City Attorney explains process behind Riverside Pride Fest Event
Darren Dunn
(Seguin) -- The Seguin City Council and the community on Tuesday got a better idea of the process and procedures that were used to allow a Pridefest event to be held on October 31 at the Seguin Coliseum.
City Attorney Mark Kennedy was asked by some members of the council to make a presentation on the subject. Kennedy says the Coliseum is a public space that generally can be rented by anyone. Kennedy says it’s been used for a number of purposes over the years.
“The Seguin Events Complex, which includes the Coliseum, it’s a designated public forum. It has had events in the recent past, such as weddings, celebrations, church services, and church rites. There was a gentleman, I guess a month ago on public comment, said, ‘well, I can’t be baptized there, so why can these other folks have an event there?’ Well, he sure can. He can be baptized there. If his church is having an event there or having religious service, which includes baptisms, then he can. We won’t do it for him, but because it’s a designated public forum, that church can lease the facility, can have an event there, and can perform that religious rite. And religious rites are performed -- weddings all the time as well.
Pride, pg. 3
Seguin Wave Pool in full swing this summer
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) -- While many families head to the Wave Pool to escape the summer heat, Seguin Parks and Recreation officials say the pool is also making waves with fitness programs, lap swimming opportunities and special calm-water sessions throughout the season.
Nikki Berry, aquatics and athletics superintendent for the Seguin Parks and Recreation Department, says the Wave Pool opened for the summer season in May and continues welcoming both residents and non-residents Wednesdays through Sundays from noon to 6 p.m.
“Wednesday through Sunday from 12 to 6 are open to the public. Families that are non-residents and residents are welcome to join us at the wave pool. You know, we have concessions available. You’re welcome to bring your own coolers and drinks, bring your own chair if you’d like, but we do have plenty of covered seating for families. We also offer life jackets to borrow at the concession stand,” said Berry.
In addition to regular public swim hours, Berry says several special programs are being made available throughout the summer, including Aqua Fitness classes, Calm Water or No Wave Swim Days, and adult lap swimming opportunities.
“We have Aqua Fitness on select Wednesdays.
That’s from 8:30 in the morning until 9:15. And then, we are also offering our no wave calm water swim days on Wednesdays, select Wednesdays throughout the summer. Calm water, no waves. So, if you’re looking to try out your swimming skills or just have a calm, relaxing day at the wave pool without the waves, then we do have those in the morning, some select Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. And then, we are going to do some adult lap swim in July on a couple of the Wednesdays towards the middle to the end of July. That would be 7 a.m. to 8:15 in the morning,” said Berry.
With it being a rainy season, Berry reminds the public that the Wave Pool operates in most weather conditions – keeping safety as its top priority.
“We are open rain or shine, just not in threatening weather. And if there is thunder and lightning in the area, we do have a 30-minute weather delay,” said Berry. Admission is free for ages 0-3; $5 for ages 4-11; $6 for ages 12-59 and $5 for ages 60 and older. Season passes are also available. Cost is $50 for an individual or $125 for a family up to six.
Dates for Aqua Fitness classes, No Wave Swim Days and lap swim sessions can be found on the Seguin Parks and Recreation Facebook page.
Pride, continued.
So, (it also hosts) fundraisers, gun shows, and other civic events. A wide variety of things that have happened there,” said Kennedy.
The process of renting the Coliseum is not something that is considered by the city council. Those opposed to the event have accused the council of allowing it to happen, but Kennedy again stressed that was not a decision made by the council. The lease agreement was simply part of the city’s normal operation when it comes to the usage of the Coliseum.
“It’s available on a reservation basis. You will not have seen this because council does not vote on the lease agreements that are executed. You’ve set out a set of rules that are content neutral, that dictate reasonable limitations on time, place, manner, et cetera. You’ll find things in the lease agreement regarding alcohol sales, regarding liability insurance, et cetera. But otherwise, it’s run by staff and it’s available on a first-come, first-served basis. There’s not been, in my time here, an occasion when council considered voting for or against a lease contract with any event that was being held at the events complex,” said Kennedy.
The lease agreements generally don’t consider the content of each event, but Kennedy says in this case, there are state laws that must be followed. He says based on their review, those laws are being followed by the organizers of the Pridefest event. He says they not only have to keep kids from the drag show, but the entire event cannot be considered sexually oriented because that would not be allowed in a public space.
“We’ve heard from the promoters that they’re not going to allow anyone under 18 in the afternoon session where this drag show is planned to be. That does not absolve them of adherence to the laws that stem from SB12. This is still on public property. And because of that, it still cannot be a sexually oriented performance, something that crosses that line. That has been made clear by staff to the promoters because we’ve had that conversation…and they’ve indicated that they do not intend to get anywhere near the line of sexual oriented performance,” said Kennedy.
Kennedy also addressed the security concerns that have recently been raised about the event. He says the event’s organizers have a security plan in place, and if additional security is needed outside the event area, then the city would be prepared to step in to keep everyone safe.
“The Riverside Pride event has at least six security officers that they’ve hired, which is more than we normally require. Plus, they’ve indicated that they intend to hire private security to augment that. So, I believe there’s going to be a strong security presence at the event that they plan to pay for. What if there’s a protest group or protest groups that also show up? Then what would happen under our normal procedures and protocols is that additional law enforcement would be sent to support that, establish a picket line if that is needed in order to promote safety and peacekeeping,” said Kennedy.
Kennedy was also asked to address the council’s
ability to state their religious preferences and beliefs during council meetings. Kennedy says the issue is not as simple as leaving your beliefs at the door. He says no one is fully expected to do that.
“I don’t pretend that anyone checks their beliefs, religious or otherwise, at the door when you come in here, and neither do I. That’s important. We all come to this room with a set of beliefs. We’re all informed by those beliefs,” said Kennedy.
While those beliefs may inform how a council member votes, Kennedy says that clearly established laws must be followed.
“You did take an oath to uphold federal law and state law. If the law is clear, and it may offend your beliefs, then I think the options that you have before you are either recusal or go ahead and vote for it following the law,” said Kennedy.
Over the last three council meetings, the council has listened to impassioned responses from people on both sides of this issue. That’s been happening even though there’s never been any item on the agenda about whether it can be held or not. That’s largely because that decision has already been made and the event is now in the books.
“The situation that we’ve talked about this evening, and we’ve talked about for the last month and a half here, or we’ve heard about for the last month and a half here, is not before the council. There’s nothing for the council to vote on. It is a lease agreement that’s been executed. It’s a lease agreement that was executed because that’s what happens in your own course of business at the city. So, I’ve explained to you at least why that happened without it coming to you. But I do think that helps maybe explain a little bit about how those balances are had when there is an item that you have to consider,” said Kennedy. Pride, pg. 4
Pride, continued.
There is no process to bring the issue before the council for consideration. However, Kennedy says that would change if staff learned that the event would violate state law.
“If staff heard that there is going to be, for instance, a violation of the laws that stemmed from SB 12 in 2023, then staff would inform (City Manager Steve) Parker, first of all, and then an item would likely be brought to consider that, or it would simply be done in the normal course of business. I think it probably would be appropriate to bring it to council at that point. We have not heard any facts that indicate that at this point,” said Kennedy.
The presentation by Kennedy was an informational item only, and there was no action to be considered by the city council. The fact that the issue has never come before the council for consideration has never slowed down the parade of speakers who have shown up at recent council meetings. That was again the case on Tuesday night. There were more than two hours of speakers expressing their views both for and against the event.
Most of those speaking against the event spoke about their religious objections to it. One Hope Church Pastor James Parker was among those who spoke out during the meeting.
“History shows that what a culture celebrates eventually becomes what it accepts, what it teaches, and what it expects others not merely to tolerate, but to affirm. What begins as a request for acceptance often becomes a demand for celebration, affirmation, and approval. Many Christians feel pressure because those categories become blurred. Historically, people could tolerate something without affirming it. Today, disagreement is often interpreted as hostility. As Christians, our concern is not rooted in fear or hatred of people. Every person is made in the image of God and deserves dignity, respect, and compassion. But we also believe that the truth matters. Scripture teaches
that God created humanity, male and female, established marriage as the covenant union of one man and one woman and designed sexual expression to exist within that relationship. These truths are increasingly viewed as outdated or even offensive by our culture,” said Parker.
Local resident Wesley Radcliff supports the event, and he expressed his frustration with those who say they oppose it.
“I would never have imagined Seguin would be the community that we would have to show up to meetings to defend an entire portion of our Seguin family here. I’ve never seen the gay community be so ostracized here as what has happened in the last few weeks. This and other types of oppression here is honestly unfamiliar. When this first started to gain traction, the big uproar was that it wasn’t going to be safe. When they found out that security would be provided and the area would be secure, that argument fell through. So, then they moved on to age laws. When they discovered that people were going to be ID’d and would have to check in and there would be a separate ID check for events held inside the auditorium, that argument fell through. Then it became about drag show laws. And when they found out the organization was going to follow those laws as well, that argument fell through. Then it became about the building. Honestly, it’s exhausting. It has come down to outright prejudice, homophobia, and an out casting of a vulnerable group of people here in Seguin,” said Radcliff.
The Riverside Pride Fest is slated to be held from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. on October 31 at the Seguin Coliseum. Organizers say this portion of the event will be family-friendly and include food, music, face painting, and other fun activities. They say it will shut down at 1:45 p.m., and then the space will be cleared in preparation for the drag show, which will start at 2:15 p.m. The drag performance will only be open to adults, and organizers say IDs will be checked at the door.
VITAL STATISTICS
BAENZIGER
David Lee Baenziger, age 78, of Seguin, Tx., passed away May 27, 2026, in the surgical wing of Guadalupe Regional Medical Center. David was born on May 20, 1948, in Seguin Tx. to Harold and Ethel Baenziger.
After attending Seguin Public Schools, he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in math from Southwest Texas State University (Summa cum laude) where he met his future wife, Linda. At his death they were married just days shy of 55 years.
After attending Officers Training in Newport, Rhode Island, David and Linda married and were stationed in Yokosuka, Japan. David’s naval career as an officer was aboard the USS Oklahoma City (which was the admiral’s flagship in the far east). After his Vietnam service he and Linda lived in El Paso, Tx. where he became a pharmaceutical representative for Hoffman-LaRoche in the Southwest area including Texas and New Mexico. Later he switched gears to pursue several positions with Loomis International in the oilfields of east Texas, offshore Louisiana, and South Texas.
David was called back to Seguin to join his father and brother as part of the Baenziger’s Model Market. He also converted an old family property to become The Short Stop Convenience Store.
David believed in the betterment of community, state, and nation. His community activities included the Kiwanis service organization, a lifetime membership in the American Legion, and VFW. He became a president of the Chamber of Commerce and a perpetual judge of local and state chili cookoffs. Other local judging efforts included the high schools’ DECA and robotic
BAKER
The world became a little dimmer on May 13, 2026, when Patricia Ann “Patty” Faucher Baker left us. She was the heart of our family, steady, loving, and endlessly giving. Born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin on March 14, 1937, she grew into a woman who lived with purpose and grace.
Patty is preceded in death by her parents, Francis Joseph “Frank” Faucher and Virginia “Ginny” Evylan Smithers-Faucher, her brother James “Jim” Francis Faucher and daughter, Barbara Baker.
Survivors include her loving husband of 68 years, Claborn “Bud” Baker, Jr.; sons, Alan Baker and wife Danette, Kevin Baker and wife Missy Baker; daughter, Lisa Baker Reaves and husband John; grandchildren, Carson Baker and wife Allie, Dalton Baker and wife Desiree, Andrea Fowner and husband Carl, Michael Woehler and wife Brookelynn, Cory Knight and Amber White, Joshua Baker, Jeremiah Baker, Derek Baker, Kody Baker, Logan Baker, Kayla Klabunde, and Kyle Klabunde; numerous great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other loving family members and a host of friends.
programs.
For two weeks each year, David spent his vacation volunteering for the Souvenir Committee of the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo and became an Outstanding Volunteer, David helped represent the National Grocers’ Association-Pac in Washington D.C. for several years.
He also became an AKC-certified dog handler for emotional support with his dog partner, Candy. These two were a regular pair on San Antonio College campuses, especially during finals week.
He and Linda continue to sponsor several family scholarships at Texas Lutheran University. David spear-headed the family donation of the old opera-house which is now the Heritage Museum. He also believed in showing his support for his many friends on the police force and city government.
David is survived by his wife, Linda Baenziger, his brother Roger Baenziger, and his two sisters, Ruth Bates and Joan Russell, his brothers-in-law include Dan Bates, Tom Russell, Billie Wayne Heiser and Dannye Heiser. His surviving sisters-in-law include Merry Louise Topperwein and Gale Heiser, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also will mourn his loss.
He is preceded in death by his parents Harold and Ethel Baenziger and by his father and mother-in-law, Bill and Estelle Heiser.
David died a Christian.
Visitation will begin on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel at 10 a.m. followed by memorial service at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Brahm French officiating. Military honors will be rendered. The celebration of David’s life will continue with a reception in the Yellow Rose Room at the Silver Center, formerly Baenziger’s Model Market.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Life Changing Church Building Fund, 3170 Settlers Way, Seguin, Texas, 78155.
You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.
She had a gift for making people feel seen. Whether through a warm meal, a thoughtful phone call, or her ability to listen without judgment, she made life better for everyone around her. She loved travelling, camping/glamping, dancing, boating, fishing, swimming, theatre and a good movie. She was a lover of animals, cherished spending time with family especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, and believed deeply in family and our Lord and Savior.
Her greatest joy was her family. She poured her whole heart into raising her children and supporting her loved ones, and her legacy lives on in the people she shaped with her love.
We will gather to celebrate her life on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 2:00 p.m.-5:00p.m. at the American Legion H U Wood Post 245, 618 East Kingsbury Street, Seguin, TX, 78155.
We will miss her every day, but we are grateful for every moment we had. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion H U Wood Post 245, P. O. Box 503, Seguin, Texas, 78155 or to the charity of one’s choice.
You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.
VITAL STATISTICS
DASHER
Francis Wagner Dasher III, “Randy” age 78 of Seguin, Texas passed away peacefully on June 10, 2026. Born on May 19, 1948, in Savannah, Georgia. He was the child of Francis Wagner Dasher Jr and Barbara Jones.
As a child, Randy spent his summers in Cherokee, North Carolina at Camp Sequoyah. He also spent time going on hunts with his granddaddy and enjoyed water skiing at various lakes in Savannah. Randy graduated from Savannah High School and then enlisted in the United States Air Force. Through friends Randy was set up on a “blind date” with Elisa in August of 1969. At that time, Randy told Elisa he knew they would be married someday. In April of 1970 they married and just celebrated their 56th anniversary together. Randy then left the Air Force and settled down in Seguin, where he worked at SMI (CMC) for 39 years. There he and Elisa had two children, Robert and Jennifer. Though they only had two children, they now have eight grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. During their time together, Randy loved to travel with Elisa on cruises and go to Coushatta.
LUNA
Randy is survived by his spouse of 56 years, Elisa; their children Robert Dasher (Monica) and Jennifer Vasquez (Pete); grandchildren Amanda (Jeremy), Alexis (Kayla), Kaitlyn, Kallie, Emily, Madison, Brandon, MaKenzie; and great grandchildren Bentlee, Ashton, Remi, and Lena; brother Walter Dasher (Alice).
Randy is preceded in death by his parents and his beloved dogs Cookie and Lucy.
Visitation will begin on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel followed by funeral service at 11 a.m. with the Reverend Patricia Riggins officiating. A reception will be announced.
Graveside services and interment with military honors will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with the Reverend Christopher Robinson officiating.
Serving as pallbearers will be Brandon Vasquez, Jeremy Torres, Bentlee Dasher, Joe Paez, Angel Estrada, and Alexis Galindo.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Randy Dasher to Hope Hospice, 611 N. Walnut, New Braunfels. A special thank you to Mayrn, his hospice nurse for all the care she showed Randy and the family.
You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.
Melissa Ann Luna passed away on June 13, 2026, in Seguin, Texas. She was born on December 10, 1967. Arrangements are under the direction of Palmer Mortuary, 1116 N. Austin St., Seguin, Texas 78155. 830-379-9430.
BROWN
Elizabeth Ann Brown, 79, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 11, 2026. She was born on October 24, 1946 in Seguin, Texas.
Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Ethel (Brown) Kirchman, and her brother, Curtis Ray Kirchman.
She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Kay Brown; her sister, Linda K. Springfield and husband Johnny; her niece, Brandy Lynn Kirchman Garrett and husband David; and her cherished great-nieces and nephews, Brandon
Weber, Ashley Weber, Lisa Prather and husband Cedric, Abraham Luna, and Alegandra Luna.
Elizabeth found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved arts and crafts, enjoyed admiring flowers, and spent many happy hours watching TV. More than anything, she treasured her family. She especially enjoyed spending time with her nieces and nephews and creating memories during family sleepovers and gatherings. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family and friends.
A Graveside Service officiated by Chaplain Tom Jones will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. at Kingsbury Cemetery.
Services are under the direction of Goetz Funeral Home, Seguin, Texas.
Analysis Finds Little To No Bone Benefits For Vitamin D And Calcium
(Canada) -- A new analysis shows calcium and vitamin D are not that effective for helping with bone strength as once thought. Researchers in Canada looked 69 studies done in the past which involve calcium or vitamin D supplements or both and compared them to placebo or no treatment when it comes to reducing the risk of falls of fractures. The team found little to no difference. The analysis was published in the BMJ Group and involved 154-thousand people.
Study Shows Sugar Free Diet Has Negative Health Impacts
(Chicago, Ill) -- New research shows a completely sugar free diet may cause unintended health consequences. A study done involving an experiment with mice shows eliminating sugar can disrupt gut health and promote inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. The new research from the Dasman Diabetes Institute in Kuwait was presented at the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in Chicago. The lead author says The study highlights the importance of maintaining balanced dietary carbohydrates to support gut and immune homeostasis.
Dermatologist Gives Sunscreen Advice
(Cleveland OH) -- There are lots of sunscreen products on the shelves these days and a dermatologist is offering some advice as to which ones are best. Doctor Jennifer Lucas with the Cleveland Clinic says the most important thing is that the SPF reads 30 or higher and has the words broad spectrum on it. Lucas also recommends sunscreen that’s waterproof or water resistant and not to worry about getting brand names. She says for those with sensitive skin, products with Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are best.
NIH Office Targets Animal Research Cuts
(Bethesda, MD) -- Human-based testing is getting a bigger role as the National Institutes of Health moves to reduce reliance on animal studies. The NIH announced Monday the launching of the Office of Research Innovation, Validation, and Application. It will push tools like 3D human tissue models and computer models. The NIH says animal studies still matter, but they do not always show how people will respond to a disease or treatment. The office will steer money, training, and research reviews toward tests built around human cells and human data. The agency says the shift is meant to improve disease and drug research.
Juneteenth Freedom Day BBQ Fundraiser
The MLK Seguin Planning Committee invites the community to celebrate Juneteenth Freedom Day with a BBQ fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at Seguin Youth Services, 919 N. Guadalupe St. in Seguin. BBQ plates are $15 and include your choice of a chicken quarter or rib and sausage, plus potato salad, beans, trimmings, and dessert. Bring your family and friends for an afternoon of food, fellowship, and community while supporting local youth and community initiatives. For more information, contact the MLK Seguin Planning Committee.
Summer Reading Experience Underway at Seguin Public Library
The Seguin Public Library is inviting readers of all ages to participate in its 2026 Summer Reading Experience, “Unearth a Story.” The free program features books, activities, special events, and opportunities to win dino-mite prizes throughout the summer. Children, teens, and adults are all encouraged to join. Registration is available in person at the library or online at Seguin Public Library Summer Reading Experience. No library card is required to participate. Participants have until Aug. 6, 2026, to complete their activity boards and be entered into drawings for raffle prizes.
National Reunification Month
SJRC Texas is recognizing June as National Reunification Month, a time to celebrate the safe reunification of children with their families and to raise awareness about the importance of family preservation. Reunification is the primary goal for children in foster care whenever it is safe and appropriate. Learn more about the services and support available through
Art Show Honors Military Veterans
The Seguin Art League will accept entries for its Red, White and Blue Honoring Veterans Art Show from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 13, at the Seguin Art League Gallery, 104 S. Austin St. The exhibit is open to league members and free for non-member veterans. The show will be on display through July 11. A Veterans Art Talk reception is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, at the gallery. A prospectus can be downloaded at seguinartleague.com, or picked up at the gallery. For more information, call 830-491-0778.
Salvation Army Benefit Basket Raffle
The public is invited to support a special basket raffle benefiting the Salvation Army. The fundraiser will be held Friday, June 19, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the back of the Cascade Café at Guadalupe Regional Medical Center. The raffle features Father’s Day and Fourth of July-themed baskets, with all proceeds going to support the Salvation Army and its local mission. Community members are encouraged to stop by, purchase raffle tickets, and help support a worthy cause. Tickets are $1 each or get six for $5.
Jury Duty Cancelled for JP1
Jurors who were summoned for jury duty on Monday, June 22 for Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 are advised that jury duty has been cancelled. Those who received a summons for the 9:30 a.m. appearance do not need to report to court. For additional information, contact the Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 office.
Anniversary
The public is invited to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday at the Field of Honor’s Birthday Party on Saturday, June 27, beginning at 10 a.m. The event will feature guest speakers, live music by Clint Taft, free hot dogs, chips and drinks while supplies last, plus family-friendly activities including a fish pond, duck pool, bean bag toss, coloring table and prizes for children. Flag dedications will also be available. Organizers invite the community to join them as they help kick off the Fourth of July festivities.
Junior Lifeguard Program
The Seguin Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a Junior Lifeguard Class from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, June 25 at the Seguin Wave Pool, located at 1 Wave Pool Drive. The class is open to participants ages 9 to 15 and will teach basic first-aid, CPR, water safety, rescue techniques, communication skills and lifeguard responsibilities. Participants must be able to swim and complete a swim-tread-swim sequence. This is not a learn-to-swim program and does not provide official lifeguard or CPR certification. The cost is $40 per participant. Participants should bring a swimsuit, sunglasses, towel, water, hat and a cold sack lunch. For more information, call Seguin Parks and Recreation at 830401-2480.
To ensure non-profit organization’s meetings and events appear in this calendar, send information to: communitycalendar@kwed1580.com, or drop off the information at the Seguin Daily News/KWED offices located at 609 E. Court St. in Seguin. For best results, submit information at least two weeks prior to the event.
SJRC Texas.
