July/Aug - San Lorenzo Village Homes Association

Editors: Susan Kleebauer, Kathleen Harrigan
70th Anniversary
Strawberry
Rhubarb
Pie Judging Contest
Saturday
September 19, 2015
Why strawberry rhubarb? This particular type of rhubarb
was a specific, special type grown in the San Lorenzo area
and then shipped by railcars to the East Coast. It was an
unusual rhubarb at the time, and it wasn’t a common
commercially-grown crop. There are still a few residents
in our area who have this plant growing in their backyard.
In honor of our agricultural heritage, we are having a piejudging contest as one of our featured events at our 70th
Anniversary
celebration.
San
Lorenzo's
Lucky
Supermarket on Hesperian Blvd. has generously agreed to
help by specially ordering rhubarb for the event which will
be in the store by September 12, 2015 - just in time for our
contest! Please be aware the judges will ONLY be
accepting pies made of rhubarb or strawberries and
rhubarb.
Contest Rules:
•
•
•
•
70 Years "A Village" 1945-2015
Pies must be home-made.
Pies must be made of rhubarb or strawberries
and rhubarb
They must be made of piecrust and filling
only. (no whipped cream or other toppings)
Pies will be judged on their appearance,
taste, and texture of both the filling and
the crust.
The Association is excited to announce its 70th Anniversary
event on Saturday, September 19, 2015. To celebrate this
milestone, we will be hosting a 1940's themed carnival in
the old Mervyn's Parking lot on Hesperian Blvd. Do not
miss this opportunity to also tour the Lorenzo Theater,
opened especially for this event. Black lights will be used to
display the theater's beautiful fluorescent interior wall
murals.
All entries must be brought to the stage area. Time of
contest to be determined. Please contact the Association
office for more information.
The carnival features a trackless train ride, a petting zoo,
mid-way carnival games, entertainment and food booths.
Our main stage will have music from the 1940s, feature
homeowners, a pie-judging contest, and giveaways for the
kids.
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Congratulations House of the Month-1841 Keller Ave
This home’s landscaping is a perfect example of using drought tolerant plants with rock to create a
beautiful, low maintenance yard throughout the year! Do You Have A Home You’d Like to Nominate?
Forms can be picked up at the Association office or on line at www.slvha.com
andscape Expo – Our Free Front Yard Winner!
Introducing the Mota Family
It was difficult for UC Berkeley to choose one of the 42
essays submitted for the Garden giveaway contest,, but
after careful consideration, the Mota's essay was declared the winner. Here is what the judges had to say :
"In the end, we chose John and Marisol Mota's essay
about the California Native Garden, two teachers with a
young family. They speak to their ongoing commitment
to conservation and education, how their children will
play (and learn) from the garden, the sense of community they have with their neighbors, as well as the restorative properties of just being in the garden."
Thank you to all who participated in the contest. It further proves the pride our homeowners take in their
homes while taking into account water conservation.
Congratulations again to the Motas on Via Arroyo who
will soon have a beautiful California Native Garden!
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Army Band and
Color
Guard.
Camp Parks sent
“two masses of
115 basic airmen
each and a 30man
precision
drill squadron.”
Village
Celebrations
In The
Beginning...
During the 1940’s
and 1950’s, there
was much to celebrate in San Lorenzo Village.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the first
group of 1329 houses was held on May 16,
1944, and these homes were ready for
occupancy by December of that same year.
This set “a new world’s record in wartime
private residential construction”. The San
Lorenzo Village Homes Association was
organized soon afterwards.
Dignitaries in vintage cars were followed by
motorcycle squads. Among the marching units
were the Village Strutters, “small girl
majorettes, and their boy drummers”. Mounted
equestrian groups were at the end of the parade.
The Community Center (The Homes
Association Building) was dedicated on
October 19, 1952. The lawn area, playground,
Library (the original, small building next to
Paseo Grande), Scout Cabin, and tennis courts
were celebrated by the Legion of Honor Color
Guard, the Mothersingers, the Village Strutters,
and an exhibition tennis match. BBQ pits and
tables were completed a few weeks later. Plans
for a swimming pool were deferred .
In July of 1956, there was a five-day-long
Community Fair in the area northeast of Grant
and Washington Avenue. It featured a circus
with clowns and “a skating chimpanzee” and
Dancing Waters, an “electrically controlled
water display”.
At the first Christmas Festival in 1944,
presents were distributed to “several hundred
Village kiddies”. During the beginning years
of the Village,
these festivals
lasted 5 to 8
days, with a
variety
of
entertainment
so all children
in the Village
could attend several parties in their own age
group without cost to themselves or their
parents. The last of these Christmas Festivals
was held in 1955. To celebrate the completion
of the freeway to the Lewelling off- ramp, a
huge parade traveled from David E. Martin
School (now Redwood Christian High School
and Middle School), east on Paseo Grande,
north on Via Largavista, east on Grant, south
on the Service Road which ran parallel to
Hesperian, to “Mervyn’s Parking Lot” where
the food trucks
now
meet.
(The Service
Road
was
similar to the
street that runs
in front of the
homes along
the east side of Hesperian, between A St and
Winton.) The parade was led by the Sixth
As the decades passed, more celebrations have
been held in the Village.
To celebrate our 70th Anniversary, the SLVHA
will be hosting a 1940's themed carnival in the
old Mervyn's parking lot on Hesperian Blvd.
The event includes
tours of the iconic
Lorenzo Theater,
featuring the oneof-kind murals,
(under black light),
and the Theaters
fabulous art-deco
architecture.
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Our New Street Sweeper Has Arrived!
The Association's new street sweeper began
operating last month replacing the older model that
had become unreliable and costlier-to-maintain.
The new model is a three wheel 2015 Elgin Pelican
running on bio-diesel.
The SLVHA spent $200,000 of its reserves to
purchase this state of the art street sweeper. Unlike,
other unincorporated communities, San Lorenzo
streets are cleaned by SLVHA member dues, with
no
County
or
taxpayer funds.
We are currently in
our Spring/Summer
street
sweeping
schedule which is
bi-weekly. (These
weeks usually start
with the first and the
third Monday of
every month). Please do your part to help our
neighborhoods stay clean by parking your vehicles
off the street on your street sweeping day. If you
are unsure of the day you are scheduled, please
contact the Association office.
Merrel
Construction and
Property
Maintenance
General Contractor
Since 1994
Phone: (510) 908-4658
License # B688178
ADDITIONS, NEW CONSTRUCTION,
KITCHEN & BATH REMODELING
PATIO COVERS, DECKS,
COMPLETE EXTERIOR MAKE-OVERS
PLANS, DESIGNS, PERMITS
ALL PHASES OF BUILDING REPAIR AND MAINTENACE
Replacement Windows, Doors, Flooring, Concrete
Electrical, Plumbing, Re-pipes, Sewer
Electrical panel upgrades, Insulation, Heating
Grey water, Storm water Collection & Recycling
Seismic and Disaster Preparedness
Value Engineering and Smart Designs
Low Cost Consultations
Estate Liquidation and Property Management
A Fond Farewell
to Jim Sherman
TOP QUALITY- SUPERIOR CRAFTSMANSHIP
CALIFORNIA NATIVE, SAN LORENZO RESIDENT
EXCELLENT REFERENCES
It is with deep sympathy that we
say good-bye to long time Board
member, resident, friend, and
community
volunteer,
Jim
Sherman, who passed away on
June 8, 2015, at 81 years of age.
Be wise, don’t risk your home and family’s safety with unlicensed, illegal,
and inexperienced contractors.
(Paid Advertisement)
Orchid Re-Potting Workshops
Continue! Wednesday, August 12,
2015, from 7-9 p.m., SLVHA
Community Hall, 377 Paseo Grande
Jim served on the Association Board for 24 years
and was passionate about the San Lorenzo
community, especially its youth. It was Jim's idea
for the Association to host a safe Halloween event
for the children, which continues to this day. Jim
also served as a San Lorenzo Unified School Board
member and volunteered for the San Lorenzo Little
League for 20 years.
Join Sung Lee, owner of Hesperian Cleaners
and our very own local orchid expert as he
teaches how to transplant, divide and/or re-pot
your orchids. Classes have been meeting on an
ongoing basis every other month. All materials
are provided.
Jim beamed when he spoke of his grandchildren,
and our heart goes out to his family for their
loss. Jim's active volunteerism in this community
made a huge impact on it and he will be missed not
only by the Association's Board and Staff, but by
the entire San Lorenzo Village.
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PAID ADVERTISEMENT
5
nt?
a
n
g
e
Pr
Birthright
®
Of San Lorenzo
Think
You
1048 Grant Ave, San Lorenzo, CA 94580
Are?
A NON PROFIT CRISIS PREGNANCY CENTER HELPING WOMEN TO IDENTIFY LIFE AFFIRMING RESOURCES
AND RECEIVE GUIDANCE IN PLANNING FOR HER AND HER BABY’S FUTURE.
BIRTHRIGHT IS FREE, CONFIDENTIAL AND NON-JUDGEMENTAL.
WE ARE LOCATED AT: 1048 GRANT AVE (back of office)
510 481-9677
24 HOUR HOTLINE 1-800-550-4900
INFO@BIRTHRIGHTOFSANLORENZO.COM
LIKE US ON
WWW.BIRTHRIGHTOFSANLORENZO.COM
CALL US.... WE CAN HELP (510) 481-9677
* FREE PREGNANCY TESTS
* MEDICAL REFERRALS
* COMMUNITY RESOURCE REFERRALS
* HOUSING REFERRALS
* FREE MATERNITY/BABY CLOTHES (AS AVAILABLE)
* CARING FRIENDSHIP
* VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
* INFORMACIÓN DISPONIBLE EN ESPAÑOL EN EL SITIO WEB
Please consider volunteering - just 2 hrs a week will help save a baby.
CHECK US OUT AT WWW.BIRTHRIGHTOFSANLORENZO.COM - WHERE IT IS EASY TO KEEP IN TOUCH,
SEE ALL THE RECENT ACTIVITIES, SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER AND LEARN HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED.
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
SAVE THE DATE: SAN
CUTTING CELEBRATION!
LORENZO
LIBRARY
RIBBON
It is my pleasure to invite you to a ribbon cutting ceremony and VIP tour of the San Lorenzo Library on
Wednesday, August 26 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Alameda County is putting the finishing touches on a $10.3 million expansion of the San Lorenzo Library. The
project is the first major renovation of the library in 45 years and will double the size of the library to nearly
20,000 square feet. It will also be San Lorenzo’s first green building.
Exciting new features at the expanded library will include additional computers and books, a café, original artwork, a teen area,
space for used book sales, and a learning center for classes and tutoring. New services will include checkout of laptops and tablets
for use in the library, a 9-screen video wall for presentations and meetings, a book sorting machine to speed up library returns and
shelving, and increased space for shelving that will accommodate more than 85,000 items. The library will also showcase new
technologies, such as an iPad station and computers featuring educational software for young children, a gaming room, and an
updated and enlarged public computer area complete with scan, print, and fax services.
I hope you can join me at the ribbon cutting on Wednesday, August 26 at 11:00 AM for a VIP tour of your new, expanded
library. The building opens to the general public on Saturday, August 29.
AFFORDABLE SENIOR HOUSING PROJECT UNDERWAY
I co-hosted a ground-breaking event on June 11 with Mercy Housing California to celebrate the start of construction on San
Lorenzo’s affordable senior housing. The apartments will provide much-needed housing while promoting better health and quality
of life for the area’s growing senior population. Pictures from the event are posted on my Facebook page, which you can find
by searching “Supervisor Wilma Chan.”
Construction on the affordable senior housing at the site of the old post-office is expected to be completed in the fall of 2016.
Please call 415-306-1352 for more information about the project and the application process.
COUNTY FAIR TICKET AND GRAB-BAG GIVEAWAY
This year, I again offered to San Lorenzo residents and the San Lorenzo Village Homes Association Two-for-One discount tickets
to the Alameda County Fair. In addition to the discount coupons, I gave away “grab-bags” that included two free cookbooks,
which offered healthy eating strategies for families.
It is a pleasure to serve you. If I can be of any assistance please feel free to contact my district office at (510) 278-0367.
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We Got Down To “Business” at Our BUSINESS EXPO
June 6, 2015
A Special Thank You to
Our San Lorenzo Business
"Champions"
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Castle I.T. Services
Castro Valley/Eden Area
Chamber of Commerce
Fiesta Auto Insurance
Fred's and Son Flowers and Gifts
Galvan's Travel
Hesperian Cleaners, Inc.
Kelly Moore Paint Co.
x
Redwood Christian Schools
Sylvia Ponce - New York Life
The Village Realtors
Village Properties & Associates
x
x
x
On Friday July 17, 2015, the Association in coordination with HARD hosted a FREE showing of “The
Leggo Movie” at the San Lorenzo Little League
Field. Their was a jumper for the kids, a juggling
performance and lots of popcorn! Do not miss the
next FREE movie night showing Disney’s
“Planes, Fire and Rescue”, on Friday. Sept.,
25, 2015 at the SLZ Little Park at sunset!
7
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
8
70 Years a "Village" Celebrating Our Original
Homeowners Jesse and Jessie Luque
Jesse and Jessie Luque bought their home on Via Anacapa in November
1947. Jesse is a WWII veteran and married Jessie in 1946 after serving
in the Army Air Corps. The Luque's were attracted to San Lorenzo's
country living and the fact they could walk to nearby shops with their 7
month old daughter. They also found San Lorenzo more affordable
paying only $8,800 for their home versus a similar home in San
Leandro, which was listing for $5,000 more. Jesse worked at the
Kellogg's factory for 33 years, to support their family. The Luque's had
3 children by 1955 who attended the then newly-built Lorenzo Manor
Elementary School and later San Lorenzo High.
Jesse and Jessie said they have seen many changes in the 68 years they have lived in San Lorenzo.
They miss all the businesses they once walked to, especially the Lorenzo Theater, the old Lorenzo
Bowling Alley, and the lunch counter and soda fountain at People’s Drug Store.
The Luque's have a lot in common with San Lorenzo. Next year they too will celebrate their 70th
wedding anniversary and will be surrounded by their 3 children, 10 grandchildren, 3 greatgrandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren. When asked what their 70th Anniversary wish is they
replied: "to see the San Lorenzo Village Center alive with activity, so that they can make new
memories with neighbors friends and family".
ARE YOU 62 YEARS OR OLDER
and own a home?
Resident of the Village
FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN LIVE IN YOUR
HOME WITH NO MONTHLY MORTGAGE PAYMENTS!
Tax free cash* on your primary residence
You retain title and full ownership of your home**
Use reverse mortgage proceeds to buy a home or your dream boat
*Please consult your financial advisor. **Borrowers must continue to pay property taxes, homeowner’s
insurance and maintain your home.
Work with your local reverse mortgage
professional!
Contact
Maggie Castillo
NMLS License
#453589
Direct: 831-840-3384 | MCastillo@aag.com
NMLS# 9392 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). Borrowers are responsible for paying taxes and insurance (which may be substantial). We
do not establish an escrow account for disbursements of these payments. We arrange loans with third-party providers but do not make
TVY[NHNLSVHUZPU5L^@VYR-YLK;OVTWZVUPZHWHPK((.ZWVRLZWLYZVU((.HSZV^VYRZ^P[OV[OLYSLUKLYZHUKÄUHUJPHSPUZ[P[\[PVUZ
that offer reverse mortgages. These materials are not from HUD or FHA and were not approved by HUD or a government agency.
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
9
10
Village Properties
“Your Neighbor & Realtor”
Happy Summer San Lorenzo Village. I have been hard at work obtaining
HIGHEST HOME VALUE SALES for YOU! Notice the LIST PRICE versus
my SOLD price! Our Village homes remain a sought after little jewel.
Address
List Price
$459,000
246 Peach Dr
$470,000
16149 Via Catherine
$470,000
161 Via Harriet
$440,000
1586 Via Buena Vista
$519,500
15887 Via Cordoba
VP Pending Homes
$468,500
1232 Via San Juan
$499,500
17277 Via Frances
$435,000
17247 Via El Cerrito
$424,900
820 Via Mariposa
SOLD
$478,000
$481,000
$480,000
$460,000
$535,000
Over Asking!
Over Asking!
Over Asking!
Over Asking!
Community & Real Estate Services Offered
Broker/Owners - Independently owned and operated
Located at 15845 Channel St. San Lorenzo, at Arroyo Center
www.VillageProperties.net • DRE# 01838297
“The Village is our home, making us the best fit to sell yours”
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
11
San Lorenzo Village
Homes Association
377 Paseo Grande
San Lorenzo, CA 94580
510-276-4554
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Oakland, CA
PERMIT #544
Facebook.com/SLVHA
SLVHA- Celebrating as a ”Village “for 70 Years!
San Lorenzo Village Homes Association Board Meeting is the Third Thursday of Every
Month, the Next Meeting is August 20, 2015
BOARD MEMBERS
Wes Auten, President
Steve Kirk, Vice President
Kyle Carlson, Sec/Treas.
Michelle Clowser
Cheryl Hoffmann
Published by the San Lorenzo Village
Homes Association
Susan Kleebauer, Administrator
Office Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri.,
8:30 AM—Noon & 1:00-5:00 PM
Closed to the public on Wednesdays
website: www.slvha.com
The Village Scene: Watch for Upcoming Events!
Homeowner Happenings:
• SLVHA 70th Anniversary Event – Carnival and Lorenzo Theater Tours – Saturday, September
19, 2015, Old Mervyns Parking Lot at Paseo Grande and Hesperian Blvd, SLZ– 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Free Movie Night – Planes. Fires & Rescue, Friday, September 25, 2015-San Lorenzo
Little League Park, 1062 Grant Ave., SLZ
Other Village Festivities:
• COPP Shop Flea Market – Saturday August 15, 2015 -Old Mervyns Parking Lot at Hesperian
and Paseo Grande, SLZ
• San Lorenzo Library Ribbon Cutting & Opening — Ribbon cutting Wednesday, August 26, 2015
from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Library opens to public on Saturday August 29, 2015
• COPP Shop BBQ – Friday, September 25, 2015-First Presbyterian Church, 2490 Grove Way,
Castro Valley– 5:30 to 9:00 p.m.
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