Page 45 - Sonoma County Gazette July 2018

Whether you live here on the coast or you are a regular visitor
Extreme Fire Danger on Hwy 1 Timber Cove
I feel that I must say something to make everyone aware of the Dangerous situation that exists along the Hwy 1 corridor through the Timber Cove Subdivision: PG&E Lines, Dead Pines & Tan Oaks.
you know the month of July brings the blessed fog onshore and cools us down. The gentle lines of the fog belt come and go, meander up and down the coast lingering with the most refreshing feeling you can imagine, especially when you come down the off the hot hills of the coast. Living in Annapolis for close to 40 years, hot unending days are always cooled down after two or three days with the dependable fog that would come in over the hills. We would always say to friends and visitors “Don’t worry the fog will be in soon”.
Soda Springs County Park is a wonderful place to picnic and laze around near one of the cleanest and most refreshing creeks in Sonoma County. The last two or three miles are a dirt road so a good car or truck is important in getting there. The park has two rock BBQ pits that were built close to a hundred years ago, good clean bathrooms, and lots of places to swim. When we (myself and Shirley Ray worked on this for 10 years) were saving this park about 30 years ago from being logged the elders in Annapolis shared many tales of gatherings that would last a day or two with people coming in from all over. It is called Soda Creek because it has a spring with carbonated soda water coming out. The long local history is wonderful and really tells the story of people who came
to live in this still rural area for cattle, logging, and orchard farming. Visit the website at parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/Visit/Soda-Springs-Reserve/The-Story- of-Soda-Springs-Reserve/ for more history and directions to this sweet spot.
These photos document the location, mile marker 35.87. What you cannot see very well in them is the PG&E high tension lines that are in the middle of the dead, dying, falling Pine trees and the standing DEAD Tan Bark Oaks, next to the Highway One roadway. A perfect (fire) storm, waiting to happen.
Recommendations for North Coast Destinations...
The fire danger along our scenic Hwy
1 corridor through the Timber Cove Subdivision has never been higher. The drought-ravaged Pine trees are in serious decline. The SOD that has been decimating the Tan Bark Oaks has made it’s way down to our neighborhood above the ocean; everyday more and more Dead Tan Oaks show themselves.
On the way to Soda Springs you pass by the Annapolis Winery. They were one of the first vineyards and later wineries in the coastal region of Sonoma Coast. Totally family owned I remember many local teenagers being hired on to pick during harvest, as well as anyone willing to work. I still have my scar on my right hand I earned while picking one harvest with my boys. Please check their website for days and times open at www.annapoliswinery.com/ aboutus.html. Annapolis also has the Annapolis Historical Society, a dedicated group of local residents who keep the community spirit alive. They host a few events in the year at the Old Schoolhouse (which a few of them attended back in the day) and keep the old timers stories as real as it gets as you sit on the old schoolhouse steps. Please visit their facebook page to contact them at facebook. com/Annapolis-Historical-Society-1235050469888605/.
These standing, dead Oak trees are the perfect ladder fuel. And the dead and dying Pine trees are falling over at an increasingly alarming rate. The Pines and Tan Oaks are well within striking distance of the PG&E lines that connect Timber Cove Rd with Highway 1. This, along with the Highway 1 traffic (human) factor are reason for alarm.
Other events on the coast are important to note:
We need to do something to address this ‘ticking time bomb’ Immediately, if not sooner. We cannot rely on this property owner to do anything. (They are on the Board in control of the Fire Abatement Program!) This is not the time for the same old political games that we have been experiencing here in Timber Cove for the three decades I have owned property here.
Fort Ross State Historic Park Festival July 28th. This event is a wonderful event to get a glimpse into the history of our coast, mingle with costumed volunteers, and take part in many handcrafts. Visit the web page at fortross. org/fort-ross-festival-2018.htm.
Power pole lines @ SOD 097 surrounded by dead trees
We need the Tan Oaks dropped and chipped NOW!
We need the Pine trees that will reach the power lines Removed NOW!!
This letter is putting the responsible parties on notice that they Will Be Held Responsible and Liable if
a fire develops as a result
of their refusal to maintain their properties. If they cannot afford to maintain their acreages, they should not have purchased them in the first place.
Moving up the coast is Timber Cove Resort which hosts locals night on Wednesdays where it’s a great place to meet this great community for a hearty meal and good conversation. Visit them at timbercoveresort.com/activities.
What I do not understand is that
we in Timber Cove—with the help of Jill Butler, Del Walters and Marshall Turbeville (and others of CDF) have developed a comprehensive Fire Abatement Plan, and are actually paying a monthly fee through the TCCWD to implement the plan.
Gualala Arts has four art openings the month of July. One special exhibit is the Youth Exploring the Sonoma Coast (Yes-Coast) photography exhibit. These 29 youth have participated in a yearlong program connecting to their scenic coastline by attending several outdoor excursions learning about the natural and cultural history of our coastal area. Reception July 6 starting at 5:00.
This month is also the Global Harmony Adventure Camp, the Annual Car Show, the very fun Pinewood Derby race, and several handcraft workshops. Of course I get to mention a presentation I will be offering regarding a remarkable collaboration between a Russian museum in St. Petersburg and California academic tribal and community members. The museum in St. Petersburg, The Kunstkamera, houses the largest collection of coastal and inland tribal basketry, tools, and adornment. I will share personal stories of this 6 year project with photos that have not been shared before; 27 years of researching this collection; how it came to be collaboration; how it received funding; and more importantly the connections made.
Please join me at the Gualala art Center on July 28th at 7:00 PM. Visit the web for more info on all these events. gualalaarts.org/category/events/ page/2/. The Point Arena Lighthouse will host a lecture on local logging July 14th with Michael Combs. The Full Moon which is super special is Friday July 27th. Please visit their web at pointarenalighthouse.com/visit/calendar-2/.
Morris Lee Dr. @ Hwy 1, SOD106
The coast has so much to offer, never a dull moment. And what better way than to come to the coast and cool off! Blessings to you all!
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