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By Lou DugganVeterans Day, Nov. 11theterans Day celebrates living and deceased veterans who served honorably in the U.S. military. As a symbol of such service, the American flag displays the patriotism of our citizens. The holiday is distinct from Memorial Day, which specifically honors those who died in military service. The simplest way to honor veterans is to display the U.S. flag where appropriate. Project Marvel, Nov. 4thProject Marvel will be decided by voters on Nov. 4th. The development is a transformative $3–4 billion redevelopment initiative, centered around a new arena for the Spurs and a sweeping sports and entertainment district. The existing SAWS chilled water plant must be relocated to make room for the hotel. Estimated cost is an additional $200+ million.Project Marvel has sparked bothNews Of Local Interestexcitement and protest. Community groups have voiced concerns about cost, transparency, and impact. The PAC supporting Project Marvel’s venue tax vote—called “Keep San Antonio Vibrant”— is backed by financial interests tied to the Spurs, real estate developers, and hospitality groups that stand to benefit from the proposed downtown redevelopment. They have raised more than $2 million to fund ads that promote passage of the vote. Desalination PlantA seawater desalination facility is in the permitting process with hopes of beginning construction in Southeast Texas, as water supply remains a top priority for several regions across the state. EPCOR Utilities Inc. recently announced its intent to begin construction and eventual operation of a facility in Galveston Bay, a region that is home to almost eight million people.Beginning with a permit application with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), EPCOR is planning to construct a desalination plant that will supply approximately 26.5 million gallons of fresh water per day. The Desalination Facility is projected to be completed in approximately five years.Water Vote, Nov. 4thTexas voters will be asked this fall to approve a $20 billion package to protect the state’s water supply. The proposal calls for 50% to be spent on improving the state’s water infrastructure and the other half to be spent on finding new water supply. The $20 billion is just a fraction of what some experts believe the state needs to invest going forward.Electric Power StorageBattery company Base Power hopes to convince homeowners to buy in to itsnew model for providing power. Austin- based, Base Power installs compact battery systems in homes—a few thousand of them so far across Texas—and manages them as a fleet, charging the home batteries when power is cheap and plentiful, then drawing on them when the grid is stressed.The network is described as a distributed power plant. Homeowners do not own the batteries, Base does, and the company coordinates them as if they were one large utility resource.BAy Sally Kalostreasured piece of jewelry can spanfor what he’s doing, and he does a great job. I will be sure to use him in the future.”With a 5-star Google rating, Mark and his team have earned widespread trust, receiving referrals from past clients, jewelry stores, and insurance companies. “There is no government oversight, no licensing in our industry, and quite frankly, the waters can be a little scary out there,” Mark said.n Helotes, Texas, a kindly older woman named Lorraine lives alone in a rental house, with her family thirty“I try to be as upfront as possible with my clients and help them understand what they truly have.”San Antonio Jewelry Appraisers12274 Bandera Rd., Suite 236Helotes, Texas 78023(210) 316-8758 www.sanantoniojewelryappraisers.comSan Antonio Jewelry Appraisers: Discover Your Treasure’s Valuegenerations, making proper careand protection essential. At San Antonio Jewelry Appraisers—South Texas’ finest and most complete gemological appraisal lab—gemstone, jewelry, and watch appraisals are prepared to the highest standards by independent, unbiased appraisal professionals.As the only insurance industry–trained gemologists and appraisers in the area, San Antonio Jewelry Appraisers offers the most accurate evaluations of jewelry and gemstones. Jewelry appraisals are crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, an up-to-date appraisal provides a third party, like an insurance company, with current information regarding the condition and value of the piece. Additionally, obtaining an appraisal before remounting a stone or modifying an item helps ensure any changes don’t unintentionally alter its value.Mark Saenz, a registered gemologist appraiser, has been in the jewelry business since 1979. With 46 years of experience, 10 jewelry certifications, two graduate diplomas, and memberships in the International School of Gemology, National Association of Jewelry Appraisers, and the Gemological Institute of America, clients can rest assured their cherished possessions are properly valued.“Each piece I see has a history,” Mark explained. “I truly enjoy hearing and learning its story. Many of my clients are interested in the current market value of jewelry they obtained through an estate or want to update its style. That’s where I come in—bringing the piece to the present in today’s market.”“I also love working with engaged and newlywed couples, appraising their wedding rings for insurance purposes,” he added. “I feel honored that they trust meIRescue, Companionship & Lasting Love Submitted By Judith Newman, M.D.Mark Saenz, Gemologistwith such a beautiful symbol of their love as they begin their lives together.”At San Antonio Jewelry Appraisers, pieces are appraised while clients wait. Mark walks them through the process, explaining the piece’s history and how its value is determined.“Mark is a thorough professional,” customer Thomas B. shared in an online review. “The appraisal process is done right in front of you. Mark explained each step and even shared his microscope so I could be better educated. It’s clear he has a passionminutes away in San Antonio. One morning, she hears yowling at the back door and discovers a pregnant black-and-white cat in distress. Lorraine sets up a wooden apple crate with a towel, and within hours, “Annie” delivers four kittens. Lorraine feeds and cares for them, feeling a sense of comfort. The next day, she buys cat food and supplies, knowing she’ll eventually turn to the Helotes Humane Society (H.H.S.) for help. Over the year, more cats join her household, including Perry and Lilly, who also has a litter. A neighbor alerts H.H.S., which steps in to house, spay or neuter, and prepare the cats for adoption.Among them is Little Grace, a one-year- old underweight cat. A kind college student fosters her, and she’s later featured in the Helotes paper. Phil sees her photo and adopts her before anyone else. Grace thrives as an only cat. Weeks later, Phil brings home Calypso, a grey-and-white male renamed Calvin. Grace is hesitant at first but soon bonds with him. Over the years, Calvin patrols their 1.5-acre property, while Grace enjoys the patio. In winter, they snuggle by the fireplace.On May 19, 2025, fifteen-year-old Calvinquietly passes away. Grace mourns deeply, crying at night until she, too, dies peacefully three and a half months later, in the same spot where Calvin fell. They are buried side by side. Two weeks later, Phil senses Calvin’s comforting presence in their room, as if to say he and Grace are together again.Their story—of rescue, companionship, and lasting love—ends not with sorrow, but with gratitude for the bond shared.8www.heloteshighlights.comNovember 2025