More than 50 neighbors attended the meeting on May 29, meeting new neighbors as they looked over the displays of information and the new MLN logo items.
Acting President Tricia DelGaudio began the meeting with a review of MLNA activities (Email list, newsletter, CERT, Neighborhood Watch, block parties, Ice Cream Social, and Holiday Progressive Dinner), and introduced the volunteers who make these possible. She also showed slides of recent traffic improvements, including a video clip of drivers cutting the Nita/Nita corner before the new lane barrier was installed.
Tricia then introduced the board candidates. Because the election was uncontested, the slate was ratified by voice vote. The 2019-2020 board members are listed here.
Guest speakers Community Services Officer Jodie Pierce and Sgt. Wahed (Wally) Magee from the MVPD spoke about safety. They mentioned the importance of block parties, which encourage neighbors to know and to watch out for each other. Officer Pierce said that 40% of the block parties held in Mountain View are in Monta Loma. Sgt. Magee stressed the importance of reducing theft from vehicles. If a laptop, iPad, or mobile device is not completely shut down, it constantly looks for WiFi, and burglars use devices that can detect them. Rental cars and Teslas are prime targets for auto burglaries. Parking lots are prime car-burglary spots, so your items should be put in the trunk before reaching your destination.
Questions from audience members included these:
What crimes are increasing? Car burglaries, mail theft, and drugs, partly due to lower penalties.
How to prevent package theft? Security cameras that are less noticeable, neighbors who will collect your packages, and Amazon drop-off boxes.