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Teatro Audaz Executive and Artistic Director Laura T. Garza is pretty sure she'll be at least a little bit teary when she announces the troupe's lineup for its 10th season at a gala this weekend. She usually gets emotional on evenings like that. But this time, she's likely to shed a few happy tears because she'll be making the announcement in the company's first home. The troupe is settling into new digs at SAY Sí, where it will be based for the next year. The company has office and rehearsal space of its own, which it has never had before. And it will share the youth arts company's black box theater, which is home to the ALAS Youth Theatre Company. "This is such a huge step," said Garza, who co-founded and also acts and directs for the company. "Basically, it's like we were renting before, and right now it feels like a home. Which is nice." She and her company mates will show it off to the public for the first time at the Jan. 10 gala at SAY Sí, 1310 S. Brazos. In addition to the season announcement, the fundraiser will include live entertainment, food and drink. Tickets range from $25 to $50 at teatroaudaz.com. Being on the West Side squares with the company's focus on Latino and other underrepresented voices. FLASHBACK: Teatro Audaz aims to tell Latino stories "It really makes sense because of the the patrons that we serve and the demographic that we serve, the community that we serve," Garza said. Teatro Audaz' space is right off the main entrance to the sprawling campus. The company's roomy new home includes a desk for Company Manager Angie Flores and a small office for Garza. A lounge area will serve as a green room during productions, and there also is a large area perfect for rehearsals. It opens into the theater, a versatile space that can be configured in a variety of ways. The partnership is slated to last for a year, but Garza is hopeful that things go well enough to extend it at least a few years beyond that. She also hopes that being in one place will allow the company to have the bandwidth for a capital campaign to eventually land a space that is all theirs. "Being here gives us that much more stability to be able to to to focus our strengths and our energy into the programming, into helping artists with resources and all those things that that I know that they need but we couldn't do before," she said. Amalia Ortiz, SAY Sí's theatre arts studio director, is excited that students will get an up-close look at how Teatro Audaz works, which aligns with the program's mission. "We are rooted in the West Side. The majority of our students are Mexican American, so a part of our curriculum has always been rooted in teaching students the history of Mexican American theater," Ortiz said. "Many of our students are getting a lot of the idea of mainstream American theater. I'm super excited to have a theater that is going to be also showing them other possibilities." Ortiz is also hoping that the company will help bring some needed exposure to SAY Sí's relatively new home. The program moved to the West Side in 2021. "I feel like there were people more familiar with our old space," she said. "It was in that busy area where we would have First Friday foot traffic. We're missing that here on the West Side. "I'm excited that a theater that has its own reputation of excellent theater is going to be bringing in new audiences into our space and that their talent is going to be available here to the West Side communities." FLASHBACK: SAY Sí preps for move to the West Side Teatro Audaz has been a nomadic company since it launched in 2016. Its first full production was a memorable staging of the contemporary nativity play "La Pastorela" at the San Antonio Mennonite Church. From there, the troupe has tackled a diverse range of shows - full plays, one-acts, 10-minute plays, festivals, sketch comedy, works-in-progress, a musical and a serial - in spaces all over town. They've played at San Antonio College, the University of Texas at San Antonio Arts Cube, the Carver Community Cultural Center, Woodlawn Pointe, the Overtime Theater, the downstairs space at The Public Theater of San Antonio (now the San Pedro Playhouse), the Bang Bang Bar and the Rah! Rah! Room. All of that moving around has been difficult. But there were positive aspects to it, too. It gave the company's leadership insight into how a lot of different kinds of companies operate. That gave them ideas on potential approaches that they might want to duplicate. "While it has been challenging for us to move around, we've also been lucky to move around," said Garza, who also teaches in the theater department at San Antonio College. "They pick my brain, I pick theirs. It's been really great." She expects being in one place to be better. They no longer have to spend money on storage spaces, since they now have room for merchandise, props, lumber and other production supplies. And they'll be able to stage fundraisers and other events in their own place. They also will be able to rehearse and perform under the same roof, something they haven't been able to do before.  ."We've always been official, but it feels like we're officially official now," said Garza, welling up. "We have a home. It's almost surreal that we've been an establishment for 10 years now. "Usually, I feel like it went by so fast. And we still have so much to do. I'm looking forward to the next 10 years and the next 10 years."

Happy 6th Anniversary to Baptist Neighborhood Hospital – Kelly 🎉 For six years, the Kelly team has been proudly caring for our community, and along the way, has treated more than 130,000 patients. This milestone is a true reflection of the dedication, compassion, and commitment of our incredible healthcare professionals. Thank you to our team members and community for trusting us with your care. Here’s to many more years of serving our neighbors! #OneEmerus

Spurs Sports & Entertainment: Catalysts for Opportunity Choosing to vote “Yes” for Proposition A and B is a decision that supports both small businesses and job creation within the San Antonio community. Spurs Sports & Entertainment has consistently demonstrated their commitment to opening doors for local enterprises, fostering economic growth, and providing meaningful opportunities for small businesses. Our own experience serves as living proof of the positive impact the Spurs have on our business landscape. The Beginning of a Successful Partnership In the spring of 1999, our advertising agency was just starting out. The San Antonio Spurs entrusted us with the responsibility of developing an advertising campaign for the upcoming playoffs. With determination and a simple concept built around three powerful words, we introduced the "GO SPURS GO" mantra. The campaign featured television commercials filmed at iconic San Antonio locations, including Alamo Plaza, the Riverwalk, and San Fernando Cathedral, where Father David Garcia joined in chanting the now-famous slogan. A Community United and a Business Transformed It was a perfect storm: the Spurs won their first NBA Championship that year, and "Go Spurs Go" became a lasting rallying cry in San Antonio. For our agency, Creative Civilization, this marked the beginning of a rewarding fourteen-year working relationship with the Spurs, resulting in numerous additional campaigns such as "Team is Everything," "One Team. One Goal.," "I Love My Spurs," "Bring on The World," and more. Empowering Small, Diverse Businesses As a small, Hispanic, and woman-owned advertising agency, our partnership with the Spurs felt like the classic underdog story—winning the championship of the advertising world. More importantly, our collaboration with Spurs Sports & Entertainment opened up further business opportunities over the years. To this day, our work is recognized by clients, who introduce us to their teams and board members as the creators of "Go Spurs Go." Impact on Careers and the Community Over the course of 26 years in business, we have employed dozens of talented professionals, many of whom now hold leadership positions in marketing departments at major corporations across the region. The effects of our partnership with the Spurs have rippled throughout the community, helping to launch and advance the careers of countless individuals. Continuing the Legacy of Growth When the question arises about the value of voting "Yes" for Propositions A and B for our community and small businesses, our story stands as testimony to the Spurs' unwavering dedication to helping San Antonio thrive. The opportunities and support we've received have empowered us to grow, and we remain grateful to the Spurs for their role in our success. We are confident that their continued commitment will result in even more businesses and jobs being created in San Antonio. Conclusion: Vote Yes for Propositions A and B We encourage you to vote “yes” for Proposition A and B. Go Spurs Go!

Trinity University announced a landmark $25 million gift from the Malú and Carlos Alvarez Family to establish the Carlos Alvarez School of Arts and Humanities . Among the largest gifts in Trinity’s history, this investment secures the future of disciplines at the core of a liberal arts education and ensures that generations of students will continue to think critically, create boldly, and lead with purpose. “The Alvarez family’s extraordinary generosity affirms the timeless value of the arts and humanities at the heart of a Trinity education,” said Trinity President Vanessa B. Beasley, Ph.D. “This transformational gift ensures that generations of Trinity students will be inspired by disciplines that center culture, creativity, and the human experience to expand our understanding of the world and our place in it.” The gift endows the dean’s position, establishes new scholarships, and funds opportunities for undergraduate research, internships, and global study. It also supports faculty through endowed professorships, professional development, and recruitment, while creating a flexible excellence fund to spark innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community partnerships. “With this extraordinary gift from the Alvarez family, we not only honor Carlos’s legacy but also strengthen the foundation of the arts and humanities for generations to come,” said Rubén Dupertuis, Ph.D. , founding dean of the Carlos Alvarez School of Arts and Humanities. Honoring Carlos Alvarez’s Legacy Carlos Alvarez, founder of The Gambrinus Company and a longtime civic leader in San Antonio, passed away in April 2024. Born in Mexico City, Alvarez built his success in the U.S. beer industry while dedicating his life to expanding opportunities for others. Alongside his wife, Malú, and their family, Alvarez supported causes ranging from education and health care to the arts and disaster relief. “Carlos believed that education and the arts open doors to understanding ourselves and one another,” said John Brozovich , Alvarez’s son-in-law, president and CEO of The Gambrinus Company, and Trinity trustee. “This commitment to Trinity University reflects who he was as a husband, father, and leader. Our family is honored to see his values live on through the Carlos Alvarez School of Arts and Humanities.” A History of Transformational Support The Alvarez family has been a driving force at Trinity for nearly two decades. In 2005, their support launched the Mexico, the Americas, and Spain (MAS) Program, which has expanded students’ global perspectives through study abroad, internships, research, and cultural programming. Their latest investment builds upon this legacy, ensuring that Trinity continues to prepare students for a globally interconnected future. Together with the University’s recent investments, including the opening of Dicke Hall in 2022, the Carlos Alvarez School of Arts and Humanities represents a bold step forward, strengthening Trinity’s position as a national leader in liberal arts education.

As fall begins, it is important to prepare ourselves for the back-to-school season. While this exciting time of year can mean new clothes, backpacks, and school supplies, it also signifies a rise in foot and road traffic. With school in session, drivers can expect to see an increase in the number of drivers and pedestrians milling around, especially during school pick-up and drop-off. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggests all drivers take extra caution and follow all traffic laws and speed limits in school zones. Agencia de Seguros de Accesso, LLC (A Abana Insurance) believes driving safety should always be a priority. Whether you are on drop-off duty in Selma or driving your child to the bus stop in Boerne, adopting mindful driving habits can be an integral part of your back-to-school routine. School Bus Safety Ready for drop-off duty? Keep in mind that most schools have very specific drop-off and pick-up procedures. Be sure to review your school’s particular policies before the school year begins. The National Safety Council (NSC) suggests carpooling to reduce the number of vehicles at the school and to avoid loading and unloading children across the street from the school. Many students rely on school buses to get to and from school. take extra caution when driving around school buses and review the following helpful tips from the NSC: Allow greater following distance if you are driving behind a bus so you will have more time to stop once the yellow lights start flashing. Do not pass a bus from behind, or from either direction if you’re on an undivided road, or if it stopped to load or unload kids. If the bus’s yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, you must wait until the lights stop flashing, the arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before you may move your vehicle. Be wary of children exiting school buses, as they can behave unpredictably. Bike Safety Bikes can provide an eco-friendly mode of transit for older children heading to school. However, young cyclists are not always educated on the rules of the road. It is up to adult drivers to remain watchful and safely share the streets with both cyclists and pedestrians. Be on the lookout for excess foot and bike traffic, and heed these following safe driving suggestions: If you must pass a cyclist, proceed in the same direction slowly, and leave 3 feet between your car and the cyclist. If you are turning left and a bicyclist is approaching in the opposite direction, wait for the cyclist to pass. Watch for cyclists turning without looking or signaling, as well as bikes coming out of driveways and behind parked cars. Be sure to check the side mirrors before opening your vehicle’s door. Car and Children's Safety According to the NHTSA, during the school year pedestrian traffic tends to be higher. Many young children lose their lives due to motorists who fail to comply with safety precautions. Put safety first by familiarizing yourself with these helpful tips: Do not block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn. When lights are blinking in a school zone, you must stop and yield to the pedestrians crossing in the crosswalk or intersection. Do not pass another vehicle that is stopped for pedestrians. Make a full stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard when they are holding up a stop sign. Even if you have the right of way, do not honk or encourage a pedestrian to hurry up. Lastly, if you are parking your car or leaving it unattended, remember to keep your vehicle locked. It is not uncommon for young children to see the car as a play site, crawl around, and get trapped. While the weather may still be balmy in San Antonio come September, the shift in seasons signifies it’s time to hit the books and head back to school. School pick-ups and drop-offs can seem chaotic. Nonetheless, by exercising awareness and caution, drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians can safely co-exist. A Abana Insurance knows that safe driving goes beyond the bus stop. Obtaining the right coverage for your family’s vehicle is an important part of being a responsible driver. Give one of our qualified bilingual-Spanish agents a call today at 210-899-5401 to receive a free quote or discuss our affordable auto insurance options.  Disclaimer: This material is for general informational purposes only. Products, services, and discounts referenced herein are not available in all states or in all companies. All statements are subject to the terms, exclusions, and conditions of the applicable policy. In all instances, current policy contract language prevails. Coverage is subject to individual policyholders meeting the insurer's underwriting qualifications and state availability. Other terms, conditions and exclusions may apply. Sources: https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/nhtsa-reminds-everyone-be-alert-children-head-back-school https://www.nhtsa.gov/school-bus-safety/keeping-children-safe https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/school-safety/back-to-school-safety-tips-for-drivers

Regional bank’s donation supports nonprofits funding critical resources, services On July 4, saturating rains caused local rivers to inundate parts of Kerr County as well as Travis, Kendall, Burnet, Williamson, and Tom Green counties with devastating floodwaters, almost without warning. Within days of those catastrophic flash floods, Hancock Whitney Bank gave $100,000 to organizations spearheading relief and recovery efforts in the hardest hit areas. Now, those nonprofits are deploying those much-needed dollars to provide critical supplies, recovery and rebuilding resources, and flood assistance services to people and communities working hard to come back from the floods.

Mark your calendars because the Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival is almost here! Get ready to dive into a night overflowing with inspiration. More than 200 artists will gather to showcase their finest creations. Wander the beautiful streets of St. Paul Square and experience everything from paintings and digital art to interactive installations, films, dance, live music, poetry, and countless surprises waiting to be discovered.  Join friends and family on October 18, 2025, at St. Paul Square, from 6 PM to midnight, where commerce and downtown meet. Enjoy the magic of Luminaria and create lasting memories. Don’t miss out—join us for an unforgettable evening and experience the festival for yourself!

We are seeking dedicated community members passionate about learning more about the San Antonio public education landscape and enhancing their skills to take action for all students in Bexar County. Take 30 min to apply for the Class of 2026! Applications due 7/31.

CPS Energy is seeking applicants to fill the upcoming Board of Trustees vacancy in the Northeast Quadrant (2) of CPS Energy’s service area . The selected candidate will fill the Quadrant 2 seat that is currently held by Mr. John Steen, whose term ends January 31, 2026. The CPS Energy Board of Trustees will select a Trustee by majority vote. That selected nominee must then be considered and confirmed by San Antonio’s City Council. Applicants must submit applications online, via email, mail, or by hand delivering a hard copy to CPS Energy headquarters, 500 McCullough Avenue, by 5:00 P.M. on August 29, 2025. Interested applicants are invited to attend one of two informational sessions held by CPS Energy ahead of the application due date to learn more. Information about those sessions is below: Where: CPS Energy headquarters, 500 McCullough Avenue When:  August 12, 2025, at 12:00 P.M. Sessions will be livestreamed, and recordings of each session will also be available online for those who cannot attend in person. The application is available online at cpsenergy.com/trusteevacancy or in person by visiting any of CPS Energy’s Walk-in Service Centers. Learn more about the qualifications and application process at cpsenergy.com/trusteevacancy .