Fire Inspector: Tim Zelenak Ext. 2990 | tzelenak@windcrest-tx.gov
Police Department: Chief Jim Cole Ext. 2130 | jcole@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
FIRE – EMS – POLICE
24 HOURS A DAY 911 SUICIDE & CRISIS HOTLINE - CALL 988
Mayor’s
Message
Dan Reese
Happy Holidays Windcrest! Our signature event – Light-Up is well under way. We began with the Dedication Tree on November 13th honoring our pets. Then on November 20th, our own Santa Jim and Mrs. Claus joined us as we lit up “Santa Jim Candy Cane Lane!” I hope you will all enjoy this wonderful season with your family and friends!
Council Elections – Thank you to all the citizens that came out to vote in our November local election. Congratulations to Councilmember Greg Turner for winning his reelection to Council Place 3, and to Susie Hamilton for being elected to Council Place 1. Congratulations to Councilmember/Mayor Pro Tem Cindy Strzelecki, for her continued service in Council Place 2 as she was unopposed. Please note the City received a petition for a recount for Council Place 3. Once completed, information will be posted on the City's Election web-page. Councilmember Wes Manning will be leaving the City Council. We thank him for his dedication to the office and to the City of Windcrest. Thanks to Narquiz Cervantes, Billy Gipson, Robert Maloy and Rainbeau Presti for “putting their hats in the ring” to serve. It takes a lot of time and effort to run for office and we appreciate your dedication to Windcrest.
Light-Up 2024 – Blue Sapphire – We celebrate the 65th Anniversary of our great city with the traditional anniversary gem, the blue sapphire. The blue sapphire represents the qualities of loyalty, contentment, dream fulfillment, and prosperity. I look forward to the creativity that you all will show in decorating your homes! The Light-Up judging is on the evening of December 3rd. On December 7th, we will gather at City Hall to help Santa light our City Hall tree. We will also begin to hand out our Light-Up maps that will highlight the winning homes and help guide visitors through Windcrest.
Bike Night in Windcrest – This year “Bike Night in Windcrest” will be on Tuesday, December 10th from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Like last year, a section of our city will be designated as a bike only area (with exceptions of residents in the affected area). It allows for citizens and visitors to experience a portion of our great Light-Up City on a bike without the worry of cars. We will have road signs up to designate the area and will communicate with those residents who are in the “restricted” area. There will be an organized bike route, but anyone is free to take their bike into the “bike only” area and enjoy the lights. We encourage everyone to “Light-Up” their bike for this event. Last year, we had all ages from tricycles to seniors! Like the last two years, we will also have a longer bike ride that will be approximately 7 miles long. The longer ride will go outside the “bike only” area but will have Windcrest Police support. If you want to join the “Bike Night” event team, e-mail me at dreese@windcrest-tx.gov or call/text 210-419-0099. I’m excited about the opportunities to provide more experiences to highlight our city.
Ho-Ho-Ho Market – New location this year – 5307 Walzem Road in the Luby’s Center parking lot. It will be on Friday, December 13th from 4PM-8PM. Windcrest Candle – Our famous water tower “candle” will once again be welcoming the season with its multicolor LED lights for the enjoyment of citizens as well as travelers along I-35. One more reason we are known as the “City of Lights”.
I am continuing my “Coffee with the Mayor” every Saturday that I am in town. If I won’t be there, I will post on my Facebook page. We begin at 8:30 a.m. at Las Palapas on Walzem. You are welcome to come anytime you wish and leave as you wish.
I pray this holiday season is one of joy and peace for all. As we look forward to 2025, I wish you all happiness, success and prosperity in the new year.
By Jennifer Newman, President, WEDC Board
Support Local, Strengthen Windcrest: Why Shopping Locally Matters
As your Economic Development Corporation (EDC) President, I want to take a moment to share why supporting our local businesses is more than just a matter of convenience—it’s an investment in the future of Windcrest. When you shop locally, every dollar spent helps improve our city, directly impacting our quality of life and keeping property taxes in check.
Sales Tax Revenue: A Vital Resource
Windcrest relies heavily on sales tax revenue to fund essential services and improvements. When you spend at our local businesses, part of the sales tax stays right here, helping to pay for street repairs, park improvements, and public safety initiatives. This revenue supports our vision of creating a vibrant community without burdening residents with higher property taxes.
Reduced Property Taxes: A Shared Benefit
Higher sales tax revenue gives the city more flexibility to fund critical projects and services without having to increase residential property taxes. As sales tax collections grow, the need for additional property tax hikes diminishes—directly benefiting homeowners. In fact, a thriving local economy helps keep our property tax rate stable, which protects the financial well-being of every resident.
Boosting Our Quality of Life
Beyond financial benefits, supporting local businesses enriches our community in countless ways. Local shops, restaurants, and service providers contribute to the unique character of Windcrest and create jobs that support families in our area. A vibrant business environment means more options for residents, greater convenience, and a stronger sense of community pride.
How You Can Make a Difference
Supporting Windcrest businesses doesn’t require major changes— small actions add up! Here are a few ways you can help:
• Dine in local restaurants instead of driving to nearby cities.
• Shop at local retailers whenever possible.
• Use local service providers for your home projects and personal care needs.
• Tell your friends and family about the great businesses right here in Windcrest.
By choosing to shop locally, you’re investing in a prosperous future for our city. The stronger our local economy, the more opportunities we have to enhance the services, amenities, and infrastructure that make Windcrest such a wonderful place to call home.
Thank you for your continued support of our community. Together, let’s keep Windcrest growing and thriving—one purchase at a time.
Code Enforcement & Compliance
By Daniel Fox, Police Code Compliance Agent
We often get asked why oak trees can only be cut during a specific time of the year and why the city has required permits to cut these trees and the answer to both those questions is OAK WILT.
What is Oak Wilt?
Oak wilt is a deadly fungal disease that infects oak trees and attacks the tree’s water conducting system. This disruption in the tree's ability to hydrate itself causes a cascade of issues that ultimately lead to the tree dying.
What Causes Oak Wilt?
This disease can easily be spread to other trees by sap beetles traveling above ground from tree to tree and through the interconnected root systems that oak trees are known for.
What are Common Symptoms of Oak Wilt?
Wilting leaves, discoloration, and your tree shedding leaves out of season are common signs of oak wilt.
What are the Consequences of Oak Wilt?
Oak wilt isn't just a menace to individual trees; it can wreak havoc on entire ecosystems. The economic cost of managing oak wilt can branch out quickly. Environmentally, it can cause biodiversity to decrease drastically.
How to Prevent Oak Wilt?
Practice good tree hygiene. Don’t prune oak trees during oak wilt season. Disinfect your pruning tools. Paint wounds immediately using commercial tree paint or latex. Discard tree trimmings immediately after pruning. Don't use firewood from infected areas and consider planting less susceptible tree species.
How to Treat Oak Wilt?
There are several treatment methods available, including fungicide injections and tree removal, all of which can be pricey. Just remember, with oak wilt, prevention is the best form of tree protection.
Windcrest is a beautiful city with trees that have been around for many many years. It is our job to protect those trees and do everything we can to keep our city looking beautiful. Always get a permit before cutting an oak tree. Contact the permits department at 210-655-0022 for more information on oak tree permits.
United Way Help Line: Dial 2-1-1
2-1-1 is a free, anonymous social service hotline that helps people find information and resources in their community.
CLUB
The holiday season is in full swing and so is the Windcrest Women’s Club! More than 30 were in attendance at our October evening meeting at Red Lobster! The presentation by Leticia Hernandez from Child Advocates of San Antonio (CASA) was informative and inspirational - several WWC members expressed an interest in volunteering to help with CASA’s mission to advocate for child welfare in Bexar County!
We had a spook-tacular time at the Windcrest Police Department’s Trunk or Treat event on Halloween! WWC members did their magic, passing out candy and admiring all the boo-tiful costumes!
We won’t have a general meeting in December, but our members (and their family and friends) are invited to our Christmas Social event on December 5th from 6-9p.m. at the Civic Center! Not a member yet? It’s never too late to join and dues are only $20!
Don’t forget to purchase your 65th Anniversary commemorative Blue Sapphire 2024 Light Up collectible tree ornament! They’re only $10 and are available on our website at WindcrestWomensClub.org or via email at WindcrestWC@gmail.com! You can also visit us and buy one in person - we’ll be at the Light Up Kickoff event on December 7th at 5:30p.m. at City Hall and at the HO-HO-HO Market on December 13th from 4-8p.m. at 5307 Walzem Rd.
A Message From Fire Inspector, Tim Zelenak
The Winter Holidays are a time for families and friends to get together, but that also means a greater risk of fire. Following a few simple tips will ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season.
Holiday Decorating
• Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
• Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
• Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
• Replace any string lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
• Keep decorations away from windows and doors.
Holiday Entertaining
• Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.
• Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
• Keep matches and lighters up high in locked cabinets.
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
Before Heading Out or to Bed
• Blow out all lit candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.
Hope everyone has a safe and joyful winter holiday season!
Community First POLICE DEPARTMENT
By Jim Cole Windcrest Chief of Police
Our Police Department would like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and happy holidays to all. This is the time to reflect on the year that is coming to an end and develop goals for the new year. We are all just as excited as you to celebrate the holidays with our families and friends but please remember that fireworks are not permitted within Windcrest city limits.
Fireworks are magical to view but they can be volatile. Your safety, and the protection of your home is our priority. Each year, thousands of people suffer from firework-related injuries. These injuries range from minor burns to more severe trauma like the loss of a hand or an eye. In 2022, an estimate of 31,302 fires were reported to be caused by fireworks according to the NFPA, resulting in over 109 million dollars in property damage.
Remember, if you see something, say something. You can reach our non-emergency line at: 210-655-2666
F.D.News FIRE DEPARTMENT
By Ivan Hernandez Windcrest Fire Chief
Santa Claus won’t be the only one using a chimney this season. As colder temperatures sweep through the community, many of us will be staying indoors and turning up the heat by keeping a fire in the fireplace. While fireplaces offer warmth and relaxation, we must keep in mind the dangers they pose if not operated or maintained properly. Here are some safety tips to follow to keep you and your home toasted, not roasted!
• Cut away branches hanging above chimney vents
• Install a mesh screen cap over the top of the chimney
• Use a stovepipe thermometer to monitor flue temperature
• Keep air inlets open
• Let ashes cool before removing them and pour water on them before discarding
• Keep glass doors open while the fire is burning and install a mesh gate to prevent embers and sparks from escaping the fireplace area
• Keep the hearth clear of clutter and debris
• Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended
• Install a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector in your home and keep a fire extinguisher nearby
Wearing the Windcrest Badge
Highlighting Badge 307
Sergeant Zavala is the newest member of the Windcrest Police Department; he is being assigned to the role of CID Sergeant. He was previously employed at Saint Hedwig Marshal’s Office and brings to us many years of experience as a Texas state investigator. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family. His hobbies include developing his skills as an investigator and designing, upholstering, and assembling new items and home articles.
Animal Care & Control
Meet Zeke. He is a playful boy ready for a new family. If you are interested in adding him to your family, or any other dogs within our care, please call the Windcrest Police Department at 210655-2666 and ask for an Animal Control Officer.
To see more pets available for adoption visit: https:// www.windcrest-tx.gov/650/ Animal-Control-Care-Unit
REGISTRATION: Registering your dogs has become much easier, bring your ID, vaccine records, microchip records, and spay/neuter records to City Hall. The process takes less than 5 minutes.
TxWeACT an animal non-profit
Windcrest Animal Control Task Force
We will not be holding our “Dog Photos with Santa” at the Cross Roads Church this year. Hopefully we can look forward to that event next Christmas!
But in December during the “Fill the Boot”, TxWeACT still plans on helping the firemen fill those boots. We usually start on the 25th and are the ones in the street with the boots and maps. The Firemen share with us some of what we collect, so it is a winwin for both non-profits. Be sure to drive by and say hello….we love it when you bring your dogs along to see the lights.
We have not heard anything about the low cost immunization clinics the city hosts during the year, but will let you know once we hear anything. We encourage pet owners to register or reregister their pets with the city after their pets have been immunized.
Don’t forget to stop by our craft booth at BFI Treasures on Crestway. It is located in the same shopping center with Giuseppe’s Italian Grill & Pizzeria.
TxWeACT wishes everyone and their pets a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!!
GARDEN CLUB
By: Narquiz Cervantes
Our Fall season has kept the WC Garden Club busy with social and civic minded events.
Windcrest Golf
By Mary Wold
Be a little NAUGHTY-take it out on a golf ball! Be a little NICE-smile after enjoying a great putt! Complete the end of year list with a great game of golf and find wonderful deals at Windcrest Golf. Ladies Play every Thursday, tee time is 9a.m.. We welcome all levels of lady golfers. For more info please call Mary at 210-608-9645
Our October 3rd Wine Mixer at Giuseppe’s Restaurant was a successful evening affair with over 30 members in attendance. Coordinated by VP John Miranda and Treasurer Mary David, the event welcomed guest Ron Renovif (pictured) who spoke on irrigation systems and advantages of digital water meters. The October 12th plant sale at the Windcrest Methodist Church, headed by Annette Hoffman, Kimberly Ball, Mary David, Connie Ball and Steve Ball, was a hit with almost 95% of plants sold, providing funds to help our Windcrest residents. For example, the Special Projects committee used funds to purchase hoodies for Windcrest Elementary for the cooler days ahead. And thank you to all our Lunch and Love volunteers (pictured) who served lasagna, salad, cookies and fruit to local residents and those in need on October 26th at the Crossroads Church. November was no exception with our November 12th Food Drive/Xmas Cheer event at the Civic Center with Jamie Whitfield (speaker) and the White Elephant Auction. We will end the year with our December 9th, Civic Center Potluck at 11:00 a.m.. There will be an auction and our guest speaker Sir Oliver Smith will present on water saver landscapes and native plants. As we conclude our year, thank you to all of our members, volunteers, speakers, and sponsors, for making this Fall season such a success and for allowing us to gather, socialize, learn, and fundraise. We are thankful that we can make a difference by providing clothing and nourishment to members within our community during this season and the next. We welcome new members to our organization. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
LIONS CLUB NEWS
By Lion Tim Flick
Thank you to everyone who bought Christmas Greenery and who came out to our Chili Cornbread dinner fundraiser! It was great seeing so many of you out there supporting the Lions Club and your community! Our next big event is our famous Pancake Sausage Breakfast in the spring. Watch this space and Facebook, for updates.
Celebrating a Successful Start and Upcoming Festivities!
Windcrest’s annual Light-Up celebration is in full swing, and this year’s festivities have already brought incredible holiday spirit to our community. This year’s "Blue Sapphire" theme has added an extra sparkle to our beloved tradition, and the displays so far have been breathtaking.
With Christmas right around the corner, remember that the Fire Department will be sponsoring “Fill the Boot” again this year and working with local clubs to raise money. Look for your Lions Club members this holiday season, we’ll be out in the community with Light-Up maps and the boots. Hope to see you out there! Another fun event was the Halloween Trunk or Treat down at City Hall. A dozen or so Windcrest Clubs and Organizations gave candy and toys out to several hundred kids in a safe, fun environment. The Lions loved seeing the kids and all the creative costumes!
It’s already November, so don’t forget Light-Up! This year’s decorating theme is “Blue Sapphire”, in honor of the 65th anniversary of Windcrest, TX. So, start thinking about how you’ll decorate for Light-Up.
The Lions Club would like to wish everyone a happy, healthy holiday! And don’t forget to join the Lions Club, you can reach out to any member for more information.
Our November events were a great success! The Dedication Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 13th brought the community together to kick off the season with joy and warmth.
On November 20th, Santa Jim Candy Cane Lane welcomed families to enjoy festive lights and holiday cheer along a beautifully decorated Windway Island.
As we head into December, there are still more events to enjoy and ways to celebrate Windcrest’s holiday tradition. Here are the upcoming events:
Light-Up Celebration Kickoff: Join us on December 7th at 5:30 p.m. as we officially kickoff this year’s Light-Up season. Enjoy music, lights, and community spirit as we come together for a festive evening. Join us on City Hall, 8601 Midcrown!
Light-Up Bike Night: On December 10th at 6:00 p.m., families are invited to pedal through Windcrest and admire the dazzling lights in a designated bike-only area. It’s a unique way to see the lights up close and enjoy the beauty of the season. We will depart from 8101 Midcrown.
HO-HO-HO Market: Wrap up the festivities on December 13th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with our HO-HO-HO Market. Browse local vendors, enjoy seasonal treats, and find special holiday gifts in a cheerful, holiday-themed atmosphere. Stop by 5307 Walzem for free Hot Coco and do some shopping.
We invite everyone to explore the decorated homes and be part of this cherished Windcrest tradition. Let’s continue to make this year’s Light-Up one to remember!
For more details and participation information, visit www. windcrest-tx.gov/LightUp.
OTHER CONTACT INFORMATION
ORGANIZATIONS:
American Legion - Jack Leonhardt - jackleonhardt@aol.com
Boy Scout of America: Justin Buckner - 210-744-7296 - buckj64@gmail.com
FIT High-Performance Tennis Academy & Pickleball Center - 210-405-3781www.fithptennisacademy.com
