The La Honda Voice

Cafe Cuesta Acoustic Treatment Report

By Peter Chupity

Summary: The recent installation of sound absorbing panels in the bar and dining areas has markedly reduced reverberation that has long been a problem. Sound pressure levels in our tests have been reduced some 6-12 dB in the range of speech frequencies.

We tested the acoustic characteristics of the dining area and bar to establish a baseline measurement before any improvements. A powered monitor speaker was driven with a swept, sinusoidal signal over a range of frequencies from150 Hz to 15 kHz. The level was set to 110 dB sound pressure level at the speaker grill with a 1 kHz signal and then a reference sweep was recorded to characterize the speaker and microphone used. The speaker and microphone were then mounted at average mouth and ear level of seated patrons in the rooms with normal furniture configuration in the dining room, and similarly in the bar, with the speaker where the band is normally set up, for the base line tests. The same configuration was repeated for the tests after the treatment was installed, and the test results compared.

In the dining area, the reduction of sound levels was quite noticeable, with a drop of more than 10 dB in the frequencies of 300 Hz to 3 kHz associated with intelligibility of speech (see graph below). Even up to almost 10 kHz there was a reduction of about 6 dB in sound pressure. While we did not explicitly measure reverberation time, it was originally on the order of 1/4-1/2 second, and was largely un-noticeable after treatment. The long reverberation time meant that sound tended to “hang around” the rooms; This “muddied” musical performances, and made conversation fatiguing, with competing, chaotic sound.

Reduction in Dining Area sound levels (in dB)

The results from the bar were similar, but showed slightly less improvement in the range of voice frequencies (see graph below), possibly because the bar is less boxy and had more architectural features so that comparatively less hard surface area was covered in panels. The improvement is still noticeable with more than 6 dB reduction over most of the 300 Hz to 3 kHz range associated with speech intelligibility. One side note that illustrates the improvement is that when we came back to measure the bar, after the panels were in place, we had to turn off the coolers as they were now louder than the signal that we were trying to measure, despite the speaker levels having been set the same as before.

Reduction in Bar Area sound levels (in dB)

While even a 6 dB reduction is a remarkable improvement, the acoustic panels have surpassed that. It might be possible to make some farther improvement by the use of soft decorating material such as drapes or plants, and also by covering some more hard surfaces with absorbing material: From the charts we can guess that the bar would benefit from large absorbers for lower frequencies, while the dining area might be adequately served with smaller absorbers for the higher frequencies.

 

Treating the Restaurant Acoustics, or “Why Can’t I Hear Myself Talk In Here?”

By Neil Panton

I wasn’t the only one unable to hear conversations at my table.  There were echoes of others with the same problem.  Conversations from tables near and far were louder than the one at ours.  It was nearly impossible to hold a meeting in either of the rooms.  A quiet, romantic dinner was out of the question. When music started, you could either leave or listen, unless you enjoyed shouting into your companion’s ear.

Looking around the restaurant, it was easy to see why the acoustics were poor: windows, walls  – reflective, wood floor – reflective, bare ceiling – reflective.  There were no absorbent surfaces to help diffuse sound waves.  In homes, performance venues and recording studios, surfaces are treated with materials such as curtain, carpeting, foam, baffles, diffusers, egg cartons etc. Costs range from free to ridiculously expensive. My first studio utilized layers of discarded carpeting and large cardboard egg flats from a local restaurant (unlimited supply).  They were layered three deep on one wall, and allowed us to record loud electric guitar into the wee hours without disturbing the neighbors.

So, what could be done here?  The windows are wonderful, don’t want to cover them.  The walls display beautiful artwork from local artists.  Don’t want to disturb that.  Carpet the floors?  Not so good for a restaurant, definitely not good for a bar.  So, the ceilings, maybe some corners and a few bits of wall were available for treatment. 

Beginning in 2010, I spoke with individuals knowledgeable about acoustics and studio construction as well as people familiar with this particular space. I also consulted with Charlie and Jane, owner and restauranteur respectively, to make sure they were onboard with the idea.  I was interested in making this a community project utilizing reasonably inexpensive materials, simple design and volunteers.

The project was renewed this summer and first went public in July 2011 to the La Honda Yahoo group. Immediately, offers of help and donations came in. A small committee was formed, more information was gathered, and a simple but cost effective design was created to build and suspend acoustic panels from the ceiling.

A total of 7 were built, covering 28% of the ceiling surface area with absorbent material. In addition, Charlie repainted the ceilings and some walls, in some areas with acoustic paint (Thanks for the idea, Dana). Charlie also provided a roll-away carpet for the musician area.

The response was immediate: “I can actually hear myself talk!” was heard over and over. Acoustic measurements were taken both before and after treatment to attempt to quantify the changes, and provide a basis for any future treatment.  (See Peter Chupity’s accompanying report.) In the meantime, we will try out the new acoustics for a while and see if more needs to be done.  Although initial response to the room is quite good and there is no doubt that positive changes have been made, there may be room for improvement.

So, for those interested, here is a bit about the construction of the panels.

1)    Design: Lightweight wood frames, covered with acoustic fabric and filled with semi-rigid fiberglass boards. Suspended 1-1/2 to 2” from the ceiling with hardware hooks and eyes.  Can be removed for cleaning or painting the ceiling.

2)    Materials: Wood was provided by Charlie, who also built the frames. The acoustic fabric came from Acoustical Solutions, approx. $26 yd. The insulation boards are Owens-Corning 703 and 705, 2’x4’x1-1/2”, approx. $1 and $2 sq.ft.  Misc. materials came from Jo-Ann’s Fabrics.

3)    Construction:

    a. Charlie delivered the completed frames to the Café: five were installed in the bar area followed by two larger panels in the dining area.

    b. The empty frames were fitted to the ceiling before covering as they were easier to handle.

    c. Craig and Jack E., with Neil P. covered the frames with fabric and stapled in place.

    d. The insulation was installed in the frame and covered.

    e. The frames are suspended from the ceiling.

All in all, more than 25 people assisted in this project in one form or another. Beginning July 22^nd, with the post to form a committee, to November 7^th, it took 16 weeks to design and complete the panel installation. A huge amount of credit goes to Charlie, who enthusiastically participated in all phases of the project. In addition to contributing all the materials for the acoustic treatment and building the frames, Charlie has invested in a number of other Café improvements; painting, lighting and outdoors. Check out the changes in the patio area!!

A huge thanks to all. The rewards of living in a small and close community are huge!

 

Preparing for those June brides

Does the month of June still conjure up thoughts of those April showers that produced the May flowers for June brides? Parishioners of La Honda's local Catholic church, Our Lady of Refuge, think so. Three weddings and a quinceñera have been booked between June and September of this year. Our rainy spring didn't have a lot to do with it, though. It's been a group effort. Parishioners have been working at the church every Thursday since the first of the year to polish the inside of the chruch and plan, prune and plant in order to prepare the church grounds.

Over the last several years Our Lady of Refuge has required a new roof, a coat of stain on the redwood exterior and a ramp for handicap access. But fund raising for improvements has always been a problem for such a small congregation in a small community.

Church members thought that the wooded yet sunny rural location might be attractive to Catholics from outside the parish who were looking for an intimate setting for their wedding ceremony. So they placed an ad in the wedding edition of the archdiocese newspaper, Catholic San Francisco. There's usually a donation involved in using the church for a wedding, so the community is hoping that their hard work and the sharing of their beautiful location will pay off.



The Thursday work days were organized by Joel and Angela Mansfield, who have shown up faithfully every week, rain or shine. There's always work to do, inside or outside. Members of the church community drop in and work, even if it's only for a short while. Sometimes weeds get pulled or areas are tidied up during the week and when asked, no one knows who did it. (Thanks, whoever you are!)

Shella Bordi is planning the landscaping,  sometimes working with what is already there and carefully adding drought tolerant and deer resistant plants to new areas.  The beds flanking the entrance steps have been completely replanted and are already adding color to the entrance with blooms of lavender, California poppies, white and purple osteospermum and golden feverfew. The rose garden is being transformed into a meditation garden with the addition of new roses and other flowers as well as a bench. When the vines climbing the fence fill in, the garden area will also provide a backdrop for wedding pictures.

Inside, the church could use a new floor (it dates back to when the church was built in the 1950s) but many coats of polish have made it shine. The woodwork is glowing and the altar rail has been refinished.

The church has no social hall but Joel Mansfield has compiled a wedding brochure that includes resources for local reception venues and tent and dance floor rentals for an on-site reception.

It's been a labor of love and a community effort that will continue in order to maintain the beauty of our local church and its grounds. Our Lady of Refuge, off the main roads, tucked away in the woods, is really a hidden gem.

Our Lady of Refuge is a mission church of the parish of Our Lady of the Pillar in Half Moon Bay. For information about weddings at Our Lady of Refuge please see the church website: http://ourladyofrefuge-lahonda.org/Weddings/

 

You Don't Need a Shadow

Every year on February second, focus turns to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where Punxsutawney Phil, media darling of the groundhog world, may or may not see his shadow--indicating that spring has sprung or that winter will drag on for another six weeks.

What has that got to do with us here in San Mateo county? Whether you are rooting for the groundhog to see his shadow so winter will continue and you can strap your skis to your carrier rack and drive for hours to slalom in the snow or you want him to peek out of his burrow and sound the all clear for spring because you have cabin fever and want to get into the garden and spread some compost and get dirt under your fingernails...where was I?  What I am trying to say is, a groundhog in a state that gets lots of winter snow is not a good indicator of how close we are to spring here in La Honda.
 
I have a few local indicators of spring that I have noted over the years. Some winter seasons, especially the cold rainy ones, I am desperately searching, sometimes for weeks. Just one little glimpse and I'll know spring is coming...sooner or later...sometime.

This year I stumbled upon my indicators quite accidentally. Probably because we've been having some unseasonably warm and wonderful weather and I wasn't mouldering away in my rain gear muttering under my breath, sliding down the muddy trail into the canyon where our pump is located. Yesterday was beautiful and I walked down the wooded trail in a short sleeve shirt with no sweater. I looked down and beside the trail I spotted two of my early spring indicators growing close together at my feet: Cardamine californica (commonly known as milkmaids, a native and member of the mustard family). The other is an exotic invader: Myosotis latifolia (commonly known as forget-me-not). Calflora warns in no uncertain terms:

Myosotis latifolia, a dicot, is a perennial herb that is not native to California; it was introduced from elsewhere and naturalized in the wild. See Calflora

(If you look closely at the picture of the milkmaid flower, you will see some fuzzy blue dots behind it. Those are deceptively mild looking foret-me-nots.)

Yes, Myosotis latifolia has aggresivley naturalized but I have forgiven the invader because I love the blue flowers that remind me (at least on those years of never-ending rain) that spring is coming. It really is. I tell myself this later in the season as I comb the forget-me-not burrs out of my dog's coat. I tell myself this as I pull out the forget-me-not plants that are edging into my garden and the flower pots that it has aggresivley invaded.

Still, the forget-me-nots have not yet crowded out the milkmaids in the woods.

And now I'm looking for the hound's tongue, Cynoglossum grande, the next indicator on my list...

Milkmaid photos

Hound's tongue photos

Black Friday

Traditionally, the Friday day after Thanksgiving shopping day marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season. This year one source claimed that sales increased only a little over last year and another stated that sales had increased to pre-recession levels. One source pointed out that the early November markdowns retailers made could reflect lowers sales volume on Black Friday. Then there is the increase in online shopping with the new tradition of Cyber Monday sales on the internet.

Did you leave the comfort of your home and drive all the way to town to shop on Black Friday?

The origin of Black Friday is said to be a 1966  Philadelphia PA newspaper article. In the context of the Friday after Thanksgiving it may indicate a day that retail sales will be assured of being in the black, rather than in the red. See

Two local women rose early on Friday, November 26, to drive over the hill to be there when the doors opened. Both work for a large retailer, at different locations. They were being paid to be there so the trip over the hill was a commute to work not a fun shopping adventure.

Michelle Armstrong, hired as part time Christmas help, had never worked in a retail store on Black Friday. "It was crazy," she said. When she arrived at 3:45 AM several hundred people were lined up and waiting. But when the doors opened, the shoppers were orderly, and after the early rush things calmed down to what might even be a normal day.

Working her fifth year of Black Friday, Jennifer Demma said the day could be called hectic, even a madhouse, but that made the time go fast. Both women agreed that large screen TVs and other electronics were big sellers. Xboxes, cameras and GPS devices were also popular
       
Most people I surveyed did not drive over the hill to go shopping.

Carrol Kelly and her son Paul did venture out and were not impressed with what they found. They had no trouble with the crowds--sales people were the problem. In a hurry and perhaps not sufficiently trained, they made errors in writing up more than one sale. "We had to stand in line for a total of an hour and a half to correct their mistakes," says Paul.  "I will never do it again!" Carrol states emphatically.
   
    Catharine and Rachel Staal were farther from home, visiting in the Central Valley. They did not intend to shop on Friday, but when they went out to the  movies in the afternoon they found themselves in a shopping area and went into a few stores. Catharine said, "We live where we do because we don't like crowds." She says she would not bother getting up early and join the Black Friday shoppers.



      

Don't Forget to Vote on November 2nd!

This jack o' lantern is not finished even though halloween is over. (He's stationed along Alpine road--a big thanks to the neighbors who placed him there as a reminder!)

Most of La Honda should be voting at La Honda Elementary but check your sample ballot to be certain. You can also vote at the election office at 40 Tower Road, San Mateo (close to the intersection of Highways 280 and 92)  or 555 County Center, 1st Floor, Redwood City.

Drop your absentee ballots off at any polling place if you haven't yet mailed them.

Polls are open until 8 PM.

Check out www.shapethefuture.org for the most current and accurate information!

Are You Fire Safe? It's that time of year again...

by Mary Bordi

It's the dry time of year in California, and again and again we are reminded of the need for fire safety.  This year, with the lush growth from spring rains, it is especially important to be aware of the steps necessary to protect ourselves and our neighborhoods from the threat of wildfire.

Fire Safe San Mateo County is an organization created (quoting from their website) "to address the potential for serious loss of life and property in the urban/wildland intermix area (neighborhoods surrounded by dense vegetation)."

Does that sound like your neighborhood?

Member agencies of Fire Safe San Mateo County include various local fire departments/districts, San Mateo County Sheriff and Parks departments, several regional agencies and PG&E. Their mission is "to reduce hazardous vegetation, the creation of defensible space around structures, and the education of citizens regarding fire hazards and fire behavior through the guidance of local agencies." Some readers may be familiar with the Fire Safe sponsored Chipper Program, providing free chipping of vegetation removed by homeowners in some neighborhoods.

Fire Safe San Mateo County has a website with lots of downloadable information. The Living with Fire 2010 (pdf) guide is full of information that applies to us locally. From a list of useful local and regional weblinks and phone numbers to checklists and step by step instructions for creating a defensible space around your home, this colorful guide is easy to read and free. You will find suggestions for fire safe design if you are thinking ahead when creating your landscaping, and you will find tips for creating defensible space with the landscaping and/or natural terrain you already have.

As part of this guide, a checklist that can be torn out and posted in a convenient spot in your home, P.L.E.A.S.E. (Prepare Leave Early And Save Everyone), helps you plan ahead so you will be prepared in case of a fire.  In an emergency, the evacuation checklist will also help you to secure your property and to leave in a safe, systematic manner should you be ordered to do so.

Since this guide is a download you don't even have to "tear out" pages, you can simply print the ones you want to have handy as hard copy.

No one wants to be a victim of a wildfire. This guide will help you to mitigate the possible damage or avoid a fire altogether. Download the guide and keep the information handy. Being prepared is the key.

Mindego Hill Opening Space

by Randy Vail

On Friday, June 25th at 1:30 pm the Use and Management Committee of the Mid-peninsula Regional Open Space District held a special meeting to decide on the development of trails in the Mindego Hill Open Space. 

Originally purchased by POST from long time land owners, the True family, Mindego Hill was subsequently purchased by MROSD with the agreement that they would provide public access to the top of the hill by the summer of 2011.

The committee decided to proceed with the first of two options of a planned trail route to the top of the hill from the gate that connects it to the adjacent Russian Ridge Open Space.  Several studies of native wildlife, including the protected San Francisco Garter Snake, are underway before further development will take place.  However, it seems likely that the Option 2 trail, which includes an existing road on the property, will eventually be opened, and there is the possibility that the two trails will be connected to create a loop around the hill. 

Initially, the trail will be open only to hikers, but in a year or so, pending the outcomes of the various studies, the trail may opened to equestrian users and possibly mountain bikers.  The process of creating a trail involves the approval of various agencies and various permits and necessitates many considerations of steepness, views of the hill, lines of sight on the trails, views from the trail, trail routes through various vegetation areas and wildlife habitats, and the potentially conflicting interests of public users. 

At the meeting, the possibility of eventually connecting the Mindego trails with the Cuesta La Honda Guild trails was raised.  Some of the committee members seemed amenable to the prospect of potentially connecting the Mindego Open Space with the La Honda Open Space.  However, discussion, decision, approval, and action are lengthy and involved processes that will take years.  In the meantime, initial public access to this beautiful and majestic open space - in our own backyard - is now only one year away.

The following is a brief history of Mindego Hill from http://www.gomindego.org/history.php

"People have lived on Mindego Hill since 500 A.D., beginning with the Ramaytush Costanoans, a group of Native American hunter-gatherers. They thrived in the area until the early 1800s, when immigrants arrived to settle the West.

In 1859, Juan Mendico, a Basque farmer and the first non-native settler, established a homestead and cattle ranch here. Historian Bud Foss, in his 1941 book History of La Honda, describes the California Grizzly Bear that once frequented Mindego Hill, and how in 1885 they got away with seven of Juan’s calves. Interestingly, in the Basque language, Juan Mendico’s name means “John of the Mountain”—a prophetic coincidence, considering the property was eventually named for him as “Mindego” Hill.

In 1954, Admiral Arnold True, a World War II veteran and professor of meteorology, and his wife, Corinne, purchased Mindego Hill, where they continued the ranching traditions of the land. In 1977, their son Chris took over management of the ranch and later began raising Brahman and Angus cattle as well as a cross of the two breeds for rodeo bull-riding. Admiral True passed away in 1979, and Mrs. True passed away in late 2006. The couple always treasured the natural beauty of their land and spoke often of preserving it. In honor of their parents’ wishes, the True family finalized an agreement with POST to protect the land permanently. Thanks to our mutual goal of land conservation, we all have a unique opportunity to save Mindego Hill for generations to come."

 

 

Winter Wine & Food Pairing & Auction for La Honda & Pescadero Schools

La Honda & Pescadero Educational Foundations will join together once again to raise funds for music and educational enrichment programs in our rural public schools by hosting the 3rd Annual Winter Wine & Food Pairing & Auction to be held on Saturday Feb. 11 from 4:00 - 8:00 pm at the Mountain Terrace, in Woodside, CA. Delicious handcrafted wines from local family wineries and commercial wineries including Fogarty Winery, Cronin Vineyards, Cantiga Wineworks, and other wineries from the lovely hills of San Mateo and Santa Cruz Counties will be paired with incredible gourmet foods by Epiphany Gourmet. Live music will be provided by Bundy Browne. Wines will also be available for purchase by the glass, for those who wish to fill it to the top... Epiphany Gourmet of Felton, CA, will pair each of at least a dozen wines with a distinctive gourmet treat that brings out the flavor of both the food and the wine. One of the favorite pairings is the 'Taste of La Honda-Pescadero,' featuring La Honda Pinot Noir paired with herb bread (from our local Pescadero bakery) and goat cheese (from world-famous Harley Farms in Pescadero), topped with a slice of Roma tomato and drizzled with a vinaigrette made from the wild blackberries of La Honda. Or try Cronin Vineyards' full-bodied Woodside Cabernet with wild mushrooms, Romano, and radicchio.  The Mountain Terrace is located at "The Four Corners" of Hwy 84 (La Honda Rd) and Hwy 35 (Skyline Blvd.) across from Alice's Restaurant. Tickets are $40 in advance, $50 at the door, and may be purchased now. This is always a sell-out event, so please buy tickets early. For more information and tickets, please call 650-747-9287." From Karen Shaff (message #9476)