Unmasked, protesters rally against public health measures
A bullhorn was passed from speaker to speaker gathered Friday outside the Bexar County Courthouse to protest mask mandates in schools and other public places. Patty Gibbons, center with bullhorn, stands next to a woman who identified herself as Elizabeth and then Jennifer Garza three hours later at another anti-mask event, during a protest outside of the Bexar County Courthouse. “What about the nearly 4,000 people in Bexar County who have died of COVID? Most of the protesters Friday appeared to be educated middle class adults, mostly white, who should know better. Their embrace of so many lies threatening public health anew is spreading, just like a virus, one where there is no vaccination, no safety in masks.
sanantonioreport.org‘San Antonio is not a home for bigots:’ City, county leaders show support for Asian community after ramen shop vandalism
SAN ANTONIO – Community leaders stood united Thursday in a press conference outside the Bexar County Courthouse to condemn racist graffiti found on the windows of a Northwest Side ramen shop. On Sunday, Noodle Tree owner Mike Nguyen went to the ramen shop to find racist graffiti that read, “no masks,” “ramen noodle flu,” and other derogatory remarks. Ad“It’s important that the people of San Antonio know that this is not who we are,” Gonzales said. Others who spoke up for the Asian community in San Antonio included San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, Police Chief William McManus, and Councilman Manny Pelaez. The support was appreciated by members of the Asian community, like Christina Lew, the president of the San Antonio chapter for the Chinese American Citizens Alliance.
San Antonio's tradition of Valentine's Day weddings at the County Courthouse is canceled
The annual tradition of getting married on the Bexar County Courthouse steps at midnight on Valentine's Day, won't be happening this year. However, that doesn't mean San Antonio couples can't get married for free on the courthouse steps. Bexar County Clerk Lucy Adame-Clark will be performing free wedding ceremonies on the Friday before Valentine's Day - Feb. 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Couples will need to make an appointment online through the County Clerk's website for all wedding ceremonies. Also happening during the month of February, Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez is offering no-cost wedding ceremonies at the County Courthouse.
mysanantonio.comGet married for free in February in San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO – The coronavirus pandemic has added stress to many relationships, causing some to crumble and others to become stronger than ever. Although mass wedding ceremonies on the Bexar County Courthouse steps have been cancelled for Valentine’s Day, the county is continuing a modified tradition of free wedding ceremonies for Valentine’s Day and during the month of February. Bexar County Clerk Lucy Adame-Clark will be performing free wedding ceremonies from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 12 on the courthouse steps every half hour. Wedding ceremonies are free but a suggested $20 donation to the Battered Women and Children’s Shelter and/or the Bexar County Family Justice Center is appreciated. The San Antonio Sentinel spoke with Judge Gonzalez who said that she’s happy to offer wedding ceremonies to both LGBTQIA and heterosexual couples.
Jurors concerned about COVID-19 safety as cases rise in Bexar County
SAN ANTONIO – The county is examining potential meeting locations for grand juries in the Bexar County Courthouse complex after some jurors expressed concerns for their safety given the rising number of COVID-19 cases locally. With safety protocols in place, grand juries have been meeting throughout the pandemic. On Thursday, State District Judge Velia Meza toured meeting sites for juries within the complex. The locations are not being revealed since all grand jury meetings are secret and confidential. Spike in COVID-19 cases prompts Bexar County judge to temporarily postpone jury selection in capital murder trial
Frustration mounts as Bexar County courtrooms stay closed while bars reopen
SAN ANTONIO – Many bars in Bexar County reopened Wednesday with strict limitations that include 50% capacity after being closed for months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While bars may start looking somewhat back to normal, that is not the case at the Bexar County Courthouse, where there have been no jury trials for the past eight months. The judge said if a juror is summoned to appear, he or she must show up, whereas bar patrons are in bars voluntarily. “When are we going to start caring about people’s liberties and people’s rights?” he asked while talking about people in jail awaiting trial. Kuntz said his frustration with the limitations dictated by the pandemic goes beyond attorneys and their clients.
Some Bexar County residents hope next Supreme Court justice is selected after election
San Antonio – The community gathered at the Bexar County Courthouse steps for a vigil honoring the justice warrior who Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was before her death. “Notorious RBG to me was a voice for the voiceless,” said Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez, a judge in Bexar County. She taught me that even if you have a smaller voice, you are not voiceless.”“She was a good and faithful servant,” said Stephanie Boyd, another judge for Bexar county. “She was respected as a very thorough justice,” Kauffman said. The community gathered at the Bexar County Courthouse steps for a vigil honoring Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Bexar County Mental Health Court holds virtual graduation ceremony
SAN ANTONIO Though the COVID-19 Bexar County Courthouse protocol meant that the families of participants in the Bexar County Mental Health Court program were prohibited from attending graduation ceremonies, they will still get an opportunity to see the graduation. Bexar County Court 12 Judge Yolanda Huff, who manages the specialty court, arranged to have a video of the ceremony recorded. Bexar County probate, mental health courts deemed essential during pandemicThe video will be posted online on Aug. 14, at which time the graduation will become official. When the COVID hit, Ill admit I was very concerned about my mental health patients and how they would do, Huff said Monday. A week hasnt gone by that I havent had at least two to five new participants in the Mental Health Court, she said.
First for Bexar County: Residents to sit on jury panels from home
SAN ANTONIO Bexar County residents will soon receive jury summonses, but they wont need to go to the Bexar County Courthouse to answer the summons. About 200 jury summonses are scheduled to be mailed to residents beginning Friday. The official jury summon instructs potential jurors to visit www.bexar.org and answer a simple questionnaire that will help determine who sits on the virtual jury panel. Bexar County Commissioners approve nearly $12,000 for grand juries supplemental payPotential jurors will be able to sit in the comfort of their homes while also sitting on a jury panel with the user-friendly video conferencing software called Zoom. Bexar County courtrooms soon to have new lookThere are exemptions from jury service.
Leading SA: Congressman Will Hurd says San Antonio PD is a leader when it comes to mental health
SAN ANTONIO San Antonians have united over the last three weeks in protest amid the death of George Floyd. On Sunday, Congressman Will Hurd, R-Texas, joined Leading SA to discuss these issues that have not only plagued the nation, but also have made quite the impact here in San Antonio. Hurd said police departments around the country can learn from San Antonio. San Antonio Police Department is kind of a leader when it comes to mental health. The San Antonio Police Department does 40 hours.
WATCH: Aerial view of San Antonio protests
SAN ANTONIO – A group of protesters is gathered at the Bexar County Courthouse in downtown San Antonio for racial inequality and the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Sky12 followed the protesters as they gathered downtown, Saturday, June 13. You can watch the aerial view of the protests live in the video player above. Protests held in the Alamo City have been mostly peaceful and city leaders said they are still listening to the calls for reform. RELATED LINKS:’Absolutely unacceptable’: San Antonio firefighter terminated after derogatory comments on protestsSan Antonio health experts urge protestors to be cautious of COVID-19UT-Austin football players demand school change buildings named after racist figures, donate to Black Lives MatterFormer players accuse Texas State basketball coach Danny Kaspar of racist remarks and incidentsMayor Ron Nirenberg delivers impassioned speech to protesters
WATCH LIVE: Protesters gather at Bexar County Courthouse in wake of George Floyds death
SAN ANTONIO Protesters are gathered at the Bexar County Courthouse Saturday afternoon in wake of George Floyds death. This is the third weekend in a row for the protests in San Antonio. Protests held in the Alamo City have been mostly peaceful and city leaders said they are still listening to the calls for reform. Protesters are expected to march at 5:30 p.m. and well bring more updates as they become available.
WATCH: Day 8 of George Floyd protests in San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO Protesters gathered at Public Safety Headquarters and at the Bexar County Courthouse on Friday for the seventh day of protests in San Antonio over racial inequality and the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. RELATED: San Antonio lifts curfew for downtown business district following peaceful protestsCity Manager Erik Walsh and the San Antonio Police Department recommended the curfew be lifted following several days of peaceful protests in the Alamo City. Nirenberg told protesters to hold him accountable for changes that need to be made in San Antonio. Im asking you to hold me accountable nobody else," Nirenberg told the crowd. WATCH: San Antonio councilman delivers message to protestersRelated Stories:WATCH: Day 7 of George Floyd protests in San AntonioPeople are protesting in small Texas towns, tooFormer players accuse Texas State basketball coach Danny Kaspar of racist remarks and incidentsMayor Ron Nirenberg delivers impassioned speech to protesters
Mayor Ron Nirenberg delivers impassioned speech to protesters
SAN ANTONIO Mayor Ron Nirenberg delivered an impassioned speech to George Floyd protesters Thursday at the Bexar County Courthouse, telling them to hold him accountable for changes that need to be made in San Antonio. Im asking you to hold me accountable nobody else," Nirenberg told the crowd. The man asked the mayor if he would address the crowd protesting for the sixth consecutive day in San Antonio. The mayor told the protesters he ran for the citys top office because he wanted change. Because Im the mayor of this God-damn city and were going to make change together, OK, he said to cheers.
Hundreds gather for fourth day of protests in San Antonio over George Floyds death
SAN ANTONIO An estimated 500 people marched around the streets of the Bexar County Courthouse on Tuesday evening to denounce the killing of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis. The protest was the fourth consecutive day people in San Antonio have taken to the streets and among dozens taking place across the nation. Hours earlier, about 50 people took to the streets of New Braunfels to also protest against Floyds killing. Related Stories:Peaceful protest held in New Braunfels in wake of George Floyds deathGov. Greg Abbott: State will not ask for U.S. military help because Texans can take care of TexasCollege student pulled from car by Atlanta police in viral video is from San AntonioPhotos show evolution of San Antonio protest over police brutality, George Floyds killing
Protesters left with glimmer of hope after peaceful protest at Bexar County Courthouse
SAN ANTONIO – People of all ages and races marched around the Bexar County Courthouse on Monday in hopes of sending a powerful message through a peaceful demonstration. “Not only do we want to see the police give us 100%, but we want to see the follow through. Before the march ended, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar empathized with the protesters. For some of the protesters, it was enough to inspire hope and maybe even an example for other cities to follow. “Seeing those people and seeing this camaraderie really does give me hope, because then these people will go talk to other people and that’s how it will hopefully spread and fix itself, hopefully,” Reiffert said.
WATCH: Bexar County Sheriffs Office hosts virtual memorial for fallen deputies
SAN ANTONIO The Bexar County Sheriffs Office will pay tribute to fallen deputies with a ceremony on Thursday morning. For the first time, BCSO will hold the Fallen Deputy Memorial virtually at 9 a.m. at the Bexar County Courthouse. The memorial will be closed to the public, but BCSO is encouraging people to view a livestream of the ceremony. You can view the ceremony above, but delays are possible. If there is not a livestream available, check back at a later time.
2,300+ felony cases awaiting trial in Bexar County
SAN ANTONIO When jury service was put on hold due to concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus, courtroom activity at the Bexar County Courthouse and Cadena-Reeves Justice Center was nearly shut down entirely in mid-March. Since then, the backlog of felony cases awaiting trial in the countys 10 criminal district courts has gone beyond 2,300 cases, and that is just felony cases. State district courts in Bexar County preparing to reopenWe never go into a panic mode, said Local Administrative Judge Ron Rangel. The jury service moratorium is scheduled to be lifted on June 30. COVID-19 pandemic doesnt stop Bexar County grand juries from meeting
Local couples start Valentine’s Day by getting married at midnight
Local couples start Valentine’s Day by getting married at midnightPublished: February 14, 2020, 7:57 amMore than 100 couples started Valentine’s Day by getting married just after the stroke of midnight on the steps of the Bexar County Courthouse.
Local couples start Valentine’s Day by getting married at midnight
SAN ANTONIO – More than 100 couples started Valentine’s Day by getting married just after the stroke of midnight on the steps of the Bexar County Courthouse. The mass wedding is offered each year by the Bexar County clerk. To be in the service, couples had to get their marriage license from the clerk’s office and pay a fee. The couples had 72 hours to get their certificate to make the marriage official. All couples needed to bring an ID and know their Social Security number for the ceremony.
Get married on the Bexar County Courthouse steps for free this Valentine’s Day
SAN ANTONIO – Want to get married on Valentine’s Day for free? Bexar County Clerk Lucy Adame-Clark will be conducting free mass wedding ceremonies on the steps of the Bexar County Courthouse on Feb. 14. The county clerk’s office says the ceremonies will take place at 100 Dolorosa Street, on the north side of the courthouse. The ceremonies will be held during the following times:
San Antonio Man Arrested After Breaking Into Bexar County Courthouse Overnight
San Antonio Police Department officers were then able to apprehend the man before he was taken into custody by deputies, KENS 5 reports.The suspect has reportedly been charged with burglary of a building , according to a News 4 San Antonio report. From local politics and culture to national news that hits close to home, San Antonio Current has been keeping San Antonio informed for years. Its never been more important to support local news sources. If quality journalism is important to you, please consider a donation to San Antonio Current. Every reader contribution is valuable and so appreciated, and goes directly to support our coverage of critical issues and neighborhood culture.
sacurrent.comBexar Countys History on Permanent Display at Courthouses New Heritage Center
The Bexar Heritage Center opened Tuesday, with Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff snipping the ceremonial ribbon at the Bexar County Courthouse, where the center is located. Catherine Babbitt, major crimes chief at the Bexar County District Attorneys office, lent her skills to play Matilda Stevens, Bexar Countys first female sheriff who served in 1928 after her husband died. Its a wonderful honor to be asked to be included in a piece of history history that youre telling and that will be around for a while, she said. Its been fun to bring to light so many of the contemporary stories of Bexar County and the historic stories, she said. And not only does the center function as an educational space, but as a community center visitors can even check out ebooks from the countys all-digital library, Bibliotech, at the center.
therivardreport.comJudge approves delay to implement paid sick leave ordinance
SAN ANTONIO - A judge on Wednesday approved an agreement to delay the implementation of the city of San Antonio's paid sick leave ordinance until Dec. 1. The ruling means the ordinance will not go into effect Aug. 1, which was the date approved by City Council. "The City will continue to defend the ordinance," said City Attorney Andy Segovia. "This extension allows the Council-appointed Paid Sick Leave Commission time to complete their review and provide recommendations to City Council. Moreover, today's decision avoids an indefinite injunction, such as what happened to the City of Austin's nearly identical ordinance.
Advocates to gather ahead of hearing on paid sick leave ordinance
The Battle of paid sick leave continues in San Antonio. Another rally is expected to take place in front of the Bexar County Courthouse Wednesday. Advocates for the city's paid sick leave ordinance... Copyright 2019 by KSAT - All rights reserved.
Bexar County Grand Jury Votes Not to Indict SAPD Officer Who Fatally Shot Charles Roundtree Jr.
Instagram / atty_daryl_washingtonFamily members regularly protest in front of the Bexar County Courthouse, demanding justice for Charles "Chop" Roundtree Jr.A Bexar County grand jury has declined to indict a San Antonio police officer who fatally shot a teen bystander last fall.The decision comes nine months after Officer Steve Casanova responded to an assault call at a home on the city's West Side. "Although the decision of the grand jury may not be the decision that was hoped for by the family of Charles Roundtree Jr., we respect the grand jury's decision and extend our sympathy to the Roundtree family," District Attorney Joe Gonzales said The decision ultimately means that no one is considered criminally responsible for Roundtree's death. Body cam footage obtained by KENS 5 shows Casanova firing his weapon. Investigators later found a gun outside of the home and said it was linked to Snowden. His DNA was not found on the weapon , but he was indicted for illegally possessing the gun.
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