Update from Bennett Ridge Folks

by Bill Sirvatka

The last BV Voice had a mention of the BVCA and the BV Grange as two associations in our area—there is another one—the Bennett Ridge Community Association.  This group was organized in the 1980’s to serve the residents up there. It is open to the ~125 properties in and around the Bennett Ridge neighborhood.

Their primary activities include organizing community-wide social events and emergency preparedness. After Bennett Ridge was hit by the Nuns Fire, losing 95 of 120 homes, BRCA was a lifeline providing information and support to the neighborhood. 

Since the fire events of 2017, the organization has doubled down on working with CalFire to clear and maintain the fire break along Bennett Valley Road.  They developed a Wildfire Protection and Vegetation Management plan for their especially vulnerable area and helped pressure California State Parks to clear dead vegetation in Trione-Annadel Park.  They have also installed, an all-important emergency notification system to communicate potential fire hazard efficiently to residents.  

BRCA maintains a website with information about deed restrictions and other important information that is applicable to life on the ridge.

They also meet with county officials on issues such as vacation rentals and the cannabis grows within their viewshed.

The current officers are: Robert Gleason, President; Kathie Schmid, Vice President; Helen Sedwick, Treasurer; Lise Valbert, Secretary; and Becky Bass and Dave Sandine as Members-at-Large.