Apparently our 'new' HEB has become the target of purse snatchers - a woman with a man who parks in handicap parking (for a fast get away) have teamed up to steal your purse. Here are some tips from the Lakeway Police.
Safety purse tricks for ladies:
from Officer Andrea Greig, Lakeway Police Department.
1. Buckle your purse into the straps on the cart
that hold the baby in. If the person tries to steal your
purse the cart will have to go with them!
2. Keep your purse closed at all times and don't
turn your back or walk away.
3. Put it in the bottom basket where you keep
the food, if the cart has no baby safety straps.
4. Keep check book, credit cards and money in
different wallets or pockets. This way you will not
lose everything, hopefully.
5. Be aware of the people around you and try
to remember what they look like and what they
are wearing.
I hope this helps! Be safe, Officer Andrea Greig
Note: We have seen many open or accessible purses throughout the store. It's so easy to get distracted.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
POOL HOURS
The pool will be open on Saturdays, 10 AM to dusk, and Sundays, Noon to dusk, beginning this weekend Saturday, May 2.
The grill will not open until Memorial Day Weekend, the official full-time pool opening date, so in the meantime please bring your coolers and enjoy the pool for these first few weekends!
The grill will not open until Memorial Day Weekend, the official full-time pool opening date, so in the meantime please bring your coolers and enjoy the pool for these first few weekends!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
HIGHWAY 71 ACCIDENT
Going west on 71, rear ended by another car today at 5:20 pm.
Wish there was a turning lane (already). My car goes in for an estimate tomorrow.
Rich Siegelman, Mondonedo Cove
Another victim
Wish there was a turning lane (already). My car goes in for an estimate tomorrow.
Rich Siegelman, Mondonedo Cove
Another victim
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
THE YETTS REPORT
This just in. ** Comments are added for amusement. ** For more excitation, please see SARCASM OAKS which is linked on the side margin of this page.
Spanish Oaks Owners Association, Inc.
April 20, 2009
Dear Spanish Oaks Owner:
On behalf of the Spanish Oaks Owners Association Board of Directors, I would like to thank all of you that attended our Annual Meeting on March 26th, and take this opportunity to recap the highlights of the meeting. Also, please note that a significant amount of time at the meeting was devoted to addressing several resident questions sent in prior to the meeting. Pam has recently published the Q&A’s which are available from her via e-mail or at her office. Below are some of the topics discussed at the Annual Meeting:
We now have 273 property owners in the neighborhood, and 95 occupied homes. There are 6 homes in the Design Review Process, 10 approved for start, and 33 under construction at the present time.
Several community directives were discussed:
· Fire hydrants and roadway reflectors have been ordered and will be installed upon receipt.
· Street repairs and curb repairs are being inventoried and prioritized. Repairs will begin as resources become available. ** Ahem - what does "when available" mean in terms of TIME? **
· We have implemented a water conservation program for 2009 that calls for reduced watering times and days. ** Everybody should report broken sprinklers and street watering! Same with trash in mail kiosk, burnt-out lights, etc. **
· Security gate access software has been upgraded to provide remote access and to enable better communication between the two gates. ** Now they can BOTH be on the phone at the same time? Why are the guards seemingly always on the phone? To whom are they talking? **
· East Entrance challenges and anticipated improvements were presented by Michael Nalick, Policy Director for County Commissioner Karen Huber. Below is an update to the information shared with us at the meeting. ** Actually, he wasn't prepared, and told us nothing at that time. In the best spirit of politics, however, it took him ten minutes to say nothing. Since then, a lot apparently has happened... as you'll see below. **
Volunteers were solicited for Committees and for social groups; if interested please contact Pam Chandler.
The Board hopes to see increased year-round use of the Lodge and Fish Camp for private parties, social groups, scout meetings, exercise classes, etc. Please don’t hesitate to use the facility, and contact Pam if you have suggestions for community events.
Subsequent to the meeting, we received great news from Don Nylund, Chief Project Engineer for TXDOT, concerning the planned (and long-awaited) improvements to Hwy. 71! Work is anticipated to begin late summer of this year and will include:
Franchise utilities will be relocated this summer in preparation for roadway improvements.
Existing bridge will be widened to accommodate a center turn lane.
Hwy. 71 vertical grades will be lowered to improve site distances into and out of Spanish Oaks.
A center turn lane will be added from Uplands Ridge Dr. to Arroyo Canyon Dr.
A stop light will be installed at our East entrance (Yes, it’s happening per Don!)
Minor community improvements to the East entrance may be needed as construction progresses.
The Board remains committed to keeping Spanish Oaks the premier neighborhood in the greater Austin area, and encourages you to bring your concerns and compliments to Pam at any time. She will pass all comments/questions on to the Board for consideration and response.
Thanks again for your support and assistance in making Spanish Oaks a comfortable and fun place to call home.
Sincerely,
Steve Yetts, President
CC: Jack Creveling, V. P.
Joel Dobson, Secretary/Treas.
Donald Abrams, Director at Large
Spanish Oaks Owners Association, Inc.
April 20, 2009
Dear Spanish Oaks Owner:
On behalf of the Spanish Oaks Owners Association Board of Directors, I would like to thank all of you that attended our Annual Meeting on March 26th, and take this opportunity to recap the highlights of the meeting. Also, please note that a significant amount of time at the meeting was devoted to addressing several resident questions sent in prior to the meeting. Pam has recently published the Q&A’s which are available from her via e-mail or at her office. Below are some of the topics discussed at the Annual Meeting:
We now have 273 property owners in the neighborhood, and 95 occupied homes. There are 6 homes in the Design Review Process, 10 approved for start, and 33 under construction at the present time.
Several community directives were discussed:
· Fire hydrants and roadway reflectors have been ordered and will be installed upon receipt.
· Street repairs and curb repairs are being inventoried and prioritized. Repairs will begin as resources become available. ** Ahem - what does "when available" mean in terms of TIME? **
· We have implemented a water conservation program for 2009 that calls for reduced watering times and days. ** Everybody should report broken sprinklers and street watering! Same with trash in mail kiosk, burnt-out lights, etc. **
· Security gate access software has been upgraded to provide remote access and to enable better communication between the two gates. ** Now they can BOTH be on the phone at the same time? Why are the guards seemingly always on the phone? To whom are they talking? **
· East Entrance challenges and anticipated improvements were presented by Michael Nalick, Policy Director for County Commissioner Karen Huber. Below is an update to the information shared with us at the meeting. ** Actually, he wasn't prepared, and told us nothing at that time. In the best spirit of politics, however, it took him ten minutes to say nothing. Since then, a lot apparently has happened... as you'll see below. **
Volunteers were solicited for Committees and for social groups; if interested please contact Pam Chandler.
The Board hopes to see increased year-round use of the Lodge and Fish Camp for private parties, social groups, scout meetings, exercise classes, etc. Please don’t hesitate to use the facility, and contact Pam if you have suggestions for community events.
Subsequent to the meeting, we received great news from Don Nylund, Chief Project Engineer for TXDOT, concerning the planned (and long-awaited) improvements to Hwy. 71! Work is anticipated to begin late summer of this year and will include:
Franchise utilities will be relocated this summer in preparation for roadway improvements.
Existing bridge will be widened to accommodate a center turn lane.
Hwy. 71 vertical grades will be lowered to improve site distances into and out of Spanish Oaks.
A center turn lane will be added from Uplands Ridge Dr. to Arroyo Canyon Dr.
A stop light will be installed at our East entrance (Yes, it’s happening per Don!)
Minor community improvements to the East entrance may be needed as construction progresses.
The Board remains committed to keeping Spanish Oaks the premier neighborhood in the greater Austin area, and encourages you to bring your concerns and compliments to Pam at any time. She will pass all comments/questions on to the Board for consideration and response.
Thanks again for your support and assistance in making Spanish Oaks a comfortable and fun place to call home.
Sincerely,
Steve Yetts, President
CC: Jack Creveling, V. P.
Joel Dobson, Secretary/Treas.
Donald Abrams, Director at Large
Saturday, April 18, 2009
SW PARKWAY SNIPER CAUGHT
10:43 PM CDT on Friday, April 17, 2009
By NOELLE NEWTON
KVUE News
Tips lead Austin Police to a man accused of shooting at cars along Southwest Parkway since 2007.
Darren Inberg, 48, has been charged with deadly conduct.
"What could've happened is very scary to me. [We] very easily could've had a fatal collision due to this. We're just very lucky we caught him in time,” said APD Detective Adam Masters.
Police say Inberg was planning to skip town when he was arrested Friday. He's accused of shooting a pellet gun at the driver’s side doors and windows of westbound traffic on Southwest Parkway. The shootings would occur early in the morning between one and three. It's been happening since 2007 and reports keep coming in.
"I suspect it will be well over mid-20s by the time it's said and done,” Masters said.
One of Inberg's alleged victims is APD Sgt. Diane Leija, who was struck on her way home from a late night shift.
"It kind of jarred my body. I had my arm on the arm rest. I think to myself how very lucky I am that it didn't penetrate my car two inches higher because if it had it definitely would've imploded my window and hurt me,” Leija said.
Masters says there was at least one injury. An on-duty Bee Caves officer's window was shot out and glass got into his eyes. That charge will perhaps be the most severe for Inberg. Detectives still don't know a motive.
"In our discussion with him, he's very well mannered, very well spoken, and yeah, it’s got me stumped too. But, I have no doubt he’s responsible,” Masters said.
Inberg is in jail on a $50,000 bond.
By NOELLE NEWTON
KVUE News
Tips lead Austin Police to a man accused of shooting at cars along Southwest Parkway since 2007.
Darren Inberg, 48, has been charged with deadly conduct.
"What could've happened is very scary to me. [We] very easily could've had a fatal collision due to this. We're just very lucky we caught him in time,” said APD Detective Adam Masters.
Police say Inberg was planning to skip town when he was arrested Friday. He's accused of shooting a pellet gun at the driver’s side doors and windows of westbound traffic on Southwest Parkway. The shootings would occur early in the morning between one and three. It's been happening since 2007 and reports keep coming in.
"I suspect it will be well over mid-20s by the time it's said and done,” Masters said.
One of Inberg's alleged victims is APD Sgt. Diane Leija, who was struck on her way home from a late night shift.
"It kind of jarred my body. I had my arm on the arm rest. I think to myself how very lucky I am that it didn't penetrate my car two inches higher because if it had it definitely would've imploded my window and hurt me,” Leija said.
Masters says there was at least one injury. An on-duty Bee Caves officer's window was shot out and glass got into his eyes. That charge will perhaps be the most severe for Inberg. Detectives still don't know a motive.
"In our discussion with him, he's very well mannered, very well spoken, and yeah, it’s got me stumped too. But, I have no doubt he’s responsible,” Masters said.
Inberg is in jail on a $50,000 bond.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
SHOOTER TARGETS CARS ON SOUTHWEST PARKWAY
08:30 PM CDT on Friday, April 10, 2009
By NOELLE NEWTON / KVUE News
Police say a predator is targeting drivers in Southwest Austin. The person is shooting at cars, purposely aiming for the driver's side door.
Cars zoom along the busy Southwest Parkway. APD Sgt. Diane Leija is routinely in the thick of things, but after pulling a late night shift, she found herself the lone driver out there and the target of what she calls a predator.
"It definitely scared me," Leija said.
The driver's side door of her personal car was shot with what she believes to be a high powered pellet gun.
"It kind of jarred my body; I had my arm on the arm rest,” Leija said.
She kept driving just in case the shooter meant to do even more harm. When she reported the incident, she found out there were 12 other victims, including two APD officers hit multiple times and an officer from Bee Cave, whose window shattered and sprayed glass in his eyes.
"I think to myself how very lucky I am that it didn't penetrate my car two inches higher, because if it had, it definitely would've imploded my window and hurt me,” Leija said.
Leija says this is no prank. The shooter hides in the brush on the south side of the eastbound lanes, deliberately aiming for the driver's side doors of the westbound traffic. It always happens in the early morning hours in the 5900 block of Southwest Parkway.
"We want to put an end to this before someone gets very badly hurt, if not killed,” Leija said.
Officers are doing targeted patrols out there on foot, in cars and have even used the helicopter to find this person. If you think you've been a victim in the past, call 3-1-1 to file a police report. If you get hit or see someone suspicious in this area, call 9-1-1 immediately.
By NOELLE NEWTON / KVUE News
Police say a predator is targeting drivers in Southwest Austin. The person is shooting at cars, purposely aiming for the driver's side door.
Cars zoom along the busy Southwest Parkway. APD Sgt. Diane Leija is routinely in the thick of things, but after pulling a late night shift, she found herself the lone driver out there and the target of what she calls a predator.
"It definitely scared me," Leija said.
The driver's side door of her personal car was shot with what she believes to be a high powered pellet gun.
"It kind of jarred my body; I had my arm on the arm rest,” Leija said.
She kept driving just in case the shooter meant to do even more harm. When she reported the incident, she found out there were 12 other victims, including two APD officers hit multiple times and an officer from Bee Cave, whose window shattered and sprayed glass in his eyes.
"I think to myself how very lucky I am that it didn't penetrate my car two inches higher, because if it had, it definitely would've imploded my window and hurt me,” Leija said.
Leija says this is no prank. The shooter hides in the brush on the south side of the eastbound lanes, deliberately aiming for the driver's side doors of the westbound traffic. It always happens in the early morning hours in the 5900 block of Southwest Parkway.
"We want to put an end to this before someone gets very badly hurt, if not killed,” Leija said.
Officers are doing targeted patrols out there on foot, in cars and have even used the helicopter to find this person. If you think you've been a victim in the past, call 3-1-1 to file a police report. If you get hit or see someone suspicious in this area, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
HIGHWAY 71 REVISITED
You might think this is an April Fools jokle late, but apparently it isn't: The following from Pam Chandler:
After years of fears entering and exiting the east entrance we were informed by Don Nylund, chief project engineer with TXDOT that the following improvements to hwy 71 will start late this summer.
1. Franchise utilities will be relocated immediately to make way for roadway improvements.
2. Existing bridge will be widened to accommodate a center turn lane.
3. Hwy 71 vertical grades will be lowered to improve site distances in and out of Spanish Oaks.
4. A center turn lane will be added from Uplands Ridge Dr to Arroyo Canyon Dr.
5. A stop light will be added to the east entrance. "Yes its happening per Don"!!!
6. Minor improvements to the east entrance may be needed as construction commence.
This is great news and a result of many years of lobbying and hard work by all parties.
Please feel free to spread the badly needed good news!
After years of fears entering and exiting the east entrance we were informed by Don Nylund, chief project engineer with TXDOT that the following improvements to hwy 71 will start late this summer.
1. Franchise utilities will be relocated immediately to make way for roadway improvements.
2. Existing bridge will be widened to accommodate a center turn lane.
3. Hwy 71 vertical grades will be lowered to improve site distances in and out of Spanish Oaks.
4. A center turn lane will be added from Uplands Ridge Dr to Arroyo Canyon Dr.
5. A stop light will be added to the east entrance. "Yes its happening per Don"!!!
6. Minor improvements to the east entrance may be needed as construction commence.
This is great news and a result of many years of lobbying and hard work by all parties.
Please feel free to spread the badly needed good news!
Friday, April 03, 2009
2008 ANNUAL MEETING Q and A
2008 ANNUAL MEETING Q & A
Why aren’t all fire hydrants in Spanish Oaks marked with a blue reflector on the street, and the caps painted with a color code for the amount of pressure in the hydrant?
Answer: While these requirements were not adopted by Travis County Emergency Services District No. 6 until after completion of Phases I through A, the Board agrees with the need for the street reflectors. We will make it a priority to get these installed where missing. In addition, all Travis County Fire Engines have “on Board CAD” which immediately shows the Fire Dept. the location and pressure of each fire hydrant in the community.
Many drivers seem to forget that the Bridge over Little Barton Creek at the East entrance is a two-way road. Can reflectors or stripes be installed in the middle of the bridge?
Yes, that can and will be done. A very good suggestion.
Can the parking area at the East Mail Kiosk be re-designed to permit cars to drive through rather than backing up into traffic?
There are no plans at this time to re-design the parking area at the mail kiosk. We have installed a sign indicating that folks should pull completely forward to park and to watch for incoming traffic when backing out.
There are concrete blobs on Hwy. 71 that have been there for quite some time. These should be removed as cars tend to swerve around them when turning left from our entrance.
This would be the responsibility of TXDOT.
Overall appearance issues: broken curbs, curbs marked up by vehicles, bolts on the east roundabout guard rail, and street reflectors missing or knocked out of place.
All are valid points and will be addressed. Street reflectors will be replaced/repaired in conjunction with fire hydrant markers being installed.
What is the makeup of the HOA Board of Directors?
Until all lots in Spanish Oaks have been sold, the Declarant (Developer) controls the Board per our CC&Rs. In response to homeowner requests, in late 2005 the Declarant did solicit volunteers and appointed Donald Abrams as a homeowner representative to the Board.
Please explain the existing committees and how one can volunteer. I believe our website needs updating, and that we need a Communications Committee.
Currently we have 3 Committees: Welcome, Social & Safety. A Communications Committee is a good idea and volunteers will be solicited. One of our new homeowners has volunteered to help with updating our website to make it more current, and work will begin sometime in April. We also have another volunteer as a result of the meeting and she will be working with Pam on this project as well.
Is there a list of residents that could be distributed to all?
Any member of the HOA may have a copy of the roster by requesting one from Pam Chandler. It has not been widely published to date to respect the privacy of your neighbors. Another Committee could be a Directory Committee; the task of this group would be to gather information on any owners that wish to have their information published to the community, and then to keep the Directory current working with Pam to gather information on new owners.
What is Sharp Energy doing about installation of the new storage tank, and how will it affect our propane bills?
The site plan is being modified at the request of the MUD Engineers, and is nearly complete. Once the new site plan is approved construction will begin. The new tank will take our storage capacity from 8,000 gallons to 30,000 gallons; this is expected to help lower our monthly propane bills as fewer deliveries will need to be made to the site.
We understand that LCRA is being sued over the latest rate increase. Could this be explained, and is our Association one of the plaintiffs in the suit?
Lakepointe HOA and its two MUD districts have filed a rate challenge action against LCRA, and that case is in process right now. Spanish Oaks is not a party.
There is a broken toddler swing at the Celanova Court playground.
A new one has been ordered and will be installed shortly.
There is a fence and trail along the boundary of Spanish Oaks and the Homestead. It is not in good repair, and might be a security risk.
That fence does not belong to Spanish Oaks, and the trail is not drivable. However, we will investigate and see if repairs can be made.
What is the status of road & curb repairs?
The Board has an inventory of all needed street repairs; we are currently prioritizing and obtaining proposals for future repairs. Updates will be published when available.
Why aren’t all fire hydrants in Spanish Oaks marked with a blue reflector on the street, and the caps painted with a color code for the amount of pressure in the hydrant?
Answer: While these requirements were not adopted by Travis County Emergency Services District No. 6 until after completion of Phases I through A, the Board agrees with the need for the street reflectors. We will make it a priority to get these installed where missing. In addition, all Travis County Fire Engines have “on Board CAD” which immediately shows the Fire Dept. the location and pressure of each fire hydrant in the community.
Many drivers seem to forget that the Bridge over Little Barton Creek at the East entrance is a two-way road. Can reflectors or stripes be installed in the middle of the bridge?
Yes, that can and will be done. A very good suggestion.
Can the parking area at the East Mail Kiosk be re-designed to permit cars to drive through rather than backing up into traffic?
There are no plans at this time to re-design the parking area at the mail kiosk. We have installed a sign indicating that folks should pull completely forward to park and to watch for incoming traffic when backing out.
There are concrete blobs on Hwy. 71 that have been there for quite some time. These should be removed as cars tend to swerve around them when turning left from our entrance.
This would be the responsibility of TXDOT.
Overall appearance issues: broken curbs, curbs marked up by vehicles, bolts on the east roundabout guard rail, and street reflectors missing or knocked out of place.
All are valid points and will be addressed. Street reflectors will be replaced/repaired in conjunction with fire hydrant markers being installed.
What is the makeup of the HOA Board of Directors?
Until all lots in Spanish Oaks have been sold, the Declarant (Developer) controls the Board per our CC&Rs. In response to homeowner requests, in late 2005 the Declarant did solicit volunteers and appointed Donald Abrams as a homeowner representative to the Board.
Please explain the existing committees and how one can volunteer. I believe our website needs updating, and that we need a Communications Committee.
Currently we have 3 Committees: Welcome, Social & Safety. A Communications Committee is a good idea and volunteers will be solicited. One of our new homeowners has volunteered to help with updating our website to make it more current, and work will begin sometime in April. We also have another volunteer as a result of the meeting and she will be working with Pam on this project as well.
Is there a list of residents that could be distributed to all?
Any member of the HOA may have a copy of the roster by requesting one from Pam Chandler. It has not been widely published to date to respect the privacy of your neighbors. Another Committee could be a Directory Committee; the task of this group would be to gather information on any owners that wish to have their information published to the community, and then to keep the Directory current working with Pam to gather information on new owners.
What is Sharp Energy doing about installation of the new storage tank, and how will it affect our propane bills?
The site plan is being modified at the request of the MUD Engineers, and is nearly complete. Once the new site plan is approved construction will begin. The new tank will take our storage capacity from 8,000 gallons to 30,000 gallons; this is expected to help lower our monthly propane bills as fewer deliveries will need to be made to the site.
We understand that LCRA is being sued over the latest rate increase. Could this be explained, and is our Association one of the plaintiffs in the suit?
Lakepointe HOA and its two MUD districts have filed a rate challenge action against LCRA, and that case is in process right now. Spanish Oaks is not a party.
There is a broken toddler swing at the Celanova Court playground.
A new one has been ordered and will be installed shortly.
There is a fence and trail along the boundary of Spanish Oaks and the Homestead. It is not in good repair, and might be a security risk.
That fence does not belong to Spanish Oaks, and the trail is not drivable. However, we will investigate and see if repairs can be made.
What is the status of road & curb repairs?
The Board has an inventory of all needed street repairs; we are currently prioritizing and obtaining proposals for future repairs. Updates will be published when available.
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