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ABy Lesli Hicksbout 30 Helotes-area residents got a civics lesson beyond books and class by caravaning to Austin thissummer.The group largely from Grey Forest andHelotes did not speak before the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, but brought signs protesting Florida-based Lennar Corp.’s plans to build about 2,900 homes on 1,100 acres west of Scenic Loop and Babcock roads.Unlike other area developments, Guajolote Ranch would release an average of 1 million gallons a day of treated wastewater into Helotes Creek, which crosses the recharge zone of the Trinity Glen Rose Aquifer, the area’s primary water source, and the contributing and recharge zones of the Edwards Aquifer, which supplies about 2 million San Antonians.With treated effluent likely degrading the water supply, the residents fear family illness and loss of recreational spaces.They learned it takes paperwork for Texans to be heard. The state plans another meeting by Zoom on Nov. 21 that will set a timetable for a contested-case hearing process.Once again, there won’t be testimony,but residents will be able to log in and watch what will resemble a civil court proceeding with lawyers and a presiding judge conferring. A “contested-case hearing” with witnesses and testimony will take place later.The Scenic Loop Helotes Creek Alliance (www.scenicloop.org) is joining organizations granted permission to oppose the permit, including the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance and landowner Ann Toepperwein, a descendent of settlers who came here to farm in the mid-1800s. Her daughter Lynette Munson made the trek up I-35 with a sign that read, “Don’t Make a Mess of Texas.”Residents learned the fight against the wastewater permit rests in the hands of the State Office of Administrative Hearings, an independent agency with gubernatorial- appointed judges with up to six months to complete the hearing process.“Democracy allows for peaceful protest, including signs made by area youth,” said alliance member Steve Lee, a descendent of early area settlers Shelly and Jesusa Maria de la Garza Lee. They farmed land fed by Lee Creek, which joins Helotes Creek. TheArea residents outside the state capitol after a meeting Aug. 14 determined that their fight could proceed against a project that would pour 1 million gallons of wastewater daily into Helotes Creek. Photo courtesy of Eric SonesHelotes - Area Residents Get Civics LessonTBy Lou Dugganhis month daylight saving timecomes to an end for the yearand our clocks will turn back by an hour, part of the twice-annual time change that affects a majority of Americans. Daylight saving time will end for the year at 2 a.m. local time on Sunday, Nov. 3, when we “fall back” and gain an extra hour of sleep. Next year, it will begin again on Sunday, March 9, 2025.Daylight Saving Time (DST) was first used in the United States during World War I to conserve fuel and power. The idea was that by shifting the clocks to make better use of daylight hours, there would be less need for artificial lighting. This practice wasubmitted By McKenna Branhamcouple The couple had 15 children, some of whom are buried in an historic cemeteryalong Lee Creek.‘Fall Back’ Time Is HereDriven By Love: The Munoz Family’sCommitment To Finding A Cure For DuchenneMuscular DystrophySIdystrophy, a rare disease that has profoundlyimpacted their son, Joshua. At just five years old, Maribel and Ramiro noticed Joshua struggling during his first tee ball practice, a moment that marked the beginning of a challenging journey. By early 2013, they received the unexpected diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, stemming from a spontaneous genetic mutation, which shifted their family’s perspective on life.Embracing each day with purpose and gratitude became their guiding principle. Their unwavering faith provided strength as they balanced supporting Joshua with ensuring their family dynamic remained inclusive for their three sons.Now 17 years old, Joshua is a vibrant young man with diverse interests. He loves exploring historical sites during family travels and enjoys playing video games with friends. His passion for learning shines through as he excels at his favorite subjects, calculus and physics. A devoted sports fan, Joshua follows the Golden State Warriors and relishes attending Spurs games with family and friends.Joshua has recently had the opportunity to participate in an ongoing clinical trial for a treatment originally funded by CureDuchenne, and their family has seen positive changes in his muscle strengthimplemented in 1918 but was abolished after the war. However, some states continued to observe DST independently.The concept was reintroduced during World War II and again in the 1970s as a response to the energy crisis. The Uniform Time Act of 1966 established a more standardized approach to DST across the country, setting the start and end dates for the time change6.Legislation to abandon the practice of changing clocks was introduced in Congress during the last couple of years, when the U.S. Senate unanimously approved the Sunshine Protection Act in 2022, a bill to make daylight saving time permanent. However, the U.S. House of Representatives did not pass the Act and President Joe Biden did not sign it. A 2023 version of the act also stalled in Congress.Not all states and U.S. territories participate in daylight saving time. Hawaii and most of Arizona do not observe daylight saving time. Hawaii, because of its proximity to the equator, does not experience much daylight variance between hours during the year. Because of its desert climate, Arizona doesn’t follow daylight saving time (with the exception of the Navajo Nation).There are also five other U.S. territories that do not participate: American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.n the heart of Helotes, Texas, the Munoz family is on a heartfelt mission to find a cure for Duchenne muscularAre You 65 & Older?• Medicare Advantage Plans • Prescription Drug Plans• Medicare SupplementInsurance Plans • Dental Coverage • Vision CoverageRosie Villarreal(210) 778-8828 (TTY:711)Mon - Sun • 8am - 8pm Rvillarreal1@humana.comSe Habla Españoland energy levels. Joshua and the Munoz family’s resilience and commitment to each other continue to inspire those around them.Recently, the Munoz family hosted a successful fundraiser at Pedrotti’s Ranch, rallying the local community to raise awareness. To date, they’ve raised more than $900,000 for CureDuchenne, a nonprofit committed to finding a cure for this life-threatening condition. Through their efforts, the Munoz family continues to inspire hope and resilience in the fight against Duchenne muscular dystrophy.8www.heloteshighlights.comNovember 2024