The Planning Group

Steering Committee

Eric Morey, Chair

I’m  a native of the Bay Area and have lived in the San Geronimo Valley for over 30 years.  As a longtime member of the Planning Group’s steering committee, I’m  dedicated to maintaining the Valley’s rural character and advocating for the good of the community.  I’m a licensed contractor and engineer educated at Laney College in Oakland and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

Ken Naffziger, Vice Chair

I moved to the Valley in 1975 and have been fortunate to live and work here ever since.  I joined the Planning Group around 1998 when I decided it was time to give back to the Valley that had been such a great influence on me. I've been involved in many issues over the years; perhaps the most important one was stopping the10 million gallon water tank on Blueberry Hill. The Planning Group is one of the main reasons the Valley is the unique place we live in today and I am grateful for that.

Linda Nave, Secretary

My family moved to Lagunitas in 1973.  I returned in 1989 with my daughter Vanessa, had Andrea a few years later and now have a beautiful grandson, Cairo. I chaired Lagunitas School Savers (now LEAP) for seven years, and received the Golden Bell Award from the Marin County Office of Education for my efforts to bring community support into our school district. I previously  served on the San Geronimo Valley Cultural Center Board (now the Community Center). and  have been a board member of the Planning Group since 2008.

Paul Berensmeier, Treasurer

Before I could walk, my mom carried me on her back over all the Valley trails.  After dinner as a boy, I would ask Jean where she was going.  She always said, "I'm going to Save the Valley."  That made a lifelong impression on  me.  Now my wife and I live in the house that belonged to my Grandpa Berensmeier (who was the beloved Valley Santa for many years), and we hike and run the trails of my youth.  The Valley is a special place.  I join my family's tradition in doing everything I can to preserve it for future generations to enjoy!

Michelle Clein

My husband and I moved to the San Geronimo Valley in 1981 and raised a daughter. I’ve been a full-time Realtor since 1995, making dreams come true for sellers and buyers in the North Bay counties. I was Charter President of the West Marin Rotary Club and led the club for six years. Currently, I’m a member of the Healthy Community Collaborative, VERG and various local boards, including the Measure W West Marin TOT Oversight Committee. Being a member of our Steering Committee lets me contribute to our sacred valley in a meaningful way to maintain and protect what we all hold dear. I have deep gratitude for the good life enjoyed in West Marin.

Nancy Binzen

My husband and I bought land in the Valley in 1981, moved into our DIY home in 1986 (it was a long process!), and our daughter was born and brought up here. I’m a storyteller, writer, and environmental and social justice activist, and am happy to use these skills to help support and maintain the special character of our beautiful, rural Valley.

Mark Daley

My wife, son and I moved to Woodacre in 2009. We chose the Valley for its natural beauty and the friendliness of the folks we met here. I’m especially interested in protecting both our environment and healthy democratic discourse—both of which are threatened in today's times—and being a member of the Steering Committee gives me a chance to work in both areas.

IN MEMORIUM: Jean Berensmeier, SGV Planning Group Founder

1932-2023

Jean and her husband, Lee, purchased a cabin on Mt. Barnabe in Lagunitas in 1963 when their son, Paul, was a toddler.  Jean  founded the Community Center in 1968; the SGV Planning Group in 1972; and served on the County Parks & Open Space Commission from 1977 - 1997, helping acquire Roy's Redwoods, Maurice Thorner, Gary Giacomini and French Ranch Open Space preserves -- about 2300 acres total.  In 2001, Jean and Paul founded Wilderness Way, an environmental education center providing environmental education and Indigenous wisdom to elementary students in the Lagunitas School district. A tireless advocate and fierce warrior for the rural character and unique beauty that is the San Geronimo Valley, Jean is deeply missed by all of us.