The regular meeting of the San Lorenzo Village Homes Association Board of Directors was held Thursday, September 20, 2007.

1.1 CALL TO ORDER -- President Wulf Bieschke called the meeting to order at 7:38 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 Jim Sherman were present and Director Kathy Martins was absent due to the birth of her daughter.

2.O MINUTES FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING -- Approval of meeting number 1155 and Work session notes from meeting number 1156 Director Sherman makes a motion Director Pebelier seconded. The motion carries unanimously.

3.0 COMMENTS FROM PUBLIC AGENCIES

3.1 CHP Report -- Officer Rob Tuazon reported on the following statistics (also see Attachment A):

CHP Statistics for August 2007

                                             Total for
Infraction               San Lorenzo      Unincorp. area
Collisions                        21              119
Tickets                           70              808
Parking Tickets                                         
Storage/Impounds                   7               85
Stolen Recoveries                  3               21
Traffic Complaints                                
Parking Complaints                                
DUI Arrests
Total warnings                    n/a             323                                       

Tuazon encouraged people to call in and let his office know when there are problems. His number M-F from 8 am - 5 pm 510-581-9028. He stated that the more people are involved in their neighborhoods, the better it is for the entire community.

Tuazon said that the house on Via Sonora which was run into by a vehicle was not due to excessive speeding in that area. It was caused by a young driver who was under the influence of alcohol. He noted that if residents have concerns about speeding to contact him as he assigns the radar carts for the area. He said that when motorists see these carts they tend to slow down. It is just a temporary solution to an ongoing problem on many of San Lorenzo's streets.

3.2 Alameda County Sheriff's Dept. -- Deputy Liskey reported the statistics for crime in the area for the past month (see Attachment B).

Statistics for August 2007 [TO BE POSTED WHEN AVAILABLE]

                                      Change from
Crime                        Number   last month         Affected Streets                    

Stolen vehicles                              
Attempted Stolen Vehicles                     
Recovered Stolen Vehicles                    
Residential Burglary                          
Commercial Burglary                          
Auto Burglary                                 
Grand Theft                                  
Vandalism/graffiti                           
Robbery                                      

Deputy Liskey stated that his department is concerned about the increase in crime for our area. He noted that the increases in crime have been noted throughout the Bay Area. However, he did state that muggings have increased in our area. Muggings are averaging four to seven a month in the San Lorenzo Area alone. Deputy Liskey reminded residents to be aware and report any suspicious people or situation. He also noted that residential burglaries are up and this is the trend everywhere. He recommended Neighborhood Watch Groups as a deterrent.

Deputy Liskey noted that there was an area in unincorporated Ashland, known as "Montero" that has approximately 150 residents in its Association. In the past month they have had over 26 burglaries in their neighborhoods alone. They met with him and another neighborhood watch group and starting forming their own watch group. Residents in that area started walking their streets and noting any unusual activity or people in the area. On Saturday, September 15th the sheriffs department was able to get enough of a description on a suspect that they charged him with 16 of those burglaries. They also found out that there were several burglaries that this individual had claimed to have done that were not even reported by residents. Liskey asked residents to always report thefts or burglaries no matter what the circumstances. It will help the sheriffs to patrol more effectively and may assist in an earlier apprehension criminals.

Deputy Liskey said that he was present before the Public Protection Committee this past Monday and they are trying to amend the Peddlers Ordinance so that the sheriff can adequately deal with the street vendors in the area who are selling without the proper licensing. This issue will go before the Board of Supervisors for final approval within the next few months. Cop shop BBQ is on October 6th.

Deputy Liskey also noted that the Cop Shop Fund-raiser/Barbeque will be held on October 6, 2007, and he invited residents to come.

Resident Keith Barros asked who was in charge of residents putting up signs on telephone poles illegally. Liskey noted that the person must be caught in the act, but zoning would be responsible for following through with the owner or company that are related to the advertising on the signs.

Resident Ann Brichaceck spoke about a neighbor and a large truck being parked in the driveway asked for the Association and the Sheriffs assistance with the issue (see Attachment C).

Board President Bieschke spoke about his ongoing meeting with the Via Catherine Neighborhood Watch group and encouraged residents to form their own watch groups.

3.3 Supervisor Alice Lai-Bitker -- Staff member, Kevin Dowling, reported that the BMX track was heard at a Hayward Area Recreation District (HARD) committee meeting. His office was not in attendance. After an article was in the Daily Review, the Administrator received several calls, particularly from those that live in the Skywest Townhomes indicating their concern about the proposed track. As a result, Supervisor Lai Bitker did ask that the issue be postponed at the HARD Board until it had been discussed in more detail before the San Lorenzo Village Homes Association.

Dowling noted that his office had informed both the Condominium owners behind the proposed site and the homeowners within the San Lorenzo Homes Association area. At this point they have not heard anything from these neighbors. Dowling said that there are some issues that still need to be resolved with respect to the proposal. He said that HARD will not be collecting any fees from the track and that there would be a surcharge for non-HARD residents to use the track. There would also be no loud speakers related to the track. It would be a practice site for local children. No competition or tournaments would be done at the site.

Dowling reported that the Olson Company will have a ground-breaking ceremony for the new commercial and residential units on Bockman Rd on October 12, 2007 at 11:00 am. He also stated that there would be a fall clean up for the unincorporated area of Ashland, Cherryland and San Lorenzo this Saturday September 22, 2007, at Meek Estate at 9 am.

Dowling said that on October 11, 2007 there would be a meeting held with the Public Works Department related to median work on Washington Ave between Via Enrico and Grant Ave.

3.4 Zoning Enforcement Report -- See Attachment D for monthly report.

3.5 Public Comment

Resident and Tree Committee member Kathie Ready stated that she is concerned with the loss of San Lorenzo's original London Plain Sycamores. She asked the board to write a letter to the Director of Alameda County Public Works asking that residents who have removed trees from their front yards, and are on the side with no power lines, to replace their tree with these type of sycamores. She stressed the importance of bringing back these trees to bring back the original beauty it created for the Village area.

Resident, Don Clowser , announced that there is a fundraiser for the San Lorenzo Heritage Society he asked the residents attend to support this group. See Attachment E.

Homeowner on Paseo Del Rio was concerned with the street sweeping in Monday's area. He stated that every time there is a holiday on Monday the residents do not get swept for several weeks. The Administrator noted that the leaves have fallen more than they usually do at this time of the year and thus will try to solicit help from the county immediately.

4.0 FINANCIAL REPORT

4.1 Approval of August 2007 expenditures, including payroll, and discussion of significant variances -- Director Wright moves to approve for August 2007, Director Pebelier seconds, The motion is approved unanimously.

5.0 ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT

5.1 Informational Items - Energy plants in Hayward -- The Administrator Reported that last week she was at the livability meeting where Suzanne Barba, former president of the Eden Area League of Women Voters, brought up major concerns about the proposed energy plants in Hayward. Thus, the Administrator invited her to give the Association residents a presentation so that they are informed about this proposal and how it could impact our community.

Suzanne Barba stated that Hayward is preparing for two power plants in its boundaries. One has been discussed for the past six years and is in its final stages before being discussed and voted upon formally by the California Energy Commission. The other plant would be smaller and supplement the larger one that is currently being proposed. The large plant will produce 80 tons of pollutants in Hayward. The plant is proposing to mitigate this pollution by offering residents in Hayward a discount in converting their wood or pellet burning fire places to natural gas. If it does not get enough residents to mitigate this it will offer the same program to residents of Castro Valley, San Lorenzo and Cherryland but not Ashland. Barba noted that there will still be several tons of gas/pollution going into the atmosphere even after this mitigation. She noted that although the City of Hayward has had public hearings the county has not had any meetings nor has the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council. The energy created by these plants would go to a grid to aid California electricity and not necessarily be for the Hayward area. She noted that the large plant would be a 600 megawatt plant and would have stacks in excess of one hundred feet high (14 stories). The smaller plant would be what is called a "peaker plant" and would have stacks that are 70 feet tall. She noted that the larger plant has been reviewed and approved by the Bay Area Quality Management Board.

Barba stated that the county has not investigated the impact on residents in the unincorporated area or fully reported on the impact on planes flying to and from the Hayward Airport. She said that she believes more time is needed to investigate these issues. Public health for the surrounding areas could be a huge factor. The fuel they are using is natural gas, however, there are problems associated with this type of gas that need to be investigated. She encouraged residents to contact the California Energy Commission to ask for more public hearings related to the impact on the surrounding communities. You can email them on line or contact the Homes Association for the address.

The Administrator noted that the county and its heath department have not evaluated this proposal on behalf of the unincorporated areas it impacts. She has spoken with Supervisor Lai Bitker's office and asked that they delay the issue being discussed before the Energy Commission for one month. The Administrator said that she did not believe that the City of Hayward has recently evaluated the project in terms of the impact it will have on the residents of the city or the surrounding communities. She urged residents to contact the Energy Commission because they have the ultimate decision on the project.

6.0 OTHER BUSINESS (Motion may be required)

6.1 Establishment of Study Committee of Governance -- The Administrator discussed a proposal for a committee that would oversee various forms of governance for the San Lorenzo Village by county boards and committees. (See Attachment F.)

Director Pebelier makes a motion to create the proposed Study Committee, Director Wright seconds, the motion carries unanimously.

Resident and Planning Commissioner, Kathie Ready, noted that the committee should re-open our General Plan and look at in terms of what constitutes "mixed-use." This is important in light of the development of the Village Square and needs to be addressed.

6.2 Supervisor Miley's Community Forum meetings in October -- President Bieschke stated that Supervisor Miley is asking for a meeting on Saturday to have residents give input about what they feel is a priority for our communities. President Bieschke noted that there is a survey for residents to fill out that he will present to Miley. (See Attachment G.)

The Administrator noted that she added an item on this list. She stated that she is concerned about the decisions made by our county Supervisors. They need to be held accountable for items that they approve or deny when brought up under an appeal that is in opposition of community policies or concerns.

She encouraged residents to be part of the solution. When we decide that something is good for the community then we need it honored. There are many neighborhood meetings that encourage public opinion. There is also an Unincorporated meeting the fourth Wednesday of every month that has two Supervisors in attendance to hear issues of concern from residents. She asked residents to email her at slzvha@aol.com to request agendas for these month meetings. Email her and she will put you on a list for the agendas etc.

6.3 Arroyo Parking Problem in the Neighborhood - The Administrator noted that on October 1, 2007 at 6:30 pm there will be a joint meeting with the San Lorenzo School Board, the Homes Association to discuss the parking problems for residents in and around Arroyo High school. The Alameda County Sheriffs will be in attendance and resident Lou Areceli would be handing out a notice of this meeting to the affected residents.

Director Wright suggested that the Parent Teachers Association also be invited to this meeting.

7.0 COMMITTEE REPORTS -- There were no committee reports.

8.0 LIENS AND VIOLATIONS REPORTS -- No liens have been released since August 2007.

August 2007 Violation Report

Number  Violation                              No. of Letters

1/19    Inoperable Vehicles in driveway               4
2/22    Recreational veh/trailer in driveway          3
6       Lack of General Maintenance                  11
10      Lawn Height                                  44
11      Dead Trees                                    0
12      Overgrown Vegetation                          1
13      Holiday Lights                                0
14      No signs                                      0
15      Building Exterior                             7
16      Dirt Accumulation                             5
17      Attractive Nuisances                          1
18      Lean/miss fence                               1
20/7    Unpaved parking                               3
21      Working on vehicles                           1
23      Dogs/Cats more than 2                         1
24      Barking dogs                                  0
25      Prohibited animals                            0
26      Excess noise                                  0
27      No Home Business                              0
28/99   Other/ comments                               6
99      Multiple violations                          10

Total                                                98

9.0 HEARINGS AND VARIANCE ISSUES

9.1 Hearing Dispositions

17004 Via Andeta -- Inoperable vehicles stored in driveway and debris stored in front yard. Revisit, asking owner to submit registration, refer to code enforcement and recheck in 30 days.
15857 Paseo Largavista -- Multiple/lack of Gen.Maint. Refer to code enforcement and research owner's address to contact him directly.
16137 Via Alamitos -- Lawn maintenance. Violations cleared, closing.
15857 Via Arroyo -- Lawn maintenance and residence vacant. Refer to code enforcement and research owner's address to contact the owner directly; review in 30 days.
15787 Via Arroyo -- Multiple lack of gen. maintenance, van stored in driveway with debris. Fine, refer to code enforcement and ask owner to water.
15846 Via Arroyo -- Multiple lack of gen. maintenance, car stored in driveway.
670 Via Manzanas -- Lawn maintenance. Owner called and would be watering and re-seeding; will monitor and recheck in 60 days.
908 Via Honda -- Lawn Maintenance. Revisit, lawn better, closing.
1035 Via Palma -- Stored vehicle. The Car is gone, closing.
17270 Via Alamitos -- Lawn maintenance. Lawn is better, inoperative car now in driveway; will revisit in 30-60 days.
171 Paseo Grande -- Revisit, ongoing lack of gen. maintenance. Fine and refer to attorney.
192 Via San Carlos -- Revisit, ongoing lack of gen. maintenance. Still out of compliance, trying to find owner and will revisit.
1426 Via Buena Vista -- Inoperative vehicle/lack of general maintenance. All violations cleared, closing.
17484 Via La Jolla -- Trailer big rig stored in driveway. Asking owner to come back in October 2007 to speak with board; truck currently not parked at residence.
17248 Via Melina -- Debris at front of residence. Still debris in driveway and large street sweeping vehicle being stored in driveway, board to recheck and revisit within 60 days.
1742 Keller Ave. -- Inoperative vehicle. Fine and refer to attorney if not registered or removed within 30 days.
18201 Via Arriba -- Storing business vehicle at residence/running business from house. Check with Alameda County Health Department on business requirements and revisit within 60 days.
1778 Via Natal -- Revisit status of lack of general maintenance. Board working with owner, will revisit in 30 days.
1824 Via Toyon -- Lack of gen. maintenance front at back of residence. Check status of code enforcement hearing and revisit in 30 days.
1916 Keller Ave. -- Lack of front yard maintenance. Better but revisit yard maintenance within 30 days.
1920 Bandoni Ave. -- Revisit, lack of gen. maintenance. Owner to remove debris by 10/1/07; will revisit and close.
16018 Via Harriet -- Revisit, lack of maintenance to yard. Front yard much better, ask owner to remove debris on porch and either close or revisit within 60 days.
16014 Via Harriet -- Revisit, lawn maintenance. Yard much improved, closing.
2043 Bandoni Ave. -- Lack of maintenance to lawn and stored vehicle and debris in front yard. Fine, refer to code enforcement and revisit in 60 days.
15932 Paseo Largavista-Lack of front yard maintenance. Better but need to monitor and revisit in 60 days.
17114 Via Chiquita -- Lack of front yard maintenance. Give owner watering tips and recheck within 30 days.
16184 Channel -- Ongoing lack of maintenance; vehicle stored in driveway and condition of front yard. Fine and refer to attorney; also recheck with Redevelopment to see if funds were received to help upgrade property and what can be done with its present condition.

9.2 Variances

1635 Bandoni -- Enclosed patio. Denied as submitted.
1766 Via Toyon -- Property line fence. Approved with modifications of set back and length.

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

10.0 PUBLIC COMMENT -- None.

11.0 COMMENTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS -- Director Pebelier thanked Suzanne Barba for her presentation on the proposed energy plant in Hayward. Pebelier stated that she attended a barbeque for the "Team-Up" group. There were about 140 children who participated in "Team-Up" which offered sports programs in softball, swimming and other athletics. Director Wright reported that the Board will host another "Meet and Greet" with residents of San Lorenzo prior to the next board meeting on October 18, 2007. She stated that the board will be serving some food at this event and is in the process of coordinating the details.

President Bieschke announced that this weekend Supervisor Miley is hosting a clean-up for the San Lorenzo, Cherryland and Ashland area. Participants are to meet at Meek Estate at 9:00 am. Next weekend the Homes Association will have its monthly community clean-up day on the 29th of September, he encouraged residents to volunteer. The group will meet in front of the Homes Association office at 9:00 a.m. and will clean-up specific areas until about 12:00 p.m.

President Bieschke said his neighborhood watch group has started a neighborhood preparedness work group. They had 27 people show up for their first meeting. The group is now continuing on allowing residents to obtain certification. This requires six classes twice a week for 6 weeks. Bieschke encouraged residents to participate. It is important that we not only take care of ourselves in an emergency, but also take care of our neighbors.

12.0 ADJOURNMENT -- Director Bieschke adjourns the meeting at 10:03 p.m.

Date approved by the Board of Directors: September 20, 2007

Purpose: The committee is charged with the task of reviewing various forms of governance for the San Lorenzo Village and making recommendations to the Board on the pros and cons of different options.

Number of Members: Nine to Eleven

Duration of the Committee: One Year

Options to be discussed:

1. Preserve the Status Quo

2. Create better local control through a SLZ or Eden Area MAC

3. Create better local control through reorganizing the Planning Commission (PC), Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA)

4. Stronger community control by having the Board of Supervisors (BOS) make stronger commitments to Land use policies established by the community planning process.

5. Annexation to City of San Leandro or Hayward

6. Incorporate as a City

Additional discussion would include:

1. Levels and quality of Service:
Needed ==> Police services, Road maintenance, Zoning department, traffic control, NPO services, Library

Retain ==> Fire services, H.A.R.D. (parks), Sanitation (Oro Loma), Schools

2. Finances:
How much of our taxes now going to the county would be returned to us? Access the community's economic base.

3. Boundary questions: Village, all of San Lorenzo, Ashland, Cherryland

Respectfully Submitted,

Pat Pebelier
Secretary-Treasurer

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