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Below is the complete set of Committee Reports which were distributed at the Mid-Winter Meeting held on Saturday, February 11, 2006 at the Del Mar Center Meeting Hall:
THE SEA RANCH ASSOCIATION California Coastal National Monuments Stewardship Task Force (CCNM) MEMBERS: Richard Kuehn (Co-Chair) Mike Lane Paul Gudiksen (Co-Chair) Elaine Mahaffey Marge Anthony Bonnie Plakos Sandy Bush Rozanne Rapozo Julie Gibson Jerry Rench Bryant Hichwa Connie Schimbor Diane Hichwa Richard Schimbor Mary Hunter Jim Tackett Linda Keir Craig Tooley STAFF LIAISON: John Fox TASK FORCE MISSION: The mission of the California Coastal National Monuments Stewardship Task Force is to monitor the biological resources on the many small islands and rocks along The Sea Ranch coastline. This includes the birds, seals, and plants that may be present on the islands and rocks. The monitoring approach involves an assessment of the present resources and their variations over the long-term as well as the effects of short-term manmade or natural events. The work is performed under the guidance and assistance of Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biological scientists. ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2007:
GOALS FOR 2008:
MEMBERS: Nancy Carter
– 09/01 (Chair) ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2007: · Prepared and hosted New Owners Meeting and Midwinter Meeting with improved formats · Established linkages to other committees to assist in communication matters · Analyzed electronic and written member survey to assess and improve communication. · Continued implementation of improvements to the Bulletin · Began review of future Soundings needs following announcement of editor’s retirement · Reviewed and revised Editorial Policy · Developed introduction to The Sea Ranch Association video for new members GOALS FOR 2008:
MEMBERS:
ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2007:
FUTURE GOALS FOR 2008:
MEMBERS: Sandy Bush STAFF LIAISON: Louise DeWilder TASK FORCE CHARTER:
ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2007:
GOALS FOR 2008: MEMBERS: Millie Davis STAFF LIAISONS: Bill Wiemeyer COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES:
ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2007:
GOALS FOR 2008:
Harbor Seal Pupping Docent Program MEMBERS: (Active 2007 Season) Sandra Bush, Coordinator Doreen and Alan Arthur Angie Bailie Sharon Baylis Colby and Jim Bibb Terry Bold (G) Sally Bradley Mike and Annie Brayer Betsi and John Carey Nancy Carter Joe and Jeanette Cayting Julie Clarke Dale and Jeannie Claypool Linda Clyne Ning Douglas Fran and Fred Ducey (G) Cheryl Faconti Susan Field Iris and Steve Finz Marvis Forst Jeanne Gadol Jackie Gardener Joyce George Julie Gibson Barbara Gomes Harrison Goldberg Mary Gormley Sarah Gray George and Pat Haas Laverne and Mark Hancock (G) Suzanne Hansen Diane Hichwa Mary Hunter Jim and Joan Jordan Pam Kalustian Mirka Knaster Linda and Jack Knebel Lee and Gene Kosso Carrie and Don Krieger Richard Kuehn Merilyn Lafferty Vivien Lin/Mike Kross Patricia Lynch Clair McPherson (G) Mike and Peggy Mee Cecilia Moelter Bob and Charity Mulford Dave and Evelyn Osteraas Judith Papas Louise and Bob Patton Bobby Penney Bonnie Plakos Dorothy Porter Bob and Goldie Pounds Nancy Powers Alan and Sally Ramsay Rozanne Rapozo Ralph Rasmussen Lin Robertson Kathleen Sandidge Connie Schimbor Dorothy Stevenson Mary Suhr Judy Taylor Kristine Thomure (G) Mike and Lynn Tuft Mike Turner Tina Vasavada Dee Wallace Shirley Walton CeCe Werson Jean Whitridge Dave Windsor Laura Yale (G) refers to non-Sea Ranchers from Gualala SPECIAL DONATIONS OF TIME TO THE PROGRAM: Molly Engelbrecht Lita Gitt Rita Peck Craig Tooley Martin Pena Bob McCormack ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2007: This program functions in April and May when Harbor Seal pups are being born on our shoreline. The volunteer docents monitor pup/mother health and educate visitors about marine mammal behaviors. The program was established in 1996 by Board of Directors action. Its success speaks to our caring Sea Ranch population. MEMBERS: Nancy E. Powers, Chair ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2007: Ÿ Conducted 3 workshops for Association Members Preparation for the defensible space fire safe inspections Identification and removal of non-native invasives Landscape design and the approval process Ÿ Maintained and developed the Demonstration Garden Ÿ Worked with the Vision Interpretive Program Committee to develop the Landscape Manual Ÿ Worked with the staff to create and approve an undated list of “approved plants” Ÿ Maintained the bulletin board in the Ohlson Ranch House Ÿ Wrote articles for the Bulletin and Soundings GOALS FOR 2008: Ÿ Add three new members to the Native Plant Committee Ÿ Conduct workshops for Association Members on April 26, 2008 Propagating Native Plants and on October 18, 2008 Maintaining Your Natives Ÿ Assist and educate Association Members regarding fire safe landscaping and invasive plant removal Ÿ Maintain and complete the Demonstration Garden Ÿ Hold a champagne open house for the Demonstration Garden on May 24, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. Ÿ Maintain the bulletin board in the Ohlson Ranch House Start a new interactive series of articles for the Bulletin, called “Ask Scott“, featuring native plant landscaping advice from Scott Graf and compliance answers from staff members (Email: calcott@tsra.org).MEMBERS: Bob Hartstock (08), Chair BOARD LIAISON: STAFF LIAISON: Rosemarie Hocker Bill Wiemeyer During 2007-2008, Toby Lovallo and Jack Walton left the committee. Dibby Tyler stayed on the committee for one additional year. Elaine Lawson and Kathryn Weiss joined the committee with new full terms and Richard Lee joined the committee, completing Toby Lovallo’s term. NEW GOALS FOR 2007-2008: 1. CENTRAL TIMBER PRODUCTION ZONE. Review management of the Central Timber Production Zone and forest management practices and related information to outline a suggested forest management program that The Sea Ranch Association could undertake to promote the growth of a healthy predominately redwood forest. Explore ways to fund forest management practices. (Comprehensive Environmental Plan Guideline 4.8) 2. GREEN BUILDING, SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBORHOODS. Explore how The Sea Ranch Association could encourage green living, green practices, reduce auto dependency and generally improve sustainability. (Comprehensive Environmental Plan Guideline 2.6) 3. COASTAL MARINE PRESERVES. Monitor the work of the Department of Fish and Game with regards to the establishment of coastal marine preserves. Evaluate the desirability of establishing coastal marine preserves along The Sea Ranch coast. ONGOING GOALS FROM 2006 – 2007: 4. LEGACY BUILDINGS AT THE SEA RANCH. Develop criteria and methods to designate early Sea Ranch structures exemplifying the use of architectural elements, materials and style that have become characteristic of The Sea Ranch. Explore ways to encourage and help owners preserve designated buildings. (Comprehensive Environmental Plan Guideline 2.4) 5. VERDANT VIEW DISTRICT. Working with owners, complete a plan for the Verdant View Commercial Area; conduct a workshop for Sea Ranchers; obtain approvals from the Design Committee and Sonoma County; assist owners as needed with implementation of the plan. In addition, analyze The Sea Ranch Association future needs for office space, storage space, parking and maintenance facilities, as well improvements to the recycling area and wood chip storage area. (Comprehensive Environmental Plan Guideline 4.5) 6. CELL TOWER. Explore how The Sea Ranch Association could encourage the phone company to install a new cell tower at the north end of The Sea Ranch. ONGOING PROGRAMS: 1. CEP - Comprehensive Environmental Plan: Stay alert for opportunities to implement guidelines in the Comprehensive Environmental Plan. 2. Keep up regional relationships. 3. Assist with the signature hedgerow replanting program. ACCOMPLISHMENTS DURING 2007/2008:Goal 1. CTPZ – Central Timber Production Zone.This year, the Planning Committee explored the 283 acre Central Timber Production Zone with a focus on current management practices and investigated opportunities for better land and forest management, and opportunities that might be created in this unique parcel of land. Early on, we concluded the need to hire a Registered Professional Forester to compete a Forest Management Plan. This report would analyze soils and geology, vegetation and timber growth, roads and access, fish and wildlife, hazards/diseases/problems, fire protection practices, recreation opportunities and recommend guidelines for forest resource management. At present, we are working with the Board of Directors to budget money for this report. Goal 2. Green Building, Sustainable Neighborhoods. Beginning this year, the Planning Committee will explore the concepts behind “Green Living Practices and Sustainability” and how The Sea Ranch Association and its members may benefit from enhanced environmental approaches to design and living. Goal 3. Coastal Marine Preserves. In 1999 the Marine Life Protection Act was passed to further protect the State’s marine life and habitats, ecosystems, and enhance recreational and educational opportunities for all Californians. Phase one of the Marine Life Protection Act created marine preserves along the central California coast. Phase two will look at the North Central Coast, which includes The Sea Ranch.
The Planning Committee and The Sea Ranch Association staff attended workshops sponsored by the Department of Fish and Game and various private groups. At this time, no additional preserves are proposed for The Sea Ranch, although The Sea Ranch has concerns about the undefined boundaries of the Del Mar Preserve and potential pressure The Sea Ranch could experience if adjacent coastal properties are designated as Marine Preserves. The Planning Committee and staff will continue to monitor the actions of the Department of Fish and Game and report to the Community Manager. Goal 4. Legacy Buildings at The Sea Ranch. The Planning Committee will continue work towards identifying important early Sea Ranch structures that need protection and recognition, for exhibiting the trademarks of The Sea Ranch design. Goal 5. Verdant View District. After many months of communications with the land owners, extensive research and creative thinking, a members’ workshop, and meetings with the Design Committee and the Sonoma County Planning Office, the Planning Committee completed its report on how to enhance the Verdant View area. A complete report is available at The Sea Ranch Association office. In summary, the Planning Committee identified site constraints and opportunities for the land owners. They encouraged linkages between the properties and the introduction of pathways and landscaping. Conceptual building designs were proposed as properties get developed and expanded. And a comprehensive member’s survey identified business opportunities for the land owners. The Conceptual Plan also suggested some improvements to The Sea Ranch Association properties and introduced an approach to a future The Sea Ranch Association office building, built with green building products and sized to accommodate all The Sea Ranch Association offices and parking. The Planning Committee will continue its analysis of The Sea Ranch Association future needs for space and facilities. Goal 6. Cell Tower. Working with Community Manager John Fox, the Planning Committee will continue to monitor developments in the Wireless Cell Service with the hopes of improving service at the north end of The Sea Ranch. During the recent power outages and loss of land lines, we have recognized the value of wireless cell service as a critical means of communication and convenience. ONGOING PROGRAMS:Comprehensive Environmental Plan Implementation: The Planning Committee continues to use the Comprehensive Environmental Plan as the basis of most of its projects. In 2008-2009 the Planning Committee will review the Comprehensive Environmental Plan for updates and expansion. Fire Safety Task Force: In April 2007, the Board of Directors established the Fire Safety Task Force to advise the Board of Directors on a program to improve fire safety. A member of the Planning Committee was appointed to the Fire Safety Task Force. The Fire Safety Task Force reviewed all past reports related to fire management with a focus on the Fuel Management Plan; worked together with the Fire Safe Council to prioritize future programs, and presented the future programs (and budgets) to the Board of Directors for consideration in the 2008-2009 budget. The Board of Directors is considering the material at this time. Hedgerow Rehabilitation: The Planning Committee conducted a neighborhood workshop on replanting the Pelican hedgerow and in the fall of 2007, the hedgerow was replanted with great success. The Planning Committee also reviewed the priorities of the Hedgerow program and will recommend some changes. In 2008, both hedgerows Whalers #16A and Whalers #16B will be replanted. Windthrow Replanting: The Planning Committee and staff followed up with a site inspection of the Pilots Reach and Fly Cloud replanting program. Unfortunately, the survival rate of new plants was found to be smaller than hoped, but natural seedlings have balanced the total number of plants in the area. Continual inspections will occur and additional trees will be planted in 2008, if necessary. Unit 17 Tree Project: Under the direction of Jim Platt, the neighbors of Unit 17 completed phase one of trimming and removing trees for view restoration in 2007. Phase two will begin in 2008 with Jim and Planning Committee member Elaine Lawson coordinating the project. GOALS FOR 2008- 2009: The Planning Committee will consider its goals for 2008-2009 at its March meeting and forward its suggestions to the Board for review at the Board’s April meeting. Many current projects will carry over, but at this time, the Planning Committee has made no recommendations for new initiatives for the new year. Bob Hartstock, Planning Committee Chair MEMBERS: Michael
Brayer STAFF LIAISON: Lin Plescia, Director of Security Alan Ramsey – Term Completed in 2007 SUMMARY OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2007:
GOALS FOR 2008:
The Sea Ranch Amateur Radio Auxiliary (TSRARA) Purpose of our group:The purpose of The Sea Ranch Amateur Radio Auxiliary (TSRARA) is to provide emergency communications for The Sea Ranch and surrounding communities plus communications access on the coast between Point Arena, Anchor Bay, Gualala, Stewart’s Point, Timber Cove and Bodega Bay through our Sea Ranch Repeater. Activities:We maintain a repeater on the radio tower at the top of Moonraker Road. The repeater is on a frequency of 147.945 Megahertz with a PL of 88.5 and a negative offset of 600 Kilohertz. Members of TSRARA may use the telephone auto-patch on our repeater. We work closely with the Sonoma Mountain Repeater Society which links our repeater to other repeaters at Pt. Reyes and Petaluma. TSRARA also maintains antennas for emergency use at the Knipp Stengel Barn, Del Mar Center and Sea Ranch Association. TSRARA members and equipment have been used in a variety of emergencies such as lost party searches, vehicle accidents, fires, road closures, phone and power outages. The group is an integral part of The Sea Ranch Disaster Plan and participates in Emergency drills with the staff. Licensed members of TSRARA assist in providing training to persons who are interested in obtaining an Amateur Radio Operators License. Meeting dates and times:Informal meetings are held several times each year as the need arises for planning or our organization’s participation in special events. Our group’s history and other items of interest:TSRARA was formed in 1991 in response to a serious accident involving a Sea Ranch resident. With the help of many concerned Sea Ranchers, it purchased, installed and maintains a communications facility (repeater) on The Sea Ranch. TSRARA spends upwards of $750 annually for telephone costs. Additional expenditures include maintaining solar panels and batteries that provide emergency power when electricity flow from PG&E is interrupted. New amateur radio operators are needed to assure adequate support during emergencies when others are not available. TSRARA is happy to provide information and assistance to persons interested in obtaining an Amateur Radio operators license. How to join:We are a volunteer organization and not an official committee of The Sea Ranch Association. Anyone can be a member who is interested in helping support our efforts to provide emergency communications for The Sea Ranch area. Membership is not restricted to persons who are licensed amateur radio operators. Annual Dues are $25.00. Life membership is $100.00. Email Dennis Kelleher (KI6HHA) TSRARA for more information at ki6hha@arrl.net or call (707) 785-1089 or write to: The Sea Ranch Amateur Radio Auxiliary (TSRARA), Dennis Kelleher (KI6HHA), TSRARA president, PO Box 896, Gualala, CA 95445MEMBERS:
Marge Anthony OFFICERS: David Windsor, Chair TERMS COMPLETED: Heinz Gewing ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2007:
GOALS FOR 2008:
David Windsor, Trails Committee Chair MEMBERS:
Rob Alcott TERMS COMPLETED IN 2007: Jim Flessner OTHER MEMBERSHIP CHANGES: Ann Harriman (resigned 2007, personal reasons) Rich Schimbor (resigned 2008, personal reasons) BOARD LIAISON: Derek Bray STAFF LIAISON: Randy Burke 2007 UC ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
The Utilities Committee recommended that Brown and Caldwell refocus their efforts to make the fire flow problem priority #1. That was done, and Utilities Committee reviewed and concurred with the addition of Tank #8 to meet the new fire flow requirements (plus other modifications), and to provide the needed redundancy should aging Tank #1 fail, either gracefully from old age or suddenly by a catastrophic quake. Utilities Committee members also added valuable geotechnical input.
GOALS FOR 2008:
MEMBERS:
Laurie Mueller, Chair Rosemary Mowry also served on the Committee during 2007. STAFF LIAISONS: The Vision Interpretive Program Committee works with The Sea Ranch Association staff to improve awareness of The Sea Ranch design concepts, conducts community outreach programs and prepares and distributes interpretive materials. The Vision Interpretive Program Committee was formed to implement recommendations developed by the Interpretive Center Task Force established by the Board in 2003. ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2007:Sea Ranch Site Model Display at Del Mar Center: Arranged for the refurbishment and installation of the 21-foot long historical site model of The Sea Ranch. The Vision Interpretive Program Committee volunteers and other Sea Ranch members and staff donated their time and services to design new cases, repaint and retouch the model, which was formerly on display at The Sea Ranch Lodge. · Meeting with Architects and Designers: Organized and conducted the 4th annual meeting of architects and designers with The Sea Ranch Design Committee and Department of Compliance and Environmental Management staff. · Virtual Tour DVD: Completed the script, narration, and photograph selection for a virtual video tour of The Sea Ranch intended to acquaint viewers with The Sea Ranch design concepts. The finished DVD will also include early interviews with Al Boeke, Larry Halprin, and others about the original concept of The Sea Ranch excerpted from Zara Muren’s documentary film “Dream of The Sea Ranch.” The DVD will be available to members later this spring. · Landscape Guide: As the first part of a comprehensive website section on landscaping at The Sea Ranch, created materials to enable owners to use The Sea Ranch Association website to determine their vegetation zone and provide them with a list of approved plants for their specific lot. (Go to Environment under Other Information on the current The Sea Ranch Association website.) GOALS FOR 2008:· Conduct annual meetings with architects and designers and with garden designers and contractors. · Complete the virtual tour slide show. · Package the virtual tour and the Muren video excerpts on DVD for sale and distribution. · Complete the website-based landscape guide and an accompanying brochure. · Develop a website section on green architecture at The Sea Ranch Association. · Work with the website design committee to incorporate comprehensive materials on Sea Ranch design and on landscaping into the new website design. · Conduct forums on green building and landscaping with native plants. · Continue the sale and distribution of The Sea Ranch: Concept and Covenant, a booklet produced by the Vision Interpretive Program Committee in 2004 to inform prospective buyers about The Sea Ranch design concepts. · Assist the Department of Compliance and Environmental Management staff as requested in conveying The Sea Ranch design concepts to prospective buyers and Sea Ranchers who are planning to build or remodel. If you are
interested in serving on the Vision Interpretive Program Committee, please
contact Committee Chair Laurie Mueller MEMBERSHIP:
Anne
B. Long, Chair Resigning this year with our thanks for his service: Ivan de la Garza Special thanks for their help this year:
Steve
Gadol 2007 ACTIVITIES AND STATUS:This year has seen the Community Manager make use of the website to post detailed information about two major concerns: the bluff top erosion problem and the formation of a local agency for services. Information Alert email messages have informed the members and invited them to click a link to go to material on the website. We also added another major section about emergency operations. Chiefly, however, the committee has focused on planning and developing an entirely new website. We interviewed the staff and some members and held two focus group sessions to learn as much as possible about the community’s desires and needs. We developed a list of requirements. With the help of several Sea Ranchers knowledgeable in evaluating software, we undertook a search for a software and service provider. It proved to be a lengthy process, but it culminated at the end of November in the selection of a small Atlanta company named Bondware to host our new site and provide the software. Simultaneously with our software search, we designed the navigation, organization, and aesthetics of our new site, incorporating what we had learned from our interviews and focus groups. To begin developing the content, we contacted as many activity groups as we could to offer them space on the new site. Committees and Association departments will each have their own space as well. Anticipating a big work load in the initial development of the new site, we recruited new committee members to help develop content. We are delighted to have a professional editor join us to copy edit the entire site. New and continuing committee members have each taken responsibility for specific sections and will act as project managers. Haidi Hatfield remains our Webmaster and Janice Bonora will review all content for accuracy and appropriateness. In December, committee members began implementing the new design in the new software. The process has gone well, but some technical problems remain and we are unsure how much time the review process will take. We are targeting late Spring 2008 to launch the site. We will hold training sessions for both members and staff to encourage maximum participation and use of the site. To view most of the new site, Sea Ranch owners must become registered members of the site. As a Sea Ranch owner, you can facilitate the registration process by making sure that the Association has one or more email addresses for you. Primarily a means for the Association to communicate effectively with the membership, the website can also enhance the cohesiveness of our community. Once members have joined the site, they will be able to contribute to it by submitting photos for the photo albums or site pages. And members may add themselves to the member directory (which is strictly optional, but a potentially valuable tool for the community). Activity groups and committees will be able to use the site creatively to foster their goals. The website will, of course, continue to evolve and grow. We are looking forward to hearing your ideas for new features and content. Visit The Sea Ranch Association Web Site at www.tsra.org
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 Last Updated: 03/03/08 |
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