Follow-up to "Car Wrecks Pedestrian Gate"

San Antonio Police completed their initial report on Friday evening's crash into the pedestrian gate at the Finesilver Ranch exit.  The driver, believed to be an FSR resident, stated his brakes malfunctioned.   

SAPD impounded the SUV because the driver lacked proof of insurance.  Association Management Services will follow the case to attempt recovery of repair costs.

Car Wrecks Pedestrian Gate

A Ford Explorer crashed into the pedestrian gate while exiting FSR this evening at about 6:45.  There were no apparent injuries.  SAPD is investigating and Association Management Services is sending a technician to survey the damages.  See a scene photo at Twitpic.

FSR, A Braun Rd Destination

Braun Rd motorists may have noticed new signs identifying the Finesilver Ranch entrance a few hundred yards ahead of the intersection. Last year, SA Public Works refreshed lane striping on Braun Rd to follow state standards. Part of those improvements included new signs warning of the cross street at Finesilver Dr.

The latest signage was added thanks to the efforts of the HOA Board with funding approved by City Council District-7 Representative Rodriguez. It's a nice touch that helps visitors find Finesilver Dr and further marks the neighborhood's recessed entrance.

Thank you FSR Board of Directors and Councilman Rodriguez.

NW Loop 1604 Super Street Meeting Announced

The Alamo Regional Mobility Authority will hold an open house Tuesday evening, 25 May to present information on the proposed Loop 1604 Super Street project.  The meeting, at Northwest Park Baptist Church near New Guilbeau and Bowens Crossing, will include project exhibits and a short presentation.  See the ARMA handbill for more information.

Smoke Detector Alerts Stonefield Resident

San Antonio firefighters responded about noon Wednesday to a dryer on fire on the 9200 block of Shadystone in the Stonefield subdivision.  According to an SAFD incident report, a smoke detector alerted a resident to a burning load of laundry resulting from a defective dryer.  Except for the loss of the dryer and clothes, the flames merely scorched an adjacent wall before firefighters smothered it with an extinguisher; a great testament to the value of smoke detectors.  There were no injuries.

Three engines and a ladder truck were on the scene for less than 30 minutes.   

CPS Energy Debuts Power Outage Website

Finesilver Ranch residents were spared power outages during the recent heavy weather, including a funnel cloud spotted over nearby Government Canyon Friday morning.

Interestingly, CPS Energy last month rolled out a website displaying an interactive map to check the extent of power outages across Bexar County. 

According to CPS, the map provides outage information 24 hours a day, updated every 10 minutes.  When known, the map may also provide an estimate for restoration of power in a specific area.

Of course, one hopes residents have an alternate source of power to reach the site should an outage impact FSR.  An Internet enabled cell phone comes to mind, so ensure it's charged when threatening weather approaches.

Call CPS Energy at (210) 353-HELP to report outages; your landline should work even if household power is out.

April 2010 Safety Committee Report

Loud Parties Shut Down

Residents on Twinpost and Bentwood View complained about large parties held on consecutive weekend nights during early April at a vacant house on Twinpost.  Witnesses observed lewd behavior by possibly underage drinkers. 

The Safety Committee contacted SAPD's community policing detail, SA Fear Free Environment (SAFFE), to resolve the problem.  In short order, an officer informed the owner, presently residing elsewhere in San Antonio, of potential liability.  The parties have abated since.

Damaged Slide Removed

A damaged slide at the FSR park was removed by a board member; the HOA awaits a replacement.  Meanwhile, an observant resident noticed a safety hazard presented by the remaining slide stanchions.  The posts have since been covered to prevent injury.

The safety-minded resident brought his concern to the committee via Facebook.  See other means of contacting the committee at the end of this report.  Residents, thank you in advance for your safety awareness, and thank you, board, for the personal interest in safety at the park in particular.

Traffic Safety

The pool is open; use caution on approach to the community center.  While parents routinely advise children to "look both ways" before crossing, drivers must stop and look "four-ways" before entering the intersection of Finesilver and Cove Creek:  Be mindful of the parking lot entrance and crosswalks approaching the pool. 

Please be observant of all stop signs in FSR.  Blue Armor Security recently stepped-up monitoring at this intersection to encourage and, as necessary, enforce traffic safety.    

Cellular on Patrol
Finesilver Ranch volunteers conducted three late night patrols during April notifying residents of open garage doors at four or more addresses.  No unusual activity was observed.

Blue Armor Patrol Summary
During springs past, there have been various acts of mischief and vandalism at the pool and park before and at the start of swim season.  This year an extra officer is assigned to the area to discourage delinquency.

Security patrols monitored traffic safety in response to resident complaints and in preparation of the pool opening.  No violations were observed during six traffic safety emphasis patrols during April.

Officers also responded to several parking complaints on Atwell Park and Sweetwood.  Citations were issued as warranted.

An officer took a call for the loud party on Twinpost, 9 April.  On arrival he did not observe any problems.

At about 3:30 am, 23 April, an officer noted a vehicle alarm sounding on Bentwood View.  His attempts to contact the owner were unanswered.  There were no signs of criminal activity.

SAPD Responses

Police responded to ten calls for service in Finesilver Ranch during April, compared to seven during April last year. The monthly average for 2009 was 12 calls.

SAPD responded to the loud party and disturbance on Twinpost, 9 April.  A missing person report was filed elsewhere in FSR; no details are available.  The remaining calls were burglar alarms, presumably false or mistaken.

In the Greenbriar neighborhood near Nichols ES, police were dispatched to a record ten calls in one month, tripling Greenbriar's usual 1 - 3 calls per month.  The majority of dispatches were labeled "miscellaneous," all from one address on nearly consecutive days.  Also reported:  one vehicle burglary and a repeat residential burglary on Standwood, possibly a follow-up investigation.  A theft report was taken elsewhere in that neighborhood.

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
No registered sex offenders reside in Finesilver Ranch as of this post.

SAFD Responses
SAFD/EMS made two medical calls to FSR during April.

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

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Man Dies in Shooting at his Woods End Home

A man died Monday night in a shooting at his home on the 9300 block of Brevard in the Woods End subdivision near Bandera and Braun Roads.  According to an Express News report citing police, the 21-year veteran of the San Antonio FD died of a gunshot wound to the head.  Witnesses say it was an accident. 

Police said the man retrieved a handgun during an argument and was running through the house.  The pistol fired when the man's wife and a daughter struggled to take the gun from him. 

The Bexar County Medical Examiner is investigating.

Property Crimes Continue at Area Apartments

For the second consecutive month, residents of apartment complexes on Camino Villa near Bandera Rd reported vehicle burglaries, according to SAPD dispatch records.  One auto was reportedly stolen the same day, 27 April.   

The crimes possibly occurred some time last Monday night through Tuesday morning.  Bandera Crossing residents reported three vehicle break-ins and one stolen auto.  Another break-in was reported at the Silver Rock apartments the same night.

Finesilver Ranch residents should remain vigilant.  The last vehicle burglaries in FSR occurred late December.  Don't be a victim:  Park in the garage, or remove valuables if autos must remain outside.

Leave it; Lose it.