JUSTIN RODRIGUEZ

Though jail staffing was just one aspect of the review by American Correctional Consultants, it remains one of the primary focuses for commissioners, who approve millions of dollars for forced overtime at the jail every year.

An earlier plan to raze the building would have created green space between San Pedro Creek and the Casa Navarro State Historic Site.

The University of Texas at San Antonio's Roadrunners led the entire game, scoring points on nine of 10 possessions.

The pay increases come as commissioners are set to get their first look at the proposed 2022-23 fiscal year budget Tuesday.

Bexar County's elections administrator is proposing reducing the number of Nov. 8 polling spots, eliminating ones with low turnout in 2020.

Bexar County's elections administrator is considering new concerns about voting at public schools as she prepares for the midterm elections.

The move comes as the city and county are both exploring new ways to support people who've entered the country seeking asylum, but need legal aid to make their case.

The west side of downtown San Antonio is undergoing a transformation that is expected to revitalize the area.

The segments were estimated to be completed in early 2021, but due to delays stalled by the pandemic, they will be complete by August.

The money will beef up mental health and violence prevention programs. The county will also give away $100,000 worth of gun locks.

Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales says his office plans to start destroying weapons seized in cases they've successfully prosecuted.

Bexar County commissioners say Spurs executives laid out compelling reasons for needing to expand their business regionally.

Bexar County officials will collaborate on a plan, perhaps a public outreach campaign, to reduce the number of rejected ballots.

Bexar County's new public health division will be funded by $60 million in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.

The Deputy Sheriff’s Association of Bexar County has overwhelmingly voted in favor of a new five-year collective bargaining agreement with Bexar County, according to a news release.

Bexar County Commissioners agreed to allocate up to $1.3 million toward COVID-19 testing. The money goes toward two nonprofits operating testing around the county.

On Tuesday, Bexar County commissioners approved over $3.3 million in funding for the courts to handle a spike in domestic violence cases that has caused a significant backlog.

Precinct 3 Commisioner Trish DeBerry's entry into the county judge race triggered her automatic resignation under Texas' "resign to run law."

Roughly 1,100 children ages 5-11 got vaccinated Thursday at University Health's clinic at the Wonderland of the Americas mall.

Ahead of the 2022 primaries, Bexar County commissioners must approve redistricted boundaries for their precincts.

Now that Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff has confirmed his decision to not run for reelection in 2022, the field is wide open.

As the local leaders push for more COVID-19 vaccinations, a billboard spreading an anti-vaccine message is on display on the North Side of San Antonio.

Commissioners voted 3-1, with one abstention, to cut the tax rate for the county’s portion of property tax bills from $0.301097 to $0.299999 for every $100 of valuation. That equates to somewhere between a $3 to $4 savings a year for the average homeowner, staff said.

Though Bexar County Commissioners debated reducing the property tax rate by almost 1/10th of a cent, they ultimately voted to do so.

Commissioners split on a new property tax rate that will save the average homeowner $4 a year. They vote on the new rate and 2022 budget Tuesday.

Former Weslaco High and Texas quarterback Bobby Lackey, who the Weslaco High gym and football stadium was named after in his honor and who became the first Longhorns player to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1959, died Thursday at age 83.

Bexar County and San Antonio leaders are seeing a surge in hospitalizations and more people getting tested amid an increase of COVID-19 cases in our area and across the state.

WESLACO — The start of Texas high school football is less than three weeks away from kickoff, and after a shortened 2020 season, Rio Grande Valley programs are fired up to hit the field once again. With players from Hidalgo and Starr County on hand at The Monitor’s Football Media Day at Bobby Lackey Stadium in Weslaco on Thursday, the rapidly approaching feel of Friday night lights began to kick in. “It’s a great experience being out here with each other, making that connection for the season,” Rodriguez said. “It feels good to get back in the groove and know football is just around the corner,” Saenz said. Mike Cisneros, the Tigers’ third-year starter at quarterback, said this group is determined to kick that door down.

The $4.75 million in additional funding will allow the San Antonio Mobile Mental Health Collaborative to serve more Bexar County students.

San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said 995,047 people have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 741,238 are fully vaccinated.

Mayor Ron Nirenberg said 928,327 people have received their first COVID-19 vaccine dose, and 647,489 are fully vaccinated in Bexar County.

Bexar County Commissioner Justin Rodriguez said Thursday evening that 1,000 teens are being housed at the Freeman Coliseum’s Expo Center.

Mayor Ron Nirenberg reported 524,642 first-dose COVID-19 vaccines have been administered. He said 294,158 people are fully vaccinated.

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar Commissioner Justin Rodriguez updated the community about the local response to COVID-19 in the daily briefing Wednesday night. Nirenberg reported 202,981 total COVID-19 cases and 3,073 total deaths in Bexar County, an increase of 132 new cases as of Wednesday. Nirenberg said 428,643 people have received their first COVID-19 vaccine dose, and 239,595 are fully vaccinated in Bexar County. RELATED: Metro Health to make 30,000 COVID-19 vaccine appointments available ThursdayAdRodriguez says the state will allow all adults to be able to get a COVID-19 vaccine starting Monday. Dr. Anita Kurian, assistant director of Metro Health, and Nirenberg say the area needs more vaccines to meet the local demand.

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Commissioner Justin Rodriguez updated the community about the local response to COVID-19 in their daily briefing Thursday night. Nirenberg reported 199,431 total COVID-19 cases and 2,861 total deaths in Bexar County, an increase of 366 new cases as of Thursday. Nirenberg said more than 319,000 people have received their first COVID-19 vaccine dose, and more than 184,000 are fully vaccinated. AdOfficials encourage people to sign up for vaccine text alerts to find out when appointments will open up again. See below for details:City of San Antonio sets up COVID-19 vaccine text alert system.

San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg reported 404 new COVID-19 cases and 4 new deaths during today's briefing

Former Congressman Beto O'Rourke is making sure San Antonians are OK after the unprecedented winter storm that hit Texas last week. O'Rourke launched a San Antonio Wellness Check Canvass, in which volunteers knock on doors throughout the city to check if residents need food, water or assistance with repairs. On Sunday, O'Rourke joined Precinct 2 Bexar County Commissioner Justin Rodriguez as he knocked on doors on the West Side of San Antonio. "She runs the St. Phocus community garden, supplying fresh produce for one of San Antonio's food deserts," O'Rourke tweeted. Volunteers will knock on doors in their community anytime between noon and 6 p.m. To sign up for San Antonio, click here.

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Commissioner Justin Rodriguez updated the community about the local response to COVID-19 in their daily briefing Thursday night. Nirenberg reported 186,346 total COVID-19 cases and 2,387 total deaths in Bexar County, an increase of 902 new cases as of Thursday. Twenty-two new deaths were reported today. Nirenberg said the deaths happened over the span of 14 days. City officials also reported that 791 patients are hospitalized, 316 are in the intensive care unit and 182 are on ventilators.

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Commissioner Justin Rodriguez updated the community about the local response to COVID-19 in their daily briefing Thursday night. Nirenberg reported 178,662 total COVID-19 cases and 2,186 total deaths in Bexar County, an increase of 860 new cases as of Thursday. Five new deaths were reported today. City officials also reported that 1,081 patients are hospitalized, 374 are in the intensive care unit and 223 are on ventilators. Nirenberg said the city will be on alert for any reports of large gatherings during the Super Bowl this Sunday.

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Commissioner Justin Rodriguez updated the community about the local response to COVID-19 in their daily briefing Thursday night. Nirenberg reported 166,022 total COVID-19 cases and 2,027 total deaths in Bexar County, an increase of 1,752 new cases as of Thursday. RELATED: Had the 1st dose of COVID-19 vaccine in San Antonio? Nirenberg said mayors in Texas and across the U.S. are pushing for more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine from the federal government. Nirenberg also said the Fiesta Commission is meeting with health officials this week, and leaders are anticipating an announcement next week.

San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg reported an increase of 2,507 new COVID-19 cases and 17 new deaths.

San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg reported an increase of 1,170 new COVID-19 cases and nine new deaths.

Local officials hope Spurs Sports and Entertainment has better luck changing public behavior than they did. Mendoza LineAfter failing to convince residents to engage in social distancing and avoid holiday gatherings, San Antonio and Bexar County officials on Monday put Spurs Sports and Entertainment in charge of the area’s COVID-19 response. If elected officials like us ordered that, everyone from the governor to Spurs Jesus would be calling for our heads. Even so, some are concerned the Spurs' final bill will be a whopper. "Honestly, I never expected a quarter million-dollar bill from the Spurs for three weeks-worth of election work," County Judge Nelson Wolff said.

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Commissioner Justin Rodriguez updated the community about the local response to COVID-19 in their daily briefing Thursday night. Nirenberg reported 99,142 total COVID-19 cases and 1,440 total deaths in Bexar County, an increase of 1,606 new cases as of Thursday. No new deaths were reported today. City officials also reported that 837 patients are hospitalized, 272 are in the intensive care unit and 134 are on ventilators. There were 104 admissions to the hospital within the last 24 hours.

For Barbara Silva and her family, the incentive to donate plasma is personal. Her mother, brother, husband, and three children all contracted Covid-19 after her mother was hospitalized with cancer. With Covid-19 case numbers on the rise, the need for plasma is increasing and county commissioners know that. Rodriguez says keep proof of your donations if you want to be compensated when the program launches early next year. RELATED: Bexar County planning to pay COVID-19 survivors for plasma

SAN ANTONIO – Editor’s Note: Watch the entire briefing in the video player above. San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Commissioner Justin Rodriguez updated the community about the local response to COVID-19 in their daily briefing Thursday night. Nirenberg reported 66,909 total COVID-19 cases and 1,268 total deaths in Bexar County, as of Thursday, an increase of 195 new cases. He also said there are 42 COVID-19 patients from El Paso in San Antonio hospitals as the border city experiences a surge in cases. Rodriguez said Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff is self-quarantining after coming into contact with a county employee who tested positive for COVID-19.

Nirenberg reported 64,767 total COVID-19 cases and 1,247 total deaths in Bexar County, as of Monday, an increase of 151 new cases. Nirenberg said the COVID-19 positivity rate has jumped to 6.9%, up from 5.8% last week. The goal is to have a positivity rate under 5%. The county’s COVID-19 risk level is now “moderate." The school risk level is also “moderate.”COVID-19 Risk Level 10/26/20 (COSA/Bexar County)

SAN ANTONIO – Bexar County Commissioners approved a $4 million grant program on Tuesday aimed specifically at the area’s hard-hit bar and restaurant industry. The program, which will be administered by LiftFund, includes $3.75 million for grants of up to $25,000. The money will go to Bexar County bars and restaurants that have not already received help through previous city and county grant programs. So this round is to help make up for that,” said Deborah Carter, director of economic and community development for Bexar County. A county spokeswoman said Tuesday that Judge Nelson Wolff has submitted the necessary paperwork to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to allow bars to reopen in Bexar County, but it had not yet been approved.

SAN ANTONIO – Editor’s Note: Watch the entire briefing in the video player above. San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Commissioner Justin Rodriguez updated the community about the local response to COVID-19 in their daily briefing Friday night. Nirenberg reported 59,514 total COVID-19 cases and 1,172 total deaths in Bexar County, as of Friday, an increase of 191 new cases. City officials also reported that 193 patients are hospitalized, 84 are in the intensive care unit and 37 are on ventilators. There are 12% of staffed beds available and 73% of ventilators available.

SAN ANTONIO – Many of those in line outside the Bexar County Elections Office dropping off their mail-in ballots have been seniors, many of which are mobility-impaired. Bexar County Commissioner Justin Rodriguez, who represents Precinct Two, said he had wanted to give those voters more options. “But, I couldn’t get everything done that we wanted to.”He said for instance, having several drop-off locations instead of one at the Bexar County Elections Office would have been helpful. He also strongly urges seniors and mobility-impaired voters, if possible, to take advantage of extended early voting from October 13-30, or request a mail-in ballot before October 23. Rodriguez said, “I think there’s hopefully some lessons learned here and we can improve moving forward.”RELATED: Here’s how, where to vote early in Bexar County

SAN ANTONIO – Early voting kicks off Tuesday in Bexar County, and preparations are underway at one of four mega voting centers throughout the area. Crews were setting up hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes stations, plexiglass, and voting machines inside the AT&T Center on Thursday morning. Bexar County Commissioner Justin Rodriguez says the county expects a historic turnout during this election season. Officials say voting machines will be wiped down between uses, pencils or other items will be provided to those who want to avoid touching screens and voting machines will be six feet apart. Early voting runs Oct. 13-30, and Election Day is on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

SAN ANTONIO – Do you need to get your flu shot? Bexar County Precinct 2 Commissioner Justin Rodriguez is partnering with KSAT Community partner University Health System to host a drive-thru flu shot drive on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nelson Wolff Stadium. Medical professionals from University Health System will set up in the Nelson Wolff Stadium parking lot to administer flu shots, with participants receiving their shot in their own vehicle. This event is possible through additional support from the City of San Antonio, the San Antonio Police Department, Bexar County Public Works, the Bexar County Office of Emergency Management and University Health System. KSAT Community operates in partnership with University Health System, Energy Transfer and Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union.

SAN ANTONIO – Editor’s Note: Watch the entire briefing in the video player above. San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Commissioner Justin Rodriguez updated the community about the local response to COVID-19 in their daily briefing Thursday night. Nirenberg reported 57,936 total COVID-19 cases and 1,138 total deaths in Bexar County, as of Thursday, an increase of 104 new cases. City officials also reported that 205 patients are hospitalized, 76 are in the intensive care unit and 36 are on ventilators. There are 13% of staffed beds available and 73% of ventilators available.

SAN ANTONIO – Editor’s Note: Watch the entire briefing in the video player above. San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Commissioner Justin Rodriguez updated the community about the local response to COVID-19 in their daily briefing Thursday night. Nirenberg reported 50,425 total COVID-19 cases and 1,040 total deaths in Bexar County, as of Thursday, an increase of 141 new cases. City officials also reported that 214 patients are hospitalized, 100 are in the intensive care unit and 43 are on ventilators. Rodriguez said 1,300 out of 3,500 available appointments for the county’s flu shot drive next week have been filled.

SAN ANTONIO – Bexar County leaders officially announced Wednesday that the AT&T Center will serve as a voting site during the upcoming election cycle, including early voting days from Oct. 13-30 and Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 3. This will be the first time the AT&T Center has been utilized for voting in a general election. That coupled with the pandemic, we’ve never had a general election or a significant election in a COVID-19 environment.”Rodriguez said last week there would be no shortage of personal protective equipment inside the arena for voters and election workers. The AT&T Center was one of four proposed mega voting sites in Bexar County. With the AT&T Center and Spurs officially on board, Rodriguez has said the county hopes to reach more underserved communities.

Vote by mailTexas is one of just six states that has not opened up mail-in voting for all voters amid the pandemic. “Then we’ll send them the ballot and we’re paying for the postage for them to send their actual ballot back in. Mega voting centersCome election day, for the first time ever, the AT&T Center will be used as a polling place. Rodriguez said mega voting centers like this can make for a safer and more efficient process. The county hopes to create at least four mega votings centers across the city to accommodate each side of town.

SAN ANTONIO – If you’ve recovered from Covid-19, you could get paid to help others heal from the virus. A new initiative in Bexar County is underway, aimed at getting people who have Covid-19 antibodies to donate their plasma, which in turn could save lives of people suffering from severe cases. Through her five donations, Caporale estimates her plasma has been transfused into 15 very sick patients. “Only hundreds of the 40,000 have actually donated plasma,” Rodriguez said. RELATED: ‘It saved my life’: COVID-19 survivors reflect on importance of convalescent plasma donations

San Antonio – The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting all areas of life, including the upcoming November election. In Bexar County, commissioners are planning to discuss early voting locations next week that will be safe for residents and allow for social distancing. William “Frankie” Trynoski graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio and has voted there before. This year, mega sites like the AT&T center or senior centers are also being considered. It’s set for Sept. 15th at the AT&T Center.

San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Commissioner Justin Rodriguez updated the community about the local response to COVID-19 in their daily briefing Thursday night. Nirenberg reported 47,956 total COVID-19 cases and 990 total deaths in Bexar County, as of Thursday, an increase of 69 new cases. Nine new deaths were reported today. The deaths happened between Sept. 1 and Sept. 9, Nirenberg said. Rodriguez reminded people that the final day to register to vote in Bexar County is Oct. 5.

SAN ANTONIO The AT&T Center will have a different look this fall. But Spurs Sports and Entertainment and Bexar County, which owns the AT&T Center, had already been discussing the use of the arena for election purposes for months. That includes an agreement to use Our Lady of the Lake University on the West Side as an early voting site for the first time. The AT&T Center is expected to be available throughout early voting which runs from Oct. 13-30. With the AT&T Center and Spurs on board, Rodriguez said the county hopes to reach more underserved communities.

San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Commissioner Justin Rodriguez, along with Metro Health Medical Director Dr. Junda Woo, updated the community about the local response to COVID-19 in their daily briefing Thursday night. Here are a few of the highlights:Nirenberg reported 45,811 total COVID-19 cases and 767 total deaths in Bexar County, as of Thursday, an increase of 189 new cases. Rodriguez said the Bexar County Commissioners Court is working to make voting safer and more accessible amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Rodriguez said commissioners are exploring mega voting sites to maximize social distancing, 24-hour polling locations during early voting and increased curbside or drive-thru options. Greg Abbott increased the early voting period , giving people more opportunities to cast their ballot before Election Day.

San Antonio Bexar County Commissioners want to institute more options, if possible, to make voting easier and safer for Bexar County voters in October and November, but the elections administrator says not all of those ideas may be possible. Callanen told reporters the Bexar County Elections Department is thrilled about the mega centers, and it already has agreements to use the AT&T Center in Precinct 4 and the Alzafar Shrine Auditorium in Precinct 3. However, Callanen indicated to reporters that other ideas - a 24-hour early voting location and drop-boxes for mail-in ballots - likely wouldnt pan out. Those voters could only cast their ballot at the Bexar County Elections Department, which is the main Early Voting site and is only open during office hours. Were talking about maybe one day each week of Early Vote, having one center open for 24 hours, Rodriguez told reporters.

SAN ANTONIO Precinct 2 Bexar County Commissioner Justin Rodriguez is proposing a plan that would make voting in the upcoming election possibly safer. The plan includes early voting sites open 24/7 and mega voting locations. Have you spaced on the upcoming election? We would make sure to utilize proper spacing, such as in the AT&T Center, he said. He also mentioned how the county would utilize the $3 million it set aside for the elections from the Federal Cares Act.

SAN ANTONIO In a unanimous vote Thursday, Bexar County Commissioners agreed to pay $11,969 to the members of two grand juries that amounts to an additional $65 dollars per week for each juror. Though some have called it hazard pay, commissioners have now labeled it as supplemental pay.' The juries, who had been serving when the pandemic hit and a moratorium was ordered on jury service in mid-March, agreed to serve an additional two-month term. I think it was justified in the sense that these people went above and beyond, Precinct 2 Commissioner Justin Rodriguez said as he discussed the supplemental pay. RELATED: Bexar County courtrooms soon to have new look

SAN ANTONIO An inmate is in critical condition at an area hospital and a second inmate faces a felony assault charge after an attack at the Bexar County Jail Monday. BCSO officials have not released the name of the injured inmate or the names of other inmates possibly involved in the alleged attack. The incident comes less than 14 months after a Bexar County Jail inmate was charged in the death of a fellow inmate. In May 2019, Shandrick Buckley was charged with capital murder after investigators said he stomped to death Alexander Wise. Doctor finds inmate accused in jailhouse killing competent to stand trial for murdersBuckley, who, like Rodriguez, was being held on a murder charge at the time of the jailhouse attack, was found competent to stand trial last August.

San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and other local officials updated the community about the local response to COVID-19 in their daily briefing Thursday night. Here are a few of the highlights:Nirenberg reported 17,679 total COVID-19 cases and 165 total deaths in Bexar County , as of Thursday, an increase of 954 new cases. Six of those deaths were current, and 13 of them occurred over the past three weeks. The older deaths were reported after the medical examiner conducted post-mortem COVID-19 tests on cadavers of people who had symptoms related to the virus. Track daily spikes in COVID-19 cases in San Antonio, Bexar CountyMORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE FROM KSAT:

SAN ANTONIO If COVID-19 hospitalization trends continue in Bexar County, it wont be long before officials activate a makeshift hospital at the Freeman Coliseum. 2 Commissioner Justin Rodriguez toured the potential hospital last week, calling it a surreal experience.It brought home the importance of the severity of the situation that were in, Rodriguez said. Adding beds in hospital cafeteria better than creating makeshift hospital, STRAC director saysThe commissioner posted pictures of the site on Twitter, telling his followers that nows the time to follow social distancing guidelines. This is not something you want to see and the last thing a family member would want is to be in a makeshift hospital room in an expo, Rodriguez said. Medical experts recommend people stay at home amid the pandemic, practice good hygiene and wear a mask in public.

Mayor Ron Nirenberg announced three new deaths from COVID-19 at a televised briefing Sunday night, bringing the Bexar County death toll to 69 people. The majority of the new cases remain under investigation as to how the person became infected with coronavirus. There are 79 COVID-19 patients in local hospitals, 41 patients in intensive care, and 20 patients on ventilators. 2) who spoke about how the City and County plan to support residents who may be at risk of eviction now that the Texas Supreme Court has lifted its moratorium on evictions. Both the City and County will reach out to those on the eviction hearing dockets to offer assistance, Rodriguez said.

San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff updated the community about the local response to COVID-19 in their daily briefing Sunday night. Here are a few of the highlights:Nirenberg reported 2,442 COVID-19 cases and three additional deaths in Bexar County , as of Sunday. Mayor Nirenberg reported 79 patients in local hospitals, 41 patients in intensive care and 20 patients on ventilators. City officials are reminding residents to honor Memorial Day at a distance and to continue following health guidelines. Just follow health guidelines and we can enjoy our lives again, Nirenberg said.

SAN ANTONIO The Bexar County Commissioners Court approved another $1.5 million on Tuesday to be used for small business grants after previously approved $5.25 million loan and grant programs were tapped dry. The new round of grants will use money from the federal CARES Act to provide up to $10,000 grants to businesses with five or fewer employees. If we talk about up to $10,000 per small business, thats 150 small businesses that we can help right away, said Precinct 2 Commissioner Justin Rodriguez. While grant money would be distributed out to the community, the county would still have accountability over the loans. Barrera expects the new round of grants will not open up until June, saying the county will need to decide on the parameters for the grants.

The number of total confirmed coronavirus cases in Bexar County increased by 52 from the previous day, Mayor Ron Nirenberg announced Saturday evening. The percent of confirmed cases recovered crossed the halfway mark Friday and continued inching forward Saturday with 51 percent of confirmed cases listed as recovered, meaning 852 people are still fighting the virus. About 150 people were tested at each pop-up testing site on the West Side on Saturday, Metro Health Assistant Director Jennifer Herriott said. The two pop-up sites are free and are aimed at testing people without a primary caregiver or transportation, she said. On Monday, Herriott will meet with San Antonio Fire Department partners to develop a schedule for pop-up sites in May and June.

Still, many local businesses have been feeling the pinch as some have been forced to temporarily shutter. To help small businesses struggling to earn money during the novel coronavirus pandemic, county commissioners on Tuesday approved the use of $5.65 million to give them loans and grants. The loans are intended to help keep local businesses afloat during economic impacts caused by the novel coronavirus. Local company Selrico and the countys purchasing office will negotiate a final contract. 4) argued that Selrico had more merit as a local company and scored higher on the contingency emergency plan category.

With precautions against the spread of coronavirus having a significant impact on business activity, Bexar County has committed to bringing relief to small businesses. County officials said Wednesday they are working with microlender LiftFund to deploy $5 million in interest-free loans for small businesses. Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff declared a state of emergency earlier in March, and the extension allows him more time to use emergency powers as county judge. Civil courts have limited their dockets, said 225th District Court Judge Peter Sakai. Attorneys are also able to use teleconferences to meet with their incarcerated clients in criminal cases, 379th Criminal District Court Judge Ron Rangel said.

click to enlarge Mark HiebertQueta Rodriguez (left) shakes the hand of Justin Rodriguez at a forum before the Super Tuesday primary. Queta Rodriguezs mother, former District 5 City Councilwoman Lourdes Galvan, and father, nationally recognized League of United Latin American Citizens organizer Henry Rodriguez, sat in the audience.Im not embarrassed to admit that I still live next door to my mom, Justin Rodriguez said. Im a homeboy.He said he planned to open the doors to county government when he first joined the Commissioners Court. Anyone whos ever given me a [campaign] donation, its never been in exchange for a vote. Both said they were open to the idea, even though the political landscape of Precinct 2 was a source of pride for Elizondo.Ultimately, Justin Rodriguez avoided a runoff by garnering 59% of the vote.

Rebeca Clay-Flores Credit: Courtesy / Rebeca Clay-FloresCounty Commissioner, Precinct 1Longtime incumbent Commissioner Chico Rodriguez (Pct. County Commissioner, Precinct 2Commissioner Justin Rodriguez secured the Democratic nomination with all vote centers reporting results early Wednesday morning. Without a runoff, Rodriguez said he would transition from the campaign mindset. There were no Republican candidates for the Precinct 2 county commissioner seat. Bexar County SheriffBexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar reacts to early voting results during his campaign watch party Tuesday night.

SAN ANTONIO – Election results will begin to populate on this page when early voting results are released at 7 p.m. (CST) on March 3 and we’ll have an election night livestream on KSAT.com. You can find additional election results by scrolling to the bottom of this page. For more election coverage, go to our Vote 2020 page or sign up for our free election newsletter.

SAN ANTONIO – Bexar County now has an additional $7.1 million for mental health programs. Bexar County Precinct 2 Commissioner Justin Rodriguez and University Health System CEO George Hernandez made the announcement Friday at a news conference. These funds will be used in coordination with existing initiatives, such as pre-trial diversion, specialty courts and will target critical needs in providing much needed services for children with special needs, expand access for pre-crisis adult services, address domestic violence, provide for the homeless, and our veterans in need. Funds will also provide respite care, urgent care, and increased medical access.

SAN ANTONIO – The opioid epidemic is a growing problem across the nation, and now Bexar County is expanding a treatment program for those who are addicted. Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, along with Pct 2. Commissioner Justin Rodriguez and TJ Mayes, chairman of the Bexar County Opioid Task Force, announced an expansion of the county’s mental health program. The medication-assisted treatment pilot program will help people who battled opioid addiction behind bars and are reentering the community while under the supervision of a judge. The Bexar County Task Force is also getting approval for a syringe services program.

The Bexar County Hospital Districts budget for fiscal year 2020 includes more operating expenditures than revenue as the hospital system prepares for facility upgrades and a major overhaul of its electronic medical records system. The $2.02 billion in operating expenses for 2020 is up from $1.9 billion in 2019, University Health System President and CEO George Hernndez told Commissioners Court on Tuesday. The reason why there are more expenses than operating revenue this year is mainly due to the implementation of EPIC, the new electronic medical records system that will cost the hospital system $170 million, Hernndez said. The hospital system also recently acquired a clinic from the City of San Antonio that needs a major roof repair, he said. 2), who said the commissioners have been working with UHS to secure additional funding for mental health treatment programs for adults and children.

SAN ANTONIO - Check out some highlights from Week 9 of the high school football season featuring some of our 2019-20 KSAT Elite 12 recruits. This week we have plays from:Clemens' Jackson MaciasSteele's Wyatt Begeal and Daryn McKnightJohnson's Ty Reasoner and Justin RodriguezBrandeis' Jordan BattlesWagner's Isaiah Williams and Joerell ButlerReagan's Zane RabaSouthside's Aaron MartinezHarlan's Kannon Williams and Jacory LoganBoerne Champion's Bowen FjordHere's the full list of senior players who made this year's KSAT Elite 12. Go here for the latest high school football coverage with our Big Game Coverage section. Copyright 2019 by KSAT - All rights reserved.

In a cold room next to a bingo hall on the West Side that will serve as his new campaign headquarters, Commissioner Justin Rodriguez (Pct. Rodriguez formally launched his campaign Saturday morning, complete with balloon pillars, a live mariachi band, tacos and coffee, and speeches from local government officials throwing their support behind Rodriguez in the upcoming 2020 election. He told supporters that coming back home to serve in Bexar County felt right because his family was here. Queta Rodriguez told the Rivard Report when she launched her campaign in September that she likes Commissioner Rodriguez, but the community had zero input on his appointment. Commissioner Rodriguez said hed continue to work hard to show voters why they should check his name on their ballot in March.

SAN ANTONIO - Check out some highlights from Week 8 of the high school football season featuring some of our 2019-20 KSAT Elite 12 recruits. This week we have plays from:Steele's De'Quavion ThomasBrandeis' J. Nova RangelJohnson's Ty Reasoner and Justin RodriguezWagner's LJ ButlerSouthside's Michael Hernandez and Caleb CamarilloJohn Jay's Xadrian HuertaRoosevelt's Rashod OwensAlamo Heights' Aaron ProctorChampion's Luke BoyersSmithson Valley's Luke GombertHere's the full list of senior players who made this year's KSAT Elite 12. Go here for the latest high school football coverage with our Big Game Coverage section. Copyright 2019 by KSAT - All rights reserved.

SAN ANTONIO - Check out some highlights from Week 7 of the high school football season featuring some of our 2019-20 KSAT Elite 12 recruits. This week we have plays from:Smithson Valley's Jacob Forton and Greg EgglestonJohnson's Justin Rodriguez, Ty Reasoner and Jordan BlassHarlandale's Ariel CassoO'Connor's David DoddHere's the full list of senior players who made this year's KSAT Elite 12. Go here for the latest high school football coverage with our Big Game Coverage section. Copyright 2019 by KSAT - All rights reserved.

The Bexar County Commissioners Court adopted the 2019-20 budget Tuesday, with no tax rate increase for the fiscal year, according to a news release. There will be a property tax revenue cap of 3.5 percent that will go into effect for the 2020-21 budget. "This historic budget demonstrates our commitment to Bexar County taxpayers to reduce or maintain the current tax rate for the 25th consecutive year," stated Precinct 1 Commissioner Sergio "Chico" Rodriguez. Among the other highlights of the budget are:Total budget is $1.782 billionThere is $160 million allotted for debt serviceFor the roads, $32 million will go toward nine road projects. "Throughout the budget development process I have been proud to advocate for priorities and service areas most important to Precinct 2 and Bexar County, including quality infrastructure, enhanced public safety, and an improved elections system," stated Precinct 2 Commissioner Justin Rodriguez.

Our Cory Smith on the two new hires and the creation of that new department headlines at Tuesday morning's Bexar County Commissioners court meeting. The Bexar County Commissioners Court adopted the 2019-20 budget Tuesday, with no tax rate increase for the fiscal year, according to a news release. "This historic budget demonstrates our commitment to Bexar County taxpayers to reduce or maintain the current tax rate for the 25th consecutive year," stated Precinct 1 Commissioner Sergio "Chico" Rodriguez. Among the other highlights of the budget are:Total budget is $1.782 billionThere is $160 million allotted for debt serviceFor the roads, $32 million will go toward nine road projects. "Throughout the budget development process I have been proud to advocate for priorities and service areas most important to Precinct 2 and Bexar County, including quality infrastructure, enhanced public safety, and an improved elections system," stated Precinct 2 Commissioner Justin Rodriguez.