Meet Your 2012 San Lorenzo Village Homes Association Board Candidates

Three candidates vying for two upcoming open seats for the 's (SLVHA) Board of Directors attended a candidate forum at the Community Hall on Thursday Dec. 15.

They would be replacing current board member Wulf Bieschke and filling the vacancy left by .

Candidates Steve Kirk, Catherine Kavasch and La Narce Thomas were given the opportunity to voice their positions on issues within the community that they most hoped to address if elected.

“We need to emphasize neighborhood preservation,” said Kirk, a 14-year resident of San Lorenzo.

Keeping the unique feel of the San Lorenzo area was the most touched-on topic of the night. Each candidate mentioned having deep roots in the area; Kavasch for 17 years and Thomas for four years, after living for five decades in Alameda.

Thomas was expressly concerned about the seniors in the area because her mother lives in a retirement home in the area. Thomas also mentioned planning more local activities for residents to participate in.

Kavasch, having raised her family in San Lorenzo, mentioned involvement in community activities; specifically organizing volunteers for the annual Earth Day event and leading the local girl scouts troop.

"My life is kind of small and very centered in San Lorenzo," said Kavasch accentuating her investment in San Lorenzo.

Though not specifically involved in any community groups or organizations, Kirk expressed gratitude toward the existing members of the homes association for issues they had previously helped him with. 

"I'm focused on keeping the neighborhood clean and safe and with a pleasant ambiance to promote economic development and business," said Kirk.

Attendees were allowed to submit questions at the beginning of the forum. Moderator Isobel Dvorsky, a member of the Eden Area League of Women Voters, wanted community members to feel informed when deciding on a candidate.

"I appreciate the fact that you have the interest in coming here and meeting your candidates so you can make an informed decision when it comes to voting," said Dvorsky.

Though content of many questions overlapped, this allowed candidates to elaborate on previous questions they hadn't finished within the imposed time constraint of two minutes.

When asked about their understandings of the primary function of the homes association, each candidate mentioned the importance of the CC&R's, or covenants, codes and restrictions, which are enforced by the association. 

Thomas also mentioned that, to function, the board of the homes association must be open to community input.

"The board is here to enforce ordinances and policies, but it's also here to listen and to hear what the community has to say," said Thomas.

Each candidate was allowed four minutes for a closing statement.

"When people drive through Hayward to San Leandro you bypass San Lorenzo and you dont even realize its here," said Thomas. "This is a jewel of a city here."

Mail-in ballots for this election are due by Jan. 30. The new board members would be announced at the February board meeting.