In this episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete is joined by Pete Cortez, CEO of La Familia Cortez Restaurants and board chair of the Alameda Conservancy, along with Trey Jacobson, consultant and interim executive director for the Conservancy. Together, they dive into the rich history and exciting future of the iconic Alameda Theater in downtown San Antonio. The conversation begins with a look back at the theater’s origins in 1949 as a vibrant center for Mexican and Mexican American arts and culture—a place that played a pivotal role in the city’s identity, community, and family stories.The conversation takes listeners through the Alameda's architectural heritage, the unique features of its design—including its famed blacklight murals—and the challenges of restoring the building to meet modern standards while preserving its historical character. With the help of the city, county, and private donors, a massive restoration project is now underway, transforming the former movie house into a versatile performance and events venue. Listeners get an inside look at how new and accessible spaces, innovative lounge seating, upgraded technology, and educational programming will help ensure the Alameda becomes a hub for cultural pride and entertainment for generations to come.Finally, Pete and Trey open up about the capital campaign powering the Alameda’s reopening, the importance of community involvement, and what’s needed to reach the finish line. They stress their commitment to ensuring at least half of the public programming remains focused on Latino culture, while also welcoming the entire San Antonio community. With an anticipated reopening in late 2027, and a call for both large and small donors to participate, the episode captures the sense of hope, excitement, and collective responsibility in bringing this cultural landmark back to life.https://www.alamedatheaterconservancy.org/
In this episode, host Eddie Aldrete sits down with April Ancira of the Ancira Automotive Group for a wide-ranging, candid conversation about the state of the auto industry, the value of giving back to your community, and the evolving political landscape of San Antonio.April shares the fascinating history behind the Ancira Automotive Group, including their expansion beyond San Antonio into smaller Texas towns and the philosophy behind keeping dealerships local and rooted in their communities. The duo dives deep into how the car-buying experience is changing—addressing the rise of online shopping, the challenges and opportunities of electric vehicles, and how the dealership model is adapting to consumers’ evolving expectations.You’ll also hear April’s insights on the importance of local dealerships being invested in their communities, not just as businesses but as pillars for civic engagement and philanthropy. She highlights community programs such as Charlie’s Seats at the Tobin Center, which provides free performing arts tickets to military families, teachers, students, first responders, and those in need. She further discusses her passionate support of UTSA football—sharing how her family business became a major sponsor and learning the hard way, what it means to be a booster.The conversation also features April’s perspectives on local politics, San Antonio’s unique cultural identity, and her personal hopes for the city’s growth and inclusivity.Quote of the Episode:“I can't do well unless everybody's doing well. When I support something, I never leave anybody behind.” – April Ancirahttps://www.ancira.com/about-us/https://www.instagram.com/april_ancira/https://x.com/AprilAncirahttps://www.tobincenter.org/aprilancira
The question going around town is when will the campaigning stop and the governing start?In this episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete sits down with Trish DeBerry, CEO of CENTRO, and Kevin Wolff, partner at Spire Risk Management, both former Bexar County Precinct 3 commissioners. They break down what happened, do a deep dive into the high-stakes decision over Project Marvel and the proposed downtown arena for the San Antonio Spurs—a decision that ultimately hinged on two critical council votes. Eddie, Trish, and Kevin unpack the political theater, the role of strong and weak mayoral forms of government, and how consensus-building has historically made or broken leaders in San Antonio.The conversation covers the leadership style of newly-elected Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones, contrasting her approach with past consensus builders like former Mayor Phil Hardberger. Trish and Kevin share firsthand experiences from their time on the commissioner's court and offer perspectives on the importance of relationships, respect, and the art of compromise in local government. They discuss recent events in detail: from the District 10 budget townhall meeting to the contentious press conference interruption, culminating in the high-profile council votes on the Spurs arena. As a result the mayor’s inability to build consensus, unexpected coalitions are forming across the political spectrum and pointed critiques of how a lack of diplomacy is shaping the current council climate.Looking ahead, the guests examine the path forward for both the mayor and the city, touching on upcoming campaigns around the November venue tax vote and the next year’s city bond election. The episode wraps with reflections on the lessons learned, the pressing need for collaboration to support city infrastructure and iconic institutions like the Spurs, and a collective hope for more unity on the council. Throughout, Eddie, Trish, and Kevin emphasize that political success—and the city’s prosperity—rests on humility, open communication, and a willingness to both lead and listen.
In this episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete sits down with Laura Saldivar Luna, founder and creator of Piñata Possible, to explore the journey of breaking through self-imposed limitations and embracing possibility. Laura shares the inspiration behind her company's name, using the metaphor of the piñata to illustrate how personal and professional breakthroughs often come from embracing our cracks, letting go of old forms, and allowing our true selves to shine through. She reflects on her own career path—from her upbringing as the child of hardworking, entrepreneurial parents to her leadership role at Teach for America and, ultimately, her decision to launch her own coaching practice to help others realize their potential.Throughout their conversation, Eddie and Laura discuss common challenges faced by leaders and changemakers, such as the fear of transition, burnout, and the tendency to get "frozen" by the enormity of big goals. Laura explains how developing self-awareness, intentionality, and a practice of grounding—sometimes as simple as taking a breath—can help people reconnect with their aspirations and make purposeful steps forward. She emphasizes the importance of looking beyond past experiences or present limitations to set future-focused goals, and shares actionable strategies for breaking large ambitions into manageable daily actions.The episode offers listeners practical wisdom for navigating personal and professional crossroads. Laura invites leaders to embrace the messiness of growth, see themselves as the creators of new conditions in their lives, and remember the childlike sense of possibility that can drive meaningful change. The conversation ultimately underscores the value of vulnerability, intention, and storytelling in restoring civil discourse and inspiring others to pursue their own breakthroughs. https://www.pinatapossible.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-saldivar-luna/https://www.instagram.com/pinatapossible/
In this episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete sits down with San Antonio City Council members Marina Alderete Gavito and Marc Whyte to discuss a range of hot topics affecting the city. The conversation kicks off with the recent incident involving Councilwoman Ivalis Meza Gonzalez and transitions into an in-depth look at Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones's leadership style and various procedural changes at City Hall. The guests candidly share their reactions to new protocols, including changes to seating arrangements and the handling of phones during executive session, highlighting the need for better communication and mutual understanding among city officials.A central theme of the discussion is the contentious changes proposed to the Council Consideration Request (CCR) process. Alderete Gavito and Whyte express concerns about the mayor's attempt to involve unelected staff in vetting new policy ideas, potentially diminishing the council’s autonomy and public input. They both advocate for transparency and adherence to a previously adopted ordinance, emphasizing that any alterations to the CCR process should be openly debated and legally adopted by the council—not simply enacted by memo. The guests also touch on the importance of preserving open channels for policy innovation that directly respond to residents’ needs.The episode wraps up with a look at major city priorities on the horizon: the potential new downtown Spurs arena, infrastructure funding, and the looming city budget deficit. Both council members stress their commitment to public safety and basic city services, reflecting on the challenges of balancing urgent infrastructure needs with high-profile development projects. They express optimism about collaborating with new council colleagues while underscoring the importance of community-driven governance as City Hall faces significant decisions in the coming months.https://www.sa.gov/Directory/Departments/Mayor-Council/City-Council/D7/Biographyhttps://www.sa.gov/Directory/Departments/Mayor-Council/City-Council/D10/Biography
In Episode 61 of "Beyond the Bite," host Eddie Aldrete is joined by returning Councilman Marc Whyte (District 10) and newly elected Councilwoman Misty Spears (District 9) to discuss the pressing challenges facing San Antonio’s City Council this year. The conversation opens with reflections on the loss of 13 lives in the recent flooding event and the urgent need to address the city’s aging infrastructure—such as roads, drainage, and water systems—to prevent similar disasters in the future. Both guests stress their commitment to returning to "the basics" of city governance and focusing on investments that most directly benefit residents’ quality of life.The episode also delves into the looming city budget gap, with both Whyte and Spears advocating for fiscal discipline, reduced redundant spending, and a shift toward zero-based budgeting. They discuss the complexities of city committee assignments, not knowing which committees Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones will select. They also highlight the need for transparency, especially as the city prepares for potentially transformative projects like Project Marvel. Spears shares residents’ concerns and questions about the proposed arena’s funding, and she emphasizes the importance of clear public communication ahead of a likely November vote.Additional topics include rising public safety concerns, the shortage of parks in District 9, and the value of building strong working relationships both among council members and with city staff. Spears discusses her personal motivation for serving, her deep ties to District 9, and her optimism for San Antonio’s future. Together, Whyte and Spears provide a candid inside look at how the council is tackling big issues—with a focus on accountability, transparency, and serving their constituents.
Meet two of the voices from San Antonio City Council. In this episode, host Eddie Aldrete sits down with San Antonio City Councilwomen Sukh Kaur of District 1 and Ivalis Meza Gonzalez of District 8 to explore the experiences and challenges facing both an incumbent and a newly elected official. Kaur reflects on her first term, highlighting the intense workload, the importance of constituent services, and the surprise at just how many residents reach out for help with a diverse range of issues. Both councilwomen discuss the dynamic between their districts and the ways in which building relationships between council members helps them to better address citywide concerns.The conversation covers a wide array of pressing topics in city governance, from the current budget deficit and its impact on new initiatives, to infrastructure frustrations—particularly the delays and communication breakdowns around city construction projects and their negative impact on residents and businesses. The councilwomen underscore the importance of transparency with residents and emphasize the efforts made toimprove community engagement, especially regarding large-scale projects like VIA’s Advanced Rapid Transit and Project Marvel. They also touch on the challenges and opportunities brought on by changes in neighborhood dynamics, housing, and evolving demographics within their districts.As the episode draws to a close, Kaur and Meza Gonzalez share their priorities and hopes for their upcoming terms, expressing excitement about a council now made up predominantly of women and the chance to make meaningful progress on major issues despite tightbudgets. They highlight a strong commitment to infrastructure, housing, public safety, and ongoing community input, promising residents a continued focus on innovative solutions and an open, responsive city government. The episode offers candid insights into the realities of public service and the balance between visionary policy and the daily demands of representing San Antonio’s diverse communities.
In this episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete sits down with Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina for an in-depth conversation about family, leadership, and life along the Texas border. Judge Tijerina opens up about his upbringing in Webb County, in and around Laredo, sharing stories about his large family, the values he learned from ranching life, and his journey from professional baseball to public service. The discussion highlights the importance of hard work, faith, and family—elements that have influenced both his career and his personal life, including the adoption story that expanded their family in a meaningful way.The conversation takes a candid turn as Judge Tijerina discusses his experiences in county government, ranging from navigating budget challenges and building up the county’s fund balance to spearheading major infrastructure projects like renovating the fairgrounds and the upcoming fifth international bridge. He and Eddie also touch on broader topics relevant to the border region: the importance of economic development, the complex relationship between the county and city governments, and his new leadership role as the chair of the Texas Border Coalition. Judge Tijerina emphasizes the unique challenges and opportunities that come with being at the crossroads of international trade and culture.In the final segment, Judge Tijerina shares his reasons for formally switching from the Democratic to the Republican party, reflecting on shifting political values, his personal beliefs, and his desire to encourage others in South Texas to examine party platforms and make informed decisions. Throughout the episode, listeners get an honest and heartfelt look at public service, resilience through adversity, and what it means to stay true to one’s values while serving a diverse and rapidly changing community.https://www.webbcountytx.gov/countyjudge/https://www.facebook.com/judgetanotijerina
In this special live edition of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete welcomes San Antonio mayoral candidates Gina Ortiz Jones and Rolando Pablos for an in-depth conversation on some of the most pressing issues facing the city. Filmed before an audience of The Leadership San Antonio Alumni Association, the discussion covers the looming city budget shortfall, challenges with city revenues, and how each candidate would prioritize spending on core services like public safety and support for San Antonio’s most vulnerable residents. Both guests share their views on balancing efficiency with investment and the importance of transparent communication with the community.The episode also tackles major topics shaping San Antonio’s future, including the sports and entertainment district known as Project Marvel, including a proposal for a new downtown arena that would be home for the San Antonio Spurs. The candidates discuss the valuable role the Spurs play in the city’s identity and economy. Ortiz Jones and Pablos discuss the need to strike a fair deal with clear benefits for San Antonians while keeping the beloved NBA team anchored locally. The conversation moves to the city’s downtown recovery, affordable housing, child care, and the impact of public safety and amenities on economic vitality. The candidates offer contrasting plans on incentivizing growth, attracting investment, and addressing homelessness, all while learning from other Texas cities.Rounding out the dialogue, Aldrete asks how each candidate will champion San Antonio’s interests in Austin and beyond, despite lacking the legislative experience of the mayors in Dallas, Austin and Houston. Both share their strategies for building influence at the state and federal level, advocating for economic development, infrastructure, and essential utilities. The episode concludes with a question as to how the candidates feel toward being a nonpartisan mayor and putting service to San Antonio above party affiliation, giving listeners a comprehensive view into the priorities and leadership styles that will shape the city’s next chapter.https://pablosformayor.com/https://ginaortizjones.com/https://www.leadershipsa.org/alumni-association/https://cjma.law/
In this episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete sits down with guests Rob Killen and Erin Bley to break down the unexpected twists in San Antonio’s recent mayoral and city council elections. The discussion opens with a deep dive into the mayor’s race, unpacking the surge of outsider candidates, the influence of outside money, and the impact of strikingly low voter turnout. The trio highlights how shifting dynamics—from late re-entries into the race to strategic endorsements and the role of polling—upended long-held assumptions about frontrunners and reshaped the city’s political landscape.Turning to the city council races, Erin, Rob, and Eddie explore the outcomes in the key districts, analyzing what led to runoffs and the implications for voter turnout in those areas. The conversation underscores how voter confusion, a crowded field of candidates, and ballot placement may have contributed to the challenging environment for both candidates and residents. They also examine the potential for the new council makeup—paired with a new mayor—to shape the city’s approach to major initiatives and community challenges.The episode wraps up with an insightful look ahead at the issues awaiting the new municipal leadership, including the high-stakes Project Marvel, budget uncertainties, and challenges facing CPS Energy and SAWS. Rob and Erin reflect on the importance of strong staffing, strategic committee assignments, and the need for the mayor and council to build cohesive relationships and prioritize clear communication with voters. Whether it’s bridging divides between city and county government or navigating the complexities of economic development, the guests emphasize that the choices made in the coming months will have lasting impacts on San Antonio’s growth and governance.https://ginaortizjones.com/https://pablosformayor.com/
In this special episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete offers listeners an in-depth "Mayoral Candidate Mashup" ahead of San Antonio’s 2025 mayoral election. Instead of the typical soundbite answers found in traditional forums, this episode features 3-4 minute highlights from Aldrete’s interviews with each of the nine top contenders. These candidates include former and current city council members, business leaders, and individuals with experience at the state and federal levels, each sharing their visions, priorities, and approaches for the future of San Antonio.Listeners get a wide-ranging look at the issues and themes shaping the race—from infrastructure, public safety, and economic development, to education, collaboration, and efficient city governance. The episode captures perspectives from candidates such as John Courage, Manny Pelaez, Beto Altamirano, Rolando Pablos, Adriana Rocha Garcia, Robert Melvin, Clayton Perry, Gina Ortiz Jones, and Melissa Cabello Havrda. Each segment provides an authentic glimpse into their priorities, whether it’s advocating for citywide reevaluation, fostering business growth, strengthening ties with state and federal leadership, or championing public education and community input. This episode serves as a valuable resource for voters looking to move "Beyond the Bite" and get a closer, more personal sense of which candidate best aligns with their hopes for the city.To listen the entire episode of a candidate, use the links below.John Couragehttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bite/id1682999395?i=1000651865809Manny Pelaezhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bite/id1682999395?i=1000657770466Beto Altamiranohttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bite/id1682999395?i=1000676613243Rolando Pabloshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bite/id1682999395?i=1000679025595Adriana Rocha Garciahttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bite/id1682999395?i=1000693375366Robert Melvinhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bite/id1682999395?i=1000697598463Clayton Perryhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bite/id1682999395?i=1000701698050Gina Ortiz Joneshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bite/id1682999395?i=1000702666080Melissa Cabello Havrdahttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bite/id1682999395?i=1000702980198
The odds of her succeeding in life have never really been in her favor, but through hard work and determination, Melissa Cabello Havrda overcame the odds, graduated from college, graduated from law school, began her own law firm and got elected to the City Council. Now, she wants to be San Antonio’s next mayor.She’s running a grassroots campaign in a very crowded field. Cabello Havrda shares her journey from launching her campaign in December to navigating a field of 26 opponents, emphasizing her commitment to community engagement and grassroots organizing. She explores the dynamics of mayoral forums and the importance of understanding constituents' needs, as well as reflecting on the camaraderie and challenges faced alongside other candidates.Councilwoman Cabello Havrda delves into current issues impacting San Antonio, highlighting her leadership in advocating for the controversial Reproductive Justice Fund. She dove into this issue from a sense of purpose and mission and touches on some of the complexities surrounding council positions on this issue. Additionally, the Councilwoman shares her active efforts on construction impacts on small businesses, emphasizing initiatives like the Responsible Bidder Ordinance and liaison roles to enhance city outreach and support for local businesses.Throughout the episode, Cabello Havrda talked about dressing for the job you want. Unlike other candidates, she doesn’t have a 100-day plan, because she says as a current member of the City Council, she has already been working on her priorities and leading the way on them. Issue like helping to pass a capital reserve fund for CPS Energy as a home for surplus funds to help CPS tackle capital equipment costs and to apply as a down payment on any future rate hikes. She concludes the episode by emphasizing her vision of transforming city government into a highly efficient and community-centered entity, aiming to focus on zero-based and performance-based budgeting to better meet San Antonio’s diverse needs.https://melissaforsa.com/https://x.com/melissaforsahttps://www.instagram.com/melissaformayorhttps://www.facebook.com/melissaforsa/Podcast Production Service by EveryWord Media
To understand Gina Ortiz Jones, you have to start with her personal journey. In this episode, she reflects on her path from growing up on the far West Side of San Antonio to serving as the 27th Under Secretary of the Air Force. She shares how her upbringing and military experience have shaped her belief in the importance of strong local leadership, community investment, and expanded educational opportunities.The conversation then shifts to key issues facing San Antonio, including education, public health, and economic development. Ortiz Jones lays out her vision for addressing inequities in the education system, emphasizing the critical role of early childhood education and the need for stronger investment in Pre-K programs. She argues that if more funding were directed toward Pre-K 4 SA, there might be less need for programs like “Ready to Work,” which have faced challenges in delivering results.Host Eddie Aldrete also explores Ortiz Jones’s views on construction impacts to small businesses and her approach to city operations. She speaks candidly about several local initiatives, including “Project Marvel,” and stresses the importance of transparency and accountability in city government.The episode closes on a hopeful note, as Ortiz Jones shares her aspirations for San Antonio’s future and her commitment to using her leadership experience to help the city meet its challenges and seize new opportunities.Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media
With former City Councilman Clayton Perry, what you see is what you get. The folksy, jovial former councilman definitely knows what he doesn’t like and that’s a city that spends too much, is way behind on funding infrastructure projects and a city that keeps veering outside of its’ municipal lane getting involved in state and federal issues that will either generate lawsuits or in some form, come back to haunt us.In this episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete sits down with mayoral candidate and former San Antonio City Councilman Clayton Perry to discuss the current political landscape of San Antonio and his vision in the mayoral race. Reflecting on his time on the council, Perry shares insights into how the city's leadership style, interpersonal relations, and policy decisions have shaped its growth. He emphasizes the importance of cooperation between council members and highlights his ability to work with colleagues from different political backgrounds to push San Antonio forward.Perry talks a lot about the basics, because he says, that’s what San Antonio residents care about. Issues like crime and why we need to move faster to put more cops on the street and the need to tackle $4 billion dollars in needed infrastructure projects like improved streets. Perry believes these are essential to address before San Antonio can attract key businesses and grow economically.He's not a fan of Project Marvel and says San Antonio’s relationships with Austin and Washington need major repairs. He says outside money has too big of an influence in city elections, and that we need more attention on the need to reduce San Antonio’s systemic poverty.https://perryformayor.com/https://www.instagram.com/corvettepopo/https://www.linkedin.com/in/clayton-perry-16a3365/https://www.facebook.com/clayton.perry.547Podcast Production Service by EveryWord Media
In this episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete sits down with U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, to discuss the role he played in cutting through the federal bureaucracy on significant trade and infrastructure projects in Texas. One of the key topics is Senator Ted Cruz's efforts to expedite the approval process for new international bridges and the expansion of an international bridge along the Texas-Mexico border. These bridges, crucial for strengthening trade relations and economic growth, faced delays due to bureaucratic obstacles. Senator Cruz details the bipartisan efforts, including legislation and collaboration with various political figures, that ultimately led to the approval of these projects, which are expected to create thousands of jobs and enhance trade between Texas and Mexico. Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño talks about how Senator Cruz led the bipartisan effort that helped secure the presidential permit for the Flor de Mayor Bridge in Brownsville.The episode also highlights the dedication of the new Patrick J. Ottensmeyer International Railway Bridge in Laredo built by CPKC Railways. Named in honor of the late CEO of Kansas City Southern Railways, the Ottensmeyer bridge more than doubles the railway capacity at the border, promoting efficient trade along a vital corridor. Guests Keith Creel, Lisa Sarrazin, and Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor Treviño share their perspectives on the importance of this infrastructure and the collaborative spirit behind its completion, underscoring how it stands as a testament to innovation and growth and to the life work of Pat Ottensmeyer.Additionally, the podcast covers the goals Senator Cruz has as the new Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation as well as the long-awaited launch of a nonstop flight from San Antonio to Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., another victory credited to Senator Cruz's persistent efforts. This development not only marks a milestone for San Antonio but also demonstrates the power of unified advocacy in achieving critical advancements for the state's economy and connectivity. Throughout the episode, Eddie Aldrete emphasizes the interconnected nature of South Texas communities and their collective impact on regional and national prosperity.https://www.cruz.senate.gov/https://www.commerce.senate.gov/https://www.cameroncountytx.gov/county-judge-eddie-trevino-jr/https://www.cpkcr.com/enhttps://www.cpkcr.com/en/media/Ottensmeyer-feb2025https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGV_dGAKNxA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==https://www.sachamber.org/https://laredochamber.com/https://www.laredoedc.org/https://ccrma.org/https://puertoverde.com/https://www.cityoflaredo.com/departments/bridge-systemhttps://www.webbcountytx.gov/RoadandBridge/https://news.aa.com/news/news-details/2024/American-Airlines-becomes-only-carrier-to-fly-nonstop-between-Washington-DC-and-San-Antonio-NET-RTS-12/default.aspxPodcast Production Services by EveryWord Media
In this episode, the conversation kicks off with business leader and mayoral candidate Robert Melvin discussing his unique perspective on economic development, shaped by his experiences as a business owner, builder and entrepreneur. He highlights the importance of changing the city's approach to development, emphasizing a need for minimizing red tape and fostering a more cooperative relationship between the city and developers. His vision for San Antonio includes intentional growth strategies that prioritize the needs of local communities and businesses, aiming to transform the city into a thriving economic hub.Melvin addresses critical issues such as crime, housing affordability, and the role of education in shaping the future of San Antonio. He speaks about the city's challenges with crime rates among the youth and the systemic issues in education, advocating for a competitive approach that includes charter schools as alternative options for quality education. His extensive background, from his upbringing in Houston to his experience in various states, has shaped his perspective on how to address these systemic issues and create more opportunities for the city's residents. His emphasis on economic independence and intentional development reveals his commitment to reshaping the city's landscape.The episode also delves into the potential for a new downtown Spurs arena and other urban development projects. Robert expresses his skepticism, stating his concerns about the economic impact of adding another venue without addressing existing issues. He emphasizes the need for San Antonio to focus on businesses that can diversify the city's economy and elevate its status globally. Throughout the discussion, Melvin reiterates his belief in the potential of San Antonio, highlighting how strategic economic and educational reforms can foster a prosperous future for the city and its residents.https://robertmelvinformayor.com/Podcast Production Service by EveryWord Media
In this episode of "Beyond the Bite,” host Eddie Aldrete welcomes back San Antonio Councilwoman Adriana Rocha Garcia. The conversation begins with an update on Dr. Rocha Garcia's father's health, following his diagnosis with Alzheimer's. Rocha Garcia talks about the support she receives from her extended family and shares a touching story about how her son helps care for her father by handling daily tasks and medication. This introduction sets the stage for discussing the balancing act between personal commitments and political aspirations, as Garcia previously expressed interest in running for mayor.Councilwoman Rocha Garcia elaborates on her political journey and recent campaign activities, including a campaign kickoff event held on February 8, 2024. She emphasizes her dedication to improving education, housing, and healthcare, particularly in underrepresented areas of San Antonio. The councilwoman discusses the progress and ongoing challenges related to poverty in San Antonio, highlighting efforts made by past city leaders, such as initiatives introduced by Henry Cisneros and Julian Castro. Garcia outlines her strategy for the mayoral race, including targeting adjacent districts to the one she represents in District 4. And she understands that District 4 traditionally produces the smallest voter turnout of the council districts and why she has to work harder in northern districts that produce a large percentage of voters.The conversation also turns to city infrastructure projects, specifically "Project Marvel," which involves a potential new downtown arena for the San Antonio Spurs. Rocha Garcia stresses the importance of collaboration with county officials and maintaining a strong relationship with state and federal governments to address budget challenges. The episode wraps up with the Councilwoman expressing excitement about the opportunities for San Antonio, focusing on investing in younger generations and fostering a welcoming environment for all residents to break cycles of generational poverty.https://www.adriana4mayor.com/https://www.facebook.com/DrA4SAhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/adriana-rocha-garcia/https://www.instagram.com/dradrianad4/Podcast Production Service by EveryWord Media
In this episode of Beyond the Bite, CPS Energy CEO Rudy Garza, rejoins the podcast to provide important updates on San Antonio’s power landscape. Garza discusses how CPS Energy has adapted since the severe winter storm of 2021, emphasizing their improved communication with ERCOT and the significant strides they've made in power generation and responsiveness to outages. Garza highlights CPS Energy's readiness in handling cold weather challenges and outlines the investments made in maintaining aging natural gas plants scheduled for shutdown to ensure reliability.Garza delves into the collaborative relationship between CPS Energy and ERCOT, describing efforts to bridge transmission challenges. He shares insights into the legislative landscape, advocating for a balanced energy approach that includes natural gas, solar, batteries, and potentially small modular nuclear reactors. He underscores the importance of forward-thinking investments in infrastructure to meet San Antonio’s growing energy demands, especially considering the rise in large-scale projects like data centers and the necessity for strategic planning in power distribution and transmission.Looking forward, Garza touches on the essential need for infrastructure development and the financial strategies CPS Energy employs to support this growth. He discusses the ongoing efforts to manage past due balances from customers while maintaining a delicate balance of rate increases to fund necessary investments. Concluding the episode, Garza discusses a new role that he and his wife Emily have taken as community campaign chairs for the United Way in 2025, reflecting his commitment to the community beyond his professional responsibilities.https://www.cpsenergy.com/https://www.cpsenergy.com/en/about-us/who-we-are/senior-leadership.htmlhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rudy-d-garza-sa/Podcast Production Service by EveryWord Media
In this episode of "Beyond the Bite," Eddie Aldrete sits down with guests Demonte Alexander, CEO of Citizen Reach and Director of Public Affairs for Bridgewater Consulting, and Shay Bluntzer from Marlin Blue Strategists to discuss their professional transitions and insights into the current state and future of San Antonio politics. Demonte elaborates on the mission of Citizen Reach, focusing on public engagement to help various entities build consensus within the community, and outlines his strategic work with Bridgewater Consulting in the work they do in the utilities sector. Shay reflects on founding Marlin Blue Strategists after nearly two decades at NuStar Energy, emphasizing the importance of government relations in the energy sector and his ongoing support for organizations like Haven for Hope.The conversation transitions into an analysis of the political landscape in Texas, particularly the recent election of State Representative Dustin Burrows as Speaker of the Texas House. Shay and Demonte break down the political dynamics and legislative challenges that led to Burrows’ election, including the impact of key votes on impeachment and school choice. They also discuss the implications of the Texas Regulatory Consistency Act, also known as the "Death Star" bill, and its effect on local governance versus state mandates. San Antonio city leaders strongly opposed that bill, whose author is the new Speaker of the House, and the guests discuss what that means for cities in general and San Antonio more specifically.In the latter part of the podcast, the focus shifts to San Antonio's upcoming mayoral and city council races. Eddie, Shay, and Demonte discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by the open seats and the importance of collaborative leadership. They analyze the fundraising efforts of various candidates and the significance of their financial reports. The conversation highlights the necessity for the next mayor and city council to foster better relationships with state leadership to effectively address local issues such as infrastructure, public safety, and economic development. The episode concludes with a hopeful outlook on what characteristics and policies could benefit San Antonio's future leadership.https://www.linkedin.com/in/demonte-alexander-7a6a7620/https://www.bridgewcg.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/shay-bluntzer-054a1813/https://marlinbluestrategists.com/https://house.texas.gov/members/3055Podcast Production Service by EveryWord Media
In this episode, host Eddie Aldrete is joined by Rob Killen and Erin Bley as they explore San Antonio’s evolving political and urban landscape. The discussion spans upcoming elections and the intricate dynamics of governance shaping the city’s future.The conversation opens with an analysis of the challenges and opportunities surrounding the upcoming mayoral election, the first open-seat race in 16 years. Erin and Rob delve into the strengths and weaknesses of candidates, highlighting the significance of voter engagement and the potential impact of events like Fiesta on turnout. The hosts also touch on the broader trend of local candidates addressing national issues, raising questions about the alignment of municipal responsibilities with campaign priorities.Later, the focus shifts to key municipal issues, including infrastructure maintenance, firefighter contract negotiations, and the charter amendments. Killen critiques the tendency to prioritize large-scale projects over essential infrastructure upkeep, while Aldrete and Bley examine the dynamics between city council members and upcoming ordinance changes. The episode also discusses Project Marvel, proposed developments like the new baseball stadium for the Missions and a potential new basketball arena for the Spurs. The group also touches on the importance of transparent collaboration between city and county entities.This episode provides an insightful look at the issues shaping San Antonio’s governance and urban development, emphasizing the need for strategic planning and cooperative efforts to ensure the city’s continued growth and success.#SanAntonio #LocalPolitics #UrbanDevelopment #BeyondTheBitehttps://www.kgftx.com/https://www.kgftx.com/our-team#Rob%20Killenhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-killen-752b538/https://onyxpolitical.com/Home.htmlhttps://onyxpolitical.com/About-Erin.htmlhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-dwyer-bley-1b686a3/https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2024/11/21/first-peek-at-downtown-spurs-arena-sports-entertainment-district-coming-thursday/Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media