The regular meeting of the San Lorenzo Village Homes Association Board of Directors was held Thursday, May 19, 2005.

1.1 CALL TO ORDER -- President Kathie Ready called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m.

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

1.3 ROLL CALL -- Directors Kathie Ready, Jim Sherman, Pat Pebelier, Peggy Sheridan, and Patrick Ledesma were present.

2.O MINUTES FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING -- Director Sherman moved to approve the minutes from the April 21, 2005, meeting number 1107. Director Pebelier seconds the motion. The minutes are approved unanimously.

3.0 COMMENTS FROM PUBLIC AGENCIES

3.1 Alameda County Sheriff's Dept. -- Deputy Peterson stated that he will no longer be a deputy he has been promoted along with Sargent Berge and several other deputies with the Department. Officer Jack Tucker will be our new Sargent and Deputy Richard Franco will be the office assigned to the San Lorenzo area.

Deputy Peterson stated that this past month they took care of a homeless encampment behind Kavanaugh's. Peterson contacted the owners of the property who cooperated in getting rid of the encampment. He also noted that a drug house of Via Alamitos was invaded and several individuals were taken to jail and will be arraigned soon.

Peterson reported on the following crime statistics for the past month:

Statistics for Alameda County Sheriff's Office April/May 2005

                                                Change from
Crime                           Number          last month         Affected Streets

Stolen vehicles                   11                0              Ferro, Royal, Hesperian (2),
                                                                   Culver, Via Media, Via Madera,
                                                                   Times, Middle, Via Arriba, 
                                                                   Washington       
Attempted Stolen Vehicles          6               -1              Hathaway/Flint, Bockman, Bartlett,
                                                                   Lupine, Saklan, West
Recovered Stolen Vehicles          6               -1              
Residential Burglary              11               +6              Via Delorosa, W. Sunset, Via El 
                                                                   Cerrito, Via Del Rey, Via Pacheco    
Commercial Burglary                2               +1              Hesperian                 
Auto Burglary                     12               +7              Via Pinale, Via Los Trancos, Via
                                                                   Rivera, Via Alamitos, Via Conejo, 
                                                                   Via Dolorosa, Via Alleviate, Via La
                                                                   Jolla, Via Lucas, Via Redondo
Grand Theft                        4               -3              Bartlett, Via Arriba, Via Frances
Vandalism/graffiti                 2               +2              Garden, via Arriba   
Robbery                            1                0              Hesperian                        

A resident question the auto burglaries. Peterson stated this is an ongoing problem; he asked residents to lock their cars or take their valuables from them so that "robbers" are not tempted to steal anything. He noted that Toyotas, Acuras, and Saturns are broken into regularly.

The Board thanked Peterson and the Deputies and Sergeant Berge for all their support and hard work with our community.

3.2 CHP -- Officer Tress Reported the following statistics:

CHP Statistics for April/May 2005

                                             Total for
Infraction               San Lorenzo      Unincorp. area
Collisions                       11                151                       
Tickets                         190              1,882 
Parking Tickets                  49                314   
Storage/Impounds                  8                154    
Stolen Recoveries                 2                 12    
Parking Complaints               29                211      
DUI Arrests                                         71   

Resident Keith Barros asked whether the CHP is enforcing the school zones on Grant Ave as was discussed when Traffic Engineer Bob Preston was present at the last Association meeting. Tress noted that officers are trying to get out to this area around Grant and other school zones in San Lorenzo. Director Ready asked the Administrator to check with Preston to see when the "school zone" signs would be put in at the end of Grant near the Kipp Academy.

3.3 Supervisor Alice Lai-Bitker -- The Administrator reported that staff member Dowling could not be present due to another engagement. She noted that the upcoming Unincorporated meeting had some items that would interest residents including the Tow Ordinance and the Sheriff's role in traffic enforcement. She encouraged residents to attend.

3.4 Zoning Enforcement Report -- Tona Henninger, County Zoning Staff Supervisor, reported on the status of zoning violations in the unincorporated area and San Lorenzo Village. See Attachments A and B. Henninger noted that the largest number of violations related to debris and overgrown vegetation. She stated that the county is looking at ways to increase fines and increase enforcement.

Director Ready asked what is going on with the vacant lot at the corner of Grant and Alamitos. Henninger noted that she had not heard anything regarding the status of the proposed market/gas station which had been proposed for that site. The county has continued to fine the owner for overgrown vegetation. The county will be escalating fines on properties like this that are habitual offenders.

A resident asked her what was being done about vendors selling ice cream and strawberries etc on residential streets and in front of elementary schools. Henninger stated that zoning, the sheriff's and the health department are working together to deal with these vendors.

3.5 Public Comment - Items not on the Agenda. None.

4.0 FINANCIAL REPORT

4.1 Approval of Expenditures and discussion of significant variances -- The Administrator reported there were no significant variances.

Director Sherman made a motion to approve the April 2005 expenditures including payroll. Director Sheridan seconds the motion carries unanimously.

5.0 LIEN AND VIOLATION REPORT -- The Administrator reported that there were 2 liens released this past month.

April 2005 Violation Report

Number  Violation                              # of Letters

1/19    Inoperable Vehicles in driveway                  24
2/22    Recreational veh/trailer in driveway             12
6       Lack of General Maintenance                      24 
10      Lawn Height                                      47
11      Dead Trees                                        0
12      Overgrown Vegetation                              7
13      Holiday Lights                                    7
14      No signs                                          1
15      Building Exterior                                 4
16      Dirt Accumulation                                 7
17      Attractive Nuisances                              2
18      Lean/miss fence                                   0
20/7    Unpaved parking                                   5
21      Working on vehicles                               1
23      Dogs/Cats more than 2                             0
24      Barking dogs                                      4
25      Prohibited animals                                0
26      Excess noise                                      0
27      No Home Business                                  0
28/99   Other/ comments                                  12
99      Multiple violations                              11
Total                                                   168

6.0 ZONING AND VARIANCE ISSUES

6.1 Hearing Dispositions (a) Revisit the Following:
963 Via Bregani - Garage door replaced; Grass tall; will contact owner. Closed.
1617 Via Lacqua - Vehicle removed. Closed.
17165 Via Toledo - Landscaping still not neat. Refer to attorney.
15832 Via Alamitos - Approve new plans with planters in walkway.
15857 Paseo Largavista - Close; front of property clean.
1367 Via Madera - Close; vehicle registered and covered.
17392 Via Chiquita - Landscaping trimmed but vehicle still appears to be stored. Rrefer to attorney.
16047 Via Paro - Status of Front of property; Property still has debris; no proof car is registered. Refer to attorney.

(b) 1906 Via Palma - Lack of General Maintenance. Give owner 30 days to re-landscape and review.
(c) 18351 Via Toledo - Stored vehicle. Refer to attorney.
(d) 630 Via Mirabel - Stored vehicle; Owner to prove he is working with DMV; will give 30 days to get rid of vehicle or line up with DMV removal for scrap material.
(e) 1685 Via Rancho - Stored Vehicle;Owner given 30 days to remove or register vehicle.
(f) 16070 Via Media - Lack of General Maintenance. Refer to attorney.
(g) 15787 Via Arroyo - Lack of Gen. Maintenance. Violations cleared, closing.
(h) 15859 Corte Mariana - Lack of Gen Maint. Owner/tenant given 30 days to correct all weeds in rocks and to remove/register vehicle.
(i) 15885 Hesperian - Lack of Gen Maintenance. Exterior of house maintained, closed.
(j) 821 Paseo Grande - Lack of General Maintenance; Lawn tall. Lawn maintained, closed.
(k) 16085 Via Pinale - Lack of Gen. Maintenance; Vehicle stored with debris. Violations cleared, closed.
(l) 17244 Via Estrella - Lack of Gen Maint; Camper shell stored in driveway. Violation cleared, closed.
(m) 1933 Via Rancho - Boat stored in driveway. Boat removed, closed.
(n) 1680 Via Sarita - Vehicle stored and parked on unpaved area. Referred to atty.
(o) 1982 Via Rancho - Inop vehicle stored and debris. Owner given 30 days to clear all violations.
(p) 16125 Via Catherine - Stored vehicle and debris. Tenant removed vehicle; given 30 days to clear all debris.
(q) 580 Paseo Del Rio - Vehicle parked on lawn; lawn tall. All violations cleared; Owner given 30 days to submit new driveway plans.
(r) 574 Paseo Del Rio - Vehicle parked on lawn. All violations cleared, closing.
(s) 15894 Via Del Sol - Trailer in driveway. Trailer removed, closing.
(t) 16121 Via Walter - Noise Disturbance. Refer to Sheriff.
(u) 15889 Via Del Sol - Trailer stored in the driveway and debris. All violations cleared, Closed.

6.2 Variances Approved/Disapproved or Continued at Work Session

A) Revisit 1627 Via Sarina -- Referring to county to note status of variance.

B) 1734 Via Redondo -- Shed built without our approval. Refer to attorney.

C) 18768 Times Ave -- Addition. Approved.

D) 632 Via Alamo -- Shed variance. Approved.

Director Ledesma makes a motion to approve the hearing and variance decisions for the May 19, 2005 meeting. Director Sheridan seconds, the motion carries unanimously.

7.0 ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT

7.1 Update on Marijuana Clinics -- Director Ready reported that three clinics for all the unincorporated area have been recommended at the various hearings and by the board appointed committee. The item will be heard before the Board of Supervisors at an upcoming meeting in June.

Ready noted that one of the things that was recommended by the Association board and many of the community members is that each of these businesses practice sound business techniques and that ex felons cannot be employed by these establishments. Each facility must be monitored and maintain stringent guidelines.

7.2 Other Informational Items -- The Administrator announced that the 60th Anniversary has been postponed until September 10, 2005. The construction on the facade of the Homes Association building has been delayed due to the weather and thus the celebration is delayed until September.

The Administrator also announced that the Association along with Supervisor Lai-Bitker's office is raising funds and will be present at the Relay for Life cancer fund-raising event. She thanked the Board for its participation and asked that anyone who wants to participate contact her directly.

8.0 OTHER BUSINESS

8.1 Approval of recommendation by Board President for the Housing Element (motion required) -- The Administrator reported that she and the Board President, Kathie Ready, have been to 16 out of the 20 meetings that have been held regarding the housing element. The County initially wanted to re-zone these areas without any public comment. Now, due to the association and other community members they will be holding public hearings anytime this re-zoning is to occur.

At the last hearing it was recommended that R3 be taken out of the re-zoning for the shelters and that R4 sites be the only sites considered for shelters. This takes out the buildings near Via Enrico and Lorenzo Ave. in San Lorenzo. There would only be 4 (four)- R4 sites in San Lorenzo that would be considered. A couple of these facilities are on Hesperian and all are in mostly commercial areas, that have little impact on residential housing. It was recommended that the shelters be no closer than 1000 feet from schools and liquor establishments. They would also require a conditional use permit to approve the new use. This would mean that any R4 facility would have to have a public hearing with public input regarding changing into a shelter prior to any change being allowed.. All such facilities would be required to go through this public hearing process. The Administrator asked the Board to m ake a motion on behalf of the Association regarding their recommendations.

Director Ready noted that the process is still being heard and will be considered before the Planning Commission in June 2005. The Association's recommendation would be to the Planning Commission as well as the Board of Supervisors who will make the final determination on the matter.

Director Sherman made a motion to write a letter to the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors recommending R4 districts be the only district zoned for shelters. That these shelters be at least 1000 feet from schools and establishments that sell liquor and that they must go through a conditional use permit process prior to approval. Director Sheridan seconded, the motion carries unanimously.

Resident Howard Beckman noted that at the last meeting there were some very "ugly" comments made by some people about the homeless. He thanked Director Ledesma and others in the audience who made some very compassionate comments about the homeless in our community.

8.2 Update on the Bockman Housing Development -- The Administrator noted that the second issue with respect to the Housing Development was the re-zoning of certain areas to higher density. Three sites were identified in San Lorenzo, one which was the Bockman area where the two shopping centers are near Via Chiquita. Many residents were against high-density housing in this area. Many people wanted to see some businesses in the area. It was unclear what a majority of the residents wanted due to the fact that only a few people spoke on the issue before the meeting had to adjourn.

The Administrator noted that she had just recently been told that this item was being considered at the June 6th Planning Commission meeting, when it was unclear what plans were being submitted. Resident Howard Beckman assured the Administrator and the Board that he had already checked into this and this is just a formal process required by the state prior to the EIR. No formal plans were being approved at that meeting.

County staff noted that this Bockman shopping center had been taken out of the housing element for consideration of re-zoning to a higher density.

Several residents spoke about the centers. One suggested putting housing on one side and business on the other. Beckman noted that we cannot afford to lose anymore business in San Lorenzo, he cautioned residents and the Board from making any hasty decisions, but to consider the economic development of San Lorenzo, now and in the future.

The Administrator noted that the developer has been willing to consider business for the development. She stated that the Board has already invited the Olson company back to meet with the Association and concerned residents about this development. The Association would like to hear what a majority of residents want for that area. Many have voiced their concerns about the current conditions of these shopping centers and the ongoing trash and transient issues related to these properties The Administrator noted that it would be detrimental to the community to place businesses in these areas if they could not sustain themselves, the Board would like to bring the developer back to hear from the community and to offer new plans that would consider business.

8.3 Report of CC&R Enforcement -- Association staff member and CC&R Supervisor, Kathleen Harrigan, gave the report on the CC&R enforcement since the hearing process began in September 2004. (See Attachment C)

Resident Howard Beckman asked how many cases were referred to the county since the beginning of the year. The Administrator noted that over 300 were referred to the county last year. Beckman wanted to know how these cases are referred. Staff person Kathleen Harrigan noted that the cases are referred to the county if they are chronic violations and/or are violations that the county can mitigate sooner than the Association with its legal process. Harrigan noted that the cases are never "dropped" once they are referred to the county, but are followed up on until they are resolved or are referred to the attorney for legal action.

9.0 PUBLIC COMMENT -- No comments.

10.0 COMMITTEE REPORTS

10.1 Airport Committees -- No report this month.

10.2 EBMUD Committee -- Director Patrick Ledesma reported that he, resident Jack Mc Kinnon and resident John Partridge drafted a letter to EBMUD expressing concerns about the projects subsidence and the emission of potentially harmful gases related to the project. They are waiting for responses to comments made for the EIR. The Administrator and the Board thanked Ledesma, Partridge and McKinnon for their input and contributions to monitoring this project.

11.0 COMMENTS FROM THE BOARD MEMBERS -- The Directors thanked all residents who were in attendance.

12.0 ADJOURNMENT -- Director Ready adjourned the meeting at 9:35 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