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CONTENTS 14 16

Glowing Pearl Farmers Markets

Featured Professional Attorneys

Lights, Camera, Action! San Antonio Emerges as a Filmmaking Hotspot

Local Business Directory

By Berit Mason

A City in Motion: The Inaugural Marathon Takes Off By Torry Sledge

24 30 32

New Year! Time for a Closet Edit

Paid Advertising Section Paid Advertising Section

A JAZZ JOINT FOR EVERYONE by Novasoul

Fashion by Jules Aldaz

2026 PA Excellence Award

As voted by their peers

Make Me Flake Free! Erica Ramos Invents the First Medicated Dry Shampoo

By Berit Mason

34 52

2026 Leaders in Healthcare: Best SA Doctors

As voted by their peers

Joseph Anderson's Journey from Jail Bars to Passing the Bar

By Gabriella Martinez & Kaylin Ledford

55 56 58 62 63 64

2026 Paralegal Excellence Award

Paid Advertising Section

2026 Leaders in Law: Rising Star Lawyers

As voted by their peers

There and Back Again: A Ron's Tale

By Nick Blevins

Balance at Bohanon's

By Nick Blevins

Featured Professional Doctors

Paid Advertising Section

Animalis Fabula Brings Bold Storytelling to Woodlawn Theater

By Jules Aldaz

SCENE EVENTS Wicked at SA Life Academy..................................................10 Congo Falls Opening at the San Antonio Zoo................... 12 Stronger Together.................................................................15 Brighton Center's Best Night Ever.....................................20

THE GUNTER REFRESHED by Nick Blevins

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46th Annual Shindig Grand Western Gala........................30 SA-ABOTA Holiday Party (Online Preview)......................50 Uncork to Support.................................................................51 Fabulous GED Brunch........................................................ 54 22nd Annual Paralegal Day Celebration........................... 54 Subscribe today at www.sceneinsa.com

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Issue No. 220

WINTER 2026 San Antonio’s Original Locally Owned and Grown City Magazine – Est. 1999 William Ziller | Publisher

Ayesha M. Malik, JD | Executive Editor Nick Blevins | Managing Editor Kaylin Ledford | Associate Publisher Luna Infante | Assistant Editor Leslie Foley | Social Editor Gabriella Martinez | Advertising Sales Director Bethany Castro | Social Media Jules Aldaz | Feature Columnist CONTRIBUTORS Berit Mason Robert Gonzales Torry Sledge ABOUT OUR COVER A runner embraces his young son moments after crossing the inaugural San Antonio Marathon finish line just past the Torch of Friendship sculpture downtown on Sunday, December 7, 2025. Pristine skies underscore the idyllic conditions that day. Cover photography by Torry Sledge Magazine Layout and Design by Ayesha M. Malik and Nick Blevins

For editorial comments, questions, and submissions: editorial@sceneinsa.com or call (210) 828-4209 For questions on advertising, advertorial, or directory listings: advertising@sceneinsa.com or call (210) 828-4209 P.O. Box: 13423 Blanco Road #290, San Antonio, Texas 78216 SUBSCRIBE www.sceneinsa.com/subscribe, or call 210-828-4209 Scene In SA Magazine (ISSN 1942-6852) is published four times per year by Scene Monthly, LLC. Copyright © 2026 by Scene Monthly, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Printed in San Antonio, Texas by Shweiki Media. This magazine may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form or any means without written permission from the publisher. Subscribers: If the postal service advises us that your magazine is undeliverable, we have no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within one year. Please allow four weeks for change of address or new orders. Send address changes to: subscriptions@sceneinsa.com. 6

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"WE FIGHT TO WIN"

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derekritchielaw.com WINTER 2026 |

EDITOR'S NOTE

STAFF

Happy winter, everybody. I hope you’re staying warm, and that your holidays were gleeful, festive, and full of meaningful moments with those you hold dear. Putting this issue together, it seemed like everybody I knew was ridiculously busy, scrambling to tie up loose ends. Nobody had time to just exist, present company included; but we managed to anyway. Especially coming off of the holiday season, you really try to balance work and being present, and it can be a challenge. —may I say though, what a tradeoff. It was worth it. You all are worth it, and we appreciate every reader and collaborator a great deal. Because of the community we cultivate together with each successive publication, I’m proud to say that we really do have a great issue for you in the pages ahead.

William Ziller Publisher

Ayesha M. Malik, JD Executive Editor

The inaugural San Antonio Marathon kicked off in December, and our intrepid writer and photographer Torry Sledge makes you feel like you were out there hoofin’ it on the streets with the rest of the runners! If you’re still waffling on whether or not to start that couch-to-5K, let his article be the motivation you need. And hey, if you’re looking for someplace cozy to squirrel away when the days get nippy, San Antonio’s own sage of soul (you heard it here first), Novasoul, has a recommendation for you.

Nick Blevins

Kaylin Ledford

Managing Editor

Associate Publisher

Leslie Foley

Bethany Castro

Step up your fashion game, make some new dinner plans, or connect with a new local business; it’s all here. With everything our team has packed in these pages for you this issue, by the time you close this magazine you’re gonna be ready to take on whatever the year throws at you! (And if not, check out our 2026 Leaders in Healthcare and Law lists (Best SA Docs and Rising Star Lawyers edition!) for just the professional who can get you all sorted out.) Life’s long if you’re lucky. Tell your loved ones how you feel often, and have a great start to your 2026,

Social Media

Social Editor

Nick Blevins

Managing Editor

Gabriella Martinez Advertising Sales Director

Luna Infante

Assistant Editor

Kudos “I always love to see the community, the diversity, and things I didn’t even know were in the city. I grew up here, but I learn something new every time I open the magazine.”

Jules Aldaz

~Sarah Gorton Think Net, Tailored Wall Solutions

Feature Columnist

“I love that you cover a little bit of everything. The wide variety and diversity really captures the spirit of San Antonio.” ~Genevie Sims Business Professionals of San Antonio 8

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at Honoree Dacia Napier, MD

Verdant Wicked-themed table setting

By Leslie Foley

Glinda and Elphaba Desserts

Life Academy’s 2025 Off Broadway Gala defied gravity! Greeted with Glinda-pink and Elphaba-green signature cocktails, guests entered the whimsically decorated faraway land of Oz — designed by the artistic Dr. Dacia Napier, who was also the evening’s honoree. Since 2022, she has designed exquisite table centerpieces and over-the-top decorations for the Gala, establishing a beloved tradition that supporters eagerly anticipate each year.

Board Chair Kris Clark, Event Coordinator Meggan Leonard and Co-Executive Directors Ellen Shoemaker and Samantha Pety

Nearly 600 guests donning their requisite green and pink ensembles enjoyed the unforgettable night in the Emerald City within the Land of Oz. Proceeds supported SA Life Academy’s mission of providing learning opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. ■ Students from SA Life Academy

Gala chairs Bill Ford and Debbie Roberts

Sponsors Gordon and Maggie Hartman, honoree Dacia Napier, MD and Morgan Hartman next to the centerpiece Napier created

| WINTER 2026

Matt and Malinda Moore

Chaney and Tripp Stuart with Karen Lee Zachry Subscribe today at www.sceneinsa.com

elebrating over 80 years, the firm has represented corporate officials, doctors, lawyers, judges, legislators, journalists,

athletes, entertainers, public officials and others. Dedicated to improving our Justice System and holding prosecutors accountable.

G&O represented exoneree Michael Morton, who wrongfully served 25 years for the murder of his wife, resulting in the reform of criminal discovery in Texas and the first ever criminal conviction of a prosecutor for the intentional suppression of favorable evidence. The firm represented exoneree, Hannah Overton, whose capital murder case was reversed and dismissed, got the first confession of error for Texas’ youngest death row inmate, and continues to seek vindication for Cameron Todd Willingham, whose wrongful execution was based on junk science.

G&O has successfully represented prominent business, professional, and public figures facing criminal and regulatory difficulties, including a U.S. Congressman in the Abscam Scandal, wrestler “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, rappers 2 Live Crew, NFL and NBA players, former Panamanian President Manuel Noriega before the United States Supreme Court, a lawyer in Operation Brilab and Gonzo journalist Dr. Hunter S. Thompson.

315 E. Commerce St., Suite 301 | San Antonio, TX 78205 Tel: (210) 226-1463 | Fax: (210) 226-8367

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Let's Go Ape! T

Writer & Photographer Nick Blevins

hrough an ephemeral mist that occasionally became a light drizzle, spirits remained buoyed as a massive throng of ape adorers, animal lovers, and curious onlookers alike gazed at one of the most spectacular new additions to the San Antonio Zoo in years. Humid, rainforest-like conditions proved a perfect accompaniment to the steady plume of mysterious fog emanating from the entrance. Myriad zoo staff and officials stood before the exhibit, beaming. Following an introduction from the Zoo’s Vice President of Marketing Hope Roth, CEO and President Tim Morrow spoke on the significance of the moment, when an excited voice rang out from the audience shouting, “Open the doors!”

t a N E NOW OP

O O Z O I N O SAN ANT

B'wenzi's signature "resting gorilla face" Photo courtesy San Antonio Zoo

Did you know the SA Zoo has received the honor of being AZA-accredited for 50 years?

The swelling crowd, it was clear, was on the precipice of going absolutely bananas. Spectators celebrated the grand opening of Congo Falls on December 13, marking the return of the great apes to San Antonio after three decades. With the sophisticated, groundbreaking gorilla habitat spanning two acres, the zoo's newest tenants get an ape’s-eye view of their multi-terrain digs from the world's tallest climbing tower whilst living out their wildest Kong dreams. Members of city council were on-site for the ribbon cutting ceremony, including District 2 councilmember Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, speaking on behalf of Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones (and commemorating his daughter’s first-ever zoo visit!). The new habitat is also promoting an electronics recycling program, meant to aid and bring awareness to the blight on gorillas’ natural habitat that is coltan mining: visitors to the San Antonio Zoo may bring old phones, gaming devices, or other small electronics to a drop-off station near Congo Falls. Congo Falls is now open. Check the zoo website, sazoo.org, for visiting hours, neat events, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and be sure to look around further to see other representatives from the vast and unique animal kingdom! ■

Animal ambassadors (and one human representative) walk by

An unusually large Zebra must have gotten out

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Fanfare from the crowd the moment the exhibit officially opened

San Antonio Zoo President & CEO Tim Morrow Subscribe today at www.sceneinsa.com

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WINTER 2026 |

THE CITY’S GLOWING PEARL FARMERS' MARKETS Writer & Photographer Luna Infante

ust north of the heart of downtown San Antonio lives the shining Pearl Brewery Complex, a popular historic area home to cuisine, shops, and entertainment. The Pearl hosts many weekly events, including their weekend markets.

Every Saturday, rain or shine, the Pearl fills with local farmers, ranchers, and creatives from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for its Farmers' Markets. The Pearl assures sustainability and the local food movement by ensuring all its vendors are located within a 150-mile radius of the Alamo City. Every Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Pearl holds their Maker’s Market for local artisans to sell goods such as pottery, wood crafts, and more. When walking into the Pearl from the corner of Pearl Parkway and Avenue A — between the local shops and cafés — local shoppers will be met with rows of booths selling goods. The booths, set up by local and small businesses, offer a variety of goods from fresh produce, pastries, and beverages, to crafts and personal care. On sunny days, the fresh breeze kisses shoppers—carrying sweet scents from the baker’s booths, and in a dance, guiding them to the colorful tents charmed with smiling vendors. Harmony Market Garden from Floresville, Texas sets a simple display of neutral colors and woods to accentuate their greens, veggies, and honeys. This booth sells scallions, dino kale beets, watermelon radishes, and more. Family business Deep River Specialty Foods offers patrons award-winning, locally sourced barbecue sauces, mustards, and jams — perfect complements for the refreshing produce offered at other booths. For those peckish for bites and sips on the go, other stalls offer mouthwatering, fluffy, French-style beignets, crunchy kettle corn, freshly squeezed lemonade, and wine samples. Patrons in search of all-natural personal care or handmade crafts are in luck. Crowds form at Byccombe Natural Solution, which offers smooth-smelling, moisturizing goat milk soap, lip balms, salves, body scrubs, beard balms, and candles. Several customers praise this business, claiming the products make their lips “feel like pillows,” make them smell like a “unicorn,” and have a smoothing effect on scars. Imagine Lavender Farm vends lavender goods for personal care, pet care, and culinary purposes. For the artsy bunch, many friendly creatives share their crafts: handmade jewelry, city skylinemarked pottery, and colorful, ceramic plant hangers stand delicately at several stalls. For those who prefer personalized creations, Austin Typerwriter Poets Collective welcomes readers to walk up to their eccentric poets and ask for poems. These poems are made in real-time on antique typewriters, a pleasant gift to local aesthetes. The Pearl’s weekend markets support local businesses and charm the Alamo City with a multitude of locally sourced produce, baked goods, services, and artisanal works. For those looking for organic products or simply seeking a family-friendly weekend activity, the shining Pearl is the place to be. ■

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Annelise Wagner and Maddie Duke (back row) with Jessica Holt and herdaughter Hannah Jean Holt

Pink Party Singers performed God Bless America as attendees waved the American Flag

Stronger Together

By Leslie Foley

First responders, Stronger Together!

Performance by Dancing Divas; this year's theme: Stronger Together

he Women In Medicine and Law Pink Party was a resounding success, raising $240,000 for ThriveWell's Diva Program. Attendees brought incredible energy to the event, which was expertly guided by the wonderful and always entertaining Mistress of Ceremonies, Dr. Jean Holt.

Andrea Wagner, PhD with mom, Jean Holt, MD: Mistress of Ceremonies AKA Doctor by Day and Diva by Night

Guests enjoyed the Dancing Divas, Pink Market, food stations, cork toss, silent auction, a photo booth, and door prizes. Gratitude was extended to the presenting sponsor, University Health, along with all other generous sponsors, the Pink Party Steering Committee, the ThriveWell Divas, survivors, and Pearl Adams, Molly Wilkes, Imelda Luna, Kayla Luna, and Janelle Mundine volunteers. The 22nd annual Pink Party was once again a huge pink success! ■

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L ig

ts mera. A . Ca c t

n io

THE CITY'S EMERGENCE AS A FILMMAKING HOTSPOT By Berit Mason

View of Houston Street in downtown San Antonio (above); Photo and San Antonio Film Commision logo (left) courtesy City of San Antonio

ir Force pilots train in San Antonio because of our clear blue skies and flat terrain. In fact, the Academy Awards’ first Best Picture winner was once Wings, a 1927 silent film about WWI pilots, filmed in San Antonio. One hundred years later, the San Antonio Film Commission reports the city is on the moviemaking industry’s radar.

Per a Commission release, “The city has seen a 140% increase in film permits, from 221 in 2022 to 586 in 2025,” while the total number of filming days has nearly doubled, to 710. Those clear skies and our old pueblo feel bring in the business — the movie business, that is. “We have a lot of historic buildings that have been preserved,” says the Department of Arts & Culture director, Krystal Jones. “And that really helps the film industry, when other cities aren’t taking historic preservation as seriously.” San Antonio is also an incubator for emerging talent, including writers, producers, actors, and directors, like San Antonio native Justin Rodriguez. “When I was 19 years old, I worked as a PA (production assistant) and worked my way up … holding a flag, holding a boom mic, going to get coffee.” Today, Rodriguez is a film director, founder of Brave Picture Films. “In 2017, I thought I should write my own film.” He produced Lush, a noir shot on our city streets so dark, you can’t tell the locale. He says the City of San Antonio is very supportive. “You are one email away, and you can get a permit the next day.” So where’s the local film scene? At Alamo City Studios mixers, Production Club SA, and screenings like CineFestival. “Before, it felt kind of cliquish, standoffish,” he says. “But over the years, it’s changed so much, where people are just so happy to work with each other, and a lot of friendships are made … I’ve only seen it grow.” Like everything else, film is encapsulated inside cell phones. “Vertical films on your phone,” says Rodriguez. “There’s a different media content.” Continued on 18

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Actors email auditions, directors post shorts. Shorts act as resumes, demonstrating a filmmaker’s talent and skill, to be hired on other projects. “There is more work coming in here now — streaming work. San Antonio is like an open, blank canvas compared to Austin, and that is alluring for a director. We can paint it how we want.”

Scary Movies, IRL Cynthia Bergen and a partner established The Vintage Club Stories and No Sleep Films, producing over 30 horror features and shorts, based on supernatural events. A Pearsall shoot became a true-life experience. “The owner of the house, Shannon, told me they encountered a ghost who likes to take things and put them back. After filming that day, Shannon told me her ghost was gone. That whole week in my house, I had stuff disappearing; lotion from the bathroom disappeared, and reappeared in the basket.” After production, Bergen told her friend, “I’m giving you your ghost back,” and the paranormal activities stopped. “We’ve been in more than 1,000 film festivals around the world,” she says. She hosts a film festival too: the Horrorific Women Film Festival. “You can use your cell phone, any camera; [it] does not have to be an expensive camera,” says Bergen. “I had one filmmaker who submitted a short film using just still photos.” Film festivals showing shorts can show lots of them, increasing the possibility that a producer sees it, likes it, and considers making a full-length feature film from it.

Film posters for Lush (2016) and Glossolalia (2019); courtesy Justin A. Rodriguez and locally-based Brave Pictures

Supernatural Sets Ever feel like it feels like a ghost is misplacing your keys, wallet, and other life necessities? Maybe sometimes it is, at least in the case of films set on location at this house (pictured right) in Pearsall, Texas.

RTI

SPOO Photo courtesy Cynthia Bergen

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Scratch-Made Art Local animator Caleb Barber produces animation and claymation films. Barber releases under the moniker Collective Motions. “I am a stop-motion creator here in San Antonio. I use miniatures, anything from paper, found objects, and clay, to create stories.” Collective Motions collaborates with local musicians to make videos. These new artists rely on social media as a “stage.” “My handle is @collective_motions. After 70 to 80 videos, people started catching on.” Utilizing the technique of stop-motion, Barber goes through the painstaking process of shooting one “motion” at a time, the traditional way of making claymation and animated films, shooting scenes from sets and characters set up on a table in his living room. “Everything is made from scratch, the scenes that I’m using, the characters, shot frame-by-frame; pictures put together that create the visual you are seeing.” He calls the method imperfect and frustrating at times. But he’s learned patience. “It can take two hours to get 30 seconds of a shot.” Think director Tim Burton, or Wallace and Gromit. Barber began this career path by making his wood carvings come to life. He eschews AI in favor of “handmade” filmmaking. “It blocks the creativity that naturally comes through human beings,” he explains. “What [AI is] doing is perfect. What I’m doing is imperfect, and that’s what’s beautiful about it.” Collective Motions has exhibited at Luminaria, the blocks-long annual downtown winter arts festival showcasing local artists.

Supporting Texas Talent San Antonio is also home to actors, like Jose Raul Corres, originally from Mexico City. But: “It’s tough! Because most of the auditions that truly matter, those shows that you want to be on, all stay in the northern part of the US. We get a few that trickle down. But I’ve been finding a lot more jobs in Austin, Dallas, and Houston.” “The talent is here,” Corres insists. “It’s about bringing the focus and the money to San Antonio. Acting here is very tough, but I have found fantastic roles in town.” To help, the city offers annual Artist Grants to bring local work to life. Corres wishes to see his name lit up on that imaginary marquee. “But I also have the duty to put the name of Texas high up in shiny lights.” These artists use their work as a bridge, connecting San Antonio to the broader scene. “The days of actors just acting are done. If you want something, you have to create it yourself. If you want to act, get your friends together, get a camera, get your phone, and write a story, and go make it. That is the only way you are going to get yourself out there.”

On-set in an antique San Antonio in Paramount's 1923; Photo courtesy City of San Antonio

Corres and his sister, a grant recipient, have a production company, Titanium Milk, to do just that.

Industry Incentives The influx of Californians to Texas brought along the moviemaking industry. “The Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program (TMIIIP) attracts new business investments in the moving image industry to Texas,” says Texas Film Commission Director Stephanie Whallon. “Since being created in 2007 by the Texas Legislature, TMIIIP has generated almost $3 billion in local spending, and created over 200,000 Texas jobs in communities across the state.” The 2025 legislative session updated the program, so Texas can continue its white-hot moviemaking streak, offering incentives encouraging film production to come here — like Yellowstoneprequel series 1923, filmed in our downtown. The San Antonio Film Commission reports 1923 generated about $1 million in local spending, employing 450 crew members and 165 extras. The

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production company booked over 180 hotel rooms, spending $500,000 on filming locations. “This momentum highlights the city’s expanded production capacity and rising national visibility as a creative hub,” says the commission, the city agency working day and night to woo filmmaking production companies to shoot here. The result is that San Antonio has hosted full-length feature film productions, documentaries, TV episodes, and series, plus being the backdrop for countless local and national TV commercials. “San Antonio boasts a large, skilled, and growing pool of talented, hardworking, and friendly industry professionals — and the San Antonio Production Directory is the go-to place for those who want to get discovered and find work.” Which has allowed artists like Justin Rodriguez to forge a life and an artistic career, right here. ■ If you’re a creative interested in seeking the Department of Arts & Culture Artist Grants, the Intent to Apply opens at 8 AM on Jan 5, 2026, and Applications open at 8 AM on February 2, 2026. For more information, visit sa.gov/directory/ departments/arts/grants/artist-grants. WINTER 2026 |

Get Your BRIGHT ON! Meriel Bowman, Kelly Leddy, LeAnn Trejo, and Sarah Pfeifer

By Leslie Foley

righton Center’s Best Night Ever Gala was bigger and brighter than ever! The lights shone bright on the Brighton Center, whose mission is to provide support to children with disabilities and developmental delays, empowering them to reach their goals. Brighton Center provides pediatric therapy, inclusive education, and family support that helps over 5,000 children annually to discover their abilities and reach their full potential.

Jason and Traci Miller with Kelly and Travis Hedgpeth

This year’s gala was Bright On, and attendees dressed in their brightest brights to shine, shimmer, radiate, and raise funds to transform the lives of children and their families. ■

Guava donut with cream cheese frosting

Gala chairs Aaron and Sarah McKee

Celeste Pavelka, Lindsay Guenther, and Julia Grossman

Brian and Katrina Campbell, CEO

Amy Platt, Katie Reynolds, and Kylene King

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A City in Motion The Inaugural San Antonio Marathon Takes Off

Writer & Photographer Torry Sledge

he movement of a city determines its health, from outer suburbia to the inner city streets of local commerce: sunny drives along hilly, rustic farmlands, to the weekend walk around monument-studded concrete commons.

With the kick-off of the inaugural San Antonio Marathon, the city was in full motion. Early morning volunteers arrived at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center, city road crews began locking down transit routes, and 15,000 people arose for the day, prepared to undertake a feat that — for many — would be the greatest challenge they’d ever faced.

As hints of light crept into the morning abyss, scattered participants begin their trek to Main Plaza Square. Clock ticking down, the groups turned into a herd, the massive crowd drowned out by the angelic voice of Mateo Lopez as the national anthem echoed among the barren silhouettes of downtown. An anxious stillness hovers above the shared momentary silence, and an air of emotions set in; some reluctant, most determined. Many have chosen to embark on 13.1 miles of excruciating self-doubt and physical torment. Others have chosen more. The full marathon, 26.2 miles. A distance said to have been traveled by Pheidippides from Marathon to Athens to announce the military victory of the Battle of Marathon. These runners, these few were set to place their names among the halls of divine kinetics. The first corral lined up. 3 … 2 … 1. Smoke ballooned from the starting pylons, and cheers roared from all directions, vibrating the spirited atmosphere into a frenzy. A

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rumble of concrete battered soles forward into the morning, on to conquer, unto legacy. As hours passed, on-lookers and officiants, families with hand crafted signs, and loved ones with the blown-up faces of their runners all clung to fences and hands in anticipation, eyes scanning the distance for a familiar form. One runner appeared from the distant shadows, exhaustion evident, yet feet in stride. Cheers erupted from the finish chute. Name? … not important. Time? … does not matter. Every one is celebrated and lifted across that line. One by one, in celebration, in pain, in reverence; but not a single one in defeat. Clenching their medals, praises and hugs were showered upon runners rejoining their supportive groups at Hemisfair Park. Tears and congratulations poured out. Slowly, a line forms. At its head, a platform and banner of accomplishment rises in the middle of the park. Upon it, champions pose, one by one, solidifying their greatest movement. For one morning, San Antonio did more than host a marathon. It revealed itself — alive, resilient, and in motion. ■

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WINTER 2026 |

New Year! Time for a Closet Edit

By Jules Aldaz Fashion Writer & Stylist

’ve always believed that style should give you something no one can take away: confidence. Not the fleeting kind where you need to be assured you look good by others, but the deep, abiding kind you feel the moment you get dressed. This is something I tell my clients all the time, and I remind myself of constantly: wear pieces that make you feel so confident you don’t need compliments — you just know. There’s a powerful feeling about choosing clothing that doesn’t require validation. It is an understated confidence. It’s you walking into a room fully aware that your style reflects exactly who you are right now, and not who you were last year nor who someone else thinks you should be. January tends to push this idea of reinvention, but let’s be honest: the most stylish women aren’t reinventing themselves every year — they’re refining. They know what works for them, which allows them to keep adding pieces that support their current lifestyle, their career, their body, and their story. This year, when reevaluating your wardrobe, focus on five staple pieces that will instantly elevate your wardrobe without trying too hard. These pieces are modern, versatile, and wearable in real life no matter what your lifestyle is. They allow you to be ready for any occasion.

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A Modern Blazer Modern does not equal corporate. A clean shoulder, a little structure, and a length that feels tailored instead of oversized. Throw it over denim, dresses, even joggers. Confidence in one layer.

A Statement Coat One piece that does all the talking even when you’re wearing the simplest outfit underneath. Texture, color, shape — choose one. Let the coat tell the story. Belt it for an even more elevated statement.

pair with Elevated Basics This is one of my personal favorites for my clients’ staple pieces. The tee that feels like luxury with elevated details such as a v-neck or a monochromatic detailed sleeve. The knit that doesn’t pill. The tank you keep reaching for but add a broach or a flower pin. Basics do not equal boring — they mean quality that will last for more than one season.

Wide Leg Trousers/ Palazzo Pants They elongate, they’re comfortable, and they look polished without the effort. Find a pair that moves with you, with a stretch waist so it allows you to keep it if your weight fluctuates and it works with you - not against you.

A Versatile Shoe Something you can wear three ways: work, weekend, and events. The color should be an elevated neutral that will blend with anything. I’m loving a pointy-toe gold right now because it reads like a metallic neutral, works with denim just as easily as dresses, and gives instant polish without looking like you’re trying too hard. The key is choosing a shape and tone that feels refined enough for special outings, but comfortable enough for everyday life.

Confidence rarely comes from chasing compliments — it comes from trusting yourself and within yourself. The truth is style becomes a lot more fun when you dress from that place within you. Let this be the year you don’t ask Do I look okay? and instead simply know that you do. Confidence is the best accessory that is always stylish! ■

For more style tips, connect with me on Instagram @julesaldaz or visit jules. style to explore my styling services. Whether we edit your closet, refresh what you already own, or shop together for those confidence-boosting pieces, my goal remains the same: helping you feel unmistakably confident, often with just a few thoughtful tweaks and a fresh point of view. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/sceneinsa | Follow us on Instagram @sceneinsamag

WINTER 2026 |

The Sun Never Sets on

Jazz

By Novasoul aka Robert Gonzales

Despite a growing, youthful population, and rapid downtown urban development seeking to position the city as a megalopolis amongst its peers — Dallas, Houston, and our forever sworn taco frenemy, Austin — San Antonio's jazz music offerings are slim. Yet, something very interesting has been playing out in our jazz scene at the moment...

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arlier this year, on a night off from deejaying, I finally made the journey to River Sun Jazz Club after months of FOMO from viewing friends' social media posts of the vibey jazz bar. What I experienced that evening was a delight for my ears and my eyes! I was treated to an exuberant performance by Jamail Chachere with his group, Jamail & Friends, as he effortlessly switched between electric bass and synthesizer keyboard playing original music that is better felt than described. Still, there were definitely elements of Stanley Clarke mixed with Herbie Hancock, as well as composition renditions from The Legend of Zelda! Truly jazz fusion for the 21st century. As I sat absorbing the brassy melodies of the saxophone, the crunchy rhythm of the drums, and funky bass lines, I couldn't help but notice that the majority of friendly faces gathered were in their early to mid twenties, and completely engaged — ahem, locked in! It was an inspiring experience; I felt confident that jazz in San Antonio is alive and thriving! Without sounding like an ageist (I am a spritely forty-whatever-year-old, after all), when I previously frequented local jazz clubs, my expectation was to be immersed among people my age and older. I often wondered: if that trend continues and my generation "ages out," what would happen to jazz music if it doesn't attract younger musicians, and consequently fails to appeal to younger audiences? Case in point, San Antonio's Philharmonic has recently been pushed out of its current home, the Scottish Rite Auditorium, just three years after the San Antonio Symphony dissolved due to financial instability. As a result, San Antonio is now the largest U.S. city without a major orchestra. Outside of discussing our need to improve public education in the arts to appreciate orchestral music, I wondered, 'What is River Sun Jazz Club doing differently to keep music programming fresh and attract youthful talent and attendees?' And in what ways are our music and artist communities fostering and encouraging the spread of important music like jazz toward future generations? I reached out to River Sun Jazz Club co-owner and recording jazz artist Anthony Thomas Martinez, as well as Jamail Chachere, one of the younger performers who has been part of several River Sun's live engagements, to hear their experiences.

THE OTHER SIDE OF JAZZ As soon as we get into the history of jazz in San Antonio, Anthony proclaims his passion. "My purpose stems from being that kid in San Antonio that loves jazz … and growing up here, but not having access to opportunities for it."

Anthony recalls the personal hurdles he endured to learn and practice jazz while attending John Jay High School, which, at the time, had no formal curriculum for it. He had to arrive at school extra early and stay late after classes to practice since it wasn't part of the schedule. Motivated by a couple of his music teachers who became his mentors, and desiring to fulfill his father's dreams, Anthony pushed himself to seek out, compete in, and ultimately receive recognition in state and national jazz competitions to elevate his saxophone skills. These efforts reflect Anthony's formula for success, adopted to this day: "persistence, grit, just wanting to push myself as an artist, musician, businessman, and maintaining a curiosity for growth." Before earning a degree from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Anthony's entrepreneurial spirit already got the best of him, as he committed himself full-time to his independent record label, Black Note Records, which later evolved into the artist studio and gallery space Black Note Gallery. He immediately stamped his unique sound, combining his jazz compositions with hip-hop beats, blues chords, soul, and funk. He took on producing, marketing, developing artists, audio engineering, and selling mixtapes! Anthony remarks that his goal was the same then as it is today, "to feed jazz to a younger audience." In 2021, Anthony established The Jazz Standard, his booking and promotional entertainment agency, which places jazz musicians in local venues, restaurants, and hotels seeking live jazz performances. He curates music programming for On The Bend Oyster Bar & Lounge — formerly The Landing on the River Walk, once operated by the late great jazz luminary Jim Cullum, Jr. For Anthony, it has been a privilege to help revitalize the iconic location with jazz, paying respect to a legend like Cullum, whom he calls part of San Antonio's "jazz elders." "I just want to continue paying respect and homage to our jazz elders while still contributing to providing opportunities that I am grateful to have been given at that site," says Anthony. Continuing our conversation about music trends, technology, AI, and our current social climate, Anthony breaks it down this way, "look, jazz is often regarded as the highest form of musical expression an individual can chase after. The music represents and carries pieces of history; the past, the future, and most importantly, the present! And when you use that music as a vehicle, as a reflection of current times, social and political challenges to express pain, joy, love, happiness, all the human emotions ... The music itself embodies the full human experience. If we are looking

Jazz artist and River Sun Co-owner Anthony Thomas Martinez; Photo courtesy Anthony Thomas Martinez

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WINTER 2026 |

Travis Davis (piano), Ed Sherry (trumpet), Aaron walker (drums), Anthony Thomas Martinez, and Doug Bennet (bass) perform on stage at River Sun Jazz Club

at AI to generate art for us, it cannot encompass all these things. But as a tool to grow and practice, or analyze, then yeah, AI is a great tool." Anthony's penchant for music programming and diverse community relationships eventually led him to a newly revamped cocktail bar along Avenue B. He was tasked with developing a complementary music identity. For his first night, Anthony recalls, "the moment was serendipitous, because I just talked to my friend Javi [LA recording artist Javier Santiago] who asked if I knew of places he can play in San Antonio… so yes, he was our first artist to open for us!” With Javier Santiago's compositions of jazz piano, Latin percussion, hip-hop beats, and electronic textures, it was the perfect introduction to River Sun's soundscape that Anthony proudly promotes as its slogan: "the other side of jazz." By extending the sonic palette outside of the traditions of jazz rhythms and structures, Anthony states, "I want to bring balance to our jazz scene. There are so many opportunities to hear traditional and smooth jazz, which is also part of our program. But I also want artists to not be afraid to express themselves how they want. This is your canvas!"

GO DOWN TO THE RIVER SUN Just as the nature of jazz is fluid and ever-evolving, it seems fitting for it to be further explored at the appropriately named River Sun Jazz Club, located in San Antonio's downtown Museum Reach. Within a year after the successful opening night featuring Anthony's music programming, he became a business partner of operations. As you walk into the intimate, dimly lit space, you are greeted by vivid psychedelic art in midnight blue, purple, and aqua, depicting a swirling San Antonio River. The walls seem to

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come alive from the flowing hair of a central ‘mother earth’ character with each slow, pulsing color transition from the architectural colored lights. The cosmic mural painted by Jag Wired Art extends the entire space with sacred alchemy symbols, glittering in the golden-adorned hanging lights and translucent interior glass blocks. Once the performers hit the stage, you are visually prepared to become a receiver in comfortable, but limited, lounge seating. Purchasing tickets before the shows guarantees your reserved area. Anthony says the art was commissioned by his business partner before he arrived, but it reminded him of his former art studio years earlier. He is especially proud of his entire team at River Sun and credits his General Manager, Randy Bajas, “who is as solid as can be, crafting a special cocktail menu and putting just as much love and detail into our bar that I put into our music.” River Sun Jazz Club features live performances Thursday through Sunday evenings. On Thursdays, minors may attend (with ticket purchases). And on Sundays, Anthony has created something special.

THE SUNDAY JAM: BUILDING A COMMUNITY An essential element of River Sun's music programming is its dedicated jam session on Sundays and inclusion of young adults (ages 18 and up). "Because there are limited outlets, that's another reason I put emphasis on 'The Jam,' [and] that's why I allow high school students to participate as long as they are with a parental guardian," explains Anthony. He elaborates, "The Sunday Jam is a very intentional jam. I wanted to create open sessions that were not chaotic; more

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organized, professional, nurturing, and encouraging — where young and aspiring musicians can come together in a positive space." In this way, it differs from open mics for hobbyists and is aimed at proactive, motivated musicians in the community who want to build their skills and network with others.

ecounting how he earned his first featured performance at the River Sun, Jamail Chachere credits Anthony for encouraging him to attend these sessions.

Jamail is a multi-instrumentalist who primarily composes for electronic jazz fusion and video game soundtracks. One of his early inspirations in middle school was the video game Final Fantasy XIII, "that was the first time I heard the serious mixture between orchestral music and electronic dance music and how to seamlessly blend the two to work in a very unique context," he expresses with awe. By high school, he was experimenting with creating electronic and classical music at home with Reaper audio production software. While attending UTSA, he founded his first musical groups — Miramé, and later Xenobia, before his current evolving project, Jamail & Friends. One of his influences is the multi-genre Los Angeles bassist Thundercat. "The songs he writes [lyrically] make no sense … It taught me I can also stop being so protective of the ideas in my head and just do it." Additionally, Jamail credits Japanese anime with sparking inspiration as they are "unabashedly maximum creativity stories… the pinnacle of mixed media." Social media has been a significant part of the 28-year-old Jamail; he often posts live practice sessions and occasionally shares music theory lessons from his home studio on Instagram Reels. Both he and Anthony agree that social media has been a contributing factor in exposing jazz to younger, enthusiastic audiences.

Multi-instrumentalist and Jazz Fusion artist Jamail Chachere; Photo courtesy Jamail Chachere

Thanks to the efforts of artists like Anthony Thomas Martinez and his team at River Sun Jazz Club, San Antonio has seen a resurgence in jazz nightlife. By enabling younger artists waiting to carve out their original niche, jazz fusion compositions like Jamail, the jazz universe expands. Using social media to promote musicianship and teaching has also attracted younger adults. Combine this with our human desire to be connected beyond our digital devices, attending live jazz performances fulfills our souls with a purpose of community and imagination IRL. ■

Jamail first met Anthony during Jazz'SAlive in 2023, when they shared the main stage, and later as a keyboardist, with multiple groups booked at River Sun. Eventually, Anthony encouraged Jamail to perform his original music as a feature, but Jamail was reluctant, saying to Anthony, "You know what I do … it's crazy insanity. Is this what you want!?" Anthony replied, "I want all expressions of the jazz diaspora here." Anthony's invitational attitude enables access to thoughtful practice, serving as a bridge between academia and professional gigging. More importantly, by nurturing younger artists, the 'Sunday Jam' sessions function as a developmental stage for them to freely experiment with their unique sounds and techniques while surrounded by like-minded individuals. Jam sessions like these build community and, historically, have served as transitional spaces for fresh ideas and movements that expand the language of jazz. Anthony expresses his awareness of his role: "It's important to keep the exposure going because before, jazz was considered older music for older audiences. But now, younger people are becoming fans through social media and our Thursday and Sunday nights. That's why it's important that I keep this alive. It creates the next generation, that's how the scene and the sound evolve."

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Contact info Anthony Thomas Martinez @anthonythomasmartinez Jamail Chachere @jamailmusic linktr.ee/Jamailmusic River Sun Jazz Club 1011 Avenue B, 78215 @riversunsa riversunsa.com

WINTER 2026 |

2026 PA Excellence Award

Scene In SA shines the spotlight on praiseworthy Top SA Physicians' Assistants deserving of this year's PA Excellence award, as nominated by San Antonio doctors.

Every effort was made to confirm the information presented here. Scene In SA is not responsible for any inaccuracies in the information provided to the magazine. Listings are alphabetical by first name.

Abby Alexander, PA-C

Erica Ramos, PA-C

Alexandra Denson, PA-C

Francesca Desire, PA-C

Andrej Arquitola, PA-C

Helen Nguyen-Pham, PA-C

Ashley Boyd Blevin, PA-C

Jose Rivas, PA-C

Benito Enriquez, PA-C

Julie Valdez, PA-C

Callie Ramirez, PA-C

Kelcey Carrillo, PA-C

Cesar Munoz, PA-C

Mark Dedmon, PA-C

Christian Aldrete, PA-C

Mark Galvan, PA-C

Diego Trevino, PA-C

Melanie Olivarez, PA-C

Edna Caraballo-Gonzalez, PA-C

Nicole Bertram, PA-C

Health Texas Medical Group

Advanced Aesthetics Lopez Plastic Surgery Orthopedic Performance Institute Advanced Aesthetics Lopez Plastic Surgery Health Texas Medical Group Stone Oak Family Practice

Orthopedic Performance Institute Health Texas Medical Group Health Texas Medical Group Health Texas Medical Group

Nicole Campbell, PA-C

Sonterra Dermatology

Gastroenterology Clinic of San Antonio Health Texas Medical Group

Orthopedic Performance Institute Health Texas Medical Group UT Health San Antonio; Univeristy Hospital UT Health San Antonio

Advanced Aesthetics Lopez Plastic Surgery

Nicole Stuart, PA-C

Orthopedic Performance Institute

PK Weinberger, PA-C

Gastroenterology Clinic of San Antonio

Rebeca Gonzalez, PA-C Health Texas Medical Group

Sandra Nguyen, PA-C

Health Texas Medical Group

Sarah Oramas, PA-C

Vein & Artery Surgical Specialists (VASC)

Sergio Hernandez, PA-C Health Texas Medical Group

Health Texas Medical Group Health Texas Medical Group

Sonia Villarreal, PA-C

Health Texas Medical Group

Stacie Howard, PA-C

Health Texas Medical Group

Vein & Artery Surgical Specialists (VASC)

By Leslie Foley

ission Road Ministries’ 46th Annual Shindig: Grand Western Gala raised funds to support more than 750 children and adults who share a diagnosis of intellectual and developmental disabilities living throughout Bexar County and the surrounding areas of Central and South Texas. For 78 years, Mission Road Ministries has continued to honor and partner with local families to provide loving, professional and exceptional care to their loved ones living with a lifelong diagnosis of IDD and other special needs, offering a broad foundation of programs such as residential services, a day-activity program, community employment, children’s summer camp and life skills programs. This year’s event was chaired by Parker Hensley, the Market President for the Bank of Texas, and Sydney Hensley, and presented by The Bank of Texas. Hundreds of attendees enjoyed live music by Billy Mata and the Texas Tradition, live and silent auctions, a wine and whiskey pull, portraits, cuisine by True Flavors Catering, and meaningful stories of MRM’s community impact. ■

Left to right, top to bottom: Herb and Linda Hill; Basil Karcher, Diana Morehouse, and Tripp and Chaney Stuart; Rick Adcock, Geri and Doug Browne, and Pam Gilbert; Supporting Mission Road; Steve and Becky Schmidt with Carmen and Steven Golberg; Lana and Toby Summers, MRM immediate past President & CEO, and Lynette Farrimond Smith, MRM VP, Development & Communications

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WINTER 2026 |

make me Local inventor Erica Ramos, PA-C, creates the first medicated dry shampoo By Berit Mason

What inspired you to develop RestoraScalp? Years of watching my patients wage war against their scalps! Stigma is tied to dandruff, though 50% of the world’s population suffers from it at some point. I wish to un-dirty that word. Acknowledging that scalps need care isn’t embarrassing—it’s smart and normal. Prescription and over-the-counter medicated products work, but people weren’t leaving them on long enough. Traditional dry shampoos added volume, absorb oil, hiding odor, but don’t treat flakes or calm itch. I kept thinking: “A medicated dry shampoo would be great.” It didn’t exist. So, I decided I was the one to make it.

Photograph by Nick Blevins

We had medicated shampoos on one side of the aisle and cosmetic shampoos and dry shampoos on the other, but they do nothing for the scalp. I filled the gap with a product bridging medicine and beauty because beautiful hair starts at the root.

| WINTER 2026

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Building a business from scratch is not easy. How long did it take to create your product and brand? Every step came with a mini-learning curve: forming an LLC, navigating the FDA monograph, designing a logo, sourcing bottles, finding a GMP-compliant manufacturer, building social media despite never having it personally, marketing on a bootstrapped budget. But every new skill pushed the brand forward and made RestoraScalp (and me) stronger.

You also chose to formulate with natural ingredients. How did you balance gentleness with effectiveness? The perfect balance between gentleness and effectiveness is salicylic acid—our active ingredient. It’s trusted by the FDA and medical providers as safe and gentle, treating dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, color safe, and fragrance free, with no silica. We don’t need a fragranced product [masking] what causes odor.

You can have great hair, great makeup, and great style. But if you have flakes on your shoulders, you won’t feel like your best self. RestoraScalp helps bring confidence.

It took about three years to create RestoraScalp. I formed the business, secured our trademark, making sure the name was ours. Then, I chose the ingredients—working with a chemist to confirm they could be safely combined. Perfecting light and dark tints took additional development. Once finalized, our FDA-compliant manufacturer completed testing for OTC medications, ensuring it met standards for safety and quality.

You formulated two tones?

RestoraScalp is applied directly to the scalp, so creating skin tones was important to me. Developing both Light Roots and Dark Roots was about being realistic and thoughtful.

THE WORLD’S

FIRST MEDICATED DRY SHAMPOO

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lives one poof at a time.”

What was the most memorable feedback you received from someone using your product?

One young patient dissembled her bottle to get the last bits of powder, begging her mom for another bottle, it being the only thing that worked for her. I thought, “This thing is changing

What's the five-year forecast for this local company? I have a list of products I plan to bring to market. In five years, I want RestoraScalp to be the go-to name for scalp and skin health. ■

reset your look refresh your scalp reveal your confidence

WINTER 2026 |

BEST of 2026

LEADERS IN

Healthcare

BEST SA DOCTORS

San Antonio and Bexar County health professionals across a variety of specialities nominated the Best SA Physicians, Surgeons, and Dentists in our 2026 survey. Scene In SA is honored to recognize the achievements of these local leaders in healthcare.

21st Annual

Peer Survey of Best SA Doctors

Listings are alphabetical by first name according to practice area.

Anesthesiology

Dentistry

Emergency Medicine

Hassan Chahadeh, MD

Catherine Boenitz, DDS

Breanna Clifton, MD

Francis Van Wisse, MD

Rick Parma II, DDS

W. Allen Fink, MD

Anesthesiology, interventional

Melody Zamora, DMD

Urfan A. Dar, MD

Vertex Surgery Center / Omni Spine Care

Dermatology

Stephanie S. Jones, MD

Emily M. Becker, MD, FAAD, FAAP

Moez Mithani, MD

Thushan DeSilva, MD

Sridhar Vasireddy, MD

Michelle Fricke, MD, FAAD

Justin Vigil, MD

Emily Fridlington, MD

Cardiology Jason Phillips, MD

Julie Fridlington, MD

Neuro & Spine Clinics in San Antonio Tejas Anesthesia, PA

Vertex Surgery Center/ Omni Spine Care Vertex Surgery Center/ Omin Spine Care Vertex Surgery Center/ Omin Spine Care Vertex Surgery Center/ Omni Spine Care

Bee Family Dental Private Practice Zam Dental

UT Health San Antonio DeSilva Dermatology

Alamo Heights Dermatology Alamo Heights Dermatology

University Hospital

UT Health San Antonio

Sam Mehta, MD

Greater San Antonio Emergency Physicians

Endocrinology Arthur Guerrero, MD

Northeast Endocrinology Associates

Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism Ameer Khowaja, MD Northeast Endocrinology Associates

Omar Najera, MD

Northeast Endocrinology Associates

Alamo Heights Dermatology

Family Medicine

UT Health San Antonio

Karen T. Guerrero, MD

Claudia Aguero, MD

Kelly Ratheal, MD

John Martin IV, MD

Ricardo Villanueva Alvarez, MD

Christus Trinity Clinic

Dermatology Associates of San Antonio San Antonio Skin & Cancer Clinic

Cardiology, Interventional Eric H. Stocker, MD Craig Cardiovascular Center

Nandish Thukral, MD

Methodist Physician Practice

Oscar Rivera, MD Christus Trinity Clinic

Cardiovascular Disease Wassim K Choucair, MD

Heart and Rhythm Institute of South Texas

Manuel Garcia, MD

South Texas Cardiology Institute

Chiropractic Medicine Nicholas Nira, DC

TSAOG Orthopaedics & Spine

Scott R. Seidel, DC

TSAOG Orthopaedics & Spine

Cosmetic Surgery Troy Robbin Hailparn MD, FACOG, FACOG Cosmetic Gynecology Center of San Antonio

Byron L. Limmer, MD Limmer Dermatology

John Martin, MD DeSilva Dermatology

Ryan P. O’Quinn, MD

South Texas Skin Cancer Center

Ana T. Sauceda, MD Alamo City Dermatology

Allison Limmer Sherwood, MD Limmer Dermatology

Michael A. Sorace, MD

MOHS Micrographic & Skin Surgery, PLLC

Allison J. Stocker, MD

Skin by Design Dermatology & Laser Center, PA

Terri J. Nutt - Taylor, MD The SkinMD Dermatology Clinic

Holly Volz, MD

DeSilva Dermatology

Macartney E Welborn, MD Alamo Heights Dermatology

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Health Texas Medical Group

Ricardo Arevalo, MD

Health Texas Primary Care Doctors

Adriana Arocha, MD WellMed

Richel Avery, MD UT Health San Antonio

Maria Ballesteros, MD Christus Santa Rosa

Jessica Kitchen (Blower), MD UT Health San Antonio

Ramon Cancino, MD, MSc UT Health San Antonio

Mary Faith Casiwa, MD

Health Texas Primary Care Doctors

Christopher T. Caulfield, MD Health Texas Primary Care Doctors

Christine Danielle Criscuolo-Higgins, MD Christus Santa Rosa

Serena Cuellar, MD Christus Trinity Clinic

Dermatological Surgery

Braxton Fritz, MD

Thusan DeSilva, MD

Jasmine Garcha, MD

DeSilva Dermatology

Health Texas Primary Care Doctors

Health Texas Medical Group Health Texas Medical Group

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Beyond doctor to patient. Person to person. You’re someone’s favorite person. So, we treat you like our favorite person. It’s our primary responsibility to get to know you and your health. When you’re in our care, we treat you like a person, not just a patient. We talk to you, ask you questions and listen to your concerns carefully. At CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic, you can count on care that feels human. Visit CHRISTUShealth.org to explore our primary care options today.

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WINTER 2026 |

BEST of 2026

L eaders in H ealth ca r e Mayra Perez, DO, MD

Bruce E. Conway, MD

Dan Powell, MD

Michael G. Corneille, MD

Manuel M. Quinones, MD

Gregory DeArmond, MD

Stephen F. Ramirez, MD

George Hsieh, MD

William Ratliff, MD

Damon Mimari, MD, FACS

Orlando Rodriguez, MD

Randall Rogers, MD

Justin Riojas, MD

Gynecological Oncology

Vanessa Sanchez, MD

Erica Hope, MD, FACOG, FACS

Raul Santoscoy, DO

Joseph A. De La Garza, MD, FACOG

Stacey Saunders, MD

Jaron Mark, MD

Mae Sepulveda, MD

Brian Szender MD, MD

Esteban Sosa, MD

Head & Neck Surgery

Iveth Soza, DO

James H. Atkins, MD

Health Texas Primary Care Doctors

Atkins Sinus Experts

Francisco Torres, MD

Hemotological Oncology Muralidhar Beeram, MD

UT Health San Antonio

Health Texas Primary Care Doctors Health Texas Primary Care Doctors Stone Oak Family Practice Christus Trinity Clinic

Health Texas Primary Care Doctors Orthopedic Performance Institute Health Texas Medical Group

Health Texas Primary Care Doctors

D r. J . A n t o n i o L o p e z

Health Texas Medical Group

Health Texas Primary Care Doctors Christus Trinity Clinic

Health Texas Primary Care Doctors

Luis Torres, MD

Health Texas Primary Care Doctors

April Hain Trevino, MD

Health Texas Primary Care Doctors

Archana Varma, MD

Health Texas Primary Care Doctors

Alexandra Wynn, MD

Health Texas Primary Care Doctors

Joyce Yuen, DO

UT Health San Antonio

Andrine Grant, MD

Health Texas Primary Care Doctors

Timothy Hover, MD Christus Trinity Clinic

Christine Huang, DO, MD Christus Trinity Clinic

Priya Indira, MD

Health Texas Primary Care Doctors Christus Trinity Clinic

Michael Konopacki, MD

Health Texas Primary Care Doctors

Timothy J. Kosmatka, MD

Health Texas Primary Care Doctors

J. Antonio Lopez, MD Lopez Family Practice

Marie Mae Martinez, MD

Health Texas Primary Care Doctors

Tamre McClelland, MD

Health Texas Primary Care Doctors

Jose Hinojosa MD, MD Christus Trinity Clinic

Alexandra Matthews, DO

Orthopaedic Performance Institute

Falen Miles, MD

Health Texas Medical Group

Akash K. Mittal, DO

Robert B Green Adult Continuity Clinic

Rodrigo Najera, MD

Health Texas Primary Care Doctors

Athena Nguyen, MD Christus Trinity Clinic

ThanhVi D. Nguyen, DO

Health Texas Primary Care Doctors

Laura Nietfeld, MD Christus Trinity Clinic

Gabriel Ortiz, MD

Health Texas Primary Care Doctors

| WINTER 2026

Christus Physicians Group Christus Trinity Clinic

The START Center For Cancer Care The START Center For Cancer Care The START Center For Cancer Care

The START Center For Cancer Care Texas Oncology

The START Center For Cancer Care The START Center For Cancer Care

The START Center For Cancer Care

Jennifer Ding, MD

The START Center For Cancer Care

Virginia Kaklamani, MD

Health Texas Primary Care Doctors

Kate Lathrop, MD UT Health San Antonio

Luis C. Rodriguez, MD

The START Center For Cancer Care

Marisa Sandera, MD

The START Center For Cancer Care

Saba Shaikh, MD

San Antonio Gastroenterology Associates, PA

UT Health San Antonio

Russell D. Havranek, MD

Lon Shelby Smith, MD

Gastroenterology Clinic of San Antonio

The START Center For Cancer Care

James Jackson, MD

Prathibha Surapaneni, MD

Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio

The START Center For Cancer Care

Sandeep Patel, DO

Scott Ulmer, MD

UT Health Physicians - Cancer Center

The START Center For Cancer Care

John Vizuete, MD

Hospitalist

Gastroenterology Clinic of San Antonio

Karla Ivy, MD

Gastroenterology Eddie Flores, MD

The START Center For Cancer Care

Ronald Wool, MD

Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio

General Surgery Allen A. Alvarez, MD Sage Bariatric Institute

Eldia Delia, MD

UT Health San Antonio

Yvonne Otieno, MD

Northeast Baptist Hospital

Claudia Santos, MD

UT Multispeciality & Research Hospital

Ramiro “Sonny” Cavazos, MD

Internal Medicine

Brittany B. DeBerry, FACS, MD

Patrice Alves, MD

The START Center For Cancer Care

Christus Trinity Clinic

Andrea Garcia, MD

Monica Anz-Cavazos, MD

South Texas Surgical Group ( Affiliated with Baptist Health System )

Sage Bariatric Institute

Brad Gurwitz, MD

Miguel Ayala, MD

General Surgical Associates

WellMed

Travis L. Holloway, FACS, MD

Douglas F. Bahr, MD

General Surgical Associates

Health Texas Primary Care Doctors

Seema Izfar, MD

Steven Bauer, MD

South Texas Colorectal Center ( Affiliated with Baptist Health System )

WellMed

Jason Kempenich, MD

Ana Maria Calderon, MD

UT Health San Antonio

Health Texas Primary Care Doctors

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Cynthia Cantu, DO

The START Center For Cancer Care

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John J. Gonzalez, MD

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Sage Bariatic

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John A. Pilcher, MD, FACS, FASMBS

Amber Clapper, MD

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Isela Vasquez, FACS, MD

Max Cruz, MD

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Eldia Delia, MD

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Sage Bariatric Institute

General Surgical Associates

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Best SA Doctors

BEST of 2026

Neurology

Nishan Gajjar, DO, MPH, MD

Mary E. Wearden, MD

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Erin Reese, MD

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Health Texas Primary Care Doctors

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Chandana Tripathy, MD

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Heather Ottmers Caddell, MD

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Hospitalist/IM MSRH UT Health UT Health San Antonio

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Health Texas Primary Care Doctors Health Texas Primary Care Doctors USACS

Health Texas Primary Care Doctors

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UT Health San Antonio

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South Texas Renal Care Group South Texas Renal Care Group South Texas Renal Care Group South Texas Renal Care Group Azura Vascular Care

South Texas Renal Care Group South Texas Renal Care Group South Texas Renal Care Group

South Texas Renal Care Group

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Kevin Chen, MD

UT Health San Antonio

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Michelle Cecchini, FAANS, MD Texas Neuro Spine

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Texas Neuro Spine Texas Neuro Spine

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Neurosurgical Associates of San Antonio, P.A. Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants

Northeast OB/GYN Associates, PLLC Aspire Fertility San Antonio Christus Trinity Clinic

Kristin Brozena Shah, MD, FACOG Women Partners In OB/GYN

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South Texas Renal Care Group

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BEST of 2026 Oncology

L eaders in H ealth ca r e Christina Bui, MD

Hamzah Khalaf, MD

William Burges, MD

Karima Khimani, MD

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John A. Campagna, FACS, MD

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Annie Chan, MD

Anthony Mac, MD

Cooper M. Clark, DO

Kenneth Maverick, MD

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Claire C Hennessey, MD

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Sien Chen MD, MD

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William Ford, MD

Loretta Miramontes, MD

Ophthalmology

Sandra Fox, MD

Kundandeep S. Nagi, MD

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Anhtuan Nguyen, MD

Eric J. Gonzalez, MD

Amy Conner, OD, FAAO

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Kristin S. Held, MD, OPH

Kip Orbeck, MD

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Jihad Isteitiya, MD

Lee Peplinski, MD

Sukeshi Arora, MD UT Health San Antonio

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The START Center For Cancer Care

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Tony Harb MD, MD

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Hanni Salih, MD

Sharron K. Acosta, FACS, MD Eye Associates of South Texas

Adrienne Ari, MD

Ft Sam Houston / Afflilate of I Care

Darrell Baskin, MD

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Andrew Bean, MD

San Antonio Eye Center, P.A/ I Care Affilate

J. Christian Berry, MD

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Mark Berry, MD

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Susan Moore Berry, MD

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Harrison Bowes, MD

Private Practice / I Care Affilate

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Eye Associates of South Texas / I Care Affilate Medina Eye Care/ I Care Affilate I Care

Eye Associates of South Texas Ophthamology Associates of San Antonio UT Health San Antonio / I Care Affilate Opthalmology Associates of San Antonio Focal Point Vision

San Antonio Eye Center, PA/ I Care Affilate Rashid, Rice, Flynn & Reilly Eye Associates / I Care Affilate Well Med/ I Care Affiliate Private Practice / I Care Affilate Alamo Eye Care / I Care Affilate 3C Vision Specialists

River City Eye Associates/ I Care Affilate Stone Oak Ophthalmology Center Focal Point Vision / I Care Affiliate Comprehensive Ophthalmology Specialist at CHRISTUS San Antonio / I Care Affiliate

Joseph T. Kavanagh, MD Eye Associates of South Texas

Generations Consultants of Texas / I Care Affilate Opthamology Associates

Hill Country Vision / I Care Affilate Retinal Consultants of San Antonio / I Care Affilate Focal Point Vision / I Care Affiliate Alamo Eye Care / I Care Affilate Focal Point Vision / I Care Affiliate Children’s Eye Center of South Texas / I Care Affiliate BAMC/ I Care Affilate

San Antonio Eye Center, PA/ I Care Affilate Alamo Ophthamology Center/ I Care Affilate San Antonio Eye Center, PA / I Care Affilate Eye Associates / I Care Affilate Focal Point Vision

Diamond K Eyecare/ I Care Affilate Blanco Eyeworks / I Care Affilate Eye Associates of South Texas Focal Point Vision

Carson Petrash, MD Wellmed / I Care Affilate

Dawn Rakich, MD

Eye Doctors in San Antonio / I Care Affilate

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From left to right: Juanita Garces MD, FAANS (Spine Scoliosis Specialist), Ryan Morton MD, FAANS, Juan Padilla Maiz MD, FAANS (Brain/Spine Specialist), George Galvan MD, FAANS (Spine Specialist), Daniel Monsivais MD, FAANS (Brain/Spine Specialist), Sebastian Villarreal MD (Brain/Spine Specialist), Michelle Cecchini MD, FAANS (Brain/Spine Specialist)

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L eaders in H ealth ca r e

Robert A. Rice, MD

Christian A. Woodbury, MD

James Fowler, MD

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Orthopedic Sports Medicine Surgery

Lance E. Jackson, MD, FACS

Jay M. Rubin, MD

B. Christian Balldin, MD

Christian Stallworth, MD

Juan Rubio, MD

S. Josh Bell, MD

TSAOG Orthopaedics & Spine

Pain Management

Humberto Salazar, MD

Jeffrey Dean, MD

Patrick Ahern, MD

Martha Schatz, MD

David R. Espinoza, MD

Charles E. Bryant, MD

Scott K. Sitterle, MD

Amanda Ivy, MD

Ephraim K. Brenman, DO, RMSK

Christa Soekamto, MD

Bryan W. Kaiser, MD

Urfan A. Dar, MD

Timmothy Soeken, MD

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Prafulla Chandra Singh, MD

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Alexandra Matthews, DO

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Pathology

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Allison P. Young, MD

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Harrison Scofield MD

Animesh Agarwal, MD

Casey D. Taber, MD

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Marque Allen, DPM, FACFAS

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Kevin L. Kirk, DO, FAOA

Matthew M. Dwyer, MD

Randall C. Marx, MD

Stephen Gates, MD

Justin Robbins, MD

Matthew Glazier, DO, MD

Naomi N. Shields, MD

Robert U. Hartzler, MD, MS

Orthopedic Spine Surgery

I Care San Antonio Vision Center Eye Associates of South Texas Eye Clinics of South Texas, PA I Care San Antonio Vision Center Opthamology Associates

UT Health San Antonio / I Care Affilate Sitterle Vision Source / I Care Affilate Retinal Consultants of Texas / I Care Affilate United States Air Force / I Care Affialte San Antonio Eye Center, PA / I Care Affilate Private Practice / I Care Affilate Alamo City Eye Physicians / I Care Affilate Opthalmology Associates of San Antonio 3C Vision Specialists

San Antonio Eye Center, PA / I Care Affilate Stone Oak Ophthalmology Center

UT Health San Antonio Tru Ortho

UT Health San Antonio

The Orthopaedic Specialists of South Texas The Hand Center of San Antonio

Orthopedic Performance Institute TSAOG Orthopaedics & Spine TSAOG Orthopaedics & Spine TSAOG Orthopaedics & Spine

Amanda Marshall-Rodriguez, MD

Tru Ortho - Affiliated with South Texas Spine & Surgical Hospital

Christopher Phelps, FACS, MD Orthopaedic Performance Institute

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The Orthopaedic Specialists of South Texas

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Christus Trinity Clinic

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Orthopaedic Performance Institute TSAOG Orthopaedics & Spine TSAOG Orthopaedics & Spine TSAOG Orthopaedics & Spine Orthopedic Performance Institute TSAOG Orthopaedics & Spine TSAOG Orthopaedics & Spine TSAOG Orthopaedics & Spine TSAOG Orthopaedics & Spine TSAOG Orthopaedics & Spine

Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio TSAOG Orthopaedics & Spine TSAOG Orthopaedics & Spine TSAOG Orthopaedics & Spine Tru Ortho

Adam Bruggeman, MD Texas Spine Care Center

Christopher Chaput, MD UT Health San Antonio

Jonathan S. Duncan, MD TSAOG Orthopaedics & Spine

Shane C. Eizember, MD TSAOG Orthopaedics & Spine

Gautham Prabhakar, MD Texas Neuro Spine

C. Stuart Pipkin, MD

TSAOG Orthopaedics & Spine

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David E. Vizurraga, MD

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Antonio J. Webb, MD

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Mickey S. Cho, MD

TSAOG Orthopaedics & Spine

Stephen C. Drukker, MD TSAOG Orthopaedics & Spine

Lauren E. Karbach, MD TSAOG Orthopaedics & Spine

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TSAOG Orthopaedics & Spine

South Texas Spinal Clinic, P.A-Affiliated with South Texas Spine & Surgical Hospital

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The Ear Institute of TX Ear Institute Of Texas

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Vertex Surgery Center / Omni Spine Care SA Rehab

Advanced Spine & Pain Center

South Texas Pathology Associates

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Carisse M. Orsi, MD UT Health San Antonio

Ann Marie Straight, MD

South Texas Pediatric Endocrinology

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San Antonio Eye Center / I Care Affilate

Ujwala Saboo, MD UT Health San Antonio

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Frank Robertson, MD, FACS

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San Antonio Pediatric Surgery Associates

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Southwest Children’s Center

Shannon Austin, MD

Southwest Children’s Center

Tina Boylston, MD

Southwest Children’s Center

Lindsey R. Cortes, MD UT Health San Antonio

Lizette Gomez, MD

University Children’s Health Pediatrics

Rachel Aubrey Gravel, FAAP, MD ABCD Pediatrics, PA

Gregory Hanson, DO

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Nancy Burt, MD

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UT Health Physicians

Ear Institute Of Texas Ear Institute Of Texas

Southwest Children’s Center Southwest Children’s Center Southwest Children’s Center Southwest Children’s Center

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L eaders in H ealth ca r e Rheumatology

Krista Vizuete, MD

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Christopher M. Debacker, FACS, MD Eyeplastx

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Michelle McGill, MD Michelle A. McGill, MD

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Eric S Schaffer, MD

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The University of Texas Health Science Center

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Joaquin Mira, MD

The START Center For Cancer Care

Maryam Elmi, FRCSC, MD, MSc The START Center For Cancer Care

Sylvia Zubyk, MD

Kevin J. Kempf, MD

Rheumatology Associates of South Texas

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Surgical Oncology Steven M. Abbate, FACS, MD The START Center For Cancer Care

Alexander R. Miller, FACS, MD The START Center For Cancer Care

Alfredo A. Santillan-Gomez, MPH, MD Texas Oncology

Joe E. Johnston, MD

Methodist Heart and Lung Institute

Jason Kelly, MD University Health

Urology Daniel R. Saltzstein, MD Urology San Antonio, PA

Vascular Surgery Kevin Engledow, MD UT Health San Antonio

William O. Kirk, MD

The START Center For Cancer Care

Vascular Institute of San Antonio - Baptist Medical Network Affiliated with Baptist Health System

Radiology, Abdominal

Ashton Lee, MD

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Syed Z. H. Rizvi, MD

South Texas Radiology Group, PA

Xiao Shi, MD

South Texas Radiology Group

Radiology, Vascular and Interventional

Vein & Artery Surgical Specialists (VASC) Vascular Institute of San Antonio - Baptist Medical Network Affiliated with Baptist Health System

Ellis Salloum, MD

Vein & Artery Surgical Specialists (VASC)

W. David Long, MD

Innovative Vascular Institute

UT Health San Antonio

Disclaimer: The information presented in Leaders in Healthcare: Best SA Doctors is not medical/health advice, nor is it a physician/healthcare referral service. Scene In SA is an independent magazine published by Scene Monthly, LLC and has developed its own methodology for selecting practitioners for its lists. All practitioners featured in this list were selected by their peers in a survey conducted by Scene In SA. Paid advertising has no bearing on the determination of the lists. Scene In SA strives to maintain a high degree of accuracy in collecting and providing the information presented, but makes no claim, promise, or guarantee about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained herein. Leaders in Healthcare and Best SA Doctors are trademarks used by Scene In SA and Scene Monthly, LLC, not a title or moniker conferred upon individual practitioners. The selection of a physician/healthcare practitioner is an important decision and should not be based solely on the information provided in this publication. No representation is made that the quality of services provided or performed by the practitioners listed will be better than that of other licensed practitioners, and past results do not guarantee future success. Scene In SA and Scene Monthly, LLC are not affiliated with any federal, state, administrative, or regulatory bodies or examining, licensing, and/or certifying entities (such as the American Board of Medical Specialties). These listings are merely descriptive of a practice area and do not certify or designate a physician/healthcare practitioner to be a specialist. Scene In SA does not endorse or otherwise recommend persons who may appear on this list.

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The

Gunter Returns Writer & Photographer Nick Blevins

FEATURING REFRESHED INTERIORS, A RENEWED FOCUS ON MUSIC, AND A DELECTABLE NEW CAFE, THE GUNTER HOTEL IS POSITIONING ITSELF AS THE GO-TO SPOT IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN — FOR TRAVELERS AND SAN ANTONIANS ALIKE.

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or over 100 years, the historic Gunter Hotel has sat at the corner of Houston and N St Mary’s street, deep in the heart of San Antonio. If you haven’t visited, you’ve probably driven past it before. Having been a part of the city’s tapestry for so long, the property has changed ownership a number of times, over the course of which it has developed a legacy and lore entirely its own. Once the tallest building in San Antonio, the storied hotel has hosted cattle ranchers and cowboys, actors and airmen, and individuals whose works have changed the face of entire industries. Included in the National Register of Historic Places, any music fan will excitedly tell you it’s also the place where the King of the Delta Blues himself, Robert Johnson, laid down not just two very important tracks, but perhaps even the groundwork for American music overall. Under the auspices of General Manager Austin VandeVate and team, the hotel has taken on a new luster. Part of Marriott’s “Tribute Portfolio,” the space was reimagined with the simultaneous purpose of celebrating the history and culture that informs the century-old legacy of the storied venue, while also bringing a renewed focus on music — and San Antonio’s place in that legacy, especially — to the fore. Scene In SA got the run of the place, and boy did we run wild; from pastries and coffee to dinner, and from dinner to dozing, we checked out virtually every aspect of the refreshed hotel. We had the distinct pleasure of trying inspired dishes from Jots Restaurant, as well as an impressive variety of flavorful baked goods from the celebrated new cafe on site, Paris Baguette. We sauntered past the aesthetically-lit, tastefully stocked vinyl library — the contents of which are available to check out for every guest. A forthcoming recording studio is in the final stages of construction as of this writing, and a lovingly furnished listening room awaits ears aplenty. There’s a speakeasy bar with a hidden entrance on site; we checked that out too. We’re here to let you know, dear reader: the Gunter is good.

Vinyl Ambassador Gibby Diaz can provide listening recommendations from the 1,000-plus albums in stock.

Fresh Digs A

s you turn off of downtown N. St Mary’s into the hotel’s shaded driveway, spirited parking attendants await to whisk your automobile away for safe keeping. Between the time it took to get out of my car and go to my trunk, a bellman’s cart seemingly manifested alongside me. My belongings were efficiently gathered, and I was ushered inside. Stepping into the premises provides further balm to the senses. When the doors slide closed behind you, there’s a wondrous, transportive silence. I checked in on an early Friday evening, so the nighttime crowds hadn’t yet begun to stir; the Gunter was mine to explore, and I did. From that moment on — until the second your soles hit the pavement upon checkout — it’s clear that each choice of experience is yours. Travelers are immediately greeted with a spacious, airy lobby, featuring generous seating throughout. I tested most of the seats there, and can attest to their plushness.

Can you spot the hidden entrance to Bar 414?

Bar 414 If you're setting foot inside the Gunter for the first time, there’s no reason you would know about the other bar, hidden as it is behind a painting. You read that right; in a move straight out of Scooby-Doo, a large, door-sized (in hindsight) piece of art opens to reveal an entire, fully furnished bar, replete with wooden decor, ornate brass accents, and stained glass windows. Bar 414, named for the room where Robert Johnson recorded his seminal tracks, is located just below a forthcoming recording studio, and is open seven days a week. There's comfortable seating and no shortage of interesting views throughout

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Straight ahead from the entrance is the Keystone Club, an elegant, art deco-inspired bar ready to cater to any imminent cocktail needs. Adjacent to the bar is the hotel’s vinyl library, where guests can select albums to enjoy on the record players inside of every room. A “vinyl ambassador” on staff exists to not only curate the music heard in the lobby area, but also provide recommendations, music knowledge, and more; It’s also the merch area, featuring Gunter-branded apparel (and one or two pieces that I’d definitely wear). At the opposite end of the hotel, Jot’s restaurant looks out onto Houston street, and just a few steps along the sidewalk takes you to Paris Baguette. Where lofty ceilings permit, custom chandeliers cast warm glows throughout the hotel. When verticality is in shorter supply, globe sconces peek, head-like, from the walls. And speaking of peeking, while the Gunter — along with a few other hotels downtown — has a haunted history all its own, nary an apparition was spotted during my stay. It’s clear that in renovating the space, a distinct focus was also paid to the preservation of its unique and original components. “The history is in the paint,” explains VandeVate.

In a nod to the romantic notion of sending well wishes on a journey from afar, an ornate golden — and functional — US letterbox allows for guests to send correspondences direct from the hotel

There are 311 (start a musical reference counter) suites available on site. Originally comprising nine floors, the hotel now stands at 12. The top floor suites bear names that honor musicians of old, including pianist and conductor Henry Lange, and jazz pianist and band leader Alphonso Trent. The listening room connects to the recording studio

The Keystone Club offers hotel visitors an elegant, art deco inspired locale for a drink or two Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/sceneinsa | Follow us on Instagram @sceneinsamag

A massive, custom chandelier illuminates the Gunter lobby

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Dinner at Jots The women-led team behind Jots, the Gunter's restaurant, produced culinary marvels. Featuring tantalizing, pan-Texan fare like pecan-smoked bacon-wrapped quail poppers, crispy pork schnitzel, and a deeply savory gumbo topped with buttered shrimp and laden with shredded chicken and andouille sausage, Jot’s offers you the opportunity to taste the state on a plate. Executive Chef Hayley Unruh explained her cooking philosophy to me as one rooted in both Texan and Cajun culture. “I grew up in southeast Texas,” she said, “spending a lot of time with my grandparents in the Shreveport, Louisiana area. During the holidays we would have a Cajun Christmas. For forever, we all ate Cajun food, and gumbo was one of the dishes we would always make.” She adds a boiled egg to the mix as an homage to her family, as well as the regional Cajun habit of eating their gumbo with potato salad. “Our potato salad that my family made was really egg-heavy, and I thought it would be really good. It’s a little different, but it works really well.” The sweet corn maque choux that glistens like a river beneath Jots' blackened red snapper, in addition to being absolutely delicious, doubles as a tribute to Food and Beverage Director Chef Sarah Myles’ father. “I learned to read, write, add, and subtract out of a Paul Prudhomme cookbook with my dad, even when I was a little girl,” Myles stated. She was a quick learner from the jump, and thinking that the seminal Cajun chef might impart more than just recipes, her father “realized that I would be able to learn skill sets by teaching me through cooking. One of the first recipes he ever taught me to cook was for maque choux.”

Sweet Treats at Paris Baguette One of the jewels in the Gunter’s freshly polished crown, Paris Baguette is an extensive, incredibly varied bakery café absolutely loaded with just about any pastry one’s sweet little heart might desire. Rows and rows of sweet and savory selections await, and with a deeply chocolatey cafe mocha and decadent, cocoarich chocolate croissant, it will not be the last time I darken their doorway.

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In the Room

As I scanned my keycard and walked inside my room for the evening, I heard the satisfying click of my boots on tile. To the left, a large armoire sat poised to accommodate the entirety of my belongings, while a short hallway led to the restroom on the right. Guests have their choice of fluffy white cotton or sensual blue satin robes to pad around the room in, and considering which to pick felt like a fun little personality test. I stepped beyond the entryway into the living room, and my eyes immediately alighted upon a beautifully arranged charcuterie board resting on the black marble tabletop. Three music notes, made of cheese, hovered whimsically above the rest of the display, a cheeky reminder of the hotel’s renewed raison d'être. Beneath a large, wall mounted TV sat an attractive record player, and just behind it, a vinyl copy of King of the Delta Blues Singers, Robert Johnson’s posthumous compilation of tracks released in 1961. This combo populates each room in the Gunter; an ode to the man, the music, and his contribution to the American musical canon. In the bedroom, fluffy, expansive sheets, and wide, comfy pillows atop a sprawling, king-size bed made for outrageously good sleep. Have you ever had one of those sleeps where, the moment your head hits the pillow, it’s daytime? I did. I slept like a baby that just worked a double at the factory. Should you find yourself in need of the facilities through the night, automatic lights mean that your only priority is relief. If you thought the music themes would stop at the bathroom door however, you better check yourself; an offering from high-end perfumery brand D.S. & Durga, even the Debaser soap and body cream on the counter have their own early 90’s college radio-themed playlist, featuring the likes of Fugazi, The Violent Femmes, The Pixies, Danzig, and more — and they smell delightful, to boot.

In Toto

With so much to do on site, sleeping will likely be an afterthought. There is so much character throughout the Gunter, and so many fascinating historical elements remain, that I found myself at one point merely ambling through the lobby, up the stairs and back down, reading the captions under old black and white photos on the walls. It’s a place that not only knows its history, but celebrates it, letting the rich and diverse details of its past suffuse its identity today. Thinking about my experience, I like to consider alternatives. A renovated Gunter could have looked like anything. It could've been culturally void, minimalist glass and steel, featuring stark, white rooms meant to appeal to (re: not offend) the widest swath of tastes possible. It could’ve had a Starbucks. Instead, visitors to the city — and San Antonians as well — have a vibrant space that feels thoughtfully invested in. It feels accessible and open to the community in a way I’d never previously associated with a hotel; but am pleased to be able to do so now. Whether you’re coming in from way out yonder or hitch your horse right here in town, it’s worth stopping in at the Gunter Hotel for an evening or two to see what’s going on. ■

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WINTER 2026 |

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SA-ABOTA HOLIDAY PARTY

Tony and Sixta Portilla with Dr. Robert Horn, event co-chair

Uncork to Support By Leslie Foley

uests raised their glasses and tipped their hats at the 5th Annual Uncork to Support San Antonio event, presented by Texas Oncology San Antonio to benefit the Texas Oncology Foundation. The wine tasting and auction supported local families affected by cancer.

Texas Fine Wine, a group of four exceptional Texas wineries known for making quality, benchmark wines, generously provided samples. Bending Branch Winery in Comfort, Duchman Family Winery in Driftwood, Pedernales Cellars in Stonewall, and Spicewood Vineyards in Spicewood all contributed selections and “Texas Two-Sip” tastings for guests to enjoy state wines from different regions. ■

Becky Jorgensen with Dr. Allyson Harroff

Dr. Angel Mier Hicks, Arlette Macias, Dr. Janice Mullins, and Dr. John Mullins

Jose Martinez and Dr. Emmalind Aponte

Paul and Beth Kuhn, Maggie and Jim Baker, and Allie and Matt Phillips

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Macy Young selecting her hat with the help of Lauren Kerr and Isey Walton

Executive Director of Texas Oncology Nicole and Derrick Cuenca

WINTER 2026 |

e c n a r peresresvoenified p Joseph Anderson's Journey from Jail Bars to Passing the Bar By Gabriella Martinez & Kaylin Ledford

| WINTER 2026

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If you looked up perseverance in the dictionary, you'd see a picture of Joseph Anderson's smiling face.

eople who get pulled into the justice system at a young age never really get out. Once it grabs you, it tries to hold you there. But Joseph Anderson fought his way back.

He was only nineteen facing a life-altering twenty-year prison sentence for robbery. His first offense, Joseph was shown no grace and no real chance to grow up before the system decided who he was. Rather than let it destroy him, he literally learned from it. He studied, earning over 100 college credit hours and his Associate's degree during his incarceration. After his release in 2018, Joseph wasn't sitting still. He worked blue-collar jobs in construction and waste management while working toward his Bachelor's in Political Science with a minor in Psychology. He even earned his real estate and commercial driver's licenses. “Most people don’t get the chance to climb back out once they’re inside. I did, and I wasn’t going to waste it.” Rebuilding from bottom takes patience and determination. Now Joseph is a defense attorney fighting for people who feel scared, unheard, or misunderstood – the same way he once felt. Joseph fully recognized that his own rehabilitation took not only personal discipline and ambition, but the faith of people rallying behind him. Supported by people who didn't let his circumstance stand a chance, Joseph's grandmother was one of his biggest cheerleaders. She pushed him, prayed for him, and kept him grounded when everything around him felt impossible. She never let him forget that he was more than a number—more than a sentence, more than a mistake to which someone could reduce him. And then there were the people who came into his life later: mentors and friends he picked up along the way, and eventually the team at Goldstein & Orr, who endeavored to cultivate that growth after seeing the work he put forth to succeed. That leap of faith in 2021 turned to certain footing. Gerry Goldstein – along with others who saw his potential – gave him the training, confidence, and voice he needed to rebuild his life and help others facing difficult odds do the same. Joseph breathes gratitude, “I’m here today because of the people who believed in me before I ever believed in myself.” His indomitable and impressive spirit also landed him a clerkship with the San Antonio Spurs legal team during law school. In his principled efforts to give back, he also voluntereed at Haven for Hope. He graduated with his Juris Doctor in May 2025 as the recipient of the Francisco Leos Award, honoring the legacy of a man who invested in educational opportunity. Joseph continues to practice law alongside his mentor at Goldstein & Orr, one of the foremost criminal defense firms in the state—paying forward the investment and generosity of spirit he was shown. When Joseph talks about the justice system, he isn’t bitter; he’s honest. “The system reacts to fear, not understanding. Once you’re inside, you’re not treated like a person who can change. You’re treated like someone who already lost.” But he refused to lose. Joseph didn’t walk out of prison into a new life overnight. He worked, learned, and shut out the noise until he passed the bar. His story isn’t about perfection. It’s about grit and the grand lesson of it all is to never equate one bad moment to the a measure of a man. Redemption and responsibility can rewrite the lowest lows. Joseph did just that. Becoming the kind of advocate he needed when he was nineteen brought it all full circle. As someone who values providing guidance—not cruelty—in the face of trouble, Joseph sees the human first. Clients trust him because he’s lived the struggles they’re living. He knows the feeling of sitting across from someone who has power over your future—except now, he leverages his own power in the courtroom to attain justice and get results for his clients. Joseph shared, “A mistake doesn’t have to define the rest of your life. Not if someone helps you find your way.” That belief is what fuels the way he practices law today. When someone has the right fighters in their corner, the seeds of opportunity are sown and hope blooms. Joseph Anderson isn’t just practicing law—he’s giving people something they don’t always get: a real chance. ■

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WINTER 2026 |

fabulous

GED BRUNCH By Leslie Foley

Alamo Colleges District Chancellor Dr. Mike Flores, founder Martha Tijerina, Martha Martinez-Flores, and Richard Farias

Founder Martha Tijerina and Judge Peter Sakai

Ma Harper of Ma Harper's Creole Kitchen (1816 N New Braunfels Ave, 78208 – MUST EAT!) with US Rep. Joaquin Castro for Texas' 20th Congressional District

First GED Hall of Famer Fabian Castillo, Sr. Rey Feo LXXVI, Vicki Castillo and Alamo Colleges Foundation President Barton Simpson,

Donna Speeks-Armstrong with former Mayor Ron Nirenburg

cherished favorite tradition of the holiday season is the Fabulous Annual GED Brunch benefiting GED-to-college community programs at the Alamo Colleges District. This year’s 18th annual event honored Fabian Castillo, Sr. for his support of education through the Rey Feo organization. This yearly event has been transforming lives since 2008 under the leadership of founder Martha Tijerina who has worked tirelessly along with her dedicated hard-working brunch leadership committee. A veritable who’s who of guests, supporters, vendors, recipients, and sponsors ensured this event grows bigger and better with each passing year. Chancellor Flores announced the Martha Tijerina Endowed Scholarship and funded the first $10,000. Martha was presented a gold necklace with a “diploma” charm—fitting for Martha who oversees this astounding success every year. ■

22 Annual Paralegal Day nd

Balancing the Scales In Your Legal Career By Leslie Foley

he State Bar of Texas Paralegal Division District 5 and The San Antonio Paralegal Association hosted their annual gathering, the Paralegal Day Celebration. The State Bar of Texas was the first bar association in the United States to create a separate division for paralegals and has been in existence for 36 years. In 1993, the Texas House of Representatives began passing resolutions recognizing October 23rd as Paralegal Day. On January 22, 2009, the Texas Senate issued Proclamation Number 1144 declaring October 23rd as Paralegal Day indefinitely. Judge Bert Richardson served as Keynote Speaker, and 2024-2025 Paralegal Organization Officers Susi Boss and Lisa Gutierrez outdid themselves once again. Michelyn Maxey, Langley & Banack, was awarded Paralegal of the Year, and San Antonio Paralegal Association Membership Director Diana Olack and SAPA Parliamentarian Kathryn Flores won scholarships. Rise Recover was the charitable recipient. ■ 54

Fox Tech High School Law Professions Magnet cohort: Consuelo Hinojosa-Gomez, Isabel Cortez, Ximena Rodriguez, Nora Angeles-Hernandez, Teacher Jennifer Casanova-Gonzalez, Emily Quintanilla, Natalia Pimental, and Danika Maddox

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Organizer Susi Boss, Selling raffle tickets to win a "Barrell of Booze" are Attorney Sean Lyons, and Kathryn Ann Flores and organizer Lisa Gutierrez Olga Bravo Estes

Keynote speaker Judge Bert Richardson, Attorney Charles Hardy with organizers Lisa Gutierrez and Susi Boss (back row)

Judge Neel Lane, Judge Mary Lou Alvarez, Jennifer Espronceda, and Mark Cevallas

Mallory Olfers representing charitable recipient Rise Recovery Subscribe today at www.sceneinsa.com

2026

Paralegal Excellence Award Recognizing the legal professionals that make it all happen, Scene In SA shines the spotlight on praiseworthy Top SA Paralegals. deserving of this year’s Paralegal Excellence award, as nominated by San Antonio attorneys. Every effort was made to confirm the information presented here. Scene In SA is not responsible for any inaccuracies in the information provided to the magazine. Listings are alphabetical by first name.

Candy Acevedo

Erin Green

Raymond Ortegon

Vanessa Aldana

Lesly Grifaldo

Lydia Ortiz

Shayla Barroso

Nancy Groff

Laura Orton

Corey Betancourt

Clarissa Gutierrez

Colleen Peebles

Susi Boss

Myra Hall

Nicole Penilla

Fernando Casillas

Regina Karako

Hollee Puryear

Graham Family Law

Goranson Bain Ausley, PLLC Cruz Day Law

Law Offices of Glenn J. Deadman, PC Higdon, Hardy & Zuflacht, LLP Cruz Day Law

Nathalia Castillo Injury Law Guides

Davis & Santos Scheuerman Law Firm, PLLC Graham Family Law Hoelscher Gebbia Cepeda PLLC Law Office of Andrew Raul V. Trevino Schulman Lopez Hoffer & Adelstein

Sandra Kozero

Whitley Law Firm, PC

Cassandra Christopher

Murray Lind

Janell Contreras

Vanessa Lopez

Nicole Correa

Haley Maguin

The Whitley Law Firm PC Rosenblatt Law Firm

West & West, Greer & Estorga

Dryer & Mazaheri, PLLC Law Office of Joseph Acevedo Goranson Bain Ausley, PLLC

Ashley Cotton

Erica Makuk

Madilyn Couls

Meagan Mann

Dorothy Dominguez

Lauren Martinez

Alexandra Elizondo

Rocio Mayes

Kathryn Ann Flores

Michelle Murdoch

Teresa Flores

Priscilla Nash

Christina “Christy” Garcia

Faith Lynn Nieto

Hiram Garcia

Rachel Nunez

Phoebe Glombik

Diana M. Olack

Amber Graza

Micheal Ormand

Flanary Law Firm PLLC Law Office Of Anthony Bancroft Morales Padia Law

Scheuerman Law Firm, PLLC Marvel Law Group Ford Murray

Pennebaker Law Firm Espinoza & Brock

Goranson Bain Ausley, PLLC Davis & Santos

Rosenblatt Law Firm Cruz Day Law

Barton & Associates

Law Office of Samuel Reyes PLLC Rosenblatt Law Firm

Group Legal Services Pietrazek Law, PLLC Robert Stone Law OSGC

Luchnik Law Firm

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Graham Family Law

Dreyer & Mazaheri, PLLC Rosenblatt Law Firm Guerra LLP

The Law Year

Davis & Santos

Aubrey Reichman Reuter Law Group

Sonia Rodriguez Espinoza & Brock

Katarina Rome Shaw Law, PLLC

Lisa Salinas

Graham Family Law

Nicole Sanchez

Law Offices of Glenn J. Deadman, PC

Marisa Segovia Luchnick Law Firm

Elaine Simons SALSA

Sharie Smasal

Schulman Lopez Hoffer & Adelstein

Jessica Spain

Law Offices of S. Dylan Pearcy, PLLC

Noni Trautmann Gamez Law Firm

Rachel Valdez

Roberts Markel Weinberg Butler Hailey PC

Aimee Villarrea Espinoza & Brock

Jennifer West

West & West, Greer & Estorga

Efren Yang Hill Law Firm

WINTER 2026 |

LEADERS IN Law 2026 Rising Star Lawyers

San Antonio senior attorneys (15 years or more experience practicing law) recently nominated impressive junior attorneys with 10 or fewer years in practice for our 2025 Rising Stars feature. Scene In SA is pleased to honor this year’s Rising Stars representing the city's best firms, institutions, and private practices across a variety of legal specialties. Every effort was made to confirm the information presented here. Scene In SA is not responsible for any inaccuracies in the information provided to the magazine. Listings are alphabetical by first name.

Abigail M. Orgeron

Courtney Grace Cadran

Gregory S. Fink

Lauren M. Miller

Aisha Aziz Leftwich’ Hernandez

Daniela Virgen

Hannah Cramer

Lauren Payne

Alexis Biedrzycki

Derek S. Ritchie

Jade Tyler Heep

Lauren Restino

Andrea De La Garza

Destinee Gesing

Jessica Mendicutti

Leigh Ann Greenberg

Arieana Alexia Martinez

Edmond Karam

Jessica Rose Sexton

Leon Dacbert

Audrey Cleveland

Eduardo Salazar

Joe Anderson

Madison Gray

Caitlin E. Bennett

Elizabeth Kreager

John S. Gilmore, III

Marie Bussey-Garza

Candice C. Contreras

Emily Ogden

Jordan Singleton

Melody Nikmaram

Carlos E. Garcia

Farid Seyyedi

Julie Elizabeth Graham

Nadeen Abou-Hossa

Casey Colleen Lee

Fernando Martinez-Smith

Landon Hankins

Nicolette Van Dielen

Cassandra ‘Cassie’ Wilson

Gabriel Alejandro Narvaez

Laura Emadi

Olivia Serna

Cassidy Roos Daniels

Gabriela Justice

Laura H Gonzalez

Paloma Perez

Cassidy Millard

Georgina Elizabeth Buckley-Graham

Lauren Howell

Pedro Webber

Fennemore PC Labor & Employment Graham Family Law Family Law Goldstein & Orr Criminal Defense

Alamo City Law Firm Personal Injury

Walsh Gallegos Kyle Robinson & Roalson PC Special Education Cruz Day Law Family Law

Jean Brown Law Family Law

Werner & Augsburger Wills, Trusts, Estates & Probate Goranson Bain Ausley, PLLC Family Law Lovorn Law Firm, PLLC Family Law

Law Office of Frederick R. Zlotucha Civil Litigation

Rosenthal Pauerstein Sandoloski Agather, Llp Litigation Cordell Cordell Litigation

The Law Firm of Derek S. Ritchie, PLLC Family Law Drought, Drought & Bobbitt, LLP Civil Litigation The Law Office of Derek S. Ritchie, PLLC Family Law Walsh Gallegos Kyle Robinson & Roalson PC Facilities & Business Law Offices of Edmond D. Karam, PLLC Family Law Goldstein & Orr Criminal Defense

Langley & Banack, Inc. Corporate/Business/Banking/Finance/Estate Planning Goranson Bain Ausley, PLLC Family Law Langley & Banack, Inc. Fiduciary Litigation Escamilla & Poneck, Llp Imigration Hill Law Firm Personal Injury

Davis & Santos, PLLC Civil and Commercial Litigation, Jackson Walker LLP Litigation

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Walsh Gallegos Kyle Robinson & Roalson PC Facilities & Business Walsh Gallegos Kyle Robinson & Roalson PC General Education Espinoza & Brock Workers Compensation Wayne Wright, Llp Personal Injury Jean Brown Law Family Law

Goldstein & Orr Criminal Defense Goldstein & Orr Criminal Defense

Rodriguez Law Firm Oil & Gas Graham Family Law Family Law

Davis & Santos, PLLC Business Litigation Fennemore PC Labor & Employment

Drought, Drought & Bobbitt, LLP Litigation-Property/Estate/Oil & Gas Fennemore PC Labor & Employment

Langley & Banack, Inc. Estate Planning Davidson, Troilo, Ream and Garza Estate Planning/Probate Goranson Bain Ausley, PLLC Family Law Lovorn Law Firm Family Law

Begum Law Group Personal Injury Langley & Banack, Inc. Banking/Corporate/Real Estate DLA Piper LLC Litigation

Begum Peleaz Corporate Law

Gonzalez Chiscano Angulo & Kasson, Pc Appellate/Commercial Litigation Davis & Santos, PLLC Litigation Thomas J Henry Personal Injury Rosenblatt Law Firm Transactional Wayne Wright, Llp Personal Injury

Subscribe today at www.sceneinsa.com

Peyton Howe

Fennemore PC Labor & Employment

Rachel Garza

Davis & Santos PLLC Business Litigation

Ronnie Wilkins Goldstein & Orr Criminal Defense

Ruben A. Martinez Wayne Wright, Llp Personal Injury

Sergio Mendoza

PAPPAS GRUBBS PRICE Insurance Defense

Shawn M. Lovorn Lovorn & Ogle, PLLC Criminal Defense

Sofia Luna

Drought, Drought & Bobbitt, LLP Real Estate

Sofia-Rose Ramirez

The Law Office of Kate Soulsby Family Law

Stephanie Dodge Bigley Davis & Santos, PLLC Litigation

Thomas C. Railsback Lovorn Law Firm, PLLC Family Law

Todd Tagami

San Antonio Legal Services Association Veterans Program/Legal

Tre Vela

Alamo City Law Firm Personal Injury

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WINTER 2026 |

There and Back Again: A Ron's Tale

by Nick Blevins

t was a blustery, early December afternoon at Trinity University’s Laurie Auditorium. I’d come to interview former Mayor Ron Nirenberg ahead of the spring release of his memoir, Nirenberg: The Education of a Public Servant; and I was a little lost. Having finished the book a few days previous, my head was full of a lot of information, and a bundle of questions I was actively reworking along my walk.

A moment later, Nirenberg appeared walking down the hallway, finishing a phone call. We exchanged quick greetings as he unlocked his office door, then stepped inside. Unassuming and rather spartan in decor, the space was bereft of some of the commemorative trappings one might expect from someone with a career trajectory like his. After all, this wasn’t his first time back at the school; before he’d held an elected position, he was the general manager at KRTU 91.7, Trinity’s — and San Antonio’s — premier Jazz radio station, and played an instrumental role in making the station the sonic institution it is today. During our conversation, we touched on a range of topics, from his childhood and experiences as a teacher, to his thoughts on the direction of AI and German club music. It was an engaging, fascinating discussion with one of our city’s longest-serving mayors about a career dedicated to public service, and the life that surrounds it. This interview has been edited for clarity. 58

| WINTER 2026

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All childhood photos c/o Ron Nirenberg

I was wrapping up my second unintentional lap through the building’s circular halls searching for Nirenberg’s office, where the summa cum laude Trinity alumnus now serves as the school’s Professor of Practice in Communication, when a friendly faculty member emerged from one of the rooms and pointed me in the right direction. With a few minutes to spare before our scheduled meeting, I sat on a bench outside his office, preparing my notes and glancing out of the floor-to-ceiling windows at the campus and Hildebrand road spread below.

How has your experience been here as a Are there any observations that you've teacher since returning to Trinity? carried over from baseball in your approach It's a little surreal because it’s been literally 30 years, to the day, that I came to to public service? campus for the first time as this fresh-faced, 18 year old student. Being back here, now for the second time — because I came back in ‘09 to work with the radio station — it's interesting, because I'm on the other side of the desk, and I'm being asked to help lead these young students who I can kind of see myself in. I feel a sense of pressure to not let the university down, and to do a good job. At the same time, it's so inspiring. I feel like it's an extension of the public service mission. My focus has always been about how we leave the world a better place for future generations, and this is another avenue for doing that, particularly in the kind of class that I'm teaching. It's also helping me sort out my own head and all the things that I've been through in the last 12 years in public service. So it's been a total, reinvigorating recalibration.

Do you feel like you're trading one set of expectations for another? Is it any easier?

I've worked in Jazz, and I've worked in government democracy. I have a deep, abiding love of baseball, you know; my center of gravity has been around America's greatest exports. Baseball, yeah, I guess it comes into the subconscious now and then in the words that I use, but other than my hope springing eternal for optimism about what we're doing in policy and government in general, I don't think it really comes in.

Which artists or albums are you listening to lately? My favorite band of all time is The Doors, and I listened to the anthology ‘til everybody around me in this campus was sick of The Doors. My parents — my mom, especially — grew up listening to music. She was the president of Cliff Richard’s fan club. She always had music on, and I was always listening to the album, so my musical tastes were always like 20 years behind most of my friends.

Well, it's a different skill set, in some aspects; some things are staying the same. And so in that way, it's a little harder. I have tremendous respect for the professors and faculty here, and for teachers in general. But the students are incredible.

I'm listening to a lot of different stuff, but I still am kind of behind the times. One of the bands that I’ve really started to like is called Cannons. It's an interesting sound. I think it's just the phase that I'm in right now; more ethereal, a little bit more electronic. I started listening to The Knife. Oh, and Grimes. Yeah. I think it's just because I was listening to the discovery channel on my iTunes.

I mean, they're super engaged, and they believe that they can change the world, and I want to cultivate that: I want to empower them to do that. I'm putting pressure on myself to make sure that I'm helpful.

No, I don't have Spotify.

Did you get your Spotify Wrapped?

How do you feel that your skills best cultivate Probably for the best. have [iTunes] music replay, though. If I had Spotify wrapped, it would tell young folks’ belief in their ability to change Imedothat I was listening to Cannons. There's also a band called She Passed Away. the world? I'm a professor of practice, and so what I don't have in educational credentials, That’s the band name? I have in experience: professional experience, [and] life experience that I can bring as part of their coursework. The class that I've designed really fits in that space between the theory and research-oriented work that they're doing in urban studies, political science, and international affairs in the real world.

Yeah. It's kind of like German… Electronic… Metal?

My goal is to connect them with a real, functional know-how, so that students have a deep understanding of how the world should work, and a firm grasp on their values that they’re cultivating here at Trinity. I've said before: I want to empower our students to be actors in the world, not just activists. I want them to be able to use their voice to create change, and know how to do that

When you were managing KRTU, were you teaching some as well? So the board of directors of KRTU is the faculty of the communication department. I reported to the faculty. Part of the job of the general manager at the time was to teach a couple of one-hour courses that corresponded to the volunteer work that the students were doing in the station. They got academic credit for working at the radio station, but they had to learn marketing and broadcast management. I taught those classes.

I had a conversation with [Trinity University President] Dr. Beasley. I'd been asked to consider teaching, and if I did do that, the 1st place I would want to do it is at my alma mater. She gave me [free] reign to talk to the provost and design a class around the experiences I've had. That's the purpose of the professor of practice, is to bring that professional experience.

Would you say you're a baseball super fan, or is it specifically the Red Sox? Specifically the Red Sox, but I am a super fan of baseball, yeah. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/sceneinsa | Follow us on Instagram @sceneinsamag

Ron as a young folk, in 1985

Are you developing the curriculum largely yourself?

WINTER 2026 |

Of course, the call thing didn't work very long. But I've always tried to maintain that boundary, and the people in my office have as well. I think it's critically important: the fact that the state of our political world and our democracy is so fragile right now, is because that boundary has not been respected.

What boundary, explicitly? You have politicians who are meddling in the content and structure of the press that's supposed to be holding them accountable. Then you also have media on the other side that are trying to play both roles. You have media outlets built entirely around political ideology. Those lines are totally blurred, and I think the result is opening up gaping vulnerabilities in our democracy. To me, they’re two sides of the same coin, in terms of what's protecting the freedom and independence of how this country was established. Trinity University's Laurie Auditorium offices overlook Hildebrand, including Nirenberg's

[Nirenberg pulls up a track and begins playing it. I’m reminded of Haddaway’s "What Is Love," or a more propulsive Kraftwerk] Yeah, it's like club music.

You were at the jazz station. Of course it's going to be eclectic. Yeah, I started listening to The Cars again, too.

I was particularly fascinated by your time at the university newspaper, The Trinitonian. How do you feel like your background in journalism and news gathering helped your career as a public servant? I've thought a lot about that, and my entrée into journalism was really about sports, but it evolved — particularly here [to Trinity University], and when I got into news. Then as editor, it was really about fact and truth. I've always felt like my heart was still in journalism, even when I was in public office. I always felt like I had a responsibility to be transparent and objective, and focused on helping people understand the truth behind things; which has kind of made it difficult politically, sometimes. So much of the political world we live in is spin — and perhaps people will say, “well that’s just spin too” — but it really has always been about this pursuit of truth, and that's why I think there's such an important symbiotic relationship between, you know, the Fourth Estate and the work that elected officials do. There are boundaries that should be respected. When I was first elected as a city councilman, journalism was still very much on my mind, and I always thought it was fascinating whenever I had interactions with the media. I always had a rule for myself that whenever a reporter or somebody from the press called, I never wanted them to go to voicemail, number one. And I never told them what to write, or corrected what they wrote, unless it was about just a fact.

May I ask your opinion on AI, both as a private citizen and a public servant? Opinions still forming. I think it's a potentially powerful tool for knowledge transfer, and making sure we're using information appropriately. But the potential harmful uses are infinite, and alarming. Once again, it's become politicized in the sense that nations now view this as another Manhattan project: who's got to dominate in the space of AI? I often think about technology. In fact, one of the professors I've studied with in Philadelphia studied iterations of technology, and how, generations from now, people will use AI in the same way we use books to transfer knowledge. That was scary. This is obviously light years beyond that, but it's alarming. I don't think we, as a society, are ready for it. When genetic modifications were first discovered and experimented [with], there was a rush to have conferences globally about the ethics of doing things like cloning. There doesn't seem to be that same effort here, yet what we're playing with is as powerful, and potentially more destructive. And so, I hope that future generations are not harmed by our lack of a collective ethical boundary related to AI.

Do you think that the environmental impacts have been adequately addressed at all yet or are we just ignoring it? Certainly the bigger one is Bitcoin mining, which serves, to me, zero purpose for the environmental harms that it produces. So yeah, I don't think we're addressing the environmental harms at all.

Last question regarding AI. Does it feel inevitable? Yeah. And I say this as someone who grew up watching Terminator every day.

Who are some individuals that you feel like are doing vital work in the community right now? First person on that list would be Dr. Adena [Williams] Loston, who is the president of St. Philip's College. She's a legend in the education field, and she's really embraced the idea that education, beyond just degrees, is economic empowerment for the community; she's been a really important ally in our workforce development efforts. My wife, Erica, is an amazing person you can read about. Eric Cooper, the CEO of the Food Bank, who I think, in his core, totally understands the issue of poverty and how we solve it.

Where's the spinach tat? *points to left arm* ■

Popeye, the markedly swole-armed sailor was an early childhood hero of Nirenberg's

| WINTER 2026

If you're interested in finding out more about Nirenberg, his memoir, Nirenberg: The Education of a Public Servant releases on March 24, 2026. Subscribe today at www.sceneinsa.com

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WINTER 2026 |

One of the most unexpectedly delightful dishes was the Goat Cheese and Duck Bacon with arugula and Candied Pecans. Try them all together for texural joy!

Finding Balance at Bohanan's Writer & Photographer Nick Blevins

2024 Chenin Blanc (Matanzas Creek Winery) paired alongside Crab Curry Toast

Dry and fruity, the first pairing up was this 2022 Riesling (Trimbach) served with flavorful Duck Confit Egg Rolls

This devastatingly tender Steakhouse Salad was paired with a 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon (Clos Du Val)

If you're a meat and cheese fan, you'll love the Wagyu Prime Rib Embanadas

had the pleasure of dinner at Bohanan’s Prime Steaks and Seafood recently, checking out their appetizer menu, as well as their wines. As a relative wine novice, however, the ability to confidently pair a certain vintage with a certain dish — beyond it just “tasting good” — had long eluded me. At the risk of sounding dramatic, I spent years indifferent to the possibilities that existed, and the reactions that could occur when two distinct flavor profiles are expertly curaated and culminate into something greater than the sum of its parts. While many glasses have passed these lips, I had simply not explored the gustatory delights that pairings can offer. I should have known that a place so discerning about their tannins and terroirs would have me covered. Just look at the photos. Yes, it was delicious. Yes, you should go. Don’t let the lack of prices on the website scare you; the apps are affordable, and generous if you’re splitting with a friend to try more items, though you may want to be decisive on the wine — there are a lot of options. Make sure to ask for a recommendation, and watch a whole new dimension of flavor open up! Vino vets can rest assured as well that Bohanan’s have their top people running the show, with both horizontal and vertical wine pairings on offer for those who want to really dig deep. Take a date. Heck, take yourself. You deserve nice things too. ■

The unctuous cheese and sweet apricot preserves of the Pecan-crusted Brie were complemented well by a 2023 Chardonnay (Walter Hansel)

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Bohanan’s Prime Steaks and Seafood is open seven days a week, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays until 10 p.m. Subscribe today at www.sceneinsa.com

Featured

Professional Doctors Marque Allen, DPM

J. Antonio Lopez, MD

Specialties: Foot and Ankle Surgery

Specialties: Family Medicine

2025 Scene in SA Top Surgeon 2026 Best SA Doctor Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio ( (210) 699-8326 6 (210) 561-7121 * allenmarque@gmail.com

Dr. Marque Allen is fellowship-trained and double board-certified in both Foot & Ankle Surgery. He has over 20 years experience in practice in San Antonio, TX and is one of the four founding partners of Sports Medicine Associates. Dr. Allen and his partners have been team physicians for the San Antonio Spurs for over 20 years. Dr. Allen is also an expert in the cutting-edge bunion procedure, 3D Lapiplasty, which has revolutionized the successful treatment of bunions. He is one of the top 20 surgeons in the US in the number of successful Lapiplasty procedures performed. Dr. Allen believes that every patient is an athlete because life is a competitive sport.

Juan Berner, MD, DPhil

2026 Best SA Doctor Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, UT San Antonio ( (210) 450-9220 Specialties: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Nuevo Leon Monterrey Immigrated OBGYN Practitioner 2026 Best SA Doctor 2025 Top Family Doctor Lopez Family Practice ( (210) 534-8906 * antonio.md@lopezfamilypractice.com

Dr. Lopez has been practicing medicine for over twenty years. After graduating from the Nuevo Leon Medical University in 1990, he practiced in Monterey, Mexico for a year. Dr. Lopez then immigrated to the US, and received a second degree from the University of Illinois in 1996. Though he enjoyed a successful career as a cardiologist and obgyn as well as a family practitioner in Illinois, Dr. Lopez moved his family to San Antonio in 2001 and is proud to be a part of the Texas community. Since opening the doors to Lopez Family Practice, Antonio has won several awards, including Outstanding Leadership of the Community in Doctoral Achievement (Chamber of Commerce 2008), America's Top Family Doctors (Consumer's Research Council of America, 2009), and Best Physicians as Chosen by Their Peers (Scene in SA, 2020-2025).

Dr. Terri Nutt-Taylor

2026 Best SA Doctor 2025 Outstanding Women in Medicine 2025 Top Dermatologist The SkinMD Dermatology Clinic ( (210) 615-9494 6 (210) 490-1514 * theskinmd@yahoo.com Specialties: Dermatology

Dr. Juan Berner is an Assistant Professor at UT San Antonio. Dr Berner completed his Plastic Surgery residency in England, followed by two prestigious microsurgery fellowships in Newcastle and London. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons and was awarded an MSc and a DPhil (PhD) by the University of Oxford. He moved with his family to San Antonio in 2024, where he has developed a vibrant practice including breast, head and neck, and extremity reconstruction.

Ellen Lin, MD

2026 Best SA Doctor 2025 Outstanding Woman in Medicine 2025 Top Surgeon Advanced Spine & Pain Center ( (210) 690-0777 6 (210) 545-3671 * paindoctorellen@gmail.com Specialties: Pain Management

Dr Terri Nutt-Taylor is a graduate of the competitive 6-year combined BS/MD program of Northeastern Ohio College of Medicine, and completed Dermatology residency at Wilford Hall Medical Center. She is an Air Force Veteran and served as a Flight Physician with Air Force Special Operations Command and was Chief of Dermatology at Travis AFB, CA. Dr. Taylor has called San Antonio home for many years now. She treats patients of all ages and offers medical, surgical, and cosmetic services.

Melody Zamora, DDS

2026 Best SA Dentist 2025 Outstanding Women in Medicine Zam Dental ( (210) 494-2206 6 (210) 547-9513 * drzamora@zamdental.com Specialties: General Dentistry

The profession of dentistry has always meant service for Dr. Zamora. She strives to Dr. Ellen Lin is a graduate of the University of Texas Health Science Center of San Antonio. provide personalized, compassionate care to every patient. She provides her patients She is board-certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation with a subspecialty certificaquality dental care using the best technology and health care available. She received her tion in Pain Medicine and is the founder of Advanced Spine and Pain Center in San Antonio, undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science from Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas. She was the first person in the history of the program to graduate from the Departgraduating magna cum laude. She completed her dental education in 2003 at Oregon ment of Anesthesiology Pain Management Fellowship with a background in PM&R. Health & Science University, in Portland, OR with a DMD degree. She also has additional Dr. Lin is now a part of the team at Advanced Spine and Pain Center as the board-certified, training in both pediatric dentistry and pathology, including early detection of oral cancer. fellowship-trained interventional pain management specialist and enjoys serving the San Dr. Zamora stays up-to-date on scientific research to provide the best possible care. Antonio area providing the latest in medical treatment for acute and chronic pain conditions. Dr. Lin has been recognized by her peers for the past 17 years as a Top Doctor in San Antonio. PA I D A D V E RT I S I N G S E C T I O N Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/sceneinsa | Follow us on Instagram @sceneinsamag

WINTER 2026 |

ANIMALIS FABULA

Brings Bold Storytelling to San Antonio’s Historic Woodlawn Theatre

By Jules Aldaz

Walking into the Woodlawn Theatre, I felt that familiar pause before something meaningful begins. Excitement, yes, but more like a readiness.

he Animalis Fabula Film Festival took place at the historic Woodlawn Comedy Theatre in San Antonio, and from the start it was clear this was not a festival built around spectacle. It felt quieter than that. Intentional. This is the kind of event where people come prepared to watch, to really listen to the stories being told and to have it resonate with them long after the lights come back up.

At a festival centered on animals and the natural world, Animalis Fabula also made room for a deeply human story with the documentary on Dr. Temple Grandin. It felt like a natural extension of the programming, since these films are ultimately about how humans relate to the world around them. How we protect, misunderstand, exploit, and sometimes fight to preserve what we once ignored. Animals are not background characters. They are the reason these stories exist. The Woodlawn Theatre was the perfect home for it. This historic theatre opened in 1945 and the building carries decades of shared history. There is a magical feel about watching films in a space that has held many collective moments before. It reminds the audience that storytelling was always meant to be experienced together.

Showing up still matters One of the first people I spoke with was San Antonio filmmaker CJ Goodwyn. He was not there to promote a project, nor make an appearance. Instead, he was there to support the festival and the people behind it. That idea surfaced again and again throughout the festival. People were not showing up to be seen. They were showing up because they believed in what was happening in that room. CJ spoke about the importance of attending festivals and screenings, especially in cities like San Antonio. Community does not build itself. It takes people choosing to be present. He is currently in post production on Sherlock Holmes: The Fall of Watson and developing a gothic television series titled Eternal Pursuit, but what stayed with me most was his advice to aspiring filmmakers. Make what you want to make. Not what you think will sell. Not what you think the audience expects. He spoke honestly about the realities of independent filmmaking noting that no matter where the location that funding is always a challenge. Distribution requires caution. Protecting your work matters. But he also talked about the advantages of creating in Texas. Access to locations. People willing to help. The ability to make something meaningful without a massive budget if you are resourceful.

A film still from this year's Best Documentary award winner at Animalis Fabula film festival (opposite); photo and synopisis courtesy João Queiroga (pictured right). Through the eyes of a stray dog, Shepherd Boy offers a tender, yet unflinching portrait of life on the margins of society. Left to survive on the outskirts of Doha, Shepherd Boy navigates the harsh desert that has become his home. His journey—marked by love, loss, and resilience—echoes the struggles of those pushed to the edges of a rapidly changing nation. Blending lyrical storytelling with raw documentary observation, the film becomes a quiet metaphor for society's forgotten souls. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/sceneinsa | Follow us on Instagram @sceneinsamag

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It set the tone for the festival. Ambitious, but grounded. Learning to see what we overlook A movie that lingered in my mind was The Invisible Mammal, directed by Kristin Tieche. This documentary focuses on bat preservation and women in science. It never comes across as clinical or didactic. Instead it feels intimate almost serene, in the manner it progresses. Kristin explained that the films origins began well before any cameras were present. Years back as a graduate student in upstate New York, she spent an evening outdoors and noticed the sky teeming with bats. Having been raised in the Bay Area she had never truly noticed bats until then. That evening surprised her. Left a lasting impression. Subsequently as she started researching white-nose syndrome and the damage it was inflicting on bat populations throughout North America, that recollection resurfaced. What made it more impactful was recognizing that the epidemic started close, to where she had attended school. She caught herself questioning if the bats she had observed before were still present. That inquiry ultimately brought her to Texas. The movie was filmed at Bracken Cave in San Antonio and at the Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin. Watching those scenes projected on a screen was captivating due, to the stunning cinematography—witnessing thousands of bats emerge simultaneously—the noise, the motion. It changes your perception of them. Fear doesn’t hold power once you grasp what you’re observing. There’s a moment in the film where the camera lingers on a bat’s face. Up close, unguarded. Someone sitting near me whispered that they never thought they’d describe a bat as cute. It was said almost in disbelief. That small reaction felt like the kind of shift this film was quietly aiming for.

When stories meet real life Animalis Fabula does not let stories end when the credits roll. The festival intentionally brings nonprofit organizations and animal welfare advocates into the same space as the films. Throughout the festival, those conversations felt just as important as what played on screen. Catherine Lara, with K9 Service With a Twist, spoke about training service dogs for veterans and teaching incarcerated women animal handling skills

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that lead to employment after release. Her work centers on rehabilitation through responsibility. Kati Krouse, founder and executive director of Bears, Etc. Bears and Exotic Animals and Reptile Rescue and Sanctuary, spoke about exotic animals that end up displaced or neglected. Tigers, exotic cats, birds. They are often displaced not because of cruelty, but due to misunderstanding. Her organization works closely with law enforcement and animal control to educate, intervene, and find appropriate placements. I also spoke with Julie Ann Marchbanks of God Dog Rescue and Monica Caballero of the San Antonio Feral Cat Coalition. Their work reflects the everyday reality of animal welfare in San Antonio. Julie Ann has been rescuing animals for decades. God Dog Rescue has saved tens of thousands of dogs and, more recently, cats, transporting them across the country for adoption. The film 25 Cats From Qatar, shown at the festival, mirrors the kind of rescue work happening locally. Monica’s approach at Feral Cat Coalition is prevention, deploying a simple, but effective strategy: Trap, spay, neuter, return. She spoke openly about scale. There are countless feral cat colonies in San Antonio, which are known to decimate bird populations. You cannot save them all, but every effort matters in protecting our local ecology and valuaing animal welfare. That idea echoed throughout the festival.

A voice that ties it all together One of the most meaningful moments of the festival was the presence of Dr. Temple Grandin, whose work has shaped modern animal welfare and transformed how we understand visual thinking. At the Woodlawn Theatre, a documentary about her life titled An Open Door screened at the festival, a follow up to the original HBO film that first introduced many people to how she thinks and works. Being there in person mattered. Her presence connected decades of progress to the conversations happening in the room. Dr. Grandin spoke about thinking in pictures, not words—about being an extreme visual thinker and how that way of seeing the world allows her to understand animals, who don't deal in abstractions like humans.

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She spoke about how animal handling has improved over time, not just because of better equipment, but because of changes in management and accountability. One of her proudest accomplishments has been creating simple scoring systems that helped companies like McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s improve animal welfare without rebuilding entire facilities. Repairs, maintenance, nonslip flooring, and a shift in attitude made measurable differences. Her message extended beyond animals. Dr. Grandin spoke about the teachers who helped her as a child with severe autism and delayed speech. She credits hands on learning, strong mentors, and people who saw her potential before she could articulate it herself. Her advice to young people was direct. Get off the screens. Try out different careers. You have to try things to really know what you like and what you don't like. Do real things. Learn how to solve problems. To educators, she emphasized the importance of recognizing different kinds of thinkers. Visual thinkers. Mechanical thinkers. Pattern thinkers. The best work happens when these minds collaborate. Understanding how people think differently does not divide us. It helps us work together.

The thinking behind the festival At the center of Animalis Fabula is Tom McPhee, the festival’s founder and also the founder of Texas Media Maker. Spending time with him helped the larger picture come into focus. When I asked what films shaped him early on, his answers came quickly. Old Yeller. Born Free. Films that treated animals as beings with meaning, not props. Those early impressions stayed with him. Tom speaks often about visual thinking as lived experience. That perspective is reflected throughout the festival. Animalis Fabula is built around observation, empathy, and allowing stories to unfold without forcing conclusions. He talked about curiosity. About asking questions. About early conversations with Steven Spielberg that were less about admiration and more about understanding process. How careers start. How people learn. For Tom, storytelling is a way to help people see differently. When people understand how others think, whether human or animal, empathy follows. Animalis Fabula works in San Antonio because this city understands community. It understands gathering. It understands stories that are layered, imperfect, and human. The festival does not tell people what to think. It invites them to observe. As the event came to a close, what stayed with me was not just a particular film or conversation. It was the quiet shift that happens when awareness settles in. You leave seeing bats differently. You leave understanding rescue work more clearly. You leave thinking about education, empathy, and how different minds solve problems. Animalis Fabula does not ask people to save the world—it asks them to care. And sometimes, that is exactly where change begins. ■ For more information on future Animalis Fabula film festivals, please visit animalisfabula.org.

Animalus Fabula audience attentively awaiting the screenings; Event ticket (right) courtesy Animalis Fabula Film Festival Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/sceneinsa | Follow us on Instagram @sceneinsamag

Animalis Fabula does not ask people to save the world—it asks them to care. And sometimes, that is exactly where change begins.

“Animals live in a sensory world,” she said. “You have to get down into their shoes and see what they are seeing.”

WINTER 2026 |

Featured

Professional Attorneys Alexander Begum

Harold McCall

Areas of Practice: Personal Injury

2025 Best SA Lawyer 2025 Top Personal Injury Lawyer Villarreal & Begum ( (210) 800-0000 6 (210) 233-8278 * abegum@texaslegalgroup.com : texaslawguns.com

2025 Best SA Lawyer 2025 Top Personal Injury Lawyer Wayne Wright, LLP ( (210) 888-8888 6 (210) 734-9965 * hmccall@waynewright.com : waynewright.com

Alexander Begum is a founding shareholder of the Villarreal & Begum Law Firm, with offices in San Antonio, Laredo, and McAllen. Mr. Begum earned a double major in Marketing and Finance at Trinity University. He then attended Harvard University where he studied finance and legal writing. Alex acquired a Doctorate of Jurisprudence and a Masters of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Texas Tech. Alexander Begum has devoted his career to helping those injured by negligent drivers, 18-wheelers, and bad corporate actors. Scene In SA has named Alex Begum Best Injury Lawyer for years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.

Harold McCall handles complex trucking accident cases resulting in serious injury or death, as well as dangerous product and drug cases. Mr. McCall is licensed to practice law in 6 states, including Texas; is a life member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum; is listed as a Best Attorney in San Antonio by Scene In SA magazine; and is past President of the San Antonio Trial Lawyers Association.

John S. Gilmore, III

Gavin McInnis

2025 Best SA Lawyer 2025 Top Criminal Defense Lawyer Goldstein & Orr, PLLC ( (210) 226-1463 6 (210) 226-8367 * johnstuartgilmore@gmail.com : goldsteinhilley.com

2025 Best SA Lawyer Wyatt Law Firm, Ltd ( (210) 340-5550 6 (210) 340-5581 * gmcinnis@wyattlawfirm.com : wyattlawfirm.com

Areas of Practice: Plaintiff Personal Injury

Areas of Practice: Criminal Law & Criminal Appeals

John Gilmore is the Senior Associate at Goldstein & Orr. His practice focuses on state and federal criminal litigation, appeals, and asset forfeitures. He takes pride in discretely resolving allegations in high stakes matters, including the return of over one million dollars in assets for clients. John has been selected as a Rising Star Lawyer each year in practice and was recently recognized as one of the Top 20 Criminal Defense Lawyers in San Antonio.

Gavin, who has been nicknamed “the Law Library” by some of his peers, concentrates his practice in the representation of plaintiffs in serious personal injury, trucking accidents, wrongful death, carbon monoxide exposure, and oil field injury cases. Born and raised in Latin America until the age of thirteen, Gavin speaks English and Spanish. Honors and recognitions include: Super Lawyers, Scene In SA’s Best Lawyers, Top 50 Verdicts (Texas); Texas Bar Foundation Fellow; Order of the Barristers.

Gerry Goldstein

Ashley Morgan

2025 Best SA Lawyer 2025 Top Criminal Defense Lawyer Goldstein & Orr, PLLC ( (210) 226-1463 6 (210) 226-8367 * gerry@goldsteinorr.law : goldsteinhilley.com

2025 Best SA Lawyer Soyars & Morgan Law ( (210) 568-9400 6 (210) 858-5181 * ashley@soyarsmorganlaw.com : soyarsmorganlaw.com

Areas of Practice: DWI, Criminal Defense

Areas of Practice: Criminal Law & Appeals

Gerry Goldstein is a past President of the National Association of Lawyers and the Texas Lawyers Association. Goldstein is listed in The Best Lawyers in America, was named a Texas Lawyer Legal Legend by the State Bar, and was named to the Texas Lawyers Hall of Fame. He was named to the Top 100 list in Super Lawyers and recognized as the outstanding attorney by the State Bar of Texas. He is a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, a Fellow in the American Board of Lawyers, and a prestigious Robert C. Heeney Memorial Award recipient.

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Ashley Morgan is a highly educated and highly experienced trial attorney. She has hundreds of trials under her belt and her ability to communicate clearly and effectively with jurors is second to none. Ashley has the unique ability to empathize with clients – a skill often overlooked by other attorneys. She is a fierce advocate and will vigorously defend you. As a former prosecutor, she is able to anticipate strategies and tactics you will face, and this insight into preparation will serve you well. It also means she has the experience needed to negotiate with the State.

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Melody Nikmaram

2026 Rising Star Lawyer Begum Peláez-Prada PLLC ( (210) 780-6022 6 (210) 446-5058 * melody@bp-plaw.com : bp-plaw.com

Lauren T. Payne

2026 Rising Star Lawyer Davidson Troilo Ream & Garza, PC ( (210) 349-6484 6 (210) 349-0041 * lpayne@dtrglaw.com : dtrglaw.com

Areas of Practice: Corporate Law, Transactional Law Melody Nikmaram is an associate attorney at Begum Pelaez-Prada PLLC, where she practices corporate and transactional law. Her work includes advising clients on business formations, entity structuring, corporate governance, contract drafting and negotiation, mergers and acquisitions, ownership transfers, and general business and regulatory compliance. After her BA in Political Science, and minor in Spanish from Trinity University, Melody earned her JD from St. Mary’s University School of Law. She served as President of the Women’s Law Association, the largest student-led organization on campus. In that role, she organized the school’s largest student-run fundraising event benefiting the Center for Refugees in San Antonio. She also worked as a Teaching Assistant for the Summer Skills Enhancement Program, which evaluates students’ eligibility for law school admission. Melody gained significant hands-on legal experience as a student attorney in the Criminal Justice Clinic and held leadership and service positions as Student Director of the Bexar County Women’s Bar Association, Staff Writer for the St. Mary’s Law Review, and a member of the St. Mary’s Board of Advocates. Melody is fluent in Farsi and is licensed to practice law in both Texas and New Mexico.

Areas of Practice: Estate Planning, Probate

Lauren T. Payne is a graduate of Texas Tech University School of Law and an associate attorney at Davidson Troilo Ream & Garza, PC. Her practice focuses on estate planning and probate, providing thoughtful, strategic counsel tailored to each client. Mrs. Payne prepares comprehensive estate plans — including trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and advance health directives — and represents executors, administrators, and beneficiaries in both independent and dependent estate administrations, ensuring the efficient and effective administration of estates.

Cynthia Orr

2025 Outstanding Women in Law 2025 Best SA Lawyer 2025 Top Criminal Defense Lawyer Goldstein & Orr, PLLC ( (210) 226-1463 6 (210) 226-8367 * whitecollarlaw@gmail.com : goldsteinhilley.com

Derek S. Ritchie

2025 Best SA Lawyer The Law Office of Derek S. Ritchie, PLLC ( (210) 775-2000 6 (210) 592-4370 * derek@derekritchielaw.com : derekritchie.com Areas of Practice: Criminal Defense, Family Law

Areas of Practice: Criminal Law, Appeals

Cynthia Eva Hujar Orr is the past Chair of the ABA Criminal Justice Section and in its House of Delegates, on the Texas Board of Law Examiners, is past President of the NACDL and TCDLA. She founded the San Antonio Lawyers Association and the Texas Innocence Network. She is listed in the Best Lawyers in America, is a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers and is a Texas’ Top 100 Trial Lawyer. She is in the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame, she was TCDLA 2015 Pro Bono Lawyer of the year, clerked for federal Judge Emilio Garza, and is Board Certified in Criminal Law and Appeals. She is listed in the Best Lawyers in America and is AV Rated by Martindale Hubble.

Derek is the founder and managing attorney of the Law Office of Derek S. Ritchie. He earned his law degree in London, then made his way to the United States and earned his LLM from the University of Texas School of Law. He handles DWI's, intoxication manslaughter, murders, and sex crimes, as well as all areas of Family Law. He is available to his clients every day, including weekends.

Hella V. Scheuerman

Richard Orsinger

2025 Best SA Lawyer 2025 Outstanding Woman in Law 2025 Top Personal Injury Lawyer Scheuerman Law Firm, PLLC ( (210) 741-9000 6 (210) 735-2235 * hella@sch-lawfirm.com : sch-lawfirm.com

2025 Best SA Lawyers 2025 Top Family Lawyers Orsinger Law ( (210) 225-5567 6 (210) 267-7777 * richard@orsinger.com : ondafamilylaw.com Areas of Practice: Family Law

Areas of Practice: Personal Injury, Probate, Trust and Estate Litigation

Richard Orsinger is well regarded as one of Texas’ top family law and appellate lawyers. He offers clients unparalleled experience gained over the course of an esteemed 48-year career. In that time, his peers have repeatedly recognized him for his legal acumen, dedication to hard work and to the integrity of his profession. The list of awards bestowed upon him from a variety of legal organizations and publications is impressive. Richard has been named to The Best Lawyers in America in Family Law listing each year since 1987 and in Appellate Law since 2007.

Hella is originally from Managua, Nicaragua. She immigrated to the United States with her family at a young age as a result of the political and economic climate in war-torn Nicaragua. Spanish is her first language and she continues to speak Spanish fluently. In her 27 years of practice, she has obtained significant trial experience as lead attorney in more than 50 jury trials to verdict. Hella is board-certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and frequently counsels and represents clients in both State and Federal Courts. She is licensed in all Texas State Courts, as well as the Western, Northern, and Southern Districts of Texas of the United States District Courts.

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WINTER 2026 |

Featured

Professional Attorneys Jodi Soyars

Wyatt Wright

2025 Best SA Lawyer Soyars & Morgan Law ( (210) 568-9400 6 (210) 858-5181 * jodi@soyarsmorganlaw.com : soyarsmorganlaw.com

2025 Best SA Lawyer 2025 Top Personal Injury Lawyer Wayne Wright, LLP ( (210) 888-8888 6 (210) 734-9965 * wyatt@waynewright.com : waynewright.com

Areas of Practice: Criminal Defense, Family Law

Areas of Practice: Plaintiff Personal Injury Jodi Soyars has gained a reputation for being a strong trial attorney who is not afraid to vigorously defend her clients’ rights. Over the past 15+ years, she has represented defendants accused of misdemeanors and felonies throughout Central Texas. She graduated with honors from law school and was a member of the prestigious Houston Law Review. She has been admitted to practice in the U.S. Western District Courts (federal court). Her practice emphasizes personal attention to each client’s case and prompt communication with her clients. Jodi attributes her success to her pretrial case preparation and her “think outside the box” trial approach.

Wyatt Wright handles complex trucking accident cases resulting in serious injury or death, as well as dangerous product and drug cases. Mr. Wright is licensed to practice law in 15 states, including Texas; is a life member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum; is ranked as a Top 100 Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers; and has been listed as a Best Attorney in San Antonio by Scene In SA Magazine since 2009.

Javier Villarreal

Paula Wyatt

Areas of Practice: Personal Injury

Areas of Practice: Plaintiff Personal Injury

2025 Best SA Lawyer 2025 Top Personal Injury Lawyer Villareal & Begum ( (210) 800-0000 6 (210) 233-8278 * texasattorney@hotmail.com : texaslawguns.com

2025 Best SA Lawyer 2025 Top Personal Injury Lawyer Wyatt Law Firm ( (210) 340-5550 6 (210) 340-5581 * pwyatt@wyattlawfirm.com : wyattlawfirm.com

Javier Villarreal received his bachelor’s degree from Tulane University in New Orleans, LA iin 1995. He then continued his education at Tulane School of Law, where he obtained his Juris Doctorate in 1998. Upon graduation, he served as a Briefing Attorney for the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. In 2001, Javier opened his private practice in Brownsville, Texas and developed his plaintiff personal injury practice. He is licensed to practice law in both the State of Texas and the State of Arizona.

Paula knows the profound human impact of personal injuries or death. As such, she takes the time to not just get to know her clients, but to understand them. Paula represents individuals and families who have suffered losses from trucking accidents, carbon monoxide exposure, and oilfield and industrial accidents, just to name a few. Rated AV-Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, Paula has been recognized by multiple organizations, including Super Lawyers and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

Paralegals Raymond Ortegon

Wayne Wright

2026 Paralegal Excellence Award Graham Family Law ( (210) 308-6448 6 (210) 308-5669 : grahamfamilylaw.com

2025 Best SA Lawyer 2025 Top Personal Injury Lawyer Wayne Wright, LLP ( (210) 888-8888 6 (210) 734-9965 * wwright@waynewright.com : waynewright.com

Areas of Practice: Plaintiff Personal Injury

Mr. Wright received his law degree from the University of Northern Illinois College of Law, with the honors of Magna Cum Laude, First in Class. Mr. Wright is licensed to practice law in nine states, including Texas; a life member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum; ranked as a Top 100 Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers; and has been listed as a Best Attorney in San Antonio by Scene In SA magazine since 2009.

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Raymond Ortegon worked in logistics since graduating high school. Towards the end of that time, Raymond spent a month as a juror in Judge Arteaga’s courtroom. Loving the experience, Raymond wanted to change his career. He completed the Paralegal Program at UTSA in 2020 and has been a family law paralegal since. He also holds an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Palo Alto College where he was on the President’s List.

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26482 N HWY 281

78258

901 BITTERS RD

78216

7802 WURZBACH RD

78229

7423 BROADWAY ST

78209

7103 MARBACH RD

78227

3326 FREDERICKSBURG RD

78201

14882 BLANCO RD

78216

Walmart 1515 N LOOP 1604 E

78232

5025 NW LOOP 410

78229

1430 AUSTIN HWY

78209

4331 THOUSAND OAKS DR

78217

8500 JONES MALTSBERGER RD

78216

6703 W LOOP 1604 N

78254

2100 SE LOOP 410

78220

FAMILY MEDICINE Lopez Family Practice 601 Labor St San Antonio, TX 78210 (210) 534-8906 lopezfamilypractice.com

FOOT & ANKLE SURGERY Marque Allen, DPM, FACFAS Sports Medicine Associates 21 Spurs Lane, Suite 210 & Suite 300 San Antonio, TX 78240 (210) 699-8326 sportsmedsa.com

KIDNEY SPECIALIST South Texas Renal Care (8 locations) (210) 212-8622 texaskidneycare.com

MEDICAL ONCOLOGY Edsel L. Hesita, MD Texas Oncology Westover Hills 11130 Christus Hills, Plaza III, Suite 210 San Antonio, TX 78251 Phone: (210) 245-2000 Fax: (210) 245-2020 edsel.hesita@usoncology.com texasoncology.com

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Ophthalmology Associates (6 locations) (210) 223-5561 ophthalmologysa.com

PLASTIC SURGERY Earl E. Ferguson, MD, FACS Dermatology Associates of San Antonio Dr. Earl E. Ferguson Plastic Surgery 15900 La Cantera Pkwy. Ste. 20270 San Antonio, TX 78256 Phone: (210) 290-9078 fergusonplasticsurgerySA.com

PRIMARY CARE Health Texas Primary Care Doctors (18 Locations) (210) 731-HTMG healthtexas.org

SENIOR HEALTHCARE Gonzaba Medical Group (9 Locations) (210) 728-3392 gonzaba.com

THORACIC SURGERY Masaki Funamoyo MD, PLD Methodist Heart and Lung Institute 7726 Louis Pasteur Dr San Antonio, TX 78229 Phone: (210) 575-8485 masaki.funamoto@hcahealthcare.com sahealth.com

WINTER 2026 |

BUSINESS LITIGATION

Olga Brown Law Offices of Olga Brown Phone: (210) 226-1550 Fax: (210) 226-1884 argyle2@sbcglobal.net

CRIMINAL DEFENSE Goldstein & Orr Phone: (210) 226-1463 Fax: (210) 226-8367 goldsteinhilley.com

FAMILY LAW Rojas Law Firm Phone: (210) 299-4600 Fax: (210) 299-4601 aidarojas@aidarojaslaw.com aidarojaslaw.com Orsinger Law Richard Orsinger Phone: (210) 225-5567 orsinger.com Soyars & Morgan Law

Phone: (210) 985-1698 soyarsmorganlaw.com Goranson Bain Ausley (Multiple locations across Texas)

Phone : 210-405-6881 gbafamilylaw.com

Villarreal and Begum Phone: (210) 800-0000 vblawgroup.com Wayne Wright Phone: (210) 888-0078 waynewright.com Louis Durbin Phone: (210) 340-5550 Fax: (210) 340-5581 ldurbin@wyattlawfirm.com wyattlawfirm.com

HOSPITALITY Helotes Haciendas 18603 Bandera Road Helotes, TX 78023 Phone: (210) 381-8140

HEALTH & WELLNESS MD Spine Care Wellness Center 3503 Paesanos Pkwy Suite 210 Shavano Park, TX 78231 Phone: (210) 640-9048

SPA The One Beauty Bar Wellness & Med Spa 3503 Paesanos Pkwy Suite 210 Shavano Park, TX 78231 Phone: (210) 745-1120

PERSONAL INJURY PLAINTIFF

NOTARY

Mack Injury Attorneys Phone: (210) 333-6225 333mack.com

Erica Losoya Phone: (210) 570-3154 erica@levelupconsultinggroup.net levelupconsultinggroup.net/notary

Scheuerman Law Firm Phone: 210-741-9000 sch-lawfirm.com 4358 Lockhill Selma Rd, St. 102, 78249

| WINTER 2026

MOVING

Heritage Moving & Storage 13709 Topper Circle San Antonio, TX 78233 Phone: (210) 888-4241 Email: larry@heritagemoving.us.com

H-E-B 20935 HWY 281 N

78258

15000 SAN PEDRO AVE

78232

7951 GILBEAU RD

78250

14087 O’CONNOR RD

78217

9255 GRISSOM RD

78250

5601 BANDERA RD

78238

6030 MONTGOMERY RD

78239

6000 WEST AVE

78213

3323 SE MILITARY DR

78223

12018 PERRIN BEITEL RD

78217

1520 AUSTIN HWY

78218

8219 MARBACH RD

78227

5910 BABCOCK RD

78240

17238 BULVERDE RD

78247

14325 POTRANCO RD

78253

24165 W INTERSTATE 10

78257

8503 NW MILITARY HWY

78231

15000 SAN PEDRO AVE

78232

1955 NACOGDOCHES RD

78209

1955 NACOGDOCHES RD

78209

12777 IH 10 WDE ZAVALA

78230

1150 NW LOOP 1604

78248

10660 W FM 471

78251

999 E BASSE RD STE 150

78209

Curiosity Corner Store 2202 BROADWAY, BUILDING 9

78215

Twig Bookstore 306 PEARL PKWY. #106

78215

Club Humidor 12003 HUEBNER RD

78230

Barrio Barista 3735 CULEBRA

78229

Gravelmouth Gallery 313 CHESTNUT

78202

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Best S.A. Lawyers 2013-2024 & Paula Wyatt Wyatt 2025 2025 SA SA Top Personal Injury Lawyers Plaintiff 2017, 2017, 2019-2025 2019-2025 Congratulations Congratulations to our Rising Star 2022 Attorney Attorney George George Deutsch Deutsch Super Lawyers 2011-2012, 2014-2023 2014-2023

Scene In SA | WINTER 2026