Changes around the community

For those of you who haven’t noticed, here is a list of changes that have recently occurred in the Soco Walk community, in large part to the stance its residents have taken in fighting local crime.

1. No trespassing signs have been posted at “entry” points to the complex.  I do wish they were more visible.  In any case, it’s official.  If you have no relationship with any resident of this community, and you are passing through in a belligerent or suspicious manner, you are trespassing.   If you see this occurring, pick of you phone and just inform the FPD.  They will come take care of it.

2. Lock have been installed on the electric closet doors.  If you would like a key, contact the association management.

3. Speed bumps were installed around the blind turns at the main entrance.  Beware as you turn, because you probably won’t even see the bumps, but they are big enough to make you not forget they are there.

4. New trees have been planted in place of the old dead ones.  Believe it or not, this does help in detering crime.  A well kept looking community projects an image of those who are on top of things.  If this place looked anything like what it did a few years back, you could expect that just like then, this place would be the central point for activity.

5.  I’m sure you noticed the new building are up.  Have you seen their driveways!  That’s good as it should serve to alleviate some of the parking demand if they can park in their driveways.

6. The Coffee Rail and Sweet Mango are OPEN!!!!  Just kidding.  They are still cosed.  Hey, I can wish.

7.  Apparently large propane tanks are not allowed within 10 feet of the building.  This means they can’t be on your balconies.  You can still barbeque though, you just need to use the tiny camping tanks.  Sorry folks, it is the law.  But at least they aren’t banned.  Wait, isn’t there someone suggesting to ban them?  Someone give that person the “Enemy of Fun” badge.  Not being able to barbeque sounds un-American.  (More on this subject in a future post).

What does “Urban” mean to you?

In light of the recent rash of activity regarding the communities new “noteriety,” I’d like to start a discussion of what the term “Urban” means.

Seriously, we all know what the dictionary says.  But in reading the article, and listening to some comments from around the community, it obvious some people have not a clue.

Just for the record, dictionary.com defines urban as:

urban – adj.  

1. Of, relating to, or located in a city.
2. Characteristic of the city or city life.

I personally take it as more of a synonym for metropolitan, which I derive from my experiences in cities like New York and Los Angeles.  I hear urban and I imagine, a city rich with activity, of all walks of life.  Public transpotration, bars and restaurants abound, crime, and traffic.  I definitely do not expect lawns and gardens, parks and playgrounds.  That I expect more out of suburbia, wouldn’t you agree?

But again, obviously some of our residents had no clue what they were getting into.  I think maybe some saw this as modern and hip, and bought into this community without regard to what was actually being sold to them.  This community has always been billed as “urban-like.”

I don’t understand why living here, people complain about there being no gates or no park or no pool.  Didn’t you know when you bought the place?  If you want those things so bad – move to a suburb.  I hear Irvine is nice.

I don’t understand why living here, people complain about noise from the bars or noise from their neighbors.  Didn’t you know this was attached living?  Didn’t you see how close you were to Downtown?  If you wanted piece and quiet and everyone asleep by 9:00 pm – move to a suburb.  I hear Victorville has some opennings.

And yes I realize that some of you may turn around and say, “why are you complaining about crime then?”  But my answer to that is, personal safety, in urban or suburban or sub-suburban, it doesn’t matter – we all should have the right to live in a safe environment.

My point is, if you don’t like living in an urban environment – move.  Don’t try to change this community to become something it was never meant to be to appease what your short sightedness got you into.  I didn’t want Irvine and I didn’t want L.A.  I wanted Fullerton – an old historic city, that as a transit gateway to Orange County – is on the verge of growing to the next level.

That LA Times article…

In regards to a previous post about an LA Times article (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-downtown19-2008aug19,0,1885626.story?page=1), a resident responded with the following:

Do you live in SocoWalk or is this blog just an effort to decrease property values in SocoWalk?

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I assume these negative responses are a result of the misrepresentation of the purpose of this blog perpetuated by the LA Times article.  I am greatly disappointed that the blog has taken on this negative light.

I assure, this blog was not created to decrease property values of the Soco Walk community.

Common now, listen to yourself.  Do you think this blog is the source of the problem?  Is THIS blog the cause of lowering property values?

This blog was created because we live in a neighborhood that, much like all other neighborhoods, has its issues.  This blog aims to help combat problems created by members of the community (and these individuals are part of this local community) by keeping other members informed and alert.  By commenting on this blog, I am proud that you care as much to continually keep yourself informed.  But don’t place your frustrations with the surrounding situation here with unfounded (and ridiculous) blame.

Look outside your window.  Do you see the graffiti?  Do you see the homeless drunks? Do you see the traffic?

My friend, I hate to break it to you, but it’s those issues driving down the values.  This blog does nothing to create those things.  All this blog does is inform you of its existence, so that you can do something about it.

Interview for the LA Times

I was contacted by a reporter from the LA Times who wanted to interview residents for an article regarding the Soco Walk Community.  I was asked to forward on the request for participation.

Paloma Esquivel sends:

My name is Paloma Esquivel and I’m a reporter at the Los Angeles Times. I’m working on a story about projects like SoCo Loft in Orange County and would like to speak with you if you’re available – I’m looking to speak to people who live in the complex to find out why they chose it, how it’s been etc.

Please give me a call or shoot me an e-mail if you’re available to chat.

Thanks,

Paloma

My direct line here is 714-966-5985.

Paloma Esquivel

Staff Writer

Los Angeles Times

1375 Sunflower Avenue

Costa Mesa, Ca 92626

Direct: 714-966-5985

800 LA TIMES, Ext. 65985

Fax: 714-966-7711

E-mail: paloma.esquivel@latimes.com

Walk-through Checklist

So I got this idea for a fun little post.  Being that in the coming months we are going to get a huge influx of new neighbors, I figured we can put together a great list of things to watch out for when they do their move-in walk-through.

This list is cool because it will be a “custom tailored” list composed of items current Soco Walk residents found during their walk-throughs (or months after).

Feel free to comment and add to the list.  I’ll start it off:

1. Check that your front door(s) all close and lock and open easily.

2. Carefully look at the walls from every angle.  Make sure there are no scratches, dings, or uneven paint/texturing.  Look out for huge cracks too.

3. Make sure all the screws are properly installed on each step of the stairs.

4. Check the finishing around the handrails.  It probably will be rough.

5. Check around the a/c ducting where it connects to the walls.  Make sure the finishing isn’t rough.

6. If applicable, carefully walk the carpet and feel for any lumps underneath, especially around the walls and the closet floor rails.  Don’t be suprised if underneath there are nails, newspapers, or construction debris.

7. Check underneath the edge of the counters on the island.  Make sure they are painted/finished properly.

8. You probably won’t check, but if you can look above the cabinets in the kitchen.  You might get lucky and find a lost hammer like I did.  Otherwise, they should be properly cleaned.

9. Check for dings and scratches on the tub and shower enclosures.

10. Check all the bedroom and closet doors function properly.

Well, there is so much more but that is all I can come up with.  I remember hearing horror stories from other neighbors, so if you are out there, please let us hear your stories/tips.

Have fun and welcome to the neighborhood!

Where did the Design Center go?

I have gotten a few emails on the subject of the Design Center.  Does anyone know of its whereabouts?  It was supplanted when they sold the unit.

On a similar note, the third story loft model is now in escrow.

Soco Walk Sold Out!

So I was able to drop by the Sales Center the other day and found out that all of the units are sold!  Of course none went for the prices that the units were initially billed at a couple of years ago, but all I could gather is that they all went for something in the mid-high $400s.

Everyone should be moved in by December.  Let the mad dash for parking spots begin.

Have a happy 4th!

Happy Days

Sorry for the inactivity lately.  But in general that is a good thing.

The only thing to note is the fencing around the new lofts has been removed (except around the building that isn’t quite as finished).  Looks like development is moving right along.  Hopefully sales are as well.

Parking is still a mess.

No recent property vandalism!

This forum hasn’t received any word yet on the electrical closets issue, though resolution is in the works.

Have a great day!

SOCO WALK INTERNATIONAL NIGHT JUNE 21st

A Resident sends:

[There] is a Community event that I would like to add to this Blog.

It is intended for all residents of SOCO WALK whom are all invited to participate.

Date is for JUNE 21st 6PM in the DEPOT COURT Green zone.

Thank you

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There was a pdf attached with details but I can’t attach it here and I don’t have time to post the details.  Anyone that does have the flyer can you comment the details out.  Thanks.  Enjoy.

Final Loft Building Going Vertical

Looks like the preliminary stage of framing are occurring at the last construction site on Broadway.  The garage beams are being installed.

Domestic Disturbance?

A residents sends:

“At around 12:30 am last night there was some fierce arguing going on in the streets on the loft side.  A man kept yelling “I kill people” or something along those lines.  A female was heard crying as well.  The police were notified.”

A Note to Potential Buyers

I’d like to take this moment to reach out to potential buyers who happen upon this site.  First and foremost, I am in no way, shape, or form associated with The Olsen Company.  Contributions to this blog come from whom I assume to be residents or neighbors of the community.  Now, on to the community…

Soco Walk, for all its flaws and hang-ups, is for the most part a great place to live.  This blog may give a sense of caution to the area, but what is reported here really isn’t far beyond what you would encounter in other neighborhoods.  If anything, the fact this forum exists should be indicative of the type of community we have – one that is proactive and caring about the safety and well being of this area.  I for one am very proud to be a member of this community.

As it has been said, this Soco Walk community is serving as the “test” community for this type of mixed-use complex.  Many people have their doubts about these types of communities, especially coming from a traditionally “suburban” perspective.  But the reality is that many people are finding this type of living very attractive, very metropolitan, very contemporary.  Fullerton, as one, if not THE, central transportation hub of Orange County, it makes sense that communities like this take root in the area; historically, it has been major transportation hub cities that eventually evolve into metropolitan centers.

If you are interested in our community, enough to the point of reading this, I encourage to come down and see it for yourself.

If you are a current resident of the Soco Walk community, I invite you now also to add a few words about your thoughts, good or bad, about the Soco Walk.

Soco Dr./Walnut Fire Gate STILL Open

The construction traffic is very minimal today, but the gate is still open for use.

Clean Up Your Sh*t

I have spoken to many people and there is a growing concern about Pet Owners and their pet’s mess.  There are a lot of residents who can be seen walking their pets, which I think is a wonderful thing.  But let’s be respectful of everyone and clean up after their mess.  There is limited grass area for everyone, and when giant sh*t bombs are left behind, it is just plain rude to other dog owners and residents who are walking around trying to enjoy the community.

I hate to post something like this, but it is getting ridiculous.  Bring a bag.

Anonyminty

For those of you who wish to submit comments but want to remain anonymous to the rest of the readership, we have decided to remove the requirement for you to enter any personal information.

Once again, feel free to participate.  The more eyes and ears, the better.

Hello world!

Hi. If you stumbled upon this blog, you probably live in the area.  This blog was meant to keep people updated on the going-ons of the Soco Walk community and the immediate surrounding areas.  It is not intended to hurt, demean, or otherwise target any one individual of the community.

If you live in  Soco Walk, I strongly urge you to post and contribute.  You are as valuable a source for the current events and musings around the community, no matter how small.

Let the watch begin…