February - 2017

ag Rag

President’s Report I will not bore you with all the details but By Ken Petrilla dealing with a few neighbors that protest everything we do and blame the Club for every Dear Club Members, sound beyond the rustling of leaves, was both a challenge and great theater. The challenge was I am pleased to report that we have finally refuting many unfounded allegations while received Ross Town Council approval to have building our case for additional music, which nine (9) amplified music events per year. This included an Environmental Impact Report, at was a long, winding and arduous process started our expense, demanded by one neighbor. The by Cam Lanphier and Tom Mayes almost two theater was provided at the Ross Town Council years ago. I applaud Cam and her Board for meetings where disgruntled neighbors protested having the far-sightedness to initiate the process our application in an ugly manner and and Tom for his commitment, attention to detail sometimes with outright hostility. We were and perseverance in getting this done. accused of everything from being bad neighbors to child abuse. (We were accused in a letter by The short history is that the Club’s use permit one neighbor of keeping children awake late always allowed unlimited amplified music into the night while we party at Wednesday events but in our effort to get Town approval to night barbeques.) For those of us involved, we remodel the kitchen and porch almost 20 years saw small town politics up close and personal. ago, we mistakenly agreed to a limit of two (2) Fortunately, clear thinking prevailed and our amplified music events each year. request to amend our use permit and clean-up Unfortunately, this restriction was set in old, inaccurate language as well as allow concrete, i.e., our Ross Town use permit. We additional amplified music was approved by a used the two events for the Pool Opening Party 3-1 vote. The Council member voting against and the Christmas Party. This, of course, used our initiative is opposed to music of any kind in our allotment and prevented us from having a residential neighborhood. (Ross residents amplified music at weddings, special parties and should be happy that this position did not carry the like. While generating revenue was limited the day or, taken to absurd lengths, residents by our inability to offer amplified music to would have to get permission to have parties prospective users, the real issue was our with music or simply listen to music in their members not being able to properly celebrate homes.) Beach Kuhl rightly recused himself but weddings and other special occasions. This has behind the scenes provided plenty of advice and been remedied but please note that we are not counsel. Other members who provided going to rush out and create amplified music invaluable support were Liz Amini, Ed and events just for the sake of having music. We Betsy McDermott, Tom and Pauline Tusher, need to be judicious and use amplified music for John O’Connor, John Pogue, Baird Connor, special occasions that require amplified music. Bruce Hart and the many members attending the

three separate Ross Town Council meetings. Mark Gamble-Treasurer 2017-2018 Special thanks goes to Tom Mayes and Ed Wynne. They truly did the heavy lifting. Briefly could you tell us about your Without their energy, insights and commitment, background in Finance? this would have never gotten done. Thank you For the last ten years, I worked at registered all. investment advisory firms with responsibility for managing the equity investments of my Besides additional music, this exercise has clients. As with any small business experience, provided two noteworthy takeaways. First of my responsibilities were varied but gave me all, the Club is a good neighbor. Regardless of broad exposure to: banking, accounting, what certain neighbors wrote or said about us, compliance, human resource, marketing and we always consider the impact our activities legal. All these issues go with making a have on neighbors. Secondly, our membership profit. Prior to that, I worked for ten years in a is full of smart people willing to go the extra family office with exposure to: fixed income, mile to preserve the Club’s reputation, culture equity and real estate investment. Today, as the and relevance while at the same time working owner of a boutique investment firm, I spend a within acceptable parameters. lot of time on the day to day operational issues faced by small regulated investment firms. As my friends in London might say, this project is “done and dusted”. We know you are busy with both your business and your children. Why are you giving your Best, time now to the LCC? I still recall how warm and welcoming this Ken community was toward me when I first joined. I had no connection to Marin or the

LLC. I married an existing member and found myself thrust into the center of a warm and 2017 Board of Directors nurturing community. I learned only later that my marriage to Molly was by far the easiest way to join! That immediate inclusive and Ken Petrilla – President connective feeling that I received from strangers Bill Buckingham – Vice President gave me a deep appreciation for the community Mark Gamble – Treasurer that is the Lagunitas Club. It has been a great Lisa Kemp – Secretary community in which to raise our family. When Maria Bennett – House and Grounds the nominating committee reached out, I jumped on the chance to give back in a way in which I Baird Conner – Sports Chair know that I can contribute. Honey Nachman – Social Chair

Kerry Hoeveler – Social Chair What is your favorite memory of the Lagunitas Club? Over the years there have been many favorite memories: Attending a Christmas dance in high school…Watching Bob Lutz lose in the finals of New Board Member Interviews the Bothin…Staggering up to Phoenix Lake for

a late night swim after my fortieth birthday Each year we get new Board Members and find party…Watching all the dads take on the the opportunity to ask a few questions that mechanical bull after a few cocktails at the 4th of garner responses we would like to share with all July party….probably my favorite is the chance members. For this issue, Mark Gamble and over many years to share good meals with great Kerry Hoeveler have graciously shared some of friends under our trees in the grove. their thoughts with us.

Which is your preference, paddle or tennis? and listening to the laughter of children playing While I am only a “seasonal” tennis player, I in the pool. I always thought Lagunitas Country enjoy my time on the courts. Club was a special place. My favorite time is still poolside...only now I'm watching our kids Beer or wine? enjoy the pool at LCC. Beer before dinner and wine with the meal. Which is your preference, paddle or tennis? Who would you like most to join your table at a Paddle. I love the sport and even more, I love summer Wednesday night barbecue? the parties around the paddle tournaments and Tommy Lardner…so I can get some tips on events! good sportsmanship. Who would you like most to join your table at a summer Wednesday night barbecue? Kerry Hoeveler – Social 2017-2018 Hmm..that's tough. I really love classic rock bands from the late sixties. I find that time of Briefly could you tell us about your history so fascinating, especially the cultural background as it relates to your role on the phenomenon that happened in the Board? Haight/Ashbury. I'd love to sit with Grace Slick, For the past 12 years I have spent most of my Janis Joplin or Jerry Garcia if I had to choose. I time managing the busy lives and schedules of think any of them would provide amazing our three boys Jackson (12), Chase (9) and insight into a fascinating time of our culture and Grant (5). Now that the boys are a bit older and I know each of them would find the beauty in I have more time to dedicate elsewhere, I'm I'm sitting under the redwoods of LCC while excited to take on the role of Social Chair. I am strumming the guitar. The bar sales would likely going to work with Honey Nachman to plan and reach epic levels as well! execute fun events at LCC. This year is going to be great fun!

We know you are busy with lots of events and Membership Category Changes obligations outside of the Club. Why are you First Quarter – 2017 giving your time now to the LCC? JUNIORS I spend a lot of my time at Lagunitas Club - Louisa Barron playing paddle, watching Charles or our boys Samuel Crawford play paddle or tennis, going to the pool or Diana Dean attending many social events so when I was Annie Tornga asked to join the board as Social Chair, I was Elizabeth Treadwell thrilled! JUNIOR INTERMEDIATE Cordelia Duff It seemed like a great way to meet more of the Sophia Melone club's members, learn how the club works all Preston Way while doing what I love, spending time at the Riley Way club and planning fun events! SENIOR INTERMEDIATE What is your favorite memory of the Lagunitas John Allen Club? Charles Ellis I first started to spend time at Lagunitas Country Bruce Hart Jr. Club as Charles' guest back when we were dating. I have great memories reading by the SENIOR pool while waiting for Charles to finish playing Thomas Dibblee Emily Petrilla tennis. I can remember how fun it was to sit in the sun, sipping on an 'LCC lemonade', reading

additional provision that allows us to use the Club Manager’s Corner leave blower on 10 Saturdays when tournaments by John Kinsman are scheduled – but again, after 9:00 a.m. So please keep that in mind when scheduling First of all – on behalf of the entire LCC Staff – tournaments. We will have additional brooms please accept our Very Big Thank You for your available on the courts and we have discovered generous contributions to the Holiday Fund. (thanks to Jeff Heely) that the Aussie Sweep Your response for 2016 was extraordinary! plastic device used on the clay court to remove Thank You! leaves – actually works quite well on the hard surface courts – when they are dry. So we are Use Permit ordering an additional one.

As Ken mentioned in his article - the Club has Miscellaneous Items – been put through the ringer to get town approval to change our Use Permit – allowing us more  No outdoor activities before 7:30 a.m. opportunities for amplified music in the  All outdoor and indoor events must end by Clubhouse (never outside). As we were given 10:30p.m. Again, there will be no exception that approval with protest from Club neighbors, to this rule. we have to be more vigilant about following the  Facility users must refrain from rules stated in our Use Permit. There are a few “unsportsmanlike” behavior, such as things that I’ll mention here that neighbors will swearing, unnecessary shouting, etc. while undoubtedly be keeping an eye on… using outdoor areas that are close to surrounding public areas. Amplified music  Paddle Court lights absolutely must be

turned off by 8:30 p.m. – without exception. Now that we have nine occasions per year when Please be responsible for turning off the we can have amplified music, some will be for lights if you’re the last ones on the courts – Club events and some may be available to as there may not be a staff member around members who rent the Club for special to turn them off at that time of day. occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, etc. Board approval will be required We always try to be good neighbors and to to use one of our nine amplified music events follow rules. Given the opposition to the and there will be an additional charge. The Use change of our Use Permit, those same neighbors Permit requires that the music be “indoors with will be watching and listening to us very doors and windows closed.” So when you’re at carefully. Our new Use Permit will be reviewed the Club and there is amplified music – please by the Town in one year – and I’m certain that help to ensure that our doors and windows those neighbors would love the opportunity to remain closed. Additionally – the music and provide comments and/or videos of us breaking parties must end by 10:30pm – and there will be any of the rules included in the Use Permit. We no exceptions to that rule. Our Use Permit all must pay particularly close attention to the requires us to notify all neighbors within 500 rules. feet of the Club when we schedule an event with amplified music. Welcome New LCC Additions – Leaf Blower

One of the rules that significantly impacts us – and Alfonso – is that we are only allowed to use Scottie Dollar & Stevie Rose was born to our leaf blower to clean the courts 3 times per week (currently Monday, Wednesday, and Diana Hayden Hedrick & Brad Hedrick th Friday). We are not allowed to use our leaf On January 25 , 2017 blower until after 9:00 a.m. There is an

CHRISTMAS CAROL

ANNUAL MEETING

NEW BOARD ROOM

Social Corner 8:30 at night. Regional, national, and international talent descended on the Lag Club for supremacy in By Honey Nachman & Kerry Hoeveler the cage.

The Social Committee met in January to kick off Betsy McDermott and Kathryn Freeman made the what is sure to be an excellent year. We have a fully finals of the Ladies draw ultimately losing to a team sponsored 2017 calendar by members eager to create representing Denver and the British Isles; their events and parties that all members will be excited to opponent disarmed Betsy and Kathryn with a lovely attend. First up, we have the adults only Dominoes English accent. In the Open division Tori Eichleay and Dinner on March 5th, sponsored by the reigning and Jill Isenhart couldn’t overcome the Chicago duet champion, Alexandra Treene. St. Patrick’s Day is of Wendy Shpiz and Mary Doten. Tori’s partner Friday, March 17th and is sure to be fun with green showed fortitude by playing through a noticeably beer, Irish fare and limericks for all. RSVP on our hobbled leg but the imported talent proved too fabulous new website or call the steady to overcome. As a non-resident LCC office. Paddlepalooza on January 27th was very member, Wendy’s commitment to return annually well attended. Kids had fun learning skills and and win our tournament is appreciated by her playing games with Nick while the adults enjoyed friends…with the exception of Tori. paddle and pizza. A special thanks to new members, Collin and Matt Shewey, for sponsoring this fun On the men’s side, the Ned Griffith Cup (The evening! People’s Trophy) was won by Chris Adams and Baird Conner who triumphed over LCC teaching As we look forward to Spring, we are VERY excited Pros Nick and Andre before a raucous crowd of to host a fun, themed Pool Opening Party with seven. Chizzie Brown was on hand, drenched to the entertainment and LIVE music! Mark your calendar bone, to present the Cup that honors her Father. The for May 13th. It’s going to be a blast! Griffith Cup embodies a competitive spirit (gamers), social personality (imbibers), and mediocre talent Athletics Corner (hacks). The year’s winners were well suited to the By Baird Conner ideals of the Griffith Cup.

Upcoming Events Unlike the Griffith Cup in several ways, namely The Paddle Courts have been consistently occupied ability, the Men’s Open Championship draws the for the entire season. It is not uncommon to see a most talented players in the country. Our own four-some waiting in the parking lot for a court to Charles Hoeveler and Mark Innes won the open up. One paddle player rolled into the parking tournament exacting revenge on the 2016 winners; lot only to witness another player scurry across the the Cleveland pair of The Kid/Mr. Backboard. The lot, shoes in hand, in order to establish a presence on finals were punctuated by rallies lasting 4 hours the last available court. Mark is very busy with our which forced some of the competitors (and a few Junior Program, regular clinics, and private lessons. spectators) to consult a physician. Please be aware that Mark has posted his lesson schedule on Court 3. Anyone who thinks the party days of the Lag Club are over need only witness the spectacle that is the Other than general use and our own LCC Paddle Saturday night party at LCC Open. Led by Tori League we have two more scheduled tournaments. Eichleay and Jason Winship, the clubhouse hosted a The Lag Club will host the NorCal Mixed capacity crowd for a sit-down prime rib dinner. The Tournament on March 4. You can sign-up as a team Denver Contingent was in full force with a crowd of or let Mark know you are interested in order to be 30 plus making their presence known. Denver paired with a like-skilled player. The NorCal Mixed Maven, Maggie Hays, had to temper their Tournament is open for both members and non- enthusiasm on more than one occasion so that we members so feel free to invite any local talent that could hear the raffle numbers being called. Raffle would be interested. The Junior Tournament will be prizes included paddles, bags, Lag Wear and three held March 11th. gallons of Kentucky Moonshine which were promptly opened and consumed on the spot. The LCC Open After-Party continued at The Silver Peso and it is Our own Open Championship was held over a four rumored (though not confirmed) that one Denver day period using all available paddle courts (thanks player was seen sleeping in the men’s locker room again to the Kostanecki family) from dawn until the next morning.

History & Legacy The unenviable responsibility of trustee fell to the Kent’s son William Jr. and son-in-law Stanleigh Arnold, husband of daughter Elizabeth. In 1935 THE KENT LEGACY they reluctantly decided to subdivide the 890-acre By Gary Scales homestead into residential building sites called Kent Woodlands. “It was a real blow to the family. They When Theodore Roosevelt accepted the gift of 298 fought like hell but there was no other income acres of virgin redwood forest, William Kent coming in. We were property-rich and penny- requested the monument be named after John Muir. poor… and that’s one of the reasons we also The President thanked him for “this singularly developed Seadrift.” William Kent Jr., in addition to generous and public spirited action,” and wrote “I settling the complicated estate, was also a prominent have every admiration for John Muir, but after all, businessman, serving as a director of the Kern my dear sir, this is your gift…I should like to name County Land Company, the Bank of California and it Kent Monument if you will permit it.” as a Trustee of the Thacher School.

Kent replied. “I have five good husky boys that I am The seven Kent children followed diverse careers trying to bring up to a knowledge of democracy and with varying fields of interests but all maintained a to realizing a sense of the rights of the other deep love for the family estate. Most spent their fellow…. If these boys cannot keep the name of entire lives on the property, raising children and in Kent alive, I am willing it should be forgotten.” many cases, grandchildren, on the land settled by Albert and Adaline Kent. Each of the Kent males Indeed William Kent left five boys, but the family followed their father and grandfather by graduating legacy would also be fashioned by his indomitable from Yale. Eldest son Albert “punched cows” at the wife Elizabeth, two strong-willed daughters, and a Golconda ranch for years. He never married and handful of accomplished daughters-in-law. returned to build a rustic cabin on family land high on the Tamalpais ridgeline where he lived until his Elizabeth set a high bar as she continued her death. Daughter Elizabeth married Stanleigh Arnold, uncompromising efforts to obtain equal status for a noted labor attorney for Franklin Roosevelt. They women while dedicating much time to conservation had six children, who together with their respective and causes promoting world peace. The Sunny Hills spouses, added greatly to the vigor and vitality of the Orphanage in San Anselmo was the primary growing clan of Kent cousins. Her sister Adaline beneficiary of the Grape Festival that Elizabeth graduated from Vassar and spent several years hosted annually at the Kent home. This tradition studying the arts in Paris. She became an was continued by the youngest Kent child Roger and accomplished artist and sculptress. Addie married his wife, Alice Cooke, heir of the wealthy and noted architect Robert Howard, whose father, John prominent Honolulu family. Roger and Alice moved Galen Howard, designed many of the buildings at into the family mansion in the mid-1930s and the Berkeley campus of the University of California. Elizabeth built a smaller home nearby that she The Kent siblings all remained close and Roger tells named New Haven. of many camping trips from the family compound at Lake Tahoe with his brothers where “we’d go William Kent’s estate in 1928 was significant but fishing and live on breakfast and gin.” largely illiquid and geographically diverse. His grandson, William Kent III, explains. “My When it came to defending our country, the Kent grandfather had gotten involved in many projects. family proudly stepped forward. In World War I, a There was a wholesale grocery business; livestock young Tom Kent enlisted in the Army Air Force and and feed grain schemes in Texas and Nebraska; an was commissioned as a pilot flying squadrons with empty gold mine in Mexico; an empty silver mine in General Billy Mitchell. Second Lieutenant Kent British Columbia; forestland in North Carolina, Arnold died in WW II leading his Marine platoon Idaho and Florida; the sprawling Golconda cattle into battle just weeks after his Yale graduation. His ranch in Nevada … a tremendous amount of brother, Stanleigh Jr., was a highly decorated patrol unproductive property on Mount Tamalpais…. and boat commander in the Pacific theater. Stan went on all this had to be unscrambled just about the time the to become the General Manager of the San Francisco Depression hit in 1929.” Chronicle with a keen eye for recognizing talent. Stan offered Abigail Van Buren her first column, which became the beloved Dear Abby. He took dozen or more of the prominent ones, including John another chance with a young cartoonist named Gary and Ted Kennedy.” Roger also served as Co- Larson whose Far Side become internationally Chairman of Lyndon B. Johnson’s 1964 presidential syndicated. Sherman Kent was a Yale history election campaign. professor when he was recruited to serve in the OSS (Office of Strategic Services) by William J. Marin County owes an enormous debt of gratitude to Donovan, its legendary commander, known as "Wild Roger Kent and the Kent family for their concerted Bill." An Army Infantry Major General, Donovan efforts in stopping a major freeway from being served in both World Wars and is the only person to constructed from San Rafael out to Point Reyes as receive all four of the United States highest awards. part of the West Marin General Plan of 1964 that Donovan was instrumental in the formation of the envisioned a quarter million new residents along the Central Intelligence Agency and encouraged Kent to coast. The Board of Supervisors, led by its popular join the nascent department. Kent had a prominent president, Ernest Kettenhofen, was poised to career with the CIA and developed the highly approve the ill-conceived proposal on a 5/4 majority. regarded Intelligence Analysis process that is still Kettenhofen was facing re-election and had wide used today. He also “chewed tobacco, told bawdy support and no opposition. Roger Kent was so jokes, wore red suspenders and was known as the adamantly opposed the plan that he was willing to cultured cowboy” by his CIA compatriots. run for the office himself but convinced Peter Lieutenant Commander Roger Kent was awarded the Arrigoni, a young Fairfax businessman to file Navy’s Silver Cross for “conspicuous gallantry in instead. Roger served as campaign chairman and action” at Guadalcanal. together with his family worked tirelessly and rallied their friends and neighbors. In an all-out, no-holds- Collectively the Kent siblings all supported the barred-campaign, Arrigoni defeated Kettenhofen by conservationist ideals of their parents and generously a handful of votes. With the new majority the donated family land in furtherance of these causes. Supervisors’ vote swung to 5/4 against the new William Kent was a believer in a consolidated water highway and the plan was ultimately abandoned. bureau and spearheaded the drive to create the Marin Municipal Water District. Tom Kent was an early Early Lagunitas Club rosters were filled with the director of the district and in recognition of his many names of Kent, Arnold, and Howard. William and years of service, the board eponymously named the Elizabeth Kent were of course founding members in largest lake in the district in his honor. Large tracts 1903 and thirty years later Roger served as club of Kent land on Tamalpais were donated or sold at president when the Twenty-First Amendment ended below market value in order to create a contiguous Prohibition. Roger responded by building a new watershed. Tom’s wife Anne was instrumental in club bar and urging every member to "drink their the formation of the Marin County Public Library. fair share." She was an active member of the Marin Garden Club, a founding member of the Marin Art & Shortly before Roger Kent died in 1980, this author Garden Center and a driving force in establishing the sat with him and his brother Sherman in the huge Moya Library. kitchen of the old family home. Hanging on the wall was a Japanese Rising Sun military flag that Roger Roger Kent graduated from Yale Law School and appropriated after the Battle of Guadalcanal. We was admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme were drinking gin out of water glasses and I asked, Court in 1937. He was managing partner at the San “Roger, why aren’t there any more Kents who are Francisco firm of Crimmins, Kent, Bradley, Burns members of the Lagunitas Club?” Roger paused, and Draper. All of his partners, with the exception glanced at Sherman and then turned back to me with of Bradley, were fellow-Lagunitas Club members. his piercing eyes and bushy black eyebrows and Roger, in his role as Chairman of the California said, “There were just too god-damn many Democratic Party hosted many national Democratic Republicans.” luminaries in Kentfield. He said. “There were a great many Democratic senators and governors…hopeful of running for president. So they all were coming out to California and most of them stayed here in the house. We have the Adlai Stevenson room upstairs and Hubert Humphrey was here two or three nights. Ed Muskie and a whole

Upcoming Events

Bridge and Lunch Tuesday, February 28th Bridge begins at 9:30a.m. SHARP (so plan to arrive around 9:15) Lunch Follows – around Noon Members, Lagunitas Guest Card Participants, and Guests are Welcome Please sign up with a partner. Sponsors: Margie Ellis and Janet Scales

Continuing Bridge lessons with Jim Leuker Wednesdays from 2:00 – 4:00pm – for 8 consecutive weeks. The cost is $240 for the series of 8 lessons.

Series 2: Wed. Mar. 22 through Wed., May 10 (8 lessons) Please let us know if you are planning to attend –

Nor Cal Mixed Paddle Tournament Saturday, March 4th Members and Guests Welcome Note: the ONLY want to sign up is by filling out the online form – See Link Below - http://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/Xp2UebfHcQ4KrRGb15Cz0q57

Dominoes and Dinner th Sunday, March 5 Dominoes – 4:00pm Dinner Follows – Adults Only – Guests Welcome Sponsors: Alexandra Treene and Ellen Fair Please email call the office to sign up - [email protected] 415-453-8706 or www.lagunitasclub.org

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Friday, March 17th – 6:30pm Come and join the celebration – Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner and a whole lot of FUN! Adult Members and Guests Welcome To sign up – please call or email the office – or Sign up on the Club’s website – www.lagunitasclub.org Sponsors: Leah & Courtney O’Connell and Collin & Matt Shewey

Breakfast of Champions and Club Paddle Championships Saturday, March 18th – 9:00am – Noon Please join us for breakfast and awards. Member families welcome – Please call or email the Club to sign up – Or Sign up on the Club’s website

LCC Junior Paddle Doubles Tournament Saturday, March 18th – 12 noon Sign up as a team – Mark can help if you need a partner Call or email the office to sign up Or sign up on the Club’s website