbon monoxide detectors within the home by July 1, 2011. Owners of multifamily leased or rental dwellings, such as apartment buildings, had until January 1, 2013 to comply with the law.

Carbon Monoxide Can Be Deadly

You can't see or smell carbon monoxide, but at high levels it can kill a person in minutes. monoxide (CO) is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned. If appliances that burn fuel are maintained and used properly, the amount of CO produced is usually not hazardous. However, if appliances are not working properly or are used incorrectly, dangerous levels of CO can result. Hundreds of people die accidentally every year caused by malfunctioning or appliances. Even more die from CO produced by idling cars. Fetuses, infants, elderly people, and people with anemia or with a history of heart or respiratory disease can be especially susceptible. Be safe.

Practice the DO's and DON'Ts of carbon monoxide.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Symptoms

Know the symptoms of CO poisoning. At moderate levels, you or your family can get severe headaches, become dizzy, mentally confused, nauseated, or faint. You can even die if these levels persist for a long time. Low levels can cause shortness of breath, mild nausea, and mild headaches, and may have longer term effects on your health. Since many of these symptoms are similar to those of the flu, food poisoning, or other illnesses, you may not think that CO poisoning could be the cause.

Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Play it Safe - If you experience symptoms that you think could be from CO poisoning: CALL 911 or your local emergency number. • GET FRESH AIR IMMEDIATELY. Open doors and windows, turn off combustion appliances and leave the house. • DO NOT re-enter the premises until cleared by emergency personnel.

• GO TO AN EMERGENCY ROOM and tell the physician you suspect CO poisoning. If CO poisoning has

occurred, it can often be diagnosed by a blood test done soon after exposure.

Safety Tips Follow These Guidelines To

Help Keep Your Family Safer.

• Install CO alarms outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home including the basement. The CO alarm can warn you if too much CO is in your home. • Keep CO alarms clear of dust and debris. • Ensure CO alarms are plugged all the way into a working outlet, or if battery operated, have working batteries.

Prevention Is The Key To Avoiding Carbon

Monoxide Poisoning

• DO choose appliances that vent their fumes to the outside whenever possible, have them properly installed, and maintain them according to manufacturers' instructions. • DO read and follow all of the instructions that accompany any fuel-burning device. If you cannot avoid using an unvented gas or kerosene space heater, carefully follow the cautions that come with the device and keep doors to the rest of the house open. Crack a window to ensure enough air for ventilation and proper fuel-burning.

• DON'T idle the car in a garage -- even if the garage door to the outside is open. Fumes can build up very quickly in the garage and living area of your home. • DON'T use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short time.

• DON'T ever use a charcoal grill indoors -- even in a fireplace. • DON'T sleep in any room with an unvented gas or kerosene space heater. • DON'T use any gasoline-powered engines (mowers, weed trimmers, snow blowers, chain saws, small engines or generators) in enclosed spaces.

• DON'T ignore symptoms, particularly if more than one person is feeling them. You could lose consciousness and die if you do nothing. Brief Highlights of BV Fire Board Meeting, August 13 • Bay Area Air Quality Management sent out a notice they will begin charging a $98 fee for burning permits.

• There were 3 cars delivered from Creams Towing to be cut up for firefighter training. • Firefighter Andrew Tognozzi recently got his commercial class B drivers license, which qualifies him to drive a fire • Fire Marshal's Report - Lieutenant Travis Browne dia the annual inspection of Morley Winery. The Engine Company inspected the Bennett Ridge firebreak and provided recommendations.

• The Gold Ridge Board of Directors appointed Dan George as the permanent Fire Chief for both Gold Ridge and Bennett Valley Fire Districts. Battalion Chief Darrin De Carli explained that he will still be around and thanked the Board for the opportunity to fill in as the interim Fire Chief in Bennett Valley.

• There will be no election for the Bennett Valley Fire District Board of Directors as only the two incumbents submitted paperwork for the two positions up for re-election. • The Explorers are doing well. There are currently six of ! them. trained professional at the beginning of every heating season. Make certain that the flues and chimneys are connected, in good condition, and not blocked.

Access to Approved Minutes For Bennett Valley Fire Protection District (BVFPD) Members of the public can request the meeting agenda 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 i Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper, Kori Lantow. by email. i klantow@comcast.net, at the BV Fire Board of Directors meeting or ! by telephone, 823-1084. What follows are highlights selected by the ! VOICE Editor from the approved minutes for two meetings, on August 13 and September 10.

5 Brief Highlights of BV Fire Board Meeting, September 10 Equipment maintenance: one of the fire engines, #7841, had front end work and received new tires. • There are four firefighters finishing up the Engineer Academy. "Prevent Kitchen Fires" KENWOOD PRESS, November 1 "...Did you know that cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and injuries?...U.S. Fire Departments responded to an estimated annual average of 156,600 cooking-related fires between 2007 and 2011, resulting in 400 civilian deaths, 5,080 civilian injuries and $853 million in direct damage.

• Unattended cooking was a factor in 34% of reported home cooking fires. • Two-thirds of home cooking fires started with ignition of food or other cooking materials. • Ranges accounted for 58% of home cooking fire incidents. Ovens accounted for 16%. • Microwave ovens are one of the leading home products associated with scald burn injuries not related to fires. Nearly half (44%) of the microwave oven injuries seen at emergency rooms in 2011 were scald burns...

• Clothing was the item first ignited in less than 1% of home cooking fires, but these incidents accounted for 16% of the cooking fire deaths. By following a few safety tips you can prevent these fires: • Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food. Turn off the stove when you leave the kitchen.

• Keep anything that can catch fire - oven mitts, wooden utensils...towels..., away from your stovetop. • Where possible, use the stove's back burners and keep children away from stove. If you have a cooking fire..Just get out! Close the door behind you to help contain fire. Call 9-1-1. For small grease fires keep a lid nearby and slide it over the pan, then turn off stove.

Remember, Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires!

Emergency Communications Drill By Karen Sommer, BV Emergency Preparedness Coordinator The Amateur Radio group performed an Emergency Communications drill along with the Oakmont Group on October 19th, in conjunction with the State wide "Great Shake Out". This was the second drill this year to test how well we can communicate in our Bennett Valley hills during a disaster, using both ham radios and various walkie-talkies. The group established the Bennett Valley Grange as the central receiving "hub" for the drill. Ham operators were at remote locations around Bennett Valley, communicating with the central hub at the BV Grange. We had good range throughout the Bennett Valley area with very few exceptions (Enterprise Road and Taylor Mountain).

We are working to establish trained Bennett Valley residents in all areas of the Valley. In a real disaster this will be very important. You can expect further information on communications classes for this purpose. Interested residents may contact Karen Sommer: email: ksommer11@earthlink.net or 528-8982.

Sonoma Mountain Trail Project Moves Forward KENWOOD PRESS, October 1 "On September 24, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors gave its final approval for construction of the long awaited East Slope Sonoma Mountain Trail. The 1.3 mile trail was first envisioned over 15 years ago, but years of litigation, negotiations, and work by public and private partnerships resulted an extensive journey that is finally seeing light at the end of a long tunnel.

The multi-use trail will be accessible from the Sonoma Mountain Ridge Trail in Jack London State Park. The trail crosses two private properties and a property Preservation and Open Space District. The trail goes along the east side of Sonoma Mountain, through oak woodland and open grassland habitats, and, according to all that have walked the area, has stunning views.

It's really an amazing place," said Sheri Emerson, Stewardship Program Manager for the Open Space District. The trail also completes a segment of the Bay Bennett Valley Has a Representative on the County Board of Education By Gina Cuclis, Area One Trustee, Sonoma County Board of Education As the Area One Trustee on the Sonoma County Board of Education, the Bennett Valley Union School District is one of the four school districts I represent. The County Board of Education is the governing body for the Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE). SCOE provides services to Sonoma County's forty school districts to help them meet legal mandates, operate cost-effectively, and raise student achievement. SCOE's mission is to foster student success through services to students, schools, and the community. The county board works in conjunction with the County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Steve Herrington.

Since I got elected last November, I have been working to get to know the school districts I represent. I have attended meetings of the Bennett Valley school board. I have met with Bennett Valley Superintendent Sue Fields, who gave me a tour of the remodeled Bennett Valley School campus. I also stay in touch with Bennett Valley school board members to encourage them to take advantage of the professional development workshops SCOE provides school district board members. There are a lot of changes underway in public education right now. I always appreciate hearing from constituents. Please feel free to contact me at ginacuclis@gmail.com.

At the September 24 meeting, the Board Supervisors, acting as the Open Space District's Board of Directors, approved the trail design and an environmental study, and authorized the solicitation of competitive bids for a contractor to complete the rough grading and rock work portion of construction work, estimated to take about 21 days. The cost of this construction phase is estimated at about $50,000. The supervisors also approved a contract with the Sonoma County Trails Council to provide coordination of volunteers to finish the trail, which includes tasks such as raking, planting, rock placement, smoothing and compacting the trail surfaces, erosion control and brush trimming.

The cost of this phase of work is $19,500, but $10,000 of that will be taken care of thanks to a grant to the Trails Council from REI. Open Space District officials are currently working out the specifics of an arrangement to have the Valley of the Moon Natural History Association eventually operate and maintain the trail.. This project really represents the best of collaboration amongst private and public landowners, funders, non-governmental organizations and the public," said First District Supervisor Susan Gorin. Gorin is the third First District supervisor since 1997 to have dealt with this trail, following Mike Cale and Valerie Brown.

In 1997, an Open Space conservation easement, costing $1.2 million was put in place on a 240-acre property that was owned by the McCrea family... A public trail was planned on the ridge top, and work was close to completion in 2001... But the property was then sold... that same year, and the new owner subsequently denied public access to the trail, setting off years of litigation... A settlement was finally reached in 2009... It is hoped that the East Slope Sonoma Mountain Trail will be open to the public next spring or summer." 6

Bennett Valley Community Association (BVCA) Board Of Directors P.O. Box 2666, Santa Rosa, CA 95405 www.bennettvalley.org Craig S. Harrison, President charrison@hunton.com 573-9990 Larissa Goliti, Vice-President and Membership Coordinator Igoliti@hotmail.com 578-3453 Debra J. Forton Engel, Treasurer reddoqvineyards@gmail.com (415) 987-5677 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 For any questions about the BVCA website, contact Bill Finkelstein.* Board Changes: Richard Lukasko has chosen to resign from the BVCA board and has been replaced by Bill Finkelstein, as of the end of this next BVCA election meeting, on November 21.

Summary of Presentation by Liz Parsons, «Landscaping with California Native Plants" By Karen Sommer We had a good turnout for the presentation by Liz Parsons from the California Native Plant Society, Milo Baker chapter, who was our guest speaker on September 19 at the BV Grange. She brought a large selection of plant specimens and books to share with the audience.

Her slide presentation showed the variety of plants that are native to California. The presentation illustrated the beauty of these plants in her own landscaping. Native plants are easy to care for, and in most cases are drought resistant and pest resistant. There was much interest by those who attended and many questions were answered by Liz.

Folks lingered afterwards to look at her collection of books and plants.

Bvca Membership Dues, 2013

If you haven't yet paid your dues for 2013, the annual dues are $15 plus any additional contribution you want to make. These contributions to BVCA may now be tax-deductible. 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 PayPal account. To pay online, go to www.bennettvalley.org (our BVCA website), 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, about your membership dues, please call Larissa Goliti, 578-3453. If you have any questions about paying online, please call Bill Finkelstein, 536-1026.

Notification Of Email Changes

Please be sure to notify Larissa Goliti of any changes to your email address, at Igoliti@hotmail.com or by phone, 578-3453. This may be necessary because you've chosen to receive your VOICE, via email, or because you want to be notified by Bennett Valley Community Association through Alert of important information at times when the VOICE is not scheduled to go out.

Brief Summary, BVCA Minutes 7:00 pm - Guest Speaker: Liz Parsons, "Landscaping with California Native Plants". See above summary. 8:15 pm, Call to Order • Jean LaCombe presented the results of the board elections. Incumbents Frank LaCombe and Jim Cobb were reinstalled as board members and Bill Finkelstein was elected to fill the vacancy left by board member Richard Lukasko. The board expressed appreciation and gratitude to Richard Lukasko for his service and support during his term on the board.

• Treasurer's Report: Treasurer Debbie Forton Engel summarized expenditures on the Bennett Valley VOICE and other ongoing expenses. • Bill Finkelstein presented a report on the upgrades and funding for improvements needed at the BV Grange Hall. BVCA had recently contributed $3,000 to improve the Grange parking area.

• BVEP Report: Karen Sommer reported that we have to work out with the Bennett Valley Fire District how the contributions received from the community for the emergency communications center will be used, since those plans have now changed. • Larissa Goliti expressed concern that an announcement in the VOICE regarding a local artist's presentation and show was essentially a commercial advertisement. Guidelines need to be discussed regarding advertising in the VOICE.

Board of Directors' Tentative Agenda Thursday, November 21, 7:00 pm, BV Grange Hall • Treasurer's Report • BV Emergency Preparedness Committee Report • Sonoma County/Bennett Valley Road Issues • Advertising Guidelines for VOICE Articles • Speakers for 2014 • Board Priorities and Long-range Planning • New Business as Determined by Board • Adjourn • Organizational Meeting for 2014, for selection of officers with the new board, including Bill Finkelstein.

...... 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 ural character and natural environment of Bennett Valley; to educate, instruct, train and inform the local residents on disastel 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 Inside This Issue • Sonoma County Roads Remain Worst in Bay Area • Update, Better Roads for Bennett Valley Coalition • Will a New Jail Rob From Roads? • Bennett Valley Area Tidbits Bennett Valley Fall Clean-Up Day Fay Blair, "The Gentle Man" • Bennett Valley Grange Report • Bennett Valley Fire District Staff, Fundraiser, BV Fire Call Log • BV Emergency Communications Drill • BV Representative, County Board of Education • East Slope Sonoma Mountain Trail Moves Forward • BVCA Board, Dues, Email Address, Minutes, Agenda • Bennett Valley Community Calendar Bennett Valley Community Calendar Mark your calendars now!!

• Bennett Valley Community Association: The next meeting is Thursday, November 21, 7:00 pm, BV Grange Hall. The tentative agenda is presented 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.

• Bennett Valley Grange #16, BV Grange Hall is serving as our Disaster Preparedness Center and a meeting place for community activities. Go to http://bvgrange.org or see Page 3, to learn more about the Grange and the scheduled activities. On Thursday, December 12, everybody is welcome to come to a Holiday Potluck dinner, at 6:30 pm, which will include Pirate Bingo. You are asked to also bring a white elephant gift to this potluck dinner. If you have any questions, please call Bill & Patty Allen, 544-3721.

• Ham Radio Licensing In Just One Day: (From website smrs) The next scheduled one-day licensing class and exam is Saturday, December 14, Petaluma Senior Center. Cram session, 9:00 am - $10, Exam session, 1:00 pm, $15. Please pre-register 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. Susan Gorin is the elected Supervisor for our 1st District. If you have any concerns or questions, you may contact her District Director, Pat Gilardi, 565-3752, pat.gilardi@sonoma-county.org. Or you can contact Susan Gorin at 565-3752, susan.gorin@sonoma-county.org.

Important Phone Numbers

• For emergencies, use your landline or your cell phone to call 911. Or you can also report emergencies to Dispatch, 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 a law enforcement response, call 565-2121.

• Call Sonoma County Road Maintenance (Public Works), 565-5100 to report dangerous potholes, fallen trees or landslides and to request possible help with litter control and bulk trash in the road. After hours, call 565-2121, for help from Sheriff's office. • Call Sonoma County Animal Control, 565-7100, regarding the removal of dead animals along the road.

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