Official Opening of Fiesta 2012 Draws Many

SouthSaToday.Com
by Robert Castillo

SAN ANTONIO - Local celebrants were probably matched by as many out of town tourists during the official opening of Fiesta 2012  at Alamo Plaza on Thursday  afternoon,  starting at 5:30pm.

Joining the Rey Feo and all the Fiesta Royalty were hundreds who were trying to keep cool in the eighty-six degree temperature.  Public announcements were made throughout the celebration reminding everyone to drink water and to keep hydrated. 

Revelers were seen  buying or trading Fiesta pins and medals throughout the Alamo Plaza area. The Fiesta Commission also had official Fiesta merchandise for sale. 

Music was provided by the all-lawyers band known as the Court Jesters and San Antonio's popular vocal artist  Shelly Lares. The United State Air Force Flight band also performed on the main stage.  

The event had several mobile vender trucks providing different kinds of food and drinks. 
 
As expected, the Rey Feo carried out the traditional breaking of a cascaron and the crowd proclaimed "Viva Fiesta" loudly and in unison, which officially marks the start 
of San Antonio's biggest celebration of the year. 

The Fiesta-Fiesta event ended at 10:30pm. See more photos on FLICKR.

"Dia De La Familia" held at Rosedale Park

SouthSaToday.Com
by Robert Castillo
April 14, 2012

SAN ANTONIO - Hundreds attended Saturday's  "Dia De La Familia." at Rosedale Park sponsored by Avance-San Antonio, an organization that has been dedicated to helping families in need for the past 36 years. 

The event included parent and children activities all with the "Fiesta" theme. Other agencies dealing with family issues and needs were also set up in individual booths. Food and beverage stands were provided. 

One of the event's highlight was a performance by numerous dancing groups from throughout the community performing in the main pavilion. The dancer's ages ranged from teenagers to 4 year olds. Parents and relatives were delighted with the performances. 
See other photos on FLICKR.

30th Annual Lowrider Festival at Camargo Park

SouthSaToday.Com
by Robert Castillo
April 15, 2012 8pm

SAN ANTONIO - Centro Cultural Aztlan held another successful fundraising event at Camargo Park. The 30th Annual Lowrider Festival drew many to this family festival whose main attraction were the classic cars, lowriders and custom made bicycles.
The event provided entertainment with Ernie Garibay with his band, Cats Don't Sleep providing the music.

Food booths also provided food and drinks from 10am to 8pm.
More than forty categories were judged in competition for cash prizes and trophies.

View photos on FLICKR.

Palm Heights Community Church Holds Neighborhood Event

Palm Heights Community Church held Neighborhood Event

SouthSaToday.Com
By Robert Castillo

SAN ANTONIO, TX -  Members and school staff  from the Palm Heights Community Church along with Councilmen David Medina held their first community event this weekend on the grounds of Palm Heights Neighborhood Center located on 1201 W. Malone St. Some local businesses also contributed to the event.

Aside from the public service, the purpose for the event was to raise awareness of the fact that the Palm Heights Baptist Church has been in the commuity for almost 100 years and is scheduled to undergo a name change to Palm Heights Community Church.

"We are hoping that this event is successful, so we can continue to hold such events at least quarterly." Said Karen Smith, member of the group. "We want to do this for the community, for all the parents and their children."

Sarah Smith stated, "We are also very interested in getting the youth involved."
Besides three different bands providing the entertainment, free hot dogs and refreshments were available for the public.

Mark Perez, Burbank's new head coach

Mark Perez, new head coach at Burbank High in San Antonio, Tx.

SouthSaToday.Com
by Robert Castillo

SAN ANTONIO, TX - Burbank High School has selected a new head coach.
Coach Mark Perez has been named the new Head Coach of Burbank High School replacing Coach Joe Castillo who has taken a position at North Garland High School.

Perez served as defensive line coach at Brackenridge High School during the 2011-2012 season ending a seven year stint at that school. He had spent one year at Burbank before his move to Brackenridge High.

Coach Perez stated that he was well aware of Burbank's 9-32 ranking and aside of making coaching assignments for the coming season, he feels strongly that they need to change the team's mindset and make them understand that they can succeed.

As to his coaching team, Perez indicated that he has an idea of what he wants to do adding that he will bring Coach James McCall from Brackenridge with him as his defensive coordinator.
The new head coach has been having meetings with his coaching staff explaining his background and his expectations for the program.

"I am going to meet with them individually and find out their goals and expectations," he added. " I have strong ties to Burbank and I feel like I've come home. Even though I have been an Owl and then an Eagle...this is the place where I got my start...and I would love to see it succeed."

Perez was born in San Antonio and graduated from Highlands High School where he played football under Coach Ken Grey. Following his high school graduation he attended Southwest Texas State University where he earned an athletic scholarship under Coach Bob Debesse and Coach David Bailif who is now the head coach of Rice University.

Perez earned his Bachelor Degree in Exercise and Sports Science and minor in Health Education. He currently holds a Master's Degree in Sports Administration.

He is married to Jennifer Perez, who works in Nursing and has two children ; Jaden age 6 and daughter Maddison age 10.

Tornado Rips Through Devine

Josie Juarez's home is totally destroyed by tornado in Devine, Texas. Photo by
SouthSaToday.Com

SouthSaToday.Com
by Robert Castillo

DEVINE - "I was talking with her on the phone when she started screaming."  
That was how Josie Juarez describe the moment the EF 2 tornado demolished her home as Jessi Juarez, her 15 year old daughter was home alone.

Mrs. Juarez was at a church function when she noticed the weather changing. She reached her daughter who was crying and telling her that the house was starting to shake.

Jessi was told to move immediately to the bathroom for her safety. As the mother raced home, she could hear her daughter screaming then lost phone contact.

"It was pitch dark when I got home and I could not see the house and soon realized that it was gone. In a panic I made my way through all the debri looking for my daughter and found her unharmed but our house was completely gone."

A block away 25 customers at Charlie's Ice House faced the tornado's wrath as it ripped the roof of the building at approximately 8 pm. Owner, Marilyn Banks suffered minor injuries but was happy that no one was seriously hurt. Early this morning, repairs were already underway with the hope of opening for business. A patron of Charlie's Ice House stated that he heard a loud whistling sound before it hit the establishment. Moments later the structure started moving.

At sunrise, the affected area was littered with aluminum roofing, insulation, broken lumber and uprooted trees and shrubs. The entire area was cordoned off with peace officers controlling access to the area impacted by the tornado.

The EF2 tornado was spawned by one of two large weather cells that moved over the area causing damages in Devine, Lytle and south San Antonio. Law enforcement reported some six known injuries as a result of the storm.

No longer a mini-landfill, resident says

SouthSaToday.Com
February 23, 2012
by Robert Castillo

A Southside resident living adjacent to a vacant lot at the corner of Mauemann and Green Street has accept the fact that people will continue to dump old furniture, trash bags and dead animals which worries him because of the potential health risks. 

"I called the city about a dead animal and I am assuming they came to removed it. " said a nearby resident who did not want to be identified for fear of retaliation. " When you call them, it might take a day or two but they do come and clean it up."

This particular area has had this same problem for years and despite the erection of signs, violators continue to dump. One elderly homeowner said that she sees the vehicles when they are dumping and sometimes wants to go out and take down license plates but like most, she fears for their safety. 

"I wish they could put some cameras around the area so they could catch them in the act."said another neighborhood resident. 

Some say that the city is doing all it can and some are grateful that city workers do come around and clean it up. Others say that years ago it resembled a landfill with the stench of carcasses permeating into their homes especially during the hot months. 

"I called today, so hopefully they will be here tomorrow."

Successful Fundraising by Burbank Little Bulldogs

SouthSaToday.Com
by Robert Castillo

SAN ANTONIO - On any weekend one can see The Burbank Little Bulldogs youth organization holding community fundraisers at the intersection of  Nogalitos Street and El Dorado Street in Southside San Antonio.

Judging by the large crowds and long lines of supporters at every barbeque plate sale, its apparent that they are being quite successful.

The organization's Vice-President, Manny Arispe explained that all the funds raised go towards paying the espenses for several types of sports and not only for football.  The group also sponsors a cheerleading group.

Participation in the organnization athelitic events include boys and girls from the ages of 5 to 12.
Arispe invites the community to continue to come out and support their worthwhile youth organization composed of fans and the children's family members.

Brand New Taco Establishment to Open

Itzataco to open next week on Nogalitos.

SouthSaToday.Com
by Robert Castillo

SAN ANTONIO - Despite the loom and gloom being expounded, prepared food establishments continue to flourish in the city's Southside. This location will soon opened once all city permits and inspections are completed. The new owner is eager to open and deliver another choice for area residents and customers. Photo by SouthSaToday.Com

Neighborhood residents ask for more

Growing problem in South San Antonio.

SouthSaToday.Com
by Robert Castillo


SAN ANTONIO - Some residents are aware of the increase improvement in removing graffiti from area business but claim that there is an increase in illegal tagging of trash receptacles throughout some of the business. The hope is to have these commercial refuse companies to replace the receptacles with clean ones or to remove the graffiti. One company has already been contacted.

Out of town shoppers in San Antonio

By Robert Castillo - SouthSaToday.Com
Webposted: 11/25/2011

SAN ANTONIO - Many shoppers decided to trek to San Antonio to do their Christmas shopping a day after Thanksgiving Day and Mario Moreno even traveled 150 miles from Laredo to join thousands at area stores.

Moreno decided to travel to San Antonio after he found Mexican Nationals overwhelming the border area stores. After several hours of shopping that topped about a thousand dollars and filled his car, he was headed back to Laredo.

Luckily, San Antonio had no reports of serious incidents with crowds which was not the case throughout the rest of the country.

It was reported that at a San Fernando Valley Walmart several shopper and children were injured when a woman used mace to fight off others wanting the same item.

Another national media reported a person in critical condition after being shot in an attempted robbery outside a Walmart in Oakland, California.

A stabbing also took place outside a Macy's when two group of shoppers became enraged.

Overall, San Antonio businesses were pleased with sales but know they need many days like today. Its already estimated that the past twenty four hours will be the best for the entire year.

Income Tax Return Preparation at Collins Garden

 SAN ANTONIO - The VITA program is now underway to assist residents to accurately complete their Income Tax Return. Volunteers will assist those with all the needed material at several locations throughout the city. For near Southside neighborhoods, Collins Garden will operate Monday and Saturday from 10am to 5pm. On Tuesdays from 12pm to 7pm and on Wednesdays from 10am to 3pm. Thursdays they will operate from 12pm to 4pm. The Collins Garden location is at 200 N. Park Blvd.