Fire Inspector: Tim Zelenak Ext. 2990 | tzelenak@windcrest-tx.gov
Police Department: Interim Chief, David Ellis Ext. 2130 | dellis@windcrest-tx.gov
Code Enforcement | Animal Control 210-655-2666
City Website: www.windcrest-tx.gov
Windcrest Economic Development Corporation
Director: Mario Hernandez 210-469-6802 | marioh@satx.rr.com
Coordinator: Karen K. Nelson 210-469-6800 | knelson@windcrest-tx.gov
Bexar County Water District #10
General Manager: David Wallace 210-655-2888 | gmbcwcid10@gmail.com
Mon – Thu 8 AM – 4 PM | Fri 8 AM – 3 PM Water Emergencies: 210-422-4159
24-Hour Police Non-Emergency 210-655-2666 ALL EMERGENCIES - 911 FIRE
- CALL 988
Mayor’s Message Dan Reese
“April is the gateway to the joys of summer.” - Fennel Hudson. April gets it name from the Latin word aperio, meaning “to open” because plants really begin to grow in this season. As the weather warms up, we’re in for a treat - “growing” season! With all the rain and moderate temperatures of spring, our lawns are sure to thrive. Windcrest is known for its beautiful streets, mature trees, and spacious lawns. We all contribute to keeping our community looking its best by paying taxes to maintain our streets and property values, but it’s up to us to keep our lawns looking their best. We have some rules about the maximum height of grass (10 inches). As we embrace this season of growth, let’s all do our part to keep our lawns looking their absolute best and lend a hand to our neighbors if they need some extra help.
Fiesta! The uniquely San Antonio celebrations begin April 24th and end on May 4th. Some of the key dates are:
• April 24 – May 4 – Fiesta Carnival
• April 25-26 – Fiesta Oyster Bake
• April 28 - Texas Cavaliers River Parade
• April 29 – May 2 – Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA)
• May 3 – Fiesta Flambeau Parade
• May 3 – King William Fair
Fiesta has many other events I did not list. I recommend checking out the visitsanantonio. com page for more info. Parking can be a real pain, so be prepared. By the way, the VIA Service Schedule says they’ll be providing bus service from the Randolph Transit Center near Windcrest to the Oyster Bake. For the NIOSA and parades, you’ll need to take the bus from the Crossroads Park and Ride near the intersection of I-10 and 410. Keep an eye on the VIA website for any updates. Have a blast and stay safe!
Don’t want Solicitors? I’ve seen a few people going door to door recently so I thought I would remind you that you can put yourself on a “No Visit List” if you would like. We have an ordinance that requires peddlers, hawkers, or solicitors to obtain a peddler’s license in accordance with our Code of Ordinances (Chapter 18, Section 18-55). Note: A canvasser is not required to have a peddler’s license. (A canvasser is seeking support for or against a particular religion, philosophy, ideology, political party, issue or candidate). When the peddler is issued a license, they are given a list of addresses they are NOT allowed to make contact with. If you want to put your address on the “No Visit List,” go to www.windcrest-tx.gov/peddlers. Another way to avoid unwanted soliciting is to put a “no soliciting” sign on your door!
“Coffee with the Mayor” happens every Saturday that I am in town and available. Please see my Facebook page (Dan Reese, Mayor, City of Windcrest) for updates. We begin at 8:30am at Las Palapas on Walzem. You are welcome to come anytime you wish and leave as you choose. Coffee is on me!
"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment."
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Code Enforcement & Compliance
By Daniel Fox, Police Code Compliance Agent
Now is the time to mow your grass, rake your leaves and enjoy the breeze. Don’t forget! CURBSIDE BRUSH AND BULK PICK UP FOR WINDCREST RESIDENTS ONLY WILL RUN MARCH 31, 2025, TO APRIL 18, 2025.
Brush/Bulky Guidelines:
• Limit your brush pile to five (5) cubic yards.
• To determine the cubic yards take the Length x Width x Height of the pile and divide by 27. (this will equal the cubic yards for example 5ft long by 5ft wide by 5ft High = 125 divided by 27 equals 4.63 cubic yards.
• Brush must be placed within eight (8) feet of the curb.
• Do not place brush piles in front of parked cars, near fences, trees, mailboxes, beneath overhead wires, low-hanging tree limbs, or on top of gas/water meters.
Accepted Materials:
Shrubs, Tree Branches, Woody Vines, Other herbaceous and woody plants, BBQ grills (without compressed gas tanks), Carpeting, Fencing, Furniture, Mattresses, Toilets, Water heaters, Appliances ***Refrigerators, freezers, and a/c window units will be collected only if refrigerant has been removed and the appliance is tagged and certified, indicating removal of refrigerant***.
Materials Not Accepted:
Household Trash, Construction Debris, Glass (such as doors or windows), Hazardous Materials (paints, household cleaners), Compressed Gas Tanks, Tires, Televisions, Computers, Waste Oil, Medical Waste, Appliances with refrigerant that have not been removed, and certified.
SECTION 1:
All homes located West of Midcrown are located in Section 1. Curbside service will begin on Monday, March 31, through Friday, April 4 ONLY. ALL brush and bulk items to be collected MUST be placed out on the curb NO LATER than Sunday, March 30. Collection will only be picked up once in each section. Republic Service WILL NOT return for additional pick-ups or missed pick-ups due to collection not being placed out by Sunday, March 30.
SECTION 2:
All homes located East of Midcrown, South of Crestway, and West of Eaglecrest are located in Section 2. Curbside service will begin on Monday, April 7, through Friday, April 11. ALL brush and bulk items to be collected MUST be placed out on the curb NO LATER than Sunday, April 6. Collection will only be picked up once in each section. Republic Service WILL NOT return for additional collection or missed collections due to items not being placed out by Sunday, April 6.
SECTION 3:
All homes located North of Crestway and East of Eaglecrest are located in Section 3. Curbside service will begin on Monday, April 14, through Friday, April 18. ALL brush and bulk items to be collected MUST be
placed out on the curb NO LATER than Sunday, April 13. Collection will only be picked up once in each section. Republic Service WILL NOT return for additional collection or missed collections due to items not being placed out by Sunday, April 13.
By Jennifer Newman, President, WEDC Board
International Council of Shopping Centers Regional Conference (ICSC) WEDC actively engaged in the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Red River Conference and Exhibit, held in Dallas from January 29 to 31, 2025. Board Vice President Rainbeau Presti and Executive Director Mario Hernandez represented our organization at this important event. ICSC serves as a vital platform for leaders in retail, real estate, and marketplace development, working collaboratively to promote and enhance the places where communities shop, dine, work, play, and gather. Our participation in this conference underscores our commitment to improving local economies and fostering vibrant community spaces.
The Dallas conference, a regional gathering of the industry, was a proactive initiative that attracted over 2,000 attendees, over 200 exhibitors, and more than 50 retailers in the Retail Central space. Before attending the conference, we took the initiative to contact more than 100 target companies to gain access during the event and provide Windcrest information. The companies attending the conference included many food and drink establishments, specialty shops, coffee and car wash operations, and retailers such as Burlington. During the conference, we engaged with a significant number of companies, discussing their expansion plans and the site criteria most important to them. These discussions led to specific location factors such as the amount of space (square feet) needed, type of building, parking, signage requirements, utility needs, and desired trade area demographics. We have since followed up with these companies and their projects to identify prospects from our ICSC marketing trip.
CLUB
Spring has sprung for the Windcrest Women’s Club! Our first post-hibernation soirée was our annual Founder’s & Membership Appreciation Tea, honoring past Club presidents! If you’re looking to brighten your day, join us at our evening meeting at Red Lobster in Windcrest (meal is at personal expense) on Wednesday April 23rd at 6:30pm, where Sam Pantusa from Lion’s Sight Research Foundation will share how we can help with their mission to help the blind and visually impaired!
Things will be heating up in May! Our Old Bag Luncheon auction fundraiser will be held on Tuesday May 6th from 11am - 2pm at the Windcrest Civic Center. Tickets are available on our website NOW! They’re only $25 and include a catered meal provided by Roosevelt High School’s Culinary Arts students! Tons of fun - no extra charge!
Visit www.windcrestwomensclub.org
A Message From Fire Inspector, Tim Zelenak
Charging Electric Vehicles at Home
Electric Vehicles are becoming more and more popular with drivers. The rising cost of fuel and repair costs to fuel powered vehicles have made buying an electric vehicle enticing to many consumers. With all vehicles comes a risk of fire when fueling or even charging an electric vehicle. Know your levels of charging:
Level 1 Charging
• Use the charging cord that came with the electric vehicle.
• Use a standard household plug.
• Make sure the charger or outlet has Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection.
• Use only a dedicated circuit to charge.
Level 2 Charging
• Use a 240-volt outlet. A qualified electrician needs to install this type of outlet.
• Only use outdoor rated charging stations outdoors.
• Keep charging cords off of the ground.
SAFETY TIPS:
• Use devices that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory.
• Read and follow all manufacturer directions.
• Do not use extension cords with the charger.
• Check chargers and cords for damage before using. NEVER USE IF DAMAGED.
• Have charging equipment professional installed in a safe location. Keep away from busy areas and at least 50 feet away from things that could catch fire.
• Keep charging equipment out of reach of children and animals when not in use.
• Cover charging station outlet to keep water out.
• Before charging an electric vehicle at home, have a qualified electrician:
• Check your electrical system to see if it can handle charging.
• Have a new circuit installed just for your charging device.
WARNING! Electric vehicles have high voltage batteries. Battery maintenance should be performed by the manufacturer or manufacturers’ representatives.
Community First POLICE DEPARTMENT
By David Ellis Interim Windcrest Chief of Police
April is here and it’s a special month for two very vital parts of our Windcrest PD family, our Dispatchers and Animal Control Officers! We will celebrate all of them and their hard work during National Public Safety Telecommunicators and National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week, April 13-19, 2025. Check our Facebook page during this week to see our highlights!
The past few months have been busy as usual for the police department! Our dedicated officers continue with their training. Windcrest PD has hosted and will continue to host various community events. We also enjoy being good neighbors by assisting with the Windcrest Elementary Crosswalk; something that the Windcrest Citizen’s Patrol always readily assists with!
The Windcrest Police Department continues to proudly serve the citizens of Windcrest and looks forward to many more activities together.
Wearing the Windcrest Badge
Highlighting Badge #724
Josiah Alvey wears Windcrest Police Department
Telecommunicator Badge
724. Josiah Alvey has been a member of the Windcrest Police Department since November 2024. He has over 10 years in the Public Health Care field and has always been a caregiver by heart. In his free time, he is an avid reader as well as spending time with friends and family. If you do not find him with a book in his hand, then he is lounging at home or trying new restaurants all over Texas.
F.D.News FIRE DEPARTMENT
By Ivan Hernandez Windcrest Fire Chief
Windcrest Fire Department: Why Does a Fire Truck Respond to EMS calls
In Windcrest, TX, fire engines often respond alongside ambulances to medical emergencies, playing a crucial role in providing timely and effective care. This coordinated response ensures that every available resource is used efficiently to save lives and assist the community when needed most.
Firefighters in Windcrest are typically trained as EMTs or paramedics, which allows them to quickly assess and begin treating patients even before an ambulance arrives. Their strategic placement within the community enables a faster response time, improving the chances of successful patient outcomes. Fire engines are equipped with essential medical supplies, such as AEDs (Automatic External Defibrillators) and first aid equipment, enabling firefighters to deliver immediate care.
The presence of fire engines also offers additional manpower, which is invaluable in more complex medical emergencies. More hands can be crucial for tasks like lifting or moving patients, ensuring that they receive the support they need during transport to medical facilities. Safety is another critical factor. Fire engines assist in stabilizing emergency scenes, especially in situations involving traffic accidents or hazardous conditions. Their ability to manage scene safety ensures that both patients and responders are protected while medical care is being provided. Sometimes, ambulances may be responding to other calls or stationed far from the scene, and fire engines help bridge this gap, ensuring that no time is lost in delivering care. In Windcrest, the fire department's policy includes dispatching fire engines, equipped with advanced life support (ALS) medical tools and staffed with trained personnel, to address a wide variety of medical emergencies.
This approach not only enhances emergency medical services but also underscores the importance of a well-coordinated and resourceful emergency response system in Windcrest. The collaborative efforts of both fire and EMS personnel ensure that residents receive the quickest and most efficient care possible.
Animal Care & Control
Please consider fostering or adopting one of our Windcrest Animal Control dogs. They deserve loving, safe homes where they can thrive and share the joy of a family! They are spayed/ neutered and have had their initial vaccinations. You can see the list of adoptable dogs on our website.
Registering your pet? Great! Please bring rabies and microchip information as well as proof of alteration. It’s free to register your pet in most situations, and it’s the law! Contact us at 210655-2666 to report a lost or found pet, to register your pet or to apply to foster or adopt. If your pet becomes lost, we want to help them find their way home! Please watch our Facebook page to see if we have posted any lost pets and reshare to help us spread the word!
animal non-profit
Meetings: the 4th Tuesday of the month 210-562-0299
Facts about Coyotes:
They live and hunt in a territory of 5-10 mile radius but have been known to travel up to 50 miles in one day for territory and food.
They are sole hunters or in pairs and rarely travel in packs other than family units. They hunt mostly at dusk and dawn but will hunt at night in urban areas when food is most prevalent and people are not. Their preferred food is rat, mice and squirrel and have been known to dine on as many as 12 in one night. Their diet is flexible and opportunistic which can include fruit, bugs, berries, snake, bird, skunk, opossum and carrion.
If a coyote is in sight, clap hands and stand tall. For children, stand on a step or a stoop and make noise. Do not run away from a coyote for it may prompt the “chase (prey)” response.
Finally, the urban coyote is an expected resident of American cities. If natural food sources are present, the coyote will protect its territory. If Windcrest has a coyote roaming the neighborhood that is not approaching people or showing unnatural aggression, it is best to leave it alone to let it maintain the territory rather than have another, possibly not so “well behaved”, move in.
We have a hero among us. A kind lady started to care for a cat that showed up at her door step. She determined to have it spayed or neutered and when it was taken in for that procedure, it was found to have a microchip. The owner was so excited to have found their lost cat. A caring person helped get a pet back to its owner…the best result you can have…I can imagine the smiles of that family!!!
TNR class April 12 from 12pm - 1:30pm at San Antonio Feral Cat Coalition office at 119 E Turbo Dr Ste 100. Call the above number for more information.
GARDEN CLUB
By: Narquiz Cervantes
Windcrest Golf
By Mary Wold
April is a good time to spring into activities and shower yourself with good feelings, so don’t fool around – Play a round of Golf at Windcrest Golf. We welcome Lady Golfers of ALL levels, Thursday at 9am tee time. Please Call Mary 210-608-9645 for more information!
Spring is here, and for Texans, it is the best time to plant tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, and melons. In fact, even roses can still be planted in April, depending on variety, even though February is considered the ideal month. On February 4th, event hosts John Miranda, Mary David, and Narquiz Cervantes treated garden club members to a visual feast at the Takas Civic Center with one foot wide paper rose table centerpieces, freestanding six foot tall crepe paper roses, a terrific brunch, and pink lighting to set the tone for the presentation, given by Rosarian, Meg Ware, of the San Antonio Rose Society. Watch out for those aphids, thrips, and mites on your roses. By the way, the word “thorn” is incorrect, those are technically “prickles,” but thorn sounds better in songs and poetry. The SARS contact number is (210) 394-5634 for your rose inquiries.
March proved to be a busy month with our booth display at the Windcrest Social on the 28th at the Civic Center, which allowed children to pot a plant. And April offers much as well with our Annual Plant sale April 5th at the Methodist Church grounds and the Lavender Farm field trip on April 8th. Volunteers are needed from 9-2 pm the day of the plant sale. Contact the San Antonio Garden Center for the 85th anniversary Tea and Garden Show scheduled for April 30th. We welcome new members to our Garden Club, to join, complete the membership form shown and join us for our 2025-2026 year.
LIONS CLUB NEWS
By Lion Tim Flick
Thank you again to everyone who came out and supported the Lions Club at our Pancake/Sausage Breakfast. Your support at fundraisers like these allows us to continue to help those in need in our community and do things like continuing to support our local elementary schools and senior centers. We couldn’t do it without the support of our wonderful Windcrest residents! Don’t forget, your Windcrest Lions Club sponsors a Windcrest Little League team! An important part of our mission is to support area youth, so our members are happy to support a team. Please come out this season and cheer on your Windcrest Lions Little League team!
Lions Club and LEO Club members recently went to Mobility Worldwide to help assemble PET carts for the leg disabled around the world. PET carts are hand-cranked Mobility Carts, vehicles that allow them to go where ordinary wheelchairs won’t go. They are provided at no cost to the recipient and gives them the Gift of Mobility.
Registration is still open for the Texas Lions Camp for special needs children. We would love to sponsor local children who qualify. You can visit LionsCamp.com for more information, or you can contact Lion Tim at tkflick@gmail.com.
The Windcrest Lions Club is a community service-oriented organization and makes a real and positive difference in people’s lives. If you would like to be a part of the goodness, serve your community and work with like-minded people, we would love to have you join us!
A Storybook Christmas
• A Christmas Story
• The First Christmas
• A Christmas Carol
The theme for Light-Up 2025 is A Storybook Christmas. That’s fantastic – now just what does that mean? Is this your thought after hearing the Light-Up theme? I have heard many of the pending participants already express this concern, so let me help you a little and give you some ideas. A simple Amazon search of “Christmas Story Books” resulted in 7 pages of Christmas books. Nearly every Christmas movie has a book (most are from a book in the first place). You could do one major display focusing on one story or you could do a series of displays from many stories and place a sign with the title of the story being depicted. Or even better – a sign asking the viewers to guess the stories. The following is a sample of the books listed as a result of that simple search:
• The Twelve Days of Christmas
• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
• The Night Before Christmas
• The Polar Express
• Frosty the Snowman
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas
• Christmas in the Manger
• How to Catch an Elf
• Elf
• Jingle Bells
• The Nutcracker
An example using the story of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” could be making painted wooden cutouts of the following characters from the story:
• Several small reindeer depicting Rudolph and Clarice as well as Fireball.
• A scene of the Island of misfit toys.
• Sam the Snowman
• Hermey the Elf that wants to be a dentist.
• Yukon Cornelius
• Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster
• Santa and Mrs. Claus
• King Moonracer
• and of course, Charlie in the box
This is just one way to decorate your yard using the theme of “A Storybook Christmas”. (The use of inflatables could also be used instead of painted wooden cutouts.) I hope this helps!
Santa Jim
City of Windcrest Updates Ordinance on Building Regulations and Permits
The City of Windcrest has adopted updates to its Code of Ordinances, specifically focusing on building definitions, permit requirements, and accessory building regulations. These updates aim to ensure clarity, safety, and compliance with city standards for construction, renovation, and property improvements. Outlined are a few summary notes on the new regulations.
Key Updates and Definitions
• The new ordinance refines important terms related to construction and property development. Notable definitions include:
• Building & Structure: Any construction designed for the support, shelter, or protection of persons, animals, or property.
• Accessory Buildings: Subordinate structures incidental to the main building, such as sheds, garages, and greenhouses.
• Construction & Demolition: Defined processes for erecting and partially or completely removing buildings.
• Impervious Cover: Structures or materials preventing natural water infiltration, including driveways, decks, and patios.
Permit Requirements
A key component of the ordinance mandates permits for various types of construction work, including:
• New residential and commercial buildings
• Remodeling and additions
• Roofing replacements
• Installation of new or replacement fences
• Heating, cooling, and plumbing system upgrades
• Sidewalks, driveways, and slab installations exceeding 16 square feet
• New swimming pools, spas, or hot tubs
• Masonry mailboxes, irrigation systems, and accessory buildings
Accessory Building Regulations
Compliance and Enforcement
The ordinance reinforces adherence to the International Building Code, requiring that all temporary and permanent structures meet safety and anchorage criteria. Any new or modified structures must align with setback requirements and zoning regulations.
Effective Date
This ordinance was officially adopted following approval by the City Council on February 19, 2025, and is now in effect. Residents and businesses planning construction or renovations should review these updates and obtain necessary permits to remain in compliance. For more information, please visit the City of Windcrest website, www.windcrest-tx.gov, Permits and Inspections or contact the Building Services Department at permits@windcrest-tx.gov or 210655-0022 ext. 2430.
High Tea & Fashion Show
High Tea & Fashion Show
High Tea & Fashion Show
Saturday, April 5th, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM @ Windcrest Civic Center 9310 Jim Seal Dr, Windcrest, TX 78239
Saturday, April 5th, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM @ Windcrest Civic Center 9310 Jim Seal Dr, Windcrest, TX 78239
• Specific guidelines now apply to accessory buildings in residential and commercial zones:
• No sewer connections are allowed; electrical, water, and gas connections require proper permits.
• Total impervious coverage, including accessory buildings, cannot exceed 45% of the rear yard.
• Structures must be set back at least 10 feet from the main dwelling and 3 feet from lot lines (10 feet for masonry buildings).
• Must be placed behind the rear-most part of the main structure, except for steps or unenclosed porches.
High Tea & Fashion Show
Saturday, April 5th, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM @ Windcrest Civic Center 9310 Jim Seal Dr, Windcrest, TX 78239
Featuring Couture by 2018 San Antonio Designer of the Year: Roger Canamar – rogercanamardesigns.com
High Tea & Fashion Show
Saturday, April 5th – 1:00-4:00 p m at Windcrest Civic Center 9310 Jim Seal Dr, Windcrest, TX 78239
• Cannot be taller than 12 feet, measured from the ground to the highest sidewall where the roof begins.
• Materials and colors should match or complement the main structure.
• Portable storage containers in residential zones require a permit and business zones require City Council approval to be permitted.
Featuring Couture by 2018 San Antonio Designer of the Year: Roger Canamar – rogercanamardesigns.com
Featuring Couture by 2018 San Antonio Designer of the Year: Roger Canamar – rogercanamardesigns.com
Saturday, April 5th, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM @ Windcrest Civic Center 9310 Jim Seal Dr, Windcrest, TX 78239
Serving Parisian-themed Hors d'oeuvres
Serving Parisian-themed Hors d'oeuvres
Serving Parisian-themed Hors d'oeuvres
Featuring Couture by 2018 San Antonio Designer of the Year: Roger Canamar – rogercanamardesigns.com
RSVP: Patricia Anders Fisher – (210) 862-3938
RSVP: Patricia Anders Fisher – (210) 862-3938
Featuring Couture by Roger Canamar Serving Parisian -themed Hors d'oeuvres
RSVP: Patricia Anders Fisher – (210) 862-3938
All Are Welcome!
All Are Welcome!
Serving Parisian-themed Hors d'oeuvres
RSVP Today ! All Are Welcome !
All Are Welcome!
PAYMENT OPTIONS
PAYMENT OPTIONS
PAYMENT OPTIONS
RSVP: Patricia Anders Fisher – (210) 862-3938
$30
CheddarUp at: https://my.cheddarup.com/c/james-mchenry-chapter-nsdar Venmo to @AnnMarie-Esparza
