December Calendar of Events in & around Bexar County

L-R: KTSA 550 Talk Show Hosts Kevin Wall & Jack Riccardi

• December 4th-Mission to Mission Charity Bike Tour. For more info: call 271-7000 or email rcontreras@sbcglobal.net
• December 4th-San Antonio Star Gala, "Una Noche con las Estrellas" presented by Brandi Lopez & Latin Fusion, from 6p.m. -11:30 p.m. @ the Wonderland of the Americas Mall, 4522 Fredericksburg Road.
• December 5th-You are cordially invited to a Birthday Merienda celebrating the fall birthdays of the three co-incorporators of the Henry B. Gonzalez Foundation for Inspiring Public Service from 3 to 5 p.m. at La Fonda on Main, 2415 Main Avenue, Dr. Lucille Lopez Santos, 85, Joyce Coulon Peters, 80,
  Gail Joyce Beagle, 75.
• December 7th- District 7 (Councilman Justin Rodriguez) Holiday Party @ 6 p.m.@ St. Luke's Parish Hall. (4603 Manitou Dr. @ Callaghan)
• December 7th-Girls Inc. of San Antonio Hosts President/CEO Meet & Greet from 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m., 1209 South Saint Mary's. Free Event, No RSVP required.
• December 7th-Fundraiser for SAISD Board Member Olga Hernandez, @ Mary Lou's Restaurant on McCullough from 5-7 p.m.
• December 8th-The San Antonio Independent School District & Fox Tech High School cordially invites you to the dedication ceremony of the Judge Andy Mireles Law Magnet Center, 637 N. Main Ave. Wednesday, December 8th @ 5:30 p.m.
• December 8th-Small, Minority, Women, & Veteran's Business Owners (SMWVBO) Conference from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. @ Freeman Coliseum on E. Commerce near the AT&T Center.
• December 8th-You are cordially invited to a "Retire The Debt" Fundraiser for Judge-Elect Genie Wright, December 8th from 5:30 -7 p.m. @ Cadillac Bar, 212 S. Flores. Call 414-7120
• December 9th: The San Antonio Professional Fire Fighter's Association
  cordially invites you to meet City Council District 1 Candidate Ralph Medina
  @ Luke Restaurant 125 E Houston St. from 5:30 -7 p.m. RSVP - 210 355- 8207.
• December 10th-Bexar County Adult Probation Officers Association & the San Antonio AFL-CIO invite you to a "Christmas Party" from 7-midnight @ Pueblo Hall, 3315 Northwestern.
• December 10th-Senator Carlos Uresti will host his 14th Annual District Christmas Party and Toy Drive at VFW Post 9186, 650 VFW Blvd. in San Antonio, from 6 to 11 p.m.
• December 12th-Support Your Local Sheriff, (Amadeo Ortiz) Christmas Concert, @6:30 p.m., @ St. Luke Catholic Church, 4602 Manitou.
• December 14th-An Appreciation Reception for Congressman Ciro Rodriguez, @ 7 p.m. @ the Marriott Plaza, Hidalgo Ballroom, 555 S. Alamo. RSVP: Evan Hicks @ 928-2476.
• December 14th-KTSA 550 Talk Show Host Jack Riccardi hosts his 12th Annual "Wrappin with Jack" @Northside Ford on San Pedro from 7-9 p.m.
• December 17th-Fundraiser for Council candidate Leticia Cantu @ COCO XO from 7-10 p.m.

Word AIDS Day 2010, focus on importance of testing, 12-1

World AIDS Day 2010 to Focus on Importance HIV Testing

World AIDS Day is a day of remembrance for all of those who have lost their lives to AIDS. While health outcomes for people infected with HIV/AIDS have improved, the effects of this disease remain devastating globally.

In observance of World AIDS Day, Metro Health will conduct free HIV and Syphilis testing on Wednesday, Dec. 1st at the Central Library Auditorium, 600 Soledad. Metro Health activities are scheduled from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. There will be presentations on the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS in Bexar County and an educational interactive event.

Metro Health and area community-based organizations will provide free rapid
HIV tests to anyone requesting them on World AIDS Day at the library and the STD/HIV clinic at 332 W. Commerce.

Contact: Lorraine Pulido, Ph.D./669-2413
Lorraine.Pulido@sanantonio.gov

Dedication Ceremony 4 Judge Mireles Law Magnet Center, 12-8

Judge Andy Mireles (photo)

The San Antonio Independent School District & Fox Tech High School cordially invites you to the dedication ceremony of the Judge Andy Mireles Law Magnet Center, 637 N. Main Ave. Wednesday, December 8th @ 5:30 p.m.

NHPO December Mixer @ Lisa's Mexican Restaurant, 12-2

NHPO Mixer, December 2nd @ Lisa's Mexican Restaurant, 815 Bandera Road, from 6-8 p.m.

Appreciation Reception for Congressman Ciro Rodriguez, 12-14

An Appreciation Reception for Congressman Ciro Rodriguez, December 14th @ 7 p.m. @ the Marriott Plaza, Hidalgo Ballroom, 555 S. Alamo.

RSVP: Evan Hicks @ 928-2476.

Fundraiser for Commissioner Sergio "Chico" Rodriguez, 12-1

You are invited to a fundraiser event, December 1st from 5-7 p.m. for Commissioner Sergio "Chico" Rodriguez, @ the Garden House, 722 S. St. Mary's.

RSVP: vote-chico@satx.rr.com or call: 385-3065.

"Una Noche con las Estrellas" presented by Latin Fusion, 12-4

San Antonio Star Gala, "Una Noche con las Estrellas" presented by Brandi Lopez & Latin Fusion, from 6p.m. -11:30 p.m. December 4th @ the Wonderland of the Americas Mall, 4522 Fredericksburg Road.

Support Your Local Sheriff Amadeo Ortiz Concert, 12-12

Support Your Local Sheriff, (Amadeo Ortiz) Christmas Concert, @6:30 p.m., December 12th @ St. Luke Catholic Church, 4602 Manitou.

"Retire the Debt" Fundraiser for Judge-Elect Genie Wright, 12-8

Genie Wright (photo)
Judge-Elect

You are cordially invited to a "Retire The Debt" Fundraiser for Judge-Elect Genie Wright, December 8th from 5:30 -7 p.m. @ Cadillac Bar, 212 S. Flores. Call 414-7120.

"Committed to Ultimate Success of Truant Students" 11-28

Judge Stephen Walker: (photo)

a.k.a. Walker Report Publisher/Editor
28 de noviembre de 2010

by Dennis Ayotte Jr.

A retired teacher from Harlandale ISD, former adjunct professor at Wayland Baptist University and current San Antonio’s Precinct 2, Judge Stephen Walker looks to decrease dropout rates through encouraging students to continue on.

The fact a judge would require a truant student to obtain a San Antonio Library card and have them submit a two-page written and oral report seems odd, but for Judge Stephen Walker it is about redirecting the student toward a path of redemption.

Precinct 2, traditionally handled truancy cases in parts of NISD, NEISD, SAISD and Edgewood ISD until as of late.

Due to a backlog of cases and no attendance officers, SAISD and NISD have opted to reassign truancy cases to municipal courts, in order to expedite the process. The expedition of these cases comes at the cost of students financially and educationally.

In a recent editorial Judge Walker wrote for La Prensa, he made his stance clear. “Instead of just fining the parents, we require counseling for the student to include anger management, goal setting, good decision making, family counseling and Valero Mentoring.”

“Expediting students to municipal court for fines is a short term solution to a long term problem. It acerbates the problem of students becoming a dropout statistic or worse,” he added.

Fining parents and students while adding community service is not the answer to helping truants get back in the classroom and earn a high school diploma or GED. Judge Stephen Walker, who spent 26 years of his adult life as an educator, has a genuine vested interest in the rehabilitation and ultimate success of the student.
Judge Walker’s progressive methods and ideas on truancy have included court mandated:

Graduation plans
San Antonio Library Card
Written and oral book reports
Completion of a GED or high school diploma
Revocation or prevention of a driver’s license
Mandatory sign in sheets at school
Daily attendance sheets

Along with implementing new ways of helping students achieve ultimate success, Judge Walker feels it’s vital to have attendance officers involved. He often asks the recommendation of the attendance officer before making his final ruling.

“I only get to see these kids for two or three minutes, but the attendance officers are the ones working with the students regularly,” he said.

Judge Walker’s relentless commitment to the betterment of students couldn’t be seen more clearly from a case he had early this year, after he was faced with a distraught parent and a student that was cited numerous times for truancy.

After working with both the mother and daughter and monitoring the student’s attendance, she is now enrolled in a local college and works in the Precinct 2 courtroom two days a week doing data entry. A student who could have been easily another dropout statistic is now on her way to a career.

Judge Walker is making sure the students who pass through his court room amount to something through the power of redemption. To read more about Judge Stephen Walker, visit his website at walkerreport.net.

http://www.laprensasa.com/2.0/4/301/San-Antonio.html

Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Assist Veteran's Memorial

L-R: Cpt. Tony Mandujano Sr. & Jr., participants

Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Assist Veterans Memorial

Saturday, November 20th, Assist Veterans Memorial Board (AVMB) conducted the Groundbreaking Ceremony to start the fundraising effort, for the memorial, that had been planned throughout the year. (2009-2010) The Memorial is now committed to be across the street of SISD Sgt. Michael Barrera/Veterans Elementary School off of Smith Road, two miles outside Loop 1604 South on Hwy 16S.

Assist Veterans Memorial Board (AVMB) is a Non-Profit Community Service Agency established in September 2009 under the IRS code, section 501 © (19). The board consists of nine volunteer board members from Somerset/Von Ormy, Bexar County, and Atascosa County who have served or are serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Participants & Attendees at the event; Colonel Mary E. Garr, Congressman Ciro Rodriguez, Honorable Judge Diane Bautista, SISD School Board Superintendent Saul Hinojosa, Somerset Vol. Fire Dept. Chief Eddie DuGosh, SISD School Board Member Leo Salas & Dr. Omar Pachecano, Chaplain/Lt Col. Gil Richardson, Ms. Jennifer Padilla AVMB Secretary, Sgt. Raymond Gutierrez Taps for Vets, SISD JROTC Cadet Bravo, Memorial Artist Jesse Trevino, Memorial Architect Gabriel Q. Velasquez, 1st Sgt. Michael Lambria.

Photos/Story by Cpt. Tony Mandujano Sr. & Jr.

Coming Sunday in La Prensa, profile on Judge Steve Walker

Judge Steve Walker (photo)
a.k.a. Walker Report Publisher/Editor

Coming Sunday (Nov. 28th) in La Prensa San Antonio, a profile on Walker Report Publisher/Editor & Judge Steve Walker. Reporter (& A&M Journalism student) Dennis Ayotte highlights Walker's two years as a Judge in Pct. 2 related to Truancy. Walker retired from Harlandale ISD in 2002 after 26 years.

Editor's Note: Check out the November 21st Edition of La Prensa. On page 3-A Walker wrote a commentary about NISD & SAISD sending their truants to Municipal Court and his reaction.
http://www.laprensasa.com/

Join Fernando Reyes & others in suport of Leticia Cantu, 12-8

Join Fernando Reyes, (former Rey Feo) Mayor Julian Castro, Tim Tuggey, Gene Powell, Bill Greehey and others December 8th, from 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. @ 1220 E. Commerce for a fundraiser for Council candidate Leticia Cantu.

On Thanksgiving Day lets share a tidbit of historical information

(Photo of the Constitution) Did you know that in 1834 President Andrew Jackson paid off the national debt? ( the only President of the US to do so. Who knew?) He is quoted as saying, " Free from public debt."

He wrote, "At peace with the world...the present may be hailed as the epoch of our history the most favorable for the settlement of those principles in our domestic policy which shall ber calculated to give stability to our Republic and secure the Blessings of freedom to our citizens."

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving and Thank You Lord for All You Do!

Thank You Lord for all You do. Happy Thanskgiving to everyone!!!

Alice Guerra

GTO Advertising CEO

& staff

Thanksgiving message from District Judge Renee McElhaney

Judge Renee McElhaney (photo)

Dear Friends,

Time has flown since November 2d!! I can't believe it is already Thanksgiving.

I wanted to take just a moment before we all leave for the Holiday to tell you what a blessing you have been to me this year. Your friendship, your support, your encouragement . . . they all means more to me than I can say.

I deeply thank you . . . and I look forward to serving Bexar County as Your Judge in 2011 and beyond.

Much love,

Judge Renée McElhaney

Thanksgiving message from Congressman-Elect Quico Canseco

Congressman-Elect Quico Canseco (photo)

As Thanksgiving approaches, we can reflect over the last year with much to be thankful for. It is because of your hard work and dedication to our effort that we were able to take the Texas 23rd Congressional District for the commonsense conservative values that were the defining principles of our nations founding.

Four hundred years ago a few hundred men, women and children crowded themselves onto a boat and set sail for the new world, there to search for land they could defend and find freedom and liberty. Today, we are tasked with the burden of defending those very freedoms and liberties sought by the first pilgrims.

As we give thanks this year for the many blessing bestowed on us, let us always be mindful to renew our commitment to defending our freedom and liberty Over the next two years we must create and seize that opportunity. It is up to you and me to hold steadfast against the forces in Washington that would continue to bankrupt our country, eat away at our freedoms and liberties, and mortgage our future.

This year we can be thankful that we have the support of people like you all over the country ready to stand up with us. So as we cut into our turkey and butter our sweet potatoes, we can do so with great thanks, for the freedoms and liberties we will enjoy tomorrow and that will be here for generations to come.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Congressman-Elect Francisco Canseco

A Thanksgiving message from President Barack Obama

President Barack Obama (photo)

When Michelle and I sit down with our family to give thanks today, I want you to know that we'll be especially grateful for folks like you.

Everything we have been able to accomplish in the last two years was possible because you have been willing to work for it and organize for it.

And every time we face a setback, or when progress doesn't happen as quickly as we would like, we know that you'll be right there with us, ready to fight another day.

So I want to thank you -- for everything.

I also hope you'll join me in taking a moment to remember that the freedoms and security we enjoy as Americans are protected by the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces. These patriots are willing to lay down their lives in our defense, and each of us owes them and their families a debt of gratitude.

Have a wonderful day, and God bless.

Barack

Coming Sunday in La Prensa, profile on Judge Steve Walker

Judge Steve Walker (photo)

a.k.a. Walker Report Publisher/Editor

Coming Sunday in La Prensa San Antonio, a profile on Walker Report Publisher/Editor & Judge Steve Walker. Reporter Dennis Ayotte highlights Walker's two years as a Judge in Pct. 2 related to Truancy. Walker retired from Harlandale ISD in 2002 after 26 years.

.

Editor's Note: Check out the November 21st Edition of La Prensa. On page 3-A Walker wrote a commentary about NISD & SAISD sending their truants to Municipal Court and his reaction.

http://www.laprensasa.com/

Thanksgiving Message from Distict 10 Councilman John Clamp

Councilman John Clamp (photo)

As we near Thanksgiving Day, I'd like to share with you some of the things that I am most thankful for this holiday season.

First and foremost, I am thankful for my family. I am blessed to have a beautiful wife, four wonderful children and fantastic parents and extended family. Today, I would like to thank them all for their love and support.

I am also thankful to live in the greatest country in the world; and am especially grateful to live in Texas! I am thankful for all of the service men and women who have fought and continue to fight to preserve our freedoms. It is because of our strong military that I proudly serve you.

Finally, I am thankful to represent you on the San Antonio City Council. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the past 3 1/2 years and I look forward to what we will accomplish over the next 6 months. Thank you all for your support.

Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,

John Clamp
Distcit 10 Councilman

Pre-Thanksgiving Dance-Blanco Ballroom-Fundraiser, 11-24

Pre –Thanksgiving Dance
Night Before Thanksgiving - Blanco Ballroom
Veteran's Fundraiser- Nov 24th @ 7 p.m.

The Dr. Hector P. Garcia (Founder)
American GI Forum org. of Texas

Tremendo Baile de Dar Gracias – BLANCO Ballroom

Help our Disabled Veterans –
Buy your Tickets today at Del Bravo Record Shop & Janie’s Record Shop

Rocky Hernandez - “O. B. G.” Band
Also Bene Medinay Conjunto Aguila Plus Rockin Super Machine
Oldies- Tejano-Country-Conjunto Sounds of the ‘50s -

MC Placido Salazar - & KEDA Jocks Special Guests
Sponsored by KEDA 1540-am

Donde nacen Los Mejores Artistas--

Dr. Gloria Rodriguez to run for SA City Council, District 7

Dr. Gloria Rodriguez (photo) San Antonio City Council District 7 candidate.

"I am running for City Council Representative of District 7 and am asking for your support by joining my campaign website. You will be able to follow me from the launching of my campaign on December 8th to election day, May 14, 2011.".

Fundraiser for Commissioner Pct. 4 Tommy Adkisson, 11-23

Fundraiser For Tommy Adkisson
November 23rd from 5:30-7 p.m. @ the Doubletree Hotel Downtown (Formally Radisson Market Square) 502 West Durango

Support Levels
$1000.00 Platinum
$750.00 Gold
$500.00 Silver
$250.00 Bronze

RSVP - 210.595.7793
Ben@tommyadkisson.com

"Wrappin with Jack" Riccardi, @ Northside Ford, 12-14

L-R: 550 KTSA Talk Show Host Kevin Wall poses with KTSA 550 Talk Show Host Jack Riccardi, 2009

550 KTSA Talk Show Host Jack Riccardi will hosts his 12th Annual "Wrappin with Jack" @ Northside Ford from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, December 14th.

Ken Slavin will provide the entertainment.

Fundraiser Event for Commissioner Chico Rodriguez, 12-1

You are invited to a fundraiser event, December 1st from 5-7 p.m. for Commissioner Sergio "Chico" Rodriguez, @ the Garden House, 722 S. St. Mary's.

RSVP: vote-chico@satx.rr.com or call: 385-3065.

Attorney Humor for the Walker Report's discerning reader

As a judge I see lots of lawyers in my courtroom. I highly respect their legal ability and most of them are great people with a great sense of humor. Here is some attorney humor!

Subject: Attorney Bloopers...
These are from a book called 'Disorder in the American Courts' and are things people actually said in court, word for word, taken down and now published by court reporters that had the torment of staying calm while these exchanges were actually taking place.
_____________________________________

Atty: This myasthenia gravis, does it affect your memory at all?
Witness: Yes.
Atty: And in what ways does it affect your memory?
Witness: I forget.
Atty: You forget? Can you give us an example of something you forgot?
_____________________________________

Atty: Now doctor, isn't it true that when a person dies in his sleep, he doesn't know about it until the next morning?
Witness: Did you actually pass the bar exam?____________________________________

Atty: The youngest son, the twenty-year-old, how old is he?
Witness: He's twenty, much like your IQ
____________________________________

Atty: Were you present when your picture was taken?
Witness: Are you kidding me?
_____________________________________

Atty: So the date of conception (of the baby) was August 8th?
Witness: Yes.
Atty: And what were you doing at that time?
WITNESS: Getting busy.
_____________________________________

Atty: She had three children, right?
Witness: Yes.
Atty: How many were boys?
Witness: None.
Atty: Were there any girls?
Witness : Your Honor, I think I need a different attorney Can I get a new attorney?
_____________________________________

Atty: How was your first marriage terminated?
Witness: By death.
Atty: And by whose death was it terminated?
Witness: Take a guess
_____________________________________

Atty: Can you describe the individual?
Witness: He was about medium height and had a beard.
Atty: Was this a male or a female?
Witness: Unless the Circus was in town I'm going with male
_____________________________________

Atty: Is your appearance here this morning pursuant to a deposition notice which I sent to your attorney?
Witness: No, this is how I dress when I go to work.
_____________________________________

Atty: Doctor, how many of your autopsies have you performed on dead people?
Witness: All of them. The live ones put up too much of a fight.
_____________________________________

Atty: AllL your responses Must be oral, OK? What school did you go to?
Witness: Oral.
_____________________________________

Atty: Do you recall the time that you examined the body?
Witness: The autopsy started around 8:30 pm.
Atty: And Mr. Denton was dead at the time?
Witness: If not, he was by the time I finished
_____________________________________

Atty: Are you qualified to give a urine sample?
Witness: Are you qualified to ask that question?
_____________________________________

And the best

Atty: Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse?
Witness: No.
Atty: Did you check for blood pressure?
Witness: No.
Atty: Did you check for breathing?
Witness: No.
Atty: So, then it is possible that the patient was alive when you began the autopsy?
Witness: No.
Atty: How can you be so sure, Doctor?
Witness: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar.
Atty: I see, but could the patient have still been alive, nevertheless?
Witness: Yes, it is possible that he could have been alive and practicing law.

Think about it! Most members of Congress are Lawyers!!!!

SA 2020 with Mayor Julian Castro @ Roosevelt HS, 11-20

L-R: Mayor Julian Castro with Roosevelt students, former SAEN Columnist & assistant to the Mayor, Jaime Castillo, retired 1200 WOAI Radio Reporter Bud Little, City Mgr. Sheryl Sculley, Fox News-29 Reporter J.T. Street, Monique Diaz & Lani Esparza, former Councilman & Greater Chamber President Richard Perez, retired UTSA Professor Dr. Manny Berriozabal, NISD Board Member Katie Reed, Commissioner Tommy Adkisson, Vincent Garcia & wife, Mary, Rob Rodriguez & wife, Asian Alamo Chamber President Melissa Rodriguez, SA Scene magazine Editor Susan Yerkes, Palo Alto College President Cha Guzman, Dee Villarubia, Lanny Sinkin, former Mayor Howard Peak, Dan Martinez, Leo Gomez, Magdalena McCall, Lloyd Jary, Business Journal Columnist Andi Rodriguez, Councilwoman Ivy Taylor, Jessica Cerda, Former Councilwoman Leticia Cantu & former Councilman & ACCD Board Member Joe Alderete, former Councilwoman Patti Radle, Judge Renee McElhaney, NEISD Superintendent Dr. Richard Middleton, Andres Gonzalez, James "Captain" Turner, Mayor Julian Castro & students, NEISD officials, topics, participants, Roosevelt High School

SA 2020 held another meeting @ Roosevelt High School that drew over 800 participants to include Mayor Julian Castro and other elected officials and dignitaries, November 20th.