The regular meeting of the San Lorenzo Village Homes Association Board of Directors was held Thursday, March 15, 2007.

1.1 CALL TO ORDER -- President Wulf Bieschke called the meeting to order at 7:33 pm.

1.2 SALUTE TO THE FLAG -- President Bieschke led the Board and the audience in the pledge of allegiance.

1.3 ROLL CALL -- Directors Wulf Bieschke, Pat Pebelier, Margaret Wright and Kathy Martins were all present, Jim Sherman was absent due to personal reasons.

2.O MINUTES FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING -- Approval of meeting number 1141, 1142, 1143 and 1144 Director Pebelier makes a motion Director Wright seconded. Motion carries.

3.0 COMMENTS FROM PUBLIC AGENCIES

3.1 CHP Report -- Not present. No report was given.

3.2 Alameda County Sheriff's Dept. -- Not present. No report was given. [Following statistics were presented at the April meeting of the association.]

Statistics for February 2007

                                      Change from
Crime                        Number   last month         Affected Streets                    

Stolen vehicles                    11        0 
Attempted Stolen Vehicles           0        0  
Recovered Stolen Vehicles           8       +1  
Residential Burglary                6       +3  
Commercial Burglary                 3       +1
Attempted Burglary                  4       NA
Auto Burglary                      NA       NA  
Grand Theft                         3        0 
Vandalism/graffiti                  7       +1  
Robbery                             7       NA  

3.3 Supervisor Alice Lai-Bitker -- Staff member Kevin Dowling announced that Alameda County Zoning is involved with cleaning up the Bockman Shopping Center. He also stated that there should be a demolition permit for the north side by the end of the month and the residents should see some demolition by April 2007.

Dowling stated that the Economic Development Committee is reviewing its progress and should have a draft review to report on un the upcoming weeks.

3.4 Zoning Enforcement Report -- Babcock was not present at the meeting. See Attachment A for monthly report.

3.5 Public Comment -- None.

4.0 FINANCIAL REPORT

4.1 Approval of February 2006 expenditures, including payroll, and discussion of significant variances.

The Administrator reported that the hall rentals continue to increase, however there has been a decline in the transfer fees received for homes sold. This is most likely due to the real estate market and the slowing of houses being sold in the area.

Director Pebelier moves to approve the February 2006, expenditures, including payroll, Director Wright seconds, the motion carries unanimously.

5.0 LIENS AND VIOLATIONS REPORTS -- The Administrator reported there have been 13 liens released since the February Board meetings.

February 2007 Violation Report

Number  Violation                              # of Letters

1/19    Inoperable Vehicles in driveway              17
2/22    Recreational veh/trailer in driveway         13
6       Lack of General Maintenance                  12
10      Lawn Height                                   7
11      Dead Trees                                    0
12      Overgrown Vegetation                          1
13      Holiday Lights                               18
14      No signs                                      1
15      Building Exterior                             4
16      Dirt Accumulation                             5
17      Attractive Nuisances                          0
18      Lean/miss fence                               0
20/7    Unpaved parking                              19
21      Working on vehicles                           3
23      Dogs/Cats more than 2                         0
24      Barking dogs                                  1
25      Prohibited animals                            0
26      Excess noise                                  2
27      No Home Business                              1
28/99   Other/ comments                              10
99      Multiple violations                          30

Total                                               123

6.0 HEARINGS AND VARIANCE ISSUES

6.1 Hearing Dispositions

1. 16028 Via Primero - Inoperative Vehicle in driveway. Owner has given tenant 2 weeks to remove; review in 30 days if still there.
2. 550 Via Mirabel - Condition of Front yard. Owner mowed the lawn, now needs water, monitor and review in 60 days 3. 15880 Via Alamitos - Condition of Front yard, Lawn height. Owner to resubmit new landscaping and pavement plans by 3/31/07; review in 30 days if still out of compliance.
4. 15872 Via Alamitos - Condition of Front yard, Lawn height. Owner mowed lawn; keep open and monitor for the next 60 days.
5. 17224 Via Alamitos - Condition of Front yard, Front yard lawn. Owner corrected violations, close.
6. 17286 Via Alamitos - Condition of Front yard. Owner corrected violation, close.
7. 1298 Via Nube - Condition of front yard; Owner is given 30 days to get tenants into compliance.
8. 17219 Via Chiquita - Working on cars, running business from house. Owner has agreed to not work on cars again; monitor for 60 days.
9. 17376 Via Chiquita - Lack of General Maintenance, ongoing debris in driveway. Administrator to contact owner and discuss ongoing violations; revisit in 30 days, fine owner.
10. 16038 Via Pinale - Boat and Lack of Gen Maint/Stored Vehicles. Refer to code enforcement, fine and review in 30 to 60 days.

6.2 Variances

1. 15996 Via Granada - application to construct posts in front yard to prevent accidents (already installed without previous approval). Continued; Administrator to check with county regarding limitations/legal ramifications.
2. 15809 Via Alamitos - Revisit fence application and hear county's recommendations. Continued; Administrator to check with county regarding limitations/legal ramifications.

Director Pebelier makes a motion to approve the hearing and variances as read, Director Martins seconds, the motion carries unanimously.

7.0 ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

7.1 Informational Items -- The Administrator had no report.

8.0 OTHER BUSINESS

8.1 Approval of Architectural Policies and Procedures sent to membership 2/07

The Adminsitrator noted that this was published in the last newsletter. See attachment B. She has had no comments or contact by any resident with respect to this policy thus far.

Resident Donald Clowser was concerned whether this new policy was due to new requirements from the Sterling Davis Act. President Bieschke noted that this was merely a clarification of what is already in place by the Board of Directors and Staff of the Association when taking in plans from homeowners for additions, paint, etc.

Resident Howard Beckman said that at the last board work session he spoke to the board about the possibility of setting forth a more established/defined policy for paint colors. He did not think that this new Architectural policy addressed this. He felt this policy was inadequate and he did not see how it would address paint colors or architectural guidelines when it came to additions or second-story units.

The Administrator stated that along with this is merely a clarification of an existing procedure that has been going on for years when taking in homeowners plans for any type of addition, paint etc at their respective properties. There would be other policies that would address the specifics of paint, sheds, additions etc. Each of these policies would address specifics for additions or second story units or paint respectively and would be reviewed in detail. This new architectural policy is simply an outline of the process. It outlines what homeowners must do prior to painting or starting construction. The policy centers around process and procedures rather than details The Administrator stated that substantive policies will be dealt with later on in the year.

Director Martins made a motion to approve the "Architectural Policies and Procedures" as printed in the Jan./February Newsletter. Director Wright seconds, the motion carries unanimously.

8.2 Discussion of County's Draft Ordinance on Underage Drinking Policy -- See Attachment C.

Kevin Dowling reported that one of the reasons this ordinance was proposed was do to some alarming statistics that were brought forth by COMPRE and other organizations about underage drinking. It was noted that 33% of ninth graders in Castro Valley high drink alcohol at parties or other events. By eleventh grade, 46% of high school students are drinking.

The proposed ordinance would help to "promote the reduction of underage drinking by imposing a Civil Fine on persons responsible for loud or unruly gatherings where alcohol is consumed by, served to or in the possession of underage persons." Dowling noted that these cases would go through a special court system to process each case quickly and more effectively. He stated that this is a preliminary document and asked the board members or residents to review and make comments. This would be under discussion at the upcoming Unincorporated Services meeting and he invited all residents to come and participate.

Director Martins was concerned with page 5 item (d) where it stated that "Loud or unruly gathering means a party or gathering of two or more persons..." She was concerned with the number that it noted. She asked where we might draw the line with two kids drinking beer in a house to a loud party. She wanted further clarification in this clause.

Resident Howard Beckman stated that this proposed ordinance is a "social host" law and therefore is a redundant one. He noted that this proposed ordinance is all about liability and after the fact in light of the incident last month in San Lorenzo where two youths were killed. Beckman stated that there should be a ordinance to limit the amount of people that gather at one particular residence. He noted that he has asked for this type of ordinance on numerous occasions. There is no state law that addresses this issue and it would have to be put in the form of a Proposition and voted upon. He also noted that there is currently no hand gun law locally. This is also a concern and he noted that he will be discussing this at the next Unincorporated Meeting.

Resident Kathie Ready stated that residents need all the ordinances they can get this issue. She stated that this ordinance addresses an important issue and commended Supervisor Lai-Bitker for supporting it.

Resident Dorothy Partridge said that this ordinance is a step in the right direction. She stated that any ordinance that helps us effectively take care of crimes that youth are committing and parents are not addressing is an important one. If the sheriffs do not enforce this once it is in place, then it is up to us as residents to make sure that they do.

The Administrator stated that there are many parents not taking responsibility and so we need some laws in affect to help enforcement. She stated that this will be discussed at the Unincorporated Meeting and the board will review the ordinance further and make recommendations at a later date. She will also make this available for residents for comment on line.

8.3 Draft Budget - FY 2006-07 -- The Administrator noted that the draft budget will be posted and mailed out via newsletter in the next few weeks. She noted that the yearly assessment would remain at $85 per household with no increase. She said that after it has been released residents with questions or concerns can discuss them with her or the board at the next meeting. The Administrator encouraged homeowners to come into the office should they have questions so that she may sit down with them and go over the issues they are concerned with.

9.0 PUBLIC COMMENT

Resident Kathie Ready noted that Albertsons sales have gone down in the past few weeks this is probably due to the Interstate 238 detour. She encouraged residents to continue to shop at the store and noted that the detour will be gone in a few weeks.

Ready reported about current updates and meetings related to the Planning Commission. The Commission will be hearing the final Eden General Plan and should be complete and passed at the April 18, 2007 meeting.

Resident Howard Beckman stated that he would like to see two items on the agenda for the next Board meeting. One would be the development of a committee to put out a newsletter and the second would be an architectural review committee. Both of these committees would be subject to the board's approval.

Resident Mark Winshel stated he is concerned about earthquake preparedness and the telephone poles in the neighborhood which have deteriorated and could be a potential hazard. He was also concerned about the trees in the area and the potential for hazard in an earthquake.

Resident Shirley Clowser thanked President Bieschke for representing the San Lorenzo Village HOA at the 100th birthday celebration put on by the San Lorenzo Heritage Society for Mr. Rodriquez.

10.0 COMMITTEE REPORTS

9.1 Redevelopment Committee -- Director Pebelier reported that there were two staff persons from the Community Development department who spoke about monies available for low income persons and senior citizens. These monies were available for home and front yard improvements. She encouraged residents to go on line or contact the Association office to see if they qualify for these improvements.

The committee also talked about limiting or taking down billboards on Hesperian Blvd. There are seven (7) between the overpass of 880 and A street in Hayward. The committee would like to recommend for their removal. She will report later on their progress in having this done.

Pebelier noted that the county(s sidewalk repair program is in full swing. There will be several sidewalks repaired under this program which uses redevelopment funds and Measure B funds. Any residents interested should contact the office of the Association for an application.

Pebelier stated that there is no current update on Civic. Save Mart has purchased Albertsons and more will be reported at the next meeting which is scheduled for May 2, 2007.

10.2 Library Committee -- President Bieschke stated that the Alameda County Librarian received an award from the President. This award was related to the libraries program called "The Right to Read" which has been implemented at the Juvenile Hall.

Bieschke stated that there is new legislation for more funding for libraries. Jean Hofacket, the county librarian is applying for this funding and asking residents to write letters to their representatives to help secure this funding. Ms. Hofacket has secured $10,000.00 to help paint and remodel parts of the San Lorenzo Library. The committee will also be asking Supervisor Nate Miley and Alice Lai-Bitker to help with this funding.

Resident Kathie Ready asked the Library Committee to approach the Redevelopment Committee for some of this funding. She invited them to the next meeting so that they could discuss this and see if funding could be secured for this project from Redevelopment.

10.3 Sheriffs Meeting -- Director Bieschke reported that the county has hired four (4) new technicians for parking citations and vehicle abatement. He stated that residents need to be very cautious of leaving their vehicles in the street unmoved for several days. He thanked the Sheriffs Department for these extra officers and commended them for doing a good job.

11.0 COMMENTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS -- Director Martins stated that she was happy to see that the north side of the Bockman shopping center had been boarded up and the graffiti was painted over. She noted that she would like to see the residents get more involved in community activity. She encouraged residents to come forward and discuss new ideas or old concerns they are having at the Board meetings. Director Wright noted that she attended the meeting the San Lorenzo Unified School District was holding for input for hiring a new superintendent for the district. The District such meetings encouraging school staff, parents and student to discuss what qualities or issues they would like to see in and from a new Superintendent. Wright noted that it was a good meeting, but only six (6) people were in attendance. It was a good meeting only 6 people that attended however.

Director Pebelier noted that state funding was received for some of the after school programs in San Lorenzo/Ashland/Cherryland schools.

President Bieschke noted that he met with a neighborhood watch group from Via Catherine, Via Milos and other neighborhoods in the surrounding area. They had 23 people in attendance and it was very productive. He is working with Deputy Liskey to team up with the Via Pacheco Neighborhood watch group to discuss similar issues. He invited residents to attend the next watch group which would be either April 16th or 17th in the San Lorenzo Community Hall. Director Wright was at the Via Pacheco Neighborhood Watch Group meeting and reported that it was well attended and well run. There was discussion of putting in speed humps or other traffic control in that area.

The Administrator suggested that the board help facilitate emergency preparedhess training for each neighborhood watch group. She has been working with county staff to try and get this training for residents for years. The neighborhood watch groups may be a good venue to push for this training, it is a way to bring the community together.

12.0 ADJOURNMENT -- Director Wulf adjourned the meeting at 9:05 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Pat Pebelier
Secretary-Treasurer

Recorded & Transcribed By: Kathleen Harrigan, Sr. Admin. Assistant
Reviewed By: Nancy Van Huffel, Administrator, Kathie Ready, Board President