Local Updated Calendar for the month of December

L-R: "Wrappin with Jack," December 9th @ Northside Ford

• December 7th-Bexar County Democratic Women @ 6:30 p.m.SAAPAC office, 7122 San Pedro www.tdw.org/bexarcounty.
• December 7th-Monday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. @ Patt Lou's Restaurant @ Olmos Bharmacy, 3902 McCollough to honor Dr. Robert Trevino for work thru the Bienstar/NEEMA Diabetes Prevention Health Center.
• December 7th-at 11:30 a.m. Press Conference: San Antonio leaders endorse Bill White for Governor, Main Plaza Conservancy, 115 N. Main Street.
• December 8th-Tuesday, Republican Party of Bexar County Biennial Hall of Fame Dinner @ 5:30 p.m. at San Antonio Country Club, 4100 N. New Braunfels Avenue, 78209. Honoring Republican activists. For information about sponsorship levels and table reservations, contact GOP headquarters at 210-824-9445 or gop@bexargop.org
• December 8th-Tuesday,- Alamo Pachyderm Club Meeting, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at The Palm Restaurant, 233 East Houston Street, San Antonio TX 78205. Guest Speaker: Sherry Sylvester, Texans for Lawsuit Reform. Valet parking is available. For further information and reservations, contact: Larry Loveall at 210-492-1294 or alamopachyderm@yahoo.com
• December 8th-550 KTSA Talk Show Host Jack Riccardi hosts his annual "Wrappin with Jack" @ Northside Ford on 281 from 7-9 p.m. Bring an unwrapped Christmas toy to Northside Ford for wrapping by Jack's wrappers.
• December 9th-Bexar County & University Health System, 9th Annual Small, Minority,Women & Veteran Business Owners Conference, Wednesday, December 9th, Freeman Coliseum, 3201 E. Houston St. 78219.
• December 8th-Farouk Shami for Governor, campaign headquarters, 3714 NW Loop 410, @ Fredericksburgh Rd. by Fedex Kinkos opening at noon. First reception at noon. Farouk speaking at 12:30. Appetizers will be served from noon-2 p.m. & again at evening reception from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. For further information, please contact Gerard Ponce @ gerardpon@yahoo.com.
• December 9th-Judicial candidate Sylvia Lopez event, American Legion, Post 3992628 W. Southcross, 78211 Wednesday from 6-9 p.m. (210) 225-5511.
• December 10th-Christmas Dinner hosted by State Rep. Joe Farias, from 6 p.m.-9 p.m., VFW #9186, 650 VFW Blvd.
• December 10th-Majella, San Antonio Benefit Dinner, Thursday, December 10th @ 7 p.m., Grand Hyatt San Antonio, 600 E. Market St. Guest Speaker Actress Kathy Ireland.
• December 10th-Dr Masarrat Ali for State Rep. District 122 fundraiser,6-8 p.m. 2318 N Loop 1604 W, @ Amorcito’s Mexican Cocina Y Cantina,1604 Access Road, between Huebner and Bitters, Please RSVP: Jonathan@alifortexas.com
• December 10th-Judge Michael Mery's Holiday Reception "Judge Michael Mery invites you to his 4th Holiday Reception" Thursday @ 5 p.m. @ the Mexican Manhattan Restaurant, 110 Soledad.
• December 11th- "BCYD Holiday Social" Friday @ 7 p.m.-9 p.m. "no need for a sitter for this one"@ Peter Piper Pizza, 6965 Bandera Rd. (Huebner is the cross street)
• December 13th-"Miss San Antonio American Beauty Pageant" Sunday, @ 6 p.m. @Our Lady of The Lake.
• December 13th-The Mystic Knights Low Rider Club & Motorcycle Club are having their 5th Annual Santa's Cruisers Foundation Toy & Clothing drive! Jaime P. Martinez and the Mystic Knights are joining together in giving out clothes and toys to the less fortunate families. Please bring your children and invite your friends, neighbors and relatives.Sunday: Dec. 13th from 5-6:30 p.m. @ Cesar Chavez Learning Center, 1504 Commerce & Hackberry, 78205.
• December 15th-BCDP Pot-Luck Holiday Party @ 7:30 p.m., 8925 I-10 West. Following the special CEC meeting, (elect interim Chair) we will have a Holiday Party. Firefighters Hall 8925 I-10 West, between Callaghan and Wurzbach.
• December 17th-Art in the Chamber, from 5:30-7:30 @ the Greater Chamber.
• December 18th-The investiture of Lori I. Valenzuela as the Judge of the 437th Judicial District Court will be @ 3 p.m. in the Central Grand Jury Room, Cadena-Reeves Justice Center.
• December 19th-“A Brotherhood of Forces" Honoring Veterans Past and Present Benefit Barbecue, Car Show, Hot Rod Club, Blessing of the Bikes & Live Music, December 19th @ VFW Post #76, Broadway & 10th Street from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• December 19th-Christmas Friendraiser for Richard Garcia for Judge CC#12 @ 7 p.m., 114 E. King's Hwy. Bring unwrapped children's toy for "Elf Louise."

Jazz with Judge Al Alonso, featuring George Ramos, 12-6

attendees, food, King Tut, host's house, Judge Al Alonso poses in front of Margie Vera's house with his antique truck

Jazz with Judge Al Alonzo attracted numerous supporters to Monte Vista, Sunday, December 6th.

Jazz with the Judge (Alonso) featuring George Prado, 12-6

Jazz with Judge Al Alonso, an afternoon of great music @ Margie Vera's house, 228 W. Agarita from 4-6:30 p.m. Sunday, December 6th.

Kids overtake the 13th Annual Toys for Tots event, 12-4

L-R: Children & Santa!!!

Like busy little bees buzzing around a beehive, hundreds of children swarmed to VFW Post 9186 on the Southside to visit with two Santa Clauses, & the Spurs Coyote, Friday, December 4th.

More photos from the Sen. Carlos Uresti Toy 4 Tots, 12-4

L-R: Judicial candidate Tina Torres & State Senator Carlos Uresti & staffer, Walker Report Publisher/Editor & Judge Steve Walker with Harlandale ISD Superintendent Robert Jakleich, Frank Carrasco & wife, judicial candidate Melissa Martinez-Carrasco, Jonathan Vela & mother, Bexar County Clerk candidate & Bexar County Democratic Party Chair Carla Vela, Judge Paul Canales, former SAISD Board President Dr. William Elizondo & DA candidate Nico LaHood, & his wife, Uresti staffer Liz Campos with Judge Phil Kazen, Gabe Farias & father State Rep. Joe Farias, Carlos Uresti Jr., uncle Tomas & his daughter Rachel & grand child, brother Albert Uresti, Police Chief Bill McManus, Santa Claus, Walker Report Publisher/Editor & Judge Steve Walker, Judges Ernest Acevedo & wife, Diana, Michael LaHood & son, DA candidate Nico, Ron Rangel, Rogelio Lopez, Al Alonso, Phil Kazen, & Ray Olivarri, judicial candidates Dinorah Diaz, Paul Vasquez, Norma Gonzales, Barbie Scharf-Zeldes, Tina Torres, Lawrence Morales, former Councilman Joe Alderete & wife, Cris, McCollum High School JROTC, McCollum Cheerleader performing as "Hannah Montana" South San Cheerleaders, Spurs Coyote

More photos from the State Senator Carlos Uresti's 13th Annual Christmas event @ VFW Post 9186, Friday, December 4th.

Senator Carlos Uresti's 13th Annual Christmas Party, 12-4

L-R: Senator Carlos Uresti, attendees, Coyote & Spurs Cheerleaders

State Senator Carlos Uresti hosted his 13th Annual Christmas Toys for Tots event @ VFW Post 9186 on the Southside, December 4th.

Houston Mayor declares run for Governorship of Texas, 12-4

Bill White seeks to serve Texans as Governor After listening to thousands across the state, Houston Mayor announces decision.

Today, after listening to thousands of Texans from all backgrounds, Bill White filed to run for Governor, pledging to fight for Texas' future. "I am proud of the people of Texas, and as Governor I will move us forward as America's great state of opportunity," White said. "I'll be a Governor who challenges Texans to lead, not leave, the United States."

White highlighted ways of creating new jobs with businesses small and large across the state. He emphasized that Texas could not be its best with skyrocketing insurance and electric rates and college tuition that increases faster than the incomes of Texans.The son of San Antonio school teachers, White vowed to focus on improving educational achievement in K-12 grade levels, improving high school graduation rates, and reducing the costs of college.

White, a successful businessman, was first elected as Houston Mayor in 2003 and was twice re-elected with margins averaging 88%. He has been hailed as a strong leader and a problem-solver, with the Houston Chronicle noting that he has "deftly steered Houston through fiscal and tropical storms."

During White's administration, Houston led the nation's cities in job growth, adding more jobs than 16 states combined. At the same time, he cut property tax rates five years in a row. After Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Ike, Bill White mobilized an effective disaster response including first responders, businesses and churches.

"I don't have the polish of career politicians. But as a businessman and Mayor I know how to be accountable for results, not just rhetoric. I have a track record of bringing people together to get things done," White said.

"That's what Texas needs now."Last December, White launched a U.S. Senate campaign that in 11 months attracted more than 1500 volunteers, more than 5500 contributors, and more than $6.5 million.

He has visited 70 Texas counties to date.
Contact:Katy Baconpress@billwhitefortexas.com
713.659.9000

Ernest Acevedo fundraiser @ Absolutely Everything, 12-3

L-R: Judge Ernest Acevedo & wife, SA Post Publisher Ruben Esponceda, former State Rep. Joe Gamez, judicial candidates Rosie Gonzalez & Dinorah Diaz, Bexar County Clerk candidate Tim Ybarra, Judges Michael Mery, Al Alonso, Monica Guerrero, Terrie Dougherty with Judge Tessa Herr, Judges Ray Olivarri & Paul Canales & wife, judicial candidates Tina Torres, Rosie Alvarado, Paul Vasquez, Deborah Sandheinrich, Absolutely Everything Catering Chef Jerry Olivarri & owner Diane Cortez, Leon Hernandez, Tina Guerrero, Gerald Ponce, State Rep. candidate Dr. Masarrat Ali, Bexar County Clerk candidate & Bexar County Democratic Party Chair Carla Vela & son, Jonathan, attendees, volunteers, Christmas tree, restaurant, sign

Judge Ernest Acevedo held a fundraiser @ Absolutely Everything Catering on San Pedro, Thursday, December 3rd.

More photos on the Justin Rodriguez Christmas party, 12-2

L-R: Councilman Justin Rodriguez with SA Post Publisher Ruben Esponceda, with judicial candidate Travis Cox, with former SAISD Board President Dr. William Elizondo, & judicial candidate Rebeca Martinez, Judge Larry Noll & wife, Patsy, Rodriguez staffer Cris Medina, Commissioner Paul Elizondo staffer Victor Cavazos, Walker Report Publisher/Editor & Judge Steve Walker with Gerald Ponce, judicial candidate Norma Gonzales & husband, Councilman Justin & Victoria Rodriguez's children, Irene Elizondo, Tomas Larralde, DA candidate Nico LaHood, Congressional candidate Miguel Ortiz, judicial candidates Travis Cox, Rebeca Martinez, Dinorah Diaz & Lawrence Morales, young people, toys

More photos on the District 7 Justin Rodriguez Christmas Party @ St. Luke's Parish hall, December 2nd.

District 7 Christmas Party @ St. Luke's attracts residents, 12-2

L-R: Councilman Justin Rodriguez & wife, Victoria, attendees, tree, toys, banner

The District 7 Christmas Party @ St. Luke's Hall drew an enthusiastic crowd of residents of all ages, Wednesday, December 2nd.

District 7 Christmas Party @ St. Luke's Parish Hall, 12-2

Justin Rodriguez (photo with wife, Victoria & kids)
District 7 Councilman

Dear Friend,

Please join us tonight for the District 7 Holiday Party at St. Luke's Parish Hall, 4603 Manitou Dr., from 6:30-8:30 pm. Enjoy a complimentary meal catered by Panchito's Mexican Restaurant, live music by Henry Brun and the Latin Playerz & some very exciting door prizes.

In addition, we will once again be partnering with the Marine Corp Reserve by collecting toys and do encourage residents to bring at least 1 new, unwrapped toy for the "Toys for Tots" toy drive.For more information, please call (210) 207-7044 or email District7@sanantonio.gov.

Still more photos of the American Sunrise Gala, 12-1

L-R: Gala host former Mayor Henry Cisneros, mother, Elvira, co-host wife, Councilwoman Mary Alice Cisneros with American Sunrise students, her brother, former Councilman Roger Perez, & sister, Commissioner Paul Elizondo & wife, Irene, Henry van de Putte & wife, with Louie Hildago, George Ramos, Ginger Purty, Hispanic Chamber President Ramiro Cavazos, Tax-Assessor Collector Sylvia Romo, judicial candidate Tina Torres with Judge Catherine Torres-Stahl, Judge Monica Guerrero, 4th Ct. of Appeals Justice Marialyn Barnard & husband, Judge Phil Kazen & Gerald Lee, honoree & District Clerk Margaret Montemayor & friends & husband, Frank, Political Consultant Alice Guerra, former City Clerk Norma Rodriguez, Al Kaufman, State Rep. candidate Dr. Masarrat Ali, former Councilman Joe Alderete & "Father Tony," Casandra Pena, Jonathan Vela, Elva Abundis, State Rep. Joaquin Castro, St. Mary's President Dr. Charles Cottrell, Rachel Sakai, Esther Curnutt, Yoli Arrellano, Jim Hasslocher & wife, Tracie, State Senator Leticia van de Putte & mother, Belle Ortiz, Margo Uriegas, former State Senator Joe Bernal & wife, former SAISD Board Member Mary Esther Bernal, volunteer, young couple, program featuring honoree Dr. Robert Jimenez

Still more photos of the 7th annual American Sunrise Gala @ the Convention Center, Tuesday, December 1st.

More photos of the American Sunrise Gala @ HBG Center, 12-1

L-R: Gala Co-Host & Councilwoman Mary Alice Cisneros, former Mayor Phil Hardberger, judicial candidates Dinorah Diaz, Lawrence Morales, Barbie Scharf-Zeldes, Richard Garcia, & Tina Torres, Rudi Rodriguez, Bexar County Clerk candidate & Bexar County Democratic Party Chair Carla Vela, former SAISD Board Member Mary Esther Bernal, Army Ret. Major General Freddie Valenzuela, former Secretary of State Roy Barrera Sr., former Judge & former Bexar County Republican Chair Roy Barrera Jr., brothers Gilbert, & Robert, American Sunrise Exec. Dir. & Bexar County Democratic Party Chair candidate Choco Meza & husband, Danny, former Councilman Joe Alderete & wife, Chris, Judge Ray Olivarri & wife, attendees, American Sunrise Gala host former Mayor Henry Cisneros

Many more photos of the 7th Annual American Sunrise Gala @ the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, Tuesday, December 1st.

Crowd turns out for American Sunrise @ HBG Center, 12-1

L-R: Guest reading the program, attendees, stage decorations, honorees, poster

A huge crowd turned out for the 7th Annual American Sunsrise Gala @ Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, Tuesday, December 1st.

Local Updated Calendar for Wednesday & Thursday

L-R: 4th Ct. of Appeals Justice Marialyn Barnard fundraiser, December 3rd

• December 2nd-Wednesday, - Hon. Richard Price for 224th District Judge Campaign Kickoff Fundraiser Reception, 5:30 - 7 p.m. at the home of Susan & Stephen Butt.


• December 2nd-Councilman Justin Rodriguez Christmas Party, @ St. Luke's Cathloic Church, 4603 Manitou @ Callaghan @ 6:30 p.m. (Bring one new toy)


• December 2nd-Tina Torres for 288th District Court Fundraiser, from 5:30 p.m. -8:30 p.m. Casa Navarro, 228 S Laredo. Please RSVP to tinatorres@aol.com.


• December 3rd-Thursday, John Fleming is running as a Republican for County Court at Law #1. He is having a petiton signing party at 5 p.m. @ the Cadillac Bar, 212 S. Flores. RSVP John at (210) 861-7881 or e-mail johnflem13@msn.com .


• December 3rd-Network Build Your Business, Thursday, from 7:30-9 a.m. @ Aldaco's Sunset Station.


• December 3rd-4th Court of Appeals Justice candidate Rebeca Martinez will host a Wine & Cheese Reception, Thursday, December 3rd @ 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. @ the Plaza Club, Frost Bank Tower, downtown.


• December 3rd-Judge Ernest Acevedo, Jr. County Court #14 campaign kickoff @ Absolutely Everything Catering, 3915 San Pedro from 5:30 - 8 p.m.Thursday.


• December 3rd-Thursday, - 4th Court of Appeals Justice Marialyn Barnard Fundraising Reception 5-6:30 p.m. @ El Mirador, 732 South Saint Mary's Street. (The King William Garden House) For information & reservations, contact Janelle McArthur at 210-699-1925.


• December-3rd-Tamale Art Auction! Featuring a silent auction of original works of art by local and celebrity artists using corn husks! $20 at the door, proceeds benefit The Children's Shelter! 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Celebrity judges include, Eileen Teves, Elaine Ayala, Cleto! Hosted by Ara Celi! Live music by Leslie Lugo!

Dr. Michael Soto for State School Board fundraiser, 12-1

Dr. Michael Soto for State Board of Education, District 3, Campaign Kickoff & Fundraiser, Tuesday, December 1st from 5-7 p.m. @ the El Mirador Restaurant Garden House, 722 N. St. Mary's.

Senator Carlos Uresti's 13th Annual Christmas Party, 12-4

You are cordially invited to Senator Carlos Uresti's 13th Annual Birthday Party & Toy Drive @ the VFW Post 9186, 650 VFW Blvd. from 6-11 p.m.

Wurzbach Group hosts Guest Speaker Rene Watson, 11-30

L-R: Guest Speaker Rene Watson, Walker Report Blogger Joe Solis, Laura Calo, Julie "Mama Bexar" Oldham, Robert Rodriguez, Michale Hu, Councilman Reed Williams, NISD Board Member Katie Reed, Danny Saenz, Tito Moreno, brochures, attendees, Orderup sign

Guest Speaker Rene Watson addressed the Wurzbach Group @ Orderup in the Colonnade to encourage participation in the Bexar County & University Health System 9th Annual, Small, Minority, Women & Veteran Business Owners Conference @ the Joe Freeman Coliseum, Wednesday, December 9th.

Cong. Rodriguez to host Transporation Sec. Ray LaHood, 11-30

Congressman Ciro Rodriguez (photo) to host U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood in San Antonio for roundtable.

Congressman Ciro D. Rodriguez (TX-23) will welcome the U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to San Antonio for a transportation roundtable with local officials Monday, November 30th @ 3 p.m. @ Port San Antonio.

Congressman Charlie Gonzalez, Congressman Henry Cuellar, Mayor Julián Castro, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff and representatives from VIA Metropolitan Transit, the San Antonio-Bexar County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), Port San Antonio will join Secretary LaHood and Congressman Rodriguez for a meeting to discuss local transportation issues.

The roundtable is open to the press and will be followed by press Q&A from 4:15 to 4:25 p.m.

Wurzbach Group to host Dan Barrett & Rene Watson, 11-30

You are invited to our November 2009 breakfast: Speakers:Renee Watson, SMWBE Program Manager & Dan Barrett, Conference Chairman. Introductions by Walker Report Publisher/Editor & Judge Steve Walker.

Bexar County & University Health System 9th Annual, Small, Minority, Women & Veteran Business Owners Conference, November 30th (Monday)

Location: Orderup, The Colonnade, 9873 IH- 10 W, 78230, (Behind the Texas MedClinic)

7:30 a.m. - 8 a.m.- Reception
8 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.- Program
Cost: FREE, On your own: "For breakfast we have locally roasted, Mexican Altura coffee, made from scratch sweet rolls, made to order breakfast tacos, breakfast pizza, and breakfast burgers, and fruit cups with fresh strawberries and blueberries."-

Orderup Event Sponsors: Orderup and Luxor Insurance Services. Media Sponsor: Walker Report/Publisher/Editor Steve Walker.

Fundraiser for Justice Marialyn Barnard @ El Mirador, 12-3

4th Court of Appeals Justice Marialyn Barnard (photo) Fundraising Reception 5-6:30 p.m. @ El Mirador, 732 South Saint Mary's Street. (The King William Garden House) For information & reservations, contact Janelle McArthur at 210-699-1925.

Judicial candidate Rebeca Martinez fundraiser-Plaza Club, 12-3

4th Court of Appeals Justice candidate Rebeca Martinez (photo) will host a Wine & Cheese Reception, Thursday, December 3rd @ 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. @ the Plaza Club, Frost Bank Tower, downtown.