Cellular on Patrol's 4th of July Bash!

I apologize for the lateness of this post, but better late than never, right? I hope you all had a lovely 4th of July. I know I had a great time, especially when I finally made my way down the street to meet Branden and Joel of our community's Cellular on Patrol. After having met these two I feel very sorry for ever doubting their efforts to help make our community a safer place for everyone.


The kind folks behind the COP
I arrived a bit late to the party, but from what I could tell everyone was having a great time. I certainly was impressed to see how many people came out and was happy to see that it was a great success. I am already looking forward to their next party, which is something they hope to do every year. Unfortunately, none of the photos that I took does this party's turnout any justice.


As my last attempt to end all doubts that the community may still have about Branden and Joel's efforts, I have conducted a very brief interview with Branden about the COP below to help you get to know him just a little better:

Q. What is your name? Who are you?
A. Branden Moore and I am a normal guy who leads a very intresting life.

Q. What inspired you to start a COP program?
A. Safety of my community and the people I care for in this community.

Q. How many people do you currently have participating in the program? How many more do you hope to recruit?
A. Around 20, maybe more, but my goal is half of the community.

Q. What have you accomplished so far in the past couple of months? How were you able to achieve these goals?
A. We have accomplished getting the signs for the neighborhood paid for. We have weekly shifts and have already prevented one crime, who knows how many more though. Along with the neighborhood BBQ, we also tried to get speed bumps, but the city denied us. We were able to achieve these goals by people volunteering to do things.

Q. The 4th of July party seemed like it was a great success, do you plan to have more gatherings in the future?
A. This was the first annual BBQ so yes we will plan for one every year.

Q. What else would you like the community to know about the COP?
A. I would like them to know we are always on guard even though they might not know we are watching the streets.

If you would like to help and volunteer time with the COP, you can contact Branden at (210) 279-5043. I know they need folks to volunteer time between the hours of 12 - 6 am.

Cops and Helicopters

If anyone was awake late last night around 10:30 pm, you may have heard sirens and the faint noise of a hoovering helicopter around the neighborhood. Although I have no way of confirming this, I was told that a patrol car was driving by when a man had accidently shot himself in the foot. Why they needed so many cop cars and a helicopter is beyond me. If you know the story, please feel free to share it in the comments or send me an email at monterreyvillage@gmail.com. I just wanted to pass along the news incase anyone else was wondering what happened last night.

Friendly Reminder

Yesterday morning a large white pit bull with brownish/grey markings was found running loose in the neighborhood. After scaring several folks in the neighborhood, animal control was contacted to come and get the dog. Although the animal probably belonged to a family here in the neighborhood, stray pets can potentially become a danger to passersby, especially children.

Let this be a kind reminder to keep your dogs leashed or securely locked up inside of your gates to avoid any serious incidents. Thank you!

July 4th Party hosted by COP!

Hello Neighbors,

If you have been wondering, like myself, who are the guys behind the COP Program, this is your chance to find out! They are having a BBQ for the 4th of July right here in the neighborhood and everyone is invited to attend! There will be activities for children including a water slide or moon bounce, as well as, music for the entire family. Our City Councilman, John Clamp, has also been invited! If you are interested in finding out more about the COP Program and learning more about Branden and Joel, you can find them at 6615 and 6619 Carlsbad Rio July 4th beginning at 6 pm.

If you would like to donate to the neighborhood BBQ please call Branden at 210-279-5043.

2nd Annual Graffiti Workshop

HOST: City of San Antonio
CONTACT: Lisa McKenzie at (210) 207-5430 / (lisa.mcKenzie@sanantonio.gov)

Anti-Graffiti Task Force Education Subcommittee and the Housing and Neighborhood Services Department presents:

>>>WHAT:
International Graffiti Expert
Victoria Wilson-Merritt
Graffiti is Everyone’s Problem: A New Approach to Graffiti Education (graffiti history)

WHEN: Friday, June 26, 2009 (Free Registration 8:30-9:00am; Program 9-3:15pm)

WHERE: Carver Community Cultural Center, 226 N Hackberry

--------------------------------------------------------

>>>WHAT:
International Graffiti Expert
Victoria Wilson-Merritt
The 3 E’s Workshop: Eradication, Education and Enforcement (local solutions)

WHEN: Saturday, June 27, 2009 (Registration 8:30-9:00am; Program 9-3:15pm)

WHERE: Guadalupe Cultural Arts Theatre, 1301 Guadalupe

** Sign-up by Monday, June 22, 2009.
A light breakfast and lunch will be provided for those who pre-register. **

Quick Review of the MV HOA 4th Annual Meeting

As you all know, the 4th Annual HOA Meeting was held yesterday at the Julia Y. Semmes Branch Library. Special guests included Councilman John G. Clamp and Robert Naylor of Naylor Solutions, Inc.

Some of the issues covered by Councilman Clamp included, but were not limited to the following:

- An $11 million shortfall in the City's Budget, affecting public safety and infrastructure.
- Possible CPS and SAWS rate increases. CPS has asked to expand their nulcear energy in the region.
- Northeast Multi-Service Senior Center (off of Perrin Beitel Rd. just 0.4 miles outside Loop 410).
- Crime / SAPD information (possible increase in the amount of SAFFE Officers in the neighborhoods)
- District 10 Email Newsletter (click here to sign up).

Other neighborhood issues addressed by Rob Naylor:

- Detention Pond (Costs, Repairs, Maintenance, Erosion Control, Vegetation and Irrigation)
- Upkeep and maintenance of the detention pond in the neighborhood is the responsibility of the residents of Monterrey Village and not the City.
- It is absolutely important that we take care of the issues regarding the pond to avoid possible fines from the city. The purpose of the detention pond is to capture water and reduce the amount of water flowing off of the property.

A few other concerns brought to the attention of the Board by MV residents:

- Neighborhood Safety (Signs for speed limits and children at play, speed humps/bumps, lateral cracks in road)
- HOA Budget for 2009 (Park and pond maintenance and repairs)
- Unpaid Annual Assessments
- Neighborhood Appearance (Graffiti, entrance garden)


If you would like more information about the topics listed above, please feel free to email me. I have copies of pamphlets that were handed out by Councilman Clamp, Rob Naylor and the HOA Board.


Thank you Councilman Clamp, Rob Naylor, the Board Members and finally the residents for your support, opinions, suggestions, and presence.

Neighborhood Gardens (2)

Who: Carrasquillo Family
Where: Nora Vista Way

Spring is here! What a relief. The winter's dark and dreary days brought with it some unsightly yards and for months I have been waiting for a change. It is refreshing to finally see folks caring for their yards again. This post is a little late, but today I have a wonderful garden that I think will make up for the lack of posts.


This garden belongs to the Carrasquillo family. The garden is cared for by Mr. Carrasquillo, who is now retired and has taken up gardening as a hobby. Everything you see, from the brick border to the wood railing on the porch, was crafted and/or installed by Mr. Carrasquillo himself. Amazing!


Some of the plants that can be found in his garden include: Kalanchoe, 'Gold Star' Esperanza, Basil, and Wax Begonias. Thank you Mr. Carrasquillo and family for sharing your garden with the neighborhood!

Annual Meeting

The annual HOA meeting has been set for June 8th, 2009 at the Semmes Library on Nacogdoches at 7 PM. Please mark your calendars and help to spread the news by informing your neighbors who might not have internet. We need everyone there so we can discuss and tackle all the issues in the neighborhood! The meeting will be a great opportunity for you to bring your ideas, thoughts, suggestions to the HOA Board; to volunteer your time to the HOA; to meet your neighbors; to get informed.

We hope to see everyone there!

Hot Topic

Communication is key. The hot topic of this week is Graffiti. Discussions are taking place via email and if you are not on the MV Mailing List, please join now by sending me an email to monterreyvillage@gmail.com. You will recieve updates on this hot topic and other issues regarding our community needs. Thank you!

I have started a discussion here incase we need to move the discussion to a more public arena. Please join us!

Clarifying the Manager’s Role

Article by Community Associations Institute

Our association employs a highly-qualified professional community manager, and we think residents should know what the manager has—and has not—been hired to do. The manager has two primary responsibilities: to carry out policies set by the board and to manage the association's daily operations.

Some residents expect the manager to perform certain tasks that just aren’t part of the job. When the manager doesn’t meet those expectations, residents naturally are unhappy. Since we want you to be happy, we’re offering a few clarifications to help you understand what the manager does.

• The manager is trained to deal with conflict, but he or she will not get involved in quarrels you might be having with your neighbor. However, if association rules are being violated, the manager is the right person to call.

• While the manager works closely with the board, he or she is an advisor—not a member of the board. Also, the manager is not your advocate with or conduit to the board. If you have a concern, send a letter or e-mail directly to the board.

• Although the manager works for the board, he or she is available to residents. That doesn’t mean the manager will drop everything to take your call. If you need to see the manager, call and arrange a meeting. If a matter is so urgent that you need an immediate response, call the association emergency number or 911.

• The manager is always happy to answer questions, but he or she is not the information officer. For routine inquiries, like the date of the next meeting, please read the newsletter or check the association website.

• The manager is responsible for monitoring contractors’ performance, but not supervising them. Contractors are responsible for supervising their own personnel. If you have a problem with a contractor, notify the manager, who will forward your concerns to the board. The board will decide how to proceed under the terms of the contract.

• The manager inspects the community regularly, but even an experienced manager won’t catch everything. Your help is essential. If you know about a potential maintenance issue, report it to the manager.

• The manager does not set policy. If you disagree with a policy or rule, you’ll get better results sending a letter or e-mail to the board than arguing with the manager.

• The manager has a broad range of expertise, but he or she is not a consultant to the residents. Neither is he or she an engineer, architect, attorney or accountant. The manager may offer opinions, but don’t expect technical advice in areas where he or she is not qualified.

• Although the manager is a great resource to the association, he or she is not available 24 hours a day—except for emergencies. Getting locked out of your home may be an emergency to you, but it isn’t an association emergency. An association emergency is defined as a threat to life or property.