Welcome to The San Antonio Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• City sues shuttered downtown hotel over $1.3M in unpaid taxes

• Upcoming San Antonio FC match

• A deep-dive into the life of Emma Tenayuca

• And more…

Quote of the Week

Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever. 

– Lance Armstrong

Trivia

What is the name of the historic San Antonio hotel known for its grandeur and being the site of several important political events?

A) The Driskill

B) The Menger Hotel

C) The Hotel Emma

D) The St. Anthony Hotel

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The San Antonio district known for its historical significance, unique architecture, and artisan community is B) La Villita Historic Arts Village.

News

💼 Business

Kirksey Architecture president expects AI to play a significant role in the industry. (Link)

Dallas real estate investor buys North Side office tower. (Link)

Tesla lays off nearly 2,700 employees at Travis County gigafactory. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Tigres, Rayados to play Clásico Regio in San Antonio in October. (Link)

Fiesta partygoers navigate road closures amid downtown construction. (Link)

🏦 Finance

San Antonio Police Department plans $19.5M substation near Stinson Airport. (Link)

Broadway Bank execs look to grow in Dallas, see path to $1B in local assets. (Link)

City sues shuttered downtown hotel over $1.3M in unpaid taxes.(Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏈 San Antonio Gunslingers vs. Frisco Fighters
Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio
Saturday, May 4 | (More info)

⚽ San Antonio FC vs. Oakland Roots SC
Toyota Field, San Antonio
Saturday, May 4 | (More info)

🏈 Frisco Fighters at San Antonio Gunslingers
Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio
Saturday, May 4 | (More info)

⚽ San Antonio FC vs. Las Vegas Lights FC
Toyota Field, San Antonio
Saturday, May 11 | (More info)

⚾ Corpus Christi Hooks at San Antonio Missions
Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium, San Antonio
Tuesday, May 14 | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Cathedral Bells
Paper Tiger, San Antonio
Tuesday, Apr 30 | (More info)

🎸 Heart
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio
Wednesday, May 1 | (More info)

🎵 Shakey Graves
Stable Hall, San Antonio
Thursday, May 2 | (More info)

🎵 Ready Revolution
Sam's Burger Joint, San Antonio
Friday, May 3 | (More info)

🎸 Donnell Rawlings
Laugh Out Loud! Comedy Club, San Antonio
Saturday, May 4 | (More info)

🎤 Ricky Skaggs
Stable Hall, San Antonio
Sunday, May 5 | (More info)

Family

🌸 Lakeshore's Garden Wonders (San Antonio)
327 N.W. Loop 410, San Antonio
Saturday, May 4 | (More info)

🏃 Pre-Mother's Day 5K in San Antonio
9606 Bandera Road, San Antonio
Saturday, May 4 | (More info)

🥁 The African Drum Circle for Children
3455 Martin Luther King Drive, San Antonio
Saturday, May 4 | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Urban landscape of San Antonio with advanced public transport systems” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

San Antonio Historical Events

Coming of the Railroads (1877): The first railroad reached San Antonio, changing its economic and cultural landscape

In 1877, the arrival of the first railroad in San Antonio marked a pivotal moment in the city's history, ushering in a new era of economic and cultural transformation. The introduction of the railroad system revolutionized the way goods and people were transported, connecting San Antonio to distant markets and opening up opportunities for trade and commerce. This development played a significant role in shaping the city's economic landscape, leading to increased industrialization and urban growth.

The impact of the railroads extended beyond the realm of commerce, influencing the cultural fabric of San Antonio. The accessibility and convenience of rail travel facilitated the movement of people, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and diversity within the city. As a result, San Antonio experienced an influx of new ideas, traditions, and perspectives, contributing to the rich tapestry of its cultural heritage. The railroad's influence on the city's social dynamics and demographic composition was profound, laying the groundwork for a more interconnected and dynamic community.

The legacy of the coming of the railroads in 1877 continues to resonate in San Antonio's identity, serving as a testament to the city's resilience and adaptability in the face of change. The railroad's enduring impact on the city's economic vitality and cultural vibrancy underscores its significance as a transformative milestone in San Antonio's history, shaping the city into the dynamic and diverse metropolis it is today.

Famous People From San Antonio

Emma Tenayuca (1916-1999):

Labor leader, union organizer, and educator. Emma Tenayuca:

Emma Tenayuca, a fearless Mexican American labor activist, was born in San Antonio, Texas, in 1916. Her life's work as a labor leader, union organizer, and educator left an indelible mark on the civil rights movement and the working class.

Emma's Early Years and Political Awakening (1916-1934):

Emma Beatrice Tenayuca was born on December 21, 1916, in San Antonio, Texas, the oldest of eleven children. Raised by her maternal grandparents, Emma was encouraged to take an interest in politics from a young age. Her grandparents, both registered voters, engaged in political debates at home, influencing Emma's awareness of the world around her.

Labor Activism and the Pecan Shellers' Strike (1935-1938):

At the age of 18, Emma Tenayuca joined the Finch Cigar Company strike, marking the beginning of her labor organizing activities. Her most notable contribution came in 1938 when she led the San Antonio Pecan Shellers' Strike, earning her the nickname La Pasionaria de Texas (The Passionate One). Her fearless leadership and dedication to the working class made a lasting impact on labor rights in San Antonio.

Educational Pursuits and Community Engagement (1939-1950):

Following her involvement in labor activism, Emma Tenayuca pursued higher education, attending San Francisco State University and the University of Texas at Austin. She continued to be involved in community organizing and education, advocating for the rights of the working poor and marginalized communities.

Political Engagement and Civil Rights Advocacy (1951-1960):

During the 1950s, Emma Tenayuca's commitment to civil rights and social justice led her to join the Communist Party. She remained dedicated to advocating for labor rights, racial equality, and the empowerment of Mexican American communities, becoming a prominent figure in the civil rights movement.

Return to San Antonio and Educational Leadership (1961-1999):

In the late 1960s, Emma Tenayuca returned to San Antonio and pursued a master's degree in education from Our Lady of the Lake University. She dedicated her later years to teaching and educational leadership, leaving a legacy of empowering future generations through knowledge and activism.

Legacy and Impact:

Emma Tenayuca's legacy as a labor leader, union organizer, and educator continues to resonate in San Antonio and beyond. Her fearless advocacy for labor rights, civil rights, and educational empowerment has inspired generations of activists and community leaders.

Key Achievements of Emma Tenayuca:

• Fearless leadership in the San Antonio Pecan Shellers' Strike, earning her the nickname La Pasionaria de Texas.

• Dedication to advocating for labor rights, racial equality, and the empowerment of Mexican American communities.

• Legacy of educational leadership and community empowerment through teaching and activism.

Emma Tenayuca's life story is one of unwavering dedication to social justice, labor rights, and educational empowerment. Her impact on San Antonio and the civil rights movement remains a testament to her enduring legacy.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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