AACOG Region Newsletter

The winners of the 2006 AACOG Regional Awards were announced at the June semiannual meeting of the Area Council and Board of Directors. Former Karnes County Judge, the Honorable Alfred Pawelek, was recognized as Regional Citizen of the Year. Rick Cavender was recognized as the Corporate Citizen of the Year for "Rick Cavender's Saturn Donor Day". The San Antonio Crime Victims' Advocate News received the Community Project of the Year. The City of San Antonio Public Works Department "Hurricane Katrina Emergency Response" received the Governmental Regional Project of the Year Award. Criminal Justice Advisory Committee Chair Bobbie Lesser and Alamo-La Bahia Corridor Committee Chairman Alan Bentz, as well as outgoing board member and former AACOG Board Chairman The Honorable Raymond Ramirez were also recognized at the event. To view the press release, please click here. To view pictures taken at the event, please view our slideshow.

The National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) held their 40th Conference & Exhibition in San Antonio June 17-20, with the theme “Regional Readiness: Responding to Change”. The conference was hosted by AACOG at the Westin Riverwalk Hotel. Members of regional councils and planning organizations throughout the United States converged in San Antonio to learn and discuss how regional collaboration is the better alternative in addressing such issues as homeland security and regional preparedness, transportation, community and economic development, the environment, aging, workforce development, and other community concerns. Polk County Judge John P. Thompson was elected as President of NARC at the conference.

An opening night reception dinner was held at the McNay Art Museum, where conference attendees viewed the exhibits, enjoyed music by Manolo Zaldivar in the courtyard, posed for photos with the Escaramuza Rosas de Castilla, and enjoyed a buffet and music by DJ Mike Barragan. Several conference attendees also participated in a tour to Mitchell Lake.

Henry Cisneros, former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and current Chairman of American CityVista, received a standing ovation for his keynote speech at a standing room only session entitled “Regional Readiness: Responding to Change.” He said that regional leaders play an important role in producing more affordable housing. "We have to have a larger vision to set forth the policies when dealing with the homeless, because it should be a shared responsibility," said Cisneros. He said that quality of life and economic development go hand in hand and the wealth or net worth of a person is equivalent to the equity he has on his home.

The 2007 NARC Conference will be held in Orlando, Florida. For more information about NARC, please visit www.narc.org.

During the 2006 Ozone Season which runs from April to October, the San Antonio area has received 12 Air Quality Health Alerts from the State warning our region that pollution levels for those days could reach unhealthy levels. On June 13, 14, 28, and 29, ozone pollution did rise to unhealthy concentrations. Currently, the San Antonio area is in its second year of a three-year evaluation period that will determine whether local, voluntary efforts to improve air quality are successful; however, the San Antonio area has already exceeded the 85 ppb threshold established by the federal government with a fourth highest eight-hour ozone average value of 87 parts per billion. The fourth highest eight-hour ozone measurements for 2005, 2006, and 2007 will be averaged and must be less than 85 parts per billion (ppb) for the region to remain in attainment of federal air standards. In 2005, the fourth highest eight-hour ozone average value also exceeded the 85 ppb threshold established by the federal government (86 parts per billion).

Citizens can help reduce the emission of ozone-forming pollutants by refueling vehicles after 6 p.m., postponing gas-powered lawn care until the evening, sharing rides, and maintaining their vehicle. For more information, visit www.aacog.com/air or contact Brenda Williams (210) 362-5246. To receive air quality health alerts via e-mail, cell phone, or PDA, register at www.scanusa.com.

Fredericksburg HS will begin offering an innovative, hands-on "Forensics/Biotechnology" course in the fall. This course is a collaborative effort between the Criminal Justice Youth Education Program and the Science Department. Students will be introduced to the realm of law enforcement, including types of crimes committed, the criminal investigation process, crime scenes, evidence collection and potential contamination, as well as report writing and stress management for peace officers. The class focus will then shift to the scientific aspect, including consideration of the ethics of biotechnology, the basics of DNA, the biological effects of use of force, blood and tissue analysis, print patterns, and the biological effects of alcohol and drugs. Training potential peace officers in the process involved in handling and analyzing DNA will provide a greater understanding in the importance of care in taking and handling evidence. It will also provide greater insight as to what evidence is strongest and may strengthen a case. In return, potential bio-technicians are provided an opportunity to see the realistic conditions of crime scenes, as well as a humanistic look at crime and the individuals affected by it. To read more about AACOG's Criminal Justice Youth Education Program, click here.

AACOG's Mission:
To enhance the lives of all residents of the Alamo Region by working in mutual respect and partnership with all levels of government, the business sector, and the community at large to meet regional challenges and to create regional strengths.