Assclown Alert is a column of opinion, analysis and snark. It’s tempting to write off Clayton Perry, the sole conservative on San Antonio’s largely progressive city council, as a loveable curmudgeon. After all, he’s more folksy than brash in his contrarian stances, not exactly someone prone to Trumpian tantrums. But Perry’s vote against last week’s…
Council Candidate Norberto ‘Geremy’ Landin sees District 5’s hope and resiliency
When Norberto “Geremy” Landin appears on my computer screen, I compliment his guayabera with its two vertical rows of sewn pleats running along the front. “Oh, thank you,” he replies from his West Side home. “I’m infamous for wearing a ton of guayaberas.” Landin, who turned 25 on New Year’s Eve, is running for the…
San Antonio Council District 1 hopeful Mario Bravo vies to jump from activism to public office
When District 1 council candidate Mario Kelly Bravo greets me through my computer screen for a Zoom call, a colorful art piece on the wall behind him captures my attention. “My parents bought that in Mexico,” he explains. “I have a lot of stuff from Mexico here.” Like his appreciation for art, Bravo’s verve for…
In Agreement with FAA, San Antonio Must Offer Chick-fil-A Concession at Airport
In an informal agreement negotiated on September 10 with the Federal Aviation Administration, the City of San Antonio must now offer Chick-fil-A concession at the San Antonio International Airport. The FAA’s agreement comes as the result of an investigation initiated by the U.S. Department of Transportation at the request of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton…
Rainbow Crosswalk Inspires City to Approve Crosswalk Program for Other Neighborhoods
The City of San Antonio announced on June 20 that the City Council authorized the creation of a Community Crosswalk Program that will allow decorative elements at crosswalks across the city. The rainbow crosswalk that was installed last year at the corner of Evergreen and North Main served as the inspiration for “artistic” crosswalks in…
Councilwoman Ana Sandoval Wants to Change the Climate at City Hall
Originally published in the San Antonio Current. Around 2002, Ana Sandoval was on the cusp of a life-changing decision. She was living what might appear to be a perfect life in San Francisco, complete with a postcard view of the Golden Gate Bridge from outside her apartment building. Opposite, she could see cable cars coasting…
Early Voting Starts Today — Are You Ready?
Early voting for the May 4 municipal election begins on Monday, April 2 and ends Tuesday, April 30. This year’s election includes races for mayor and all ten City Council districts. There are nine candidates running in District 1; eight in District 2; seven in District 3; two in District 4; four in District 5;…
Meet the Five LGBTQ Candidates Running for the San Antonio City Council
San Antonio voters in Districts 1, 4, 8 and 9 will have the opportunity to cast their ballots for an LGBTQ City Council candidate in the May 4 General Election. This election season brings five queer candidates, a record number. LGBTQ candidates have run for the City Council in the past including previous District 1…
Outgoing San Antonio City Councilman Rey Saldaña Ain’t Afraid of No Ten-Foot Crocodile
Originally published in the San Antonio Current. With clear eyes and an effortless smile, San Antonio City Councilman Rey Saldaña is looking back on his eight-year tenure without a single regret. As he approaches his final days in office, his administrative workspace is filled with memories and milestones commemorating his role as the neighborhood-hero-makes-good representative…
San Antonio Congressman Chip Roy Scolds City Council Over Chick-Fil-A Decision
Updated: March 28, 2019, 1:00 p.m. Republican Rep. Chip Roy, who represents Texas 21st Congressional District, which includes northeastern San Antonio, has sent a letter to the City Council asking for an explanation as to why it banned Chick-Fil-A from opening a restaurant at the airport. The City Council voted on March 21 against allowing…