INSIDER
Six-figure salaries for San Antonio City Council? Early pay raise talks raise eyebrows among council members
Read full article: Six-figure salaries for San Antonio City Council? Early pay raise talks raise eyebrows among council membersA Charter Review Commission is considering whether to adjust council members' salaries, though voters would have the final say.
Where, how to vote early for San Antonio City Council runoff election in Districts 1, 7
Read full article: Where, how to vote early for San Antonio City Council runoff election in Districts 1, 7Voters in San Antonio City Council districts 1 and 7 can take advantage of casting an early ballot for the upcoming runoff election.
Rosie Castro confirmed as interim District 7 councilwoman
Read full article: Rosie Castro confirmed as interim District 7 councilwomanAmid a standing ovation, the San Antonio City Council confirmed the civil rights activist and mother of the city’s two most recognizable political figures, Maria del Rosario “Rosie” Castro, as the interim council member for District 7 on Thursday morning.
Activist, mother of Castro twins likely to be interim District 7 councilwoman
Read full article: Activist, mother of Castro twins likely to be interim District 7 councilwomanThe San Antonio City Council has all but named the activist, former educator, and mother of the city’s two most recognizable political figures, as the interim council member for District 7.
Activist, mother of Castro twins, applies for empty city council seat
Read full article: Activist, mother of Castro twins, applies for empty city council seatAn activist and former educator, who is also the mother of two of San Antonio’s best-known political figures, is among the District 7 residents who have applied to fill an empty seat on city council.
City of San Antonio to accept applications to fill District 7 vacancy beginning Feb. 13
Read full article: City of San Antonio to accept applications to fill District 7 vacancy beginning Feb. 13The City of San Antonio will start to accept applications to fill the District 7 vacancy on the city council beginning Feb. 13.
‘The timing was kind of right:’ San Antonio City Council candidates begin filing for May 6 ballot
Read full article: ‘The timing was kind of right:’ San Antonio City Council candidates begin filing for May 6 ballotIncumbents and newcomers alike began arriving a little after 8 a.m. at San Antonio City Hall on Wednesday to get onto the May 6 city ballot as early as possible.
District 7′s Ana Sandoval to resign from San Antonio City Council with just months left in her term
Read full article: District 7′s Ana Sandoval to resign from San Antonio City Council with just months left in her termSandoval, who was first elected to the San Antonio City Council in 2017, has only four-and-a-half months left in her current term, which ends in June. She plans to step down at the end of the month to focus on personal obligations.
City of San Antonio releases video of confrontation between council members Bravo, Sandoval
Read full article: City of San Antonio releases video of confrontation between council members Bravo, SandovalThe City of San Antonio on Tuesday released a video requested by KSAT showing a confrontation that happened before a city council meeting in September.
Clayton Perry stripped of council committees, Mario Bravo given new assignments amid reshuffle
Read full article: Clayton Perry stripped of council committees, Mario Bravo given new assignments amid reshuffleFollowing the scandals and “no-confidence” votes on two city council members, Mayor Ron Nirenberg reshuffled City Council assignments Monday, stripping one member’s assignments and restoring another to a more active role on council.
SA City Council censures, passes no-confidence vote on Councilman Mario Bravo
Read full article: SA City Council censures, passes no-confidence vote on Councilman Mario BravoIn a public rebuke of one its own members Thursday morning, the San Antonio City Council censured and passed a no-confidence vote on Councilman Mario Bravo (D1).
San Antonio City Council to vote on whether to censure District 1 Councilman Mario Bravo after investigation of angry confrontation
Read full article: San Antonio City Council to vote on whether to censure District 1 Councilman Mario Bravo after investigation of angry confrontationThe San Antonio City Council is scheduled to decide Thursday whether to censure District 1 Councilman Mario Bravo and issue a vote of “no confidence” over his angry confrontation with District 7 Councilwoman Ana Sandoval.
Censure, no-confidence vote on Mario Bravo after investigation of angry confrontation
Read full article: Censure, no-confidence vote on Mario Bravo after investigation of angry confrontationAn investigation found Bravo’s “actions violated City Council’s rules and expectations that are reflected in City Administrative Directives 4.67 Equal Employment Opportunity/Anti-Harassment and 4.80 Violence in the Workplace,” according to an agenda memo posted online Thursday evening.
Mayor strips Bravo of committee assignments after angry confrontation with Sandoval
Read full article: Mayor strips Bravo of committee assignments after angry confrontation with SandovalCouncilman Mario Bravo (D1) has been indefinitely suspended from of his committee assignments and any external appointments following an angry confrontation with Councilwoman Ana Sandoval (D7) ahead of the budget vote on Sep. 15.
Bravo angrily confronted Sandoval ahead of narrow budget vote, leaving her in tears; Mayor expected to act Friday
Read full article: Bravo angrily confronted Sandoval ahead of narrow budget vote, leaving her in tears; Mayor expected to act FridayDistrict 1 Councilman Mario Bravo lit into District 7 Councilwoman Ana Sandoval directly ahead of the city budget vote on Sep. 15, in a confrontation that included personal comments, sources tell KSAT.
City Council passes $3.4B budget, including bill credits to CPS customers
Read full article: City Council passes $3.4B budget, including bill credits to CPS customersThe San Antonio City Council is poised to pass a $3.4 billion budget Thursday that includes pay bumps for employees, dozens of new police officer positions, and a property tax cut. But it is unclear whether council members will follow a staff recommendation to send $50 million in extra revenue back to CPS Energy customers or take more time to figure out an alternate use.
‘There’s a new lens to see things through’: City councilwoman reflects on new role as single mother
Read full article: ‘There’s a new lens to see things through’: City councilwoman reflects on new role as single motherSan Antonio District 7 Councilwoman Ana Sandoval continues to serve her constituents as she learns to juggle her position on the city council and her new role as a mother.
Seven Oaks Apts tenants & activists protest outside owner’s Austin offices
Read full article: Seven Oaks Apts tenants & activists protest outside owner’s Austin officesTwo busloads of people shouted chants like “no housing, no peace” in front of Achieve Properties’ Austin office Monday. Tenants and activists have been pushing against what they sees as “unfair” eviction notices and subpar conditions at one of the company's San Antonio properties, Seven Oaks Apartments.
SAPD wants to add up to 50 more officers; East and West Side council members against it
Read full article: SAPD wants to add up to 50 more officers; East and West Side council members against itCouncilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez and Councilwoman Teri Castillo were the only dissenting council members in a 7-2 vote on whether to pursue a grant of up to $6.25 million through the U.S. Department of Justice, which would help pay for up to 50 new police officer positions. The pair of freshman council members, who represent the East and West Sides respectively, raised concerns about whether adding officers would help reduce crime and about the increase to SAPD’s budget that would results from it.
Is San Antonio’s infrastructure ready for another winter storm? Breakdown with #StephAndSteve
Read full article: Is San Antonio’s infrastructure ready for another winter storm? Breakdown with #StephAndSteveKSAT 12 anchors Steve Spriester and Stephania Jimenez will be joined by local experts, stakeholders and a city council member to take a closer look at the changes made by power companies.
Future San Antonio Spurs campus on the Northwest Side has environmentally-friendly goals
Read full article: Future San Antonio Spurs campus on the Northwest Side has environmentally-friendly goalsIt will be located off Loop 1604 and Interstate 10 near The Shops at La Cantera and Six Flags Fiesta Texas.
San Antonio council members push to expand non-discrimination ordinance to private businesses
Read full article: San Antonio council members push to expand non-discrimination ordinance to private businessesAt least six San Antonio city council members say it’s time to expand the city’s non-discrimination ordinance (NDO) to include private businesses.
City Council shifts bond money to fund drainage, streets; several members want further cuts to trail system
Read full article: City Council shifts bond money to fund drainage, streets; several members want further cuts to trail systemSan Antonio City Council members agreed Wednesday to tweak the city’s upcoming $1.2 billion bond program to send more money to basic infrastructure needs, though nearly half the council members still don’t think it’s enough.
Council members push for more drainage funding in 2022 bond
Read full article: Council members push for more drainage funding in 2022 bondWith $3.1 billion in flood control and drainage needs to be addressed throughout the city, several council members want a larger share of the $1.2 billion bond program put toward that end.
San Antonio City Council approves $100 H-E-B gift cards as incentive to get COVID-19 vaccine
Read full article: San Antonio City Council approves $100 H-E-B gift cards as incentive to get COVID-19 vaccineCity council voted Thursday morning 9-1 to approve $1 million of federal grant dollars to spend on up to 10,000 gift cards that will be given to people who complete their vaccination series at Metro Health vaccination sites.
Rent assistance programs could slow evictions after SCOTUS ends moratorium
Read full article: Rent assistance programs could slow evictions after SCOTUS ends moratoriumWith a U.S. Supreme Court decision putting an end to a federal moratorium on evictions, San Antonio officials hope rental assistance programs could help lessen what some have feared could be a wave of new evictions.
City leaders say emergency rental assistance still available despite eviction moratorium ending
Read full article: City leaders say emergency rental assistance still available despite eviction moratorium endingCity leaders are reassuring people there are still emergency housing assistance funds left in San Antonio.
Map shows that San Antonio’s winter storm power outages were vastly different between neighborhoods
Read full article: Map shows that San Antonio’s winter storm power outages were vastly different between neighborhoodsA map recently produced by CPS Energy showed something many San Antonio residents suspected was true during Winter Storm Uri — outages were vastly unequal between neighborhoods.
San Antonio Emergency Preparedness Committee member gives sneak peak of winter storm response findings
Read full article: San Antonio Emergency Preparedness Committee member gives sneak peak of winter storm response findingsThe city of San Antonio is hoping the final findings of the February winter storm’s response efforts are polished before being released, which is why the date of release is now June 24 instead of June 15.
Bike Month brings focus safety and shortcomings
Read full article: Bike Month brings focus safety and shortcomingsAs members of the bicycling community gathered at a City Council meeting Thursday, it didn’t take long for conversation to turn to how much is left to make San Antonio more bike-friendly.
SA City Council members worry over state bills that would add voting restrictions, undercut city operations
Read full article: SA City Council members worry over state bills that would add voting restrictions, undercut city operationsA Thursday briefing on the state legislative session left at least some San Antonio City Council members fretting about what’s happening in Austin.
San Antonio council members push for creation of vaccine registry
Read full article: San Antonio council members push for creation of vaccine registrySAN ANTONIO – Three San Antonio council members have called for a special city council meeting to discuss the creation of a COVID-19 vaccine registry. Council members Ana Sandoval, Rebecca Viagran and John Courage filed the request on Thursday. The council members argue that the city must provide a better way for vulnerable populations to sign up to get a shot. For weeks, council members have struggled to create a plan that improves the signup process. The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District has encouraged healthy, younger people to allow vulnerable populations in groups 1A, 1B and 1C to get vaccinated first despite all adults being eligible starting on March 29.
Future of a San Antonio vaccine waitlist unclear
Read full article: Future of a San Antonio vaccine waitlist unclearSAN ANTONIO – San Antonio City Council members want a better way to sign up for vaccinations, but it’s not clear what form that might end up taking. The Community Health and Equity Committee discussed the need for easier vaccine registrations during a Tuesday afternoon briefing from the county’s largest vaccine providers, including the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, WellMed, University Health, and UT Health-San Antonio. Some council members, led by District 9 Councilman John Courage, have expressed support for a central registry or waitlist system. Some of the vaccine providers at Tuesday’s meeting spoke against the idea of a registry. “I don’t think any of us are opposed to a single registry, but it will come with problems,” said Dr. Robert Leverence, the chief medical officer for UT Health San Antonio, which began offering vaccine appointments to the public last week.
Pedestrian deaths from motor vehicles on the rise in San Antonio, leaders say
Read full article: Pedestrian deaths from motor vehicles on the rise in San Antonio, leaders saySAN ANTONIO – As a result of an increase in pedestrian deaths from motor vehicles, city leaders have geared their focus to a specific area of San Antonio. District 7 Councilwoman Ana Sandoval said the city was not designed to keep pedestrians in mind. Sandoval classifies Culebra Road as one of the deadliest roadways in San Antonio for pedestrians. “Number one, I would say we need smart roadway design. But on top of that, I think we as the designers also need to understand that pedestrian experience,” Sandoval said.
San Antonio councilwoman hopes new national advocacy role means more funding for transportation
Read full article: San Antonio councilwoman hopes new national advocacy role means more funding for transportationSAN ANTONIO – A change in administrations in Washington often means a change in policy priorities and a San Antonio councilwoman hopes a new appointment will help the city take advantage of that when it comes to transportation. Ana Sandoval, who represents District 7 on the council, has been appointed to the Transportation and Infrastructure Services committee of the National League of Cities. The Washington, D.C.-based organization helps municipalities lobby for new laws and federal funding. “There will be some new bills coming forward, legislation that will fund the transportation infrastructure throughout the country,” Sandoval said. She believes more federal funding is needed to help in those efforts.
San Antonio council members exploring ways to put the brakes on street racing
Read full article: San Antonio council members exploring ways to put the brakes on street racingSAN ANTONIO – Michael Cooreman, a member of several local car clubs, says he’s concerned illegal street racing meetups in the city may give these clubs a bad name. District 6 Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda, the Public Safety Committee chairperson, said she met with San Antonio Police Chief William McManus in August to address the matter. Cabello Havrda said city staff members are exploring ways to do better. Meanwhile, communities are encouraged to report illegal racing to local police. RELATED: SAPD: Street racing meet up on NE Side turns into fireworks disaster with 2 people losing limbs, fingers
Two COVID-19 vaccination sites coming to San Antonio’s South Side, West Side
Read full article: Two COVID-19 vaccination sites coming to San Antonio’s South Side, West SideSAN ANTONIO – Two more COVID-19 vaccination sites are coming to the city of San Antonio. San Antonio Councilwomen Rebecca Viagran, Dr. Adriana Rocha Garcia and Ana Sandoval announced two more COVID-19 vaccination sites Saturday morning in a press briefing. The South Side vaccine site will be located at WellMed Elvira Cisneros Senior Community Center and will officially launch Monday, Jan. 11. City councilwomen said the vaccine site on the South Side will distribute 1,000 doses of Moderna each day. RELATED: City of San Antonio to convert Alamodome into mass, no-cost COVID-19 vaccination site
Councilwoman Sandoval wants aquifer protection amendment considered for city charter
Read full article: Councilwoman Sandoval wants aquifer protection amendment considered for city charterSAN ANTONIO – It lies under San Antonians' feet, and now District 7 Councilwoman Ana Sandoval wants the Edwards Aquifer put into the city charter. Putting aquifer protection into the city charter, though, which outlines the duties and powers of different city departments, would ensure there’s something to replace the program in the future, Sandoval said. The $100 million replacement funding plan would rely mostly on borrowing money over the course of 10 years. “Just because it’s in the charter doesn’t necessarily mean that future city councils or this city council would fund it,” Perry said. Though city council could place a proposed charter amendment onto the ballot, based on the Charter Review Commission’s recommendations, voters would be the ones to ultimately approve or reject it.
San Antonio City Councilwomen to distribute free safety supplies to microbusinesses
Read full article: San Antonio City Councilwomen to distribute free safety supplies to microbusinessesSAN ANTONIO San Antonio City Councilwomen Adriana Rocha Garcia, Shirley Gonzales, Melissa Cabello Havrda and Ana Sandoval have partnered with some local businesses to distribute free safety supplies to micro-businesses and nonprofits in city council districts 4,5,6 and 7. The Councilwomen along with the West San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, Maestro Entrepreneur Center, Southside First, West Side Development Corporation and Port San Antonio will supply area micro-businesses and nonprofits with hand sanitizer, masks, and a touchless thermometer. The supply distribution will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., on Aug. 11 at the West San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, 3006 Gen. Hudnell Drive. According to a statement by the city of San Antonio, small businesses and area nonprofits combine to be the largest employer in San Antonio, illustrating a clear need for support during the COVID-19 health crisis. The event is a continuation of several district events and the city-wide distribution at the Alamodome in May.
Resolution declaring racism a public health crisis to go before San Antonio City Council
Read full article: Resolution declaring racism a public health crisis to go before San Antonio City CouncilSAN ANTONIO – The city council will vote on a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis in San Antonio and pledging the city’s commitment to advancing racial equity efforts. The city council’s Community Health and Equity Committee on Friday unanimously approved sending the resolution to the full city council with some changes. Andrews-Sullivan said the resolution is not about racism against just one community, but across the board. Viagran suggested including city boards and commissions in the resolution as well as a commitment to education about the issue. Whether you like it or not, it was part of what happened.”You can view the draft of the resolution the Community Health & Equity Committee considered here:This is a breaking news update.
Council members raise fists in solidarity with police reform advocates
Read full article: Council members raise fists in solidarity with police reform advocatesSan Antonio Almost all of the San Antonio City Council members raised fists in solidarity with police reform advocates at a meeting Thursday. And city council, I am calling on you to raise a fist or take a knee if you stand in solidarity with us today.Almost all of the council members could be seen raising their fists during the the moment of silence. If you truly cared and wanted to make a change, you would put together some things that would make a change now, impact now, Pharoah Clark told council members. The council members were considering a resolution outlining priorities for discussions with the San Antonio Police Officer Association for the next union contract. Some of the speakers criticized the council for the upcoming break, though council members and the mayor said that doesnt mean they are going anywhere.
Check in on them: Don’t forget about seniors during pandemic, San Antonio psychiatrist says
Read full article: Check in on them: Don’t forget about seniors during pandemic, San Antonio psychiatrist saysSan Antonio – Mental health experts are asking the community to be more vigilant about looking after seniors during the coronavirus pandemic. Dr. Jason Schillerstrom, a geriatric psychiatrist at UT Health San Antonio who works with Adult Protective Services (APS), said feelings of isolation and loneliness have been magnified by the stay-home restrictions among seniors he visits. District 4 officials say they are also staying in touch with seniors who’ve made contact with them. Other districts say they are in touch with senior centers to check in on any needs. APS reports the number of all contacts to the Texas Abuse Hotline for April decreased when compared to the last two years.
Leading SA: D7 Councilwoman Ana Sandoval talks plans for Bandera Road, SA infrastructure
Read full article: Leading SA: D7 Councilwoman Ana Sandoval talks plans for Bandera Road, SA infrastructureSAN ANTONIO – One of the most congested roads in the state of Texas is prompting a San Antonio City Councilwoman to call for action. District 7 City Councilwoman Ana Sandoval, elected to the San Antonio City Council in 2017 and the first naturalized citizen to serve on the council, says Bandera Road is causing quite a traffic cluster in the city. Councilwoman Sandoval also touched on carbon neutrality, saying it’s still a goal for the Alamo City. If so, we asked Councilwoman Sandoval, is the infrastructure already in place in San Antonio? Maintaining those streets, we also drive a lot on them,” Councilwoman Sandoval said.
D7 Councilwoman Ana Sandoval shares her New Year’s resolution
Read full article: D7 Councilwoman Ana Sandoval shares her New Year’s resolutionSAN ANTONIO – As a new decade begins, City Hall reporter Garrett Brnger has been talking with members of the San Antonio City Council about their New Year's resolutions. District 7 Councilwoman Ana Sandoval said she wants to advocate for safer streets. To see more resolutions from other San Antonio City Council members, click here.