The regular meeting of the San Lorenzo Village Homes Association Board of Directors was held Thursday, September 21, 2006.

1.1 CALL TO ORDER -- President Ledesma called the meeting to order at 7:36 p.m.

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

1.3 ROLL CALL - Directors Patrick Ledesma, Wulf Bieschke, Jim Sherman, Pat Pebelier were present and Peggy Sheridan was absent due to a family emergency.

2.O MINUTES FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING -- Director Bieschke moved to approve the items discussed at Work Session Number 1130 and the regular board monthly meeting Number 1129. Director Bieschke and Director Pebelier seconds the motion. The Work Session and the Board minutes are approved unanimously.

3.0 COMMENTS FROM PUBLIC AGENCIES

3.1 Alameda County Sheriffs Dept. - Sgt Jukich -- announced that this will be his last week. Deputy Gimmel will be taking his place. Deputy Litsky will still be our deputy. The Board thanked Jukich for his hard work and dedication to the community.

Deputy Litsky reported the following statistics:

Statistics for Alameda County Sheriff's Office August 2006 (Streets where crime occurred were not provided by the deputy)

                                      Change from
Crime                        Number   last month         Affected Streets                    

Stolen vehicles               14          
Attempted Stolen Vehicles      2          
Recovered Stolen Vehicles      7           
Residential Burglary           7            
Commercial Burglary            7           
Auto Burglary                  8          
Grand Theft                    3                               
Vandalism/graffiti             3          
Robbery                       n/a        n/a  

Litsky stated that in the past month the sheriffs department has been involved in some major operations to help deter crime in the unincorporated areas. They have been working with the "Safe Task force" which deals with persons who have been sexually abused. They also have their "Gang Unit" up and running. They are currently trying to identify all known gang members is the area. The Sheriffs also have recently been catching people who are soliciting for prostitution on the internet and they apprehended 54 DUI's over the past labor day weekend in the Ashland/Cherryland/San Lorenzo area.

Litsky invited residents to come to the Cop Shop's annual barbeque which will be held on October 5,2006. Tickets are $10.00 for a tri tip dinner. There will be many prizes raffled. He also invited citizens to join the sheriffs in their next Community Policing Academy. It is free to everyone and residents get an opportunity to see what it is like to be in law enforcement.

Director Bieschke is concerned about the home robberies that have seemed to increase. Litsky stated that the sheriffs department started an operation in July, and the robberies have decreased. He noted that the department is trying to put together a multi-jurisdictional task force to help connect the crimes and catch those who are doing these robberies.

Resident Kathie Ready stated that she is unhappy that Sgt. Jukich is leaving and commended his work in San Lorenzo. She also noted that she has been impressed with Deputy Litsky's performance thus far, but stressed that the residents want the "streets where the crimes are being committed" included in the crime statistics report. She said that without the streets, the statistics mean nothing. Jukich apologized and noted that this was in part his fault, because he had not been instructing the new deputies about what needs to be in the report.

A resident pointed out that he has seen many solicitors canvassing the neighborhoods, who do not seem to be using a "product" as a front to case homes. Litsky agreed that this is happening, he recommended that anyone who feels uncomfortable with someone who has come to their door to contact the sheriffs office with a description.

Director Sherman thanked Sgt. Jukich for all that he had done in San Lorenzo and asked the Board to send a letter of commendation on behalf of the Association to the Sheriff's office.

A resident who lives near Arroyo High thanked the sheriffs for their active patrol in that area but was concerned about the statistics this month. There seemed to be an increase in crime in the area. Litsky stated that statistics are pretty consistent for this time last year, and have not really gone up. For the past several years they have remained relatively consistent.

3.2 CHP -- The CHP reported that due to an internal problem they did not have the statistics for August 2006 but would report these at the next Board meeting.

3.3 Supervisor Lai-Bitker -- Staff member Kevin Dowling reported that this weekend is the annual clean up for the unincorporated area. Interested residents are to meet at Meek Estate and they will then go out to their designated areas to do the cleaning.

Dowling noted that the Unincorporated meeting would be coming up on Wednesday, 9/27/06. The Administrator asked that the "One care now" program be put on the agenda. Dowling stated that he would see what he could do.

Dowling reported that the US Navy will be in the Bay Area the first week in October for Fleet Week. They have offered 30 navy personnel to volunteer in the San Lorenzo area to do community work. Three houses in the area, that are in need of work have been identified as well as the painting of fences at the end of Grant and on Bockman Rd.

3.4 Zoning -- See attachment A- no formal report was given.

3.5 Public Comment

Resident and Planning Commission member, Kathie Ready, stated that she is concerned that the phrase "incremental improvements" for the area. This has come up at several hearings in front of the Planning Commission and what she is finding that it means is the "cheapest development that a developer can do" in an area. She noted that on Delano Avenue, there is an application to tear down an old stately home to put in four homes on the lot. She cautioned residents about these type of developments and asked them to get involved.

Ready reported that the Alcohol Ordinance will be going to the Board of Supervisors on 10/5/06. COMPRE wants to tack on another conditional use for any new business who wants to sell alcohol in the unincorporated areas. She noted that businesses already pay $1200.00 to the Sheriffs Department. This fee would be yet another tacked on to those already in place. She noted that we are trying to bring businesses into the unincorporated areas. Why would a business want to come into an area that is taxed more than its surrounding cities of San Leandro and Hayward? She also noted that she has just learned of a potential "child care development fee" that would be imposed on any new businesses coming into the unincorporated area. The fee has no explanation as to how it would be used. There has been no study about what surrounding cities tax for new businesses. Ready said that this would again deter businesses from coming into the area. The Community Development Agency is hosting a meeting next Monday, September 28, 2006 at 6:30 in the Community Hall to discuss this tax and field questions.

Resident Paul Just, who is a resident on Via Media was concerned with what constituted a "single family" residence. He noted that he has seen three and four families living in these homes. He is concerned with density issues and problems with traffic, crime etc.

Director Bieschke noted that it is difficult to state what "constitutes" a family. You could set yourself for legal ramifications if parameters were set.

Director Ready stated that she asked about this years ago, and when she contacted the Housing and Urban Development Agency (HUD), they said that you can have one (1) person for every 30 to 50 square foot per household. She said that the Association can do little to define what constitutes a "single family" housing unit without setting itself up for a lawsuit.

Resident Keith Barros reported that ever since Rasputins has hired guards to patrol outside and inside, the graffiti and the problems with crime have been diminished. He also noted that there are new owners for the Aquarium in the Lorenzo Manor Shopping Center and the store is really nice.

4.0 FINANCIAL REPORT

4.1 Approval of August 2006 Expenditures and discussion of significant variances -- The Administrator noted that she will talk about the significant variances with the audit next month.

Director Pebelier made a motion to accept the expenditures for August 2006, Director Sherman seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.0 LIENS AND VIOLATIONS REPORTS

There have been no liens released since the last board meeting.

August 2006 Violation Report

Number  Violation                              # of Letters

1/19    Inoperable Vehicles in driveway                 9
2/22    Recreational veh/trailer in driveway            6
6       Lack of General Maintenance                    12
10      Lawn Height                                    48
11      Dead Trees                                      0
12      Overgrown Vegetation                            1
13      Holiday Lights                                  4
14      No signs                                        0
15      Building Exterior                               4
16      Dirt Accumulation                               1
17      Attractive Nuisances                            1
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                              1
26      Excess noise                                    0
27      No Home Business                                1
28/99   Other/ comments                                11
99      Multiple violations                            16 
Total                                                 125

6.0 HEARINGS AND VARIANCE ISSUES

6.1 Hearings

a) Revisit the following:
1) 16130 Via Alamitos -- Front yard landscaping and cement. Owner submitting plans.
2) 17020 Via Perdido -- Front yard maintenance. Refer to attorney.
3) 16129 Via Paro -- Front yard maintenance and stored vehicle. Refer to County and then to attorney.
4) 17238 Via Chiquita -- Exterior paint and front yard maintenance. Violations cleared, close.
5) 1429 Bockman -- Multiple violations/lack of front yard maintenance. Violations cleared, but keep monitoring since chronic violations.
6) 632 Grant -- Revisit front yard maintenance, van stored in driveway. Refer to county and contact new realtor (house is on the market).
7) 2149 Bockman Rd. -- Revisit front yard maintenance. Gave owner more time to get lawn green; revisit November.
8) 17270 Via Alamitos -- Front yard maintenance. Lawn better, continue to monitor and ask people to mow more consistently.
9) 1726 Via Redondo -- Trailer stored in front yard. Trailer gone, but front yard needs to be watered. Will monitor for 30 days and ask owner to water/submit plans for front area.
10) 17499 Via Estrella -- Front yard maintenance. Front yard better, monitor for next 60 days.
11) 16179 Via Alamitos -- Lack of general maintenance. Violations cleared, close.

b) Regular Scheduled Hearings:
1) 18090 Via Segundo -- Lack of front yard maintenance/items stored in driveway/fence in need of repair. Refer to attorney.
2) 18083 Via Segundo -- Lack of general maintenance, excessive work on vehicles/stored vehicles in driveway. Owner came in will get rid of truck within 1 week, provide registration on the two (2) other vehicles he owns.
3) 15743 Paseo Del Campo -- Boat stored at residence. Boat gone, closing.
4) 15787 Paseo Del Campo -- Lack of General Maintenance. Unhitched camper stored in driveway for weeks. Gave owner til 10/19/06 to get rid of camper; owner trying to sell.
5) 15722 Via Corta -- Lack of General maintenance/stored vehicles/multiple violations. Attorney referral.
6) 16053 Via Pinale -- Attractive nuisance, lack of front yard maintenance, debris stored all over front of property/vehicles stored/lawn dead/unpaved parking. Attorney referral.
7) 16047 Via Paro -- Multiple lack of General Maintenance, Excessive work on cars/vehicles parked on lawn, lack of front yard maintenance. Giving owner 30 days to clear all violations, most have been cleared.
8) 1476 Via Buena Vista -- Multiple violations/jet ski stored, cars parked on lawn. Violations cleared, closing.
9) 2183 Via Rancho -- Lack of front yard maintenance. Debris cleared, owner needs to maintain lawn, will recheck in 60 days.
10) 15880 Via Alamitos -- Ongoing Lack of General maintenance, dead lawn/tall lawn ongoing for over a year. Attorney referral.
11) 1154 Via Esperanza -- Very Dead Lawn. Lawn better, monitor and recheck in November.
12) 1134 Via Los Trancos -- Dead Lawn. Attorney referral.

6.2 Variances

A) 1706 Via Sarita -- Property divider, stepped fence to the sidewalk. Approved.
B) 27 Via Diego -- Fanciers permit for three (3) dogs. Approved.
C) 15749 Via Corta -- Second Story. Approved.
D) 1826 Bandoni -- Second story. Board needed to meet with owners due to size of addition; would revisit at October work session.
E) 17499 Via Arriba -- Second Story. Approved.
F) 16077 Via Walter -- Painting of fence. Approved with conditions.
G) 16057 Via Media -- Board to review the stucco painted. Board reviewed and determined this is a stucco "paint color," approved the color as painted.

Director Sherman made a motion to approve the Hearings and Variances as read, Director Bieschke seconds, the motion is approved unanimously.

7.0 ADMINISTRATOR REPORT

7.1 Informational Items -- None.

7.2 Update of Oro Loma & Civic Partners -- The Administrator reported that garbage can stickers will be prepared in English and Spanish and the Association will ask residents to put these on their trash and recycling bins. The stickers will note to put the bins "behind the driveway and not in the street". The Association should be putting these into people's mail boxes soon.

The Administrator noted that the Board is going to invite Civic Partners back to give them an update, and is working with the Redevelopment Agency to make this happen. President Ledesma would report more on this later on in the agenda.

8.0 OTHER BUSINESS

8.1 Summary of September 6, 2006 Work Session - President Ledesma -- President Ledesma reported that the board discussed standardizing the format for policies created by the Board for CC&R enforcement. The Board also discussed looking at a formal policy that would be put in writing to prove to residents that the Association is trying to be consistent when enforcing CC&R restrictions and codes.

They reviewed the financial statements for the Association, discussed a paint policy, a new "welcome wagon" letter for new homeowners as well as went over legal issues for homeowner associations and how it might affect the members of the San Lorenzo Village.

It was also discussed about how to get county and local agencies, businesses and the San Lorenzo School board more involved with the Association and its activities. Strategies on how to reach out to these people and organizations will be discussed.

8.2 Motion to accept the by-laws as read in two previous meetings -- The Administrator stated that in February 2006 the process was started to update the by-laws. In the Jan/Feb 2006 Newsletter the changes were posted. These changes were reread in April with additional items added and updated. A second reading was done in May and all the changes were republished in the July/August 2006 newsletter. The Administrator asked for a motion to accept the new revisions to the by laws.

Director Bieschke makes a motion to accept the new revisions to the by laws as read in the two previous readings in April and May 2006 and published in the July/August 2006 Newsletter. Director Pebelier seconds the motion and it is passed unanimously.

8.3 Update of Civic Partners Project -- President Ledesma reported that the Administrator and the Board have been emailing Eileen Dalton with the County Redevelopment Agency to see what the status of this project is. Albertsons has stated that they are behind in review process., however Ledesma stated that he trying to put a little more pressure on the developer to commit to a plan. He suggested inviting the developer to the next Redevelopment meeting for an update and to explain why there is yet another delay. He said that he did not think that Civic Partners was going to close the deal until there are tenants to fill the spaces.

Kevin Dowling Staff member to Lai-Bitker stated that he thought a meeting with Civic Partners would be affective in getting some answers. He noted that Civic Partners has told him they are contacting Albertsons on a weekly basis and have not had a new update.

It was discussed that some contact be made with Civic Partners to invite them to a meeting and make them accountable for what is taking place to get the project moving forward. The developer needs to be held accountable and be advised of how frustrated the community is with the delays.

8.4 Parking situation on Hesperian Blvd. - President Ledesma -- President Ledesma took several series of pictures of the signage for parking, including red zones along Hesperian Blvd from Lewis Rents to A street. He wanted to solicit more consistent/ uniform parking along this corridor and is contacting County Public Works with what he has found.

8.5 Preliminary discussion of permitting Via Alamitos residents additional paved parking -- President Ledesma noted that Via Alamitos is a very narrow street for parking. The Board wanted to open this item up for discussion about possible solutions for the problem on this street. The Administrator noted that amount of traffic on this street compounds this issue and often cars are hit when parked on the street. Thus you have more cars on the lawns or parking up on the sidewalk so that pedestrians are blocked from passing. One solution the Board had thought of was to allow residents on Via Alamitos from Grant to Via Alamitos the option to pave a little more than 50% of their front yard so that they had adequate parking.

Resident Kathie Ready pointed out that the Association fought to get the County Neighborhood Ordinance (NPO) to include wording that would prohibit paving more than 50 % of a resident's respective front yard. The county ordinance is now in place, and to change the policy in one area, would be to go against what they had tried so hard to implement.

Resident Keith Barros stated that the Association has to "draw the line" someplace. If you make an exception for one neighborhood, it would be setting itself up for a dangerous precedent.

President Ledesma stated that the intent of the Board was not to defeat what had already been implemented by the NPO or to negate it. The Board simply wanted to bring this up for discussion due to the various problems of safety and parking on that street.

9.0 PUBLIC COMMENT -- No additional Public Comment was given.

10.0 COMMITTEE REPORTS

10.1 Report on the Economic Development Meeting -- No meeting.

10.2 Blue Ribbon Steering Committee -- Director Bieschke stated that the last meeting more speakers came from Riverside and San Mateo County counties giving presentations on livability. Bieschke stated that Riverside county is so large it did not compare with Alameda, however the presentation on San Mateo was very interesting. They developed 10 points that focus on making changes in the "livability" of their community. Some of these points were "more sidewalks"; "don't react to the blight -see what you can do to make it better for everyone". In essence the points develop a more "proactive government".

Bieschke noted that Supervisor Miley has stated that the committee is not going to alter the General Plan, rather it will use the ideas being presented to enhance the "livability" of the unincorporated areas.

The Administrator asked that the committee invite the county of Sacramento to present its plan to the group, pointing out that Sacramento county is very unique in their help towards unincorporated areas.

11.0 COMMENTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS -- The Board of Directors thanked everyone for attending. Director Sherman reminded the audience that October 6, 2006 is the eleventh annual ceremony commemorating those Children who died by violence in Alameda County. He invited Board members and residents to attend.

12.0 ADJOURNMENT -- President Ledesma adjourned the meeting at 10:05 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Pat Pebelier
Secretary-Treasurer

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