The regular meeting of the San Lorenzo Village Homes Association Board of Directors was held Thursday, May 17, 2007.

1.1 CALL TO ORDER -- President Wulf Bieschke called the meeting to order at 7:42 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, Jim Sherman, Pat Pebelier, Margaret Wright and Kathy Martins were all present.

2.O MINUTES FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING -- Approval of meeting number 1147 and work session 1148 notes Director Martins makes a motion to approve the minutes from meeting 1147 and the notes from Work Session 1148, Director Sherman seconds, the motion carries unanimously.

3.0 COMMENTS FROM PUBLIC AGENCIES

3.1 CHP Report -- Statistics for the previous month's report were as follow: (Also see attachment A)

CHP Statistics for April 2007

                                             Total for
Infraction               San Lorenzo      Unincorp. area
Collisions                      16                 142
Tickets                        n/a                 n/a
Parking Tickets                 53                 224   
Storage/Impounds                14                 107
Stolen Recoveries               --                  --
Traffic Complaints               3                  12
Parking Complaints              --                  --
DUI Arrests                     --                  --

President Bieschke reported that there are big rigs parking on Via Arriba and Via Mercado. The CHP officer noted that they are ticketing them if they are parked there for more than three hours.

Paul Fontana was introduced as the new Captain of the CHP department in Castro Valley. He stated that the community is actively involved and he thanked it for its participation in helping law enforcement. He asked residents to contact his office should they have any traffic complaints.

3.2 Alameda County Sheriff's Dept. -- Sergeant Gemmel reported for Deputy Liskey on the past months statistics: (See Attachment B)

Statistics for April 2007

                                      Change from
Crime                        Number   last month         Affected Streets                    

Stolen vehicles                    24        +12 
Attempted Stolen Vehicles          NA         NA  
Recovered Stolen Vehicles           8         0
Residential Burglary                4        -1  
Commercial Burglary                 4         0 
Auto Burglary                      12        +7
Grand Theft                         6        +3
Vandalism/graffiti                  1        -2 
Robbery                             7        -1 

Gemmel stated that the high volume of robberies occurred due to motorists who were getting out of their cars, and or people who were on their cell phones and not attentive to their surroundings. He stated that at times there were multiple suspects attacking one victim. Gemmel reminded residents to always be aware of suspicious situations or people in or around your neighborhood. He stated that if residents feel there is a problem in their neighborhood they should call 510-667-7721. This can also be programmed into a cell phone for immediate dial.

Gemmel stated that his department is still involved in catching establishments that are selling alcohol to minors. Decoys are going into liquor stores as well as some restaurants. His department has had nine (9) arrests thus far.

Sgt. Gemmel reported that there are several events coming up in the next several weeks that the sheriff department will be involved in. National Missing Children's Day is May 25, 2007. His department will be having an event at the Ashland Community Center in San Leandro. There will be lots of agencies participating in this event. He encouraged parents to take time to talk to their children about being safe. June 9, 2007 is The Cop Shop's annual flea market. They have already sold 215 spaces for this event which helps defer the cost of their rent of the Cop Shop. The Homes Association will also host a "Meet and Greet" Barbeque" on June 21, 2007. Deputy Liskey will help with the event.

Resident Kathie Ready stated that after school she has noted that youth are doing "donuts" in the Skate Board parking lot across from Arroyo. She asked to have more enforcement in that area. Director Sherman stated that he works at Arroyo and sees the Student Resource Officers out there every day watching that lot until at least 4 pm.

Director Martins noted that she has seen kids loitering at the Laundry mat at the Shopping Center at Channel and Grant. The youth are there from 3pm for several hours everyday, she asked if something could be done. Gemmel stated that the county currently does not have a curfew for youths in the unincorporated area. If residents are suspicious, they can call in and report the problem to be investigated. If there are certain "colors" of T-shirts that look to be gang related, indicate that to the dispatch so they can get officers out their immediately.

Resident Peggy Sheridan thanked the sheriffs for their quick response several weeks ago when she reported a suspicious young man on a bike looking in cars. The officers were there within minutes and she was very appreciative of their timely response.

8.0 OTHER BUSINESS (Timed Agenda items**)

8.1 BMX track in San Lorenzo -- Dowling introduced Carl Renowitsky who would be running the BMX Track. He brought a hand out of common questions and information about BMX tracks and riding (Attachment C) Renowitsky stated that he would be leasing part of the field in back of the San Lorenzo Adult School from HARD for this track. He represents a group of parents who have children who like to ride these types of bikes and need a local place to do this. Some of the kids involved are looking at participating on an expert level. BMX riding will be added as an Olympic Sport in 2008. He noted that the City of San Ramon has a track and the community has benefited from it. The kids in San Ramon can ride safely and parents feel more secure that they are going into a "facility" that is accessible to both the children and their parents.

Renowitsky stated that the track would not cost the community anything. The National Bicycle League would build the facility at no cost and the facility would be run by volunteers and parents. There would be a nominal fee of $45 per year for participants to join the park, and a $35 trial month charge for youth interested in trying the park out prior to joining. The park would be open to all youth for a temporary fee as well.

Director Sherman asked what the average age was for the participants. Renowitsky stated that the average age is 13 to 19 year olds, but a youth as young as 5 can utilize the track and it would be open to all ages.

It was questioned if residential housing would be near the field. Kevin Dowling from Supervisor Lai-Bitker's office said that there are some houses to the west and southern ends of the site. However the southern portion has a lot of trees blocking the town homes from the site.

Director Martins asked what the capacity of the track would be. She also wanted to know how it would run. How many members, and at what times would the track open. What would happen if they had more participants than the park could hold? Director Wright asked if Olympic "hopefuls" would use it as a training facility. Director Bieschke asked how the yard would be maintained and the height of the fence around it. How would you prevent kids from accessing the site when it is not open for use?

Renowitsky stated that there would be no more than 25 people (including chaperones) at one time on the track. If they had a higher amount wanting to access the site, they would have to wait to get in. His experience with other sites is that this rarely, if ever happens. Renowitsky stated that the annual membership would also include insurance for participants. The tracks would be fenced in with secure 6 ft fencing. There would be some participants training, but the track would be used more for the public. There would be no free style racing, just BMX racing. The volunteers would strongly enforce all the rules.

Director Bieschke asked if there could be some additional patrols in the area after hours. Renowitsky stated that he would check into this with HARD or the school district to see what can be available.

Resident Shirley Clowser asked that the if the BMX track is approved that the club take into account Bohannon Middle School's SAT testing on Saturdays. They meet about 6 times a year from October through June of the following year. Renowitsky stated that his club would definitely accommodate the testing by opening at a later time on those Saturdays. Clowser wanted the club to put something in writing once the contract is finalized. Renowitsky did not think that it would be a problem, as long as they got the test dates ahead of time.

The Administrator asked how they would advertise the track. Renowitskey stated that they would advertise it in The National Bike magazine and also by word of mouth. This park would be a lot like the skateboard park, once kids enjoy a site they spead the word to let their friends know. The Administrator suggested that they advertise in the HARD recreation newsletter. She also suggested that non-residents be charged an extra surcharge fee.

Director Sherman suggested that the neighbors near the park be polled to see if there are any objections. Director Martin suggested that the board get written rules about what other parks enforce for rules and conditions at their sites.

Kevin Dowling asked if the Board would give a letter of support for the concept of the BMX track. The consensus of the Board was to wait until the June 21, 2007 meeting to re-consider a letter of support by the Board for this track. The Board would like these several things to be looked into prior to the next meeting. The following were items they wanted to be considered and/or produced:

1. Poll the surrounding neighbors to see if they had objections.
2. Have a contingency plan in writing in case the participants and chaperones at the track exceeds the maximum of 25 people at one time.
3. Get a sample of written rules that would be posted at this park, possibly get a copy of the rules from another BMX track in the area.
4. Have a copy of what the track's layout would be on the site.
5. Explore the issue of an extra surcharge fee for non-residents who would utilize the site.

8.2 Oro Loma presentation on recent odors -- Director Bieschke said that all of San Lorenzo has been smelling a stench in the air for the past 6 weeks or more. Paul Zolfarelli from Oro Loma was introduced to explain what the smell was and to answer any questions. Zolfarelli noted that he is the Director of Water Quality Services for Oro Loma Sanitary. He apologized for the odors in general. He presented a press release to the audience (See Attachment D) and gave a background on what occurred. The plant currently has 4 digesters that process the solid waste. Every year they take one digester out of service to clean it. This year they took one out of service, however the other digesters became overloaded and it caused a biological upset in the entire system.

Zofarelli fielded many questions from the audience and assured them that the smell and the problem would be gone within 5 to 8 more weeks. Oro Loma is looking into preventing this from happening again and will either purchase another digester within the year, or clean units without taking them completely out of service. He encouraged residents to contact him if they had any other problems and invited them to an open house for their facility on June 2, 2007.

3.3 Supervisor Alice Lai-Bitker -- Kevin Dowling stated that the county will not provide liability for San Lorenzo's monthly "clean up" project, but has asked county public works to help educate the community about how to run clean ups like these. He noted that his office is working with San Lorenzo to get this project done.

3.4 Zoning Report (See Attachment E)

3.5 Public Comment

Resident and Planning Commission Member, Kathie Ready stated that there is no meeting for the Planning Commission on the May 21, 2007.

She also noted that the Castro Valley MAC is meeting to amend their plan to include some of the Eden Area General Plan's area. She stated that this would put our general plan on hold for up to a year and she is against these amendments in the final hours of revision. They want to amend residents in Fairmont Terrace into their plan which would increase their land and the residents by 6000. The MAC already approved the plan several years ago the way that it stood at that time and she wanted residents to know that if the MAC was successful in getting these additional residents, it would have an impact on the entire Eden General Plan. This general plan carries a lot of weight for our community and the unincorporated area. It can control densities and zoning. MAC's revisions could be very problematic for our community.

Residents Mike Ratto and his wife Lisa Ratto spoke before the audience. They read a prepared statement related to plans for back yard construction of a utility shed. When 3 minutes had passed, President Bieschke told Mr. Ratto that his time was up. Mr. Ratto asked for more time and was given enough time to finish his entire statement which President Bieschke noted was more than double the time for Public Comment. At the end of his statement Ratto asked that the board respond to his statement. President Bieschke reminded Mr. Ratto that the Board cannot discuss items that are not on the agenda which includes items brought up under Public Comment.

4.0 FINANCIAL REPORT

4.1 Approval of April 2007 expenditures, including payroll, and discussion of significant variances -- The Administrator reported there have been no significant variances since the April 2007 Board meeting. Director Sherman moves to approve the April 2007, expenditures, including payroll, Director Martins seconds, and the motion carries unanimously.

5.0 LIENS AND VIOLATIONS REPORTS -- The Administrator reported there have been no liens released since the last Board meeting.

April 2007 Violation Report

Number  Violation                              # of Letters

1/19    Inoperable Vehicles in driveway              9
2/22    Recreational veh/trailer in driveway         4
6       Lack of General Maintenance                 20
10      Lawn Height                                 50
11      Dead Trees                                   0
12      Overgrown Vegetation                         2
13      Holiday Lights                              14
14      No signs                                     0
15      Building Exterior                            3
16      Dirt Accumulation                            4
17      Attractive Nuisances                         1
18      Lean/miss fence                              0
20/7    Unpaved parking                              6
21      Working on vehicles                          2
23      Dogs/Cats more than 2                        1
24      Barking dogs                                 4
25      Prohibited animals                           1 
26      Excess noise                                 0
27      No Home Business                             1
28/99   Other/ comments                             12
99      Multiple violations                         16

Total                                              150

6.0 HEARINGS AND VARIANCE ISSUES

6.1 Hearing Dispositions

18059 VIA RINCON -- Multiple/Lack of Gen Maint - PARKING ON LAWN AFTER 6PM - CANS LEFT OUT. Fine and refer to Code Enforcement.
17732 VIA SEGUNDO -- Multiple/Lack of Gen Maint - HOLIDAY LIGHTS AND FENCE NEEDS REPAIR. Violations cleared, closing.
17668 VIA SEGUNDO -- Other-comments - FENCE AROUND FRONT YARD NO PLANS. Fine, refer to attorney for action.
17542 VIA SEGUNDO -- Lawn height-OVER 1 FT. Violation cleared , but lawn dry, send watering tips to owner.
16053 VIA SEGUNDO - REVISIT -- Holiday lights-REVISIT FROM LAST MONTH. Violation gone, closing.
16145 VIA ANDETA -- Multiple/Lack of Gen Maint - TRAILER ON DIRT - NO LAWN - CONSTRUCTION GOING ON FOR 1 YEAR. Trailer gone, revisit and ask owner to submit landscaping plans in 60 days.
16181 VIA PRIMERO - REVISIT -- Multiple/Lack of Gen Maint - lawn very tall - VACANT HOUSE. Lawn mowed, keeping open to locate owner.
17265 VIA PRIMERO -- Lawn height - TALL. Violation cleared, closing.
18091 VIA SEGUNDO -- Multiple Violations - TRAILER WAS PARKED ON HACIENDA - WEEDS. Trailer gone. Weeds still need to be cut in front yard.
15763 VIA LUNADO -- Unpaved parking - Usually after 5 pm on the Pacheco side - TIRE TRACKS IN DIRT. Owner agreed to not park on lawn anymore.
15726 VIA CORTA -- Multiple/Lack of Gen Maint - REVISIT FROM 2/07 - LOOK AT EXTERIOR PAINT AND FRONT YARD ROCK/GARDEN AREA. Continue until July 07.
670 VIA MIRABEL -- Building exterior - LOOKS TO BE GARAGE CONVERSION - NO PLANS. Con't until July 07.
16161 VIA ALAMITOS -- Multiple/Lack of Gen Maint - LAWN TALL. Lawn mowed, but dry, monitor for 30-60 days.
16065 VIA ALAMITOS -- Multiple/Lack of Gen Maint - LAWN TALL. Owner hired gardener, monitor for the next several months.
862 HACIENDA AVENUE -- Multiple/Lack of Gen Maint - ONGOING PARKING ON LAWN, DEBRIS. All cleared now, monitor for the next 60 days.
639 VIA POTRERO -- Other comments - SECONDARY UNITS IN BACK, NO PLANS - PEOPLE LIVING IN THEM. Coordinating with neighbor specifications to fix fence. Revisit in 60 days.
1025 VIA HONDA -- Other comments - FRONT YARD LANDSCAPING, NO PLANS. Owner submitted plans, all within scope of CCRs.
1017 VIA HONDA -- Other comments - FRONT YARD LANDSCAPING NO PLANS. Owner submitted plans, all within scope of CCRs.
1026 VIA PALMA -- Trailer 36 hrs+ PLUS DEBRIS. Trailer gone, revisit if debris still there.
1298 VIA NUBE - REVISIT Lawn height - REVISIT FRONT YARD MAINTENANCE. Lawn better, monitor for next 60-90 days.
1414 VIA CORALLA -- Building exterior - MORE THAN 50% CONCRETE, NO RESPONSE FROM H/0. Owner proved that work was done prior to Association and county restrictions, closing.
18201 VIA TOLEDO -- General Maintenance of Property - FRONT YARD MAINTENANCE. Front yard has improved, will monitor for the next 60-90 days.
1352 VIA CORALLA -- Inoperable/Unlicensed Vehicle in the front OR SIDE DRIVEWAY. Working with owner to have removed by the next 60 days.
17338 VIA SAN ARDO -- MULTIPLE VIOLAITIONS - REVISIT FROM 2/07 - INOP/FRONT YARD. Homeowner working with the Administrator to bring into compliance within a month.
17462 VIA JULIA -- LACK OF GENERAL MAINTENANCE - FRONT YARD MAINTENANCE. Owner mowed lawn, monitor for 60 days.
702 BOCKMAN ROAD -- General Maintenance of Property - REVISIT FROM 4/07. Contacting property management company who just took over property to see if can resove issues.
1749 VIA AMIGOS - REVISIT INOPERATIVE VEHICLE, OVERGROWN TREE AND DEBRIS. Fine, refer to Code Enforcement and review in 60 days.
1755 VIA RANCHO -- LARGE VEHICLE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY - AFTER 6 PM - OWNER TO BE PRESENT AT 6:15. Checking with zoning and law enforcement to see if vehicle legal in residential areas.
963 VIA BREGANI -- General Maintenance of Property- FRONT YARD INOP AND MAINTENANCE-Refer to code enforcement and fine, revisit in 60 days.
873 VIA ENRICO -- Building exterior - FENCE PLANS NOT APPROVED. Plans received, closing.
2192 BOCKMAN ROAD -- LACK OF GENERAL MAINTENANCE - FRONT YARD OVERGROWN. Owner has agreed to hire a gardener; monitor for 60 days.
15763 VIA SORRENTO -- General Maintenance of Property - FRONT YARD OVERGROWN. Lawn cut, closing.
15548 LORENZO AVENUE -- General Maintenance of Property - No landscaping. Owner has agreed to
1069 VIA MANZANAS -- Lawn height - Tall. Mowed, but monitor for 60 days.
17027 VIA MARGARITA - Revisit Inoperable/Unlicensed Vehicle in the front or side - REVISIT FROM 4/07. Fine and refer to Code Enforcement.
16176 CHANNEL STREET - Revisit General Maintenance of Property - REVISIT FROM 4/07. Fine and refer to Code Enforcement and attorney.
16184 CHANNEL STREET - Revisit LACK OF GENERAL MAINTENANCE - REVISIT FROM 4/07. Fine, refer to Code Enforcement and refer to attorney.

6.2 Variances 6:00 Executive Session / Legal Matters

1. 16150 Via Catherine -- Sunroom in front of house - revisit. Board denied original application, asked owner to speak with Contractor and bring back new plans at next Work Session.
2. 17057Via Cielo -- Second Story Addition. One neighbor has some problems with windows and privacy; approved with condition that neighbor's issues can be resolved with the owner.
3. 1569 Via Escondido -- Revisit, new revisions to Second Story Addition. Continued, owner wants to keep the "balcony" in the plans. Revisit in June 07.
4. 17321 Via San Ardo -- Fanciers permit for three (3) dogs. Approved.
5. 1982 Via Amigos -- Owner already paved over 50%, Wants to talk with board at 6:00 pm. Owner did not show up, denied.
6. 15804 Via Rivera -- Owner wants to speak with board about new plans for separate garage. Owner withdrew plans at this time.
7. 16006 Via Harriet -- Revisit front yard fence. Approved 12/04, now owner wants to build. Owner's original application was approved as initially submitted.
8. 15720 Via Sonata -- Owner wants to replace existing fence with new 6 ft with slats. Denied as submitted.

Director Sherman makes a motion to approve the Hearings and Variance decisions, Director Wright seconds, the motion carries unanimously.

7.0 ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

7.1 Informational Items -- The Administrator reported that the community clean up was to be started at the end of May or first part of June, but due to staff's prior commitments on these dates, the clean up will not begin until June 30, 2007. The Association still needs more volunteers to help with this event. The Board had no objections to pushing back the start date for the clean up.

The Administrator noted that San Lorenzo Day at the Fair will be Monday, July 2, 2007. The office will also be getting discount fair tickets for members. Contact the office after mid June to see if they have come in. Members will only be given four (4) per family.

7.2 Update on Oro Loma garbage can stickers - The Administrator said that the stickers have been ordered.

8.0 OTHER BUSINESS (MOTIONS MAY BE REQUIRED)

8.1 BMX track in San Lorenzo** (see above timed agenda item).

8.2 Oro Loma Presentation on Recent Odors** (see above timed agenda items).

8.3 Discussion and Possible endorsement of Alameda County Social Host Ordinance -- Staff member to Alice Lai Bitker, Kevin Dowling, spoke about some minor revisions to the proposed ordinance which included that minors could do community service in addition to the fine process if they are found in violation of the ordinance once it is approved. He asked that the board make a motion to support the ordinance. Both Castro Valley and San Lorenzo School Districts have supported it as well as the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) and COMPRE.

President Bieschke said that the amendments to the Ordinance were in line with what he had suggested. He was happy to see that the fines would go to the Alameda County Sheriffs Department.

Director Martins made a motion to support the Alameda County Social Host Ordinance, Director Wright seconds, the motion carries unanimously.

8.4 Appointment of Margaret Wright to San Lorenzo Library Advisory Committee -- President Bieschke noted that with being President of the Board comes more responsibilities, so he could no longer remain on the Library Advisory Committee. The committee would need a new board representative. Director Sherman made a motion to appoint Director Margaret Wright in President Bieschke's seat, Director Martin seconds the motion, carries unanimously.

9.0 PUBLIC COMMENT -- Resident Keith Barros noted that there is a homeless man who is living in the Lorenzo Theater ticket booth Sgt. Gemmel stated that the sheriffs would look into this. Barros also questioned the status of the Lorenzo Theater Foundation purchasing the theater from the current owner Dr. Salwan. He had heard it was not going through. The Administrator noted that she is confident that it will go through in the next few weeks.

10.0 COMMITTEE REPORTS

10.1 Blue Ribbon Steering Committee -- Director Bieschke stated that he was unable to attend the last meeting due to illness. The Administrator stated that she went to the meeting, where there were about 45 people in attendance. It was a very nice cross section of community leaders that showed up for this meeting. There is still a lot more that has to be done and the committee needs more input. There will be more to report at upcoming meetings.

10.2 Economic Development Committee -- Director Martins reported that it was decided that the economic development committee will continue meeting as a task force for the Blue Ribbon Steering Committee. Director Martins reported that the Committee does have a comprehensive plan in place to help further economic development in the area. There is a copy of this document for public review in the Association office.

10.3 Redevelopment Committee -- Director Pebelier said that the Redevelopment Committee was told that the Lorenzo Theater's ownership would be signed over to the Lorenzo Theater group. The committee was told that all parties had reviewed the documents and would be signing off on the agreement soon. Civic Partners has two more weeks to confirm with Savemart that they will move to the old Mervyn's site.

President Bieschke stated that he is very optimistic that Savemart will agree to the move. Pebelier said the committee is also looking into getting banners for San Lorenzo. PGE has quashed the process due to the fact that they state banners in the middle of light poles are not allowed. The committee is currently trying to work out a solution with PGE to get these banners installed.

11.0 COMMENTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS

Director Martins announced that there would be a "Meet and Greet" BBQ putting on by the Association before the next meeting in July. There will be a raffle and a variety of the civic organizations will be there. This is the community's chance to come out and meet the board members and discuss things that they are concerned with in the community. There will also be a historic presentation put on by Doris Marciel.

Director Wright stated that she is looking forward to working with the library committee and encouraged residents to get the word out to come to the BBQ on the 21st of July.

President Bieschke said that the third Monday of every month, he will be hosting a Neighborhood Watch group for San Lorenzo. This is now being called the Neighborhood Village Watch Group and he invited anyone who is interested to bring their neighbors and attend. The Board hopes to partner the Watch Groups with training from Alameda County Fire for disaster groups at least three times a year.

12.0 ADJOURNMENT -- President Bieschke adjourned the meeting at 9:57 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Pat Pebelier
Secretary-Treasurer

Recorded & Transcribed By: Kathleen Harrigan, Sr. Admin. Assistant

Reviewed By: Nancy Van Huffel, Administrator, Kathie Ready, Resident