I love this weather and I hate this weather. Here is why....

When it is supposed to rain, I get started on my "winter list" of projects for my Porsche. For those not familiar with this concept, it is a list of projects that you intend to do on your car that can wait until the weather is bad. This means that as it is raining outside, you are in the garage feeling like you are getting ahead of all of the nagging little projects that are not important enough to get to when the weather is great...unless the weather is great--say in February--when it is supposed to rain, so you figure you better take advantage of this 'freak" of nature while it lasts and go for a drive.

So, as you can guess, my winter list has about three years' worth of projects on it that, for some unknown reason, did not get finished. This is where I hate the weather. How can I be expected to work on my "list" if the weather does not cooperate? 

Alright, I admit it: I have gotten to the point in restoring my car that I would rather drive it than be under it. I mean, even Ferry Porsche said that Porsches are meant to be driven. So as a Porsche owner, I had better do as I am told. 

From the looks of things, a lot of you are doing the same. We have already had some great events to start this year, with solid attendance regardless of the weather. We just completed our first Breakfast Run of 2011, led by Bob Hall, with 20-plus Porsches weaving their way around West Marin and down Highway 1 to Point Reyes Station. Coming up this month are the "Whale to Whale Tail Rallye" led by Bob Schoenherr on March 5, and our first Autocross of the season, headed by our new Autocross Director, Tom Strobel, on March 26.

Did I mention that our Webmaster, Barbara McCrory, has been working hard on our website and has reworked the look and function of it? Not only is our site always updated (seemingly to the minute) with events and information, but as you navigate through it you will be impressed with the ease and expanded content we now have. Also, as you read this, you will notice the newsletter is different. That honor goes to our new Newsletter Editor, Chris Harrell. Chris is also working hard on bringing things in the Club up a notch. 

All of this is for our members. Everyone in a Board position or Chair position is, of course, a member, and we all started out thinking of ourselves as just members. But nobody in the Redwood Region is "just a member"; we all have input as to how the Club is run and in what direction it is going.  

If you are interested in getting more involved in a leadership role in the Redwood Region, there are a few positions opening up. After many years as our Social Director, Mary Neidel is stepping down. For those of you who attended our Holiday Party, Mary was the one who made it fun. Also, Bill Newton, our Safety Director, is stepping aside to let someone else chair that position. Thank you Mary and Bill for years of dedication and service. We are a better Club because of it. Further ahead in the newsletter, you will find more information about these open positions, plus another we are thinking about creating.

Okay, that's it for me for now. Enjoy the Club and, as always, let us know what you think. This is your Club!

Hello, everyone. I'd like to introduce myself as the new editor of der Riesenbaum. To those of you whom I have already met, thank you for the warm welcome and support. I am excited to be at the helm of der Riesenbaum, and I look forward to hearing from and meeting more of you as I settle into my new role with the club. Since this is my first column in my first der Riesenbaum, I thought I'd take the opportunity to tell you all a bit about myself: who I am and how/why I ended up in this position.

I am a Sonoma County native. I was born in Petaluma, and I have had family in Petaluma for 75+ years. My parents, however, had ideas other than settling in Petaluma, so I have spent quite a bit of time "bouncing around" between Northern California and Southern California. I have never lived outside of California, unless you count all the time I have spent in China for work...but that is another story. Most recently, in 2008, my wife, Veronica, and I relocated to the SF Bay Area from the Pasadena area. We bought a house in Terra Linda last year, so this is very much a homecoming for me, and a new experience for Veronica, who had never lived anywhere other than SoCal prior to 2008.

After a lifetime of admiring Porsches from afar and about five years rolling around under the back of various 356's (with some Concours prep mixed in) with my ex-father-in-law, I became the proud owner of my first Porsche, a 1972 Saturn Yellow 914, in August of 2002. The story of how I acquired the 914 is too long to share here, so I will just say that the car had--and has--immeasurable sentimental value, and I promised the person who gave it to me that I would take care of it as long as I could. The 914 is sitting in my garage as I write this, and I never tire of driving it.

As many of you have experienced yourselves, getting my first Porsche did not satiate my appetite for Porsches; rather, it had the opposite effect, and I have owned (including the 914) ten Porsches of various models and vintages. They are, in order: 1972 914, 1989 944S2 Coupe, 1999 Boxster, 2001 Boxster S, 2002 996 C2, 2002 996 C4S, 1986 Carrera Targa, 1972 911T Targa, 1973 911T Coupe hot rod, 2004 996 GT3. Along with the 914, I still have the 1973 911 hot rod and the GT3. I love to read about Porsches and Porsche history, and I am particularly interested in the earlier cars. I would love to have a 356 someday, but I'm already having problems fitting three Porsches (plus our two daily drivers) into a two-car garage...not to mention that 356's are not inexpensive. 

I joined the Porsche Club of America right after I got my 914, and I have been a member since. Ironically, I was first a member of this very Region in 2002, but within a few months I moved from Mill Valley to Altadena, where I joined the San Gabriel Valley Region (SGVR), which was in need of some fresh faces to become active in Club leadership. In 2003, I became the editor of Gabriel's Horn, the newsletter of SGVR. I was very involved in reorganizing the Club, and I was voted Member of the Year for the Region. During my time with SGVR, I met many great friends (with whom I still stay in contact, even though I eventually moved away), and I enjoyed everything that came with being newsletter editor. Eventually, as will happen in life, I had to shift my priorities due to a new, extremely demanding job. After only a few years at the helm of Gabriel's Horn, it was time for me to hand it off to someone who was able to dedicate the time and attention needed to maintain it. 

Now that things have finally leveled-off for me work-wise, and with my return to the Bay Area and the Redwood Region, I am excited about the opportunity to re-engage with the PCA. This is one of the most beautiful, Porsche-friendly regions in the country, and we are lucky to have a very full calendar of Club events. Der Riesenbaum is the window to this Club, and I am committed to keeping it consistent, dependable, informative, and fun. I want all of you to look forward to receiving der Reisenbaum each month!

Before I close, I want to thank Rob Neidel for his work as editor of der Riesenbaum. Rob's dedication and willingness to step into the editorship during a time of turnover in Club leadership ensured that der Riesenbaum maintained its integrity through the transition. Based on my own similar experiences, I can certainly relate to Rob's need to focus on his work, and I wish him the all the best.

Speaking of transition, there is something Rob said in his last der Riesenbaum that I would like to use as the basis for the closing of my first issue. Rob said he hoped that I would be able to find my voice in der Riesenbaum. I'm quite certain that I will be able to find my comfort zone and my voice, but it is equally important for me to emphasize that der Riesenbaum should be your voice too, as it belongs to the membership of this Club. Participation is welcome and encouraged, so please speak up.

It's a new year and a new der Riesenbaum, and I hope that everyone enjoys both!

February 26 marked the date of the Redwood Region's first Breakfast Run of 2011. As I'm sure many of you did, I watched the weather forecast carefully in the days leading up to the run. As you may recall, the National Weather Service, incorrectly as it turned out (what a surprise!), forecasted snow for the area on Thursday and/or Friday preceding the event. Instead, we received a dose of very cold temperatures, which had everyone concerned about the potential for black ice in the shady sections of the back roads on our route. Undaunted, 20 cars and 32 individuals gathered at our usual jumping-off location in Novato. We all had plenty of time before the departure to kick tires, greet old acquaintances, and welcome new members who were attending their first-ever Redwood Region event. President Greg Maissen did his usual fine job of recruiting additional members to attend our upcoming autocross events, and everyone had ample opportunity to ogle the collection of cars on hand. The cars in attendance covered most of the Porsche sports car spectrum (no one dared to bring a Cayenne or Panamera), and our intrepid photographer, Ron Breeze, arrived with the top of his Boxster down! Good on you, Ron!

Photo stop at The Cheese Factory

After a small delay due to the absence of route sheets, our caravan hit the road, with Vern Rogers bravely leading the pack. As we pulled out of the parking lot, we saw one of Novato's finest pull up next to Vern, and I said, "Uh-oh, here we go again. Where's Dave Bunch? They always follow him!" Fortunately, the officer decided not to join our group this time, so off we went. After we had cruised carefully through the neighborhoods of Novato, we entered the "Porsche roads" on Novato Blvd. The recent rains had left the sky a brilliant blue, which contrasted nicely with the lush green winter vegetation. As is typical for Marin and Sonoma County back roads, the pavement is not billiard-table smooth, and it's always challenging to dodge the larger craters. After following Novato Blvd. to Point Reyes-Petaluma Road, we made a quick detour to The Cheese Factory for a group photo opportunity (our original stop to view the cows was deemed to be too muddy for the low-slung cars in the group). After a short break, we proceeded onto Hicks Valley Road and then Marshall-Petaluma Road. On this stretch, we encountered the first truly shady sections of the road, but discovered that although the surface was damp, the much-dreaded black ice had either not formed, or had melted prior to our arrival. After an entertaining, roller-coaster ride, we arrived at the top of the ridge overlooking Tomales Bay. The view was spectacular, and the little group of cars I was with was led into Marshall by a daredevil cyclist who was touching 40 mph on those little skinny tires! And people think Porsche drivers are crazy!

Porsches shine in the February sun

Once we found a suitable gap in traffic, we proceeded south on Highway 1 and regrouped. The drive into Point Reyes Station was exhilarating, with smooth pavement, sweeping turns, and enough tight turns to keep your attention from wandering. After an all-too-short time, we pulled into town, and descended upon the Station House Café. Our fleet of Porsches overwhelmed the back parking lot, and the overflow spilled out onto the back streets and the highway in front of the restaurant. The folks at the restaurant obviously knew we were coming, because they segregated us from the other paying customers, in the cozy back room. While waiting for the food to arrive, the room was full of conversation and merriment. I did notice that it got fairly quiet once the food arrived, which is always a good sign. Those sitting at my table found the food to be excellent, and the staff did a great job of serving everyone in a timely fashion. Ultimately, the group thinned out as folks headed home to enjoy the rest of the weekend. After a discussion about the logistics of this article, Brenda and I headed back home to St. Helena. On our way back on Point Reyes-Petaluma Road, we encountered two CHP officers who had pulled over some unfortunate soul. As we eased on by at 55 mph, we got the evil eye from one of the officers. I guess it was the silly grin on my face that rubbed him the wrong way.

Mingling at the Station House Cafe

Overall, it was a fine run on a gorgeous day. If you have never attended a Redwood Region Breakfast Run before, I encourage you to come join us. I had never participated in any Redwood Region events prior to the Two Bird Breakfast Run last February, but now I'm hooked!  So come on out.  And remember, the PCA isn't just about the cars, it's about the people too! See you all out on the road!

Welcome, everyone, to another year of Porsche events, cars, and people.  I trust that we have something scheduled for everyone; if we don't, let us know what you would like to do and we'll try our best to get it on the calendar! 

Membership in the Redwood Region has stayed strong, with many more transfers-in than transfers-out. This is a testament to the fun activities our members suggest, organize, and participate in. Take advantage of the breakfast runs, autocrosses, concours, tours, track events, and other Club functions. I have to say that if you belong to the Redwood Region, then driving your Porsche is a high priority, rain or shine. We have even had to drive Porsches in the snow up in my neck of the woods (some call it the boondocks or tulles). 

Let me know if you have any membership needs such as name badges (details further ahead in this newsletter), recruiting other members, information updates, and/or general Porsche questions. I hope to see you at one of our events. Stop and say hello to Anita and me. 

We have a full spring, summer, and fall schedule so let's enjoy the cars, the events, and the people!

Frank Hodges and Mark Dunbar, 2011 Cayenne Silver

Susan Lacovides, 1987 Carrera

Gerald Luff, 1997 Boxster Red

Donald Revere, 2008 Cayman White

Randy and Karen Riggs, 2006 997 Gray

Ray Rimmer and Heather Gordon, 2011 Boxster

Gregory Robbins, 1999 Boxster Blue

Roger & Linda Sampson, 1999 996 C4 (transfers from MAV)

The Porsche Club of America (National) and the Redwood Region require that Club Bylaws be reviewed and updated every two years. Redwood Region's Bylaws were revised in December 2010 and approved by the Board of Directors. Before the revised Bylaws can be adopted, they need to be approved by the general membership. 

Within the next two weeks, you will receive a mailed ballot asking for your approval or disapproval of the December 2010 Revised Redwood Region Bylaws. Please follow the instructions on the ballot as to where to find the Bylaws for your review and how to submit your ballot. In order for the Bylaws to be adopted, a two thirds majority of voting members must vote in favor.

President Greg Maissen called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m.

In attendance: President Greg Maissen, Vice President Vern Rogers, Treasurer Jerry Gladstone, Secretary & Goodie Store David Bunch, Membership Director Bob Schoenherr, Autocross Director Tom Strobel, Concours Director James Heisey, Web mistress Barbara McCrory, Zone 7 Rep Sharon Neidel.

Minutes: The minutes of the January meeting were approved as submitted by vote.

President's Report: a. Safety Chairperson - Greg has contacted Bill Newton who has been the "Safety Chair". Bill is no longer interested in serving that position. When David Bunch made Bill the "Safety Chair" it was for the Autocrosses only. Now PCA has made the "Safety Chair" a regional position which includes autocrosses, driving tours, tech sessions etc. Also, PCA has implemented a "Safety Committee". A posting will be in the next der Riesenbaum asking for a volunteers. Discussion on possible candidates for the Safety Chairperson; b. Bylaws Revision - The revised Bylaws will be posted on the website. A postcard will be mailed to members asking them to review the Bylaws online then return the postcard with their vote; c. Charity Chairperson - A posting will be in the next der Risenbaum asking for a volunteer; d. Privacy Policy - Distributed copies of the "PCA Privacy and Usage Policy" and the paragraph that will be posted on our website which includes the link to PCA's policy was approved as submitted by vote.

Zone 7 Rep Report: a. Sharon gave a report on the PCA National Board meeting just held in Las Vegas; b. Also provided a copy of GGR's Procedure Manual for the Board's review. Almost all of the other regions in Zone 7 have a procedure manual to use with the Bylaws; c. The "PCA Region Procedures Manual" (RPM) is online and extra copies can be ordered. We will order a couple extra copies.

Vice President's Report: We have 17 people signed up for this Saturday's Breakfast Run to Point Reyes Station. Will get more this week depending on the weather forecast. Vern will send people count to Bob Hall. Discussion on who will be leading this Breakfast Run and future ones.

Treasurer's Report: a. Jerry thanked Cris Fischer for her help and for answering his questions. Also thanked Barbara McCrory for her assistance in reviewing the tax history of the club; b. Since there was not a January report, distributed a "Profit & Loss" statement  for the period January 1 through February 20. Statement showed a net loss of -$1,387; c. Final payment of $2,233 was made to the Corinthian Yacht Club for the Holiday Party, of which $600 is being disputed; d. $713 was paid to ESCA for our share of the AX porta-potties from 2010; e. Received $344 from PCA for Membership Dues; f. Jerry asked board members when turning in any income or expenses to provide more detailed information.

Secretary's Report: No report at this time.

der Riesenbaum Editor's report: Chris is out-of-town but had submitted his report via email with the deadlines for the March newsletter. Newsletter will be getting a "new look".

Membership Director's Report: a. 3 New members, 5 Transfers in, 0 Transfers out, 28 Renewals, 6 Non-renewals, 12 Dual members. We currently have 490 Official Members and 356 Affiliate Members for a total membership of 846; b. Bob is getting requests for name badges from members who never received theirs. Vern will forward a list of name badges that he ordered before Bob took it over.

Autocross Director's Report: a. Had 17 people attend the AX Trailer &Tech session. Teched 3 cars, reviewing items on the Tech checklist; b. Lunch truck provided lunch for attendees. Still waiting on the airport to approve the lunch truck at the autocrosses. Tom has worked with them to make up a price list to be posted; c. Purchased 2 additional helmets from Wine Country Motorsports to replace ones that were "out-of-date"; d. Tom donated 16 chairs to the AX to replace the ones currently used; e. Tom requested the Board's approval to purchase to new canopy tops to replace the current tops that are ripped & torn. Purchase was approved as submitted by vote; f. Tom presented a new AX registration procedure that will be tried at the first AX; g. Discussion regarding an AX Co-Chair.

Goodie Store Director's Report: a. The year-end inventory was prepared and forwarded to Jerry; b. Turned over to Jerry copies of all invoices since David took over the Goodie Store.

Web mistress's Report: Barb showed a preview of the new website she has been working on. The new website should be up within the week. Just need to complete all the links and have "keywords" uploaded.

Concours Director's Report: James received a call from Ledson to confirm the September 25 date even though it had already been done with a different person at Ledson.

Advertising Director's Report: No report.

CASA: Have gotten some questions about CASA, maybe a write-up for the newsletter should be done.

Next meeting: 7 p.m. Tuesday March 29, 2011 at Chevy's Restaurant, Novato

Meeting was adjourned at 9:37 p.m.

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