I first discovered San Leandro in 1976 when I came to California from Chicago to get a master's degree in counseling psychology at Cal State Hayward. I was generally too busy then to explore much about the community, but when I moved into Bay-O-Vista in 1999, to raise my two high school-age sons, I quickly learned more about why San Leandro is indeed a hidden gem of the Bay Area. After getting my doctorate at Stanford and practicing as a psychologist and organizational consultant for more than 40 years in Palo Alto, San Mateo and Berkeley, I have come to appreciate the San Leandro, Bay-O-Vista community even more. My wife, Nan, and I love the very welcoming community even more as we have gotten to know it better - and that is why I recently decided to join the BOVIA Board in order to contribute to our unique community. We enjoy our garden (my job), the great views and the stunning sunsets. Most of all we feel very lucky to have found a diverse, talented and energetic community of great people - a real gem in any state.