Cities & Counties
San Antonio leaders pledge transparency after tense meeting about local ICE operations
By Edmond Ortiz An oft-heated, six-hour San Antonio City Council meeting ended with local officials pressing the need for transparency and additional discussions regarding the federal government’s immigration enforcement tactics in town. What is happening Nearly 180 people signed up to speak at the special council meeting that addressed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) increasing…
New affordable apartment complex opens in Tobin Hill
By Edmond Ortiz Local officials and affordable housing advocates say a newly opened apartment complex in the Tobin Hill neighborhood can help people seeking affordable housing options just north of downtown. What you should know City officials and leaders from project partners gathered for a Jan. 21 ground-breaking ceremony for the Four25 San Pedro Apartments…
News Briefs (Jan. 21): Student-run general store opens at Helotes school; SAISD set to close West Side campus; pet-focused programs start in San Antonio, Converse
By Edmond Ortiz Today’s rundown of San Antonio-area news briefs include the opening of a Helotes school-based general store run by agriculture students, and a San Antonio school district’s final decision to close a West Side campus. Also, Converse rolls out a program for shelter animals, and two local organizations launch a program to keep…
Former Hollywood Park official arrested for alleged scheme against town
By Edmond Ortiz Hollywood Park officials on Jan. 20 announced the arrest of ex-City Secretary Patrick Aten, who is alleged to have organized a non-violent attack against his former employers. What is happening According to a press release, Aten’s arrest was the result of an investigation led by the Hollywood Park Police Department in coordination…
News Briefs: San Antonio breaks ground on South Side police station; Judson ISD board president under fire; New Braunfels-area district boosts projects
By Edmond Ortiz The launch of development of a South Side police substation, the advancement of Brackenridge Park improvements, and the painting of rainbow sidewalks at local Planned Parenthood facilities highlight the latest bits of news from around San Antonio. Also, members of a Northeast Side school district are petitioning for the removal of their…
San Antonio panel denies Guajolote Ranch petition, but what comes next for the developer?
By Edmond Ortiz Representatives for a Florida-based company still face overwhelming opposition – at least at the local level – in their efforts to build a 3,000-home, master-planned community in northwest Bexar County. Despite opposition from environmental organizations, grassroots groups and area elected officials, representatives for Lennar Corp. say they still have the legal authority…
San Antonio city leaders laud outgoing police chief
By Edmond Ortiz San Antonio’s top officials said they look forward to arriving at final achievements with Police Chief William McManus, who announced Jan. 16 that he will retire this September. What is happening Upon retirement, McManus will cap nearly 20 years of public service as San Antonio’s longest-serving police chief. He was first appointed…
San Antonio council gets updates on Project Marvel, Missions stadium plans
By Edmond Ortiz San Antonio city staff sat with City Council Jan. 14 to brief the elected leaders on the latest developments and next steps regarding the envisioned construction of a new downtown sports and entertainment district, and the building of a new San Antonio Missions stadium. Project Marvel plans Ben Gorzell, the city’s chief…
Filing begins for May 2 San Antonio-area city council, school board elections
By Edmond Ortiz Eligible residents in 18 cities and nine public education districts across the San Antonio area have through Feb. 13 to file for a city council or school board seat that will be on the May 2 local election ballot. The May 2 election filing period started Jan. 14 in the following cities…
Early voting starts Jan. 13 for Schertz council runoff election
By Edmond Ortiz Early voting begins Jan. 13 for a runoff election to fill Schertz’s vacant Place 7 City Council seat. What you should know John Carbon and Dr. Robert Sheridan, the two top vote-getters in the city’s Dec. 20 special election, advanced to the Jan. 31 runoff. None of the five candidates in the…