The La Honda Voice

La Honda Firefighter dies in crash

(from March 27 Santa Cruz Sentinel- http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/archive/2006/March/27/local/stories/07local.htm )

"A 25-year-old volunteer firefighter was killed Sunday morning after his vehicle rolled over and ended up submerged in a ditch. The unwitnessed accident happened just before 9 a.m. at Alpine and Pescadero Creek roads, said Scot Jalbert, fire captain with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Jesse Cole, a volunteer at the La Honda Fire Department, was pronounced dead at the scene, Jalbert said. He was not responding to an incident at the time of the accident.
The California Highway Patrol is investigating."

Kathy Wolf provided Jesse Cole's photo shown here and added this message to the La Honda message board :
"Today is a sad day for La Honda - our close friend Jesse died up on Alpine road. He went to La Honda School and Pescadero middle school. His finished his schooling in Redding when his family moved up there. Jesse joined the Marine Corps after graduating from High School in Redding. Jesse's heart never left La Honda and he moved back her two years ago. He was a great guy and will be missed by his friends and us. He is survived by his parents Bob and Glenda Cole, brothers and sisters Summer, Clay, Leah, Janna, Jon, Becka, If any one would like to send cards please e-mail me and I will get it to
you. The Memorial for Jesse James Cole will be Sat April 1 at Coastside Baptist Church, HMB at 10:30 am (note:time different than originally posted)...Hug your kids you never know when they will not be there."
(http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LaHonda/message/10919)

Other news sources:
http://www.smdailyjournal.com/article_preview.php?id=56514
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/breaking_news/14193727.htm

La Honda Slide Petition for County

Jim Adams, Director of the Cuesta La Honda Slide Committee said (in newsgroup post #10876)

"There are petitions at the store and the Post Office for you all to sign which will be presented to the San Mateo County Board Of Supervisors at their April 4th meeting.

We, the people of Greater La Honda, and the Cuesta Board of Directors, are asking the Supe's to repair Scenic Drive and fix the slide. Well, not them, but someone they pay to do it. With money we and others give the State and County.

Feel free to sign even if you're not a Cuestacean. Sign early and often. The slide has taken 9 1/2 homes so far, and others are threatened. Our water pipelines have been affected, and several fire hydrants are out of service, as a result. The County has done a few things to try to slow the slide, but not nearly what they said they would.

It's time to turn up the heat before the window for construction this summer closes. Your signature [and a letter to the Board o' Supe's wouldn't hurt] will be appreciated.
(Newsgroup link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LaHonda/ )

In addition:
A March 28, 2006 article entitled, "County braced for storm damage" By Dana Yates in the San Mateo Daily Journal (http://www.smdailyjournal.com/article_preview.php?id=56560) says,

"Heavy winds, saturated soil and an unusually high tide have emergency officials worried that today’s storm damage could be the worst San Mateo County has seen all year.

Heavy winds associated with the current storm combined with saturated soil from a month of consistent rain is expected to cause a number of trees to fall, which could result in downed power lines and damaged property. To add to the problems, today’s high tide is expected to reach 8.8 feet at about the same time storm run-off will be rolling down from the hills. The combination could reach emergency levels in many parts of the county, said Sheriff’s Lt. John Quinlan, director of San Mateo County Office of Emergency Services...

The county will be keeping a close eye on a La Honda landslide that’s been an ongoing problem for about a year. On the other side of the county, East Palo Alto faces flooding because of weakening levees.

Storms have caused more deaths in San Mateo County than any other natural disaster. In 1982, an entire Pacifica family died in a landslide. In 1998 — during the worst storm season in recent history — a man died as a result of another landslide, Quinlan said..."

Concern about Round-Up Spraying

Volunteers were outside the La Honda Post Office recently petitioning to stop the spraying of Round-Up in our area.

On the LH message board, Kathryn Ryan says, "If you do not like the spraying of Round-Up on our country roads, you can call to request that it be stopped.  You can also request that they not spray around your own home, especially important if you have pets that are allowed outside...Pescadero residents spoke out and stopped the spraying on their country roads in the 1990's. Call Public Works Director Neil Cullen 363-4100 or Supervisor Rich Gordon 363-4569..."

A thread started from Kathryn Ryan's message #10595 with some local residents worried about the health hazards of Round-Up while others convinced that it is perfectly safe. One post by dddowling2002 (post #10636) has a good summary and links of its potential health hazards, while poster Mr152 believes Round-Up is safe (post #10622)

[The referenced message board is located at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LaHonda/ ]

Fire Brigade Seeking Public Comment on Station Remodel

The La Honda Fire Brigade Inc., a non-profit 501 © 3 corporation will hold a public meeting on April 6, 2006, at 8945 La Honda Rd La Honda CA 94020.

The La Honda Fire Brigade is seeking public comment on a planned remodel of the La Honda Fire Station. The project will consist of a 276 sq. ft. expansion of the Station and limited interior remodeling. The purpose of this project is to develop a Training Classroom and Emergency Operations Center. The project site is the location of this meeting. Construction plans
will be available before the meeting for public viewing. Comments from the public will be accepted by the Board of Directors at 8 pm. It is anticipated that financing for this project will be obtained through the USDA Rural Development Agency.

Questions pertaining to this notice should be directed to:

Larry Whitney
Chief, La Honda Fire Brigade.
650-747-0381

Local History - Shopping at Cavalli Bros. General Merchandise, La Honda

by Mary Bordi

Among some family papers, I found an invoice dated 1918 to 1919 from
"Cavalli Bros. General Merchandise" in La Honda,. When people made
their living out here farming and ranching, they did not have a weekly
paycheck. So the storekeeper would simply keep track of what they
bought. When you sold your crop you paid your bill. This one actually
covers over a year and a half of purchases.

Mom and Pop Bordi moved to the Alpine in 1913 and by the time of this
invoice they had two children with another on the way. Once a week or
so Pop might ride his saddle horse the seven miles to La Honda to get
the mail and pick up anything they might need. Or Mollie, their Stanford
Trotter, would transport Mom in the buggy. Today it takes me around 15
minutes in the car. Back then it took about a half an hour by saddle
horse and perhaps 45 minutes with the buggy or spring wagon. I've heard
that Ernest Hildebrand could get there much faster with his wagon and
mules when he lived up here on the Dale ranch.

What sorts of things would a family of four in 1918 purchase at the
store in La Honda? (Remember too, that a family might go "over the
hill" a few times a year to make their bulk purchases, much as we would
go to Costco today.)

Two cans of tomatoes were 40 cents; honey 15 cents; 5 gallons of peanut oil 75 cents.
Christmas Eve 1918 they purchased a gallon of whiskey for $8.00, wine for $1.00 and cheese for $1.30, perhaps anticipating a celebration.
Other items purchased throughout the year were: sardines (20 cents); 25 pounds chicken feed ($1.25); soap (10 cents); tobacco (65 cents); yeast (5 cents); rennet (85 cents); overalls ($6.50, later returned). And of course occasional treats like cakes, cookies, chocolate and candy.

You can also see a larger image of the whole invoice at
http://www.hununu.org/lahonda/cavalli.gif

La Honda Fire Brigade's Crab Cippino Fundraising Dinner

La Honda Fire Brigade's Crab Cippino Fundraising Dinner is Saturday
April 8th. $45 for brigade members and $55 for non-members. No-Host beer
and wine served 6pm. Dinner at 7pm. This is an all you can eat, crab
cippino, garlic bread and salad, followed by a raffle and dancing to
music played by  DJ, Johnny Midnight. For questions call Julie Delay
747-0039. You can send your check or money order with a self-addressed
stamped envelope to the La Honda Fire Brigade, Cippino Dinner at P.O.Box
97 La Honda, Ca 94020.

Photo of Larry Whitney announcing raffle winners (photo from Sandi Ruiz-Poss)

Collection of Articles on Clos de la Tech Winery and La Honda

The following is a collection of articles compiled by Toby McLeod, Cuesta La Honda Guild Winery Committee, about the Clos de la Tech Winery or winery-related environmental concerns. Some members of the La Honda community are concerned that the Clos de la Tech Winery will affect their water quality and/or quantity.

Newsweek Magazine — February 20, 2006 (National Coverage)
The Rebel Vintner
T. J. Rodgers, a Silicon Valley original, aims to make the best pinot ever
By Brad Stone
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11295703/site/newsweek/
___________________________________________________

San Jose Mercury News — January 15, 2006
Bureaucracy, gophers slow winery dream
By Renee Koury
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/13632371.htm
___________________________________________________

San Francisco Chronicle —April 26, 2005
Vertical vineyard fights fears of slides —
Planting down steep slope has La Honda residents worried
By Maria Alicia Gaura
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2005/04/26/MNGI0CFDV61.DTL
___________________________________________________

San Francisco Chronicle —April 28, 2005
Vineyard’s neighbors speak out —  200 meet to discuss environmental issues
By Maria Alicia Gaura
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2005/04/28/BAG8BCGHNB1.DTL
___________________________________________________

San Mateo County Times— February 12, 2006
(the link seems to be missing for these, although perhaps they can be retrieved through the archives)
Locals wary of winery
County planners await environmental report on La Honda vineyard's growth
By Laura Ernde
http://www.insidebayarea.com/sanmateocountytimes/localnews/ci_3501585

Does the county need winery environmental regulations?
By Laura Ernde
http://www.insidebayarea.com/sanmateocountytimes/localnews/ci_3501600
___________________________________________________

Half Moon Bay Review — February 12, 2003
Was that an Explosion?
By Emily Wilson
http://www.hmbreview.com/articles/2003/02/12/export11103.txt
___________________________________________________

Half Moon Bay Review — March 12, 2003
Exploded boulder causes cave-in at wine cellars
By Emily Wilson
http://www.hmbreview.com/articles/2003/03/12/export11405.txt
___________________________________________________

Half Moon Bay Review — April 16, 2003
Blowing up rock, wooing neighbors, making wine
By Emily Wilson
http://www.hmbreview.com/articles/2003/04/16/export10643.txt
___________________________________________________

Half Moon Bay Review — April 20, 2003
Controversy bubbles over La Honda winery
By Jeannine Gore
http://www.hmbreview.com/articles/2005/04/20/news/local_news/story06.txt
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________

Wine Spectator — August 10, 2005
California Community Clashes with Budding Vintners:
Clos de la Tech's establishment in San Mateo County has prompted another case of residents concerned about winery development
By Lynn Alley
(not available on line without subscribing)
http://www.winespectator.com/Wine/Free/Feature_Teaser_Page?page_id=/Wine/Features_Print/0,,2822,00.html
___________________________________________________

Winery/Vineyards in California — Related Articles:
___________________________________________________

Washington Post —March 16, 2003
Environmental Concerns Create Headaches for Wine Industry
By William Booth
http://www.smithmadrone.com/press_booth030316.html
___________________________________________________

Associated Press — January 21, 2006
Environmentalists fight vineyards' spread
By Terence Chea
http://www.boston.com/news/science/articles/2006/01/21/environmentalists_fight_vineyards_spread/?page=1
___________________________________________________

California Wild (California Academy of Sciences) — Spring 2005
Nature in a Bottle
By Gordy Slack
http://www.calacademy.org/calwild/2005spring/stories/habitats.html
___________________________________________________

California Land Use — November 2003

Water and Wine: Regulation of Vineyard and Winery Development and Operation in California’s North Coast Counties
By Christopher J. Carr and Janelle E. Kellman
http://www.argentco.com/htm/f20031101.415440.htm
___________________________________________________

Town Hall Coalition in the News
Growers' uphill battle regulation have raised environmental awareness, but they also have made planting new vines costlier and more time-consuming
By Tim Tesconi (Press Democrat, 2/4/01)
http://www.townhallcoalition.org/about_us/thc%20articles/in_the_news_tesconi2.htm
___________________________________________________

Amateur Radio License Class offered - Useful for Disaster Preparedness

"We need to help ourselves and each other when disaster hits. Learn the basics of ham radio operation to pass the tech class for amateur radio.

When: March 25th From 9 AM—5 PM
Where: Church of the Redwoods, La Honda
***Lunch will be provided***

Amateur Radio License Class
Disaster.  No one wants to be in one.  But as we have seen in the past year with hurricanes, earthquakes, and landslides, they come whether we want them or not.  One of the chief problems in a disaster is communications.  Normal means of communications can and will break down in a disaster.  Amateur Radio has the capacity to keep going and communicating.  This does not replace emergency services (i.e. fire department , state and county law enforcement), but it works in conjunction with those agencies and the community in the time of need.  We, in La Honda, would like to see several interested people get their licenses for Amateur Radio and be a link to communications if the time arises that we should find ourselves in the middle of a crisis.  But in addition to all of this, Amateur Radio provides a lifetime hobby, community service, and cordial friendships. Come to the class held March 25th at the Church in the Redwoods in La Honda and receive the instruction that will prepare you to pass the exam for a Tech License.  The exam is held on April 1 in Sunnyvale. (There is a fee for the exam.)  The class will begin at 9:00 am and go to 5:00pm.  A lunch will be provided at no cost to you.  Please bring $20 for materials. This is open for anyone who can read and take a test, male or female.

What to Bring:
Pad of paper
Pen/Pencil
$20 for materials

Call:  Jack Eddy @ 650-747-9782 for more info

Church in the Redwoods
Po. Box 196
8910 La Honda Road
La Honda, CA  94020
Phone: 650-747-0797

Please, let us know if you can come by MARCH 11."
(posted by Laurie McLean, message 10373 on La Honda message board)

La Honda/Pescadero teachers request higher salaries

The The La Honda Pescadero Unified School District (LHPUSD) have made many sacrifices over the last few years, including a voluntary freeze in their salaries for the 2004-05 school year. They are now asking for a raise that the school officials say that they can't afford.

The starting salary for new LHPUSD teachers is $30,641 [correction: $34,000 - see comment], which is much below statewide standards, and is supplemented by a state education fund. Declining class size is one important factor that has affected the budget.

The LHPUSD teachers have requested a 5 percent raise for the remainder of the year and another 5 percent increase for next year, however the district has only offered a 1 percent increase this year and a 2 percent increase next year.

Teachers are hoping that money raised by local educational foundations and a school parcel tax would help the situation. The need to make more budget cuts pressured Board of Trustees President Maile Springer to quit recently.

Information from Inside Bay Area, http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_3565370

La Honda Resident Sees Tree Fall on Neighbor's Home

by Bob Dougherty

A mature Douglas fir tree fell during the storm early Monday Morning, hitting a house on Fernwood Drive in Cuesta La Honda. The following is an eyewitness account of the incident by Bob Dougherty, a neighbor of the resident whose home was hit by the tree.

"My house is on a steep hill on Fernwood Drive, surrounded by mature Douglas firs with average heights about 160 feet. The winds had been strong and the rains heavy throughout Sunday night and early Monday morning.

From my bed I heard the sound of wood cracking in the dark, early morning hours and got out of bed twice to try to find its source. The third time I got up, I used a flashlight and discovered a Douglas fir about 20 feet from my deck showing freshly exposed wood about 15 feet above the ground. It was obvious that this tree was soon going to fall, and my neighbor's house was below it.

I frantically looked for my neighbor's phone number in case he hadn't hear the cracking sounds. I let his phone ring while the cracking sound increased in both frequency and intensity. There was no answer on the phone, and I ran back to my deck and within a minute the Douglas fir structurally failed. It was then that I realized that being this close was not a good idea, but it was too late to move and I seemed mesmerized. The tree made a tremendous sound as it broke in two. There was a more distant crash and the ground shook with a thud as it impacted the Earth. A strong smell of pine filled the air from the freshly exposed wood.

At this point I put my shoes on and quickly started to make my way down a winding, muddy path to my neighbor's house. I noticed, to my relief, that his truck wasn't in the driveway, but wasn't sure if anybody else might have been in the house. I saw that the tree took out the power lines to his house, and the tree initially appeared to have missed the structure, but as I walked behind the house, I saw a gaping hole and the contents of the bedroom spread out below on the hillside. The bedroom was completely destroyed, although the rest of the house was intact. Using a flashlight, I looked into the hole inside the house, but really couldn't see clearly through the broken wood and debris. The rain had stopped, but I still heard the sound of water running. Lights turned on in the windows of several neighbors who felt the tree hit the ground. I went back up the hill and called 911, and waited a short time until Larry and Cathy Whitney of the Fire Brigade arrived."