🌱 Blankets For Pediatric Cancer Patients + Rise In Solid Waste Fees

Happy Friday, San Antonio! Elaine Thompson here, back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in the community, including lots of great events to attend over the weekend! Today we'll cover these stories and more:

• Cancer survivor collected blankets for pediatric patients through nonprofit.
• Higher number of women getting arrested for smuggling immigrants.
• If cases of police brutality rise, taxpayers eventually pay the price.

But first, today's weather:

Sunny, breezy and cooler. High: 58 Low: 34.

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Here are the top stories today in San Antonio:

1. Two years after recovering from cancer treatment, local Noah Adams is collecting blankets for pediatric patients through his nonprofit Stay Strong Foundation. Inspiration to start his nonprofit came from a blanket he received during chemotherapy that he took to college with him. “It’s a way to show some love to the kids and give them something familiar and cozy and comfy to take with them to their apartments and doctor’s visits,” said Adams' mom, Debi Harper. Pop over to KSAT San Antonio for more on this feel-good story.
2. Zavala County Sheriff's Department is seeing a spike in the number of San Antonio women getting arrested for attempting to smuggle migrants. Zavala County believes the reason to use women for smuggling is because jails across the border don't have enough space for women. "Since Friday, there have been 14 human smuggling arrests. High speed chases that turn deadly are now left with bodies that need to be identified." WOAI has more on this story.
3. A rate increase is expected for San Antonio solid waste fees in 2024. Depending on a home's trash cart size, "the current monthly solid waste fee is either $14.76, $18.76, or $26.76." According to city staff, an increase in personnel, equipment, fuel and landfill fees will affect the charge to customers. City Manager Erik Walsh and staff are expected to present a specific rate proposal mid-year. Read all of the details on KSAT San Antonio.
4. High-profile police misconduct cases are a hot topic nationwide, including here in the city. "Last summer, a San Antonio police officer shot and killed unarmed 13-year-old AJ Hernandez who was the second civilian killed by the same officer in two years' time." Though payouts to settle cases of police brutality and misconduct are generally covered by insurance, taxpayers end up paying the cost because "large enough claims drive up a municipality's premiums." Visit the San Antonio Current for more details.

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Today in San Antonio:

• Focus Friday Anne Frank Inspire Academy (All Day)
• Morning Mixer On The Rooftop at Artspace San Antonio (8 a.m.)
• Hab-i-tour Breakfast *Registration required* at San Antonio Habitat for Humanity (8:30 a.m.)
• Smartphone and Personal Device Training at Carver Library (10:00 a.m.)
• Easy Tai Chi for Seniors at Mission Library (11 a.m.)
• Toddler Dance Party at Cody Library (11:15 a.m.)
• Valentine’s Gift Exchange at Blanco BBQ (11:30 a.m.)
• Wine Tasting ($35-$45) at Bella on the Vine Event Center (6:30 p.m.)
• Ali Siddiq ($60) at Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club (7:30 p.m.)
• Anthrax & Black Label Society ($30 +) at Tech Port Arena (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Congratulations to our SAISD wrestlers! "We have 11 wrestlers representing five high schools that advanced to the Region IV 5A tournament Feb. 10-11 in Austin." (San Antonio ISD Facebook)
• Universal City native Lt. Lenue Gilchrist, "will be in one of those supporting aircraft providing the flyover during the closing notes of the National Anthem" at the Superbowl." Read Gilchrist's story of inspiration on 550 KTSA.
• San Antonio's 103-year old bike shop struggles to stay open: "Hank Estrada says business had been steady since he took over the shop in 2002. But recently, construction downtown almost stopped the shop from reaching its 103rd anniversary." (Spectrum News)
• Get your volunteering hours at the San Antonio River Walk: "Volunteers are an essential part of what makes River Walk events a success. ✨ Take a look at our upcoming volunteer opportunities." (The San Antonio River Walk Facebook)
• Popular activities to enjoy this weekend: "Ladies' Night Out, The Big Game Watch Party, Meet Your Next Ex, Sunset Hike and Picnic, & more!" (San Antonio Things To Do Facebook)
• Up to $5,000 reward for tips to Crime Stoppers: "Suspect wanted after punching person trying to stop him from stealing from Macy's." (WOAI)

For The Foodies:

• Extravagant charcuterie boards for couples: "Gonzales and Nino stay busy by thoughtfully creating boards and teaching others how to do the same with instructional workshops perfect for a fun date night." (My San Antonio)
• San Antonio Chef will be on Guy Fieri's "Guy's Grocery Game":"Chef Braunda Smith of Lucy Cooper's Ice House is scheduled to compete on an episode of the show, set to air on May 24." My San Antonio
• Restaurant recommendations for visitors: "If you're searching for a romantic activity to do with your significant other, a vacation to San Antonio, TX is a fantastic choice" for diverse restaurants and wine tours. (Vacations Made Easy)

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That's it for today. I'll see you 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