🌱 African American History On The Eastside + Donuts And Divorce

Happy Wednesday, San Antonio neighbors! I hope you all enjoyed your Valentine's Day festivities yesterday. I've got some up-to-date news and events to share with you today, with these top stories:

• San Antonio's East Side African American history.
• Family of five and pets make it out safe after residential fire.
• First-ever "Donuts & Divorce" in Bexar County.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and more humid. High: 81 Low: 48. Can someone tell Spring to wait? I'm trying to enjoy the little bit of winter that we had!

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Here are the top stories in San Antonio today:

1. San Antonio's East Side holds the deep history of how the first African Americans settled and grew their communities. East of the San Antonio River was the first line of segregation for African Americans and people of darker skin. The area is home to historically black organizations like St. Phillip's College and Mt. Zion First Baptist church, which were safe havens for the African American community to establish leadership, make connections and learn, despite ongoing racial tensions. Watch KSAT San Antonio's informational video to learn more.
2. A family of five people and two pets was displaced after a residential fire. Firefighters were called to the southwest side of town around 2:41 a.m, to see heavy flames coming from the back of a mobile home. After occupants of the home heard a loud pop and saw smoke, they exited the home without any injuries reported. Investigators are looking into what caused the fire and residents are awaiting monetary damage estimates. More details on this story at KENS5.
3. Bexar County district clerks offered donuts and waived fees for certified divorce decrees on Valentine's Day. The clerk's office called it the first-ever "Donuts and Divorce" event, in the hope of brightening up people's day during a time that may not be so happy for them. (FOX 29)
4. After a possible mountain lion sighting at Upper Purgatory Creek Natural Area in San Marcos, San Antonio area officials advise locals to be cautious of their surroundings. Other tips to consider when exploring natural areas: Keep children and pets close, follow trail markers and leave parks before sunset, as many wild creatures are more active at night. To learn more, check out mySA.
5. Two roommates with a 2-year-old child were carjacked at gunpoint on West Laurel Street Sunday night. Marianne Jaso and Scott Blum first noticed a white pickup truck follow them down the street before they pulled into their driveway, and moments later found themselves being threatened with a gun. Jaso and Blum are thankful that they and Blum's daughter were not hurt, but his tools as a contractor were also stolen, and he'd invested hard work and money in the car. Visit KSAT San Antonio for more details.

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Today in San Antonio:

• Technical Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities at Bexar County Human Resources (All-day)
• Toddler Story Time! at Henry a. Guerra, Jr. Library (10 a.m.)
• Introduction to Computers at Carver Library (10 a.m.)
• Isaiah J. Thompson Music at Jazz, TX (7 p.m.)
• J.I.D. and Smino Luv is 4ever Tour at Aztec Theatre (8 p.m.)
• Love is a Drag ($15) at Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club (8 p.m.)
• Any Color You Like at Sam's Burger Joint (8 p.m.)
• Wrongful death webinar with San Antonio personal injury lawyer Ronald Ramos (9 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Locals quickly correct KENS 5's Clarke Finney cowboy hat mistake: Although it was an innocent mistake, this "TV host learned the hard way that there's a right way and a wrong way to channel your inner Yellowstone character." (Laredo Morning Times)
• You'll need a big budget for these fancy San Antonio hotels: "News and & World Report has ranked six San Antonio hotels among the best in the state." (CultureMap San Antonio)
• A little something for the music and film lovers: "San Antonio-born synth-pop act Hyperbubble duo is taking things to the next level with a new documentary, Cowgirls and Synthesizers." (San Antonio Current)
• A new, low — stealing from a nonprofit? "Technology in Music Education, or TI:ME non-profit helps tens of thousands of music educators to modernize how they teach. Executive Director Mike Lawson said the thief wheeled off with all the goods packed in a purple suitcase." (KENS5)
• A memorable courthouse wedding event: "Hundreds of people gathered at the steps of the Bexar County Courthouse where County Clerk Lucy Adame-Clark conducted the free wedding ceremony at 12:01 a.m." (KENS5)

For the foodies:

• Culinary celebration in honor of Diana Kennedy: "UT San Antonio co-hosts centennial celebration for renowned Mexican cuisine expert Diana Kennedy." (CultureMap San Antonio)
• $10 bowls of Japanese ramen! "San Antonio-based Bakudan Ramen will open a third location this week, this one near O. P. Schnabel Park on the city’s northwest quadrant." (San Antonio Current)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with another update.

— Elaine Thompson

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming San Antonio Patch newsletter? Contact me at sanantonio@patch.com