Saturday, July 31, 2010

Man Shot at Bandera & Guilbeau

A man was injured early Monday 26 July while fleeing a robbery attempt at the intersection of Bandera and Guilbeau Rds.  According to News4, the man was stopped at the traffic signal when another man approached him from an adjacent car and demanded his wallet and cell phone. 

Fox29 said the victim hit the accelerator and ducked, but was "peppered" by shotgun birdshot pellets to the neck and arm.  He was able to drive to his residence in the Braun Heights subdivision.  EMS transported him to University Hospital where he was expected to fully recover.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Gas Spills at Braun Rd Exxon

Firefighters responded to a fuel spill at the Exxon station, Braun and Bandera Rds, 10:45 Saturday morning.  There were no injuries.  This is the second spill at the Exxon reported to fire officials this month and the fourth since December

It is unknown whether there's a problem with the pumps at this particular station or perhaps Exxon employees maintain more stringent reporting criteria.  Regardless, use diligence while
filling-up.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

June 2010 Safety Committee Report

Another Month, Another Gate Incident
An FSR resident got himself in a jam 28 June as he was towing his boat out of the neighborhood.  After a bit of maneuvering and with the assistance of a fellow "Rancher," he was able to get underway with no permanent damage to the gate.

As for last month's crash into the pedestrian gate, Association Management Services continues attempts to recover repair costs.

Pool Mischief
Residents found the lifeguard stand and other gear dumped in the water Friday morning, 4 June.  They graciously picked-up the mess. 

Please be alert to people in the vicinity of the pool after hours.  "Foreign objects" thrown in the pool are not only a nuisance, but they may damage the recently refurbished pool lining.  Call AMS (829-7202) and SAPD (207-7273) to report suspicious activity.

Pool Hygiene
Two times during June the pool was closed due to excrement found in the water.  Please read and heed the Swimming Pool Rules & Guidelines issued with each pool pass.  This is an important safety issue according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
  • Understanding that pool closure is necessary for proper disinfection and protection of the health and safety of swimmers is likely to promote support rather than frustration. Pool closures allow chlorine to do its job — to kill germs and help prevent recreational water illnesses (RWIs). 
Cellular on Patrol Activity
Volunteers conducted four late night patrols during June spotting a record (13) open garage doors, six during one patrol alone.  The vast majority of homeowners were notified of the vulnerabilities.  In one case, 18 June, a COP member was unable to contact the resident.  SAPD responded, checked the open garage, and secured the door on confirming there were no signs of foul play.

A patrol on 25 June informed AMS the visitor entry gate was stuck open.  A gate technician responded quickly to fix the problem.

COP is always open to new volunteers.  The next training will start 10 July at the Prue Substation near Fredericksburg and Prue on consecutive Saturday mornings, 8:00 - 12:00.  Call AMS (829-7202) or email FSRsafety@yahoogroups.com for more information.

Blue Armor Patrol Summary
An officer directed traffic at the intersection of Finesilver and Cove Creek before and at the close of the swim meet, 22 June.  While preparing to depart, a resident reported that a guest of the visiting team noticed the rear of his Mercedes was damaged.  Apparently someone had attempted to remove the emblem from the trunk lid.  SAPD responded to take a report.

In routine activity, officers reported gate malfunctions on three occasions.  Gate technicians were dispatched to make repairs as requested. 

Officers also cited suspected abandoned or improperly stored vehicles.  Finally, speed and stop sign compliance was emphasized during four patrol periods during June with no citations issued.

SAPD Responses
Police responded to 21 calls for service in Finesilver Ranch; there were 19 calls during June last year. The monthly average for 2009 was 12 calls.

Most of the calls were burglary alarms (10) with a variety of unspecified "miscellaneous" calls ranking close behind at seven.  One such miscellaneous call was the open garage door found by COP.

The remaining dispatches included a criminal mischief report at the community center 22 June, probably the vehicle damaged during the swim meet.  SAPD also responded to a suspicious person in the area of the community center, just after 8:00, Monday evening, 28 June.  Details are not available.

A burglary was reported on Sweetwood, 24 June, but dispatch records indicate the responding officer may have changed the nature of the call to a "theft."  Details are not available.

In the Greenbriar neighborhood near Nichols ES, police responded to one miscellaneous call.
Greenbriar, with about 1/4 the number of homes as Finesilver Ranch, is the closest gated community and presumably has similar demographics for crime reporting comparison.

Sex Offender Watch
As of this post, there are no registered sex offenders residing in FSR.

SAFD Responses
Firefighters made one EMS call to Finesilver Ranch during June.

Receive Safety Committee Updates Throughout the Month
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Questions or concerns? Post a comment on the Blog, email FSRsafety@yahoogroups.com, or call Association Management Services (829-7202)

For more FSR news and views, join over 60 neighbors on the Finesilver Ranch Facebook Group.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

SUV vs. House off Guilbeau Near Bandera

A teen driver westbound on Guilbeau lost control of his SUV while avoiding an inattentive driver near the intersection with Dawnwood late Tuesday morning.  He crashed through a backyard privacy fence of a home on Misty Willow and came to rest in the living room, according to Fox29 and other media outlets.  Fortunately nobody was home at the time.  There were no injuries.

Would-be Boater Runs Aground at the Gate

A resident towing a boat misjudged his alignment while departing Finesilver Ranch late Monday morning, 28 June, blocking the exit for about 15 minutes.  Gate video shows the boat gradually rubbed against the gate and came to a stop before clearing the exit.  Assisted by another resident, the would-be boater eventually successfully navigated out of FSR. 

Residents report the exit gate derailed as a result.  They put the gate back on track, and Association Management Services dispatched a gate technician who confirmed there was no lasting damage. 

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Firefighters Soak up Fuel Spill

San Antonio's Engine-49 was dispatched late Sunday morning to the Exxon at Bandera and Braun for a fuel spill.  Firefighters applied an absorbent and cleared the scene after about 20 minutes.  There were no injuries.