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).

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.

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.

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

Locks have now been installed on the electrical closet doors throughout the community.  This should deter against criminal activity and squatting occurring in and around these areas.

I haven’t heard word yet on how to get a hold of the key in case of emergency and there is a need to get to the water main inside the closets.

If anyone else knows, please share.

There are new palm trees being replaced at various locations around the community.  Please be aware that some traffic will occur.  Please use caution around turns; oncoming bulldozers don’t brake very well.

I have received numerous warnings from residents about the blind turns at the Sales Center.  Especially during this time of high construction activity, please do take extra care around making those turns towards the loft or townhome sides.  It is very hard to see oncoming traffic due to the fencing and/or building.  It is especially difficult coming around the Sales Office into the loft side, as construction/Olson reps park their vehicles behind that garage, making that pass even more narrow.

Thanks.

I just happened by the sales center this morning and saw that the construction on the final loft building has begun.  No traffic reports yet, but I would expect congestion in the area soon.

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!

A Resident sends:

“There are a couple of graffiti tags on the walkway pavement between the church and the new construction.  There was also an attempt to  etch “FTT” into the newly paved walkways in front of the new buildings.”