VOL. 9 • NUM 34
www.LaPrensaTexas.com
23 de Agosto de 2026
2
La Prensa Texas SAN ANTONIO
Let’s Talk About It:
Founded 1913 - Fundada en 1913
Colorism and Racism
Publisher / Editora: Yvette Tello y.tello@laprensatexas.com
who belong to the same racial or cultural group. Have you seen colorism in your family or community? Have you experienced it personally? Do you believe skin tone still affects opportunities today? There is no right or wrong answer. I want to hear yours. Let’s talk about it…
Community Liaison / Enlace Comunitario: Ramon Chapa Jr. r.chapa@laprensatexas.com Advertising & Production Coordinator / Coordinadora de Publicidad y Producción: Jessica Medrano Contributors / Colaboradores: Dr. Ricardo Romo Priscilla Sanchez - Hurt info@laprensatexas.com Editor Español: José I. Franco Sales Representative / Representante de Ventas: Maria Cisneros La Prensa Texas is a grassroots, bilingual publication that serves as a vital voice for the community especially for those who are too often left out of mainstream media conversations. Since its founding, La Prensa Texas has been dedicated to providing relevant, accessible, and culturally rooted news that reflects the lives, struggles, and triumphs of the people of San Antonio and surrounding counties. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to inform, inspire, and empower our readers through storytelling that uplifts the diverse voices of our community. This publication continues to be the lifeline of local news, bridging the gap between the people and the stories that matter most.
Send Press Releases and Advertising Inquiries to: Info@LaPrensaTexas.com 210-628-9611
23 de Agosto de 2026
By Yvette Tello
Let’s talk about colorism. Colorism is the idea that people can be treated differently based on the shade of their skin, even within the same family, culture, or racial group. We have heard phrases about staying out of the sun because someone is getting too dark. We have heard certain children described as beautiful because they are light skinned. We have heard people talk about good hair and bad hair. We have heard comments about marrying someone lighter, taller, or with certain features. Not everyone with darker skin feels they have been treated differently. Not every light skinned person feels they have received an advantage. Racism and colorism are related, but they are not identical. Racism generally involves discrimination based on race. Colorism focuses more specifically on differences in skin tone, sometimes among people
Aivilo Nampahc:“My step-grandfather looked white. He had light skin, hair, and eyes, but he was Puerto Rican, and his mother’s side of the family came from Spain. He would listen to people talking recklessly around him and wait until the last minute to randomly start speaking to them in Spanish. It was hilarious because no one ever knew he was Puerto Rican until he spoke Spanish or told them his name.” Stella Mélusine Seraphima:“We are a mixture of white and Indigenous, and because of the slave trade, some people also have Black ancestry. I usually check ‘white’ because they do not allow me to check the Indigenous box unless I am Native American from the United States. Mexican Indigenous tribes are not always recognized on those forms.” Askew Melvin: “My children are Mexican, Black, and Native American. I will
encourage them to identify as Black regardless of their appearance because it seems that African features and darker skin are still viewed negatively in many cultures.” Daniela Cosio: “In my family, ‘mejorar la raza’ was implied as marrying someone taller. Then again, we are pretty darn white. My boyfriend is 6’3” and I’m 5’4”, so I joke that I’m doing my best to ‘better the race.” Martin Vazquez: “I have the darkest skin in my family. Personally, I have not experienced racism as a barrier in my career, and I have been able to excel despite my skin color. I do believe Hollywood and the film industry can be major contributors to colorism because people of color are often typecast. In my experience in the private sector, results matter. If you deliver, you are rewarded for your talent and contributions.” Janeth James: “My family is an example of colorism. We are Panamanian. My father and his brothers are Black, but when they married, whether consciously or unconsciously, they all married much lighter-skinned Panamanian women. Only one of my cousins is lightskinned. The rest of us came out darker. Then hair texture came into play. I have loos-
er, softer curls, what some would consider ‘desirable’ hair, versus what is sometimes called cabello duro.” Crystal Rose Warner: “This is such an important topic and conversation. Thank you for bringing awareness to it. I have experienced colorism within my own family. My grandmother is from Trinidad, and although colorism is a problem in many places, it is also very prevalent in the Caribbean. My grandmother treated her own children differently, and she also treated each of us grandchildren differently.” Marisa Wells: “It is so sad. My grandmother would tell me stories about people trying to bleach their skin. Her attitude toward her own children and grandchildren also made the differences very obvious. We all had different shades of brown and different features, and she made it very clear who her favorites were.” Lisa Garcia-Payne: “I have lived this my entire life. I have never felt brown enough, yet I have never felt white enough either. I ‘pass,’ and I understand the privilege that has given me. My married last name is Caucasian, so I choose to hyphenate my name because I do not want to lose that part of my identity.”
La Prensa Texas SAN ANTONIO
23 de Agosto de 2026
3
About the Artist
Sergio Angel Ruiz Provided by the artist. A native of San Antonio, Texas, a city with great and colorful culture, Sergio Angel is known to be a self taught artist creating his amazing artwork at a very early age. It has been said that his second grade teacher once had an art contest and noticed his artwork was more unique than his classmates. She then quickly notified his parents to inform them of this by telling them that his drawings carried perspective and depth, this is something a child hardly sees at that
age. Sergio’s teachers very often offered their compliments and support throughout his school years. He received many awards and won art contests throughout his life. After graduation he then decided to pursue his career in art to achieve his goals and dreams to share with everyone. Sergio’s artwork is so extreme with his choice of colors and contrast, reflective of the city he was born in, displaying diverse interesting styles and subject matters empowered by some realism. Sergio says he owes this by being influenced by his favorite Hispanic
artists. After residing in Houston, Texas for a few years, he decided to return to his hometown San Antonio just recently and perhaps residing here permanently. This is his comfort zone he says, and he has tremendous respect for all the local artists in this city as well as the people that have supported him throughout the years. Sergio Angel Art@instagram.com 210-914-8660
4
La Prensa Texas SAN ANTONIO
23 de Agosto de 2026
Fiesta Big. Shop Small.
La Prensa Texas SAN ANTONIO
23 de Agosto de 2026
5
Ciudad de San Antonio
Presupuesto Propuesto por el Administrador de la Ciudad Declaración de Impacto al Contribuyente Impacto Anual Estimado de los Cambios Propuestos en Tarifas y Cuotas para un Contribuyente Residencial “Típico” Servicio o Cuota
Año Fiscal Año Fiscal 2026 2027 Tarifa Anual Tarifa Propuesta
Cambio Anual en Dólares
Contribuyente Típico Definido como:
Factura del Impuesto Predial
$1,266.83
$1,302.26
$35.43
Cuota de Residuos Sólidos
$369.00
$378.00
$9.00
Valor gravable de la vivienda de $233,909 para el año fiscal 2026 y $231,356 para el año fiscal 2027 Cliente residencial que utiliza un contenedor de 96 galones
Cuota Ambiental
$36.00
$39.00
$3.00
Por cliente residencial
Cuota Ambiental de Parques
$24.00
$27.00
$3.00
Por cliente residencial
Cuota de Servicio de Drenaje
$59.28
$59.28
$0.00
CPS Energy*
$1,360.39
$1,360.39
$0.00
Sistema de Agua de San Antonio (SAWS)**
$724.44
$724.92
$0.48
IMPACTO TOTAL ANUAL
$3,839.94
$3,890.85
$50.91
Cliente residencial con área impermeable entre 2,750 y 4,220 pies cuadrados Cliente residencial, electricidad basada en 1,050 kWh y gas natural basado en un uso de 2.1 MCF al mes Cliente residencial, basado en 6,275 galones de agua y 5,052 galones de aguas residuales al mes Aumento del 1.3%
CPS Energy y SAWS no son departamentos de la Ciudad de San Antonio. Son propiedad de la Ciudad, pero están administrados y operados por una Junta Directiva independiente *El año fiscal de CPS Energy es del 1 de febrero al 31 de enero **El año fiscal de SAWS es del 1 de enero al 31 de diciembre. Las tarifas reflejan su Presupuesto Adoptado de los años fiscales 2025 y 2026
EXENCIONES DE VIVIENDA FAMILIAR Una exención de vivienda familiar es una disposición legal que puede ayudarle a pagar menos impuestos de su vivienda. Si usted es propietario y ocupa su vivienda, puede ser elegible para la exención general de vivienda familiar, la exención por edad de 65 años o más, o la exención para personas con discapacidad que ofrece la Ciudad de San Antonio. También existen exenciones adicionales exigidas por el estado para veteranos con discapacidad y para algunos cónyuges sobrevivientes.
Exención General de Vivienda Familiar
La Ciudad de San Antonio ofrece la exención general de vivienda familiar máxima permitida, equivalente al 20% del valor tasado de las viviendas que califican. Para calificar para esta exención, la propiedad debe ser propiedad del solicitante y estar ocupada por él mismo como su residencia principal.
Exención de Vivienda Familiar para Mayores de 65 Años y Personas con Discapacidad
La Ciudad de San Antonio ofrece una exención adicional a los propietarios de 65 años o más y a los propietarios con discapacidad, la cual exime $85,000 adicionales del valor asignado de sus viviendas del impuesto de la Ciudad. Los propietarios que ya reciben la exención general de vivienda familiar y que cumplen 65 años no están obligados a solicitar esta exención si la información correcta de su fecha de nacimiento ya está incluida en los registros del distrito de avalúos.
Cómo Solicitar las Exenciones de Vivienda Familiar
Para obtener más información sobre si usted podría calificar para estas u otras exenciones de vivienda familiar, y para solicitarlas, comuníquese con el Distrito Central de Avalúos de Bexar o visite su sitio web: • Distrito Central de Avalúos de Bexar: https://help.bcad.org/hc/en-us/articles/39968491816595-Homestead-ExemptionHow-to-Apply
6
La Prensa Texas SAN ANTONIO
23 de Agosto de 2026
COMISIÓN DE CALIDAD AMBIENTAL DE TEXAS
AVISO DE AUDIENCIA Flying Bar D Ranch, LTD. Expediente SOAH No.º 582-26-27330 Expediente TCEQ No.º 2026-0467-MWD Permiso TPDES No.º WQ0016485001 APLICACIÓN. Flying Bar D Rancho, LTD., 13681 Farm-to-Market Road 725, Seguin, Texas 78155, ha solicitado a la Comisión de Calidad Ambiental de Texas (TCEQ, por sus siglas en inglés) un nuevo Permiso No.º WQ0016485001, autorizar la descarga de aguas residuales domésticas tratadas a un caudal promedio diario que no exceda los 350,000 galones por día. La instalación estará ubicada aproximadamente a 1.3 millas al sureste de la intersección de Farm-to-Market Road 725 y U.S. Highway 90, en el condado de Guadalupe, Texas 78155. El efluente tratado se descargará a un afluente no identificado, de allí a Campbell Branch, de allí a Elm Creek, de allí a Cottonwood Creek, de allí al Río Guadalupe por debajo del Río Comal en el segmento N.º 1804 de la cuenca del Río Guadalupe. Los usos no clasificados del agua receptora son el uso limitado de la vida acuática para el afluente sin nombre, Campbell Branch, Elm Creek y Cottonwood Creek. Los usos designados para el Segmento N.º 1804 son la recreación de contacto primario, el suministro público de agua, la protección de acuíferos y el uso de alta vida acuática. De acuerdo con 30 Código Administrativo de Texas §307.5 y los Procedimientos para Implementar los Estándares de Calidad de Aguas Superficiales de Texas (junio del 2010), se realizó una revisión antidegradación de las aguas receptoras. Una revisión antidegradación de Nivel 1 ha determinado preliminarmente que los usos de la calidad del agua existentes no se verán afectados por esta acción de permiso. Se mantendrán los criterios numéricos y descriptivos para proteger los usos existentes. Una revisión de Nivel 2 ha determinado preliminarmente que no se espera una degradación significativa de la calidad del agua en el Río Guadalupe, que ha sido identificado como de alto uso de la vida acuática. Se mantendrán y protegerán los usos existentes. La determinación preliminar puede ser reexaminada y puede ser modificada si se recibe nueva información. Este enlace a un mapa electrónico de la ubicación general del sitio o instalación se proporciona como cortesía pública y no es parte de la solicitud o aviso. Para conocer la ubicación exacta, consulte la solicitud. https://gisweb.tceq.texas.gov/LocationMapper/?marker=-98.013055,29.541388&level=18 El Director Ejecutivo de la TCEQ ha completado el examen técnico de la solicitud y ha preparado un borrador de permiso. El borrador del permiso, de ser aprobado, establecería las condiciones bajo las cuales la instalación debe operar. El Director Ejecutivo ha tomado una decisión preliminar de que este permiso, si se expide, cumple con todos los requisitos legales y reglamentarios. La solicitud de permiso, la decisión preliminar del Director Ejecutivo y el borrador del permiso están disponibles para ver y copiar en Seguin City Hall, 205 North River Street, Seguin, Guadalupe County, in Texas. La solicitud, incluidas las actualizaciones, y los avisos asociados están disponibles electrónicamente en la siguiente página web: Información pendiente de la solicitud: TPDES (Permisos de descarga de aguas residuales tratadas) - Comisión de Calidad Ambiental de Texas - www.tceq.texas.gov. AUDIENCIA DE CASO IMPUGNADO La Oficina Estatal de Audiencias Administrativas (SOAH, por sus siglas en inglés) llevará a cabo una audiencia preliminar a través de una videoconferencia de Zoom. Una reunión de Zoom es una reunión segura y gratuita que se celebra a través de Internet y que permite realizar videoconferencias de audio/audio. 10:00 a.m. (CT)– 21 de septiembre de 2026 Para unirse a la reunión de Zoom a través de la computadora: https://soah-texas.zoomgov.com/ ID de la reunión: 165 233 9122 Contraseña: MWD733 o Para unirse a la reunión de Zoom por teléfono: (669) 254-5252 o (646) 828-7666 ID de reunión: 165 233 9122 Contraseña: 711645
23 de Agosto de 2026
La Prensa Texas SAN ANTONIO Si tiene preguntas sobre la audiencia preliminar, visite el sitio web de SOAH en: http://www.soah.texas.gov/ o llame a SOAH al (512) 475-4993.
El propósito de una audiencia preliminar es establecer la jurisdicción, nombrar a las partes, establecer un cronograma procesal para el resto del procedimiento y abordar otros asuntos según lo determine el juez. La fase de audiencia probatoria del procedimiento, que tendrá lugar en una fecha posterior, será similar a un juicio civil en un tribunal de distrito estatal. La audiencia abordará las cuestiones de hecho en disputa identificadas en la orden de TCEQ con respecto a esta solicitud emitida el 9 de junio de 2026. Además de estas cuestiones, el juez puede considerar cuestiones adicionales si se cumplen ciertos factores. La audiencia se llevará a cabo de acuerdo con el Capítulo 2001 del Código de Gobierno de Texas; Capítulo 26, Código de Aguas de Texas; y las normas de procedimiento de la TCEQ y la SOAH, incluidos el capítulo 80 del TAC 30 y el capítulo 155 del TAC. La audiencia se llevará a cabo a menos que todas las solicitudes de audiencia oportunas hayan sido retiradas o denegadas. Para solicitar ser parte, debe asistir a la audiencia y demostrar que se vería afectado negativamente por la solicitud de una manera que no es común para los miembros del público en general. Cualquier persona puede asistir a la audiencia y solicitar ser parte. Solo las personas nombradas como partes pueden participar en la audiencia. De acuerdo con 1 Código Administrativo de Texas § 155.401(a), Aviso de audiencia, “Las partes que no están representadas por un abogado pueden obtener información sobre las audiencias de casos impugnados en el sitio web público de la Oficina Estatal de Audiencias Administrativas en www.soah.texas.gov, o en formato impreso previa solicitud a SOAH”. INFORMACIÓN. Si necesita más información sobre el proceso de audiencia para esta solicitud, llame al Programa de Educación Pública, sin cargo, al (800) 687-4040. Puede encontrar información general sobre la TCEQ en nuestro sitio web en www.tceq.texas.gov. También se puede obtener más información de Flying Bar D Ranch, LTD. en la dirección indicada anteriormente o llamando al Sr. Gaines Slade, Vicepresidente de Tierras y Ranchos, Especialista en Tierras, al (334) 221-7659. Las personas con discapacidades que necesiten adaptaciones especiales en la audiencia deben llamar al Departamento de Expedientes de SOAH al (512) 475-4993, al menos una semana antes de la audiencia. Emitido: 12 de agosto de 2026
Laurie Gharis, Secretaria Oficial Comisión de Calidad Ambiental de Texas
7
8
La Prensa Texas SAN ANTONIO
23 de Agosto de 2026
Piratas Celebró Por Franco Con modesta fiesta deportiva y social, el equipo Piratas celebró la conquista de su segundo campeonato consecutivo y los cumpleaños de los hermanos Ivan y Jonathan Vaquera. El marco del emotivo evento fue ofrecido en el popular Potranco Rodeo Salón, pro-
piedad del artista Eloy Rocha, y es administrado por la gentil señora Claudia López. Piratas recientemente se coronó campeón en el máximo circuito de béisbol regional obteniendo el trofeo de la categoría Abierta 2026 Potranco Baseball League, que se jugó en honor del padrino Santos Vaquera, ha quien el presidente Simón Sánchez,
le reconoció su trayectoria en el béisbol amateur internacional. Piratas bajo la dirección de Iván, Jonathan y Cristian Arzola (jugadores y coaches). Agradeció las muestras de apoyo tanto de jugadores, como de familiares, patrocinadores y seguidores, quienes fueron parte fund mental de la conquista en ambos títulos ga-
nados ante duros rivales. En el éxito de la fiesta alusiva se tuvo las aportaciones, de las damas: Claudia López, co-diseñadora y patrocinadora del salón. Martha y Chely Maldonado, quienes ofrecieron en la cena platos de Pollo y Esp gueti. Claudia Sánchez (“La Mamá de Piratas”)co-decoración del salón y donación del rico
pastel de cumpleaños. Ana Rosas, copatrocinadora (todas ellas en la fotografía). Jonathan cumplió años el 6 de agosto e Iván el mayor el 7 de agosto. Ambos captados con su padre Santos y el jovencito Eli (hijo de Jonathan, quienes los felicitaron y desearon todo lo mejor. Fotos de Franco
23 de Agosto de 2026
La Prensa Texas SAN ANTONIO
9
Chicano--A Building Stone for an Identity By J. Gilberto Quezada The following article that I wrote fifty-six years ago on February 25, 1970, for the St. Mary’s University newspaper, “The Rattler,” made me realize, on somber reflection, that I had seen and lived through the turbulent 1960s, the Chicano Movement, and the rise of the Mexican American Youth Organization (MAYO), which was founded in San Antonio, Texas in 1967, and the Raza Unida Party, and that in my own life, I represented a whole chapter of American history. As an aside, in the late 1960s and early 1970s, while attending St. Mary’s University, the staff at “The Rattler,” would ask me to write a column on current social issues. I should have saved all of them, but I did not. Nonetheless, I found this one, entitled, “ ‘Chicano’ term, building stone for an identity.” During this period of social unrest, and the rise of ethnic politics, the Chicano Movement focused attention on discriminatory educational, and social practices against Mexican Americans in Texas and the Southwest. In a big way, the Chicano leaders borrowed their planning and strategic script from the Black Civil Rights Movement. Some have called the 1960s the decade that changed America. And all the social issues spilled over into the early 1970s. Oh, yes, we had our hippies, the Vietnam War, and consequently, many protests throughout the United States, and especially at colleges and universities. We had men letting their hair grow long and both sexes were wea-
ring psychedelic clothing, with bell bottom pants and wearing beads and flowers. The hippies wanted to have more love and more personal freedom, giving way to the expressions, “Flower Power”, “Black Power,” “Brown Power,” the “Brown Berets,” the peace symbol, and “Make Love Not War.” The “Flower Power” movement was seen as a means to transform the violent protests into peaceful affirmative confrontations. Their dissatisfaction with social issues was also expressed in the lyrics to the music. Although, I did not attend the Woodstock music festival in New York on August 15-18, 1969, because I had just started my graduate studies, some of my friends did go. At St. Mary’s University; however, we had peaceful and quiet protests. And, while a graduate student and working part-time in the history department at St. Mary’s University, every Friday around noon, it became almost a ritual when Dr. Hubert J. Miller drove me in his 1960s light blue four-door Ford Falcon to Mario’s Restaurant, close to IH 35, south of downtown San Antonio. All the city’s movers and shakers met in a big private room to discuss the current political, social, and economic issues of the week. This motley group consisted of local and state level politicians, educators, students, professors, Chicano and Chicana leaders, and members of TEAMS (Texans for the Educational Advancement of Mexican Americans), where Dr. Miller served on the Executive Council as 1st Vice President. The owner of the restaurant, Ma-
rio Cantú, was a renowned Chicano human rights activist. One Saturday morning, Dr. Miller came by my dorm to pick me up and we drove to the Convention Center in Austin, Texas, to attend a MAYO conference. Now that was a learning experience. It was also during this time that the newly created Black Students Association at St. Mary’s University wanted a Black Studies Program. The administration felt that the logical place for this new course was in the history department. There was, however, a conflict of opinion between two history professors. Dr. Lionel V. Patenaude was against the proposed course, while Dr. Miller was in favor. A packed house met in the cafeteria, mostly students and some faculty members. And of course, I attended with Dr. Miller. He had discussed this issue with me at length. The debate between the two professors was very interesting, informative, and was held with the highest decorum, respect, and civility. Both of them presented and defended their views. Ultimately, Dr. Miller won and the university instituted the proposed course the following semester and hired David Bowen. My thoughts on the etymology of the word, “Chicano,” go way back to my growing up years in my beloved Barrio El Azteca in Laredo, Texas during the 1950s. From the older boys who called themselves “pachucos,” I heard it for the first time. They used this term as part of their identity and their lexicon. In the late 1960s and 1970s, the term, “Chicano,” became publicly known when the activists who
joined the civil rights movement called it the “Chicano Movement,” and they called themselves, “Chicanos.” While at St. Mary’s University and my attendance at the different venues that I went with Dr. Miller, I found out from them that they were using the word “Chicano,” to identify themselves from the mainstream Mexican Americans, with a resurgent cultural awareness and pride in their Aztec and Mayan heritage. Thus, the “Chicano Movement,” took its place in the U.S. history books. Now, according to the Chicanos I met and the Tejano history professors I have spoken with, the term, “Chicano,” is derived from the word Mexicano. The militants did not want to use the word, “mexicano,” as an identity because they were not Mexicans. They were American citizens and they wanted a word that would be especially applicable to their ideology as an identity and significant in their fight for civil rights and social justice. In Spanish the “x” word has a “ch” or an “sh” sound, and so the word Mexicano became “Chicano.” There is no doubt in my mind that we Hispanics, Latinos, Mexican Americans, Chicanos, Chicanas, Americans of Mexican descent, Americans, or whatever we wish to call ourselves, have come a long way since over five decades ago. We have achieved great success and tremendous accomplishments and achievements in all the professional fields, businesses, politics, and in all walks of life. It is good to know our past history so that it may incandescently illuminate the path to the future.
10
La Prensa Texas SAN ANTONIO
23 de Agosto de 2026
Life Complexities and Resilience in Venezuelan Film, The Shadow of the Sun By: Ricardo Romo, PH.D
The Shadow of the Sun is a film about two brothers who believed in one another and are chasing a dream. The brothers are close, but their lives are filled with financial struggles, boredom, interpersonal conflicts, and confrontations with local bullies. They eventually look to music as a path to financial stability and a possible momentary Poster and
Poster and Photo courtesy of Miguel Angel Ferrer.
escape from their precarious life in rural enezuela. The film takes us through the difficult times of the older brother, who struggles daily to make ends meet. He lost his factory job due to his drinking and poor work performance. The pain of losing his parents in a terrible fire left him exhausted and without direction to better circumstances. The younger brother, who is deaf, has his own share of difficulties with local gangs who seem to control much of the small town. However, the brothers’ resilience is admirable. The film is set in Acarigua, a rural area in Northwest Venezuela, where steady work is scarce, and underclass thugs fight over territorial control of their beleaguered neighborhoods. Miguel Ángel Ferrer, who co-wrote and directed The Shadow of the Sun, told Variety that he made the movie to enable “Venezuelans to see their invincible spirit on the screen.” Miguel Ángel Ferrer’s film, The Shadow of the Sun, has garnered 14 global accolades, notably securing Best Latin American Feature at FicMonterrey and the Audience Award during the Miami Film Festival. Beyond various recognitions from juries and the press, the film also earned distinctions for direction and the performances of lead actors Carlos Manuel Gonzalez and Anyelo Lopez. Leo (Carlos Manuel Gonzalez) is the big brother who often has to step in to protect his younger brother, Alex (Anyelo Lopez). Alex, who was born deaf, has his own problems with neighborhood bullies whose intolerance of gays is profound and dange-
rous. However, there is hope. Leo has a beautiful voice, and Alex, although deaf, has a talent for writing songs. Ferrer, who is a native of Venezuela, has seen his country’s sharp rise in insecurity in the last two decades. Venezuela has recorded the highest homicide rate in South America. Because of the country’s current political instability and economic situation, there are severe shortages of basic goods, such as food and medicine. Leo saved his parents from their burning home, but could not find the medicine to treat them adequately. Leo lives with the guilt of not finding a way to keep them alive. Ferrer chose an imposing and challenging location in which to film. Venezuela is a vast country, as large as Germany and France combined. It is highly urbanized, with nearly 90 percent of its 30 million population living in cities. The movie is set in Acarigua, a rural community four hours from the capital city of Caracas. Ferrer filmed the movie in eighteen days with limited funding. He told CanvasRebel: “My entire career has been built upon calculated risks. I took a risk coming out to LA by myself, not knowing anyone, or having a job, or having a place to stay. But I found my way and landed my first job as a cameraman for National Geographic.” Ferrer prevailed and has produced a fantastic movie. Filming in rural Venezuela became even more imposing as Leo and Alex, his main characters, travel across the country by motorcycle. Ferrer’s use of wide-shot cinematography allows
23 de Agosto de 2026
La Prensa Texas SAN ANTONIO
11
us to appreciate Acarigua’s isolation. Making a movie in rural Venezuela was made more difficult, Ferrer found, because the electrical power was down four to five hours daily. Ferrer learned from his previous work with National Geographic to find ways to capture a country’s beautiful landscapes and striking rural scenery, and the scenes in the movie are amazing. The Shadow of the Alex. Photo courtesy of Miguel Angel Ferrer. Sun sways between hardship and moments of compassion. Although the film has various moments of brutishness, it Leo. Photo courtesy of Miguel Angel Ferrer. still has a magical feel to it. Leo’s life, which was going nowhere, changes for the better with Alex’s creativity. The song Alex writes offers Leo a chance to change their dire circumstances as the two brothers join their talents to enter a national competition, hoping that Leo. Photo courtesy of Miguel Angel Ferrer. the prize money will provide a way out of their economic situation. The movie provides powerful insights into complex family relationships, economic hardship, and resilience.
Alex. Photo courtesy of Miguel Angel Ferrer.
Poster and Photo courtesy of Miguel Angel Ferrer.
Photo courtesy of Miguel Angel Ferrer.
Leo. Photo courtesy of Miguel Angel Ferrer. Leo and Alex. Photo courtesy of Miguel Angel Ferrer.
12
La Prensa Texas SAN ANTONIO
St. Philip’s College Legacy Day By Ramon Chapa Jr.
La Prensa Texas was honored to be part of St. Philip’s College Legacy Day, a celebration of growth, education, service, and the college’s continued investment in future generations.The day marked three important milestones on the St. Philip’s College campus: the groundbreaking of the new Veterans Hall, the topping out of the H-E-B Black Box Theatre, and the ribbon cutting for the new Engineering Technology Building. Representing La Prensa Texas at all three events was our Community Liaison and U.S. Army veteran, Ramon Chapa Jr. The new Veterans Hall holds special meaning for the many veterans, active-duty military members, and military families who turn to St. Philip’s College for education, training, and opportunities after service. The H-E-B Black Box Theatre will provide students with additional space to explore the arts, creativity, and performance, while the new Engineering Technology Building represents an investment in workforce development and preparing students for careers in growing technical industries. Legacy Day was more than a celebration of new buildings. It was a reminder that when a community invests in education, veterans, the arts, and workforce development, it is investing in its people. La Prensa Texas congratulates St. Philip’s College on these exciting milestones and looks forward to seeing the impact these new facilities will have on students and our San Antonio community for generations to come.
23 de Agosto de 2026
23 de Agosto de 2026
La Prensa Texas SAN ANTONIO
13
Queta Rodriguez and LULAC Turn Bexar County Jail Grief Into a Demand for Action By Louis Escareno There are numbers that belong in reports, and then there are numbers that should stop a community in its tracks. Ninety-two people died at the Bexar County Adult Detention Center between 2020 and 2025. Ninety-two. That is not just a statistic. 92 families received a phone call they never wanted. Ninety-two empty chairs at dinner tables. Ninety-two mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters and friends left asking the same painful questions. What happened? Could this have been prevented? And who is responsible for making sure it does not happen again? On July 29, those questions were carried directly into Progreso Hall on San Antonio’s West Side, where Queta Rodriguez and LULAC brought grieving families and government leaders into the same room for a Community Forum on In-Custody Deaths in Bexar County. It was not supposed to be another meeting where officials speak, people listen and everyone goes home with the same problems they arrived with. Rodriguez, Director of Community and Government Affairs for LULAC Concilio Zapatista, made that clear from the beginning. She did not open with politics. She opened with people.“Behind each number is a family, a mother, a father, a brother, a sister, a friend.” That sentence should stay with us. Because somewhere along the way, the government has a way of turning human beings into numbers: booking numbers, case numbers, inmate numbers, budget numbers and eventually, death statistics. But a person does not stop being someone’s child simply because they have been arrested. A person does not stop deserving medical attention because they are sitting in a jail cell. And a family does not stop deserving answers because their loved one died while in government custody. That was the uncomfortable truth sitting in the room that night. LULAC brought together officials and organizations that each control a different part of the system, including Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai, Sheriff Javier Salazar, University Health leadership, Jo Lynn LeBlanc Jamison of the Center for Health Care Services, members of the judiciary, advocates, community leaders and families who have experienced the unimaginable loss of someone who died in custody. That matters because there is no single door to knock on when something goes wrong. The jail is run by the Sheriff’s Office. Medical care involves University Health. Mental-health and substance-use treatment may involve the Center for Health Care Services. Arrests can begin with the San Antonio Police Department. Judges control parts of the legal process. Funding comes from different government bodies. Everyone has a piece of the puzzle. And that can become the problem. When responsibility is divided among five or six agencies, accountability can disappear somewhere in the middle. Each department can
explain what falls outside its authority. Each agency can point to another part of the system. Each official can say the process is complicated. Rodriguez challenged that thinking. Complexity may explain a problem. It cannot excuse it. “We can no longer afford to wait for the perfect conditions,” she said. One of the biggest concerns raised during the forum was double magistration. For many people, the journey into the Bexar County jail does not happen quickly. Sheriff Salazar explained that someone arrested by SAPD may first be taken to the City facility on South Frio, where they can remain for hours before eventually being transferred to the County detention center. For a healthy person, several hours may sound inconvenient. For someone with diabetes, heart disease, mental illness, addiction, withdrawal symptoms or a medication schedule, several hours can become dangerous. If someone enters custody needing medication at 8 p.m., who makes sure they receive it? If someone is withdrawing from alcohol, opioids or another substance, how quickly does a medical professional recognize the danger? If someone is mentally unstable, suicidal or medically fragile, how many checkpoints do they pass through before the right person intervenes? University Health representatives described the concern plainly: the current process can create delayed care and delayed opportunities for treatment. That should concern every taxpayer. Because once the government takes away a person’s freedom, the government also assumes responsibility for that person’s basic safety. That is not a political position. That is the responsibility that comes with custody. One proposal discussed at the forum was creating a more streamlined intake system, including one assessment point where medical professionals could evaluate individuals earlier and intervene before a manageable condition becomes an emergency. Another proposal asks an even more basic question: Does every person who is arrested actually need to be in jail? The Center for Health Care Services discussed a possible pilot program at the Josephine Recovery Center that could divert certain people accused of low-level offenses into treatment when mental-health or substance-use disorders are driving their behavior. That is not the same thing as ignoring crime. It is recognizing that jail is not a hospital, detox center or psychiatric facility. If a person needs treatment, putting them behind bars without addressing the underlying problem may simply delay the crisis instead of solving it. The San Antonio Express-News Editorial Board has also called the situation a humanitarian crisis and urged local leaders to move beyond half measures, including addressing double magistration and considering shared funding for diversion services. But perhaps the most important thing Rodriguez did on July 29 happened near the end of the forum. She refused to let the conversation end with applause. She asked the agencies in the room whether they would participate in a multi-agency task force focused on diversion, booking
procedures, medical care, in-custody deaths, investigations, transparency and support for families. And then she asked for something the government is not always comfortable giving the public: A deadline. Rodriguez called for a public action plan by October 30. LULAC has also established a Public Accountability and Transparency Tracker to follow the commitments made. That changes the conversation. Because accountability is not asking a question once. Accountability is writing down the answer. It is remembering who promised what. It is coming back three months later and asking, “Did you do it?” That is what community leadership is supposed to look like. Not just outrage. Not just speeches. Not another press conference. Follow-through. Rodriguez closed with a message that should be remembered when city and county officials begin discussing budgets, competing priorities and limited resources: “When the government decides where its resources should go, life-and-death situations must come first.” She is right to put that question before our elected officials. Budgets tell us what the government truly considers important. We can say public safety matters. We can say mental health matters. We can say transparency matters. We can say families matter. But eventually those values must appear somewhere other than a speech. They must appear in policies, staffing, medical care, diversion programs, investigations and budgets. LULAC has spent generations challenging institutions when Latino communities were ignored, excluded or underserved. In this moment, Queta Rodriguez and her LULAC colleagues are carrying that tradition forward by giving families something many have been desperately seeking: A seat at the table. Now the responsibility shifts to the people who hold public office and control public institutions. Will Bexar County and the City of San Antonio reduce unnecessary delays in the booking process? Will officials support meaningful diversion for people who need treatment more than incarceration? Will people entering custody receive medical attention before their conditions become emergencies? When someone dies, will families receive complete and timely answers? Will agencies share information instead of operating in separate silos? And perhaps most importantly: When October 30 arrives, will the promises made in that room have become action? Because another forum will not save a life. Another task force alone will not save a life. Another statement expressing concern will not save a life. Policies can. Medical intervention can. Treatment can. Accountability can. And leadership can. Queta Rodriguez and LULAC have forced this community to look directly at a painful reality many would rather discuss quietly. They deserve recognition for bringing the right people into the room. But the families who walked into Progreso Hall carrying photographs, memories, grief and unanswered questions deserve something much greater. They deserve answers. And before another family joins them, they deserve action.
14
La Prensa Texas SAN ANTONIO
23 de Agosto de 2026
On View Now Through January 4, 2027
ON THE RIVER WALK
ANTONIO, TX BRISCOEMUSEUM.ORG S A N
Selena 4 1992, Digital print on panel, Courtesy of the artist, Panel dimensions: 50 x 62 x 1 in. (detail)
23 de Agosto de 2026
La Prensa Texas SAN ANTONIO
15
Aviso Público
Audiencias Públicas sobre el Presupuesto Ciudad de San Antonio, Texas El Consejo de la Ciudad de San Antonio celebrará dos audiencias públicas para recibir comentarios sobre los presupuestos Operativo y Estructural propuestos para el año fiscal 2027. Las audiencias públicas se llevarán a cabo el miércoles 2 de septiembre de 2026, a las 5 p.m., y el jueves 10 de septiembre de 2026, a las 9 a.m. Cada audiencia pública sobre el presupuesto se realizará en la Cámara del Consejo, ubicada en 114 W. Commerce St. Se invita a los miembros del público a inscribirse para participar en las próximas audiencias públicas sobre el presupuesto. Para registrarse en línea, visite SAspeakup.com, seleccione la reunión correspondiente a la Audiencia Pública sobre el Presupuesto y haga clic en “Request to Speak”. Complete el formulario, seleccione el punto correspondiente de la agenda y haga clic en enviar para confirmar su registro. El registro en persona estará disponible en el escritorio del personal ubicado en la entrada pública de la Cámara del Consejo, en la plaza, durante los siguientes horarios: • Miércoles 2 de septiembre, de 4 p.m. a 4:45 p.m. • Jueves 10 de septiembre, de 8 a.m. a 8:45 a.m. Se podrán solicitar vales de VIA y validaciones de estacionamiento para el City Tower Garage en el escritorio del personal. Las validaciones de estacionamiento se entregarán hasta 15 minutos después de la hora programada para el inicio de la reunión. Cada audiencia pública estará disponible para el público en AT&T, canal 99; Grande, canal 20; Spectrum, canal 21; antena digital, canal 16; y SanAntonio.gov/TVSA. También estará disponible por teléfono, llamando al 210-207-5555, con opciones en inglés y español. Cualquier pregunta relacionada con estas normas puede dirigirse a la Oficina de la Secretaria de la Ciudad al 210-207-7253. Este presupuesto recaudará más ingresos provenientes de impuestos a la propiedad que el presupuesto del año pasado: $6,961,952 adicionales, lo que representa un aumento del 0.89 % respecto al Presupuesto Estimado del año fiscal 2026 y $14,253,059 más que el Presupuesto Adoptado del año pasado. Los ingresos por impuestos a la propiedad que se recaudarán de las nuevas propiedades añadidas al padrón este año ascienden a $12,175,844. Se propone destinar $15,902,051 al Fondo General de la Ciudad para apoyar servicios esenciales, como Policía, Bomberos, Calles, Parques y Recreación, y Cumplimiento de Códigos. Asimismo, se contempla una reducción de $8,900,099 en los ingresos por impuestos a la propiedad que pueden utilizarse para el pago de deuda emitida para proyectos estructurales, lo que da como resultado un total de $6,961,952 en ingresos adicionales por impuestos a la propiedad. El Presupuesto Propuesto para el año fiscal 2027 está publicado en el sitio web de la Ciudad, SanAntonio.gov. También hay copias disponibles para su revisión en la Oficina de la Secretaria de la Ciudad, ubicada en el nivel Concourse del City Tower Building, 100 W. Houston St. La Cámara del Consejo es accesible para personas en silla de ruedas. La entrada accesible se encuentra en el Municipal Plaza Building/Main Plaza. Se ofrece interpretación en ASL, español y otros idiomas previa solicitud. Proporcionar un aviso con al menos 72 horas de anticipación ayudará a garantizar la disponibilidad de estos servicios. Para solicitarlos, llame al 210-207-7253 o a Relay Texas al 711, o envíe un correo electrónico a la Oficina de la Secretaria de la Ciudad a OOCC@sanantonio.gov.
LEGAL NOTICE: Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a BQ permit to sell Alcohol and Wine of premises by Jackeline Salinas DBA Arbolito Grocery & Market LLC, to be located at 1510 Callaghan Rd San Antonio, Tx 78228, Bexar county. United States. The officer of said Corporation is Jackeline Salinas Arbolito Grocery & Market LLC 1510 Callaghan Rd San Antonio, Tx 78228 THE TABC APPLICATION IS FOR A BG LICENSE Single Member: Jackeline Salinas
16
La Prensa Texas SAN ANTONIO
23 de Agosto de 2026
BIBLIOTECH ES LA PRIMERA BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA COMPLETAMENTE DIGITAL DEDICADA A SERVIR A TODOS LOS RESIDENTES DEL CONDADO DE BEXAR. BIBLIOTECH BRINDA ACCESO A LOS MISMOS RECURSOS DE UNA BIBLIOTECA TRADICIONAL EN FORMA DIGITAL ACCESIBLES DESDE CUALQUIER LUGAR. TU MEMBRESÍA GRATUITA TE DA ACCESO A: • • • •
Libros electrónicos y audiolibros (inglés y español) Música, películas y programas de televisión en línea Recursos para profesionistas y plataformas de aprendizaje Nuestras sucursales ofrecen acceso a tecnología/WIFI y programa de préstamo para dispositivos tecnológicos para llevar a casa
Regístrate fácilmente en
BIBLIOTECH.ORG
CPSE_2026_Blu Lacy to Howard Rd Open House Print Ads_Spanish_v8.pdf
2
7/28/26
4:59 PM
El acceso digital está disponible
24 HORAS DEL DÍA, LOS 7 DÍAS DE LA SEMANA 1. Visita bibliotech.org
2. Crea tu cuenta gratuita
3. Disfruta de todos los recurosos disponibles
23 de Agosto de 2026
La Prensa Texas SAN ANTONIO
17
Che Cardona Ganó El JMV - Mike Tabhan Padrino Abierta Potranco Por Mencho Vargas
Durante el torneo organizado por Liga Intermunicipal de Allende, Coahuila, los aficionados aplaudieron las espectaculares actuaciones en la región de Cinco Manantiales. Donde se jugaron cinco partidos. En el quinto cotejo resaltó la espectacular actuación en el montículo del experimentado serpentinero internacional Che Cardona, quien defendió la franela del
club “La Tribu” de Villa Unión, Coahuila. El Che, coronó su participación ante Piratas de Morelos, Coahuila al que dejó en el camino con pizarra favorable de 4-1 carreras. Lo cual lo consagró para ser nombrado el Jugador Más Valioso (JMV-MVP). En nota del editor Franco de La Prensa Texas, En fotografía de cortesía aparecen El Che y su buen amigo Mencho Vargas, quien también tiene su trayectoria como gran
beisbolista en la regional con sede en el centro y norte de Coahuila. La gráfica es de Mencho Vargas, ha quien se le agradece su colaboración. En nota del editor. El primer partido del playoff final categoría Másters 50+, Yankees derrotó a Astros, con victoria para Moisés Cervantes y derrota para Chris Hux con relevo de Greg Carrera. Este domingo 23 de agosto se jugará el segundo partido en el campo 2 del estadio Potran-
co en el horario de las 10am. En tanto la categoría Abierta Potranco dominical en su sede del estadio Potranco con su presidente Simón Sánchez, tendrá la inauguración de la temporada invernal que ha sido dedicada al “Cafetero” Mike Tabhan, manager del equipo Diablos. Tabahan, lanzará la primera bola a las 12:30. Rol de juegos: 9:30am Cubs vs Diablos. 12:30pm Vaqueros vs Broncos. 3:30pm White Sox vs
Aliens. En partido amistoso Macario Rosas de Broncos bateó de 4-3 ante White Sox, por lo que recibió felicitaciones del magnate y timonel Roberto Garza y la presidenta Linda Garza. José Espinoza, receptor y bateador de Astros recibió felicitaciones por su titulo de campeón bateador temporada 2026 con un excelente promedio de 569.
Foto de Franco.
18
La Prensa Texas SAN ANTONIO
23 de Agosto de 2026
A Voice That Helped Shape San Antonio Radio Hot Henrietta Hernandez From a 16-year-old KTFM intern to San Antonio Radio Hall of Fame and Texas Hall of Fame recognition, “Hot Henrietta” Hernandez reflects on radio, the women who inspired her, and finding her voice. By La Prensa Texas | Cultura y Gente “Henrietta do you have a plan B! Get an education! Those famous words from her mother have stayed with Henrietta Hernandez, better known to generations of San Antonio radio listeners as Hot Henrietta. A San Antonio native, Hernandez began her broadcasting journey at just 16 years old while attending Highlands High School. She started as an intern at the legendary KTFM 102.7, where an opportunity to work evenings with Kevin Buchar, better known as Dr. Drex helped launch a career that would eventually span more than two decades in radio, television, film, entertainment and production. Entering radio in the 1980s presented challenges, particularly for a young Latina trying to establish herself in an industry largely dominated by men. Hernandez remembers looking to women such as Liz Ruiz and Debbie Alcocer, the iconic 99.5 KISS midday rocker and music director known as the “Electric Lady,” for inspiration. “A Latina woman . Wow!” Hernandez remembers thinking. “She wasn’t afraid to take me under her wing,” Hernandez recalls. “We would have long talks about the industry and women in radio. She helped me find myself and kept me grounded.” Those lessons became increasingly important as Hot Henrietta’s larger-than-life radio personality developed. “It was hard sometimes to play this wild, obnoxious DJ and not lose yourself in all the madness,” she says. “I had a lot of fun, but I grew up fast.” Hernandez credits Dr. Drex as one of the people who inspired her creativity early in her career. “Drex was an amazing talent, a performer, actor, writer and creative,” she says. “He made me laugh and dream big. Never stop reaching for the top.” Her career would eventually include different formats and markets, including KRIX/99X in the Rio Grande Valley, KLITE in Corpus Christi, KXTN Tejano 107, 99.5 KISS, Cox Radio’s 106.7 Jams and Border Media, as well as guest radio appearances with Power 106 in Los Angeles alongside Big Boy. But KTFM remained a defining chapter. From 1997 to 2000, Hernandez returned to KTFM, where she became the station’s full-time midday personality following her morning show. “He pushed me to be better,” Hernandez remembers. “He let me be creative and be who I was.” Live DJ mixing had traditionally been associated with nighttime radio, clubs and promotional remotes. Henrietta had another idea. After building a reputation through live club appearances, she wanted to bring that same energy to her midday audience. She requested a live mix during the noon hour. The Noontime Workout was born. The program became an important part of her KTFM identity, combining live mixing, music, personality and celebrity interviews. Among the many artists Hernandez interviewed, she remembers Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson and Jennifer Lopez as some of her favorites. It was also an exciting period for KTFM, with major summer and winter concerts and a Top 40 format connecting strongly with San Antonio’s growing Hispanic audience.
Henrietta’s personality and broadcasting experience created opportunities beyond the radio studio. She became an emcee with the Latino Laugh Festival, working alongside entertainers including Carlos Mencia and Cheech Marin. Her entertainment career also expanded into television, production and film, including work associated with short films and productions such as Warner Bros.’ Selena and Matters of the Heart. But eventually, Hernandez began using her microphone for something more than entertainment. She became involved in community advocacy, including the Women’s Day March, where she has spoken about equality for women in the workplace. She has also encouraged high school and college students to pursue education, careers and opportunities outside their comfort zones. The San Antonio Express-News recognized Hernandez alongside legendary broadcaster Sonny Melendrez as an influential San Antonio radio personality. Decades after that 16-year-old Highlands High School student first walked into KTFM, the young intern who wondered whether a Latina woman could succeed in broadcasting began receiving recognition for the career she built. In 2025, Henrietta Hernandez became a San Antonio Radio Hall of Fame inductee. Her broadcasting legacy received additional recognition with the San Antonio Radio Hall of Fame in 2026, adding another milestone to a career that began when few women and even fewer Latina women were being given prominent opportunities on commercial radio. For Hernandez, the recognition represents more than an award. It honors the people who encouraged her, the women who paved the way and the listeners who allowed Hot Henrietta to become part of their daily lives. Henrietta also followed the second half of her mother’s famous advice. Between radio opportunities, she went to college and became a Licensed Nurse, beginning another professional chapter focused on healthcare, patients and community advocacy. Her career has never fit neatly into one category. She has been a broadcaster, radio personality, entertainer, emcee, producer, community advocate, mentor and nurse. Through it all, she says radio taught her some of life’s most important lessons. “I learned to stand up for myself and be proud of what I accomplished,” Hernandez says. “This industry was full of critique and vanity. I had to build my confidence as a Latina and as a woman who had a mind and a voice.” Today, Hot Henrietta’s story represents a piece of San Antonio’s broadcasting history but it is also a story about the generations of women who refused to believe the microphone belonged only to someone else. From a teenage intern at KTFM to a Hall of Fame broadcaster, Henrietta Hernandez found her voice. And she never stopped using it. Henrietta continues to lend her voice and persona to create awareness in the community. Today, Hot Henrietta Fantasy Football Charity League helps local non-profits service the veterans, homeless and seniors with food, medical services and ID recovery so that they can lead healthy lives. Henrietta also provides mentorship through LULAC education program and through her Hot Henrietta’s
Hot Seat Podcast. Other local non-profits she supports is Soy Latina, Moonstruck Foundation, Coleman’s Corner and Corazon Ministries. A true Latina supporting our Gente!
23 de Agosto de 2026
La Prensa Texas SAN ANTONIO
19
20
La Prensa Texas SAN ANTONIO
23 de Agosto de 2026