THE HARBOUR TIDINGS
—OCTOBER 2021—
BODEGA HARBOUR HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
In This Issue
- GM Letter to The Membership
- Community Rules Series Article 3
- Thank you! From The Bodega Bay Fire Fighters
- Golf
- Women's Golf
- Bistro
- Literature
- CERT
- Exercise
- BHHA Business Community Calendar
- Board of Directors
- Design Review
- How to Navigate
- Landscape Review
- Helpful Hints & Fall Garden Beautiful Contest
- Announcements, Updates & Info Links
- Bodega Bay & County Happenings
- Local Services
GM Letter to The Membership
Dear Members,
In response to our continued staffing challenges during the pandemic we have decided to close the Bistro on Tuesday and Wednesdays. There is an announcement from our Food & Beverage staff in this newsletter. We would like to thank the Board of Directors and members for their continued support during what is arguably the most challenging time in our history at the Bistro. We continue to make improvements to operations including implementation of a QR code allowing for contactless menus and we are working on mobile ordering. A long awaited new menu will be introduced this month. We believe you will love the changes and the launch of our pizza oven. Stay tuned for the official announcement later this month!
In order to further protect our staff, guests, and members, we have put into effect a property wide policy requiring staff to be vaccinated or participate in weekly testing. We have ordered 400 self administered COVID tests, we are not anticipating using all 400 tests as we have just a few staff who are unvaccinated. We will make roughly 300 test available to members for purchase at cost through the office. There are five antigen tests to each box and they cannot be sold individually. The cost for a 5 test box is $90. They can be picked up at the office and charged to your member account. Please make sure to bring your ID with you so that our staff can verify your name and confirm the correct account to bill.
We sent out the BHHA Security Survey in September and have received a great response, 364 responses so far. We will keep the survey open longer to encourage more participation. If you have not had a chance to complete the survey please consider taking 5-10 minutes to contribute to our security assessment; Security Survey Monkey. Findings of the survey will be published in the next newsletter once the survey has closed.
Staff have been working on the replacement of the filter for the pump house, tree trimming in the common areas, and scheduling sealing and repairs of the parking lot. We completed True Service training of all the staff. This is an extensive proprietary customer service training program created specifically for KemperSports and has four levels of service training. Our goal is to have 100% of staff trained at the highest level by the end of October, 80% of our current staff have completed this program so far. We continue to work with the many community committees on a multitude of projects from Strategic Planning to Design Review.
Here’s to a Glorious October - one of the best months in the Harbour!
Anna Taylor, MBA, PCAM
General Manager
The Links at Bodega Harbour
Bluewater Bistro
Bodega Harbour Homeowners Association
21301 Heron Dr.
Bodega Bay, CA 94923
(707) 875-3519 x340
Bodega Harbour Community Rules
This is the third in a series of articles on various aspects of the Community Rules, approved in 2019, which are available online at www.bhha.org under “Documents”. We encourage all owners to visit the site.
COMMUNITY RULES NOTICE - UNACCOMPANIED GUESTS AND RENTERS
The Association’s Community Rules contain a NOTICE to be given to guests/renters or posted at your home when you are not there. Our Association Rules cover many topics relating to being good neighbors and of importance to owners: parking, noise, nuisance, and trespass as well as other “Use Restrictions” contained in our BHHA CCRs Section 7.1 through 7.14.
The Community Rules one page Notice to Guests is in a link at the end of this article.
It can also be found online at www.bhha.org > Members > Documents as “Attachment A”.
(You must be signed on to navigate to the Documents page.)
The notice informs guests, visitors, and renters that Bodega Harbour is a residential neighborhood with permanent residents living here. We are not a “party” location and we want everyone - residents, guests and visitors to respect residents’ privacy and need for quiet enjoyment.
All owners should inform renters (short and long-term) or guests staying at your home of the Association’s rules for proper behavior in our residential community.
Please post this notice whenever you have renters or guests staying without a member. Click "A" Community Rules Guest Agreement for the 1 page form.
Let us all enjoy the beautiful Sonoma coast together!
Thank You!
From The Bodega Bay Firefighters
Many thanks to the Links at Bodega Harbour, the Bodega Harbour Men's Golf Club, generous donors, and Hole-in-One contest players for making today's fund-raising event a success!
The event raised over $4000 for the Bodega Bay Firefighters Association. These funds will be earmarked as part of the Association's donation towards the purchase of a replacement Paramedic-Rescue Ambulance (Medic 811). Final specs are being reviewed for this apparatus and the Fire District hopes to select a vendor before the end of the year.
This community is special!!
On behalf of the Bodega Bay Firefighters Association,
Ray Hill, BBFA
Golf News
Hello Members,
We hope you’re staying well and enjoying our wonderful fall weather in Bodega Harbour! Below are some highlights for October, as well as important reminders for our day-to-day operations.
Aeration News: Greens aeration is tentatively scheduled Monday, October 25th & Tuesday, October 26th. Members who play during these two days will play the same 9-holes twice. Jonathan Ivory and his crew plan to use the small core aeration, so with the right weather and climate, we should see the greens heal quickly!
Women’s Club Invitational: The women had a fantastic day on the links, from great weather and golf to fun and creative outfits, to skills challenges and great prizes, all capped by a tasty poolside buffet and awards. Thanks to all who participated, and we hope to see more of you throughout the year!! Special thanks to all who worked so hard to organize and volunteer in order for this to be such a success; especially Sunny Schalansky, Mary Parks & Mary Kilkenny, to name a few : )
Men’s Club: The men were also treated to two days of epic weather, and great course conditions. Additional Contests included Stableford, Proximity, Long Drive and a very entertaining Horserace!! The event concluded with awards for both days poolside with tasty fare. Special thanks to Terry Dale, Bob Haire, and Ed Witts, to name a few : )
Special Thanks: The Men’s & Women’s Clubs would like to thank and acknowledge Community Insurance Agency for their support of both clubs and sponsoring gift cards for the weekly contest winners!
Senior Net Championships: A new champion was just crowned, where two members in very good form met in the finals, Greg Thokle and Don Slezak. Greg Thokle won an exciting contest that went the full 18 holes. Greg had an amazing journey to the finals, where two of his four matches were won on extra holes or sudden death. If you see either of them, please offer congratulations on their very good play!!
New Hire: We’d like to welcome Kevin Abe (Picture below), our newest employee to join our team in outside services. Kevin used to be our UPS Delivery Driver, has since retired, but is doing a very nice job, with a dedicated work ethic. Many of you may know him, but if not, feel free to introduce yourselves to say Hi and welcome him to Bodega Harbour.
Golf Trip to Mexico Returns! March 1st – March 8th, 2022, Golf Trip to Secrets Resort in beautiful Puerto Los Cabos. This golf trip is currently sold out, but if you’re interested, please notify Bob Caldwell in case any more spots become available with ILT Travel.
Pro Shop Hours/News: We are open daily from 7 am – 6 pm. Until further notice, anyone entering the pro shop is required to wear a facial mask and maintain a safe social distance to others. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated!
Tee Times: Members who wish to make tee times for themselves or guests should continue to book at least 7 to 10 days in advance (up to 60 days max), to help get your preferred tee times. You may book online by visiting our website www.bodegaharbourgolf.com or, call the pro shop directly, 707-875-3539 during normal business hours. Afternoon calls are recommended to help avoid delays while we check-in play during peak hours. Remember to present your BHHA Member ID at check-in in to receive your member rates.
Please note: When setting up your customer account for booking tee times, you’ll be requested to provide your credit card number to secure the reservation. Your credit card will not be charged until you check-in at the pro shop, unless you fail to show or cancel within 24 hours. At check-in, you can pay via credit card, or member account.
All members and guests, even those with annual passes, are required to check in the pro shop prior to your round. This provides us an opportunity to register your round and let you know about golf car path rules and any notable course condition alerts.
Please note: When booking a tee time, you will more than likely be paired with someone else. In order to maximize rounds and revenue, please remember to cancel tee time(s) within the 24-hour cancellation period.
9-Hole Play: Options for 9-hole play are the BACK 9 in the mornings from 7:30 – 8:30 am, and available during twilight time on the FRONT 9. Priority goes to those playing 18 holes during peak hours, which also helps avoid gaps in play as some who only play 9 holes would reduce group size and impact the group’s pace of play.
Links at Bodega Harbour & Bluewater Bistro App: Our new app offers many features, which include GPS, scoring & posting to GHIN, booking tee times online, ordering food and beverage and more! To download, visit your Google Play, or iPhone App Store and search The Links at Bodega Harbour; it’s free!
Snack Bar: is open daily from approximately 8 am to 3 pm (weather-permitting).
Photo contest: This month’s contribution is from John Neri and Dr. Feinkemeir.
As always, please send any special photographic moments from around the links and Bodega Harbour to me: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. I’m happy to receive these works of art and feature your shots on our newsletter and/or HOA website!
Thanks everyone, be well, and we look forward to seeing more of you soon on The Links!
John Neri
Assistant Golf Professional
The Links at Bodega Harbour
BODEGA HARBOUR WOMEN’S GOLF
October, 2021
The September 14, 2021 Women’s Invitational was a well-attended, fun-filled day for members and guests at our beautiful Links at Bodega Harbour!
The day kicked off with a coffee bar and goodies, 18 holes of friendly competition, skills contests, and tasty treat bags.
The afternoon was comprised of clinking wine glasses and appetizers at an elegant poolside social, a scrumptious BBQ luncheon and Award Ceremony. Each table was adorned with seaside-appropriate décor, generous gift bags for all participants, and fine wines amidst an ambiance of celebration and spirited camaraderie.
A big thank you to Mary Kilkenny who coordinated the Invitational, with the support of her Committee, Mary Parks and Sunny Schalansky, and, of course, the industrious Kemper Sports staff who outdid themselves in helping make this an extra special event.
Speaking of which… The BH Women’s Group, and Men’s Group, as well, would hereby like to convey heart-felt KUDOS to ALL of our hardworking, customer-driven, much-appreciated Kemper Sports employees for their services, support, and extra attention to our Golf Club during these busy months of Tournaments, Special Games, Championships, Memorial Events, and Invitational/Windward Events. A special thank you to Brandie Baskett, Administration for providing office support to help organize our events and print information.
First, the Golf Pro Shop: Even our guests from other reputable clubs make a point of complimenting the positive atmosphere, professionalism, and helpfulness of our Pro Shop in welcoming golfers to the Links at Bodega Harbour. We are very fortunate to have high-caliber Pro Bob Caldwell, John Neri, and Carter Merlaud running our golf operations!
Thank you Bob, and Golf Pro Shop Team!
Bob Caldwell, PGA Director of Golf
Executive Golf Pro Extraordinaire!
John Neri, First Assistant Golf Pro
A true Golf Genius and Skilled Trainer!
Carter Merlaud, APPR. Golf Pro
Outstanding Golfer and Businessman!
Mike Enochs, Guest Services Rep / Course Marshal
“Marshal Mike,” we so appreciate your role in Outdoor Guest Services, and the valuable assistance you provide to members and guests in ensuring maximum safety, regular grounds patrol, regulation of golf flow, and clarity of course conditions. We know you will always ensure our carts are clean, operationally sound and moving.
Thanks for keeping us all safe and orderly!
Director of Food and Beverage TJ Smith
We appreciate you and your friendly "can do" team for excellent service!
Chef Kenneth Topp
‘bout those Secret-Recipe BBQ Turkey Burgers!
Brett Fox
Thank you and your team for making our golf course, facilities safe and maintained beautifully!
Servando
A Jack of All Trades - Thanks for all you do!
Jonathan Ivory
Course Superintendent - Thank you so much such a beautiful and unique golf course!
Brandie Baskett
Thank you and your crew for giving us for your assistance in providing administrative office support to help us organize our event and print information
Bluewater Bistro
It is with heavy hearts, tired bodies, and the approval of the Board that we are announcing new changes to the Bluewater Bistro schedule.
Starting September, the twenty-eighth, the restaurant will be open five days a week, (Thursdays through Mondays). The restaurant will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
We have been operating with the assumption that more people would be looking to return to the work force. However, we have more staff that is transitioning out than in.
Our goal is to eventually open the lounge each of the five days, however, presently, we are open for DINE-IN upstairs in our lounge from 12-8p on Fridays and Saturdays only.
The Snack Shack will continue to open daily.
Although we were striving to keep the doors open seven days a week, with the present staffing issues and employment climate in general, we must be realistic and strategic in our efforts. We need to consolidate our focus on the busiest days.
Thanks to Anna Taylor, our General Manager, Kathy Duran (former Board President), Jennie Alexich (current Board President), and everyone else that has supported us during these difficult times. It is truly a blessing to work for people that have hearts filled with compassion. We look forward to the future and opening our doors for our members and the public. We all know it is the best place to watch the sunset in Bodega Bay.
Thank you for your understanding of the situation the pandemic has put us in. We are excited to start a new chapter, together.
Executive Chef Kenneth R Topp & Beverage and Hospitality Director TJ Smith
Schedule moving forward:
Monday: 12p-6p
(Outdoor Patio seating/Take Out/Delivery 12p-6p)
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 12p-8p
(Outdoor Patio seating/Take Out/Delivery 3p-8p)
Friday: 12p-8p
(Indoor Dining/Outdoor Patio seating/Take Out/Delivery 3p-8p)
Saturday: 12p-8p
(Indoor Dining/Outdoor Patio seating/Take Out/Delivery 3p-8p)
Sunday 12p-6p
(Outdoor Patio seating/Take Out/Delivery 12p-6p)
LITERATURE GROUP
October 2021
Contributor: Cindy Borisoff
On October 4, Elaine Ramires will present Vesper Flights by Helen Macdonald. “The book is a collection of essays based on the natural world; each has the purpose of sparking a larger discussion based on an initial observation.” (Review by Oliver Fellows)
“Macdonald describes her book as a Wunderkammer, a cabinet of wonders that is itself ‘concerned with the quality of wonder.’” The book required moral courage: ‘Some of the ways I try to talk about class, about privilege, about climate change – I think I would have been scared to do that years ago.’”
“Macdonald’s writing teems with other voices and perspectives, with her own challenges to herself...Hers is a gritty intimacy with the wild.”
“It is awe, but no need to wait for an eclipse – Macdonald presents it everywhere for the taking, in the underground networks of fungi, in fog, in deer that ‘drift in and out of trees like breathing.’ It exists in birdsong and the ‘cobra-strike of a heron stabbing at a fish.’ It’s in the pages of this book, in the consciousness of a writer admiring the world, so grateful for its otherness.”
“Vesper Flights is a book thick with sorrow, an elegy in the midst of the sixth great extinction underway…It’s not mere grief, as if grief is ever simple. These are tears full of surprise and recognition…
‘I’m tiny and huge all at once, as lonely and singular as I’ve ever felt, and as merged and part of a crowd as it is possible to be. It is a shared, intensely private experience.’”
(NY Times Review)
“Mac Donald’s vision for this collection is fittingly encapsulated “in her explanation of the “ascent of swifts.” “Twice a day they soar up high and out of human sight…flying so high they can work out exactly where they are, to know what to do next. They’re quietly, perfectly orienting themselves.” “Mac Donald turns to the natural world for a grander view in order to see where humanity stands and where it can go.” (Review by Olive Fellows)
Please Note: Elaine hopes to hold the meeting for Vesper Flights outside! The initial plan is to meet on the grassy cliff area on lower Gull Drive. Everyone to bring a chair! Stay tuned for the final plans to be confirmed.
The Literature Group meetings are held the first Monday of each month. (If the date has a holiday conflict, the meetings are typically moved to the following Monday.) At this time our meetings are ZOOM meetings that begin at 4pm. Group members will receive an invitation to the Zoom prior to the meeting date.
If you have any questions about the Literature Group, please contact Maurine Harkness (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Cindy Borisoff (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Come join us!
Enjoy, learn, and grow READING!!!
Click on the CERT Flyer below to expand and print:
The Exercise Group - Is Alive and Thriving in the Harbour!
It’s never too late to start, and all fitness levels are welcome.
8:30 -9:30 am Monday, Wednesday and Friday tune into ZOOM to join the exercise group.
Enjoy a workout in the safety and comfort of your home. Betsy Spann, who hosts the meeting, is a certified fitness instructor has lead the Yacht Club exercise group as a community service to all Bodega Harbour residents since 2014.
A little stretching and balance helps stimulate your mind and maybe help your golf game too.
If you want to click on at 8:30 in the morning from your home, reach out to Betsy for the link and password at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or text to 707.849.8896
Community Calendar
Board of Directors
Design Review
How to Navigate
If you plan on performing any type of exterior renovations you MUST contact Mary Angelo in the Administration office. Exterior renovations include re-staining (otherwise known as painting). Applications can be found on the BHHA website or reach out to Mary at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
When signed in, hover over the Members Tab and click Design Review. If you are signed in now, click the "All Things Design Review" button below to go directly to the page:
Landscape Review
Helpful Hints
Here in Bodega Harbour we have minimum standards for our landscaping. Our standards include consideration for our neighbors to maintain the beautiful ocean and golf course views, as well as; regular maintenance to insure healthy plants, mulching to prevent weeds, and trimming to keep our sidewalks and street gutters clear.
- “Trees must be regularly maintained and trimmed to the roof lines of the residence. Vegetation trimming or removal is required even if a complaint has not been made in the past, regardless of the age of the vegetation. “ Don’t wait to find you have a new neighbor that might complain that your tree is blocking their view. Trim your trees annually or semi-annually, depending on the need, so they stay healthy. Trimming for the first time after 20 years or more, to get below a roof line might kill the tree.
- “Trees, shrubs, & plants must be trimmed so that no portion grows over the lot lines, the sidewalk, or where sidewalks do not exist, including; over the edge of the curb into the street.” Just make sure you’re trimming your garden, so our neighbors can walk safely.
- Echium Candicans (Pride of Madeira) is a part of our community. They grow wild throughout, and can be quite beautiful when blooming. We ask that all the dead Pride of Madeira be removed. Regular maintenance is required. This plant is prohibited as part of new landscaping plans.
- Mulch…use natural color mulch. The goal is for colors to integrate with the natural surroundings. Mulch can reduce weeds, retain moisture, and camouflage hose lines.
- Drip Systems, when developing new landscaping, consider the drip. Water sprinklers are approved, but aren’t the most practical in our windy coastal community.
- Soft Landscaping, for new landscaping plans we’ll want to see the samples of mulch, stone, gravel. Our goal is to have the landscaping blend.
- New to Bodega Harbour and building, or just thinking of a new landscaping plan. Driving around the subdivision is a great way to get familiar with plants that are approved & do well on the coast.
- If you do wish to make a complaint regarding a view obstruction, please contact the Bodega Harbour HOA Office & request a form for completion. Once the form is completed it will be submitted to the landscaping committee for follow up.
- Have fun in your garden. Time to get the bulbs in, remember the gophers love the bulbs. Try containers, and look around at your neighbors. If you see Gladiolas, Irises, & Daffodils doing well, might work for you too!
- Let us know if you would like to submit your garden for the next Fall Quarterly Garden Beautiful contest. It’s always fun to see our neighbor’s creative garden designs.
Announcements, Updates & Information Links
- Reminder, per Ordinance 11-20.100 vehicles must be moved on county maintained public streets after 72 hours. The streets in Bodega Harbour are county maintained and therefore fall under County Ordinances. Your vehicle is subject to tow if it isn’t removed/moved after 72 hours.
- We are under severe drought conditions this year, please monitor your water usage.
Did You Know?
Visit the BHHA website https://www.bhha.org/ and click the "News" tab at the top of the page (You do not have to sign in to access this information.) to find links to the Board of Supervisor Meetings, Agendas, What's New and more.
Recently added are 2 new buttons called SoCo Supervisorial Districts and SoCo Report it.
The Supervisorial Districts button brings you to all the Supervisors, links to their district page which includes contact information and the District maps which are interactive.
The SoCo Report It button brings you to a service page for reporting service request for poor road conditions, etc.
For your convenience, the buttons are included below:
Free Evacuation Tags
Coming Soon
The Sheriff’s Office is giving away evacuation tags to residents living in unincorporated Sonoma County and our contract cities, Sonoma and Windsor. Evacuation tags are a new tool to help us more quickly ensure that neighborhoods are evacuated during a disaster. Residents tie the tag in a highly visible location when they evacuate.
This saves time because first responders don’t have to tie their own ribbon on the property and they can immediately check the next home. We’ve learned that seconds can count during evacuations and we are excited to bring this new time-saving tool to our residents.
An order for tags has been placed with the Sheriff's office specifically for the community. As soon as the tags arrive, a email notification will be sent out.
Also, residents can pick up a tag at any of the stations or during one of the drive-through distribution days next month. All the details are here: sonomasheriff.org/evac.
Errant Golf Ball Procedures Revised
The ACH Authorization Form
Bodega Bay and County Happenings
Bodega Bay Community Center Farmers Market
The Bodega Bay Community Center Farmer's Market has closed after another wonderful season. New season dates will be posted here once they are announced...stay tuned!
Sonoma County Calendar of Events
Caltrans
The News tab on the www.bhha.org includes a link to Caltrans and a local Caltrans activity link.
A Paving Project on State Route 1 near Bodega Bay is underway.
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