The Brentwood and Crestview neighborhoods are in the middle of a gang tagging wave. The City of Austin and Parks and Recreation are aware of this and working with us to both control it and prevent it from getting any further out of hand. However, they can only do so much. A new Yahoo group has been created for neighbors who are interested in helping stop this blight via a grassroots effort.
The Violet Crown TAG (Together Against Graffiti) Team can be found here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/VCTagteam/
If you would like to help paint over existing tagging, report tagging that you have seen, suggest ideas for prevention or simply stay informed and active regarding this issue, please join us! A group of committed neighbors is often the very best line of defense!
*Please know that the bulk of this tagging is gang tagging. However, most of these gangs ARE made up of juveniles whose main concerns are graffiti, petty theft and drugs. No one need be concerned that gun-toting gang maniacs are parading through our 'hood. Drug dealing is a serious crime though, and we want to make sure that these kids know that our neighborhoods WILL NOT tolerate drugs or drug dealing of any kind in our park or on our streets.
FAQ Regarding Tagging:
Q: Who do I call if I see that something has been tagged?
A: You want to do a few things. 1. Call 311 and request that a police report be filed. This is VERY important as it shows APD what's happening in a certain area. 2. Ask 311 to have someone come out and clean it up ASAP (this is free even for private property) UNLESS you have already cleaned it up or covered over it yourself. 3. If possible, take a picture of it just in case it gets removed or painted over before the police can get there. It is helpful for them to see who made the tag. 4. Keep an eye out on the affected area. Taggers often return to the scene of the crime to see their work or to see if someone has tagged over it. 5. Call 911 if you see someone hanging around the spot. Of course, you must be sensible; you certainly can't call every time someone is waiting at a bus stop, for example.
Q: Can I paint over tagging that I see?
A: YES, you can! Please do, in fact. Please try to match the paint if at all possible. We are working to get paint from the city that we will keep on hand here in the neighborhood. If you need paint, just ask on the listserve or on the new TAG Team listserve and someone can help you. Lowe's and Home Depot carry lots and lots of spray paint in various colors. The metallic silver is very good for posts. There is also a red that supposedly matches STOP signs well. They also carry a few removal products. DO NOT USE REMOVAL PRODUCTS ON REFLECTIVE SIGNS. If you cannot cover up or remove the tagging, please call 311 and explain that you have tried, but to no avai,l and you need someone to come out ASAP. Please explain to them that your neighborhood is in a tagging wave and you need it clean up as soon as possible, please.
Q: Are the gangs dangerous?
A: Probably not at all. They are mostly comprised of kids, but the police do believe that there is drug dealing involved and that takes things to another level. Drug dealing in Brentwood Park and on our streets will not be tolerated and must be stopped.
Q: What can I do to help?
A: Lots of things!
1. Join our task force - The Violet Crown TAG (Together Against Graffiti) Team is a new Yahoo group set up to give concerned neighbors a place to talk and brainstorm. Please consider joining if for nothing else than to stay informed: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/VCTagteam/
2. Get out on the streets and in your park! A busy and active neighborhood shows gangs that there are lots of eyes and ears around. The more empty and quiet the streets are, the easier it is to tag.
3. Call 911 if you see suspicious activity. We have a lot of street traffic in our thoroughfare neighborhood. People are different; they look different, they dress differently, they act differently. Just because someone doesn't look like you, doesn't mean they're a criminal. Please use good judgment.
4. Clean up tagging as soon as you see it. The number ONE thing that helps contain tagging (other than catching the taggers) is to cover it up as soon as it happens. It's simply a battle of wills. When the taggers see that we are busier than they are, they'll go somewhere else...or not.
Q: Will the tagging end? Will we win?
A: Probably not. It's imperative that we look at this as a beautification project and NOT as an "us vs them" scenario. We want to show that our neighborhood is loved and well-cared for and that we are an active and involved community. Whether we "win" or not is secondary. It does a 'hood good to beautify all the time, not just when faced with issues of vandalism.
Q: Can I still post on the main listserve about tagging?
A: Of course! The new TAG group is just another avenue for communication. The tagging issue WILL die down and the TAG Team was formed so that a few people can stay involved and on top of the problem even after the initial momentum has died down.
Thanks for caring about your lovely neighborhood!
General Membership Meeting & Election of Officers; Wed., Feb. 23rd @ 7:00 pm
Brentwood Neighborhood Association represents you, so it is vitally important that you join us for our annual general membership meeting to be held on Wednesday, February 23rd beginning at 7:00 pm at the North Austin Lions Club at 1103 Justin Lane. We will be electing this year’s officers and steering committee; our current slate of Officers is: Don Leighton-Burwell (President), Scott Freng, (Vice President), John Halaburt (Secretary) and Angie Ward (Treasurer). Our nominations for Steering Committee include: Gail McDonald, Pam Leighton-Burwell, Laton Carr, Monte Smith, Bill Morgan, Dale Henry, and Elizabeth Freng. We will also take nominations from the floor and are always looking for volunteers.
We will be reviewing BNA accomplishments (Luminarias, Labor Day Parade, Erosion Control Project, Zoning/Variances/Planning Priorities, Park Projects, Police Relations/Neighborhood Watch, etc.) during the past year and discussing neighborhood issues that will be affecting us in 2011.
February is also the month to pay your neighborhood association dues. You can use the form on the back of this newsletter, or go to our new blog (http://brentwoodaustin.blogspot.com/) and pay via PayPal. BNA delivers this newsletter to more than 2500 households, all of whom are potential members. At only $10/year, we are asking for your support by paying your dues and showing your willingness to sustain the works of our association. Do your part and let us know that you care about your neighborhood!
We will be reviewing BNA accomplishments (Luminarias, Labor Day Parade, Erosion Control Project, Zoning/Variances/Planning Priorities, Park Projects, Police Relations/Neighborhood Watch, etc.) during the past year and discussing neighborhood issues that will be affecting us in 2011.
February is also the month to pay your neighborhood association dues. You can use the form on the back of this newsletter, or go to our new blog (http://brentwoodaustin.blogspot.com/) and pay via PayPal. BNA delivers this newsletter to more than 2500 households, all of whom are potential members. At only $10/year, we are asking for your support by paying your dues and showing your willingness to sustain the works of our association. Do your part and let us know that you care about your neighborhood!
Steering Committee Reminder
The next Steering Committee Meeting will be Wednesday May 4, 2011,
from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
(All members of the Brentwood Neighborhood Association are welcome to attend!)
Steering Committee Meetings are held at North Austin Lions Club, 1103 Justin Lane.
from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
(All members of the Brentwood Neighborhood Association are welcome to attend!)
Steering Committee Meetings are held at North Austin Lions Club, 1103 Justin Lane.
For your convenience, you can now use PayPal to pay for your yearly membership. Please note, an additional $0.60 processing fee will be added to the transaction. Of course, you can still mail your payment (check) along with the BNA Membership form. If you are interested in this method of payment, please go to Join BNA for more details.
Yearly membership rates are $10.00/Household and $5.00/Senior Citizens.
2010 Luminarias along the Arroyo
This year we're trying something different regarding our Holiday Luminarias along the Arroyo. Instead of having one person coordinate this annual holiday celebration, we've styled the event as a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) affair. And so far, thanks primarily to the help of Michele Holt acting as our "clearing house" of information (and distribution of candles), it looks like we'll have another successful year of holiday lights!
To help with conveying years of collective history (and logistics) about this event, we're posting to the blog in a Q&A format some pertinent information to let folks know about some basic steps in creating this event. We have some info posted on the "Files" section of the Brentwood E-Group (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/brentwood-na/files/Luminarias/). There you will find a map and other info shown helpful tips on luminarias. Also, check-out the "Photos" section for more info (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/brentwood-na/photos/album/0/list).
So here's the Q&A so far; check in periodically for updates:
Q: When do we light the luminarias?
A: December 20 - 25
Q: What time do we light?
A: We light at 6 pm and extinguish at 10 pm.
Q: Do I have to extinguish the lights? Won't they just burn out?
A: Yes, please do extinguish them. It's safer and it saves candles. If you let them burn out, you'll use 6 candles. You should really only need 2 or 3.
Q: Do I have to secure my own milk/water jugs?
A: Yes and no. If you can, please do! If you can't, there are many people working hard to collect extras and you are welcome to them.
Q: Where can I pick up jugs if I need them?
A: A few different places. Michele Holt's house at 1515 Ruth has a large box and some garbage bags full of jugs. Swing by and get what you need. There are also collection stations at Brentwood Elementary. A neighbor is picking those up. When they have all been collected we will make an announcement and you can come and get those as well. Neighbor Mike McChesney is collecting from Starbucks at an impressive rate. You can reach him at: mcchesney@austin.rr.com. If you need jugs, PLEASE ASK on the list serve and someone will help you.
Q: Where do I get the sand for the bottom of the jug?
A: There will be a yard of sand delivered to Brentwood Park that everyone can use. We will make a list serve and blog announcement when it arrives.
Q: Do I have to buy my own candles?
A: No, not if you live in Brentwood. The BNA has kindly purchased candles for us. They will be available for pick-up at Michele Holt's house sometime after the 13th. We'll announce that as well. If you live in Crestview you will need to purchase your own candles. The BNA has a small budget for this project and we have exceeded it with the candle purchase alone. However, please know we are so grateful for your participation. You will have access to the sand which will be at Brentwood Park sometime in the coming week. If you need help with anything, please post to both the BW and CV lists and we'll get you set up.
Q: I took a section but I need help lighting and extinguishing. What can I do?
A: Please post to the listserve! There are plenty of people willing to help; they just need to know who needs it. Please put I NEED HELP WITH LUMINARIS in your subject box. Give your arroyo location and what nights you need help.
Q: How do I cut the milk jugs?
A: Check out drawing at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/brentwood-na/photos/album/0/list. Use sharp mat knife, start near handle and follow dashed line shown in link above. Be careful!
Q: Are there any areas still needing volunteers?
A: There is also a small patch from the Brentwood Elementary bridge SOUTH to Ruth. Other folks are looking for volunteers to help them with their sections. If you would like to take any of these areas, please post it to the list serve asap or contact Michele Holt at: wabisabiholt@gmail.com
Q: I don't really want to commit, but I'd like to help. Can I just show up?
A: Well, sure! It would be helpful to know how much help we have, but if you want to mosey on down to your area at 6pm and/or 10pm, I'm sure we can use you.
Q: I can't help with the project, but I'd like to donate money. Who can I talk to about this?
A: By joining the Brentwood Neighborhood Association, your dues will help all neighborhood projects such as this. If you really just want to donate some cash, contact Michele Holt at: wabisabiholt@gmail.com and she'll get you to the right person.
A: December 20 - 25
Q: What time do we light?
A: We light at 6 pm and extinguish at 10 pm.
Q: Do I have to extinguish the lights? Won't they just burn out?
A: Yes, please do extinguish them. It's safer and it saves candles. If you let them burn out, you'll use 6 candles. You should really only need 2 or 3.
Q: Do I have to secure my own milk/water jugs?
A: Yes and no. If you can, please do! If you can't, there are many people working hard to collect extras and you are welcome to them.
Q: Where can I pick up jugs if I need them?
A: A few different places. Michele Holt's house at 1515 Ruth has a large box and some garbage bags full of jugs. Swing by and get what you need. There are also collection stations at Brentwood Elementary. A neighbor is picking those up. When they have all been collected we will make an announcement and you can come and get those as well. Neighbor Mike McChesney is collecting from Starbucks at an impressive rate. You can reach him at: mcchesney@austin.rr.com. If you need jugs, PLEASE ASK on the list serve and someone will help you.
Q: Where do I get the sand for the bottom of the jug?
A: There will be a yard of sand delivered to Brentwood Park that everyone can use. We will make a list serve and blog announcement when it arrives.
Q: Do I have to buy my own candles?
A: No, not if you live in Brentwood. The BNA has kindly purchased candles for us. They will be available for pick-up at Michele Holt's house sometime after the 13th. We'll announce that as well. If you live in Crestview you will need to purchase your own candles. The BNA has a small budget for this project and we have exceeded it with the candle purchase alone. However, please know we are so grateful for your participation. You will have access to the sand which will be at Brentwood Park sometime in the coming week. If you need help with anything, please post to both the BW and CV lists and we'll get you set up.
Q: I took a section but I need help lighting and extinguishing. What can I do?
A: Please post to the listserve! There are plenty of people willing to help; they just need to know who needs it. Please put I NEED HELP WITH LUMINARIS in your subject box. Give your arroyo location and what nights you need help.
Q: How do I cut the milk jugs?
A: Check out drawing at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/brentwood-na/photos/album/0/list. Use sharp mat knife, start near handle and follow dashed line shown in link above. Be careful!
Q: Are there any areas still needing volunteers?
A: There is also a small patch from the Brentwood Elementary bridge SOUTH to Ruth. Other folks are looking for volunteers to help them with their sections. If you would like to take any of these areas, please post it to the list serve asap or contact Michele Holt at: wabisabiholt@gmail.com
Q: I don't really want to commit, but I'd like to help. Can I just show up?
A: Well, sure! It would be helpful to know how much help we have, but if you want to mosey on down to your area at 6pm and/or 10pm, I'm sure we can use you.
Q: I can't help with the project, but I'd like to donate money. Who can I talk to about this?
A: By joining the Brentwood Neighborhood Association, your dues will help all neighborhood projects such as this. If you really just want to donate some cash, contact Michele Holt at: wabisabiholt@gmail.com and she'll get you to the right person.
New Website Launched
Welcome to the all new BNA website.
This is the first step in the process of modernizing the web presence for our neighborhood and building a stronger community of involved citizens. Please take a moment to bookmark our new site, so you can return soon. We will be adding regular content and blogging about what is happening in our neighborhood. We hope you will follow our progress in creating a more dynamic web presence that augments our other neighborhood resources (Yahoo e-group and Newsletter) and the great work that volunteers are doing everyday.
The BNA Bylaws state that the Purpose of our organization is to..."promote and protect the quality of life, safety, residential characteristics and property values of the neighborhood primarily, and all neighborhoods generally." We believe that this evolved web presence will help us meet these commitments and achieve wonderful things in the future.
Welcome.
This is the first step in the process of modernizing the web presence for our neighborhood and building a stronger community of involved citizens. Please take a moment to bookmark our new site, so you can return soon. We will be adding regular content and blogging about what is happening in our neighborhood. We hope you will follow our progress in creating a more dynamic web presence that augments our other neighborhood resources (Yahoo e-group and Newsletter) and the great work that volunteers are doing everyday.
The BNA Bylaws state that the Purpose of our organization is to..."promote and protect the quality of life, safety, residential characteristics and property values of the neighborhood primarily, and all neighborhoods generally." We believe that this evolved web presence will help us meet these commitments and achieve wonderful things in the future.
Welcome.
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Not receiving a newsletter?! Let us know! Contact MJ Wetherhead by email at team.azuri@gmail.com or by phone at 458-2979.
If you would like to place an advertisement or submit an article to the Brentwood Neighborhood Newsletter, please see our newsletter link for deadlines.
Get your articles and ads in early! Space is available on a first come, first served basis.
If you would like to place an advertisement or submit an article to the Brentwood Neighborhood Newsletter, please see our newsletter link for deadlines.
Get your articles and ads in early! Space is available on a first come, first served basis.
