Category Archives: Resources

Tracking Crime in Our Neighborhood

You may not hear about a crime unless a neighbor tells you. Otherwise you might think Gatlinburg doesn’t have a crime problem. BUT WE DO!

The Gatlinburg subdivision has nearly 500 households and police are called to investigate crimes every week. I know this because I get a SpotCrime.com daily email summary with a list and a map of Pflugerville.

crime listing
Note the Gatlinburg streets.

 

 

 

 

Pflugerville area crime reports
Blue Icon Marks Gatlinburg

 Would you like to see a crime report map for Pflugerville? Visit SpotCrime.com.

What I like are the map icons for the type of crime showing about where it happened.  Icons like “theft,” “arrest,” “vandelism,” and “burglary” to name a few. However, one of the most common reports is the “other” type which doesn’t tell us much.

map icons for crime type
Web site map icons.

Actual street addresses are hidden so if you click on the map icon, you will only see Google’s street view near, but not at the crime’s address.

Enter your email address and SpotCrime.com  will send you daily updates with ads or product endorsements. Since its free to get this information the ads are minor inconvenience.

Neighborhood Watch

What can you do to prevent being a crime victim? Of course, you could install a burglar alarm or other devices, but why not join with your neighbors to form a Block Watch? A block watch group organizes to be alert for suspicious activity on the street by people not familiar to the neighborhood. Neighbors also meet several time a year to learn crime prevention methods from the police or educational material. Individuals can volunteer to join Citizens On Patrol and receive advanced safety training.

The Pflugerville Police Department will help you start your Block Watch. Phone Community Services Cpl. Dan Griffith at 670-5514 or email dgriffith [at] pflugervilletx.gov.

Neighborhood Watch
The Neighborhood Watch Sign

 

Save money with City’s toilet voucher program

The City of Pflugerville this week announced a high-efficiency toilet voucher program. Continue reading Save money with City’s toilet voucher program

Six tips to follow when hiring a contractor

Not too long ago I was at the Pflugerville Post Office, waiting in line, when I struck up a conversation with a gentleman. Our conversation turned naturally toward occupations and he told me he owned a roofing business. That led to us to talk about many things, but in particular the importance of referrals and business reputation.

AARP Magazine (Jan/Feb 2011, p.24) suggests the BBB’s rating system isn’t a fair way to find reliable contractors. Continue reading Six tips to follow when hiring a contractor

You say your street light is out!

I usually walk in the morning, but after dinner I decided I should walk off some calories! It was already near 9 PM and completely dark, but I said to myself, “Let’s get her done!” Continue reading You say your street light is out!

School board candidates speak at PfCONA forum

Place 3 PISD Board Candidate

I recorded speeches by three PISD school board Place 3 candidates (L to R) Chester Hoster, Mario M. Acosta, and Rob Reyes as well as their answers to questions from Pflugerville residents at the April 12, 2010 PfCONA Political Forum.  Candidate Virginia German was also invited but did not attend the forum. Continue reading School board candidates speak at PfCONA forum

Candidate Bill White speaks at PfCONA forum

Bill White
Bill White

I recorded Democratic Candidate for Governor Bill White‘s speech and answers to questions from Pflugerville residents at the April 12, 2010 PfCONA Political Forum. Duration 44:30.  All the candidate speeches are also available HERE. Continue reading Candidate Bill White speaks at PfCONA forum

Walk Our Neighborhood

Gatlinburg Is Great for Walking

Its time to get moving! We are lucky to have nice residential streets without much traffic, lots of trees for shade, and gentle hills. See how you can walk 2 miles in Gatlnburg on this map. Continue reading Walk Our Neighborhood

How does Vic’s Garden Grow?

Vic Farrow started his vegetable garden in March, but when I visited him May 17 it was clearly already a winner. Check out my slide show of pictures I took as Vic showed me his cucumbers, cantaloupe, leaf lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and much more.

Continue reading How does Vic’s Garden Grow?

Growing a Garden Tour

It occurred to me on a recent walk around our fair neighborhood that a few residents are creating lush and colorful front yards and growing healthy vegetable gardens in their backyards.  I know it takes lots of effort, but I do that too and don’t have much to show for it. They must know the right stuff! I wonder if they would share what they know?

A Garden Tour Project

Imagine what would happen if I or you had an invitation to visit these experts and learn how they do it? Would Gatlinburg homes become more beautiful? Would the property values and the desirability of living in our neighborhood increase? Would recognition for good landscaping encourage more homeowners to do it? I believe it would. Continue reading Growing a Garden Tour