Charles Bello and his late wife Vanna Rae decided to leave their urban lifestyles 54 years ago for a more simple self sustainable one where one does for him or her self rather than work for wages and pay others to render goods and services for them. They purchased 400 acres of a magical paradise in a remote area with a recently clear cut Redwood Forest near Willits, California with a mile of the Noyo river running through it. Please "Meet" Charles and view a personal plea from him.

The Bellos knew that no one can really "own" such a special place and challenged themselves to become the best stewards of the land they were given the privilege to protect and restore and preserve for future generations. They never stopped working to create an awesome 400 acre park like setting in Mendocino County to share with kindred spirits. It is amazing what the property is like today, after 50 years of Charles and Vanna Rae's stewardship where some of their young redwood saplings are now 4-5 feet in diameter and over 200 feet tall redwood trees.  One can only imagine what this property can be like in100 years under this same kind of stewardship. Charles was led to believe that the new Cal Poly Humboldt was the one to carry on his vision and legacy.  This is the reason he gave the gift of his land to CPH.

In 2021, 89 years old widower Charles Bello, in good faith, entered into an agreement with CalPoly Humboldt State University (CPH), for them to carry on his vision and legacy, under specific terms and conditions, which they unfortunately have not honored. Please see Conditions of Agreement HERE and Violations of Agreement HERE. The Foundation claimed to have felt honored and privileged to be chosen to carry on his vision and legacy, yet they have not abided by any of the conditions of the Agreement, which should be rescinded. Mr. Bello has tried to challenge CPH through the legal system but does not have the financial resources nor the time to continue a lengthy uphill legal battle. 

To truly appreciate this property, you have to come in person - but the next best thing is to see Kristen Dirkson's video "50 years off grid" with over 10 million views.   

Please HELP Charles! We need concerned citizens to sign this petition as we are asking CPH to do the right thing and rescind this agreement that they have not honored so this 90 year old man can continue with his vision and legacy. He encourages people to send a personal email to the CPH Foundation also. 

To learn more and help, visit www.savetrees.org. You can make a difference.