REMEDIATION... EFFORT?

There are some locals who believe the development is going downhill. Here's recent evidence. To be blunt, this would have to be put to the issues of:

Communication
It flat out stinks, and our HOA "rep" had to be goaded into holding a meeting (next week) with anyone who still cares, as he's the opposite of communicative or proactive. His term is without limits?

The board communicates as if in their ivory tower. You have to ask yourself if they even visit? Our HOA manager, Pam Chandler, is likely hamstrung by their inaction or by gag order. TIMELY responses and fixes are woefully lacking. Priorities can't be those of everyone with an 'issue' but better - much better - communication would pull us all together and feel that there are wise and concerned hands on the helm.

Striping the east entrance road as a safety measure was promised asap back at the annual meeting... just an example.

Resources
What resources exist are a mystery. We apparently have no maintenance. Drought and water conservation have seemingly infused our buffalo grass common areas with many weeds.

CC&Rs
We have at lease several WHITE houses (an EARTH TONE?) - more sweeps of non-natural turfgrass, and now - we hope! temporary - an asphalt driveway.

Management
Write any definition of management you wish - perhaps behind the scenes it's a well-oiled machine, but to the owners who have invested, it's not at all obvious that proper attention is being paid.

And here's a sobering thought/question: how many of Discovery properties around the US have had their HOAs turned to the owners? As it stands now, I can't imagine how far off in the future THAT will happen here, if ever. Which means the status quo is one we seem to face for a long, long time.

One example (this is a followup to the post one post below):


Some truck leaked what looks like oil or tar over our roadway (SO BLVD) and drove over the sidewalk pavers. The stream goes as far at Highway 71. Workers were attempting to clean it Friday. Has someone tried to trace this back to the source to make them clean it up? Or was this their effort?


Here's a picture of the missing rock referenced in the post below. It was dragged away by a truck, and never replaced. This is a very visible spot in a multi-multi million dollar development.


Now, as recently as Friday, another rock has been dragged. If the first rock (apparently ineffectual, by the way, as it was there to prevent trucks from riding up over the circle) wasn't ever replaced with another rock to hide the gouge, then what can we expect here? It's now proven they don't work. Can we expect a cleanup/solution? When?


Here's the 'cleaned' area on the 'sidewalk' of the circle - the street doesn't appear to be touched. Is that IT? (Ref: bad communication; resources; management.)

OIL? TAR?

Don't know what it is - some truck managed to leave a pretty good stream of black liquid onto the east side traffic circle and then down the road to Highway 71. They even drove over the pavers at the circle.

In an unusually quick response (days, instead of weeks or months or longer - as in the promised east entrance striping) Discovery apparently has a crew trying to get it up - at least on the pavers. I stopped and chatted with the guy who seemed to be in charge. "We're trying acetone," he said... "do you have any idea what would work?" I suggested a pressure washer.

You can see that the offending truck tried to beat the radius of the turn and that's when it drove over the pavers. Once upon a time we were told that circle would be redone to accommodate larger trucks which find the radius too tight. And that was... years ago?

Looking at the circle, they have never replaced the boulder that was dragged away under another truck (leaving a gouge) what seems like a long time ago. It was one of three, in place to try to stop trucks from going up on the pavers. A grass patch would at least spiff that up.

You have to wonder if, for the LIVESTRONG open houses this fall, perhaps some work will finally be attended to? Yes, the economy has faltered, and that must surely have affected projections for sales at S.O. - but at some point the weeds and other things which need attention accelerate the spiral down, and cost more in the long run.

MEETING

Where: the Lodge
When: Wednesday, Sept. 9th, 6 to 8 pm
What: an evening with your homeowner Board representative, Donald Abrams.

If you are new to the community, this will be a great opportunity to meet your neighbors and your HOA Board rep. If you're a long-time resident, this is an opportunity to ask questions, make suggestions, and to meet new neighbors.

71 WRECK

A lot owner reports flaming car, lifeflight, etc. at east entrance? No other details at 12:45PM Saturday. From our location, can see traffic backed up westbound.

If you have details or pictures please send to rwood24@Austin.rr.com

We saw the highway - the accident appears to have been not exactly at the east entrance, but farther down toward the bridge over Barton Creek - the bridge on 71, not within our entrance. Update: 9 PEOPLE INJURED. Apparently someone was turning, was rear-ended, and that vehicle was then rear-ended.

KEYE video, click here

ARMADILLO MADNESS

Another 'dillo trapped!

That's now 1 raccoon, 1 cat, 3 armadillos!

There must be some armadillo graffiti at the armadillo bar - "For a Good Time, dine at Wood's! Dine under the shrubs!" It's a %$#@ PARADE of 'dillos, it seems.

Another ride up Highway 71 with a stinker in the trap in the trunk - about 10 miles... and release. This one was slow to escape the cage and immediately went under the car and a tire. HEY!

I am NOT going to accept suicide after schlepping this varmint this far.

And so, I edged away, and the beast was seen waddling away up a hill.

WET STUDENTS

Friday, August 21, from 10 am to 4 pm!

Back to School Splash - Cool off by the pool and enjoy a day filled with fun and games before the kids head back to school!

We'll have a "Make-Your-Own-Pizza" table, smoothie specials and cupcakes, as well as back to school goodie bags for all who attend.

Please call Liza Bachelder at 533-2363 to sign up!

TRAPPING VARMINTS

After two Armadillos and one Racoon, we'd hope for no more shrub-digging-lawn-ripping. But it isn't to be. I reset the trap and put it in the usual place.

This morning Terri came back from walking the dog with a smile and a "Guess what the Catch Du Jour is?"

Feral or not, my intention is not to catch cats. I am allergic to cats and would be happy to see them all only at a distance.

Kitty was plenty ticked. Can't say I blame it. Released now (like a shot out of a cannon - swear I heard "Thufferin' Thuccotash!" as it ran) with no scratches of vengeance for Trapper Bob.

Here's this cat, apparently successfully avoiding all sorts of predators, only to sniff a can of CATFOOD in that cage thing... (Well, heck, somebody told me to bait the trap with that. It worked before!)

No harm no foul.

It does suggest that one shouldn't set traps and then not pay attention - or go on vacation, because you can't always get what you want, etc.

I am greatly relieved I didn't have to worry about a large snake which might have crawled into the trap.

BATS UNDER EAST ENTRANCE BRIDGE

Richard Finlayson writes: Bob, have you seen the bats under the bridge over Little Barton Creek at the (east) entrance? It’s just like Congress Street Bridge. We were there Monday night at 8:03 and it was a fire hose of bats taking off into the sky.



Note: if you watch this and attempt to watch again you might have to refresh the page - this is the first video I've put onto the blog and I am unsure how well it works.

Note 2: If you go to watch the bats ALSO watch out for traffic which as we all know, can come down toward the bridge at high speed and in the center of the (still unstriped!) road.

LIGHTNING STRIKE STORY

Bob, here’s a photo of the damage. The fire was caused when the charge arced from copper plumbing and/or electrical to the gas line. Not sure which way that charge arced, but it blew a pin hole in the gas line and ignited. The flame ignited the framing. You can see the charred gas line and the burned romex. There’s a copper line running through it that looks to me like an arc point but it’s hard to tell.

My family saved the day! Kristin got shocked as she stood by a sink and knew there was trouble. They kept looking around and started to smell smoke. The boys pulled the attic access and found nothing. My 9 year old remembered another access by her room and whey they pulled that access they could see the fire. My son John grabbed fire extinguishers one after the other and he and Will put out the fire. It wasn’t known that the gas line was involved, it makes my heart stop to think about my boys up there putting that fire out with a gas line leak. We are very blessed that everyone is safe, that my kids knew what to do and did it, and that we didn’t lose the house. Lessons learned? Have fire extinguishers, lots of them. The boys think they used two, but there were three empty canisters up there. Also, store photos and videos in waterproof containers and by the front door. (Not the garage door. Garages are the #1 source of home fires.) I knew where all the family videos were but couldn’t relate that to my son, and when the attic access ladder was pulled down it blocked the closet doors that all the family photos are in. It was also directly under the fire and would have been ruined by water if the fire department had been required to put it out. We have already started the “what if” scenarios to be better prepared next time for things like this. The fire department was great, but it is concerning that they had a hard time finding us. The neighbors report seeing them wandering around at the Overlook Pass and Paraiso Pkwy intersection. They ended up down in the culdesac on Warbler Ledge even though there are large numbers on all the mailboxes. I’m going to call and see what we could do to help them zero in faster next time. We are pretty much put back together and the plumbing, electrical, and losses have been manageable. It is interesting that the DC transformers on items that were plugged in got zapped. Electronics, notebooks, AC unit, garage door openers, etc. All direct AC electronics were fine, but the transformers got nuked.

LIGHTNING STRIKE

Wednesday's rain showers brought with them a little drama. A lightning strike hit a house right across the street from Spanish Oaks, on Overlook Pass just beyond the gate into The Preserve. No other details are available at this time. If I get more, I will repost.

We have friends deeper into the Preserve, and in the past, they have had costly lightning-related electrical issues TWICE. Since both houses mentioned sit below ours, we only wonder...

HIGHWAY 71 DETAILS

Bee Cave Planning and Zoning Commission Chair Terri Wood reports that in a conversation with TxDot today, she was told that the project for highway widening to impact our east entrance has been pushed back, but only a little. Bids will be taken in the fall with work projected to begin in April.

NEW WEBSITE

Speeding Hippie attempts to drive through the Early70s barrier.
I've opened a new website as a pathway to more opportunity locally. Why not take a hobby and turn it into a service? Thus: www.PhotographerBobWood.com

At most I would hope to serve as a local freelancer here in the Austin area. No weddings - not that large a scale... but for real estate pictures, family events, etc., I am there.

There are some good pictures on the site and I hope you enjoy them! Contact info is also there. Have a look.

HIGHWAY 71 PLANS ON HOLD?

I can't find anything by doing a quick search on Google, but a good source informs me that the Highway 71 plans for a center turn lane, etc., have been put on hold. Work was to have begun this summer. Since this has been such a big issue, I will continue to investigate.

Click here to see the latest info I could find. This doesn't seem to gibe with 'on hold.' Will find out more.

Meanwhile, other questions INSIDE the gates:

1- Why hasn't the east entrance center striping happened yet? Wasn't it promised asap at the 'annual' meeting?

2- When will the broken curb on SO Blvd be repaired?

3- Why are there so many weeds all over the grassed areas along SO Blvd?

4- A seemingly long time ago, a truck dragged one of the three large rocks away from the roundabout on SO Blvd (east side) - it was never replaced and there's been a gouge there - where it used to be - ever since. Ironically the rocks were placed there to prevent large trucks from running over that very area.

We were also told (again, seemingly long ago) that the roundabout would be rebuilt with a more effective radius. If so, when? If not, why not?

5- Why no regular ongoing communication from our HOA rep?

By the way, I've been told and have seen that crushed granite driveways can be approved here.

'DILLO NUMBER DEUX

The other night while taking the dog out for her before-bedtime necessaries, I spotted another armadillo browsing our shrubbery beds. I noted another large hole dug around our gas pipe feed, just like there was when the LAST armadillo was trapped. Though we had filled it in, these guys are super diggers, and the hole had reappeared.

I take Jessie out with a flashlight, always on the lookout for snakes, said to be especially restless during this heat. So I shine it around and that's when I saw the beast.

I set the trap and today Terri greeted me (she walks Jessie in the early morning) with a "You're going for a ride today!" We caught the bugger and I am charged with driving it away, hopefully far enough that it would not come back. (My limit is 10 miles.)

After the photo shoot, we headed to a side road off Rt 71 (busy highway) to just outside a new development deeper into the Hill Country called Bee Creek. I released on the rocky, undeveloped side of the road but the 'Dillo took off at a run across the road and into the lush greenery of the new tract. I thought I could see a smile.


TRAPPED


NO-NECK, MEET LONGNECK!


THE GETAWAY

POOL and LODGE-NIC JULY 4

There should have been a loop of the song HOT HOT HOT playing as the festivities commenced under a hot July sun.

Perhaps due to the $19.95-a-head pricing, numbers were noticeably down from last year, or from Memorial day - perhaps only a third as many people showed in the hours we attended.

There weren't the gaggles of people - most were in the pool and the lower numbers scattered them about. Some 'activities' or games for the kids had some attendance - a nice try, but the cooler action was in or under the water (89 degrees, cooler than the official record-setting 101).

DVR TROUBLE - TIME WARNER

The other night Time-Warner lost service to this area. I don't know how widespread, but suspect all of Spanish Oaks, or at least the east side. You call and you get the voice mail computer...

Anyway, service is restored, but you might have the same issue we did/do, and that's there are no channels on our TiVo. In other words, the numbers are there, but you go to them and receive nothing.

I THINK it requires a reboot. This means you unplug TiVo power for about 15 seconds, replug, and all should be fine. If I am wrong, or discover more, I'll post it. Try this before you call for an expensive or incovenient service visit!

4TH OF JULY PARTY

FISH CAMP NEWS

Our own Raymond Hayes, Security Supervisor, has taken over keeping Fish Camp supplied with rods, reels, bait, etc. Raymond is an avid fisherman and will be helping us out with lake & fish camp maintenance and care. He will be stopping by Fish Camp most days after 2:00 pm, so feel free to stop and visit with him - he might give you a few pointers!

We've asked Raymond to monitor Fish Camp on a daily basis, as we've recently experienced a bit of carelessness and/or vandalism with the fishing equipment. The HOA has an annual budget for fishing equipment and supplies, and unfortunately if it is necessary to replace more equipment than our budget allows, it may be necessary to stop supplying equipment. We ask that all visitors to Fish Camp be considerate of their neighbors by replacing rods in the racks, picking up any trash that you leave, and in general, caring for the facility.\

...source: Pam Chandler

COONAN O'BRIEN

After our varmint saga some posts below, resulting in a quick ride down the highway for Mister Dillo, there was a brief lull where our grass'n'weeds grew normally. Then more digging appeared, like tiny toy archaeologists were looking for artifacts. I reset the trap. First some bait was eaten but whatever ate it got away with Salmon breath. However, this AM brought another trapped digger. Even while in the cage it managed to ruin the grass under it.


Now I know many will see this and go "ooooh, how cute..." but you'd be wrong! This snarling, wretched, spiteful, straight-razor toting beast was quite intent on breaking through the slammer to slash and chew on my white ass.

My research said that you'd have to drive it at least 20 miles away because they can come back and will certainly find your house and seek revenge. (Okay I made up the revenge part, but they can really wreck a house when inside it, and they apparently will try to get inside - a neighbor trapped 2 DOZEN in Florida as they infested his home!)

And they can be rabid.

So, drastic measure time.



I can assure you the circle of life is an unbroken one. Read into this what you will.

PAVING

No doubt you've all seen the marked areas of pavement throughout the property over the past few weeks. We have awarded the contract for these repairs to Ballard's Asphalt & Concrete, and they are scheduled to be on-site this coming Tuesday, June 16th, to complete the work. It is anticipated that everything can be accomplished in one to two days, and the contractors will be re-routing traffic as they work. They will try to minimize any inconvenience, but will appreciate your patience while we complete this long-awaited project. I have attached a map to this e-mail locating the areas to be repaired. They include:

1) The approach to the East Gate, including dips and alligatoring pavement at both entrance and exit lanes
2) The significant dip in Club Blvd. on the westbound side near Malaquita
3) The pavement failures at the East Roundabout (Club Blvd. & Paraiso Parkway)
4) Corner of Musket Rim & Paraiso (both ends of Musket Rim)
5) Intersection of Overlook Pass & Calabria Court

On a second visit, not yet scheduled, curbs will be repaired and a pavement dip as you enter Malaquita Branch will be repaired, along with some other paving work for the Developer. Please don't hesitate to give me a call or an e-mail with any questions. Pam Chandler.

POOL CRUD VANISHED!

This might help you. I have no financial interest in what I am about to describe.

If your pool has accumulated what I can only guess to be calcium or other hard mineral deposits around the tile edging, you might know it's almost impossible to remove this scale. I have spent hours in the water with a pumice stone, rubbing until my hands were raw, even through a cloth 'protection.' No amount of scrubbing made any difference.

I saw advertised, bought and tried a 'miracle' gel which supposedly contained some type of acid which would cling to the crud and eventually detach it (I never was sure about what it would do to the water itself, but in short order I found it didn't work at all.)

I also tried pool acid itself... Muriatic. Diluted, then increasingly stronger. It works some, but you can't keep it where it needs to STAY due to that pesky gravity thing.


Crud on pool tile

Crud on spa wall at waterfall. I even tried chipping away with a chisel and hammer and a LOT of elbow grease.

Then Terri brought home a one-sheet for a new process. One of the realtors in Lakeway had the detail... the process is called Soda Blast. Think of sand blasting or bead blasting but with Magnesium Sulfate. From Wikipedia: "Magnesium sulfate is a chemical compound containing magnesium and sulfate, with the formula MgSO4. In its hydrated form the pH is 6.0 (5.5 to 7.0). It is often encountered as the heptahydrate, MgSO4·7H2O, commonly called Epsom salt." Said to be softer than alternatives, and claimed to leave your tiles intact, and be PH neutral, we hired the guys.

They arrived in a big truck trailer with a VERY large compressor on the flat trailer. Hoses, pressure vessel, and mixture pumps were unloaded.

The guys go to work.
They lowered the water about 8 inches and drained the spa completely, then went to work blasting the tiles. The magnesium sulfate turns grey when wet, and so did the pool.

Blasting
They 'sort of' cleaned the pool, but since so much of the stuff was in the water, obviously couldn't get it all.

Pool Murk, after...
I was told to refill, turn on the pumps and let them run for a while - 8 hours or so, then to backwash, and possibly repeat. After checking pressure on the filter, which surprisingly hadn't changed, I decided to let the pump run maybe 24 hours. The pressure still didn't change. Overnight the water went from really murky to clear!

You can decide for yourself if you think the process was successful. A good 4 years of crud is gone, the pool and spa look new and clean and, I am amazed. Finished tile

Cleaned Spa at waterfall. If you notice pits on one tile to left, I did that with chisel in another failed attempt to clean it myself.

The name of the company is Soda Blast Express.

Our water is sparkling clear today.

LUNKER LURKING

It's out there in the fishing hole. Oh yes. About 8 inches long. And hungry.

CAPTURED! AND RELEASED!

This is where the trap was set. Catfood bait.


I'll bet the beast weighs maybe 15-20 pounds!



I only hope THIS is the one which has been digging up our lawn and planting beds.

Until now, I can't recall ever seeing one up close. I have seen them occasionally on the roadside, with little Xs where the eyes would be.

The Texas armadillo is about the size of a large cat; its overall length is about 2½ feet, and adults weigh from twelve to seventeen pounds. The shell is really bone.

I drove this big fat one about 7 miles away and released it, somewhere where it hopefully will stay far from here. I let it go and it ran behind a fenced in property, once I shook it out of the trap.

POOL SPLASHES

The Lodge was buzzing as the pool opened to bright blue skies for Memorial Day after two days of rain (historically the rainiest weekend of the year.)

We missed the Chick-Fil-A Cow jumping into the pool.

But with the grill going full blast, lots of kids enjoying the fun, it was a great day.

POOL GLORIOUS POOL

Pam Chandler writes:

Spanish Oaks Lodge and Pool Memorial Day Celebration!

Join us on Memorial Day as we introduce our new swim program provided by Aqua Tots Swim School. Instructors will be providing free introductory swim lessons and games from 11:00am – 1:00pm and again from 5:00-7:00pm. Enjoy our complimentary smoothie bar and order lunch from the Grill. Aqua Tots will determine your child’s level of expertise (programs start at 6 months old and up) as you sign them up for summer lessons. Private and adult swim training programs will also be available. The full schedule and sign-up sheets will be available at the pool on Memorial Day.

We're very excited to have found AquaTots, as they have a great program for children from infant water safety through age 12. Should you have any questions please contact Pam Chandler at 533-2365, or Liza Bachelder at 533-2363.

Below for your convenience are the summer hours for the Fish Camp, Pool, and Lodge Grill.



Fish Camp Open Daily from 8:00am – Dusk

Lodge & Pool
May 23, Saturday 10:00am to 9:00pm
May 24, Sunday Noon to 9:00pm
May 25 (Monday, Memorial Day) 10:00am to 9:00pm
May 26 to end of season Tues.-Sat., 10:00am-9:00pm
Sunday, Noon-9:00pm
(Closed Monday)

Pool Grill
May 25 (Monday, Memorial Day) 11:00am to 7:00pm
May 26 – June 4 5:00pm to 7:00pm
June 5 to end of season Tues.-Sat., 11:00am-7:00pm
Sunday, Noon-7:00pm
(Closed Monday)

WE ARE THE US IN USPS

A reader writes:

I met the current USPS carrier today and was encouraged by what he had to say about service to our community.

You may have experienced repetitive misdelivered mail and delivery delays of up to three years. Yes, three years. Seems that misdelivered mail had remained in Spanish Oaks mail kiosk boxes after the respective homeowner had moved from the community.

Eddie, the new carrier, informed me that this route, formerly an auxiliary route, has become a permanent route, for which he has been assigned. This means that we should not experience further carrier turnover with inexperienced personnel.

I had to resort to writing the Postmaster General in Washington as well as the Regional Office in San Antonio since dealing with the Lakeway branch was not responsive to my numerous complaints. Perhaps the USPS does give serious attention to customer complaints, albeit slowly.

If you have the opportunity say hello to Eddie and thank him for his service. He does care.

SNAKE

Sometimes I am too cautious. It's a side effect of a good imagination - I imagine things going wrong... so when I take our dog out for her final pee in the dark, I always use a flashlight, especially at this time of the year, when snakes are said to be active. You never know.

Last night I swept the concrete with my spotlight, like a guard at a maximum security institution of incarceration. I noticed what appeared to be a branch, which had fallen onto the driveway.

But wait, the branch... was moving. A closer look - a snake! (And scarily, pointed away from the house, as if it lives there or close-by!)

Jessie did her business and I retreated to the house for tools - in this case a pickaxe, which I dropped on its side to immobilize the reptile, while I got the shovel for a beheading.

Yeah yeah, I know, they eat flies or something. I don't care.

Apparently I need a sharper shovel.



I thought it might be a baby copperhead but am not sure. Similar, to be sure.

I took a valium to sleep without snakey dreams as I had some adrenaline to overcome. Woke 45 minutes past my normal wakeup, with no bad dreams. I put the carcass out for the vultures.

USTABE RABBIT

We found this against the house in a planting bed. We wonder: How it died? What dragged it there? What ate it?

STREET REPAIR?

Land-A-Goshen! Or whatever you prefer as an appropriate expression of amazement... there are markings on several of the street "issues" we've had for, oh, years, as if they are really going to DO SOMETHING ABOUT THEM! Don't know about you, but the bump at east entrance exit gate just galls me every time I thump over it. I mumble something about "premiere community" to myself and grind my teeth.

No word or markings on the eaten-up curb on S.O. Blvd.

The other day a sod-carrying truck came across the east entrance bridge far over into the oncoming lanes. And that striping plan is...?

Remember we are a development that doesn't have maintenance in the budget. So all the above may be a miracle. If so, Sunday services will be at the top of Musket Rim - just follow the dirt because they apparently don't clean the streets anymore either.

H-E-B THEFT ALERT

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.

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!

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

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

ANNUAL MEETING

Last night the 2008 annual meeting was held at the Lodge. It was attended by about 60 people. Refreshments and pizza were served as owners arrived and mingled.

When the meeting began, Pam Chandler said she'd cover all the questions which had been submitted and from the floor and would also summarize in writing to all within a few days. There were many recurring items, and I'll try to cover some of the more universal ones and general news, but will save the detail for Pam's letter.


The HOA: Manager Pam Chandler, HOA non-voting rep Donald Abrams, Discovery's Joel Dobson, Steve Yetts, Jack Creveling.

General Information: I believe I got this right. I attempted to record the meeting but my recorder died early on.

end 2007/ end 2008
Owned: 249/277
Occupied: 92/95
Homes: 132/148
New residents: 14

Sales for the past year were lower than projections. Discovery is working on some undisclosed realtor incentives. (Comment: if they'd accelerate/invest in fixing some of the roads and other issues they'd probably enhance the saleability of lots and homes within. Sunken roads around manholes, ref: SO Blvd roundabout, broken curb, etc., pull our overall aesthetic down when compared to other developments of multi-million dollar homes.) Discovery has done away with maintenance personnel - Pam is 'borrowing' from Daniel Porter's people. Draw your own conclusion.

Discovery has installed or completed a system which would allow one gate guard to control the other gate. It's unclear what advantage this has in practicality, but they are also monitoring the traffic flow overnight to see if one guard is all that is necessary. They attempted to bring all "security" in house but that failed. There was no indication they'd try again.

Great confusion over highway 71 plans: there is said to be a plan afoot to lower the crest of a hill, but whether or not it's the east or west gate side remains to be clarified. I took this to mean the west side, and in 2010 there would be a light at the west entrance. Later that became unclear. Perhaps Pam will clarify.

There will be no light at the east entrance in the foreseeable future. As for a turn lane (westbound at east entrance,) I think the issue is they'd have to widen the bridge to allow enough space for a turn lane after the bridge. IMHO - don't hold your breath. Noted: the way the crews mangled and dumped the trees when they 'trimmed' the trees away from power lines across 71. The concrete 'turtles" in mid 71 are TXdot issues and obviously not high at all on their list, if even ON their list.

There seemed to be a consensus that our HOA website needs to be redone and a volunteer has been identified, though unnamed, nor was there a timetable given for this or for solutions to apply to many of the issues raised, for instance, the striping of lanes at east entrance at the bridge, or road fixes.

A discussion was held about speeding through the development. This led to the issue of those who walk in the dark in dark clothing, and on the streets. I note that there are no paths on lower Musket Rim or lower Paraiso or Overlook Pass.

The developer has finished landscaping, i.e.: no more new materials to be added to the project. Their hope is that with careful water conservation and time, what exists can grow in and fill out what might look sparse.

The pool will open possibly before memorial Day but as Pam is officed there will open it for you upon request. The Lodge is available free for owners who wish to host special parties, etc. See Pam.

Signups were offered for committees and social groups.

There is an ongoing issue of design compliance and builder failures/defaults.

LAWN CARE QUESTION

I have been trying to get TruGreen to come by and discuss what I want done. After a few years of trying organics, then moving to over-the-counter chemicals, we are still loaded with weeds. I thought maybe going with professionals would help.

The line of the decade, uttered by the TruGreen rep on the phone, "We don't feel we have to earn your trust."

I found this
which is a series of serious complaints from all over the country. Maybe their customer base is so large that these are isolated instances, or not... there seems to be a thread running through it, which also is implicit in the arrogance of the rep with whom I spoke.

So please, let me ask you this - I've seen the truck locally - if you use TruGreen/Chemlawn, are you receiving good service and effective treatments? If not, or if otherwise, who would you recommend? E me at rwood24@Austin.rr.com Thanks.

ANOTHER SURE SIGN OF SPRING?

From the homes landlocked by Spanish Oaks (Lower Musket Rim).

A SURE SIGN OF SPRING!

Up north they'd say the robin has that honor. Here it's the first SNAKE SIGHTING. And it's just been reported from just over the border of the S.O.-landlocked Preserve, which is at the gate at the end of Overlook Pass (for those westenders.)

There are good ones and bad ones they tell me. As far as I am concerned, I don't even trust HOSES. I CAN promise you that when you spot your snake, it'll blend in really well - amazingly well, unless you are driving forward and backward over it on the road. If you do this, just rest assured that cleanup is crow and vulture job 1.

So tell your kiddies, give your dog a talking to, and watch those thresholds where the slithery reptile will stretch out and pretend like it belongs there. Look before you reach into something, and stay alert.

The same precautions apply to members of congress.

ANNUAL MEETING MISPERCEPTION

I apologize.

I was just told by Pam Chandler that the HOA board can choose to hold their/our annual meeting any time they wish - not forced to do so by the end of the closing year. The confusion on that issue, she told me, was that the FIRST meeting was to be held within the first year - after that - on the HOA's own timetable. My frustrations in posts below were obviously a waste of gas.

Terri and I love Spanish Oaks. We searched the country for several years to find the best city and then within the city, the ideal spot to anchor as our last move. Until now, our moves had been work-dictates. My time in radio took me all over North America. I used to joke that we were sharecroppers, working the antenna farms.

When you consider that we don't play golf, and don't have children, this speaks even more strongly to our belief in Spanish Oaks as a great place, even without the golf and club amenities, even without the wonderful school system in which we are placed!

What brought us to Austin was the exceptional mix of people and the incredible town vibe. What brought us to Spanish Oaks was Daniel Porter's vision of a natural beauty. Mark Moulkers designed and built us the home which fit us so well.

I came to feel that what we needed was better communication, especially so after Discovery Land entered the picture. I was a one-man communications committee until I could no longer receive answers in a timely manner. Along the way, this blog was conceived to sort of serve as a very abbreviated town 'newspaper' though there's all too often no news to share, and only a rare 'reporter.' News and opinion - that's the idea. Last time I looked there were in the neighborhood of 40,000 hits to date.

By now you've received your official notice of the annual meeting and attached to it, a letter from Donald Abrams, our HOA rep for several years now. This is exactly the kind of communication which I feel - on a more regular basis - would help pull us together from the odds and ends of our busy lives to help create a growing sense of community.

In some ways, the large geography of the project isolates us all into our cul-de-sacs and interests. Better communication can help us all become more familiar with one another and turn us into even more highly satisfied residents who volunteer the best possible testimony for living here.

There's room to grow.

Examples which come to mind:
Gardening club
Gun club
Car club
Flying club
RV club
R/C club
Jogging group
Biking group
Wine club

Have we reached critical mass?

Reading Donald's letter you'd have to admit that a lot has happened in a year - perhaps most notably the opening and operation of the Lodge - a great amenity.

Challenges for the future will include maintenance of our infrastructure, and then - this one is big - a satisfactory hand off from Discovery to our own self-contained independent HOA (reached at some high percentage of build-out/sales.) I write 'satisfactory' because we need assurance that, at the hand-over, many items are covered completely so that we don't inherit issues beyond those unforeseen.

And so once again I apologize for the windbagian call to arms regarding the late annual meeting. I also invite you to become a part of this blog. Email me your thoughts, news, pictures, etc. I do ask that you include your name. If you wish to post comments anonymously, then use the comment feature.

ANNUAL MEETING MARCH 26!!!

This is LAST year's meeting, btw.

Spanish Oaks Owners Association, Inc.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
SPANISH OAKS OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.

March 26, 2009 – 6:30 PM

Dear Spanish Oaks Property Owners:

The Association will hold its Annual Meeting on Thursday, March 26, 2009, at the Spanish Oaks Lodge – 6:30 p.m. We will have our business meeting, followed by refreshments and time for socializing with our neighbors. The Board and I look forward to our first meeting at the new facility.

An Annual Report will be presented, with opportunity for questions and discussion. In addition, the developer will update us on progress over the past year, and the plans for 2009. Please mark your calendars and make every effort to attend. This is a great time to ask questions, meet your neighbors, and stay informed about your community.

If you cannot attend and have questions, please give me a call at 533-2365, or e-mail me at pchandler@spanishoaks.com so that I can make sure your issue is discussed at the meeting. An annual update letter from Donald Abrams, Homeowner representative to the Board of Directors is enclosed.

On an additional note, please send me your e-mail addresses, so that we can continue to communicate with all owners on a regular basis. And, if you do not have your gate passes, give me a call or send me an e-mail to request them.

Sincerely,

SPANISH OAKS OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC

NEW GOOD RESTAURANT VERY LOCAL

It's the old Jim Bob's Trading Post, now a wine bar, at 71 and Bee Caves Road.

We ate there Tuesday evening - and loved it. The salad, main course and desert were all superb. I'm no restaurant critic, but I have eaten at some fine, fine restaurants, worldwide. Trust me. This is a find and couldn't be closer!

I didn't think they could convert from what was to what is, but it's not a conversion, it's a whole new thing - I suspect for an entirely new clientele. That's you.

I almost hate to write this because the place will become crowded. We loved it and wish the owners well!

ANNUAL MEETING - ?

Looks like we are on track to miss February too. Isn't there a rule where they have to hold these annually, not annually-and-a-couple-months-later? Hopefully there will be a more substantial explanation than, "Sorry, we couldn't get everyone together - but you know the holidays and all..."

Is it disdain?

Where's our HOA rep on this issue?

What's the holdup?

TWITTER HUB

NO NEWS

Nothing on anything: road repairs, why the irrigation was on overnight Thursday night (SO Blvd, Paraiso), when the meeting will be.

ALMOST ANNUAL MEETING

This from a resident: I emailed Pam Chandler today to ask for info on the meeting. She said that it would be coming up in late February, and that she'll be sending out email and other communications.

ANNUAL MEETING

Was that it - the notice in the quarterly bill? Didn't it say a more formal announcement would be forthcoming? Did you receive that? We haven't. IF the meeting is this week, wouldn't you think they'd give a little more formal notice so you could plan to attend?

PS: Note to the bigs, if they read this... why not rent a PA system this time?

I'M A ROADRUNNER, BABY!

PREPARE FOR ANNUAL MEETING

Having been to several annuals, as 'older' residents, we've been disappointed by the quick, off-hand or casual response to questions. This prompts some suggestions:

Make a list now. Bring it with you. Go through it on site, when given the floor, while you have access to the board. In the past, some answers were 'promised' with "let us get back to you on that" - and the answer died in privacy, assuming it was ever delivered. I ask you to share with this blog - in effect our only organ of wide communication - any of those answers you are promised, when they are received. Also please share if you don't receive answers.

Recently I met some neighbors who have been somewhat vocal in their detailed and thought-out concerns and suggestions yet haven't received answers. I have found such info spotty myself, and in fact, not forthcoming at all from our HOA rep, which is why I quit the more formal 'communications' post.

I'd like to see this community become more united, with more sharing of information and concerns back and forth from and to the board. We have no real power - no votes - but we can be the best salespeople for our community when armed with regular progress reports and good, honest looks at issues and solutions, with firm timetables.

Frankly, the way the HOA board is structured is as a dictatorship. We are stuck with that structure for now. But surely we can come together with a goal of better communication in the interest of mutual benefit - we, as happy representatives of our growing community, and Discovery as more effective stewards of our future.

WHY WE MOVED TO AUSTIN

PURE FUN

WATER UPDATE

Interim repairs made to severed electrical line in West Travis County water system; irrigation system use should be curtailed for several days

For Immediate Release: January 12, 2009 10:40 PM

AUSTIN — Interim repairs were made Monday night to a severed electrical line providing power to the pumps at the West Travis County Regional Water System (in western Travis County and northern Hays County).

“We would like to thank our customers for their quick response and cooperation,” said Janet Stephenson, West Travis County Regional Manager.

Despite the restoration of power, LCRA asks customers to curtail use of irrigation systems until permanent repairs are made. That process could take several days.

The affected area includes residents in Bee Cave and other communities along Texas 71 and RR 620; and Dripping Springs, along with developments on US 290.

Around noon Monday, contractors working on an expansion of the system inadvertently cut an underground electrical cable that services the raw water intake pumps. That meant water could not be delivered to the water treatment plant, which is near the intersection of Texas 71 and Bee Caves Road. There were no injuries involved when the electrical cable was cut.

The severed line was spliced around 9:30 p.m. Monday and the pumps began filling the water storage tanks.

For more information, area residents may visit the Web site at www.lcra.org or call LCRA customer service at (512) 397-6766.

STOP! ...or DON'T

YOU'RE OFF YOUR ROCKER!

GOLF DREAM

A MEMORY CAPTURED