Community

For many people the new year means a new start, and with it another chance to change.

"All women [want] to lose weight is my first one [resolution]" said Sandra Orendain, a native of Mexico and San Antonio resident. "And the second one is to be healthy and to do more exercises."

As the world rings in the New Year, thousands of San Antonio residents and visitors will flock downtown to celebrate the arrival of 2013. Organizers say it’s the largest free New Year’s Eve celebration in Texas, and expect 250,000 people in downtown San Antonio.

Concerns and fears in the wake of shooting sprees in Connecticut and Aurora, Colo. have prompted a “what if” mentality for people with children in school and others in public places.

"I think for the most part people are confused, and out of that confusion comes fear,” said former military combative instructor and martial arts expert Michael Hanson.

Active Shooter Self-Defense Class

Residents at the San Antonio Children’s Shelter will be treated to a special Christmas “just like home” this year. Community organizations brought in truckloads of toys and volunteered their time for the kids.

The San Antonio Children’s Shelter usually has upwards of 50 children staying at the center, who usually come from homes in crisis. CEO Annette Rodriguez said the holidays are a sad time of the year for many of the kids.