Halloween: Please Trick Friendly

The FSR Social Committee says the annual "Halloweenie Roast" begins 5:30 Sunday at the park.  The sun will set at 6:48, so beware of hotdog-fed trick-or-treaters hitting the streets about that time.  Please turn your lights on to signal your intent to welcome costumed guests.

A Blue Armor officer is scheduled to be in the area during peak traffic time to promote safety, and our own Cellular on Patrol will cruise Finesilver Ranch later that night to deter beyond the pale shenanigans.

Play the Halloween Safety Game to prepare for a fun and safe evening, and look for more safety information at the roast. 

COSA Prohibits "TXT MSG" While Driving



SAPD to issue warnings for 90 days; $200 fine thereafter. ExpressNews





Mountain Biker Injured at O.P. Schnabel

A man biking at O.P. Schnabel sustained a possible head injury after crashing off a trail in the southeast area of the park.  Six SAFD units took the call at about 6:00 Sunday evening. 

The incident apparently occurred deep in the park requiring the expertise and equipment of two "Heavy Rescue" teams to aid the victim.  The patient was transferred to an ambulance waiting on John Barrett in the French Creek subdivision; his condition is not available.  The last unit cleared the scene at 9:00.

This marks one of the first dispatches for the department's new Heavy Rescue 51, presently stationed near IH-10 and Boerne Stage Rd.  The unit will eventually move to a station to be built near IH-10 and UTSA Bv. 

This is the city's second dedicated Heavy Rescue vehicle.  Previously, SAFD's sole Heavy Rescue unit worked out of one of the downtown stations.  The new apparatus is positioned to improve technical rescue response times, especially to Northwest San Antonio. 

September 2010 Safety Committee Report

Pool Trespassing Nuisance Leads to Altercation 

Early Saturday morning, 18 September, a Blue Armor Security Officer happened upon a group of people in the pool after hours.  As reported last month, all but one in the group fled the area in a light colored Honda van.  When the officer questioned the remaining trespasser, the apparently intoxicated man threatened the patrolman, and after a minor scuffle, ran into the woods.  SAPD checked the area but was unable to find the man or the Honda.

Later, a review of gate camera video recorded during the time of the incident revealed the same van entered the neighborhood a few times over an hour, as the trespassers were apparently searching for their companion.  The video confirmed the tag number documented by the security officer.  Further action is pending the outcome of a review of the incident with the HOA and the security company.

Cellular on Patrol
Neighborhood volunteers conducted four late night patrols during September and notified grateful residents of six open garage doors.  The COP is always open to new volunteers. Call AMS (829-7202) or email FSRsafety@yahoogroups.com for more information.

Blue Armor Patrol Summary
Officers conducted routine security patrols and monitored Finesilver Dr for speeders and stop sign violations.  Excepting the above pool trespassing, no unusual activity was observed.

SAPD Responses
Police responded to only seven calls for service in Finesilver Ranch, the lowest call volume this year. There were 10 calls during September last year. The 2009 call average was 12 per month.

Officers investigated four burglar alarms, took two "miscellaneous" reports, and assisted Blue Armor Security regarding the pool trespassing incident.

The Greenbriar neighborhood near Nichols ES matched FSR's September call load.  There were three threat reports taken, an unconfirmed burglary, a forgery, and two "miscellaneous" cases.
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
There were no fire/EMS dispatches to Finesilver Ranch during September.

Receive Safety Committee Updates Throughout the Month
Subscribe to the FSR Safety Committee Blog and follow FSRsafety on Twitter for area safety and crime prevention news throughout the month.

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

Join the conversation with over 70 neighbors on the Finesilver Ranch Facebook Group.

Local Radio Shack Burglarized

The Radio Shack near Bandera and 1604 was burglarized early this morning according to KSAT 12.  Thieves removed a window to gain entry.  "They stole several items including toys and remote control cars, police said."

Quick Response Snuffs Fire on Porch

Six fire units were dispatched early Wednesday afternoon to a Braun Station home on Upton.  Firefighters found a small fire on the back porch started by an unattended ashtray.  The Engine 49 crew arrived within five minutes and extinguished the fire before most other units made the scene.  No property loss or injuries were reported.

Thank You, NNO Celebrants

Finesilver Ranch residents had at least 11 block parties to choose from to celebrate National Night Out Tuesday evening.  From Atwell Park (left) to Branwood, the FSR Safety and Social Cmtes thank all who joined their neighbors to make a community statement against crime.

Special thanks to our gracious hosts!

Stars of the night: Engine 49 and...future crew?

See more Chapelwood fun here.

Braun Congestion Eases as Super Street Moves On

It's been a couple weeks since TxDOT finished improving the Braun & 1604 intersection.  Among the changes are new and lengthened turn lanes in both directions on 1604 and additional lanes on Braun.

The final touch on Braun, pictured above, does seem to make a substantial difference for westbound commuters at the frustrating choke point. 

As for the rest of West Loop 1604, the Super Street option passed an environmental impact hurdle last week.  Work should begin at the New Guilbeau and Shaenfield intersections at 1604 beginning next year with completion scheduled summer 2011.

Alas, there are no overpasses in the immediate future.  But using the Super Street design, TxDOT hopes to minimize red light wait times on the Loop by eliminating left turns onto 1604 from feeder streets. 

This northwest stretch of 1604 was recently ranked most congested in the county.