A VIEW FROM THE HEIGHTS J U LY 2 0 1 6

1948 City of Balcones Heights 2016

FREE 23RD ANNUAL BALCONES HEIGHTS JAZZ FESTIVAL Celebrating a diverse lineup of artists all new to the Balcones Heights Jazz Festival!

What: For over two decades, the Balcones Heights Jazz Festival has been a summer highlight captivating jazz aficionados from across Texas with a free stellar lineup of renowned jazz stars from across the country. This year’s performance goes beyond the sounds of smooth jazz with a mix of R&B, funk and straight-ahead jazz. Special headlining performances by internationally acclaimed artists include: Tom Browne, Jeff Lorber, Jeanette Harris, 3rd Force, and Stanley Jordan. Texas artists Dean James; Melina; Joël Dilley and Bett Butler; and returning military favorites Lackland Air Force Base’s Warhawk and Fort Sam Houston’s Groove Therapy will also grace the stage at the Wonderland of the Americas. For five consecutive Friday evenings, the festival’s laid back and family-friendly atmosphere will welcome an estimated 4,000 jazz fans, surpassing the city’s entire population of 3,000. Die-hard fans have been known to stake out their claim, with lawn chairs and blankets in tow, days in advance of the event at favorite spots along the edge of the sparking reflecting pool and fountains of the city’s main hub Wonderland of the Americas. David Munoz, host of “Sunday Morning Jazz” on Q101.9 is emcee of the festival. He’s hosted the Jazz Festival for the past 22 years and has hosted the “Sunday Morning Jazz Show” for more than 26 years. “This year’s performance lineup is better than ever! From hand-picking a group of national performers who are new to the Balcones Heights Jazz Festival to selecting artists who bring a unique sound beyond traditional smooth jazz, David Munoz has done it once again, showcasing his more than 20-year tenure with the festival,” said Balcones Heights Director of Economic Development & Public Affairs Lorenzo Nastasi.

Where: Wonderland of the Americas Amphitheater, 4522 Fredericksburg Rd. When: July 8, July 15, July 22, July 29, and August 5 (rain or shine) 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm (opening act at 7:30 p.m. / headliner at 9 p.m.) More: Free General Admission. Outdoor seating on the amphitheatre lawn is free on a first-come, first-served basis. Food and beverages are available for purchase at a variety of booths, as well as the adjacent food court inside Wonderland of the Americas. Live Stream: Every Friday, the Balcones Heights Jazz Festival will be live streamed during the opening of each performance and it will be available for download until the end of August. Line-up on page 2

23rd Annual Balcones Heights Jazz Festival 2016 Lineup: July 8 – Dean James (Saxophonist) 7:30 p.m. Dean James is a Texas favorite with four CDs to his credit. At the age of 15, he picked up the saxophone after a knee injury kept him off the football field, and was soon practicing eight hours per day. He attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, then returned to San Francisco to play jazz with the David Eshelman’s Jazz Garden Big Band and gospel with artists like Ben Tankard, Daryl Coley and Danniebelle Hall. By the mid-'80s, James had moved to Los Angeles and became a regarded session player and sideman with Rob Mullins, Edwin & Walter Hawkins, Gary Taylor and others. He also arranged strings for several pop groups, and earned his own contract with Brajo Records for 1995's “Can We Talk,” a smooth record with his late-night alto for once in the driver's seat. For his second album, appropriately titled “Intimacy” James moved to Ichiban and did well on contemporary jazz charts. July 8 – Tom Browne (Trumpeter) 9:00 p.m. – Headliner www.tombrowne.org Trumpeter Tom Browne has toured solo and with other notable artists such as Roy Ayers and Boney James. Music legend George Benson describes Browne as "joy filled in expressiveness" and "believable in any musical style," topping the jazz and adult contemporary / R&B charts with his kickin' trumpet and rich jazz melodies. Consider the songs in our hearts that inspire us toward uplifted continence; melodies that ring out in a manner that is soulful ... even funky! That artist ... is trumpeter Tom Browne. July 15 – MELINA (National Recording Artist) – 7:30 p.m. Facebook @melinamusic.net Local artist Melina is making waves on the smooth jazz charts with her first album “Wishing On Love,” produced by guitarist Paul Brown. In the mystical, starry cover art of Melina’s breakthrough full length recording album we see a silhouette of someone sitting on the hood of a sedan, gazing into the night sky with anticipation, perhaps in search of fresh and transformational magic. Helping guide her lifelong dreams and evolving musical vision is producer Brown, a two time Grammy winner with over 60 #1 smooth jazz radio hits who has brought his Midas touch in the studio over the years to R&B and jazz vocal greats like Luther Vandross, Al Jarreau, George Benson and Jonathan Butler. July 15 – Jeff Lorber (Keyboardist) - 9:00 p.m. - Headliner The Jeff Lorber Fusion, first honed their craft in the Portland club scene and rapidly expanded their reach to a national and international audience via a combination of complex harmonies, unconventional time signatures and compelling rhythms. Lorber has been just as prolific and innovative in the new century as he was in the last, with recordings on Narada Jazz “Philly Style” and “Flip Side,” Blue Note “He Had a Hat” and Peak “Heard That.” Appearing with Jeff Lorber is Jimmy Haslip, bassist from the Yellowjackets. Haslip is a longtime collaborator with Lorber and a pio- neer in smooth jazz. July 22 – Bett Butler/Joel Dilley – 7:30 p.m. www.mandalamusic.com. Joël Dilley has performed and recorded with Willie Nelson, Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson, Herb Ellis, Tal Farlow, Arturo Sandoval, Richie Cole, and regional symphony orchestras in venues ranging from hole-in-the-wall clubs to the Moscow Conservatory. His original music has been licensed for use on HBO, Discovery Channel, Travel Channel, Playboy Channel, Food Network, and more. A featured guest bassist on Public Radio Inter- national's “Whad'Ya Know” and a featured composer on Texas Public Radio's “Classical Spotlight,” he has been a category nominee and winner in the Independent Music Awards, a finalist in the International Songwriting Competition, and recipient of a composition grant from the Artist Foundation. Author of four critically-acclaimed albums on Dragon Lady Records: “River of Hope,” “The Window,” “A New World,” and “Mandala Meditation Series: Lullaby of the Flatlands,” he produces original music for television, film, web, and ambient settings worldwide at Mandala Music Production, which he co-owns with his spouse, Bett Butler.

July 22 – Jeanette Harris – 9:00 p.m. – Headliner www.jeanetteharrisband.com. National recording artist Jeanette Harris has four CDs to her credit. Harris is the scintillating saxtress of smooth jazz. This lady understands that energetic and captivating performances matched with uplifting and inspiring vibrations in the music are the solid platinum recipe for success. Fans already recognize her for her wonderful cover of Stevie Wonder’s “All I Do,” which hit Billboard’s smooth jazz singles chart from her previous album, “Saxified.” Classically trained in both sax and piano, a graduate of Boston’s famed Berklee College of Music, and the saxophonist for the late, great Teena Marie’s final year of touring, Harris has weathered the fiercest challenges to bring the world her own brand of soulful healing vibes. That baptism awaits in her fourth CD, “Summer Rain,” on which Harris had a hand in writing all of the selections except her lovely cover of the Luther Vandross classic “Here and Now.” Its 11 sunny songs wrap the listener in the glow of fun love grooves and sweet romance. July 29 - Warhawk – 7:30 p.m.— U.S. Air Force Band July 29 – 3rd Force – 9:00 p.m. Headliner www.3rdforcemusic.com 3rd Force has had a longstanding presence in smooth jazz with eight albums to their credit, including their latest, titled “Global Force.” From the mid-90s through the early 2000s, multi-instrumentalists and progressive sonic architects William Aura and Craig Dobbin fused their musical passions to create 3rd Force, a wildly colorful, multi-textured instrumental aesthetic that incorporated elements of funk, blues, jazz, Latin and world music into a genre-transcendent swirl. Their groundbreaking recordings like “Force of Nature,” “Vital Force” and “Force Field” spawned genre-defining hit radio singles like “Here Comes The Night,” “You Gotta Be Real” and “Revelation of the Heart.” August 5 – Groove Therapy – 7:30 p.m.— U.S. Army Band August 5 – Stanley Jordan - 9:00 p.m. – Headliner www.stanleyjordan.com One of Stanley Jordan’s many highlights was having his “Magic Touch” album stay atop the jazz charts for 51 consecutive weeks. In a career that took flight in 1985 with commercial and critical acclaim, guitar virtuoso Jordan has consistently displayed a chameleonic musical persona of open- ness, imagination, versatility and maverick daring. Be it bold reinventions of classical masterpieces or soulful explorations through pop-rock hits, to blazing straight ahead jazz forays and ultramodern improvisational works—solo or with a group—Jordan can always be counted on to take listeners on breathless journeys into the unexpected. His style of music crosses several genres including jazz, fusion, rock and straight-ahead jazz.

JULY 2016 PAGE 3

CITY COUNCIL UPDATE - CITY OF BALCONES HEIGHTS Regular City Council Meeting

3300 Hillcrest Balcones Heights, Texas 78201 June 23, 2016 balconesheights.org 210-735-9148 Emergency: 911

Municipal Court: every Wednesday at 1:00 PM  Council appointed Henry “Hank” Hannasch, and David Sellars, to the Board of Adjustments and Appeals. Dispatch: 210-735-9212 Fire Department: 210-735-9206 Shana Halpin will take the Oath of Office next month. Visitor Center: 210-732-0055 Justice Center: 210-735-9148 Dispatch: (Non-Emergency - Animal Control 210-735-9148 X 232  Council tabled the discussion regarding Towing Service CITY COUNCIL: Regulations for reporting the repossession of a vehicle. Suzanne de Leon, Mayor Linda Pohl  Council discussed the Balcones Heights Strategic Plan [email protected] Mayor Pro-Tem  Council met in Executive Session regarding Section 735-9148, Ext. 235 [email protected] 551.086 regarding Economic Development, Section 551.071 Consultation with Attorney, and Section 551.074 Jack Burton Miguel Valverde Personnel Matters. Council reconvened, no action was [email protected] [email protected] taken.

Lamar Gillian Charles White [email protected] [email protected] 210-324-2797 Mayor de Leon & City Council appoint new Board of Adjustment Members CONTACT DIRECTORY: 210-735-9148

City Administrator: David Harris ext. 227 [email protected]

City Secretary: Delia Flores ext. 236 [email protected]

Director of Community Development: Rita Hoyl ext. 246 [email protected] Director of Finance: Floyd Messick ext. 244 [email protected]

Finance Clerk/Admin. Assistant : Lisa Merlo ext. 243 [email protected] Director of Economic Development & Public Affairs: Lorenzo Nastasi 210-732-0055 [email protected] Henry Hannasch, David Sellars & Mayor de Leon Community Relations Manager: Chrissie Kolb 210-732-0055 Shana Halpin, not available for photo [email protected]

Fire Chief: Brock Ward 210-735-9206 [email protected]

BALCONES HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS Police Chief: Darrell Volz ext. 242 [email protected] Regular City Council meetings are held on the Senior Deputy Court Clerk: Yvonne Baez ext. 223 fourth Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m. [email protected]

Regular Planning & Zoning meetings are held the Deputy Court Clerk: Peggy Ortiz ext. 224 [email protected] third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. Deputy Court Clerk: Micaela Ceniceros ext. 221 Meetings are held at the Justice Center - 3300 [email protected] Hillcrest. Code Compliance Officer: Luis Zamarron 210-347-4912

All agendas for City Council, Committee Public Works Maint. Supervisor: Ray Mackey 210-527-7617 and Commission meetings are posted on the Maintenance: Henry Aguilar 210-322-3299 City Website 72 hours before the meeting. www.balconesheights.org - For more information Red Light Camera Administrative Assistant: Gloria Puente ext. 222 contact City Secretary Delia Flores Red Light Camera Review Officer: Smitty Smith ext. 245

- [email protected] Communication Supervisor: Daphne Morales - 210-735-9212

JULY 2016 PAGE 4 Code Compliance

Happy Summer, everyone. Please keep you pools/ponds/water features clean, emptied or treated for mosquitos! It’s a serious health violation and disservice to you, your neighbors and the community. Below, I have once again added the helpful tips for controlling mosquitos in your yard and home. In this month’s article, I will address business signage. In Balcones Heights, there is no provision for temporary signage for businesses. The term “temporary sign” only applies to noncommercial signs; §130.05 TEMPORARY SIGNS, (C) Temporary signs defined; “(1) TEMPORARY SIGNS, as that term is used herein shall mean any noncommercial sign…”. On the other hand, temporary banners and event signs are permitted for businesses; § 4.5.4. SIGN STANDARDS. (2) Permitted signs for non-residential districts and uses. “(j) Banner/event signs. A temporary event sign or banner may be allowed in addition to all permitted signs upon application to the city.” Thus, banners or signs that are displayed without first being issued a permit are all considered to be “bandit signs”. As such, any of the aforementioned signage shall be immediately confiscated by Code Compliance. Some examples of these bandit signs are; “sandwich board” signs (“sidewalk tent signs”) larger than 15 square feet on each side being displayed outside of normal hours of operation or intruding on a pedestrian walkway, pole-attached signs, inflatable signs or advertising mechanisms, “swooper” or vertical flags, wooden and/or hand painted lean-to signs and any other sign not approved by permit. In addition to these unauthorized signs, abandoned or not-in- use pole signs/marques/monuments, etc. are considered to be a modification, alteration or deviation to the original intent of the permitted use of that feature and as such, shall be removed by the owner; “§ 4.5.3. SIGN PERMITS AND EXCEPTIONS. (1) Sign permit required. “It shall be unlawful to erect, alter or relocate any sign without first obtaining a sign permit. When a sign permit has been issued, it shall be unlawful to change, modify, alter or otherwise deviate from the terms of conditions of said permit without prior approval of the building inspector.” Except in the case of immediate abatement of bandit signs, a business will be warned of a violation. If the violation persists, a Letter of Violation shall be sent, followed by the manager of the offending business being summoned to court. The best course of action is to call the Permits Department to determine if a sign is authorized and/or requires a permit. Thanks for keeping the unsightly sign clutter out of the City and for being a partner in our Community Revitalization efforts!

JULY 2016 PAGE 5 Hometown dog trainer and renowned Venezuelan dog trainer team to educate San Antonians

San Antonio’s Kevin Glowski and Venezuela’s Carlos Betancourt collaborate to teach the next generation of pet owners to safely handle dogs and change perceptions (and misconceptions) about dog ownership.

For more information contact Shana Halpin: 210-219-5156 [email protected]

Anytime a dog behaves in an unfriendly manner, it is labeled as “aggressive.” However, these events are often preceded by a human lack of knowledge or education about how to approach or handle a dog. But two of the best dog trainers in the field want to help San Antonio’s children (and their families) learn to safely handle their own dogs and other dogs that roam our city’s streets. San Antonio native and certified dog trainer Kevin Glowski has paired with Carlos Betancourt of Venezuela to educate local residents and dog owners. These highlyqualified trainers share a “passion for preventing & solving behavior problems via owner education.” Betancourt, who is sponsored by Purina® Venezuela, brings a wealth of knowledge to San Antonio. In addition to his status as a Certified Professional Dog trainer, he has earned the titles of Certified Dog Listener and Certified Dog Trick Instructor. Also a designer/manufacturer of dog wheelchairs and a hydrotherapy pioneer, Betancourt will share the knowledge he gained from rescuing, rehabilitating, and training his own dogs. While the dog education events are typically geared toward children, Kevin and Carlos love to have parents, grandparents, or any adult who interacts with children and their pets join in the fun. If you are interested in attending one of these events, see below:

These educational events convene throughout the city on various dates and at various times. They are as follows:

Tuesday, July 12, at 2:00 PM (District 4) Wednesday, July 13, at 2:00 PM Johnston Public Library Maverick Public Library (District 7) 6307 Sun Valley 8700 Mystic Park “Dogs and Kids: Living in Harmony” “Dogs and Kids: Living in Harmony”

Tuesday, July 19, at 5:00 PM (District 6) Wednesday, July 20, at 2:00 PM (District 5) Memorial Public Library Guadalupe Community Center 3222 Culebra 1801 W. Cesar Chavez Blvd. “The ABCs of Training Your Dog” “Dogs and Kids: Living in Harmony”

Tuesday, July 26, 2:00 PM (District 6) Wednesday, July 27, at 9:30 AM (District 6) Great Northwest Public Library Cuellar Community Center 9050 Wellwood St. 5626 San Fernando St. “Dogs and Kids: Living in Harmony” “Dogs and Kids: Living in Harmony”

To learn more about Kevin Glowski, visit his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/sabd.org/ or watch his YouTube video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hS4-PoYr2mY. Learn more about Carlos Betancourt at www.elhombrequeescuchaalosperros.com.

Summer is upon us, and hot weather has already arrived. In Texas, cooling and heating accounts for as much as 40 per- cent of annual home energy expenses. Take Care of Texas offers the following easy ways to keep your home cooler, helping you to save money and keep our air clean.

Use a programmable thermostat. Or adjust your thermostat during overnight hours or when no one is home. Try setting it to 78 degrees or warmer in the summer. Setting it to 7-10 degrees higher than you normally would for 8 hours a day can reduce energy consumption as much as 10 percent. Maintain your air conditioner. A properly functioning air conditioner is an efficient one. Replace filters every month or two during the cooling season. And that big hunk of metal outside? That’s the evaporator coil. It needs plenty of airflow, so clean it once a year. Remove debris and trim foliage too, leaving at least two feet of space around it.

You can also take the burden off your air conditioner by using other methods to keep the heat down in your home: Use ceiling fans. They circulate the air in the house and allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4 degrees without discomfort. Limit the heat from your appliances. Cook outdoors on the grill, and try not to use the dishwasher, washer, and dryer during the heat of the day.

Move lamps, TVs, and other appliances away from the thermostat. The extra heat they produce can cause the air conditioner to run longer. Install efficient lighting. It runs cooler. Only about 10 percent of the electricity that incandescent lights consume results in light — the rest is turned into heat.

Plant shade trees and install window blinds. With less sunlight shining on your house, the internal temperature can decrease by three to six degrees in the summer and save up to 25 percent in cooling costs. Use energy-efficient window treatments and close them during the day to block direct sunlight.

Weatherize your home. Find air leaks and seal them with caulk and weather stripping.

Seal your heating and cooling ducts. Leaky ducts can reduce your system’s efficiency by as much as 20 percent. Start by sealing ducts that run through the attic, crawlspace, or garage using duct sealant or foil tape. Then wrap the ducts in insulation to keep them from getting hot.

JULY 2016 PAGE 6 City of Balcones Heights Police Department

Darrell E. Volz Chief of Police

The Mission of the Balcones Heights Police Department is to provide the community with a safe and fear free environment in which to live, work and play and to do so with an emphasis on Darrell Volz P R I D E – Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Dedication and Excellence. Chief of Police

On May 23rd, while investigating a family violence case, pictured left to right, Officer Matthew Moncivais and Corporal Victor Mata discovered weapons, cash and synthetic marijuana. The actor had recently been released from prison. As a result of these officers' dedication, professionalism and teamwork, the actor was arrested and charged for multiple felony and misdemeanor charges. Several weapons, cash and 1lb. 4oz. of synthetic marijuana were recovered. Great job officers!

The Balcones Heights police blotter is on the BHPD Facebook page. The Balcones Heights Facebook Page is a great place to get information on what is going on in your town.

Make sure to like us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Balcones-Heights-Police-Department-155805194453045/

We are happy to welcome 4 new sworn in officers. Full time officer Devon Wilborn and reserve officers Charles DosPapas, David Bernal and Fierre Johnson

Devon Wilborn Charles DosPapas David Bernal Fierre Johnson

Remember, I am available if you have questions or concerns. 210-735-9148 x 242 or email me [email protected]

More Balcones Heights Police Department information continued on next page:

JULY 2016 PAGE 7

BALCONES HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENT WELCOMES BENJI MORENO

Earlier this year, the Balcones Heights Police Department made a new friend...Benji Moreno, a fine young man that has been dealing with medical issues most of his life. We invited Benji to come to the Police Department to meet more of our officers, dispatchers, and other city employees. On June 1st, we were honored with his presence. Following is the email from Benji's mother along with some pictures of his visit. Benji, you are our HERO! Come back for a visit anytime ...BHPD

Good afternoon Lieutenant!

Hope all is well -

Please let me take this opportunity to thank you, Lt Jahanara, thank Chief Volz, Chief Ward and the entire Balcones Heights Police department for taking the time to make a child's wish come true: June 1, 2016 will forever be remembered as one of the happiest days of my son's life!

Benji has been through some tough times and has faced many obstacles, but regardless always kept his chin up and would smile through it all :) All his patience finally paid off! His all time dream is to grow up and become an officer of the law. Along with that he has always wished to meet and greet an officer especially a Lieutenant and a Chief. Then to actually step foot inside a police department plus sit in a patrol unit! WOW, he always thought it would be years from now before he would be able to experience that. But thanks to you and the whole staff his wish came true on June 1st! The smile on his face was priceless! And we owe it all to YOU! In Benji's own words: "Officers are heroes and the Balcones Heights officers are all my friends and my favorite heroes" Benji- Please stay safe and hope to see you all soon! Balcones Heights Police Department really does stand by their mission…

Thanks forever :)

Respectfully, Patricia for Benjamin Ethan Elijah Moreno

Mark your calendars…On July 19, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Peter Piper Pizza here in Balcones Heights, will be hosting a Neighborhood Friends Day for school age children. We will be there to participate in the event.

School is out for the summer. Please drive safely through our neighborhood and watch for playing children.

JULY 2016 CALENDAR AUGUST 2016 CALENDAR

August 5 Jazz Festival - see page 2 July 4 Holiday City offices closed all day August 16 Planning & Zoning Meeting - 6 p.m. Jazz Festival July 8, 15, 22, 29 - Shows begin at 7:30 August 22 Regular City Council Meeting - 6 p.m. Line-up on page 2 For more information please visit balconesheights.org and find and like us on facebook.com/BalconesHeights

July 19 Planning & Zoning Meeting - 6 p.m.

July 25 Regular City Council Meeting

BALCONES HEIGHTS MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL & CITY ADMINISTRATOR From left to right: Councilmember Lamar Gillian Place 4, Councilmember Jack Burton, Place 3, Mayor Suzanne de Leon, Mayor Pro-Tem Linda Pohl Councilmember Place 1, Councilmember Charles White, Place 5, Councilmember Miguel Valverde, Place 2, City Administrator David Harris

BALCONESHEIGHTS.ORG - SANANTONIOCENTRAL.ORG - FACEBOOK.COM/BALCONESHEIGHTS