Page 45 - Sonoma County Gazette September 2019

The large redwoods outside of my airy cyber-hut are outlined in the fog today! I must admit that I called the fog in as I do not like really hot weather any more! For years I basked on the beach (usually in Mexico or Guatemala) like an iguana-not now!
I attended the Stumptown Beerfest on our beach recently. Many out of area and local folks having a great time. Perfect weather. You look around and see people in the river, you see the mountains and the marine layer mist starting to come in. In some ways Monte Rio hasn’t changed over the decades. It’s still one gorgeous paradise.
I have been hearing the not so-cheerful sound of chippers as tree cutters
clean up after taking down many trees in our area. I agree with getting rid of dead trees and trimming others which may threaten power lines, but let’s not
go overboard with this! As reported by many local folks, PG&E has hired many different companies to do their work, supposedly to prevent against their power lines causing another devastating wild fire. I really think that more homeowners can be pro-active with this and not have live, non-threatening trees taken
down! I saw a heart-breaking pic of a cut in Camp Meeker, where redwoods lay in a hug pile on the side if Bohemian Hway—not necessary! People are afraid naturally, of a fire, but taking out many of our fine trees is not the answer!!
September and there’s a change in air. High season begins to wind down and we look forward to the peace and still of fall and winter. But before taking a break, attend Russian River Pride Sept 7th.. Kudos to Rodger Jensen for bringing Pride back to the River. Hopefully the newly remodeled r3 will be open by then as well.
As you read this, The 20th Cazadero Old Time BBQ is about to happen on Sunday, September 1st at the Music Camp from 12-5 p.m. A splendid day, filled with terrific events, tasty steak or chicken BBQ, big raffle, kids’ games and face-painting, cold beverages from the Cazadero VFD, dessert table run by the Community Church, Bingo and more! To enter the pie contest, please call Sallie at 632 5211. If you don’t yet have tickets, you may go online to brownpapertickets.com/event/4229602 or call Maureen at 865-2365 to buy tix locally. This very important fund-raiser donates all proceeds directly back into the community, via the Fire Departments, Montgomery Elementary School, Sky Garden, and local scholarships for Cazadero El Molino graduates.
First one being they have adopted the Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) Manual, version 7 dated 8/15/19. All new or repair septic permits will have to follow this manual. I recently went through this process upgrading my redwood box prior to the change in regulations. On the plus side, it seems that while no cesspools will be allowed, existing functioning redwood boxes will be. The difference is a cesspool has holes on the sides where liquids and solids seep out. Over time they clog, fail, and contaminate the soil. Redwood boxes keep the solids inside.
The nextmeetng of the Caz Club will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 3rd at 7 p.m. at Firehall#1. Please come and help your neighbors plan events which benefit the entire community!
Next summer you will be asked what type of system you have. Systems will have to be inspected every 5 years (you pay for inspection). Cesspools and systems that don’t pass inspection will have to be upgraded within 15 years. Some systems might require pre-treatment in the future. There might be low interest loans or grants available, but there are none at this time.
Welcome back to all Montgomery Elementary School students and staff. The 2019-2020 school year promises to be a good one and students will have many opportunities for learning and with field trips. School will be closed on Labor Day, September 2nd. Thanks to the Booster Club for all of their work.
The recent MAC joint meeting held at the Firehall was packed with
over 100 interested folks. Lots of good information was supplied by State Senator Mike McGuire, Mark Bramfitt re: fire department consolidation and
a presentation by Carleon Safford of Fire Safe Sonoma covering residential vegetation management in rural areas. You may access the meeting at www. sonomacounty.ca.gov/lrrmac. Special thanks to our MAC rep Mike Nicholls for all of his time and expertise.
In doing research I was surprised to learn that 25% of all homes in the US (including newly built homes) are on septic systems. The manual can be found at sonomacounty.ca.gov/PRMD/Regulations/OWTS-Manual/ We also have a new ombudsperson, Alisha O’Loughlin, who can assist residents regarding septic upgrades. She will hold office hours at the Monte Rio Community Center. Alisha.Oloughlin@sonoma-county.org
As summer progresses, be sure to shop at Cazadero Supply’s 1st Saturday 15% Discount day. An amazing array of yard, vehicle and household items for all of your projects await you. Raymond’s Bakery continues its Friday Pizza and Music Nights. Both the Cazadero and Duncans Mills general stores have daily grocery needs, plus many locally-grown meats and smoked-salmon, wines and body-care products. The Duncans Mills Tea Shop offers teas and a variety of related gift items. Cape Fear Cafe cooks up delicious New Orleans inspired California cuisine, Gold Coast Cafe, across Hway #116 has a wonderful back deck for relaxing with your tasty coffee, yummy baked goods and pizza.
Leo Chyi will be taking her place and will be working with her during the transition starting August 23rd. He worked for the City and County of San Francisco for the past 10 years. He and his partner have been regular visitors to West county for years and they own a home here. Welcome Leo!
The Russian River Jewish Community will celebrate the New Year Rosh HaShana on Saturday, September 28th at Armstrong Woods. This is a joyous event, filled with music from Jubilee Klezmer Ensemble, ritual readings and songs, a great festivity in the beautiful redwoods plus a tasty potluck. Please call 6325545 for info.
Ready for fall? Curtain Call Theater presents The Haunting of Hill House Sept 6-28. CurtainCallRussianRiver.com
Vacation Wonderland, we just keep getting better.
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There are several changes involving the county recently.
In the Fifth District Office, Elise VanDyne has taken over the field rep position from Amie Windsor. Elise was most recently the Executive Director for Russian River Chamber. District Director Susan Upchurch will be retiring to her home on Whidbey Island near Seattle in October after 11 years of service. I thank Susan for helping me and the community over the years and wish her many years of enjoying the good life in retirement.
On Labor Day, Sept 2nd The Friends of Monte Rio Supper Club
features A Guy and His Grill BBQ with music by Dave Hamilton Band at the Community Center. BYOB $15 6-8pm
October 17 ~ Lower Russian River Municipal
O
Advisory Council Meeting. Agenda and location will be published on the website and posted at the meeting site at least 72 hours before the meeting date.
INFO: http://sonomacounty.ca.gov/Lower-Russian-River- Municipal-Advisory-Council/ and Elise VanDyne at Elise.
VanDyne@sonoma-county.org. 707.565.2241
Contact Cathy at schezer@comcast.net to volunteer for the Sky Garden.
The Annual Cazadero Holiday Crafts Fair will be held on Saturday, November 9th from 10-4 p.m. also at the Firehall. Please call 632-5545 for info and applications.
I wish very happy September birthdays to Vanessa Alexander and Branum Spliethof Jr. on the 5th, community volunteer Charlotte Berry celebrates on the 6th, Jessica Shepard on the 14th, my dear friend and great cartoonist Dave Caplan on the 16th, Rose Orlando-Griggs on the 21st, Colin Desmond on the 22nd, Jessica McBain on the 25th and Kaity Berry has her day on the 26th.
Enjoy the rest of Summer, please drive carefully, especially now that schools are open and call me at 632-5545 or email mayawrld@sonic.net with info for your Cazadero Column!