ARB Hearing Audio Recording
https://lesearls.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Formal-Hearing-with-Mr-Lopez-homeowner.mp3
Early Voting starts Monday
Breaking News! Early Voting starts Monday October 20 – 31 For the November 4, 2025, election in San Antonio, voters will decide on 17 statewide constitutional amendments covering topics from taxes and public safety to education funding and parental rights. The ballot will also include local races and special elections, Prop A & Prop B …
Saved by the HVAC Tech
I have lived here in Oak Hollow Park for 20 years. My HVAC system is the original, so that makes it over 40 years old. A few contractors have come and gone, warning me that my HVAC system too old to last much longer. But with some upkeep and a few bandages, it keeps cooling …
Wellness Routines, One Step at a Time
Small habits, big results! Wellness isn’t just something we visit once in a while, it’s something we build, one gentle habit at a time. Weather you are retired, semi-retired, or just looking to feel better in your body and mind, creating a daily wellness routine can bring calm, focus and energy to your day. Who …
Please vote November 4th
Please vote November 4th Voters will decide on proposed increases to Texas homestead exemptions in the November 4th, 2025, election. If approved, the changes would apply retroactively to the 2025 tax year, offering significant relief to both general homeowners and those over 65. Proposed exemptions for all homeowners For all Texas homeowners, the 2025 ballot …
Designated Biker
One night, a cop was staking out a rowdy biker bar for possible DUIs. At closing time, he saw a biker stumble out of the bar, trip over his own boots, and try his keys on five different Harleys before finally finding his own Harley. He sat there in the saddle, fumbling with his keys …
Replace damaged garage doors or repair
I purchased 2 new garage doors and 2 motors about 20 years ago. About 2 years ago, I had a garage door spring break, it sounded like a shotgun blast, fortunately, I only had to replace the garage door springs. Recently, I noticed both garage door going up and down a little crooked. I looked …
Elmer’s Property Tax Protest in 2025
https://lesearls.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2025-Property-Tax-Protest-with-Elmer-3.mp4
Could’ve been a Janitor
A man once walked into Microsoft looking for a janitor job. After a few questions and some simple tests, the interviewer smiled and said, “Congratulations, you’re hired. Just give us your email address, and we’ll send you your schedule.” The man hesitated and replied, “I don’t have a computer, or even an email.” The HR …
Two men are in the woods
They come across a big, deep hole. “Wow, that looks deep,” one says. The other nods. “Sure does. Toss a few pebbles in there and see how deep it is.” They pick up a few pebbles and throw them in. They wait to hear a noise but there’s nothing, so they decide to throw some larger …
The Empty Jar
An 85 year old man had to provide a sperm cycle for his physical exam. The doctor gave him a jar and said, “Take this home and bring back a sample tomorrow.” The next day, the man returned to the doctor’s office with the jar, as clean as and empty as the day before. The doctor …
Connections – October 2025
Connections – October 2025 The last few months I have been working for the Bexar County Appraisal Review Board. I listened to really interesting evidence homeowners have presented to lower their market value and property tax bill. More about that at our next Coffee meeting. I have a new appreciation for neighbors that work full …
Homes need love too
Homes need love too As I age, I notice I need to pay more attention to my health, and my 40 year old home needs more love too. My old home needs preventative maintenance, before something “big” breaks down. Old houses are like old people in that they both show their age through a distinct character …
The Appraisal Review Board
I recently started working for the Appraisal Review Board. The Bexar County Appraisal Review Board (ARB) is a panel of Bexar County residents who resolve disputes between property owners and the Bexar County Appraisal District regarding property valuations and other issues. The ARB hears protests from taxpayers and challenges from the Appraisal District (taxing units) to ensure that …