While state caucuses to choose presidential candidates were grabbing headlines across the country, neighborhood leaders in San Jose were planning caucuses of their own. These local delegate gatherings will create the city's first Neighborhoods Commission.

The commission is a two-year pilot project aimed at giving neighborhoods a stronger voice in the decision-making process at city hall.

Neighborhoods Commission members will be elected by delegates from neighborhood groups through caucuses in each of the 10 city council districts. Neighborhood caucuses will be held from May 17 to June 14 in each of the 10 council districts. Candidates will give a two-minute opening statement, be available to answer questions and provide a closing statement.

Candidates must receive a majority of votes to be elected through rounds of public balloting. The city council will seat the commissioners in the fall. They will serve two-year terms under the initial pilot project.

The District Four caucus date for Berryessa, Alviso and the North Valley will be Saturday, May 31, 9 a.m. to noon at the Berryessa Library, 3355 Noble Ave. San Jose.

There were three District Four candidate applications received. They are in the process of being vetted by the city. The candidates submitted a 200- to 250-word statement and will be posted at the city clerk's Web site next week.

There are eight neighborhood groups registered for this process. Each will have one voting delegate at the caucus.

Alviso Neighborhood Association

Berryessa Citizen Advisory Council

Piedmont Hostetter Neighborhood Association

Ponderosa Townhomes Association

Townsend Park Association

North Valley Community Association

River Oaks Association

Bella Vista Gardens

For more information, the Neighborhood Development Center can be reached at 723-4114. The San Jose City Clerk's Office can be contacted at 535-1260.