02/03/2020
Winter 2020 Chemeketa Park Newsletter
Hi Neighbors,
Here's the latest edition of our newsletter.
And, here's a link to view it online (I did forget to update the article table of contents, sorry about that)
https://mailchi.mp/6c93e0100605/winter-2020-chemeketa-park-newletter
Cheers,
Fred
The Chemeketa Park Newsletter
Thanks to the many contributors that took time to craft a bit of information to share with you.
Midpoint Summary of the SR-17 Shaded Fuel Break Project as of late December 2019
Over the past four months, 180 acres of public and private land along northbound SR-17 -- from the Main Street Bridge to the Summit Road overpass -- have been treated.
750 tons of organic material, including tree limbs, hazard trees and brush, have been removed and recycled into landscaping material and/or brought to a biomass cogeneration facility where it is a renewable energy source to make electricity.
133 dead, dying and diseased trees over 12 inches in diameter have been removed to reduce fire hazard and to prevent them from falling onto the highway.
Erosion control measures, including hydromulching for slope stabilization and the mitigation of waterflow hazards have been applied to protect the hillsides and waterways.
64 cubic yards of trash (enough to fill four 20-yard dumpsters one 4-yard dumpster) have been removed from the highway shoulders.
The work continues into 2020 and will at some point include work along the length of Ogallala Warpath.
Over the next several months, crews will be working along SR-17 and in adjacent communities. Traffic in the communities and along SR-17 will be intermittently impacted.
Please plan for extended travel times, as shoulder and lane closures will cause delays. If possible, please plan your SR-17 trips before 9:00 AM and after 3:00 PM or choose alternate routes.
Please drive respecting the safety of the crews working to make our mountain homes safer from wildfires.
SPUG Propane Prices for January 1, 2020 (per gallon)
Amerigas $2.75 FerrellGas $2.57
Kamps $2.60 Suburban/SV $3.98
Become a member of the South Skyline Association to enjoy these prices.
The Edwards and a Chemeketa Farm?
by Fern Gully
I’ve lived here a fair amount of time. There are many folks here who have lived here longer than I have, and many more for less time. I’ve wondered what homes were here first? After talking to a few neighbors, hearing some interesting stories have raised even more history questions.
The Balcombs have a couple of plaques in the playground. I suspect they were the ones who got this mountainside tract of land and broke it down to individual parcels for home building - maybe in the 1920’s? One neighbor said that a tract of land here in Chemeketa Park was given away with magazine subscriptions. I’m not that’s true.
There was also a story of how it used to be called Chemeketa Farm, and a “retreat” was here. Well, some say “retreat” and some say “Sanatorium” (or maybe it was “Sanitarium”) that was run by the Edwards family. That must be why that one odd road is Edwards Road, while the others are all named after Indian tribes (what’s with that?). A search found some passages from a book called, History of San Jose Quakers, West Coast Friends by Thomas M. King. Apparently there was this lady whose physical and mental condition was “delicate” and she spent her recovery at the Chemeketa Farm. Board was $10 per week.
But a farm? That might explain that really old apple tree up the street that had died and was taken out. Are there other old orchard trees still around? It really makes you wonder about how fast these redwoods grow if they had a farm and maybe an orchard here in the late 1800’s.
If you know anything about this or other interesting Chemeketa history, let the editor of this newsletter know. There’s so much written up about Holy City’s and Redwood Estate’s history, but so little about our own Chemeketa Park history.
Wine Wednesday
by Diane Schenkelberg
On pause till warmer weather. In the meantime, stay warm, remain happy, and enjoy living here.
Everyone is welcome. Enjoy the company of your neighbors. Watch for announcements on Nextdoor.com.
Thank you everybody for a great 3rd season of Wine Wednesday! We’ve wrapped up for the year as it gets colder and the days are shorter. But we’ll start up again once daylight savings starts in April of 2020.
Untitled Poem
by Joel Bean, October 28, 1904
For the grandeur of mountains and strength of the hills,
For murmur of waters and music of rills;
For valleys and gorges far down at your feet,
For groves of redwoods far and glens of retreat;
For paths that allure, if your feet do not tire,
To prospects enchanting and heights that inspire;
For community with Nature, her uplift and charm,
Spend a week, if you can, at CHEMEKETA FARM.
For welcome of friends whom acquaintance endears,
For a home that enlivens and comforts and cheers,
For a table supplied by a magical hand
With all the good things of a bountiful land,
For evenings with books by the open wood fire,
For the Hammocks’ respose in unique Azumaya;
For refreshment of spirit, retirement and calm,
Go up, if you can, to CHEMEKETA FARM.
The hearth room is ample, the hearthstone is wide
For pilgrims who, weary, are turning aside
From the City below, in this eyrie to find
Restoration and rest for both body and mind.
But tis only the worth, the choicest, who come;
None else need aspire to CHEMEKETA HOME.
Joel Bean, October 28, 1904
“This poem was found printed as [sic] the letterhead of ‘Chemeketa Farm,’ and used in an undated letter by owner, J. S. Edwards, thanking Joel.”
From page 322 of History of San Jose Quakers, West Coast Friends by Thomas M. King
Chemeketa Park Weather Station
by Diane Schenkelberg
Did you know we have a weather station right here in Chemeketa Park? Enter www.wunderground.com/us/ca/los-gatos/KCALOSGA90 in your address bar and look up current conditions, 10-day forecasts, and historical weather data. I really like the 10-day forecast with its graphs of predicted temperatures, precipitation, cloud cover, and wind speed. The station itself is located near the Kiowa/Cherokee intersection - that’s about as local as you can get!
Safety Geek Corner
It’s that time of year again. The summer weather is gone and the winter season is here. What does that mean?
Well, for many of us our heating systems are being utilized more frequently if not daily. Whether it is a regular forced air heating system or some sort of wood burning device like a fireplace or a wood burning stove. Now is the time to have those systems inspected, chimneys cleaned and heater filters cleaned or changed.
If you heat your home with a fireplace or wood burning stove, now would be the time to:
Have your chimney cleaned and inspected
Replace or install the appropriate chimney cap
Make sure you have removed and regularly clear flammable debris from your roof
Clear any tree branches or limbs at least 10 feet from your chimney
Store your main wood supply at least 30 feet from your home and limit the wood supply stacked next to your home.
Most importantly! Make sure you have the newest smoke detectors/CO monitors in your home and installed as directed. These simple devices are your best defense for early detection of fire or a hazardous environment. They may very well save the lives of you and your loved ones.
Have an enjoyable and safe winter season!
Quarterly Update for the
Emergency Preparedness Calendar
Being prepared for emergencies can seem like a big job. Many people don’t know where to start, so they never start. Take small steps that make a big difference.
January: Make a Plan
Understand what puts you at risk from disasters and take steps to lower your risk.
February: Water Supplies
Have 3 days worth of water stored for your household.
March: Sheltering
Know how to respond safely evacuating or taking shelter.
Visit https://www.sccgov.org/sites/oes/residents/Pages/twelve-month-emergency-preparedness-calendar.aspx to learn more.
Ginger Molasses Cookies Recipe
by Heather Mackewicz
The ingredient list below is for a single batch (yields about 18-24 cookies depending on the size). I typically triple the batch (that is all that can fit in my KitchenAid mixer) and do highly recommend using a stand mixer. It makes it sooo much easier.
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
¾ cup shortening (e.g. Crisco)
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg
2 tsp baking soda (NOTE: the trick to the baking soda is to mix it with a little hot water until it is a semi-bubbly thin -but not too thin- paste - but don’t do this until you’re ready to mix it into the batter)
4 tbsp molasses
2 cups flour
¾ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp ground cloves (NOTE: I omit this, but if you like a “spicier” cookie, you can add it back in)
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
Instructions:
Start by creaming the shortening and sugar. Add in the egg and vanilla next then the molasses. Prepare your baking soda mixture (the hot water + baking soda paste - think white glue consistency) and add it when it is ready.
In a separate bowl, combine your dry ingredients - flour, ground ginger, ground cloves (if you desire it), cinnamon and salt. No need to sift but you do want to stir it with a fork to incorporate it all together, that would be fine. Especially to remove any spice lumps.
Slowly blend in your dry ingredients into your wet ingredients until your cookie dough comes together.
(Don’t forget to scrap the sides periodically!)
With your oven pre-heated, grab a bowl (I use an old pie pan) and fill it with some sugar. Using two spoons or a cookie scoop, scoop out a small glob of the cookie dough. IMPORTANT: Do not handle the dough more than you have to. Meaning, don’t roll it in your hands to make balls. Just scoop the dough in a blob and drop it into the pan or bowl with the sugar. Roll it in the sugar lightly to form the “ball” and make sure the entire dough ball is coated with sugar. (Christine’s Note: It doesn’t have to be perfect - I use this moment to form my dough lump into more of a ball shape as I lightly roll it around in the sugar.)
Take a sugar coated ball and place it on your cookie sheet about 2 inches apart - DO NOT FLATTEN (Christine’s Note: I did this when I was first learning the recipe and Josh’s aunt “yelled” at me - ha ha). Bake for 10 minutes.
(Christine’s Notes: I usually check at around 9 minutes but found that my current oven does best at 11 minutes so now I just let it go. What you’re looking for is a nicely formed cookie, puffy, with a slight toasted color on top. It isn’t a crisp cookie so it may look a little underdone so you’ll just need to play with the timing to get the cookie consistency you’re looking for. Josh likes a softer cookie, I like a more toasted cookie with the soft middle so do what you or your family might like.)
Want to Reserve the Clubhouse?
by Lisa Ridenour
Visit www.chemeketapark.org, then CPMWC, then Clubhouse. To the right is the clubhouse calendar showing the dates reserved with red line through the date square.
Click on Clubhouse Rules. Please read.
Click on Clubhouse Agreement, print, read, sign, and mail with a security deposit of $150 with a stamped self addressed envelope if you want your check back, otherwise I shred the checks if the clubhouse checks out fine.
First time using the clubhouse? Please email Lisa ([email protected]) and ask for a tour. Only Property owners can reserve the clubhouse, and they can reserve it for their tenants.
You may reserve as early as a year ahead or as late as a week ahead of time.
Roads Update
by Rich Buxton
The bridge on Apache Trail remains unsafe for any use. Please do not walk, ride, stand, skateboard, etc on the bridge.
To remind you of the bridge being closed are signs and fences.
Upcoming (or recently completed) projects include the widening of the gate to the community playground and clubhouse area. Plus, the addition of river rock along the gutters of a few roads to limit the damage causes by rain runoff.
Under consideration is the lowering of the berm between Ogallala Warpath and Navajo Trail, where Edwards Road transition to Navajo Trail. The idea is to improve visibility and permit an easier left turn from Navajo Trail onto Ogallala Warpath (heading up hill).
Did you know? Annually, our community plans for future capital improvements, organizes brush chipping and dumpster for large refuse, social events at the park, etc.
Accomplished by your neighbors, get involved, volunteer.
Planting Baby Redwoods
Last summer many of you helped to clear dead trees and brush from the area around the community park. The team leading the wild fire safety work thought planting redwoods in the cleared area would help make the park and clubhouse a bit safer space.
Safer than letting the scotch broom and other brush grow back.
This project allows all of us to watch the growth of redwoods from seedlings to majestic trees.
Let your neighbors know about the newsletter. They can sign up online on the Chemeketa Park Subscribe page.
Newsletter comments, suggestions, or contributions are always welcome.
Let me know your thoughts and ideas for the coming issues. Contact me, Fred, at [email protected].
Now with 113 subscribers. Plus, 240 via Nextdoor.com.
Cheers,
Fred
The newsletter is for Chemeketa Park residents. It's another way we can stay in touch, share ideas, and improve life in the park.
The email list is for the quarterly newsletter plus occasional announcements for residents, owners, or renters.
Thanks to the many contributors that took time to craft a bit of information to share with you. Here's a rundown of what you can find in this issue:
