Springs Splash by Thomas Martin - June 2017
WHIRRRRR! “What’s that noise?” The sound of your mower! OK neighbor; look around your property. After this year’s rainfall the growth of grasses, thistles, limbs, and underbrush is greater than in normal years. The hills of green are now golden as May winds contributed to fast drying. All it takes is a spark and a fire is underway.
Fires have burned before in the Springs! In October 1923 a Boyes Springs fire burned homes as well as many of the local hot springs resorts. In September 1964 a PG&E transformer exploded east of Glen Ellen and burned from Nunn’s Canyon and Adobe Canyon towards Sonoma. The fire burned in the direction of Mission Highlands. Overall nineteen homes destroyed. The fire wasn’t extinguished until it reached the border of the City of Sonoma. In 1987 another fire burned from the north to Cavedale Road before it was contained.
How to prepare for fire!Cal Fire officer Scott Melendy notes that State inspectors canvass the area looking for problems. They also respond to resident complaints of hazardous locations. Annually Cal Fire does a survey of certain problem areas. This year Cavedale Road is the target area. Homeowners must cut grasses and underbrush back 100 feet from houses and other structures. Trees are to be trimmed of limbs at least 10 feet from chimneys. Lower limbs are to be cut so as to prevent a “fire ladder.” Trees too close in proximity should be more widely spaced.
Look around you! Are there areas that should be cleared? Is there a potential hazard that needs attention? Residents with questions or concerns may call CAL FIRE GLEN ELLEN at 707-996-6960.
A personal note:In Santa Barbara in 1964 this writer witnessed a down canyon wind that blew flames in one and one-half hours from 3,985-foot La Cumbre Peak to homes at 350 feet. Three homes nearby were destroyed. An all night vigil saved the house. In 2009 at the same location 80 homes, including the one saved in 1964, burned in another down canyon blaze. Be Prepared!
A brief review – A book by Michael Acker
“The Springs: Resort Towns Of Sonoma Valley”
Local historian and artist, Michael Acker recently had his work released by Arcadia publishing of Charleston, South Carolina. It is part of the acclaimed “Images of America” series. Mr. Acker dedicates his work to the late Diane Moll Smith, and the
Chapter One, “In Hot Water from the Beginning.” explains how Sonoma Valley’s hot water sub-strata served Native Americans and the immigrants who followed. “The Springs” tells of the early hot springs hotel development by Capt. Henry E. Boyes. Boyes purchased the land from Thaddeus Leavenworth, an early pioneer who came west with the Stevenson regiment in the Mexican War.
Acker’s work describes the heyday of the Springs from the 1920’s until WWII. Since a large portion of the Springs’ homes remain from this era readers will follow with interest. The work is complete with historical text and a plethora of photos of places and persons that allow current residents to feel the book is their personal history. He concludes the work with a chapter, “The Springs Today.”
A must read… Wherever you live in Sonoma Valley, “The Springs” is a must read. It is available at Readers Books, the Sonoma Barracks bookstore, Sonoma Country Antiques, Potter Green at Cornerstone, and Sonoma Vintage.
SMI Still Mum About Future Of The Big 3 Building
The former Big 3 restaurant (Hwy 12 and Boyes Blvd.) sits in the heart of the Springs. It is the focal point for travelers, Post Office users, and an estimated 30,000 cars that pass daily. SMI representative Ms. Michelle Heston responded to our inquiry by saying there is “nothing definitive” regarding the future of the Big 3. She said SMI is reviewing plans and discussing options.
Years ago when the location was the “Woodleaf Store” it was the “hub” of Springs’ commerce. As the current Springs renaissance moves forward, hopefully SMI will develop the Big 3 property as part of that revival.
