February '25 Newsletter

Volume 25 • Issue 2 • February 2025

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A monthly newsletter for the residents of the City of Windcrest published by Neighborhood News, Inc.

City of Windcrest 8601 Midcrown Windcrest, TX 78239-2598 City Administration & Municipal Court Monday – Friday | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM 210-655-0022 Contracted Post Office Monday – Friday | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Interim City Manager: Natalia Witmer Ext. 2820 | nwitmer@windcrest-tx.gov City Council Mayor: Dan Reese 210-419-0099 | dreese@windcrest-tx.gov Mayor Pro Tem/Place 2: Cindy Strzelecki cstrzelecki@windcrest-tx.gov Place 1: Susie Hamilton shamilton@windcrest-tx.gov Place 3: Greg Turner gturner@windcrest-tx.gov Place 4: Marcus Yax 210-246-8895 | myax@windcrest-tx.gov Place 5: Adam Astleford aastleford@windcrest-tx.gov City Departments: 210-655-0022 City Secretary: Rachel C. Dominguez Ext: 2100 | citysecretary@windcrest-tx.gov Permits: Shannon Strey Ext. 2430 | permits@windcrest-tx.gov Municipal Court: Claudia Carrera Ext. 2250 | court@windcrest-tx.gov Public Works: Ext. 2490 Finance: Natalia Witmer (MFO) Ext. 2820 | nwitmer@windcrest-tx.gov Utilities: Kathryn Sittenauer Mon – Thu 8 AM – 4 PM | Fri 8 AM – 3 PM Ext. 1053 | utilities@windcrest-tx.gov Fire Department: Chief Ivan Hernandez Ext. 2180 | firechief@windcrest-tx.gov FD Admin: Gabby Ramirez Ext. 2320 | dcortez@windcrest-tx.gov 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 FIRE – EMS – POLICE 24 HOURS A DAY 911 SUICIDE & CRISIS HOTLINE - CALL 988

Mayor’s Message Dan Reese February is Black History Month, recognized as such by Gerald Ford in 1976. February also brings the end of the professional football season on February 9th with the Super Bowl. On the 14th, we will celebrate Valentine’s Day! I’m reminded of those around me that I cherish and those that have passed, and hope you are able to connect with your loved ones either in person or in thought. Interesting fact about February: “While February is the second month in our Gregorian calendar today, it was originally the very last month added to the Roman calendar (c. 713 BC)! Originally, the calendar was 10 months because winter was considered a dormant, monthless period. January and February were added by the Roman king Numa Pompilius to better align the calendar with the lunar year”. (from the Old Farmer’s Almanac) 65th Annual-Light Up “Blue Sapphire”– The “Winners Dinner” was held on January 7th. This year, we experienced an increase in the number of homes participating. At the conclusion of the dinner, we unveiled the theme for next year: “A Storybook Christmas.”

The theme suggestions are annually submitted to our Parks and Recreation Commission, which subsequently passes them on to the City Council for final approval. We are currently seeking suggestions to enhance the Light-Up event, so please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any ideas. In particular, we are interested in exploring ways to encourage more homes to display lights, even if they do not wish to participate in our competition.

City Manager – On January 6th, the City Council unanimously approved the request of City Manager Rafael Castillo, Jr., to retire. Rafael served Windcrest for approximately 14 years, one of our longest-serving employees. He is widely recognized for his unwavering dedication to Windcrest and his consistent prioritization of the city’s interests in all his endeavors. While technically retiring, I anticipate that he will not remain idle for long and will promptly seek new opportunities. Rafael, we extend our sincere gratitude for your invaluable service to Windcrest. We extend our best wishes for a fulfilling future in the next chapter of your life. The City Council will be using an executive search firm to seek a City Manager replacement.

Police Chief – Windcrest is currently seeking a new Police Chief. The City Council has appointed David Ellis as the Interim Chief. To facilitate the selection process, the Council has established a Police Chief Interview panel. The panel will be comprised of a City Department Head, two Police Chiefs, and two Windcrest Citizens. The panel’s responsibilities include reviewing applications, conducting interviews, and submitting their findings to the City Council. The Council will then conduct its own interviews and make a final selection for the position.

I am continuing my “Coffee with the Mayor” every Saturday that I am in town. Please see my Facebook page (Dan Reese, Mayor, City of Windcrest) for updates. We begin at 8:30 a.m. at Las Palapas on Walzem. You are welcome to come anytime you wish and leave as you choose.

“

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Code Enforcement & Compliance

By Daniel Fox,

By Jennifer Newman, President, WEDC Board The City of Windcrest is indeed fortunate to have Karen K. Nelson serving as our hardworking Windcrest Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Coordinator. Her unwavering dedication and extensive experience in public service, administration, and training in economic development play a crucial role in fostering growth and opportunity for our community. As WEDC Coordinator, Karen works closely with Mario Hernandez, a seasoned economic development professional. Together, they strategize and implement initiatives to attract new businesses, retain existing ones, and support a thriving local economy. A significant part of Karen’s role is as the lead for the critically important Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) program. By fostering relationships with existing business owners and, along with Mario, providing technical assistance in areas of need, we help take care of our existing business base. Her work in developing and maintaining market, demographic, and real estate information helps us in promoting Windcrest as a prime destination for investment and new business. Karen has played a pivotal role in elevating the online presence of the WEDC through her innovative approach to social media, which has helped us craft engaging posts highlighting local businesses, community events, and development opportunities. Her ability to constantly develop new business-related content and adapt community stories and news has driven significant growth in the Windcrest social media program. Karen’s work not only enhances Windcrest's visibility but also strengthens connections with our citizens and businesses, as well as the all- important potential new investors.

From planning meetings to preparing reports, Karen handles the administrative tasks that keep the WEDC running efficiently. She ensures compliance with local regulations and aligns projects with Windcrest's long-term development strategy. Karen's collaborative work with Mario Hernandez highlights the dynamic interplay between seasoned expertise in economic development and the need for a multi-talented and detail-oriented professional staff. Together, they focus on market conditions and targeted industry while understanding Windcrest's needs and advantages to foster sustainable growth and prosperity. Because of their partnership, the WEDC attracts investment, creates jobs, and enhances the quality of life for Windcrest residents, instilling a sense of hope for a brighter future.

Windcrest Newsletter | February 2025

Police Code Compliance Agent

We want to remind the residents of Windcrest to please take care of their grass and maintain their alleyways. Your grass must not get taller than 10 inches. Please remember that trailers are not allowed to be in your driveway and you cannot park vehicles on grass. These are all city ordinances that can result in citations if a violation occurs.

DID YOU KNOW? Fallen leaves can become a fire hazard and clog storm drains.

2025 Light-Up Theme Reveal A big thank you to everyone who joined us for our Light-Up Winners Dinner on January 7th, 2025! It was a wonderful evening as we celebrated all the beautifully decorated homes entered into this year’s contest and recognized the talented winners in each category.

Your creativity and holiday spirit made this year’s Blue Sapphire theme truly shine, and we are so grateful for everyone who participated and supported this cherished Windcrest tradition.

During this dinner, we announced that the 2025 Light-Up theme will be: A Storybook Christmas. We can’t wait to see how our community brings this magical theme to life next holiday season!

Thank you for continuing to make Windcrest a place where traditions sparkle and community spirit shines bright!

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A Message From

CLUB It’s par-tea time for the Windcrest Women’s Club! Join us for a sip and a trip down memory lane - a celebration of our Club’s history, where we honor past presidents and show appreciation for our members! This year, we’re extending a special invitation to all Windcrest ladies over age 80 who are not Club members! Our 2025 Founder’s and Membership Appreciation Tea will be on Wednesday, February 26th from 2-5 p.m. at the Windcrest Civic Center. Please RSVP via email to windcrestwc@gmail. com.

February also marks the start of our membership drive! Annual dues are only $20! You can join online at WindcrestWomensClub.com!

Windcrest Newsletter | February 2025

Fire Inspector, Tim Zelenak Even everyday electrical equipment like power strips can be a fire risk when not maintained or used properly. Every year more than 3,300 home fires originate from power strips and extension cords.

The Windcrest Fire Department cares about your safety. Follow these best practices to stay safe when using power strips and extension cords.

• Use power strips and extension cords in the right locations for the right purposes.

• Keeping your power strips and extension cords in their proper places and away from hazards helps ensure their safe use.

• Only use power strips and extension cords indoors unless they are specifically designed for outdoor use.

• Always keep cords, appliances and devices away from water, wet hands or other moisture.

• Only use extension cords for temporary needs, don’t use them as a substitute for permanent wiring.

• Keep power strips and extension cords uncovered so that air around them can circulate freely.

• Never run extension cords under carpets, rugs or furniture.

• Avoid overloading.

• Overloaded power strips or extension cords can create a fire hazard.

• Only use power strips for low-voltage electronics.

• Always use extension cords that match the amperage of the item it's connected to.

• Do not plug power strips into another power strip or extension cord.

• Don’t plug multiple power strips into the same wall outlet, this could overload the circuit.

• Check your power strips and surge protectors for damage regularly. If a power strip feels hot to the touch, unplug and remove it immediately.

• Consider surge protectors to guard you and your electronics.

Surge protectors look much like power strips but offer a greater level of safety for you and your devices. Their built-in system helps prevent power surges from damaging connected devices, making them great for electronics sensitive to change in power levels, such as TV’s and computers. This extra protection makes surge protectors a bit more expensive than power strips. When shopping for a surge protector, you can distinguish it from a power strip by the label on its packaging or by checking that its listed features include surge protection or surge suppression.

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Community First POLICE DEPARTMENT

By David Ellis Interim Windcrest Chief of Police

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Interim Chief D. Ellis as the new Interim Police Chief for Windcrest. With nearly 40 years of dedicated experience in law enforcement, Interim Chief Ellis brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our community. He has also served as an instructor at the San Antonio College Law Enforcement Academy, demonstrating his commitment to education and professional development within the field.

Interim Chief Ellis is excited to take on this role and is deeply committed to serving the residents of Windcrest. His goal is to be a positive role model for both the community and his officers, fostering an environment of professionalism and integrity. He encourages his team to continuously develop their skills as peace officers, ensuring that they represent our department with pride and dedication.

Please join us in welcoming Chief Ellis to his new position as he embarks on this important journey to enhance public safety and strengthen community bonds in Windcrest.

Windcrest Newsletter | February 2025

Wearing the Windcrest Badge Highlighting Badge 714

Wearing Badge 714, Code Enforcement Agent D. Fox has been serving the City of Windcrest for a year and a half. He is retired from the United States Army having served 22 years and retired as a First Sergeant with 17 combat deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. He is a graduate of Saint Gregory’s University with a bachelor’s degree in science with a major in Psychology and a minor in Law Enforcement.

His hobbies include hunting, fishing, shooting, playing golf, and riding his motorcycle. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his wife, Krista, and his two children, Mckinzey and Kaiya, who are all musicians.

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Animal Care & Control February 3rd is National Feed the Birds Day. With over 10,000 species worldwide, birds can be found in nearly every habitat in the world. This day is used to observe and appreciate the birds in our community. They are important pollinators, seed dispersers, and pest controllers. Now that the cold months are finally coming to an end we will begin seeing the return of many birds. Birds are not just beautiful creatures; they are integral to the ecosystem, showcasing the complex interconnections in nature. This month, consider dedicating just a little of your time to give birds a little boost to kick off their year with us.

Here are some tips that can help ensure that the birds in our community will continue to thrive: •

Create a bird-friendly environment by planting native plants that can provide food or shelter for birds.

•

Provide food and water by installing temporary bird feeders and shallow bird baths.

•

Do a family project and put together a birdhouse with bird nesting supplies.

Pet for Adoption Meet the wonderful Tony who is a 3 year old Pit male. He is up to date on all his shots and is ready for a new family to give him a second chance. He is great with other dogs and loves people. If you are interested in adopting him or any of the dogs in our care, please call 210-655-2666 and ask for an animal control officer or email policeinfo@ windcrest-tx.gov.

TxWeACT an animal non-profit Meetings: the 4th Tuesday of the month 210-562-0299 We want to thank everyone who came by to donate during the Fire Association’s “Fill the Boot” after Christmas Eve. It looks like we were able to raise enough to help with our animal causes.

It was a fun occasion for us, it also gave us an opportunity to meet some really nice folks!!

There are a lot of eyes out in our community that help reunite lost dogs with their owners, and that is the goal for all of our wandering dogs. If you do pick up or see a dog wandering the streets, please call animal control (210-655-2666) and let them know. Give them a full description of the dog and where you picked it up or saw it. If you would like to foster the dog while the required five business day hold is ticking, let them know that. It is a lot less stressful for a dog if it is in a home environment while we wait for the owner to locate their pet. This also allows notices to be posted for a found dog. Hopefully, our animal control officers can match the “lost dog” to the “found dog” and we have a happy ending. Just know that not all dogs wandering our streets are dumped dogs, there are families out there searching for their loved pets. We need to do our best to help them find their dogs. And letting animal control know you have a “found dog” is the first step in the process.

Are you turning 65?

Call your local licensed Humana sales agent.

Travis Edwards 210-784-7482 (TTY: 711) Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

TEdwards51@humana.com Y0040_GHHHXDFEN23a_BC_C

Windcrest Newsletter | February 2025

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GARDEN CLUB

By: Narquiz Cervantes

Welcome to February Windcrest Garden Club members. This month proves to be a critical month since there is sometimes a surprise freeze that might affect garden beds and outdoor potted plants right before Spring. Remember to move potted plants indoors and cover outdoor plantings with insulated covers.

Our December meeting provided an excellent time to enjoy a delicious potluck, greet old friends, and partake in end of the year events such as our traditional raffles and poinsettia sales, led by Ruby Rosales and Annette Hoffman, respectively. In addition, we sold Blue Sapphire 65th anniversary Windcrest Christmas ornaments to celebrate our city. Our guest speaker was Sir Oliver Smith who gave a talk on Water Saver Landscapes with native plants. Plant names and visuals of Flame Acanthus, Chocolate Flower, Turk’s Cap, and dozens more filled the screen during his presentation. And a tip: For good bluebonnet viewing this Spring, try Luskey Road out by Camp Bullis. To join our Garden Club, complete the form pictured below, we would like to have you as part of our club.

In the coming months we will be open for new officer nominations and committee members.

For Spring 2025, our scheduled events are: Feb 4th/Civic Center/Rose Care, March 4th/Giuseppe Restaurant evening wine mixer/Orchid care, April 8th/Lavender Farm field trip, May 6th/Appreciation lunch

Windcrest Newsletter | February 2025

Windcrest Golf

By Mary Wold

Love it or leave it—February is full of celebrations: Groundhog Day, Heart Month, Presidents' Day, Black History Month, and Valentine's Day. Celebrate one or leave it. The same applies to golf: love the good shots, leave the others. Ladies Play every Thursday, Tee time is 9 a.m.

We welcome all levels of lady golfers. For more info, please call Mary: 210-608-9645

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LIONS CLUB NEWS

By Lion Tim Flick

The Lions Club stayed busy this Holiday Season.

Lion Nanette and several other Lions participated in the Type 1 Diabetes Walk. This is a great cause and if you’ve never attended, you should consider doing so!

Every year, the Lions Club sponsors the Peace poster contest at Ed White Middle School.

Children ages 11 – 13 are encouraged to creatively express what Peace means to them. The kids always come up with some amazing ideas and beautiful posters.

The Roosevelt High School LEO Club recently had their new officers installed by VP Lion John and LEO Advisor Lion Marlene. The LEO Club is a great way to get young people involved in serving their community. If your student is looking for a fun, social club that will help them become young leaders, encourage them to check out the LEO Club.

Pancake & Sausage Breakfast It’s that time of year again, it’s our famous Pancake / Sausage Breakfast! The breakfast is a little later this year. It will be held on the last Saturday of March, which is the 29th, from 8 AM – 10 AM. Ticket prices are $8 pre-sale, $10 at the door.

Be sure to contact any Lion Club member to get your tickets early and save $2!

We had an amazing turnout last year and would love to see you all out again. So come out and support your local Lions Club! Enjoy a hearty breakfast and fellowship with your neighbors!

If you would like to learn more about joining the Lions Club you can contact us at 210-951-9463, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WindcrestLions or on our website www.windcrestlions club.org. We are currently meeting at the Windcrest Civic Center, you are welcome to join us!

Windcrest Newsletter | February 2025

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Windcrest Newsletter | February 2025

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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 - 210-405-3781 www.fithptennisacademy.com GRASP Transit: 210-658-6351 - grasp211.org/windcrest-shuttle/ Lion’s Club - Timothy Flick - 210-951-9463 - tkflick@gmail.com TxWeAct - Pam Dodson - 210-562-0299 - txweact@yahoo.com Windcrest Garden Club - Rose Ward - 210-289-1772 Windcrest Golf Course - 210-655-1421 Windcrest Little League - Aaron Garcia - 210-608-2729 - windcrestlittleleague@gmail.com - www. windcrestbaseball.org Windcrest Volunteers - Anita Luna-Caulk - volunteers@windcrest-tx.gov Windcrest Women’s Club - Lois Wooton - 210-827-4357 Windcrest Citizen’s Patrol: • Team 1 Captain - James Senseney - 210-823-1726 • Team 2 Captain - Joe Regan - 210-655-2355 • Team 3 Captain - Mike Magallanez - 210-267-8390 • Team 4 Captain - Elvie Ortiz - 210-861-5558

BOARDS & COMMISSIONS: Refer to the City of Windcrest Board and Commission web page for a current list of vacancies. Applications accepted year-round.

Board of Adjustments Billy Gipson George Alva Robert Rohleder - Chair VACANT Dr. Bruce Thompson A1. Gwen Wilson A2. VACANT A3. VACANT Ethics Commission Rose Marie Caballero VACANT Vanessa Rye Jill S. Vogel - Chair Victoria Moe A1. VACANT A2. VACANT Parks & Recreation Commission Jim Flinn - Chair Angel Selina Jay Eldridge Lamar Lawson VACANT William Calvin New Monica Baietti A1. Linda Oliver A2. Jesus Martin

Windcrest Newsletter | February 2025

Planning & Zoning Commission Rainbeau Presti - Chair Terry McDowell Steven Hall Vivian Le Tanya Aksamentova Marchell Camp Matthew Halbert A1. VACANT A2. VACANT A3. VACANT

February 24, March '25

Advertise Your Business Here To advertise in this newsletter, please contact Neighborhood News at 210-558-3160 or sales@neighborhoodnews.com.

WCCPD Board of Directors Mike Arnold Wesley V. Manning William Lambrides Margaret Weidenbach – Vice President Dr. William R. Mueller – President James Senseney Tim Dehn Economic Development Corporation Rebecca Achterberg Kevin Compton Vivian Le Rainbeau Presti – Vice President John Fagin Ritchie “Rip” Stimpson Jennifer Newman – President BCWCID #10 Sue Alexander Salexanderbcwcid10@gmail.com

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GREEN FEES

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Windcrest Newsletter | February 2025

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8601 Midcrown Windcrest, TX 78239-2598

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Published and distributed by: Neighborhood News, Inc. 3740 Colony Drive Suite LL100, San Antonio, TX 78230 • www.NeighborhoodNews.com Articles that appear in the City of Windcrest newsletter do not necessarily reflect the official position of Neighborhood News, Inc. and their publication does not constitute an endorsement therein. The appearance of any advertisement in the City of Windcrest newsletter does not constitute an endorsement by Neighborhood News, Inc. of the goods or services advertised. Stock imagse from stock.adobe.com. Neighborhood News, Inc. is not responsible for errors beyond the cost of the actual ad space. Any publication of Neighborhood News, Inc., whether draft or final is the sole property of Neighborhood News, Inc. and cannot be reproduced or distributed in any way, whether in print or electronically, without the express written consent of Neighborhood News, Inc. ©Neighborhood News, Inc.