Make the most of the wet hot Tampa Bay summer. | Photo courtesy of Canva
As we prep for rain next week, we can’t help but think about the warmer times from last summer. Did you know San Antonio received about four inches of rain throughout the summer? We’re here to decode the city’s guidelines about rainwater harvesting and help you capitalize on the scarce resource, not to mention save money on your next water bill.
💧 Rainwater harvesting explained
Building a rainwater harvesting system is an easy way to provide non-potable water for your plants. The best part: After some small start-up costs, it’s free — and we love free.
The system collects water off non-permeable surfaces like your roof and funnels it into a storage chamber like a rain barrel or cistern to be used when rain isn’t in the forecast — i.e. next summer. A general rule of thumb: One inch of rain produces about a half gallon for every square foot of roof.
💧 What’s wrong with using my sprinkler?
Nothing, as long as your sprinkler is functioning properly and you’re following local regulations. The Alamo City has year-round watering requirements that limits irrigation systems and sprinkler use to any day of the week before 11 a.m. or after 7 p.m.
If you live within city limits, the water pumped through your sprinkler system is filtered drinking water + uninformed watering practices can put a strain on the water supply and drive up your bill.
Meanwhile, the Texas Tax Code allows property tax exemptions for conservation initiatives like rainwater harvesting systems, and Texas Property Code protects them in residential zones.
💧 How do I get started?
The San Antonio Water System offers programming and hosts free classes to teach you how to capture the most water + money-saving options for its customers. Register now for the next event on Wednesday, Jan. 31.
The Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance also provides resources like tips for saving money and how to start a community rain garden.
Asked
Do you harvest your rainwater?
A. Yes, I’ve been doing it for years B. No, but I want to
Texas Star Mushroom Walk | Friday, Jan. 19 | 3 p.m. | Phil Hardberger Park, 8400 N.W. Military Hwy., San Antonio | $0-$15 | Join nature guides Roxy and Angelica as they teach about the state mushroom, the Devil’s Cigar.
Adult Game Night | Friday, Jan. 19 | 7-11 p.m. | Valhallan Esports Training, 9910 W. Loop 1604 N. Ste. 121, San Antonio | $25 | Bring your squad and play popular video games like “Apex Legends,” “Fortnite,” and “Call of Duty.”
National Popcorn Day | Friday, Jan. 19 | Various Locations, San Antonio | Cost of purchase | Purchase a movie ticket and receive a free popcorn at any Santikos Theater location.
Saturday, Jan. 20
Kewtie Boy Sando Pop-Up | Saturday, Jan. 20 | 9 a.m. | Eight Ball Coffee, 1432 S. Saint Mary’s St., San Antonio | Cost of purchase | Grab a cup of coffee and try a Porky Boy Sando at this local cafe.
40th Anniversary Celebration | Saturday, Jan. 20 | 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Brook Hollow Branch Library, 530 Heimer Rd., San Antonio | Free | Come dressed in 1980’s attire and celebrate the anniversary of this library with activities + light refreshments.
Vendor Market + Watch Party | Saturday, Jan. 20 | 11 a.m. | Frost Plaza at The Rock at La Cantera, 1 Spurs Way, San Antonio | Free | Shop from 20+ artisan vendors and stay for a watch party of the USA National Soccer Team vs Slovenia on the big screen.
Sunday, Jan. 21
Grand Opening | Sunday, Jan. 21 | 8 a.m. | Greenhouse Coffee & Wholesome Foods, 223 E. Hildebrand Ave., Ste. 101B, San Antonio | Cost of purchase | Sip on a cup of coffee and celebrate the opening of San Antonio’s latest coffee shop.
Dine And Dance | Sunday, Jan. 21 | 3 p.m. | John T. Floore Country Store, 14492 Old Bandera Rd., Helotes | Cost of purchase | Enjoy live music, dance classes, and food + drinks.
San-Havana Artists’ Talk & Cuban Pop-up | Sunday, Jan. 21 | 6:30 p.m. | Pharm Table, 611 S. Presa St., San Antonio | $30 | Join San-Havana Project artists Gary Sweeney, Ricky Armendariz, and Anthony Garcia for a Cuban-inspired meal followed by an art presentation.
The Bexar County Courthouse will perform four free marriage ceremonies on Valentines Day, Wednesday, Feb. 14, from midnight to 2 p.m. Couples must acquire a marriage license 72 hours prior. Don’t miss: Robert Carr Jr. (U.S. Postmaster for San Antonio) will unveil the 2024 Love Stamp on the same day. (TPR)
Awards
The San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame announced its Class of 2024. The list includes basketball + volleyball athlete Andrea Williams (Churchill HS), track star Anjanette Kirkland (Holmes HS), and football coach Jim Rackley (Judson HS). The induction ceremony is Thursday, May 9, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.
Show
Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire are bringing their “Sing a Song All Night Long” tour to the Frost Bank Center this summer on Tuesday, June 4, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale today at 10 a.m. and start at $60.95. Can’t wait until then? Use code EWFFBC to snag your tickets now.
Eat
Ladino and Clementine are partnering up to host a one-night only dinner on Saturday, Jan.29, for $125 per person. The two restaurants will create a pre-fixe dinner that explores the flavors of the Mediterranean. Make a reservation today.
Drink
Saucy Birds, formally Sangria on the Burg, released its happy hour menu. Stop by Tuesday through Sunday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. + 9 p.m. to close to enjoy discounted sangria, frozen margaritas, nachos, and chicken tenders. Want more happy hour deals? Check out 23 other local spots.
Shop
Need a Valentine’s Day Gift? SNIPSA is selling puppy-themed Valentine’s Day pillows. Three types of pillows range from $38 to $118 and each purchase goes to the organization to help dogs + cats. You can swing by during operating hours to buy a pillow. Can’t stop by? Send a message via Instagram about shipping.
Sports
H-E-B launched its second round of Spurs commercials this week focusing on the grocer’s Creamy Creations ice cream. The commercials feature Victor Wembanyama, Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan, and Devin Vassell. Swing by any local H-E-B to see a life-size cutout of Wembanyama standing with stacked tubs of ice cream.
Finance
Erasing interest on purchases and balance transfers into 2025 can really make a difference. Throw in no annual fee, and there’s no wonder why thousands are lining up for these cards.*
Coming Soon
🛍️ New (vintage) shop, who’s this?
San Antonio’s newest pop-up, Electric Company, is coming soon
Shop these vintage items and more at Electric Company starting Friday, Feb. 2. | Photo by Electric Company
Need another reason to shop local? Electric Company, a new retail pop-up store, is coming to San Antonio for a limited time.
The project is spearheaded by a group of friends — Ayse Derman (co-owner of Niche at Pearl + Niche Clothing Company), Rose Reyes (Tex Mex Dance Party), and Jordy Hagen (Curated Modern) — who share a sentiment for collecting eclectic vintage treasures. At the store, you can find clothing + textiles, furniture, folk art, and books.
Here’s what to know before you go:
Located at 774 E. Locust
Opens Friday, Feb. 2 and closes in April (depending on inventory)
Operation hours: Thursday to Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.
Don’t miss: Stay tuned for an expanded outdoor market called Electric Market on Saturday, April 6, from 11 a.m to 4 p.m. The collaborative event is a partnership between the Electric Company team and Roma Villavicencio, owner + designer at La Coronita Hats.
The Buy
The Buy 1.19.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
“The 5-Minute Gratitude Journal.” Written by happiness and relationship coach Dr. Sophia Godkin, this journal inspires gratitude with prompts to answer every day — and it only takes five minutes.
As a kid, one of my favorite summer time activities was running through the sprinklers in my parent’s front yard. It was a somewhat free, fun, and an easy way to cool off from the heat.
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