Today, the City Council finally did what many think they should have done months or even years ago. They approved a ban on texting while driving. The new law will go into effect in 10 days and includes no just texting but also data usage such as web surfing or checking email on a phone while driving.

It is important to note that the ban does NOT include passengers, just the driver. It also should be known that drivers may still answer and talk on their phones, they are just not allowed to use them for texting or data application.

Police will issue warnings for the first 90 days as drivers become aware of the law. After those initial 90 days, a fine of up to $200 can be imposed.

What do you think of the new ban? Is it too late? Does it cover enough? Should there also be a ban on talking while driving?

It doesn't seem like a year already since the last National Night Out, but it has been. Now, we have NNO 2010, and once again San Antonio is vying to be one of the cities with the most participation.

See my article about this year's event and see what you can do to help keep yourself and your neighbors safe. NNO organizers encourage you to turn on your porch lights tonight (as many already do) and start a dialogue with your neighbors regarding safety.

Even neighborhoods that are already a part of the Neighborhood Watch program can benefit from the National Night Out. Will you be participating this year?

Most Spurs fans may only know today as the day that single tickets go on sale for the first half of the 2010-11 season. But today is also another big day for Spurs fans--the day of an open practice.

The festivities begin at 1:00 p.m. with face painting, balloons and $1 hotdogs and drinks. The practice begins at 1:30 and will include drills, warmups and a scrimmage.

Tickets will be on sale and there are ticket specials for a limited number of preseason games as well. There will also be a raffle for jerseys worn by the players in today's practice!  Go to the special page on the official Spurs website for more info.

In case you didn't know, here is something fun that smartphone users in San Antonio can use to help them learn about all that downtown has to offer.

The Downtown Alliance has an app that gives you news on events, businesses, restaurants and more that go on downtown. Just text DOWNTOWN to 48384 to get the info.

Will you use this app? How often do you go downtown? I personally love our downtown, it is much cleaner and safer than some that I have been to in other parts of the country. If you don't spend a lot of time in that area, this app could be the catalyst to explore all it has to offer. Enjoy!