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This week’s Last Word commentary examines the growing demand for mental health services in Bexar County—and whether the state will provide the funding needed to meet it.
Bob Rivard unpacks the county’s plan to expand in-patient mental health services, why the need for more capacity has been a long-standing issue, and what it will take for Texas lawmakers to support these efforts. With statewide hospital bed shortages and increasing pressure on emergency rooms and law enforcement, how will Bexar County’s move impact care for those in crisis? And will the state step up to ensure these investments aren’t made in isolation?
Join us for a thoughtful reflection on mental health policy, local leadership, and the future of state funding for critical care services.
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This week’s episode of bigcitysmalltown dives into the urgent conversation surrounding public school funding in Texas. With schools in the San Antonio region reaching a financial breaking point, business leaders are stepping in to advocate for change.
Host Bob Rivard is joined by Mario Barrera, a San Antonio attorney and former chairman of the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, and Luis Rodriguez, president and CEO of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Together, they break down what’s at stake for public education in San Antonio as the Texas Legislature debates funding priorities this session.
They discuss:
Why Texas ranks among the worst states for public school funding The role of the business community in pushing for increased education investment The ongoing battle over school vouchers and their impact on public districts How funding decisions today will shape San Antonio’s future workforceWith billions of dollars in state surplus funds available, will Texas lawmakers prioritize the needs of students, teachers, and local districts? Tune in for an essential discussion on the future of public education in San Antonio and beyond.
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▶️ #45: Dr. Jaime Aquino – Leading San Antonio’s Largest School District – As Superintendent of San Antonio ISD, Dr. Jaime Aquino brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for public education. In this episode, he shares his vision for improving student outcomes, the challenges of leading an urban school district, and how his own journey as an immigrant and educator shapes his leadership. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about what it takes to create meaningful change in Texas public schools.
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This week’s Last Word commentary examines the future of FEMA and what it means for Texas as disaster relief policies face increasing political scrutiny.
Bob Rivard unpacks the growing debate over federal disaster aid, how FEMA’s role could change under this next administration, and why Texas—prone to hurricanes, wildfires, and extreme weather—has so much at stake. With climate-driven disasters on the rise, will Texas be prepared if federal support dwindles? And what happens if states are forced to handle disaster relief on their own?
Join us for a thoughtful reflection on the intersection of politics, emergency response, and the cost of disaster preparedness in Texas.
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This week’s episode of bigcitysmalltown takes a look at the humor, storytelling, and resilience behind one of San Antonio’s most recognizable public artists: Gary Sweeney.
We’re joined by Gary Sweeney, a visual artist known for his bold, text-based public art, wit-infused commentary, and unconventional career path. From working as a baggage handler at an airline to creating public art installations across San Antonio, Denver, and beyond, Sweeney’s work blends humor with sharp social observations.
With a career that spans decades—and a few rejected public art proposals along the way—Gary shares his thoughts on what makes public art work, the balance between humor and meaning, and why he kept his airline job for 35 years even while building a name as an artist.
Listen as we explore how art, place, and storytelling collide, what public art reveals about a city’s character, and why San Antonio continues to be a hub for creative voices like Sweeney’s.
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▶ #92: Meet San Antonio’s New Family-Friendly Art Residency – Parts & Labor – In this episode of bigcitysmalltown, we explore how San Antonio is rethinking support for artists with a groundbreaking new residency program designed for those who are also caregivers.
We’re joined by Liz Stehl Kleberg and Meaghan Mitts, the founders of Parts & Labor Residency, a nonprofit in Southtown San Antonio that provides mid-career artists with the time, space, and childcare support they need to balance family life and creative work.
What does it take to make the arts more inclusive and sustainable? How does caregiving shape creative careers? And why is San Antonio leading the way with this new model? Tune in to learn how this program is reshaping artist residencies and building a more supportive arts community.
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This week’s Last Word commentary examines the San Antonio City Council’s failed vote on funding abortion travel, a decision that reflects both the city’s political divide and the larger struggle between state and local governance in Texas.
Bob Rivard breaks down what happened in the council chambers, why the vote failed, and what it signals for San Antonio’s upcoming elections. With abortion access increasingly restricted statewide, this debate raises broader questions: Should cities step in where state laws limit healthcare options? And how will this issue shape the future political landscape in San Antonio?
Join us for a thoughtful reflection on the implications of this vote and the shifting dynamics of local power and state control.
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This week’s episode of bigcitysmalltown dives into one of the most pressing issues facing San Antonio: the future of immigration policy and how it will impact our community.
We’re joined by Claudia Hernandez, an immigration attorney at San Antonio-based firm De Mott, Curtright and Armendáriz (DMCA), to discuss the real consequences of shifting immigration policies—what’s at stake for families, businesses, and the broader South Central Texas community.
With new challenges emerging under the next Trump presidency, Claudia breaks down what immigrants need to know, the legal protections available, and how local organizations are preparing for potential policy changes.
Listen as we explore how San Antonio’s role in the immigration conversation is evolving, what’s misunderstood about the current system, and what everyday residents can do to stay informed and engaged.
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► #93: The Last Word – The Gulf of Neighbors – In this Last Word commentary, Bob Rivard reflects on the deep connections between Texas and Mexico, shaped by the Gulf of Mexico. As the U.S.-Mexico relationship faces new challenges under the next Trump presidency, including proposals to rename the Gulf to the “Gulf of America,” Bob explores the history, culture, and economic ties that make this shared waterway so vital.
What does this shift in political discourse mean for San Antonio and the broader border region? How do these changes impact trade, diplomacy, and the everyday lives of people on both sides? Tune in for a thoughtful reflection on history, identity, and the evolving relationship between two neighboring nations.
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This week’s Last Word commentary reflects on the enduring connections between Texas and Mexico through the Gulf of Mexico—a shared space of culture, trade, and history.
As the relationship between these neighbors faces new challenges in the next Trump presidency, Bob Rivard explores how the Gulf symbolizes both unity and division. With proposals like renaming the Gulf to the “Gulf of America” floating in political discourse, this commentary examines what’s at stake for the communities and economies shaped by this vital waterway.
Join us for a thoughtful reflection on the Gulf’s significance—a place where shared histories collide with shifting political tides.
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This week’s episode of bigcitysmalltown spotlights something new in San Antonio’s arts community: a residency program tailored to support artists who are also caregivers.
We’re joined by Liz Stehl Kleberg & Meaghan Mitts, the founders of the Parts & Labor Residency, a nonprofit organization in Southtown San Antonio that provides mid-career artists with the time, space, and resources they need to pursue their creative work. Designed to meet the unique needs of caregivers, the residency offers infrastructure like childcare to help artists focus on their practice while balancing family responsibilities.
Listen as we explore how Parts & Labor is redefining what it means to support working artists, why this program is so important for inclusivity in the arts, and how it’s making San Antonio a leader in family-friendly creativity.
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🔗 Learn more about Parts & Labor
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► #82: San Antonio Artist Oscar Alvarado Always Thinks Big – Meet Oscar Alvarado, the San Antonio artist whose iconic mosaic sculptures and installations are seemingly everywhere in the city. From benches and bollards to murals and massive sculptures, Oscar’s distinctive style brings vibrant color and creativity to public spaces.
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In this week’s Last Word, Bob Rivard explores the opening of the Texas Legislature’s 89th biennial session, unpacking the pressing issues and political dynamics shaping the state’s future. From the ongoing school voucher debate and public education funding crisis to the challenges of housing, transportation, and water conservation, Bob offers sharp insights on what’s at stake for Texans.
He also reflects on the broader implications of one-party rule and its impact on transformative policymaking. Tune in for a candid analysis of where Texas is headed—and what it means for San Antonio and beyond.
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This week’s episode of bigcitysmalltown takes you behind the scenes of one of San Antonio’s most critical infrastructure hubs: the San Antonio International Airport (SAT). We’re joined by Jesus Saenz, Director of Airports for the San Antonio Airport System, to discuss the airport’s record-breaking growth, its expansion plans, and how it’s adapting to serve the nation’s fastest-growing city.
Listen as we explore how SAT is adding nonstop destinations, improving passenger experiences, and competing with neighboring airports in Austin and Dallas. We also discuss the challenges of scaling airport infrastructure to meet the demands of a rapidly growing population and economy.
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▶ #87: VIA’s Jeff Arndt Rides Off – A conversation with the longtime VIA CEO on the future of San Antonio’s public transit.
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Welcome to the first Last Word in its new standalone format. Every Saturday, Bob delivers his sharp, insightful commentary on life and politics in San Antonio, Texas, and beyond.
In this inaugural episode, he dives into what 2025 has in store—from the impact of a second Trump presidency on local immigration and trade to the high-stakes debates unfolding in Texas politics, including public school funding and San Antonio’s billion-dollar arena proposal. Fasten your seatbelts—it’s going to be quite a ride.
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This week’s episode is a special one as we introduce Cory Ames, the new producer of bigcitysmalltown. Cory is also the founder of Ensemble Texas, a media platform focused on San Antonio’s environment, economy, and culture. Listen as we discuss what’s next for bigcitysmalltown, how local storytelling can help shape the city’s future, and why understanding where you live might be the first step to making a lasting impact.
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📌 Cory Ames’s Work: Ensemble Texas | YouTube | LinkedIn
RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE
▶ #87: VIA’s Jeff Arndt Rides Off – A conversation with the longtime VIA CEO on the future of San Antonio’s public transit.
CONNECT
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This week’s guest is Jeff Arndt, who has served for 13 years as president and CEO of VIA Metropolitan Transit, San Antonio and Bexar County’s public bus system. Listen as Arndt discusses his career at VIA ahead of his retirement, the challenges and victories of public transportation in San Antonio.
In this episode of Big City Small Town, we sit down with Jeff Arndt, who recently retired after 13 years as CEO of VIA Metropolitan Transit and a 40-year career in public transportation. Jeff reflects on his time leading San Antonio’s transit agency, the challenges of funding and expanding public transit, and the major projects that will shape the city’s transportation future.
What We Cover in This Episode:
VIA’s biggest wins and challenges—from expanding service to securing funding for San Antonio’s first rapid transit lines. The future of public transit—how VIA’s Green Line will transform mobility in the city. Equity & accessibility—why Jeff believes reliable public transportation is a lifeline for working-class San Antonians. What’s next for Jeff—his plans for retirement, life beyond transit, and what he’ll be watching in San Antonio’s future.As the city encounters both challenge and opportunity with growth, affordability, and mobility, public transit remains a key piece of the puzzle. Listen in as Jeff shares his insights on what it will take to build a more connected and accessible San Antonio.
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▶️ #86: The State of Cycling in San Antonio – A conversation on the future of biking in San Antonio and how cycling fits into the city’s evolving transportation landscape.
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This week’s guests are Jeffrey Moore, an analyst with the city’s Office of Emergency Management and the founderof the SATX Social Ride held every Tuesday in the city’s urban core, routinely attracting hundreds of local cyclists for an evening ride and social gathering; and Mitchell Keogh, an avid cyclist who leads a community of riders who track their rides and performance on the Strava app. Listen as we discuss the cycling community in San Antonio.
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This week’s guest is David Marquez, executive director of Economic and Community Development for Bexar County, a longtime leader in economic development and advanced manufacturing, including cross-border auto manufacturing, for the county. Marquez oversaw the building and funding of the AT&T Arena, now renamed as the Frost Bank Center. Listen as Marquez discusses his role with the county and his own journey from machinist at Kelly Airforce Base to a leading voice in the direction of Bexar county.
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This week’s guest is Craig Garnett, the longtime publisher and owner of the Uvalde Leader-News, the daily newspaper in Uvalde, a South Texas town of 15,000 that became national news on May 24, 2022, when 18-year-old Salvador Ramos opened fire in Robb Elementary School, killing 19 young children and two of their teachers, and injuring 17 others. Garnett and the Leader-News should serve as the model publisher and newspaper for how to show responsible leadership in the wake of such tragedy. Last month Garnett was the subject of a profile in the New York Times that extolled his role in the community before and after the Robb Elementary School shooting changed Uvalde forever.
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This week’s guest is Chris Cullum, the chef-owner of Cullum’s Attaboy, the small but heavy hitting Tobin Hill restaurant founded by the James Beard finalist a stone’s throw from Cullum’s Attagirl, the tiny fried chicken shack he’s run for more than eight years. Cullum was a 2024 finalist for Best Chef: Texas from the James Beard Foundation. Cullum, however, is all about his team and the people he feeds, not industry awards that nonetheless can make a career. Listen as Cullum discusses his unique San Antonio upbringing and the ways that it has influenced the food he serves.
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This week’s guest is San Antonio artist Oscar Alvarado. There is no mistaking his distinctive sculptures, many larger than life, covered with thousands of mosaic pieces of glass and tile that are seemingly everywhere in the city: murals, sculptures, benches, bollards, columns, walls and floors with mosaics in Alvarado’s signature style. Listen to the story behind these huge installations and how they are fabricated.
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This week’s guest is Ronald Davis, curator of American History at the Witte Museum, a position he has held since January 2023. Davis is the co-curator of Black Cowboys: An American Story currently at the Witte Museum and running through February 2025, after which it will go on a national tour including the famed Autry Museum of the American West in Los Angeles. In tandem with the exhibit, the Witte will host a first-of-its kind conference on December 5th & 6th called "Ode to Juneteenth: Slavery in Texas." Tickets are available on their website.
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This week’s guest is UTSA’s Dr. Bryan Gervais. He is an associate professor in the Department of Political Science & Geography, and he's in the studio because he is the inaugural director of the UTSA Center for Public Opinion Research (CPOR), the new poll launched in advance of the national elections. His areas of specialization are political communication and political psychology. Listen as Dr. Gervais discusses how accurate their polling proved in the recent national election, and what CPOR is learning about our local electorate.
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