Copyright © 2013 Peel, Inc. The Beacon - August 2013 1

The Beacon

Volume 4, Issue 8 August 2013

Although Edwards Aquifer levels have rebounded, San Antonio remains in Stage 2 watering restrictions. Even after recent rains, the aquifer is again dropping quickly,” said Chuck Ahrens, SAWS vice president of Water Resources and Conservation. “Weather predictions show that dry weather is expected to return, and the usual hot and dry summer months are still ahead of us, so we may very well end up at Stage 2 levels again very quickly.”

For San Antonio to move out of Stage 2, the 10-day average water level at the J-17 Edwards monitoring well must remain above 650 feet for 15 days. Although today’s 10-day average is 651.8 feet, daily levels have begun to drop again and flows at Comal Springs are not yet above the  Edwards Aquifer

Despite Rise in Aquifer, San Antonio to Remain in Stage 2

Authority stage II trigger. Since farmers to the west are at their peak irrigation period, it is expected that levels will continue to drop.

SAWS continues to produce stored water from the Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) facility and Carrizo Aquifer water at approximately 20 million gallons per day, enough to supply almost 10 percent of San Antonio’s current daily demand.

SAWS urges customers to remain vigilant about their water use. Under Stage 2, watering with a sprinkler, soaker hose or irrigation system is allowed from 7-11 a.m. and 7-11 p.m. on your designated day. Watering with a hand-held hose is still allowed any day and time.

2 The Beacon - August 2013 Copyright © 2013 Peel, Inc

The BeaconCASA SEEKING VOLUNTEERS TO BE CHILD ADVOCATESBy Belinda Cox

My name is Belinda Cox and I am the Volunteer Recruiting and Training Coordinator here at CASA. Thank you for your interest in becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate. Below is some additional info about volunteering and our trainings.

Child Advocates San Antonio is the only nonprofit organization in Bexar County with volunteers sworn-in by a judge to make recommendations to the court in the best interest of children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. A CASA volunteer is community member who is a court-appointed, trained and committed adult who stands by these children's side, watches over their case and advocates for their best interest.

Imagine the experience of children who are removed from their parents because the people who should have protected them cannot or will not do so. These children find themselves in a world filled with social workers, lawyers, judges, and courtrooms where life-altering decisions are made on their behalf, while they remain voiceless. A CASA volunteer ensures that these children remain a priority in an overburdened legal and social service system and they may be the only guiding presence involved from beginning to end during a child's case. For these children, our volunteers will be the difference between instability and permanence, insecurity and learning to trust, invisibility and being made a priority.

As a CASA volunteer advocate we ask a commitment to one specific case for at least a year. On average our volunteers spend about 15 hours per month on their case. During the course of the case, volunteers contact parents/caretakers, family members, medical/mental health professionals, legal professionals, school officials, CPS representatives, foster care and various other sources

to gather information about the child or children.

They also build a trusting relationship with the child or children and identify their needs as well as resources to address those needs. A CASA provides these youth a voice in court, advocates for stability, ensures educational and medical needs are met, and optimizes

opportunity for personal development and growth. They will prepare reports to the court based on the information they gather and on what they believe is in the best interest of the child. Essentially they will serve as the "eyes and ears" of the court; helping the judge make the most informed decision possible. The opinions of the CASA volunteers and staff members are highly valued in the courtroom and regularly incorporated into the children's service plans. The scheduling of the volunteers activities is flexible, and they will be paired with a staff professional who supports and guides them every single step of the way.

CASA volunteers not only greatly improve the life of a child in need, they will also impact their own life tremendously. Many CASA volunteers often question whose life was most affected by a case, theirs or the child's. Volunteers do not need any special kind of education or experience to serve as a CASA volunteer. We provide all the training and support our volunteers will need to serve as an effective advocate and all training is completed before they work directly with children on a case. The initial training is about 33 hours and is offered at a variety of times throughout the year to include Saturday, evening and daytime trainings to accommodate all schedules. Call us at 210.225.7070 to learn more about how you can make a difference in the life of a child.

Copyright © 2013 Peel, Inc. The Beacon - August 2013 3

The Beacon

Rivermist Homeowners Association Presents the 1st Annual National Night Out Against Crime Family 5K Fun Run/Walk

Where: Rivermist Community Park, 8203 Rock Mist Drive San Antonio, TX 78249 (parking info will be provided prior to the race) When: Tuesday, October 1, 2013, 6:30pm Cost: $25 per runner before July 31, 2013, $30 per runner after July 31st. Registration ends September 1st (maximum of 250 runners) * All registered runners will receive a goodie bag and a finisher’s medal. *Packet pickup information will be disseminated in June. * A portion of the proceeds from the Run/Walk will be donated to Child Advocates San Antonio (CASA) * We will also hold a school supply drive to benefit the foster children assisted by CASA http://www.rrptiming.com/2013/10/01/Rivermist5K

NNO Celebration will

include

Rock Climbing Wall

DJ/Dancing

Child ID kits

Bouncy Castle

Video Game Truck from Games2U

Refreshments

Our community NNO celebration will follow the race! Please join our community in

celebrating the 30th annual National

Night Out!

4 The Beacon - August 2013 Copyright © 2013 Peel, Inc

The Beacon

This month I am continuing the summer safety tips that I started a couple of issues ago. This month I will focus on the extreme heat that can be a major part of this time for us. Summer heat can be dangerous, even deadly, if you don’t take the proper precautions. There have been more than 8,000 deaths in the United States between 1979 and the present due to heat related causes. With such a startling statistic, it’s easy to see why it’s so important to be aware of the risks associated with heat and to know how to stay safe in summer weather. Find out how to properly prepare for and protect yourself and your loved ones from soaring temperatures. Everyone should follow these basic heat safety tips in order to avoid the dangers of heat exposure. Keep these suggestions in mind:• During the hottest hours of the day, stay inside. If

possible stay inside an air-conditioned building. The hottest hours of the day are typically from mid-morning to midafternoon.

• Dress lightly, and when sleeping, use lightweight, breathable covers.

• Drink plenty of water and other fluids. When temperatures climb above 90 degrees, it’s important to drink at least a gallon of liquid per day, preferably water. Those who are overweight and in humid conditions need even more.

• Avoid drinking alcohol and beverages that are carbonated or contain caffeine when temperatures are high, as they can lead to dehydration.

• Keep blinds and curtains closed from morning until the late afternoon to block extra direct heat from sunlight.

• Move your exercise routine to early morning or later in the evening.

• Never ever leave a person or a pet in the car in hot conditions while you run to do a quick errand. People and animals can succumb to heat exposure and death very quickly in a hot car. Cars can become overheated quickly and when overheated become like ovens. It’s never safe.

• Properly supervise children during outdoor play, being sure to monitor them closely and frequently.

• Seek medical care right away if you become nauseous, start vomiting or experience cramps.

• Stay on the lowest level of your home.• Use a fan. Don’t place the fan directly in front of a

window because it may push hot air in. Try placing the fan so that it blows in the room and out the window instead.

• Use small appliances like slow cookers and tabletop grills rather than your traditional oven or stove to keep kitchen heat to a minimum.

• Verify that seat belts and car seat restraints are not too hot before buckling yourself or anyone else into a car.Following these few tips can help keep us safe in

these higher temperatures and allow us to enjoy all the good and fun that summer brings. Till next time…be safe…enjoy!

Summer Safety Tips - Part TwoSubmitted by Greg Sedbrook

Copyright © 2013 Peel, Inc. The Beacon - August 2013 5

The BeaconCome see what your neighbors are talking about.

Join Nextdoor Rivermisthoa, the private website for your neighborhood.

Get to know your neighbors • Share local recommendations • Lend, borrow and give away • Keep the neighborhood safe • Stay informed

To join, visit:rivermisthoa.nextdoor.com/join

Charles (Rivera Cv) writes: "We are coming together onlineas a community. Join us on Nextdoor. This will help usshare crime/safety info as well as help us get to know eachother. "

To accept your invitation, visit:rivermisthoa.nextdoor.com/joinYour flyer code: XEIGAR

Nextdoor Rivermisthoa

Nextdoor RivermisthoaYour neighbor, Charles Hasberry, invited you to join.

6 The Beacon - August 2013 Copyright © 2013 Peel, Inc

The BeaconWELCOME TO BASIS SAN

ANTONIO – OPENING AUGUST 26, 2013

Sign up for email alerts by registering at

www.Spectrumam.com Our management website is a treasure trove of

information regarding neighborhood policies, community events, community safety and other helpful items. You can pay your assessment fee online and can also sign up to receive email updates/alerts that are sent out by the Board of Directors and site managers. If you need help registering or need to have your password reset, call our site manager, Jason Green at (210) 494-0659.

Your Board of Directors

BASIS San Antonio will open its doors for over 500 students in grades 5 through 8 in August 2013 and move up a grade each year thereafter to grade 12. It will offer the same rigorous academic program as our legacy schools BASIS Scottsdale and BASIS Tucson, and at the same time take into account the previous educational background of all incoming students.

BASIS introduces Latin, general science, and physical geography in the 5th grade, then physics, chemistry, and biology in the 6th. 7th graders have the opportunity to study Mandarin, French, or Spanish, while 8th graders take Economics. In time, we will offer all students Honors, AP, and Post AP level classes in the high school grades.

We know from experience that every student can excel if they are willing to work hard and seek help from our teachers. The teachers we recruit have deep content knowledge, are passionate about what they teach, and are willing to do whatever it takes to make your child successful.

Sign up on the interest at https://www.basislink.org/, if you are interested in enrolling your children in BASIS San Antonio.

Please feel free to contact Tiffany O’Neill, Head of School to talk about any questions you might have.

Tiffany O’Neilltiffany.oneill@basissanantonio.org

SALES TAX HolidaySenate Bill 485 (83rd Regular Legislative Session, 2013) sets

Aug. 9-11 as the dates of this year’s annual Sales Tax Holiday. As in previous years, the law exempts most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks priced under $100 from sales and use taxes, which could save shoppers about $8 on every $100 they spend.

Subject to the criteria explained below, all sales of qualifying items made during the holiday period qualify for the exemption, including items sold online, or by telephone or mail. Lay-away plans can be used again this year to take advantage of the sales tax holiday.

The dates for the sales tax holiday are set by the Legislature.• Clothing and footwear under $100• School supplies under $100• Backpacks under $100 for elementary and secondary students• Includes layaway items

SMART SHOPPING STRATEGIES FOR TAX FREE WEEKEND:

Courtesy of www.about.com In general, using common sense is the best way to save even

more more during tax free week. This means comparing prices at different stores, which you can do online, and also using coupons - in addition to the tax free savings - whenever possible.

In addition, don’t make the mistake of buying items that you don’t need just because of the sales tax holiday. After all, the sales tax rate in Texas is 8.25%, so that’s the amount you would be saving by shopping during the tax free weekend. By comparing prices at different stores, which you can do online, and also using coupons, you might find that a fabulous pair of cowboy boots is actually cheaper the week before or the week after the tax free weekend in Texas, so make sure you do your homework before spending your hard-earned cash.

Keep in mind, too, that not all general merchandise items are included in the sales tax holiday. For example, cowboy boots and climbing boots are tax-free, but climbing boot and ski boots are still taxed during Texas’ tax free weekend. In fact, many sporting goods are not included in the sales tax holiday at all in Texas, like cleats, football pads, and protective helmets, so make sure that you read Texas’ Sales Tax Holiday web page at http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxpubs/taxholiday/d/ before heading out to the mall.

Aug. 9 - 11, 2013

Copyright © 2013 Peel, Inc. The Beacon - August 2013 7

The Beacon

Ross Hosea, OwnerISA Certified Arborist #TX-3811A

Texas Oak Wilt CertifiedSan Antonio native with more than

20 years experienceTrimming � Removal � Planting

Free Estimates(210) 912-4869 or rosshosea@hotmail.com

ArborPro Tree Care

Dear Homeowner, Here at Spectrum we strive to make the transition to our company as seamless and problem free as possible. This article is just a reminder on the different ways you can pay your homeowner association dues. The most traditional method of coming to our office to pay is available. Our address is 17319 San Pedro, Suite 318, San Antonio, TX 78232. You can also register at www.spectrumam.com and login to pay your dues by e-check or credit card. We accept payment from Mastercard, Discover and American Express. On this site you can also setup recurring payments, view current reports of any ACC requests, Violations, governing documents, upcoming events and other information. For your security, we do not take credit card payments over the phone. If you ever have questions on how to register or how to review something on the website, please feel free to contact us. Our policy is to return all calls and emails the same day. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

Regards,

Jason M. GreenCommunity Manager Office: 210.494.0659 www.spectrumam.com

Check us out on the web at www.rivermisthoa.org

Our community website is a treasure trove of information regarding community events, community safety and other helpful items. There is also a calendar of events and a link to past newsletters.

Sincerely,

Your Board of Directors