Monte Rio Musings by Chuck Ramsey - November 2019
It’s been a busy year with re-building and many changes. One of the changes was new regulations for Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems. I reported a few months ago based on inaccurate information that redwood boxes would be acceptable, unlike cesspools. I have recently been informed that the regulators consider them both the same. If you have a redwood “Septic Tank” meaning dual chambers and a leachfield you are probably OK. If you have a simple redwood box you will need to upgrade, however you will have 15 years to do so. Also, if a septic system is deemed by a qualified professional to be in need of repair, it can be repaired without upgrading the system if the corrective actions are minor. If you have questions about how the new regulations may impact you, Alisha O’Loughlin, Lower Russian River Ombudsperson, is available to help. Alisha can be reached at
After serving on the Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Board for several years I decided not to run for re-election after fulfilling my current term. Unfortunately, others from the public also decided not to run, so there won’t be an election this month to fill the vacancy. The board is looking to appoint a replacement, so if you are interested please contact administrator@mrrpd.org ASAP. Three priorities I would still like to see occur is having our Monte Rio, A Hate Free Community sign displayed again, adding sexual orientation and gender identity to the Mission statement, and having an EV charging station installed at the Community Center.
In other changes, Robert Gray has sold Cuts on the Green to Lisa Parmeter. The name will now be The Shop. Robert has been an incredible fixture in our community. Your one stop go-to place for everything that is Monte Rio happening. A client base that covered the spectrum and where everyone was smiling or laughing. Robert didn’t give anyone a choice in the matter. Robert would like to thank the numerous people in and around West County that have supported him through thick and thin. Although he won't be owning Cuts on the Green anymore, he will still be working there Fri-Sat throughout the year and wants folks to support the new owner Lisa and show her the love that so many of you have shown him. He also says not to worry he will keep everyone’s secrets! I wish him and Lisa the very best going forward.
With the arrival of cooler weather please remember to be considerate of your neighbors when burning wood for heat. Burning cleanly is the law and is simple to do. Buy dry well seasoned wood, make sure there is plenty of air intake during initial start-up to create a hot fire and less smoke. After initial start-up there should be minimal or no visible smoke emanating from your chimney. Burning cleanly actually saves you money by providing more heat for your dollars. If you need enforcement assistance visit our air quality district website at https://www.nosocoair.net, email Craig@NoSoCoAir.net or call(707) 433-5911. Local air sensors providing real-time air quality information can be found by entering your zip code at purpleair.com. If you are looking to upgrade your source of heat, consider highly efficient ductless heat pumps. Check theair district website for any available rebates.
Our local theater and actors always amaze me. This month Curtain Call Theater at Russian River Hall presents The Mousetrap, a mystery by Agatha Christie. This is the longest running play in London. Contact the box office 707-524-8739 for tickets.
The Hollydale Community Clubhouse, in Forestville, has had a group of local table tennis players, playing at the Clubhouse on Thursday evenings for the past 9-10 years. They are reaching out to the lower Russian River communities, looking for additional players that would like to join them on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Thursdays of the month from 7-10pm. Contact John Condon 707-695-2197
The first weekend of the month is a busy one. Friday November 1st is the Russian River Alliance’s Soiree with a View at Salesforce East Tower, a benefit to prevent homelessness in the River. RussianRiverAlliance.org
Latest update on thsi event after the Fires from https://www.facebook.com/guernevillecommunityalliance:
"I know it's hectic, but our Salesforce fundraiser is still happening tomorrow. Don't forget. If you bought a bus ticket, the bus leaves from Safeway at 3 pm tomorrow. We need the funds even more now as we will be offering cash grants to local workers for lost wages and unforeseen disaster related expenses. The guest list is closed per Salesforce rules, however anybody can donate on-line through our website if they want to at www.russianriveralliance.org "
Also, on November 1st is Monte Rio’s Día de los Muertos celebration at the Community Center 4-7pm. The free event is sponsored by the Friends of Monte Rio, the Monte Rio Recreation and Park District, River to Coast Children’s Services, the Monte Rio Spanish class, and the Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.
On Saturday November 2nd Monte Rio Chamber of Commerce presents their annual Casino Night, also at the Community Center. MonteRio.org
Hoping you take time out this month to be with friends and family and give thanks for those that enrich our lives.
Vacation Wonderland, we just keep getting better.
