Oakmont’s Semimonthly Newspaper
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Oakmont Wants to Hear From “Monty” Bus Riders
May 15, 2016 • Volume 54, Number 10
Backyard Visitor
nAl Haggerty
Party on the Greens at OGC Tropical Theme for May 22 Event nStaff Report
It’s become a great yearly community party: Music on the Greens at the Oakmont Golf Club driving range, sponsored jointly by the OGC and Oakmont Village Association. This year’s party is Sunday, May 22, starting at 3:30 p.m. Music will be provided by Mike Amaral’s California Beach Boys, playing from 4–6 p.m. Food and drink will be available for purchase on the grounds. Bring cash to buy $5 food and beverage tickets. No outside food or beverages are allowed. Wear your tropical attire, and plan to eat, drink and dance at this golf course beach party in Oakmont. Admission is free, but residents are asked to make reservations. RSVP by calling the OGC at 539-9215, Ext. 228, or the OVA Office at 539-1611.
Oakmont Woman Faces Possible Prison Sentence nJim Golway
Oakmont resident Gayle Gray will be sentenced June 21 on felony charges stemming from the fatal accident that occurred when the car she was driving struck two elderly women who were walking on the sidewalk in front of the Village Market. At a preliminary hearing in Santa Rosa May 4, Gray pleaded no contest to the charges of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. She could face over nine years in prison, but Sonoma County Superior Court Judge Jamie Thistlethwaite found Gray acted without willfulness or the intent to harm, which could lead to a much lighter sentence or even probation. Gray had a blood-alcohol level of .05 percent, under the legal limit, but a toxicology report showed the 77-year-old woman also had prescription antidepressants in her system. Gray told a Press See possible prison on page 3
The Oakmont Village Association Board of Directors wants to hear from the riders of “Monty,” the #16 CitiBus that circulates through Oakmont. Do riders want changes or do they have complaints or other comments about the service? With renewal of the contract for the near $60,000-a-year service coming up, the board discussed possible changes in the contract at its workshop May 3. President Andie Altman noted that OVA can only make changes at contract renewal. The bus, which picks up 40–50 riders a day throughout Oakmont, takes them to local shopping destinations, including Safeway, Olivers and Montgomery Village. They are picked up about an hour-and-a-half later. Director Ellen Leznik suggested that the bus make a trip every two weeks to downtown Santa Rosa. Responding to one resident’s complaint that she has a distance to walk after getting off the bus, Altman said the service includes taking residents to their door and helping them in with packages if requested. When Director Frank Batchelor suggested “we ask people who ride the bus what changes they want,” OVA Manager Cassie Turner asked that the riders contact Cat Gajarski at the OVA Office with their comments and suggestions. She can be reached at 539-1611 or by E-mail at cat@oakmontvillage.com. Director John Felton said he will take a look at his suggestion that residents be given coupons for taxis or Uber to replace the bus service or that riders be charged anywhere from $2.50 to $5 a day to help pay the cost of the service.
Rainbow Over OGC
This rainbow arced briefly over 18th hole of the West Golf Course of the Oakmont Golf Club on April 22. (Photo provided by Jack and Kathy Hammel)
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID SANTA ROSA, CA PERMIT NO. 323
This photo of a buck with its forked horns in velvet was taken along Badger Creek in Oakmont. (Photo by Keith Sauer)
Videotaping All OVA Board Meetings Likely To Pass nAl Haggerty
A proposal to videotape both Oakmont Board of Directors regular meetings and workshops received strong support from the directors at a May 3 board workshop. At the same time, the idea of holding one board meeting a quarter in the evening to give working residents a chance to attend received little support. The videotaping proposal will be on the agenda of the board’s regular meeting May 17 at Berger Center for discussion and action. Action cannot be taken at workshops. Director Frank Batchelor said he is “totally in favor” of videotaping the meetings and dismissed legal opinions that oppose the practice on the grounds that what directors say could be used against them in legal proceedings. He said the cost of videotaping is “minimal.” Regular board meetings are now videotaped. Director Ellen Leznik said videotaping is a “fabulous” idea, adding that she has no legal concerns and thinks it will help avoid “conspiracy theories.” Reacting to the fact that relatively few people watch the board meeting tapes, she said even if it helps “a few people,” it’s a good idea. Director John Felton said estimates of the cost adding the taping of workshops indicate it would amount to about 50 cents a year for each Oakmont resident. Estimates put the cost at $325 a month to videotape regular board meetings and another $200 for workshops.
EVENING MEETINGS?
Reacting to a suggestion the board try some evening meetings so people who work days could attend, Batchelor said he doesn’t like the idea. He said it’s hard enough getting people to run for the See videotaping on page 3