The “Story of San Antonio” has never been merely that: one city, one story, one voice. Parallels can be drawn to communities across the United States and the world as human beings try to navigate ever-changing economic, social and environmental landscapes. It’s an expedition that is reflected in and (we hope) aided by our content.
The most viewed story on the Rivard Report, an online news and feature magazine about San Antonio, isn’t – on its face – about San Antonio (SA). With almost 8,000 views, an article about Oklahoma City’s comeback and what SA could learn from it narrowly tops an article critical of our job market, social life, downtown development and public transportation. However, a dialogue that cuts to the heart of why people leave and why people stay in SA was subsequently ignited – which appears in our top 20 viewed stories listed below. These are exactly the kinds of conversations we set out to host. Be sure to check out the comment sections while you’re there. (Hey, why not put in your two cents?)
Our “Where I Live” series continues to produce popular posts written by both one-time and repeat contributors. Judging from our statistics, they’ve been viewed by people are searching the web for the right neighborhood in San Antonio for them. For locals, the series also provides a glimpse into the diverse areas of town. We will happily continue this service, expect to receive more insights and neighborhood profiles in 2013 (including “Where I Live: The Majestic” coming soon).
As we approach our year anniversary in February, we look back and appreciate (again) the many voices that we’ve had the privilege of publishing on our site. We cannot thank our writers, contributors, assistants, staff, readers and sponsors enough.
Like you, when it comes to the Spurs, I’m a home town guy. Like you, I’m excited: I see Tim and Tony and Manu (and Pop) as a team of destiny, one that (light candle to the Virgin here) is on the verge of defending the “dynasty” crown that I and others bestowed on them after four NBA Championship titles — a run interrupted by the collapse against the Memphis Grizzlies last year. But count me out for snarky media bashing of Oklahoma City. A smarter San Antonio would use the occasion of this exciting series against the Thunder to learn more about the 20-year metamorphosis of Oklahoma City as we labor toward our own transformation in San Antonio. Before we count out Oklahoma City, let’s remember: This is truly a Comeback City. And I don’t mean the Thunder. (Read more.)
Recently, I reflected on how many people I know who have left San Antonio since I moved here. I estimated perhaps 15, which seemed high to me, so I decided to count. I counted on my fingers, and then my toes, and then my dog’s paws. The answer: Forty-one. I’ve lived in San Antonio for just over three years and I already know 41 people who have moved. That’s shocking to me. (Read more.)
Like most of my friends in San Antonio, I enjoyed reading and debating Callie Enlow’s piece in the Rivard Report. I’ve met Callie, and I know many of the people whose stories she shared … Although I’m quickly approaching the “big 4-0” and not exactly an entrepreneur, I still consider myself one of the young, educated types that San Antonio wants to attract and keep. I go out. I like independent music. I’m a vegetarian. I’m into progressive politics. And, more to the point, I like San Antonio. (Read more.)
Call me naive, but I believe a good and honest public servant was smeared this week. … Everyone wants to avoid even the appearance of conflict, but it’s not always possible. DiGiovanni could have recused himself from the bid review process, and in hindsight, some say he should have done so. Just as strong an argument can be made that the City’s best guy should have stayed in the game. What really matters is whether any actual evidence of wrongdoing is found, or if there is a pattern of such appearances of conflict. Neither is the case with DiGiovanni. (Read more.)
We have a problem and no one is talking about it. I’m not pointing the finger of blame at anyone. I’m saying it’s time to call 911. We need help right now. The problem: College graduates are fleeing San Antonio. Why is that a problem? If you think we will attract businesses, think again. They follow the work force. One of the excuses AT&T gave as they left was we didn’t have the work force and Dallas did. If you think we will create home-grown businesses that turn into the next Rackspace, think again. We are creating the work force for all the other cities. They win. We lose. (Read more.)
Aphrodite has always been a troublemaker. So it is not a complete surprise that this ancient goddess of love caused a stir right here in San Antonio in the year 2012. At issue was a two thousand year-old marble statuette that the San Antonio Museum of Art wanted to display in an advertisement for the exhibition Aphrodite and the Gods of Love. She was turned down—not once, but three times—on the grounds that she was, in the words of one publication, a “naked person” who might offend readers and viewers.(Read more.)
Many people who engage and contribute to The Rivard Report are striving to make San Antonio a more diverse, appealing place for the creative class and young professionals. It is an admirable goal and I wish them well—but I’m defecting … If San Antonio wants to be a world-class city with a pulsating, diverse downtown, the thing that has to change is San Antonians. Let me repeat something I said earlier to try to avoid a wave of critical comments: I’m fine with San Antonio staying just the way it is, and if you’re fine with it, then everyone’s happy. But you can’t bemoan the flight of young people or the difficulties attracting talent to the city and at the same time treat downtown like it’s radioactive. Changing the city is something San Antonians have to commit to, personally. (Read more.)
SAWS lifted Stage One water restrictions this week, a dubious decision, but one that gets the attention of those who garden. That means automatic sprinklers can run any day of the week 8 PM – 10 AM for the first time since last April. As we wander outside to assess the aftermath of our historic drought and mild winter, we encourage lawn lovers to reconsider their St. Augustine, which guzzles 40 -50 inches of water per year. (Read more.)
Growing up in San Antonio, the last thing I wanted to do after graduating college was move back. I felt I had outgrown the city and had seen it all. I reluctantly loaded my belongings into a U-Haul and made my way back to San Antonio … When I arrived in downtown, I didn’t see the sleepy tourist hangout like I originally expected, but I found opportunity to be a part of something bigger. I found opportunity in the people, in the culture, in the abandoned and preserved historic buildings, and most importantly, I found opportunity in the leadership of San Antonio, both political and civic … With this new inspiration, I sold my house and purchased a condominium at the newly renovated Judson Candy Factory Lofts. (Read more.)
Everyone’s talking about it lately: the Megabus. A member of the Stagecoach Group (the international public transport company behind Coach USA and a number of European bus and rail services), Megabus.com offers low cost, express bus service through the internet. On June 19, Megabus began servicing much of the southern US, including Texas and most important, San Antonio. Boasting fares as low as $1, Megabus has understandably garnered a bit of attention (here in the Business Journal, on MySA, and on blogs, for example). Between rising gas prices, calls for a reliable, easy mode of transportation between San Antonio and Austin, carbon footprint considerations, and the low price of a ticket, it sounds like Megabus may have struck gold by expanding their operations to San Antonio. But in practice, is this service as tremendous as its name and reputation imply? Last weekend, my mission was to find out. (Read more.)
