INSIDER
San Antonio’s controversial Reproductive Justice Fund likely won’t pay for abortion travel, but the issue isn’t over
Read full article: San Antonio’s controversial Reproductive Justice Fund likely won’t pay for abortion travel, but the issue isn’t overLess than a year after it was sued by anti-abortion groups, the City of San Antonio revealed its Reproductive Justice Fund probably won’t help women access abortion care after all.
‘We can’t put more cars & trucks on IH-35′: Sakai pushes for improved passenger rail service
Read full article: ‘We can’t put more cars & trucks on IH-35′: Sakai pushes for improved passenger rail serviceBexar County Judge Peter Sakai and San Antonio City Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda rode an Amtrak train from San Antonio to Austin on Monday morning in an effort to promote the importance of improved rail service in the region.
City Council passes update to Complete Streets policy amid new city budget
Read full article: City Council passes update to Complete Streets policy amid new city budgetSan Antonio City Council formally passed an update on the city’s Complete Streets policy on Thursday, setting in motion a framework for street design that accounts for all users.
San Antonio City Council pay raise, longer terms added to Nov. 5 ballot
Read full article: San Antonio City Council pay raise, longer terms added to Nov. 5 ballotSan Antonio voters will be asked whether to raise council members’ pay by tens of thousands of dollars and to double the length of their current terms.
A raise for San Antonio council members and longer terms look likely for November ballot, but details are still in flux
Read full article: A raise for San Antonio council members and longer terms look likely for November ballot, but details are still in fluxThe San Antonio City Council appears ready to ask voters to raise their pay and extend their terms, though the finer points haven’t been hammered out yet.
Millions in federal funds will be used to make Culebra Road safer
Read full article: Millions in federal funds will be used to make Culebra Road saferCulebra Road has been described as one of the most dangerous roads in San Antonio. Now, the city will receive help from the U.S. government to improve a stretch of Culebra Road on the West Side.
FULL INTERVIEW: San Antonio mayoral candidate Manny Pelaez discusses his vision for San Antonio
Read full article: FULL INTERVIEW: San Antonio mayoral candidate Manny Pelaez discusses his vision for San AntonioThe District 8 councilman sits down with KSAT reporter Garrett Brnger to talk about his aspirations for a different seat at City Hall.
San Antonio Councilwoman says she didn’t break any rules asking city to spend $300K on staffer’s nonprofit
Read full article: San Antonio Councilwoman says she didn’t break any rules asking city to spend $300K on staffer’s nonprofitCouncilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda’s requested the city give a $300,000 planning grant to the Latino Texas Policy Center. The nonprofit’s executive director is Natalie Sanchez-Lopez, who is also the policy director for Cabello Havrda’s district office.
San Antonio City Attorney refuses to explain leaking allegations
Read full article: San Antonio City Attorney refuses to explain leaking allegationsLast month, San Antonio City Attorney Andy Segovia accused council members of leaking information on the fire contract negotiations. However, he refused to answer KSAT's questions about what had prompted those accusations.
San Antonio mental health response program in middle of rapid expansion
Read full article: San Antonio mental health response program in middle of rapid expansionAfter a heavily-lauded start, city leaders were quick to clamor for a rapid expansion of the SA CORE program. The three-member teams already provide citywide coverage, and around-the-clock coverage is a little more than a month away.
San Antonio City Manager will have ‘conversation’ with city attorney after council members’ closed-door grievance airing
Read full article: San Antonio City Manager will have ‘conversation’ with city attorney after council members’ closed-door grievance airingLess than week after nearly half the San Antonio City Council called for a meeting to discuss the “fitness” of the city attorney, they got a chance to air their grievances behind closed doors.
Council members deny leaking info after city attorney says he has ‘no confidence’ in executive session confidentiality
Read full article: Council members deny leaking info after city attorney says he has ‘no confidence’ in executive session confidentialityCity Attorney Andy Segovia all but accused council members of leaking information on the fire contract negotiations. Four of the five council members calling for a discussion on his suitability for the job denied their offices were behind it.
San Antonio City Council in revolt; nearly half of members want to consider forcing out city attorney
Read full article: San Antonio City Council in revolt; nearly half of members want to consider forcing out city attorneyThe day after they say the city attorney tried to partially block their demand for a special meeting, five San Antonio City Council members are demanding another meeting - this time to discuss whether he is fit for the job.
San Antonio council members flout mayor, demand meeting on stalled fire contract talks
Read full article: San Antonio council members flout mayor, demand meeting on stalled fire contract talksAfter Mayor Ron Nirenberg refused to allow a discussion behind closed doors of the ongoing fire contract negotiations, half the city council joined together to force his hand. But it's not clear if they will get the meeting they want.
San Antonio’s Migrant Resource Center could stay open another two years
Read full article: San Antonio’s Migrant Resource Center could stay open another two yearsOpened in July 2022 amid an “unprecedented” wave of migrants passing through the city, San Antonio’s Migrant Resource Center could stay open through September 2026.
Transportation department addresses bike network plan updates, future implementation strategies
Read full article: Transportation department addresses bike network plan updates, future implementation strategiesIn a Tuesday briefing to the city’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the team behind updating the Bike Network Plan provided updates and expectations for the third phase of their project.
‘Transportation to abortion care’ part of plans for San Antonio’s Reproductive Justice Fund
Read full article: ‘Transportation to abortion care’ part of plans for San Antonio’s Reproductive Justice FundMost of the San Antonio City Council appears open to using at least part of the $500,000 Reproductive Justice Fund to help cover the costs of women traveling out of state to access legal abortions.
San Antonio councilman drove fellow council member home before DWI arrest
Read full article: San Antonio councilman drove fellow council member home before DWI arrestSan Antonio City Councilman Marc Whyte (D10) said he dropped off a fellow council member about two hours before he was arrested for DWI on Dec. 29.
City Council approves CPS Energy rate hike; increase to take effect in February
Read full article: City Council approves CPS Energy rate hike; increase to take effect in FebruaryThe San Antonio City Council voted 8-3 Thursday morning for the second increase in two years of CPS Energy’s gas and electric rates. This latest rate hike is expected to cost the average residential customer an additional $4.45 per month after it takes effect in February 2024.
San Antonio City Council split on what to do with extra CPS Energy money in windfall years
Read full article: San Antonio City Council split on what to do with extra CPS Energy money in windfall yearsSan Antonio City Council members are split on the best way to spend unexpected windfalls of CPS Energy money in future years.
San Antonio could send money back to CPS Energy in windfall years
Read full article: San Antonio could send money back to CPS Energy in windfall yearsA proposal to stave off future CPS Energy rate increases by taking a smaller cut of its revenues has evolved into a smaller-scale plan to send money back to the utility only when its revenues far exceed estimates. City staff say the idea won’t prevent a rate increase, but it could mean those increases are smaller than they would be otherwise.
‘Air of compromise’: Abortion travel fund, mental health teams among proposed city budget tweaks
Read full article: ‘Air of compromise’: Abortion travel fund, mental health teams among proposed city budget tweaksExpanding a popular mental health team, creating a fund to help cover travel to out-of-state abortion clinics, and giving more money for Animal Care Services were among the most high-profile changes council members discussed making to the budget - largely favorably.
Councilwoman: Fend off CPS Energy rate increase by slashing city’s share of utility revenue
Read full article: Councilwoman: Fend off CPS Energy rate increase by slashing city’s share of utility revenueA San Antonio councilwoman thinks cutting the city’s $3.7 billion budget proposal could help cut help the legs out from an expected CPS Energy rate increase.
New ordinance sets higher standards for contractors hired by City of San Antonio
Read full article: New ordinance sets higher standards for contractors hired by City of San AntonioThe San Antonio City Council approved and implemented the responsible bidders ordinance Thursday to give city officials more say when selecting contractors.
‘The timing was kind of right:’ San Antonio City Council candidates begin filing for May 6 ballot
Read full article: ‘The timing was kind of right:’ San Antonio City Council candidates begin filing for May 6 ballotIncumbents and newcomers alike began arriving a little after 8 a.m. at San Antonio City Hall on Wednesday to get onto the May 6 city ballot as early as possible.
Viral video of street takeover on Northwest Side triggers safety concerns
Read full article: Viral video of street takeover on Northwest Side triggers safety concernsThe City of San Antonio may be forced to consider an ordinance to go after illegal street racing and street takeovers after a viral video posted Sunday of a takeover on I-10 and Callahan triggered safety concerns.
Watch live: San Antonio mayor, council members propose resolution on abortion rights
Read full article: Watch live: San Antonio mayor, council members propose resolution on abortion rightsThe proposed resolution states, “People have a basic human right to medical services and treatment, including abortion.”
CPS Energy looking to contract outside auditors to review its operations
Read full article: CPS Energy looking to contract outside auditors to review its operationsWhile pushing for a rate increase, CPS Energy had promised an outside review of its operations. Now, council members say the utility is following through.
Sharp increase in traffic fatalities in 2020 prompts federal ‘crisis’ response
Read full article: Sharp increase in traffic fatalities in 2020 prompts federal ‘crisis’ responseTexas and the San Antonio region will receive a special focus from federal officials as they seek to reduce a growing number of traffic fatalities.
WATCH LIVE: City Council members file request to expand San Antonio’s non-discrimination ordinance
Read full article: WATCH LIVE: City Council members file request to expand San Antonio’s non-discrimination ordinanceThree San Antonio City Council members want to expand San Antonio’s non-disclosure ordinance.
Proposed San Antonio ordinance would target spectators of illegal street races
Read full article: Proposed San Antonio ordinance would target spectators of illegal street racesThe San Antonio City Council will soon consider a new ordinance that add penalties for spectators of illegal street racing events.
City of San Antonio to create emergency fund for flood victims, District 6 councilwoman says
Read full article: City of San Antonio to create emergency fund for flood victims, District 6 councilwoman saysDistrict 6 Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda said she’s been working with city staff to establish an emergency fund for people affected by flooding.
Council member closely monitoring new flooding concerns from District 6 homeowners
Read full article: Council member closely monitoring new flooding concerns from District 6 homeownersSan Antonio District 6 Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda is asking that those communities that experienced significant new flooding to reach out to her office. She wants to form a plan of action and budget for a fix.
City unveils ways residents can provide input about possible changes at SAPD
Read full article: City unveils ways residents can provide input about possible changes at SAPDSAN ANTONIO – City of San Antonio officials have determined that telephone town halls, district meetings and a survey will be the tools used to gather residents’ input about possible changes at the San Antonio Police Department. The survey will be conducted in February followed by various meetings in City Council districts in March through May. Some committee members, including District 6 Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda, said they want to stretch out the community input process longer. The input is being gathered following local and national protests against police violence last year. The protests led City Manager Erik Walsh to announce a plan to examine SAPD’s role in the types of calls officers respond to.
San Antonio council members exploring ways to put the brakes on street racing
Read full article: San Antonio council members exploring ways to put the brakes on street racingSAN ANTONIO – Michael Cooreman, a member of several local car clubs, says he’s concerned illegal street racing meetups in the city may give these clubs a bad name. District 6 Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda, the Public Safety Committee chairperson, said she met with San Antonio Police Chief William McManus in August to address the matter. Cabello Havrda said city staff members are exploring ways to do better. Meanwhile, communities are encouraged to report illegal racing to local police. RELATED: SAPD: Street racing meet up on NE Side turns into fireworks disaster with 2 people losing limbs, fingers
Proposed city budget tweaks add money for housing, health, and small businesses, but avoid large changes to SAPD
Read full article: Proposed city budget tweaks add money for housing, health, and small businesses, but avoid large changes to SAPDSAN ANTONIO – On the eve of the city council’s vote on the FY 2021 budget, proposed amendments to the $2.9 billion document would make small adjustments to areas like housing, health, and small businesses programs. City staff presented $4 million worth of proposed amendments to the city’s operating budget and $2.4 million worth of additional capital spending on Wednesday, following dozens of council member requests. City staff proposed these $4 million worth of amendments to the city budget. City staff are recommending $2.4 million in additional capital funding in the FY 2021 budget. (City of San Antonio)The city council is scheduled to vote on the FY 2021 budget on Thursday, Sep. 17.
San Antonio City Councilwomen to distribute free safety supplies to microbusinesses
Read full article: San Antonio City Councilwomen to distribute free safety supplies to microbusinessesSAN ANTONIO San Antonio City Councilwomen Adriana Rocha Garcia, Shirley Gonzales, Melissa Cabello Havrda and Ana Sandoval have partnered with some local businesses to distribute free safety supplies to micro-businesses and nonprofits in city council districts 4,5,6 and 7. The Councilwomen along with the West San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, Maestro Entrepreneur Center, Southside First, West Side Development Corporation and Port San Antonio will supply area micro-businesses and nonprofits with hand sanitizer, masks, and a touchless thermometer. The supply distribution will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., on Aug. 11 at the West San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, 3006 Gen. Hudnell Drive. According to a statement by the city of San Antonio, small businesses and area nonprofits combine to be the largest employer in San Antonio, illustrating a clear need for support during the COVID-19 health crisis. The event is a continuation of several district events and the city-wide distribution at the Alamodome in May.
3 San Antonio community listening sessions scheduled for next week: Everything you need to know
Read full article: 3 San Antonio community listening sessions scheduled for next week: Everything you need to knowSAN ANTONIO Three community listening sessions, as theyre being called, are scheduled for next week, intended for the San Antonio City Council Public Safety Committee to gather feedback on policing in the city. The meetings will be livestreamed on TVSA, AT&T channel 99, Grande channel 20, Spectrum channel 21, digital antenna 16.1, this city website or on San Antonios Facebook page. These listening sessions will provide important guidance regarding the publics priorities and expectations.One in-person event and two virtual meetings are set:Session 1 will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday, June 15, online. Session 2 is scheduled for 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thursday, June 18 at City Council Chambers. In that spirit, we are holding these listening sessions.
D6 Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda shares her 2020 resolutions for San Antonio
Read full article: D6 Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda shares her 2020 resolutions for San AntonioSAN 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 6 Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda said she wants to “increase mobility” in her Northwest Side district. To see more resolutions from other San Antonio City Council members, click here.
D6 Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda shares her 2020 resolutions for San Antonio
Read full article: D6 Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda shares her 2020 resolutions for San AntonioD6 Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda shares her 2020 resolutions for San AntonioPublished: January 11, 2020, 3:08 pmDistrict 6 Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda said she wants to “increase mobility” in her Northwest Side district.