Carmel Valley Association held its annual meeting Sunday, March 24, at Del Mesa Carmel.  It was a chance for association members and board members to share ideas, questions and answers.  As members arrived they voted, as it turned out, unanimously, to add "rural character" to our mission statement, making our mission:  "To preserve, protect and defend the natural beauty, resources and rural character of Carmel Valley."

Outgoing board members, Treasurer Edward Surprenant  and John Walton, were recognized and thanked for their years of outstanding service.  The new 2013 board members were introduced:   Axel, Binneboese, Luana Conley, Tim Sanders, and Cynthia Walter.  The officers for the year are Mibs McCarthy, president; Rich Fox and Priscilla Walton, co-vice presidents; Sandra Schacter, secretary; and Axel Binneboese,  treasurer.  Tim Sanders, Christine Williams, Glenn Robinson, and attorney Ron de Hoff were recognized for their work on the successful mediation with the County over the measurement of traffic on Carmel Valley Road.

Dylan Wade, from Water Systems Consulting, Inc., explained the reasons for removing the San Clemente dam and described the new route for machinery and vehicles, all on CalAm property and existing roads. He showed a map of the project and explained how the dam materials will be used and the river, re-routed. Dylan answered many questions from the audience. 

Janet Brennan, of LandWatch Monterey County, spoke about the history of the local water crisis and its current status.  Her full report can be found on the LandWatch website.  She said present proposals could fail because of uncertain water rights, insufficient water in the aquifer, or legal issues.  The Public Utilities Commission is expected to select a project in January, 2014.  The Monterey Peninsula Water Management District is working on a back-up plan.  Again, a lot of questions were asked and answered. 

Christine Williams, Land Use Chair, reported CVA has a new office on Ford road next to the Village Community Center.  It will be used for small meetings and record storage.  The Val Verde development application was incomplete, and the development is stalled for now.  September Ranch is asking for a four-year extension on its development permit.  Rancho Canada Village development is in flux for a few years.  In the General Plan mediation, CVA negotiated a lower cap of 190 new units, in addition to the 350-450 lots of record.  CVA will work with the county to develop new ordinances for the General Plan.  

Members in attendance were asked to brainstorm about the meaning of "rural."  Following is a list of comments:   clean air, horse farms, low density development, subdued lights and paint, preserve ag land, commerce designed to conform to the valley, trail access, appropriate signage, businesses consistent with open space that complement outdoor life, not just wine-tasting rooms, preservation, innovative tourism, no curbs or sidewalks in residential areas, "landscape overlay," concern for history, traditions preserved, discourage over commercialization, preserve ability to raise animals.  We would love to hear more ideas from you!

Margaret Robbins, Roads and Trails Chair, reported a new bike trail along the river.  The Big Sur Land Trust is working on extending the Carmel River trail.  There is no trail information for Carmel Valley on the Master Plan.  We need to find out where the easements are. 

Donna Kneeland, Outreach Chair, reported a new homeowners association group has been convened by CVA with 20 representatives attending.  The most urgent concern is CalAm's billing for water use. 

Our present membership is 613 as reported by Dick Stott, Membership Chair.  Dick also assembles the weekly e-bulletin and issued a request for information on all events of interest to Carmel Valley residents so they can be posted on our calendar.