Animal Control in San Antonio

So where do we stand on the sweeping reforms tauted in August of 2006? http://www.sanantonio.gov/animalcare/PDF/ACS_StrategicPlan.pdf

Maybe it is time to revisit this issue some two years later.

Yes we do have a beautiful new facility although the location is hardly accessible. Check out page 4 where 8 of the strategic objectives were to be met within the first year. Let's start easy with this one. Increase Adoptions Through Multi-Site Availability. I haven't seen any ACS adoption sites around town, have you? Their website does not appear to list any.

I would like to address each objective individually and ask for your help. First, go here and make your delcaration.

http://www.nokilldeclaration.org/images/U.S._No_Kill_Declaration.pdf

If you're hesitant, take a look at this.

http://www.nokilladvocacycenter.org/tour/tour3.html Remember when we patted ourselves on the back for initiating "humane euthanasia?"

Let's take the initiative to police our animal control services, to ensure that our tax dollars are being spent in the way we want. I need your feedback. What about our own website like Austin's, http://www.fixaustin.org/. Are you up for the challenge?

SAN ANTONIO DOG PARKS

Within the city limits, we have two dog parks -- these are protected, public areas where dogs are allowed to roam free, without leashes (leads), making friends with other pooches and finding a real Sniff-Heaven:

McAllister Park. 1 1/2 acres, 13102 Jones-Maltsberger Road.
Pearsall Park Dog Area. 1 1/2 acres, 4700 Old Pearsall Road.

Remember, though, dog parks aren't for all dogs. Some pups can be overwhelmed or frightened by the dog park -- and territorial, owner-protective types are known to fight. Try visiting the park on a off-time, see how Fido likes the area before you go for a Big Visit on Saturday morning.

You can always walk in the other city parks, on leash, as long as they aren't considered "natural areas" - dogs aren't welcome there.

What are these "natural areas"? They are these six city parks: Crownridge Canyon, Eisenhower, Friedrich, Medina River, Stone Oak, and Walker Ranch.

Viola Barrios, Fiesta DUIs and High Speed Chases: what happens when you are arrested?

Unfortunately, today's news is filled with serious crime: this afternoon, the teenaged nextdoor neighbor of beloved restauranteur Viola Barrios was arrested for her murder; two other teenagers are in critical condition after a high speed car chase on 1604 (were they racing?); and alcohol is being blamed for the 6th car crash fatality in Fiesta week, as a woman died after crashing her car early this morning over on Hwy 151.

Criminal defense attorneys are often involved in these situations from a different perspective: they are talking with distraught parents and frightened clients who are facing criminal action. And many clients and their families know little about the system until they personally become acquainted with it.

So, what does happens when you or a loved one is arrested?

First, you're read your rights, you're cuffed, and you're taken to the police department “intake area.”

Here, you're searched, booked, and fingerprinted. Your personal belongings are safeguarded for you, and you get to wear a standard-issue uniform that is color-coded (you've seen the carrot-orange jumpsuits on TV). You get a medical check. You get your one call.

Next, you're put in a cell. This could be together with other people, in the “general population,” or it can be in a special area, that's up to the police. They'll put someone in a special area if they're a celebrity or high risk in some way. They'll also put someone in a special area when they've been arrested but still haven't appeared before a judge.

Once you have been assigned to a cell, you stay in that cell most of the time, unless you make bail or get released on your own recognizance. You will get a limited amount of exercise time, and there are set hours of visitation for family as well as your attorney.

Condolences

Finally, sincere condolences to the Barrios family and those families of the car crash victims -- as well as those who love and care for the teenager who's been arrested in the Barrios murder. There has been a lot of tragedy here in SA over the past 24 hours.

ElDorado Texas Child Abuse Cases - Reliable Info

There's a media frenzy over the ElDorado FLDS child abuse cases nationwide, not just here in Texas -- even Dr. Phil is on board -- and with it, there's a lot of stuff being circulated that may or may not be accurate.

From the perspective of an attorney specifically dealing with CPS cases, here are some links that provide apparently accurate information about the ElDorado child abuse cases, as well as child abuse and neglect in general, and the workings of the Texas Department of Human Services' Department of Child Protective Services:

FLDS - Fundementalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

• Overview of FLDS (Wikipedia)
• MormonFundementalism.Com

Child Abuse and Neglect in Texas

• About CPS
• State of Texas' Handbook for Parents and Guardians in Child Protection Cases (pdf)
• Attorney General's FAQ on Child Abuse and Neglect in Texas

The ElDorado Child Abuse Case

• April 22, 2008 Order in Cause Nos. 2779-2903 styled, in the interest of Children Removed from the YFZ Ranch in the 51st Judicial District Court of Schleicher County, Texas (pdf)
• Coverage of the ElDorado FLDS situation by the San Antonio Express News
• Coverage of the ElDorado FLDS situation by the San Angelo Standard Times

5 GREAT DOG BLOGS

Of course, across the World Wide Web, there are more than five great blogs about dogs, but these are five that are definitely worth your time to check out periodically:

Dog Bliss -- Bliss the Keeshond and her person, Keri, write this blog about all types of products for dogs. Shampoos, collars, pillows, books, videos, leads, you get the idea. Keri puts her personal two-cents worth into every review, which makes it worth the read.

The Daily Puppy -- Everyday, a great photo of an adorable puppy is posted, with his or her story. The fact that the blogger chose Maximus the Welsh Corgi puppy as the spokespup for her blog has absolutely nothing to do with this blog being among this list ....

DoggieWoggie -- Interesting blog because it is organized without much content on the home page, lots of photos and graphics but don't let that fool you. There's lots of info here for dog owners, with good stuff - like a recent article on heat therapy for senior dogs, and a place to score some IAMS Dog Food coupons.

DogGoneGoodStuff - You may or may not be interested in the Show Dog Results, but there's lots of great stuff here. The recommended pet tent looks great, and there's really important news posted, as well - such as the recent AKC warning that there has been sharp rise in dogs (and other pets) being stolen ... especially the small purebreds ... for resale.

Dog-Gonnit -- Covers lots of dog-topics from a real-world perspective, including posts like "pet food field trip to Walmart," there's a little bit of everything here: training, recipes, health care, just lots of good stuff.

ELDORADO CHILD ABUSE CASES - THE SAN ANTONIO CONNECTION

The Wall Street Journal has a good article summarizing the unfolding story of the 400+ children currently under the care of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, pending a hearing on Thursday, April 17, 2008, to determine what happens next.

San Antonio Involvement -- Local DFPS workers (from the CPS division) have been sent to El Dorado, just as other workers have been routed from all across the state (e.g., Lufkin, El Paso) -- and local CPS attorneys have been asked to volunteer their assistance, as well.

Meanwhile, Prominent San Antonio attorney Gerry Goldstein represents the Fundementalist Church of Latter Day Saints itself - and the Kansas City Star has a good background article covering Goldstein's career.

Statutory Deadlines Are Solid -- Texas statutes are clear in their boundaries: DFPS cases must be resolved within a certain period of time or they are automatically dismissed under the law, a full evidentiary hearing must be held within a set time after children are removed from parental care, and other, periodic court hearings must occur within a specific time frame.


Will Cases Be Transferred Out of El Dorado - San Angelo County to San Antonio? -- Will all these cases remain in San Angelo County? Will some be transferred here to San Antonio (and other parts of the state)? If the cases stay in San Angelo, can that court system handle the burden and meet the set statutory deadlines?

Answers to some or all of these questions may be answered on the 17th.

For more information, the DFPS has a special section on its website for info regarding the El Dorado situation.

5 THINGS TO DO WHEN YOU'RE 1ST ON THE SCENE OF A CAR CRASH

Last night, there was a huge traffic accident on 281 near the airport where a BigRig overturned after colliding with the bridge posts - traffic was rerouted last night, there are still problems today from the repairs being done to the infrastructure -- and luckily, there was not a huge loss of life.

The driver was not hurt, and no other cars were involved.

Still, it makes one think -- criminal defense attorneys see the aftermath of lots of car accidents that don't turn out so well.

Here are some things to keep in mind should you ever come across a car crash before help arrives:

1. Call 911. Don't assume you know everything to be done. And, don't hang up -- the operator should remain on the line until the police arrive.

2. Alert oncoming traffic that you're there. Lift the hood of your car, turn on your flashers, use flares if you have them -- the goal is to make it very clear to all passersby that you are there, and there's a collision. You want to keep yourself safe as well as the crash victims.

3. Sniff. If you smell gas, keep a safe distance and don't do anything that might cause a spark. That includes using your cell phone, move away from the fumes to make your call.

4. Help the victims with the aid of the 911 operator -- moving victims can sometimes cause more harm, and the paramedics know what to do. Covering them with blankets is usually okay: shock can be life-threatening as it lowers blood pressure and keeping victims warm and dry helps with shock. Talk to the victims, let them know help is on the way.

5. When help arrives, step back. Tell the police your contact info when they ask you for it, give the paramedics info on the victims when they ask you for it. Don't leave, but don't interfere with the professionals.

Murdered Doctor

Oh no! I have been a patient of Dr. Abbott for a number of years. Her serenity and her knowledge of medicine made her the perfect provider for me. Each year at my annual physical, she required (with a compassionate degree of firmness) a project for me to better care for my health, from dropping the cigarettes to dropping the pounds. She may have been disappointed with that last one when I was scheduled to visit her next month. I trusted her implicitly. I will miss her.

http://www.woai.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=f2f5b1b2-ade5-4afd-b4b5-360946d20124

Who is this murderer and why did he have the gun? As a criminal defense lawyer, I defend our Constitutional right to bear arms daily, but this? Tell me what you think.

FINAL FOUR IN SA - What the Visitors See

This weekend, the NCAA Final Four Basketball Tournament is being held here in San Antonio. The hotels are already filling up, as well as the parking lots. For those of us working in downtown SA, this means clients can have trouble parking -- as well as jurors (and no trial lawyer wants an upset juror!)....

The national news coverage has begun, as well -- and until the games begin, journalists are finding other things to write about. Here are a couple -- both have found the RiverWalk to be boring after the first couple of nights, and have ventured out into the city proper.

One writer (for MSNBC) discovered the great golf deals here in town, including our famous La Cantera. Another (writing for the Kansas City Star) has been mosing around the King William Area (Germans live here too!) as well as local museums....

Some suggestions for these guys?

Try Gruene, for Texas Oldest Dance Hall. Play horseshoes outside, drink longnecks with real cowboys, read the autographs of all the famous folk on their framed photos that cover the walls of the bar .... Music begins every night at 7. The general store is pretty cool, too, as well as the wine tastings and antique stores .... By the way, Gary P. Nunn is the headliner this Saturday night.

How about visiting the Dixie Dude Ranch in Bandera? Ride a horse through the rolling Texas Hills, check out a real working ranch for the day, have an excuse to buy cowboy boots or a nice cowboy hat, and practice walking like John Wayne.

Just a couple, off the top of my head.

Big Bexar News: WOAI Gets the Scoop on New DWI Plea Deal - Fiesta is 17 Days Away

On TV last night, WOAI claimed a scoop on today's new DWI plea deal, now there's coverage everywhere on this Big Bexar News: before today, plea bargains weren't offered in SA for DWI - driving drunk or more formally, Driving While Intoxicated - charges.

District Attorney Susan Reed has changed the policy, and it's not an April Fool's joke.

Starting today, drivers with FIRST TIME DWI charges can avoid having this on their record, as well as the notoriously big hit on their pocketbook, by taking a quick plea to a lesser charge and entering into an agreement to do lots of stuff intended to alter the behavior that got them in this position.

Why is this happening? Overload - there's over 3500 of these cases on the books, and the system is bottlenecked.

And, yes, Fiesta officially kicks off in 17 days.