Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Use of Air Guns Prohibited in San Antonio

FSR Board Members and other residents periodically observe youths engaging in paint ball battles in and around the park and surrounding easements. As fun as these war games may be, they also present a hazard to residents and property, not to mention the "gunmen" themselves.

A similar incident was recorded last January, and the applicable code restricting the use of air and spring loaded weapons was highlighted in the April 2008 Safety Committee Report, also as a result of improper use by youths in FSR.

Please direct this play to appropriate facilities. PaintBall.com lists at least three fields in the San Antonio area.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Bentwood View Man Arrested on Drug Warrants

According to SAPD, the subject of Wednesday's Drug Enforcement Agency raid was a man living with relatives on Bentwood View. Reportedly a member of a Mexican gang with Southwest US affiliates, the man was arrested on five federal drug warrants and a parole violation. No drugs were found on the property, but agents confiscated an assault rifle and handguns owned by the subject.

SAPD assisted in the apprehension. Police say the strong show of force was typical for serving such warrants. The man remains in federal custody.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

DEA Agents, SA Police Raid Bentwood View Home

According to resident reports, the Drug Enforcement Agency and San Antonio PD raided a home on Bentwood View around 7:15 am Wednesday morning, 13 May.

A Finesilver Ranch Safety Committee representative will contact SAPD's neighborhood community policing officer to gather publicly releasable details of the incident. Further information will be posted here when available.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Residents Reminded of Dog Owner Responsibilities

On 21 April a dog escaped from a yard on Cove Creek and attacked and injured another as it was walked by its owner near Cove Creek and Chapelwood. The owner of the leashed dog was assisted by nearby residents who separated the animals. The escaped dog was later secured by its owner. The injured dog was treated by a vet and is recovering at home. SAPD referred the case to San Antonio Animal Control officials.

The incident presents an opportunity to remind Finesilver Ranch dog owners of their obligations to control their animals in accordance with City of San Antonio code.

According to Article VII, Sec. 5-150: "The owner or keeper of any animal in the city is responsible for the behavior and conduct of that animal at all times..."

Further,
  • The owner or keeper shall keep the animal (except cats) restrained at all times and insure that the animal (except cats) does not roam or run at large at will [and] the owner or keeper shall prevent his animal from biting or injuring without provocation, any animal or person.

The code also distinguishes nuisance from vicious and dangerous behaviours, provides complaint procedures, and notes dog owner rights should their animal be impounded.

For full details please see San Antonio's Official City Code website.

Monday, May 11, 2009

April 2009 Safety Committee Report

Vandalism Noted In and Around FSR Greenbelts and Culverts
On 8 April an Edgecreek resident bordering the easement there observed juvenile skateboarders throwing rocks at her house and dog.

Also during April, another resident reported graffiti on the west side of the bridge near Finesilver and Cove Creek. It was not distinctive and appeared to be juvenile in nature. Regardless, photographs were taken and the City of San Antonio promptly covered the markings.

More graffiti, though unrelated to that above, was spotted at five locations along the fence line bordering the easement behind Ferris Creek and Willow Heights. Gang associations were not apparent, but all the markings consisted of the word "Kupes" and the apparent initials "WB." The graffiti was photographed for SAPD and Northside ISD PD assessments. COP members removed the tags.

Residents along the easements should check fences periodically for graffiti and other evidence of vandalism or misbehaviour. Quick eradication is the best defense against taggers. When vandalism of any type is observed in progress, call 911. Otherwise call Association Management Services (829-7202) to report incidents and, as warranted, SAPD (207-7273).

Be Alert at Braun and Finesilver Intersection
The number of vehicle accidents at Braun and Finesilver have dropped markedly, but the damaged stop sign discovered 14 April reminds drivers to remain alert at the intersection. An unknown vehicle struck the sign located outside the exit gate. The damage was minimal, and the sign was repaired by the end of the month.

Cellular on Patrol
COP volunteers conducted five patrols this month. There was nothing significant to report during the late night patrols, though some residents benefited by COP reminders of open garage doors.

Blue Armor Patrol Summary
Security officers were notified of a soliciting group active in FSR 9 April. The company first claimed to be affiliated with the San Antonio Water System, but through a resident's direct questioning, they were actually identified as a private firm selling water softeners. A report was filed with SAPD. See Solicitor Poses as SAWS Affiliate for details.

On 23 April at about 5:00 pm, Blue Armor responded to a resident's report of trespassing at the pool. Upon arrival, the trespassers were no longer in the area. Given a vehicle description, the officer patrolled the neighborhood and observed the pick-up truck associated with the trespassers depart Finesilver Ranch at high speed. The vehicle was correlated to gate video of the same pick-up truck entering FSR earlier that day via the open exit gate. Association Management Services is drafting a letter to the registered owner of the vehicle, a resident of Helotes.

On 4 April at about 9:00 pm an officer cited a habitual FSR traffic offender after witnessing the subject speeding and running stop signs on Finesilver Dr. According to resident reports, the vehicle is often observed driving carelessly in the neighborhood. A fine will be imposed in accordance with FSR HOA traffic-related covenants.

SAPD Responses
Police responded to 10 calls for service to FSR during April compared to 21 calls during April last year. The monthly average for 2008 was 14 responses.

During April 2009 SAPD recorded two burglar alarm calls, five disturbances, a suspicious person on Sweetwood, a suspicious vehicle on Brentcove, and one "miscellaneous" report. Four of the disturbance calls occurred at the same house, on the same day.

SAPD logged two calls to the Greenbriar neighborhood near Nichols ES for a minor auto accident and a suspicious vehicle.

Greenbriar, with about 1/4 the number of homes of Finesilver Ranch is the closest gated community and, presumably, has similar demographics for crime reporting comparison purposes.

Sex Offender Watch
The Texas Department of Public Safety established a new subscription service available to the public. Subscribers receive daily email notifications of changes to the DPS Sex Offender Registry according to user-assigned criteria.

As of this post, no registered sex offenders live in Finesilver Ranch.

SAFD Responses
Firefighters responded to one medical call and, on Sweetwood, a report of "unauthorized burning."

Subscribe to the FSR Safety Committee Blog for updates throughout the month.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Hit & Run Driver Crashes, Burns at Bandera & Tezel

Woman hits a motorcyclist and then crashes into a pole at pru... on Twitpic
Photo by samlerma on Twitter

A car struck a pole and caught fire at Bandera and Tezel Rds. Sunday morning, 3 May. The driver was fleeing the scene of another crash at Braun Rd., sending a motorcyclist to the hospital in serious condition. According to press reports, the driver of the car was pulled from the burning auto by a passer-by but was not seriously injured. See the KSAT TV report.




Police cordon the scene at
Bandera and Tezel Rds.
Sunday morning.
KMG365

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Sunday, May 3, 2009

Pool Opens for 2009 Season

The Finesilver Ranch Pool opened for the 2009 season, Saturday, 2 May. Remember, safety first while enjoying the pool!

See the HOA pool rules and safety tips posted by the FSR Safety Committee last year.
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