The regular meeting of the San Lorenzo Village Homes Association Board of Directors was held Thursday, August 19, 1999 at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium with President Jim Spears presiding over the meeting.

1.1 CALL TO ORDER - President Jim Spears called the meeting to order.

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

1.3 ROLL CALL - Directors Jim Spears, Dorothy Partridge, Jim Sherman were present, Millie Arieta and David Sloan were absent.

2.0 COMMENTS FROM PUBLIC AGENCIES -

2.1 Alameda County Sheriff's Department - Deputy Bartholomew reported that there have been ongoing complaints from neighbors on Via Anacapa regarding a residence in that neighborhood. Bartholomew reported that the Sheriff's Department got a stay-away order for the individual who was causing most of the problems at this residence and that the individual is to stay away from his family's home for five (5) years. He also stated that the individual is currently in jail for violating his probation.

Bartholomew said that he and Deputy Shindelus will be removing the graffiti on the wall in front of the residence at Via Enrico and Lorenzo Avenue. They are using funds from project clean to spray the wall with a special coating that will make any graffiti on the wall in the future easier to remove.

2.2 CHP Department - Officer Rob Tuazon reported that there were 13 traffic collisions for the San Lorenzo area. There were 205 tickets and 1536 verbal warnings for the entire unincorporated area.

Tuazon reported that most of the tickets in the San Lorenzo area are given to persons violating speed on Bockman, Channel and Grant. Most of these tickets are given to nonresidents (60-70%), students at the Chiropractic College, or others traveling through the area. Tuazon stated that he met with the dean of the college and will be giving a presentation to all the students regarding speeding.

Tuazon introduced Sergeant Bridget Lott who is the new county sergeant for the area. Lott stated that her department has been talking with the county sheriff's office, the Board of Supervisors regarding trying to get CHP on smaller streets in the unincorporated areas of the County. The CHP is also getting the officers who are patrolling a specific area to come to community meetings so that the residents can get to know them. Lott reported that they have two (2) new Lieutenants for the area, Steve Bernard and Clayton Carter. She also reported that John Larson is the CHP's new captain.

2.3 Supervisor Gail Steele - Supervisor Steele not present to give a report.

3.0 MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

3.1 - Approval of Minutes of Meeting No. 1024, Thursday, July 15, 1999 Director Sherman made motion to approve the minutes, with a second by Director Partridge , the motion passed unanimously.

4.0 FINANCIAL REPORT -

4.1 Approval of July 1999 Expenditures - Director Sherman moved with a second by Director Partridge, that the Board approve the expenditures for July 1999. The motion was passed unanimously.

4.2 Discussion of Significant Variances - The Administrator said that there were no significant variances to report.

5.0 LIEN AND VIOLATION REPORT - The Administrator reported that there have been 2 (two) liens that have been released, and currently there are 258 cases open. Administrator stated that she had appeared in two court hearings this month, one of which was successful in getting the homeowner to clear an ongoing violation that had been a problem for years.

Violation Report:

Inoperable/Unlicensed vehicle in
front or side yard area:                         23

Recreational vehicle in front or
side yard area:                                  19

General Maintenance of property:                104

Vehicle parked on lawn or other
unpaved area:                                     4

Others:                                           5

Total Number of Letters Sent in July 1999       155

6.0 ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT

6.1 Audit Bids - The Administrator reported that she had sent out requests for bids from four (4) different auditors who specialized in Homes Association audits. She asked these companies to respond by August 16, 1999 and none responded. The Administrator stated that Levy and Co. have done the audits for the Association for nine (9) years and she would recommend that they continue to use them. She stated that they are a very reputable and deal mainly with Homes Association audits.

Partridge moves that the Association renew its contract with Levy and Co to continue using them for yearly audits. Sherman seconds. The motion passes unanimously.

6.2 Other Informational Items - The Administrator stated that there were no other items to report.

A motion was made by Director Sherman and seconded by Director Partridge to approve the Administrator's Report. The motion carried unanimously.

7.0 OTHER BUSINESS

7.1 Update of the Lorenzo Theater negotiations - The Administrator stated that Larry Leal will be speaking on behalf of the Lorenzo Theater Association and that Sandip Sanwal will speak on behalf of his father who is the prospective buyer of the theater.

Larry Leal stated that he wanted to update the Board on two points: The Historical Preservation (HP) zoning of the theater and the status of the Theater Associations negotiations with the prospective buyer. Leal stated that the Theater Association was concerned with the County's involvement with the HP designation. He said that it appears the county is going behind the scenes to include the Lorenzo in its site plan for the Village Square and thus quashing the Theater Association's efforts to get the theater designated in HP status. He stated that at the last Planning Commission meeting the Zoning Administrator asked the Commission to wait on approving any designation until county planning could draft a specific plan for the Village Square area. As a result of his recommendation the commission vote 6 to 0 that it wait until the San Lorenzo Village Homes Association "weighs in on the plan". Leal stated that on May 20, 1999 the Homes Association's Board voted unanimously in favor of supporting the Theater Associations efforts to designate the theater as a historical landmark. A letter from the Board stating its support was read at the Alameda County Historical Commission in June 1999 and this Commission voted unanimously to recommend to the Planning Commission that it give HP designation to the Lorenzo theater at that meeting.

Leal stated that zoning staff went to the Historical Commission in August asking them to rescind its letter of support. The Theater Association was never informed that the item would be put back onto the Historical Commission's agenda or notified that the group's original letter of support was going to be rescinded.

Leal said that having the Lorenzo Theater included in the site plan for the Square may make sense but stated the county's tactics have created mistrust between the Theater Association and its planning staff. The Theater Association is afraid that if the theater is incorporated into the plan it will never be used as a performing arts center again. He supported this fear by reading a letter drafted by planning staff to the Historical Commission which was quoted saying "reclassification of the Lorenzo Theater to HP district prior to the adoption of the Specific Plan could compromise the planning process by allowing the zoning designation that might be contrary to the policies of the final plan and thus make it difficult to implement the final plan policies.." Leal read further where staff stated that it was "unclear" as to how to preserve the building in its HP status, whether the outside fixtures or interior would be addressed. Leal stressed that if the theater is to remain a theater it must be designated as so in the site plan or be left out of the plan completely.

Leal said that as far as the negotiations with the prospective buyer, Dr. Salwan, the Theater Association is currently working out a legal agreement with the doctor. Leal stated that the Theater Association does not have the funds to purchase the theater at this time so the importance of this agreement is to keep the building in its original state so that it can be eventually used as a performance arts center again. Leal stated that the Theater Association's main purpose is to restore the theater, and without the money to purchase the building the group needs to work out a legal, binding, enforceable agreement with anyone who plans on buying this theater.

Director Sherman stated that the Board of Directors voted in favor of designating the theater as an HP district and thus it should convey this to the county to keep the theater out of the site plan for the Village Square. The Administrator stated that she had attended the Planning Commission meeting and asked the commissioners to consider the Board's recommendation and designate the theater as an HP district.

Dr. Salwan's son, Sandip Salwan spoke on behalf of his father who would be purchasing the theater. He stated that he is a veterinarian and would be the actual doctor running the clinic. He gave his background qualifications and stated that his clinic would only be in the front half of the theater where the lobby-concession area had been. Salwan stated that the back half would be left untouched. He stated that his father was working on an agreement with the group to maintain the murals and further for the group to possibly purchase the theater at some time in the near future.

Director Partridge asked Leal how close the Theater Association is to an agreement with the prospective buyer. Leal stated that a draft of the agreement will be given Dr. Sanwal at the end of the month and the two sides will need to negotiate the points and come to a legal binding agreement.

Audrey LePell, a member of the County Planning Commission stated that it is was not clear to the Commission how far along the process was and the Planning Commission did not receive documentation regarding what an HP district was, and what the guidelines for this type of district were. It was due to this that many of the commissioners voted against designating the theater as an HP district at this time. She asked whether there were provisions in the agreement that would protect the murals and the building from any changes.

Tim Steele, the negotiator for the theater group spoke to this question. He outlined the negotiating points with Dr. Salwan. He stated that theater group wishes to protect the historical feeling of the theater which give it its features including the exterior finish, the doors and poster and theater boxes, the marquee as well as the murals. The group has asked that if there are structural changes to the building that these changes not infringe upon the murals. The group has also asked that they have access to the building with prior notice to the property owner. Steele stated that the group feels the agreement is sound and that they are hopeful that the prospective owner will accept it with minor revisions.

Director Spears asked whether the whole outside of the building would be painted. Steele stated that the whole outside would be painted and would maintain the art deco style.

Resident Karen Ready on Via Manzanas stated that she feels a legal, binding agreement is fine however she said that the 48 page report from the American Vet Board showed the Doctor to not be credible and she would find any agreement risky.

Sandip Sanwal stated that the 48 page report did not reflect the fact that his father has seen over 30,000 clients. He is unclear as to how valid the complaints were.

Resident Anne Mrak asked Mr. Steele if there is any protection as to what the price will be when the Theater Association is in a position to buy the building. Mr. Steele stated that the group is still trying to negotiate a price. Mrak asked what part of the building would be bought. Steele stated the whole building would be purchased. Resident Christine Ready questioned why a business would start at a location and then want to leave.

Resident Mary Reynolds questioned whether Dr. Sanwal could run a veterinary clinic out of the building. She thought that his licensed had been suspended or revoked. Director Partridge stated that Dr. Sanwal's son, Sandip would be running the vet clinic, and that Dr. Sanwal (Sr.) suspension was not relevant to the issue.

7.2 Update of Alameda County Planning Task Force - Daryl Gray gave an update on the specific plan for the Task Force. He stated that planning staff was concerned that the study was not focusing on a broad enough area to form a specific plan. Staff would like to consider the areas north of the square in the plan as well as the East side of the Square. Gray stated that he apologizes if the county left the impression that the only area it would be considering would be the west side of the square. The county had presented this area with respect to the moratorium, but had not fully discussed the parameters for the plan. Staff felt the parameters would need to be decided upon in the Task Force scoping sessions. The county has presented the area north and east of the Mervyns area as one suggestion.

Director Partridge stated that she thought that the plan was just for the west side of the Village Square. Gray apologized if this was not clear, but reiterated that the moratorium was addressed at the last meeting and may have confused the Board. Director Sherman stated that the boundaries seem to keep on be extended and extended to include other area that the Board was not made aware of. Gray stated that if you look at the original plan document, the east side of the Square as well as areas to the north are shown, including the Lucky shopping center.

Gray said that it is important to look at the whole area when designing the plan due to traffic patterns that need to be studied and the types of business that are currently established in the area. Gray stated that the property owners would have input into where the boundaries would be. Director Partridge stated that many Board members had the impression that the boundaries were one area and the county planning staff was considering a different set of boundaries. She stated that it is important that the Task Force as well as the community decide on where the lines should be drawn. Partridge stated that she hoped that the boundaries would be the first thing the Task Force would decide in its discussions.

Resident Ann Mrak stated that she thought looking at the whole square area was important and thanked the county for considering it. Resident Doris Marciel questioned how the plan would be financed. Gray stated that the county has $100,000 to develop the plan and that finances for implementing the plan would hopefully be a product of the plan. He pointed out that they are only considering the business of the area to be included in the plan and that the county is doing a study on redevelopment for parts of San Lorenzo which would help with the financing of the plan should the community want redevelopment.

7.3 Agenda format and procedures for addressing the Board - Director Partridge said that residents had requested the Board rearrange its agenda format moving committee reports higher on agenda. In response to this request the Board made the following changes:

Approval of Minutes would be moved to Agenda item 2.0

Comments from Public Agencies will be moved down to 3.0

A new category, Business Development Reports would be moved to 6.0 with sub items 6.1 to be Business Development Committee Report; 6.2 Alameda Co. Specific Plan Task Force Report

Administrators Reports would be moved to item 7.0

Other Business would be item 8.0

Public Comment would be item 9.0

Committee Reports would be item 10.0 (minus the Business Development Committee Report)

Comments from Board members would be item 11.0

Adjournment would be item 12.0

7.4 Appointment to the Business Development Committee Members and Task Force Members - President Jim Spears announced the selection of the Task Force members from the San Lorenzo community chosen by the Association Board and Supervisor Gail Steele.

Carol Davis - Alternate: Debra Almason

Barry Weiss - Alternate: Ron Groves

Mary Ann McMillan - Alternate: Mary Reynolds

Frank Peixoto - Alternate: Pat Piras

Youth Representative - Tina Cheung - Alternate: Emmanuel Satingin

8.0 COMMITTEE REPORTS

8.1 Business Development Committee - Business Development member Mary Ann McMillan spoke on behalf of Chair Thoms who was ill. She reported that the county had presented its specific plan to the committee which was separated into four parts and included long and short term goals. She stated that the way the Task Force would be selected and its time line were approved by the committee. The long and short term goals were also accepted in principal, with some revisions to the short term goals. She stated that the committee also approved a questionnaire be distributed by the San Leandro chamber with respect to San Lorenzo business in the area and their interests in joining the chamber in the near future. Mc Millan stated that the committee will be requesting that the Castro Valley Chamber give a presentation to the members in the near future.

8.2 Youth Resources Committee - Dorothy Partridge reported that she had no report. She did encourage anyone interested in contributing to this committee is encouraged to join. The next meeting would be held at 1:30 p.m., Monday September 13 in the San Lorenzo Community Hall.

8.3 Airport Committees - Howard Beckman stated that there was nothing to report at this time. He stated that he has heard reports about commercial and cargo jets being routed over San Lorenzo. Beckman said that the situation in our area could get worse if residents do not complain to the Oakland Airport. He stressed that according to the records from the Oakland Airport it has had no recent complaints from San Lorenzo residents.

Supervisor Steele stated that she has been attending the Port meetings and stated that there repeatedly are little or no reports from the San Lorenzo area. She stated that although the PORT adopted the EIR for the Airports expansion in a recent meeting, a noise study is being done and it is important for residents to complain so that they are on record.

8.4 Council on the Prevention of Drinking and Driving - Director Spears stated that the Council will be represented at the Zucchini festival. Both he and Director Sherman will help man a booth at this festival.

The Administrator announced that the First Business Task Force meeting will be the third Thursday in September. She stated that the first Tuesday of each month will be the primary meeting for this Task Force and then if an additional meeting is needed the Task Force will meet again the third Tuesday of the month. A schedule will be created once all panel members have been contacted. The time will be from 7-9pm and the meetings will be held in the San Lorenzo Community Hall.

The Administrator stated that next Friday the COPS will be holding a BBQ benefit to the DARE program.

9.0 PUBLIC COMMENT - Partridge suggested that Public Comment be heard prior to Board Comments at the meeting - there were no objections.

Resident Kathy Ready encouraged residents to read the report regarding the prospective buyer of the Lorenzo Theater, Dr. Salwan. She stated that if the community wants this veterinary practice in the area then they should know the doctor's history of veterinary medicine.

Resident Mary Reynolds voiced her objections to the Board about not appointing Kathy Ready to the Business Development committee.

Resident Cheryl Weldon announced that the Lorenzo Theater Association will hold its second fundraiser event a talent show on August 28, 1999 at the Arroyo High School Auditorium. There will be awards for different age groups and everyone is encouraged to attend. The event will be held from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Resident Howard Beckman urged residents to become involved with the opposition to Home Depot being developed on Hayward Airport property. He stated that the first hearing on this issue will occur the second week in September before the City Council of Hayward. He said that St Joaquims church and the surrounding neighborhoods have created an alliance against this development and urged residents to be aware of what was going on with the project and to speak out against it.

Resident Ann Mrak said that residents should be aware of hiring illegal or faulty contractors. She stated that she was recently involved with a man who presented himself as a legitimate business, but did very poor work. She warned that if a contractor works with cash only and does not have you sign a contract, to beware. The Administrator announced the Homes Association office has a listing of good and bad contractors in the area which anyone can pick up. She also encouraged residents to submit the names and the workmanship of anyone they have used who is good or bad to add to the list.

10.0 COMMENTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS - None.

11.0 ADJOURNMENT - President Spears adjourned the meeting at 9:20 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,

Dorothy Partridge
Secretary-Treasurer

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

Reviewed By: Nancy Van Huffel, Administrator