City council passes resolution supporting abortion access
San Antonio’s resolution does not legalize or decriminalize abortion in San Antonio. However, it does make a policy recommendation against spending city money -- outside of what is “clearly required” by state and federal law -- to catalog, collect or share with other government agencies information on instances of abortion strictly to pursue criminal investigations.
Sky-high property appraisals could prompt a higher homestead exemption for SA homeowners
“You will note...that there will be tax relief this year. And so part of that discussion is how we handle the options that will be presented by staff,” Mayor Ron Nirenberg told council members at the beginning of a Wednesday budget meeting.
San Antonio’s 5-year, $1.2 billion bond program goes to the voters
City council approved the final, $1.2 billion list of bond projects Thursday, including: money for affordable housing, expanding the city’s greenway trail system, repairing failed streets, and building fire and police stations. It now goes to voters for approval during the May 7 election.
Assclown Alert: San Antonio’s Clayton Perry votes ‘no’ on backing families with transgender kids
It’s tempting to write off Clayton Perry, the sole conservative on San Antonio’s largely progressive city council, as a loveable curmudgeon. But Perry’s vote against last week’s council resolution condemning the ugly crusade by Texas GOP leaders to ban transgender kids from school sports is one more reason why we shouldn’t fall into that temptation. While Perry has voted against plenty of resolutions, he’s not universally opposed to them. The Lege’s politically motivated assaults on trans kids affects families in Perry’s district, and it’s taking a dark toll. Council’s resolution matters to San Antonio families affected by the Lege’s ugly fixation with punishing transgender kids.
outinsa.comWhat you need to know about voting in the San Antonio city, school election in May 2021
SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio municipal election is slated for May 1, the first Saturday in May. We’ve collected everything you need to know about voting in the 2021 city election below. AdEarly voting for the 2021 San Antonio municipal election begins on Monday, April 19 and ends on Tuesday, April 27. San Antonio MayorIn the race for San Antonio mayor, incumbent Ron Nirenberg and former city councilman Greg Brockhouse headline a 14-candidate field. Brockhouse was elected to City Council in 2017 and has served in several senior roles for other City Council members.
‘Our community deserves answers’: Committee to investigate winter storm preparedness, response in San Antonio
A Park Policeman patrols along the River Walk as snow falls, Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg on Tuesday announced the formation of a committee that will look into why the city and utility companies were not better prepared for their response to a winter storm that paralyzed the city for a week. Rice Jr.: RetiredNirenberg said while he wants a prompt and comprehensive effort by the committee, he wants members to be thorough in their work. The mayor asked that City Manager Erik Walsh provide support to the committee with appropriate city staff that will coordinate with CPS Energy and San Antonio Water System, and to include any experts or stakeholders as necessary. AdThe announcement comes one day after the CPS Energy Board of Trustees voted Monday for a review and audit of CPS Energy, which the utility president and CEO, Paula Gold-Williams said Tuesday she “absolutely welcomes” and “(is) ready to participate.”Related Stories:
City Council adds charter change for bond projects to May 1 ballot
San Antonio – The San Antonio City Council has sent a proposed charter change to voters, which could offer more flexibility in what kind of projects the city can fund with bond money. The city council voted 10-1 Thursday to add the proposal onto the May 1 ballot for voter approval. Ad“There may be still other state laws or federal laws that govern what we can do on specific projects,” City Attorney Andy Segovia said. Perry also criticized the way the proposed amendment was brought to the city council. Amendments added to the ballot by the city council are typically considered by a mayor-appointed charter review commissionAdWhile there was no commission this year, a 2018 Charter Review Commission had previously considered changing the charter language surrounding the use of bond dollars, at Nirenberg’s request.
San Antonio City Councilman Clayton Perry says he is ‘feeling much better’ as he recovers from COVID-19
SAN ANTONIO – After having been hospitalized for COVID-19, San Antonio District 10 Councilman Clayton Perry said he is now “feeling much better” and is recovering from COVID-19 at home, according to his newsletter. The news comes after Perry announced Tuesday that he had tested positive for the coronavirus. Councilman Perry said he had been hospitalized with the virus but now, he is on the mend. His full statement can be read below:“As many of you know, I was recently hospitalized with COVID-19. The District 10 team is still on hand and available to address your needs and concerns throughout this time.”RELATED: San Antonio City Councilman Clayton Perry tests positive for COVID-19
San Antonio City Councilman Clayton Perry tests positive for COVID-19
SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio District 10 Councilman Clayton Perry has contracted COVID-19, his office said in a statement Tuesday. “It is unknown where he contracted the virus, but he has notified everyone with whom he has been in contact in the recent past and is following health authority guidelines. At this time, we are asking for everyone to send positive thoughts his way for a speedy recovery. The District 10 team will operate as normal and is available to answer any questions or concerns,” the statement said. Related Stories:
Report: San Antonio officials got flood of angry messages following resolution condemning hate speech
click to enlarge Rhyma CastilloMayor Ron Nirenberg (left) and Councilman Clayton Perry listen to a speaker at a recent council meeting. San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and city council were barraged with "enraged, often hate-filled" comments among the 400 messages they received after the unanimous passage in May of a resolution denouncing hate speech, a KSAT investigation revealed. The resolution denounced hate speech and the use of racially charged phrases such as “Kung Fu virus" and “China Virus” to describe COVID-19. Also among the messages were threats to stop visiting San Antonio or cancel retirement plans here over council's approval of the resolution. Stay on top of San Antonio news and views.
sacurrent.comWatch Live: Election Day 2020
KSAT is covering the 2020 election from all angles, and giving our viewers the choice on how to watch. Pick from our selection of Election Day streams below, including watch parties for both presidential candidates, reporters at polling sites and Bexar County election headquarters and our newsroom livestreams with anchors Steve Spriester, Isis Romero, Myra Arthur and more. Get election results on our homepage and Vote 2020 page. Be the first to know by downloading our newsreader app or signing up for breaking news email alerts.
What is the future of transportation in San Antonio? KSAT Explains
It’s often a challenge for major cities, but a particular struggle for San Antonio: how to improve transportation across the city. This week’s episode of KSAT Explains examines what the future of transit could look like for our city and how will we fund that future.
City program provides grants for hundreds of SA businesses, but many more are left without
That grant puts her in the company of the lucky 709 businesses and 45 nonprofits that have been tapped for a COVID-19 recovery grant by the city so far. A portion of the grant money is reserved for nonprofits. LiftFund, which is administering the grants on behalf of the city, says it originally received 3,137 applications, requesting a total of $118 million. Perry had been the lone “no” vote against the Recovery and Resiliency Plan when the city council passed it in June. Lopez said the city is also working with other organizations to begin reaching out to the hundreds of businesses who didn’t receive grants.
Voters will consider 1/8 cent sales tax for workforce training and education in November
San Antonio voters will be asked to consider whether to use a 1/8 cent sales to help fund workforce training or higher education for about 40,000 residents. City Council members approved putting the issue onto the Nov. 3 ballot by a vote of 9-2 Thursday. VIA, Mayor agree on plan to use 1/8 cent sales tax for economic recovery, then transportationThe new program is meant to continue the work that a short-term $75 million program council members already approved as part of a $191 million recovery & resiliency plan. The mayor and VIA officials struck a deal in July on sharing the sales tax, with the city getting first bite and then freeing it up for VIA afterwards. Voters will already be considering re-approving a separate 1/8 cent sales for the Pre-K 4 SA on the November ballot.
City leaders face backlash over stance on Black Lives Matter movement
SAN ANTONIO Two San Antonio City Council members were the recipients of anger for their positions over the Black Lives Matter movement and other recent controversial issues that have recently surfaced during city meetings. I believe that Black lives matter. I believed Black lives mattered before I ever heard the term Black lives matter. I will continue to believe Black lives matter. District 10 Councilman Clayton Perry also sparked some anger from people during that June meeting, when he did not raise his fist in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.
Council members raise fists in solidarity with police reform advocates
San 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.
Residents living near bar scene frustrated after shooting sends eight people to hospital
San Antonio Living near the bar scene on Broadway Street is even more frustrating for residents after a shooting broke out at REBAR that sent eight people to the hospital. It is pretty shocking, said Jeremy Wilson, a resident who has lived in the area for over 20 years. Brenneman said he is happy that REBAR screened the suspect before he tried to enter the bar intoxicated. The guy left the other bar intoxicated and was trying to get in at REBAR, Brenneman said. MORE: All eight victims of overnight shooting at San Antonio bar expected to survive, police say
Report: Reopening San Antonio Businesses Will Need to Provide Assurances to Virus-Wary Patrons
Kevin Voelkel, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas, Inc., and Julissa Carielo, president of Tejas Premier Building Contractors, Inc, served as co-chairs of the economic team. Those three industries were not included in the health transition teams report. Carielo said the economic team worked with the health transition team to understand the challenges marginalized populations faced in reopening businesses. This magnified the health of our small businesses immediately.In its report, the economic team recommends prioritizing businesses with less than 50 employees that are women- and/or minority-owned. 2) applauded the decision to buy sanitizer and masks for local businesses for small businesses.
therivardreport.comSan Antonio Council Votes for $25 Million Fund to Help Residents With Rent, Food and Medicine
click to enlarge Rhyma CastilloMayor Ron Nirenberg (left) and Councilman Clayton Perry listen to a speaker at city council meeting. However, her the community organizing group's data suggests that 30,000 local residents now teeter on the brink of financial disaster. Because local dollars added to the pot come with fewer restrictions, they'll be available to a larger number of local residents, including those without documents. "Ultimately, council voted 10-1 in favor of the program. To qualify, applicants must:San Antonio residents can find more information on the program or apply at the city's online fair housing site
sacurrent.comSan Antonio City Council Approves Stay-at-Home Order as Staff Warns of Skyrocketing Unemployment
click to enlarge Rhyma CastilloMayor Ron Nirenberg (left) and Councilman Clayton Perry listen to a speaker at a recent council meeting. San Antonio City Council unanimously approved Mayor Ron Nirenbergs shelter-in-place order Thursday, formalizing the requirement for most residents to stay home through April 9.Nirenberg's order went into effect Wednesday, issued alongside a similar measure by Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff to slow the spread of COVID-19. During testimony, Deputy City Manager Maria Villagomez warned that the prolonged shutdown and resulting business closures could drive San Antonio's unemployment as high as 14%. What's more, the city stands to lose nearly $160 million in revenue due to lower tax collections and postponed events at facilities such as the Alamodome. Stay on top of San Antonio news and views.
sacurrent.comSan Antonio City Council votes to put Pre-K 4 SA tax on May ballot
SAN ANTONIO – Voters in San Antonio will have a chance to choose whether to continue providing sales tax dollars to Pre-K 4 SA, which would effectively decide if the free prekindergarten program will be able to continue. The San Antonio City Council voted 8-1 on Thursday to order an election on whether to extend the 1/8 cent sales tax for eight more years. Bexar Facts results show support for Pre-K 4 SA ahead of City Council voteMany council members indicated their support for the program from the dais. More than three-quarters of the program’s funding comes from the sales tax revenue. Without the tax money, Pre-K 4 SA CEO Sarah Baray said the education program would not be able to continue in its current form.
Council Adds Pre-K 4 SA Funding Question to May Ballot
San Antonio voters will get to decide in May whether Pre-K 4 SA deserves to maintain its eighth-of-a-cent sales tax funding for eight more years. They were asked a range of questions about quality of life in the area, specific policies, and the performance of elected officials in addition to issues such as pre-K funding. In addition, 30 percent of the 651 people polled said they would prioritize Pre-K funding above sales tax revenue going to fund transportation, aquifer protection, all issues, or none. Last month, council members indicated they thought May to be a better fit for the sales tax reauthorization question because the ballot comprises school board races. Christian Anderson will run the campaign to reauthorize funding for Pre-K 4 SA and lead the Keep Pre-K 4 SA political action committee.
therivardreport.comD10 Councilman Clayton Perry shares his New Year’s resolution
SAN 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 10 Councilman Clayton Perry wants to take steps to extend a creek trailway system outside of Loop 1604 by at least planning for a leg to cross Thousand Oaks. To see more resolutions from other San Antonio City Council members, click here.
As I stand here in front of you, as Little Miss San Antonio..."
One of the highlights of the event was Little Miss San Antonio & Little Miss Lone Star Brooklyn Gentry, 7, who was introduced by the Honorable Ron Nirenberg, city mayor. As I stand here in front of you, as Little Miss San Antonio, my dreams are bigger than this, said Gentry, who is also Little Miss Americas Choice. According to Roslyn Sherman of San Antonio, owner of Roslyns Sweet Creations and Red Vine Jewelry, Little Miss San Antonio was a doll. 106 (Prince Hall Shriners), Noble Gentlemen of San Antonio, Claude W. Black Center Advisory Board, Marks Outing, San Antonio Lodge No. ), Albert and Gernell Smart Foundation, LPJ Media, CPS Energy, San Antonio Spurs, and Rudy Gay of the San Antonio Spurs.
saobserver.comSan Antonio City Council Aides Threaten Lawsuit Over Pay Issues
"My clients do not earn an equivalent salary or receive comparable benefits to their city counterparts, while they must comply with city employment rules and obligations and meet the demands of their city council members," Espinoza said. As such, their pay and benefits lag those of other city employees. From local politics and culture to national news that hits close to home, San Antonio Current has been keeping San Antonio informed for years. 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.comBroadway Bike Lanes Die in Committee, But Issue Will Resurface in Zoning Vote
A procedural move to include bike lanes in the design for a lower Broadway Street renovation project failed Monday, but a separate zoning vote could still bring the issue before City Council for a vote next year. As she left the meeting, Gonzales told the Rivard Report she was beyond furious with the way City staff handled the committee meetings agenda. That is a purposeful oversight.Guzman clarified that a majority of the committee can force City staff to put the issue on a future full City Council meeting agenda. I believe that the safer option is to [have bike lanes] on Avenue B, she said, noting that she hadnt heard anyone argue that cyclists would be safer on Broadway. But the corridor is not a zero-sum game when it comes to which streets should have bike lanes, Gonzales told the Rivard Report last week.
therivardreport.comCouncilman Clayton Perry won't run for Bexar County Commissioners Court
SAN ANTONIO - District 10 Councilman Clayton Perry will not abandon his position on the San Antonio City Council to seek a Bexar County Commissioners Court seat, he told the rest of the council Thursday. Reporting by various media outlets this week indicated the District 10 councilman might resign his position to run for the Precinct 3 county commissioner's seat. Speaking from the dais at Thursday's City Council meeting, Perry said it was "no secret" he had been actively looking at the Precinct 3 seat. It's the service, the service to the public, not your individual wants and desires." There may also be others eyeing the race who aren't on that list due to having a campaign fund from another county race.
Councilman Clayton Perry won't run for Bexar County Commissioners Court
District 10 Councilman Clayton Perry will not abandon his position on the San Antonio City Council to seek a Bexar County Commissioners Court seat, he told the rest of the council on Thursday. Copyright 2019 by KSAT - All rights reserved.
Councilman Perry Will Not Seek Bexar County Commissioners Seat
San Antonio City Councilman Clayton Perry said Thursday he will not resign to run for a Bexar County Commissioners Court seat next year. My work in District 10 is not finished, Perry said during opening remarks at City Councils weekly meeting. I check a lot of boxes, Perry said of the seat currently held by Kevin Wolff. Wolff, who decided not to seek reelection for Precinct 3 after three terms, is the lone Republican on the Commissioners Court. Im kind of a lone voice up here on Council thats not discouraging to me, because that voice needs to be heard, Perry said.
therivardreport.comCouncilman Perry Considers Joining Crowded County Commissioner Ballot
Councilman Clayton Perry (D10) said he is considering a run for Bexar County Commissioners Court and could announce his decision as soon as Thursday. Im going to make the decision when its right, Perry told the Rivard Report Wednesday. Sources in City Hall say Perry is lobbying his colleagues to appoint local business attorney Marc Whyte to fill his Council seat if he resigns to run for commissioner. Northside voters who live in Bexar County Precinct 3 might see a crowded ballot next year for the seat. If he decides to run, Perry said, his public voting record might give him an advantage over those candidates.
therivardreport.comBexars Eye Rethrow: Eden Celebrates Its Resurrected Duck Pond
On the same evening that San Antonio celebrated National Night Out on Oct. 1, residents dedicated the new Eden Duck Pond. Texas Parks and Wildlife Urban Biologist Jessica Alderson had consulted with Eden residents before the renovations to the pond began. The Eden HOA took additional measures to keep their waterfowl healthy in reworking the design of the pond. Bonnie Arbittier / Rivard Report permalink Bonnie Arbittier / Rivard Report permalinkParks described the new design at the unveiling. At the dedication, Perry spoke about the initiative he saw in Eden residents and the pride he felt looking at the pond.
therivardreport.comSA City Council votes to hire California company to develop homeless strategic plan
SAN ANTONIO - The San Antonio City Council has approved a contract with a San Francisco firm to form a homeless strategic plan. We have some wonderful staff that are doing great work out in the community, not only on the staff, but our faith-based community, nonprofits," he said. Haven for Hope CEO Kenny Wilson said he helped write the proposal by the city to hire a firm. He said he thinks existing organizations are doing a great job to coordinate help to the homeless. Haven for Hope has 184 nonprofit organizations that help coordinate help to those who live on its campus.
San Antonio Adopts Climate Plan to Go Carbon-Neutral by 2050
We declare that we will not be bystanders, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said. The move makes San Antonio the second major Texas city to adopt the goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Austin passed such a climate plan in 2014. That resolution committed San Antonio to reducing the citys greenhouse gas emissions in step with the Paris Agreement. CPS Energy, the San Antonio Water System, the San Antonio River Authority, and VIA Metropolitan Transit all formally endorsed it.
therivardreport.comLocal professor weighs in on proposed homeless plan City Council will vote on Thursday
SAN ANTONIO - The San Antonio City Council will vote Thursday on a contract with a consulting firm based in San Francisco that will be hired to create a Comprehensive Homeless Strategic Plan. The South Alamo Regional Alliance for the Homeless reported that in 2018, there were 3,066 homeless people in San Antonio and Bexar County. An assistant professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio who studies urban planning said the homeless plan should focus on transportation and housing. Certainly in the case of San Francisco, (there are) more housing shortage and affordability challenges than San Antonio has. Currently, he still feels the same, according to the following statement:Combating homelessness in San Antonio is something that is really important to me, the neighbors of District 10 and San Antonio as a whole.
After Two Years of Public Debate, City Council Approves San Antonio's Climate Action Plan
click to enlarge Rhyma CastilloMayor Ron Nirenberg (left) and Councilman Clayton Perry listen to a speaker at Thursday's meeting. Nirenberg championed the Climate Action & Adaption Plan, while Perry cast the sole vote against it. "We're in the midst of a climate crisis," said Mayor Nirenberg, who made the CAAP a centerpiece of his run for a second term. "We don't need to imagine what climate change will look like here in San Antonio, it's already being felt. "Dozens of volunteers representing environmentalist groups, social justice organizations, businesses and neighborhoods met regularly last year to hash out details of the plan.
sacurrent.comCommittee proposes using California company to help SA's homeless population issues
SAN ANTONIO - A California company could be hired by the city of San Antonio to help tackle the homeless issue in the area. Phase II would assess the current homeless services offered, identify gaps in those services and work with stakeholders to address the gaps. The goal is to have the company formally hired so that a plan can be presented to City Council by next spring. Marci Mendoza, who lives in the Colonies House community near Wurzbach and I-10, said neighbors are concerned about the drugs, crime and other homeless issues creeping closer to Colonies North Elementary School. City Council asked for more time to review the proposal with Homebase, so it can take it up for a vote Oct. 17.
San Antonio City Council Approves Changes to Paid Sick Leave Ordinance
San Antonio City Council voted 8-3 Thursday to approve revisions to the paid sick leave ordinance passed last year with an amendment that requires all San Antonio businesses, regardless of size, to provide the benefit to their workers. We firmly believe that wage compensation and employment ethics are unique to each business and are dictated by existing state and federal law, said Cristina Aldrete, president and CEO of the North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, who was joined at the podium by leaders of the San Antonio and South San Antonio chambers. The ordinance, as revised by the Paid Sick Leave Commission, included interns in the definition of employee and those eligible to earn paid sick time. Legal challenges to a Dallas paid sick leave ordinance are also pending, although that citys ordinance has gone into effect. In July, a group of local businesses, including the San Antonio Restaurant Association and staffing agencies, filed a lawsuit against the City of San Antonio to block its paid sick leave ordinance.
therivardreport.comSan Antonio City Council Approves Revised Sick Leave Ordinance, But Business Groups Dig In Their Heels
click to enlarge Sanford NowlinWorking Texans for Paid Sick Time launched their San Antonio petition last year. City officials this summer agreed to delay the rule and appoint a panel to tweak it after business groups sued to halt implementation. The high court is set to decide whether that law violates the state constitution.Despite the objections, council voted 8-3 to approve the revised ordinance, which will now be enforced in April. District 8 Councilman Manny Pelez, District 10 Councilman Clayton Perry and District 3 Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran voted against the changes. (If you need a refresher on what the law does and the changes adopted by the panel, read more here .
sacurrent.comClimate Action Plan Heads to City Council Vote
Almost all San Antonio City Council members were supportive of the latest draft of the proposed Climate Action and Adaption Plan as they reviewed it on Wednesday, but some had lingering questions about how quickly the City can implement real actions if the plan is approved. The plan would be the Citys first policy framework specifically aimed at mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming while dealing with its impacts. Councilman Clayton Perry (D10), who in 2017 cast the one vote against a resolution to support the international Paris Agreement to combat climate change, said the plan represents an overreach of government. Perry has said he is not convinced climate change is caused by human activity and he again criticized the climate plan for not including price tags associated with goals. The West San Antonio Chamber of Commerces board endorsed the plan soon after it was released in August.
therivardreport.comCity Council receives updated draft of Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
SAN ANTONIO - The San Antonio City Council on Thursday received a briefing regarding updates to SA Climate Ready's Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. The plan serves as a pathway to meet the objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement that the City Council supported with a resolution in June 2017. "The plan is a giant step forward for San Antonio, but frankly, it is the easy part. Related: Nirenberg to unveil Climate Action and Adaptation PlanIn January 2019, the first draft of the CAAP was released for public review. City Council cannot expect our neighbors to write a blank check for the CAAP without knowing what it will take away from our pocketbooks."