Saturday, June 30, 2012

San Antonio Tea Party General Meeting @ Pedrotti's, 7-14

We've got a great San Antonio Tea Party general meeting lined up for Saturday, July 14th, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Pedrotti's North Wind Ranch. If you haven't yet signed up, please do so now. We need your support...now more than ever!

Several months ago we chose "Two Roads Diverge in America" as the theme for this event, and the shocking Supreme Court decision of June 28th confirms our worst fears for America. So what do we do now, you ask? We're counting on you and all the Tea Party faithful to come out on July 14th to unite our hearts, minds, and efforts in the mine-filled days ahead to "Reboot America" and take our country back!

Our mid-summer fiesta will include delicious BBQ fare catered by Pedrotti's, music by The Bongo Katz to get us in a festive mood, and a feisty Conservative speaker you don't want to miss...Mike Church, a noted writer and syndicated radio host on Sirius XM Patriot Radio. Our new SATP President, Allen Tharp, will also address the assembly.

Remember, you don't have to purchase dinner in order to attend the program starting at 6:30 p.m. Hope to see you at Pedrotti's on July 14th!

Sincerely,

 Sharon Hall
San Antonio Tea Party
sharon@sanantonioteaparty.us

Friday, June 29, 2012

Happy Birrthday to the United States of America -4th of July

Happy Birthday, USA (4th of July)
From Jeff Wentworth - Republican State Senator, District 25

4th of July Celebration with NE Bexar County Dems, 7-4

4th of July Celebration
 Grand Opening
of our new (old) office space
7122 San Pedro
(behind Ocean Dental) 

Wednesday, July 4th,
noon - 4 pm
Hotdogs and all that stuff

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Congressional candidate Ciro Rodriguez on Healthcare vote

Ciro D. Rodriguez, Democratic candidate for Congress in Texas’ 23rd district released the following statement following the Supreme Court’s decision today to uphold the Affordable Care Act:

“I am proud to have stood with President Barack Obama and to have cast my vote in favor of the Affordable Care Act. Today’s decision by the Supreme Court, affirming the constitutionality of this law paves the way for us to finally focus on the difficult problems we face - getting our economy back on track, strengthening the middle class, and creating good jobs.”

“Already, this law has given families and small businesses better control over their healthcare options, reduced costs, and created a system that is fairer. Now, 46 million uninsured Americans, including low-income children, will have their healthcare needs addressed.

Patients will now have the clout to stand up to health insurance companies and receive fair treatment. Insurers will no longer be able to discriminate based upon gender, or drop coverage because a customer gets sick. “

American for Limited Government Foundation on Healthcare

What the Supreme Court did today
By Nathan Mehrens — Today the U.S. Supreme Court in an opinion by Chief Justice Roberts held that the individual mandate provision in Obamacare, i.e., the requirement for most Americans to purchase health insurance or pay money to the IRS, is a tax that was properly applied by Congress.

The Court held that this payment for not having health insurance was not a "penalty" because it does not punish the individual for an unlawful act, but is instead a use of the tax code to encourage behavior, much like other aspects of the tax code such as tax deductions and credits for certain behaviors and circumstances.

The Court did hold that the imposition of the individual mandate could not be sustained as part of Congress' Commerce Clause powers, but at the end of the day the result is the same:  those who choose to not purchase health insurance must pay a "tax" to the federal government for exercising that right.

The conservative justices on the bench (Scalia, Kennedy, Thomas, and Alito) would have thrown out Obamacare in its entirety solely on this issue.  But the Chief Justice, along with Ginsburg, Breyer, Sotomayor, and Kagan, merely severed the part of Obamacare that threatens withholding current funds to states that do not agree to expansion.

Nathan Paul Mehrens is counsel for Americans for Limited Government and previously served in the U.S. Department of Labor under President George W. Bush.

San Antonio Tea Party weighs in on Obamacare Mandate

The long awaited decision on Obama Care has finally arrived, and a weak Supreme Court has let America down again and showed no regard for the limitations placed on government by the  constitution.

The Federal government can now force any citizen to buy any product or service, even if the citizen does not want or need that product or service.

The Court ruled that the Individual Mandate survives as a tax and Declares the entire act to be constitutional, except for some minor restrictions on Medicaid requirements for states.

Chief Justice Roberts sided with the liberals and  Justice Kennedy sided with conservatives, on a five four vote..

This monumentally destructive law must be repealed or nullified prior to full implementation, or many businesses will be forced to close causing a tremendous spike in unemployment.  As the tax base shrinks, America will be left in  another great depression. 

It is the position of the San Antonio Tea Party to support either repeal or nullification of the Affordable Care Act and to provide for health care of Texans via Interstate Compacts like the one signed by Governor Perry in June of 2011.  

President of the San Antonio Tea Party, Allen Tharp.  

San Antonio hosts Green Berets from around the world, 2013

Hundreds of past and present Army Green Berets from around the world will gather in San Antonio next summer for the 2013 convention of the national Special Forces Association.

It will be the first time San Antonio has hosted the national meeting since 1986, said Armando Canales, president of San Antonio’s Green Beret Chapter 15. The gathering is scheduled for June 26-30 at the downtown Hyatt Regency Hotel.

Convention chairman is Fred Solis, a retired Army colonel now chief of police in Olmos Park. “We just got back from this year’s annual convention in Fayetteville (N.C.) and  made a strong pitch to the membership to come to San Antonio next year,” said Solis. “Based on early registrations and the enthusiasm we saw for San Antonio, we are expecting a very good turnout.”

Planned highlights of the convention will be a picnic at LaVillita, a golf  tournament at Fort Sam Houston Golf Course, a military ceremony at the Alamo, and a banquet featuring USAA President and CEO Joe Robles as keynote speaker.

“Of course, the real highlight for many attendees is meeting up with old Army buddies, guys who haven’t seen each other in years, and telling war stories,” said Solis. Members also traditionally receive briefings from current Special Forces leaders about their training and recent experiences, he said.

For registration and further information, use the Membership tab at the Special Forces Association web site, www.specialforcesassociation.org.

The Special Forces Association, based in Fayetteville, N.C., is a non-profit fraternal organization of active and retired U.S. Army Green Berets with 84 chapters in every state of the United States, plus Panama, Germany, South Korea, Thailand, Philippines, Guam. Australia and Okinawa. General Membership is open to anyone who has been Special Forces qualified. Associate membership is available to those who have served with or supported Special Forces “in a unique and definable way.”

David Rosa for Cong. Dist. 20 speaks against Healthcare

 This morning, the US Supreme Court voted to uphold the President's Health Care Law. I believe that it is the job of our Congress to fully repeal Obamacare and put in place patient focused health care reform, instead of  more Big Government.

San Antonio Assoc. of Hispanic Journalists elect officers

Dear SAAHJ members and friends, (Elaine Ayala)

We elected new officers for upcoming year.

Nora Lopez, president (Express-News Metro Editor)
Francisco Vara-Orta, vice president (Express-News Reporter)
Tessa Benavides, secretary
Ana Ley, treasurer (Express-News)
Javier Flores, at-large officer/media (City PIO)
Isis Romero, at-large officer/broadcast (KSAT-12 Anchor)
Jessica Elizarraras, at-large officer/print (Express-News)

Congratulations to all of them! The new board begins its one-year term at the end of our 14th annual scholarship gala on Friday, July 20th, at the Grand Hyatt. Tickets are $100, which gives you a free one-year membership. Call Elaine Ayala at
(210) 250-3402

San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists,
saahj2012@gmail.com

Outgoing President
Elaine Ayala (Express-News Reporter)

Women, Power & Politics-We Will Be Heard, @ VFW, 7-1

Women, Power & Politics-We Will Be Heard @ VFW #76 on Tenth Street, July 1st from 2-4 p.m.

Nicole Elizalde Henning for 37th District Court
15614 Huebner Road, Suite 101
San Antonio Texas 78248
210-563-7828
210-563-7829 Facsimile

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

4th of July Salute to feature Military-1st Responders, 7-4

July 4 at Morgan’s Wonderland To Feature Military-First Responder Salute, Plus Soccer and Fireworks
SAN ANTONIO – Morgan’s Wonderland will celebrate Independence Day on Wednesday, July 4, with a special tribute to those who dedicate themselves to protecting their fellow citizens – members of the armed forces as well as first responders such as fire, law enforcement and emergency medical professionals.

“Independence Day gives us an excellent opportunity to say thanks to dedicated men and women who devote themselves day in and day out to public security and safety,” said Ron Morander, general manager of the unique and colorful Morgan’s Wonderland theme park.

Morgan’s Wonderland gates will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., while special entertainment and free food will be offered from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free hot dogs with all the trimmings plus apple pies courtesy of McDonald’s Restaurants will be served while supplies last, Morander said.

The Revolution Drum and Bugle Corps will present patriotic favorites during multiple performances at the Rapier Trust Starlight Amphitheater and conduct interactive musical clinics with young audience members.

Military members, first responders and members of their families who present valid ID cards at the Morgan’s Wonderland Welcome Center can obtain a special discounted admission of $8 per person, Morander noted. Individuals with special needs and children ages 2 and younger are admitted free.

After the special daytime activities at Morgan’s Wonderland, the scene will shift to nearby Heroes Stadium at Wurzbach Parkway and Thousand Oaks Drive for a 7:30 p.m. North American Soccer League contest pitting the San Antonio Scorpions against FC Edmonton, immediately followed by a colorful, patriotic fireworks display. For more information, visit www.SanAntonioScorpions.com

All Scorpions net profits go to Morgan’s Wonderland to help the non-profit park meet its financial obligations as well as expand services and programs for the special-needs community, Morander noted.

The latest information on Morgan’s Wonderland admissions, operating days/hours of operation, rides, attractions and special events/celebrations can be found at www.MorgansWonderland.com

The 25-acre theme park is located at 5223 David Edwards Drive in Northeast San Antonio just off IH 35 at the intersection of Wurzbach Parkway and Thousand Oaks Drive.    

For More Information: Bob McCullough, APR, (210) 495-5888 or bmccullough@MorgansWonderland.com  

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Wonderland of the Americas willl host free summer series, 7-5

Wonderland of the Americas Mall will be the host of  a free summer series called 90 Live SA. It will be hosted by Roy Lopez Jr. (he was on FOX San Antonio's "The Cleto Show" as Tio Arturo.) Lopez has been promoting comedic and musical talent for 14 years.

This is going to be free, open-air entertainment in the format of a late night talk show with a house band, local guests, variety acts, regional talent, etc.

The inaugural show will be July 5th, then it will be every Thursday from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (90 minute free show... hence the name 90 Live SA!) from July 5 to August 2nd, then on Fridays August 10th on. House band is Victoria Acosta and Los Bad Apples. (Acosta is a former Radio Disney performer.)

Zeehaus Entertainment LLC wants the community know about the free Friday summer event at Mall of the Americas and that they are looking for local talent to showcase.

More information at
www.facebook.com/90LiveSA

This will take place in the outdoor amphitheater at Wonderland Mall of
Americas, 4522 Fredericksburg Rd.

To book talent (comedy, variety): 210.623.0732 Band bookings:
210.865.0523.

Alamo Heights Chamber of Commerce Mixer, 6-28




 
Please join us for the
Alamo Heights Chamber of Commerce Mixer



Interested in increasing your business awareness in the community? Now is your opportunity! Join us for networking, fun, complimentary caricature drawings and plenty of cool refreshments!


Thursday, June 28th from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
CHRISTUS Heritage Hall located at The Village at Incarnate Word, 4707 Broadway
78209.


Guests and non-members welcome!

For more information, please call
(210)829-7561, ext. 114.

John Courage for Texas Senate-Grand Opening office, 7-4

As you know I have begun my campaign for the Texas Senate. I am running to restore funding to our public schools and to insure our voices are heard in Austin. Like you, I am horrified by the 5.4 billion dollar cuts the Republican Legislature has imposed on our Texas school children and teachers. This is an attack on public education and the future of our families.

Together we can change this and bring common sense back to the Texas Legislature. We need leadership with vision not division and you can make that happen.

Your donation of $100 today will help me deliver my message to 3,000 potential voters in our district tomorrow. Please Click Here now to stand with Courage!

Democratically Yours,
John Courage, Democratic Nominee
Texas Senate SD25
www.CourageForTexasSenate.org

PS: Join me on July 4th for the Grand Opening of my campaign office at 7122 San Pedro Ave. in San Antonio. The festivities will include food, fun and political action, from Noon till 4 p.m.

SAMA hosts Taste of Latin America @ Cafe des Artistes



Taste of Latin America at Cafe des Artistes

Thursday, June 28th
6-8 p.m.
Cafe des Artistes

June is the perfect month to experience the excitement of Latin America. Grab your friends and enjoy a selection of savory tapas and Latin American wines while listening to live salsa music.

Wine stations serving six different wine samples will be set up on the terrace overlooking the Riverwalk while the cafe will be serving beef empanadas, ceviche with house made tortilla chips and black bean and goat cheese quesadillas with fresh salsa and guacamole.

$25 for members
$30.00 for non-members.
To RSVP call
(210) 978-8133
LImited tickets sold at the door. 

Walker Report surpasses one million 200 thousand hits!!!

The Walker Report today surpassed the one million two hundred thousand hits mark on  the blog!!! On to another half a million hits. Keep sending in your events: political, religious, & community for promotion. We will continue to cover San Antonio and all Bexar County.

Remember President Barack Obama is visiting the Alamo City on July 17th. When we get the final details we will post them.

Election run-offs are also coming soon as well..

Sunday, June 24, 2012

"Ask the Judge" column continues in La Prensa of SA, 6-24

Ask the Judge: Truancy docket leaves a paper trail
By Judge Steve Walker

For the past 15 months every Sunday “Ask the Judge” has covered every facet imaginable of the Justice of the Peace Court.

Truancy has been covered from all aspects, yet there is one more aspect in truancy court that has not been addressed.  It is the paper work involved in dispensing justice for the delinquent students who are charged with failure to attend school.

As the Judge I see the student in front of me with his/her parents  unless he/she is 18 years or older along with the attendance officer. All students who have not reached their 18th birthday must have a parent, grand parent or guardian with them.

On occasion a 17-year-old student will come into court without a parent or guardian. At that point we reset the case since we are not allowed by law to hear the case due to the student being under age. If for some reason the attendance officer doesn’t show, we must also reset the case since we are required to have the attendance officer in court to present the case.

Before the student and parents show up for court, paper work is prepared and placed in a file so that the attendance officer can make his/her case as to why the student should be cited for failure to attend school and the parent for contributing to their children not attending school.

When the student and parents check in, that file is pulled and sent into the court with the court clerk and called by the Judge when the docket begins. The attendance officers also have a copy of the material in the file.

When the student and parent/parents come up to the bench, as Judge I have a form in front of me that must be filled out by me before the accused leaves the courtroom. I must also sign it as well.

The form in front of me is a veritable check list of all the possible mandates that the student must fulfill before his/her next appearance.

As Judge I determine the probation time (in months) the student will complete. In the designated space, I write the number of months for probation. Then there is the blank that I write in the fine amount, a counseling box that I check off and write next to the box, mandates for anger management, goal setting, decision making and possibly family counseling. I sometimes check the box for a court ordered GED. I must circle the words, enroll, attend and complete for that mandate.

I also can check the box revoking driver’s licenses or the box to prevent the student from obtaining a driver’s license.

And of course I do check the box to mandate the student obtain a public library card and write a two sided book report. Finally I check off the box that mandates students to attend tutoring or tutor other students under the supervision of a teacher. I write the number of hours in the slot.

Once I am finished with my paper work I hand it to the truancy clerk and they may have the student and parent to fill out some forms to ensure the mandates are fulfilled and they understand what is expected of them.

Lastly as always, if you are due in court, be sure to show up to court on time. It is in everyone’s best interest.

Justice of the Peace, Pct. 2 Steve Walker is a Vietnam Veteran and a former Journalist.

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Edwards Aquifer Authority to hold meetings on rule changes


Dear GEAA members and friends,

The Edwards Aquifer Authority will be holding hearings on proposed changes to the Edwards Rules  at the Hondo Community Center ( 1014 18th St. ) on Wednesday, June 27th at 6:p.m. at the Edwards Aquifer Authority Conference Center (1615 N. St. Mary's in San Antonio ) on Thursday, June 28th at 6 p.m.
 
We are delighted that the EAA Board will be considering a ban on using PAH (coaltar) sealants to pave streets and parking lots on the Recharge and Contributing zones. If the EAA takes approves this new rule (Section 713.803) , it will join other cities and states in efforts nationwide to keep this pollutant out of our water supplies.

And, we support rules that would require secondary and tertiary containment for hazardous materials stored on the aquifer (Section 713.633). Though this rule will provide added security against leaks and spills harming the aquifer, the best plan is to prohibit and discourage the use and storage of hazardous materials on the Recharge and Contributing zones.

Thus, we are very disappointed that the EAA is considering a rule change that would allow an unlimited number of Above Ground Storage Tanks (AST's) to be installed on the Edwards Recharge Zone (Section 713.607). If voted into effect, this new rule will certainly increase the amount of fuels and other hazardous material stored on the Recharge Zone, putting our water supply in peril. We believe that the current rule prohibiting the installation of new AST's on the Recharge Zone should be left in place.

We are also concerned that the requirement to provide information on financial assurance for entities that store hazardous materials on the aquifer have been removed from the rules (Section 713.609). They should be required to show proof of their financial ability to clean up any damage that they may cause in the event of a leak or spill.

Please attend one of the EAA public hearings if you can to voice your support for the PAH Ban and your concern about loosening restrictions on storage of hazardous materials. If you cannot attend, please contact your EAA Representative to discuss the pros and cons of the proposed rule changes.

Have a great weekend!

Annalisa Peace
Executive Director
Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance

Proposed sales-tax investment @ $7.81 per household

Dear Friends,
After more than a year of careful study by a group of concerned business and education leaders, I am pleased to tell you about the rollout of the Brainpower Initiative. This week we started the process of informing the public about a proposed sales-tax investment that can dramatically improve the educational trajectory of San Antonio. At an estimated cost of $7.81 per household per year, the 1/8-cent proposal would leverage more than $10 million in state dollars annually to provide high-quality Pre-K to nearly 20,000 four-year-olds over five years.

Not only will this allow us to reach the estimated 4,000 San Antonio children who miss out on the benefits of top-notch, full-day Pre-K every year, we will be able to enhance early education across the city by increasing parental involvement and vastly improving the training Pre-K teachers receive whether they are in public schools or private institutions.

At Wednesday’s City Council B session, I was pleased by the interest expressed by my colleagues who asked many good questions. This July, and when the Council resumes in August, will be a time to answer those questions transparently and provide further details about the proposal.

 I am confident that voters will conclude, as study after study has shown, that early education is a proven investment that dramatically improves educational outcomes and lays the foundation for a future workforce that is globally competitive and ready for the jobs of the 21st century.
Sincerely,
Mayor Julian Castro

Humane Society to host Adopt a Cat/Little Cat Day, 6-30

The San Antonio Humane Society is hosting an event on June 30th from 12pm-7pm called Adopt a Cat/Little Cat Day! In honor of June being adopt a shelter cat month, we will be holding 1 day only adoption specials on the 30th. From 12-7 p.m. cats (4 months+) will have their adoption fee waived and little cats (under 4 months) will have an adoption fee of $15.

 I hope you are able to include this event in your community calendar; we are trying to get all of our shelter cats adopted! Below is a link to our event flyer and provided is all of the need to know information. Thank you!

 
Who: Open to the public
What: Adopt a Cat/Little Cat Day!
When: June 30th from 12 p.m.-7 p.m.
Where: The San Antonio Humane Society, 4804 Fredericksburg Rd.
Why: Help us find permanent homes for all of our shelter cats!
Jenny Bowen, Communication Associate

(210) 226-7461 Ext. 119
4804 Fredericksburg Road
San Antonio, TX 78229

Cruz vs. Dewhurst Debate on stations across Texas, 6-22

Reminder about tonight's first one-on-one debate between Ted Cruz and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst!

Tonight's Runoff Election showdown will be broadcast live at 8 p.m. online here and on stations across Texas. Click here to find your local broadcast info.

Former State Rep. Leibowitz endorses Tina Torres for Dist. 117

Leibowitz Endorses Tina Torres as Best Candidate to
Take Back Seat from Republicans
Momentum Continues to Build in Torres' Favor for July 31st Run-off

The Honorable David Leibowitz, who represented HD-117 in the Texas House from 2005-2011, has endorsed Tina Torres as the best candidate to take back this seat in the fall. Leibowitz’s endorsement adds to a list of high profile support that has shifted to Torres after earning a spot in the July 31st Democratic primary run-off including her former opponent Ken Mireles.

“Mr. Leibowitz was a fighter in the Texas House for the things our community needs like fully funded classrooms, health care for our families and benefits for our veterans,” said Torres. “I am honored to carry on that fight and I won’t hesitate to stand up to Tea Party Republican State Rep. John Garza or Gov. Rick Perry to protect our families.”

“Tina Torres is the best candidate and the only candidate that can beat Republican State Rep. John Garza in November. And once she is in office I know we can count on her to stand up to Governor Rick Perry and the extreme Republican agenda that is hurting our schools, our seniors and the health of women in our community,” said Leibowitz.

### 

Fundraiser for Candidate David Towler @ Ariel House, 6-21


JP Susan Devorac & brother Judicial candidate  David Towler
Judge Steve Walker & Sheriff Amadeo Ortiz
Ralph Medina
Charlie Cervantes


Bill Merriman
Bruce Mery
Roberto Rios
Jaime Lewis
Sheriff Amadeo Ortiz
Cong. Cand. Candace Duval & Judicial Cand. Michelle Petty
Tax Assessor Candidate Albert Uresti

Former Councilman Mario Salas
Former BYCD Prez Mark Guerra
Ed Pina & wife
David Towler's wife
Judicial candidate Laura Salinas

Judicial Candidate David Towler