Tuesday, October 13, 2009

City pulls signs after Resident complaints

For some time now, there has been an attempt to bolster the presence of Neighborhood Watch. I don't think it necessary to explain why as it's been covered in meetings at our park, the website site http://home.rr.com/desertpride and in earlier blogs. All the while, crime continues in our wonderful little development.

The most recent attempt to open the eyes, ears and phone lines of not only the residents but also the criminals, was the posting of signs on both sides of the three ingress/egress points at Coldbrook, Bayberry and Woodberry for a total of six signs- We are Watching (as they entered) and We Were Watching (as they left).

The signs started disappearing and were continually replaced as quickly as possible. This continued time after time until,as I've written before, a culprit was arrested thanks to the action of a caring neighbor - a Neighborhood Watch heroine. As quickly as possible, the signs were replaced, yet again they started disappearing. A call was placed to the Code Compliance department who responded that they had not pulled any signs. With these new events, the La Quinta Police Department staked out the signs at various times attempting to apprehend the newest perpetrator to no avail. When out of the blue and as if a tornado swept me up, I received a call from City Hall telling me that Code Compliance had pulled the signs because of complaints received from residents. WOW! I want to say that I can't imagine anyone would object to their neighbors trying to find another means of protecting them and their property but there is one thing I've learned in my years here on the Blue Planet - Never say Never !!!

A number of residents have commented that it's impossible. How could anyone object to putting criminals on notice. A number have also commented that the City may be covering up for the actions of the City-contracted landscapers or even Compliance Officer(s) who were unaware of the interaction of the Neighborhood Watch and the City and pulled the signs. A number, like me, are just finding it incomprehensible that any resident would not want as much attention as possible, without searchlights, balloons and a clown, brought to the attention of the criminals entering and leaving our development looking for an opportunity or planning what they had just scoped out;however, it is possible.

If there is truly one or more residents that have comments/suggestions/request, this is an open invitation to you: Please make them known Positive or Negative all are welcome That is the way we can become better, stronger and more unified in our goals. The email is one way: desertpride@dc.rr.com or this blog is another as anyone can review your thoughts or even my phone 1-760-610-3245 (Remember we have to start dialing the area code soon).

There must be a way to make this a safer place for us and our property (we've worked too hard to acquire it not to maximize protection) and maybe it's not just signs but more action from us all and OR a combination of the two - that sounds better doesn't it? (Note: The City returned the signs they pulled).

In any event, the effort will continue. Help is most welcome-as always

Keep the faith!

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