Blue Santa Operation Holds First Event at Three Dudes Winery

By: Alex Castillo 



The San Marcos Police Department does more than protect the community and issue tickets. Since 1972 sponsors and volunteers have accompanied SMPD by bringing donations to less fortunate children and families, a project aptly titled The Blue Santa Project. 

 SMPD held an event at Three Dudes Winery titled Rollin' Into The Holidays that benefitted the Blue Santa Project. Local artists, musician's and police officers were present, as well as members of the dispatch center. 

 Roya Williamson, the Victim Services Coordinator for the SMPD, was involved with Blue Santa before she joined the department. "I used to be involved with the Citizen Police Academy, so I knew about (Blue Santa)," Williamson said. "When my kids were younger we used to spend a whole Saturday wrapping gifts." 

 Children who attended Rollin' Into The Holidays had a list of activities to choose from. Face painting, a bouncy castle and letters to Santa kept the children busy and they were also treated to a motorcycle escort of Blue Santa himself. 

 The Culinary Criminals, a food truck based out of Martindale, Texas, was at the event as well. Heather Ferguson, aka Chef Fergie, has been to Three Dudes Winery with her food truck before. Ferguson hopes to attend the Blue Santa benefit every year, regardless of where it takes place. 

"It's something I believe in heavily, to be able to help families give normal Christmas's to their kids," Ferguson said. "It's one of the greatest things that I think you can do for families at Christmastime; to help kids believe that there's still goodness out there." 

 If you are interested in volunteering to help wrap gifts, the end date is Monday, December 16 from 5-9 p.m. at the Police Department Auditorium. Contact Paul Stephens at pstephens@sanmarcostx.gov 

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Timeline

Map of fraternity and sorority houses in San Marcos, Texas

A New View of the River

By: Alex Castillo

The San Marcos River is used to its share of natives and tourists alike enjoying the clear waters. Swimming, tubing and kayaking have long been the favorite pastime of many, but a new business in town is looking to change the way river-goers view the waters.

Stand up paddle boarding is exactly as the name implies. Newcomers begin by kneeling on the middle of the board and pushing their way into the water with the paddle. This experience puts the newbies right in the action without feeling uncomfortable. After gaining the feel of the waters they are then instructed to stand up on the board.

Jake Walker, the co-founder of SUP Adventures San Marcos, began the business with his partner Chris Burnett about a year ago.

Walker pointed out common misconceptions about paddle boarding that new students have.

“People think it’s challenging, but you don’t have to be athletic or coordinated…it’s a tremendous workout if you want it to be,” Walker said.

Walker grew up on the San Marcos River, moving to San Marcos in 1977. He found something about the river infectious and wants to share paddle boarding with more people.

“You find that connection with the river and the pristine connection with Mother Nature even under train tracks,” Walker said.

Video and Pictures: Scott Allen
Audio: Alex Castillo

The Music Building

Photo Credit: Alexandria Castillo

Photo Credit: Alexandria Castillo