Schertz expands its city limits
Schertz tentatively expanded its city limits by 214 acres at its Feb. 23 council meeting in a swift unanimous vote, but then spent nearly an hour debating what that expansion would ultimately look like. Another 12.4 acres of the proposed development is already within Schertz’s city limits, explained Nick Koplyay of the city’s planning department. But to erect those homes on the newly acquired land, a zoning change to “planned development district” (PDD) would be required. That is strikingly different than the typical housing projects Schertz usually approves. Earlier in the meeting, Schertz Police Chief Michael Hansen presented the state-required annual racial profiling report for 2020.
mysanantonio.comTexas social workers will no longer be allowed to discriminate against LGBTQ Texans and people with disabilities
The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council voted unanimously to restore protections for social workers’ LGBTQ and disabled clients after backlash from advocates and lawmakers. By Edgar Walters, The Texas TribuneAfter backlash from lawmakers and advocates, a state board voted Tuesday to undo a rule change that would have allowed social workers to turn away clients who are LGBTQ or have a disability. The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council voted unanimously to restore protections for LGBTQ and disabled clients to Texas social workers’ code of conduct just two weeks after removing them. The governor’s office recommended removing language that prohibited social workers from turning away clients on the basis of disability, sexual orientation or gender identity. That set off an immediate firestorm of criticism from social workers, LGBTQ advocates and advocates for people with disabilities.
outinsa.comTexas social workers will no longer be allowed to discriminate against LGBTQ Texans and people with disabilities
The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council voted unanimously to restore protections for LGBTQ and disabled clients to Texas social workers’ code of conduct just two weeks after removing them. The governor’s office recommended removing language that prohibited social workers from turning away clients on the basis of disability, sexual orientation or gender identity. That set off an immediate firestorm of criticism from social workers, LGBTQ advocates and advocates for people with disabilities. "We are so grateful for the vote to keep the anti-discrimination protections in place," said Will Francis, executive director of the Texas chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. "This is a recognition of the key principle that a social worker’s personal beliefs must never impede a person’s right to self-determination or access to services."
The sustainable sneaker start-up Allbirds wants to take over your closet
The start-up known around Silicon Valley for its comfy slip-on sneakers is hoping to take over another part of your closet. The launch comes more than a year after Allbirds started selling socks, marking its first foray out of footwear. The new items double down on its commitment to using sustainable materials, including plants, recycled plastic bottles and now, crab shells. The start-up, launched in 2016, is perhaps best known for its $95 wool sneaker. The funding, led by Franklin Templeton, valued Allbirds at $1.7 billion, according to a person familiar with the round.
cnbc.comSchertz approves new tax rate, budget
Schertz approves new tax rate, budgetIt took six votes and nearly two hours of debate, but the city of Schertz has almost settled on a new tax rate. Scagliola made the first motion to set the property tax rate at the “no new revenue” effective rate of 50.79 cents. A third effort, offered by Larson, would have made the property tax rate 50.96 cents. Davis pointed out that the council had conducted several budget meetings and had originally agreed to approve a budget with the current tax rate of 51.46 cents. An additional vote to ratify both the new budget and the new tax rate also passed, with both Scagliola and Larson again voting no.
mysanantonio.comAllbirds debuts its first running shoe. To succeed, it must face rivals like Nike and the challenges of a pandemic
The running shoe, which launches Tuesday, retails for $125. And if going up against brands like Nike, Adidas and Asics was not daunting enough, Allbirds is debuting its first-ever running shoe in the midst of a coronavirus pandemic. The company said it plans to work on launching additional athletic shoes in the future, for other workouts. Allbirds said it has been working on the running shoe for years. Source: Allbirds
cnbc.comSchertz weighs options amid pandemic
Schertz weighs options amid pandemicIn the wake of Mayor Ralph Gutierrezs March 20 declaration of a community disaster and public health emergency, the coronavirus pandemic and what to do about it dominated the March 25 Schertz City Council meeting. Sitting at least six feet apart in a largely empty council chamber, city leaders and staff debated what actions they should take. Maggie Titterington, president of The Chamber, which covers the Schertz-Cibolo-Selma area, told city council that the local business community was struggling. A vote on a compromise to keep the emergency declaration in place until April 14 passed four to three with Scott, Hayward and Brown dissenting. Schertz also has a particular jurisdiction problem regarding enforcement of the pandemic restrictions, Councilman Mark Davis pointed out.
mysanantonio.comAllbirds co-CEO says company plans to open 20 stores next year
Allbirds is planning to continue its brick-and-mortar expansion with 20 stores next year, the company's co-founder and co-CEO Tim Brown said Monday. "We've got nearly 15 stores at the moment 14 soon to be 15," Brown said. "We'll add 20 stores next year. The stores have helped create even more buzz about the wool sneakers, which the company touts as a environmentally sustainable approach to footwear. Amazon was recently accused of copying one of Allbirds' popular shoes, but Brown does not think competition like this will stop Allbirds' growth as long as the company continues to focus on innovation.
cnbc.comAllbirds, known for its wool sneakers, is getting into the apparel business
Allbirds, the San Francisco-based brand that's amassed a cult-like following of people who wear its comfy wool sneakers, is expanding beyond shoes starting with socks. The company, recently valued at $1.4 billion, has always intended to grow outside of shoes, according to co-founder Tim Brown. "Allbirds has never been just about wool or just about footwear." Forty percent of consumers said sustainable materials were either "very" or "somewhat" important when thinking about buying shoes, according to a February survey from The NPD Group. Having officially launched in March 2016, Allbirds sold its millionth shoe in just two years in business.
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