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July 2018

From a distance, the fire damage on Bennett Mountain is no longer visible.

The Bennett Valley VOICE

In this issue of the VOICE, we have an update on the status of commercial marijuana projects in Bennett Valley, an announcement of a meeting on road safety issues on Bennett Valley Road, and a report on Dr. Quinton Martins' talk on mountain lions. We also have reports on the election for the BVCA board of directors and the Bennett Valley Fire Department.

If you have not done so already, please join or renew your membership for 2018. The dues are $20 plus any additional contribution you may choose to make. Send checks to BVCA, P.O. Box 2666, Santa Rosa, CA 95405 or pay online at www.bennettvalley.org by choosing “Join/Renew: BVCA Membership." For questions about dues contact Larissa Goliti at lgoliti@hotmail.com or 578-3453. For questions about paying online, contact Bill Finkelstein at 536-1026.

We need an editor-in-chief for the VOICE, and if you are interested please contact any board member. For the time being, we have to suspend the printed version. We apologize to members for this inconvenience.

Status of Commercial Marijuana Grows in Bennett Valley

by Craig S. Harrison, President of BVCA

Eleven potential commercial marijuana projects have surfaced within the Bennett Valley Area Plan. The county makes it very difficult to learn of a grow in our area, and without formal public record requests many would remain hidden. We live in the Internet Era, and it is peculiar that no county web site contains this information. "Transparency" is not a word that would describe the county's Cannabis Program. No grows are the “mom and pop” operations that the supervisors said they wanted to promote when they approved the Cannabis Land Use Ordinance in 2016.

Proposition 64 legalized the use of marijuana, but not commercial cultivation. Counties and cities decide in their zoning ordinances whether and where to allow commercial cultivation. Of California’s 58 counties, only nine allow any commercial cultivation. Marin, Napa, Solano, and Contra Costa counties do not. Among Sonoma County’s nine cities, only Santa Rosa allows commercial cultivation, and Santa Rosa restricts it to indoor industrial and commercial sites.

Five permit applications (see table) seem to still be moving forward, most owned by investors without ties to Sonoma County, let alone Bennett Valley. Six seem to be inactive. The property at each active site changed title in 2017 or 2018.

The county has allowed most operations to cultivate marijuana while they apply for permits under its poorly-conceived and even more poorly-implemented penalty relief program. For example, the county allowed growers to escape code enforcement for a year without even applying for a permit.

APN	Address	Zoning	Acres	Permit Application Status
049-130-015	4944 Bennett Valley Road	DA	8	Terminated?
049-150-005	4050 Grange Road	RRD	15	Awaiting public comment
049-130-005	4065 Grange Road	RRD	5	Awaiting Planning Commission
049-030-090	5365 Sonoma Mountain Rd	LIA	9	Terminated?
136-201-004	6480 Eagle Ridge Road	RRD	28	Terminated?
055-150-018	3141 Matanzas Creek Lane	DA	10	Awaiting public comment
055-150-011	3200 Matanzas Creek Lane	RRD	14	Terminated?
055-150-010	3400 Matanzas Creek Lane	RRD	20	Terminated?
055-140-015	3575 Matanzas Creek Lane	DA	7	Terminated?
055-140-006	3700 Matanzas Creek Lane	DA	9	Awaiting public comment
055-140-024	3803 Matanzas Creek Lane	DA	54	Awaiting public comment

Both properties on Grange Road are owned by San Mateo-based Bennett Rosa LLC. The owner of the LLC operates one grow, and an investor in Tiburon operates the other. The county halted the development of the grow at 3141 Matanzas Creek Lane in April when neighbors complained that the owners from Placer County were grading and removing old oaks without permits in the scenic corridor. The grow at 3803 Matanzas Creek Lane is owned and operated by a multi-state marijuana corporation located near Chicago. The owners received a notice of violation from the county in 2017 for building a greenhouse without a permit.

In April, the county reported that marijuana cultivation is netting virtually no income because administering the program absorbs the revenue. The highly-touted tax windfall to support county programs is a mirage. In addition, the investigation and prosecution of each marijuana-related murder costs the county about $2 million. Your property taxes are essentially subsidizing marijuana production.

Few residents are eager to live near a marijuana grow. A Press Democrat poll in June found that 77 percent of county residents want to live at least a mile from a commercial grow to feel safe. Only nineteen percent are comfortable living next door to a pot grow.

Residents of rural neighborhoods throughout the county (http://www.sosneighborhoods.com/) are asking the supervisors to increase minimum lot sizes for grows to 20 acres. They also want to increase minimum setbacks from residences to at least 1,000 feet to avoid the smell, noise, and disturbance of commercial operations that can entail fifteen or more employees coming and going daily. Finally, they want to authorize the creation of exclusion zones where marijuana cannot be grown commercially. Several neighbors are circulating a petition to make Bennett Valley (1.3% of the county) commercial cannabis-free by creating an exclusion zone (http://bennettvalley.org/images/proposals/2018-07-06---Marijuana-Petition.pdf).

Supervisor Susan Gorin said at the April 10 board meeting, "The great folks in the Bennett Valley have some serious concerns about concentration issues. Trust me, I have those concerns as well." She also said, “Neighborhood compatibility is my highest priority.” The supervisors will consider revisions to the ordinance on Tuesday, August 7.

Residents concerned about marijuana cultivation issues can contact Supervisor Gorin (565-3752; Susan.Gorin@sonoma-county.org) and ask what specific measures she will support to address neighborhood compatibility concerns in Bennett Valley.

Addressing Safety Issues on Bennett Valley Road
August 23, 7 PM, Bennett Valley Guild

By William Finkelstein, BVCA Treasurer

We will be holding a public meeting on Thursday, August 23, at the Bennett Valley Guild Hall, 4145 Grange Road, at 7 PM to explore possible options to increase safety on our local roads. Supervisor Susan Gorin, California Highway Patrol Area Captain Michael Palacio, and a representative from the Sonoma County Transportation and Public Works Department will attend.

Unsafe driving on Bennett Valley Road and Grange Road is a major problem. Excessive speed and distracted driving are two factors. Accidents are frequent. On Friday, May 25, there were six major accidents and one fatality. Another fatality occurred in June. The California Highway Patrol has increased the number of patrols and it's helped somewhat, but more needs to be done.

Please join us for this discussion sponsored by the Bennett Valley Community Association, Save Our Sonoma Roads, and the Bennett Valley Guild.

Photo by Quinton Martins, PhD/Principal Investigator/Living with Lions

Secrets of Our Iconic Predator Revealed

by Craig S. Harrison, President of BVCA

Dr. Quinton Martins, a wildlife ecologist with Audubon Canyon Ranch (ACR), gave his third annual talk on ACR’s Living with Lions project to a standing room-only crowd at our May meeting. The original study focused on an area that encompasses about 1,000 square miles, primarily in the Mayacamas Mountains (areas east of Highway 101 and west of 29) in Sonoma and Napa counties. ACR has now partnered with U.C. Berkeley and expanded into Mendocino County, West Sonoma County, and part of Lake County–an area of over 2,500 square miles.

One of Dr. Martins’ key findings is that all six collared mountain lions survived the October fires without injury, although much of their prime habitat was burned. They have evolved with wild fires. Their territories may have shifted with the movements of deer populations, however, and fine-scale analysis over time will provide more insight into their behavior. He also has learned that the vast majority of prey is black-tailed deer, along with smaller animals such as racoons and cats. Although dogs are killed and consumed by lions, none have been recorded killed during the course of this study thus far.

Dr. Martins showed maps that depict the movements of some of the cats that are tracked by satellite every two hours. One male wandered 100 miles of mostly mountainous terrain from Calistoga south to Schellville over a month’s time. His 250 square mile territory includes 17,000 parcels of private land. Most other areas where mountain lions are abundant are large tracts of public land.

Many of us are literally living with lions on our property without seeing them. People are the primary threat to them. Dr. Martins is focusing on ways to minimize conflicts between people and mountain lions, as they pose little threat to humans. They will hunt livestock or pet animals that are left unprotected at night. He emphasizes that killing lions who eat livestock makes no practical or ecological sense. Other cats will move in to take over the vacated territory which can lead to an increase in the number of lions as well as exacerbate the threat to domestic animals.

Dr. Martins advises residents to secure their livestock and pets in predator-proof pens or other protected areas at night. Lions can scale fences as high as twelve feet, so open pens without the correct fencing structures are insufficient.

For more information go to https://egret.org/living-with-lions

Notice of 2018 BVCA Election

by Jean LaCombe, Chair, BVCA Nominating Committee

The BVCA election season is upon us again. Members of the BVCA Board of Directors serve a three-year term, with no limit on number of times they can run for re-election. The board positions are open to any member in good standing with the BVCA. Members are encouraged to place their names into nomination. Current terms are ending for three board members: Gary Barner, Nate Belden, and Deborah Rogers. They may or may not choose to run again.

Anyone interested in joining the BVCA Board of Directors may submit a Candidates Statement to Jean LaCombe no later than 5:00 PM on Saturday, August 25, 2018. Minimum qualifications for candidates are: 1) be a member of good standing in the BVCA, with dues current; and 2) have a strong commitment to “promoting and preserving the rural character and natural environment of Bennett Valley.” Statements shall be no longer than 250 words and may be sent to Jean via either e-mail at jeannielacombe@gmail.com, or by regular mail to:

2018 BVCA Election
Attn: Jean Lacombe
P.O. Box 2666
Santa Rosa, CA 95405

Statements will appear in the September 2018 Bennett Valley Voice.

If you are interested in becoming a board member but are not yet a member, you may join any time prior to August 25, 2018. Simply submit $20.00 to receive the BVCA Voice by e-mail to:

Larrisa Goliti
BVCA Membership Coordinator
P.O. Box 2666
Santa Rosa, CA 95405

Payments may be made by check or PayPal.

All voting members of BVCA will be sent a ballot 30 days prior to the annual Election Meeting scheduled for November 15, 2018. Should you have questions, please contact any of the current board members whose numbers are listed in the Voice, or call or text Jean LaCombe at (707) 537-5779.

Bennett Valley Fire Department Update
by Lieutenant Nick Thysell, Bennett Valley Fire District

Since June 24, we have had a four-person crew at the Pawnee Fire in Lake County assisting firefighting efforts in the department’s new engine. Three months ago, the department received its new Type 3 Wildland Fire Engine. Typically, when a new engine arrives, the department cannot place it in service until all equipment and radios are installed. All work was completed in-house and we got the engine ready for service in May.

During May we conducted a testing process to hire new firefighters to fill vacancies. Traditionally our department tries to hire firefighters from our list of volunteers. Our volunteer levels are lower than usual, so we branched out to other agencies in the county. After skills testing and interviews, we hired the most qualified candidates. They are excited to be members of the department and look forward to providing the best emergency care they can.

Fire Season is once again upon us. The CalFire website www.readyforwildfire.org has helpful tips and advice for preparing you and your home for fires, including resources and information on wildfires.

We have received phone calls regarding grassy fields and property inspections. The Bennett Valley area is a State Response Area (SRA) which means CalFire is ultimately responsible for enforcing weed abatement. We are happy to assist CalFire with fire preparation efforts and will inspect your property to give advice. Because CalFire is busy this time of year, the process to enforce weed abatement can take some time, but CalFire will address them.

With community protection and safety in mind, we recommend that you assist us and CalFire in making sure everyone stays safe. If you notice areas around you are not properly maintained for wildland fires, let’s work together and offer a helping hand to mitigate grassy fields and overgrown vegetation.

In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 to let our dispatch notify the proper respondent for the emergency.

Emergency Calls: May-June 2018:

Public Assists: 1	Structure Fires: 2
Medical Aids: 24	Vehicle Fires: 1
Smoke Alarms: 0	Hazardous Conditions: 3
Vehicle Accidents: 10	Smoke/Fire Investigations: 3
Vegetation Fires: 3

Bennett Valley Community Association

Board of Directors

www.bennettvalley.org

Craig S. Harrison, President craigspencerharrison@gmail.com 573-9990
Larissa Goliti, Vice-President and Membership Coordinator lgoliti@hotmail.com 578-3453
Gary Barner, Secretary gbarner@cds1.net 481-6196
Bill Finkelstein, Treasurer and BVCA Webmaster bill@williamfinkelstein.com 536-1026
Nate Belden, Director nate@beldenbarns.com 415-577-8552
Frank LaCombe, Director frankklacombe@gmail.com 585-3482
Deborah Rogers, Director and Bennett Valley Emergency Preparedness (BVEP) Coordinator deborahrog@comcast.net 332-4753
James Cobb, Director cobblaw@pacbell.net 586-9172
Jamie Burkart, Director bc3burkart@gmail.com 303-859-0489

VOICE editorial team: Vacant

Minutes for the previous meeting of the BVCA Board of Directors are typically posted on its web site soon after they are approved. You can find them at: http://bennettvalley.org/index.php/meetings/33-meeting-minutes

The forthcoming meeting of the Bennett Valley Community Association Board of Directors will be held at the Bennett Valley Guild Hall on, Thursday, July 19 at 7:00 PM. The public is invited to attend. The Agenda for the board meeting opens with public discussion, with each presenter invited to address the Board for up to three minutes with name, address, and concern. Following public input, the board will receive a report from the Treasurer, reports of any official notifications from the County, and a report from the Bennett Valley Emergency Preparedness Committee. Additional topics of discussion will include county roads, VOICE, the BV Fire Protection District, and potential speakers for 2018.

Bennett Valley Fire Protection District
6161 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
bennettvalleyfire.org
707-578-7761
contact@bennettvalleyfire.org

Board of Directors

President: Arnie Tognozzi
Vice-President: Joseph Mazeau
Directors: Deborah Rogers, Don D'Avanzo, and Mark Richardson
Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper: Lesley McCormick, 823-1084

Bennett Valley Paid Firefighting Staff
Fire Chief: Dan George, 481-8105 Email: dgeorge@sonic.net
Battalion Chief: Darrin DeCarli, 823-5502 Email: ddecarli@sonic.net
Battalion Chief: Adam Schipper Email: schipper@sonic.net
Officers: Lt. Travis Brown Andrew Tognozzi; Lt. Nick Thyself
Full-time Firefighters: Scott Gratto, Brian Black, Ben Tapparo

Fire District Board Meetings: Second Tuesday each month, 7:00 PM, at the Bennett Valley Fire Station. Confirm the meeting date in advance by calling 823-1084.

Bennett Valley Guild

Go to http://bvguild.org to learn more about the Guild, including the most current Guild calendar or, for an article on the early history of the Bennett Valley Guild. Note: Ricardo's Bar & Grill, 2700 Yulupa, Santa Rosa, is donating 10% of all day sales on the fourth Tuesday of every month in 2018 to the Bennett Valley Guild Restoration Fund. If you have any questions, please call Bill or Patty Allen, 544-3721.

Bennett Valley Community Calendar

Mark your calendars now!

Bennett Valley Community Association: Next meeting is Thursday, July 19, 7:00 PM, Bennett Valley Guild Hall at 4145 Grange Rd.

Bennett Guild BBQ Pot Luck: Thursday, August 9, 6:00 PM, at the Bennett Valley Guild Hall, 4145 Grange Rd., Santa Rosa.

Bennett Valley Fire Protection District: 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.

Sonoma County Board Of Supervisors: Meets most Tuesdays at varying times; 575 Administration Drive, Santa Rosa.

Emergencies. 911.

Sheriff’s Office. 565-2121 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

Sonoma County Road Maintenance (Public Works). 565-5100 to report dangerous potholes, fallen trees, landslides, or trash in the road. After hours, 565-2121 (Sheriff’s office). If debris or objects cause imminent traffic hazards on county roads, 588-1400 (California Highway Patrol).

CalFire (to report hazardous vegetation) 707-967-1400

Sonoma County Animal Services. 565-7100 (removal of large dead animals on the road).

Sonoma County Board Of Supervisors: Supervisor Susan Gorin (565-3752, susan.gorin@sonoma-county.org) represents Bennett Valley as the 1st District Supervisor. It's usually easier to reach her District Director, Pat Gilardi (565-3752, pat.gilardi@sonoma-county.org).