🌱 Focus On 'Black Identity' And History + High School Lockdown

Good morning. San Antonio! I'm Elaine Thompson, your host of the San Antonio Patch newsletter — here to explain all the most important things happening in town. Including news about:

• Black history and identity in the city, with impactful words from a local historian
• Local Turkish family clings to hope for rescue of relatives in Turkey.
• Sixth suspect in capital murder case arrested.
• High school goes into lockdown after hearing shots fired nearby.

But first, today's weather:

Some beneficial rain and a thunderstorm. High: 61 Low: 37.

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Here are the top stories today in San Antonio:

1. The City of San Antonio and the Carver Library are focusing on Black identity for the community. "The Office of Historic Preservation will gather personal stories and feedback that will shape a final policy statement in September." Other recent efforts to preserve Black history in the city include: $50,000 from the National Park Service and a $30,000 grant from the Texas Historical Commission. Historian Ronald W. Davis II co-curated a recent exhibit at the Witte museum and he says, “As we talk about identity, talk about these things about what it means to be Black, and what it means to be Black in San Antonio, let’s not forget to celebrate that Blackness, to celebrate differences in our Blackness and to come to appreciate what all that means." (San Antonio Express-News/paywall)
2. A local family is heavily impacted by the recent earthquake disaster in Turkey. "Gulhan Ozdemir is clinging to hope for her family," as some have reportedly made it out alive, with several other members, including a child, still trapped under the rubble of a fallen apartment building. Ozdemir expresses her concerns and sadness, while keeping in mind that "time is of the essence" when it comes to carrying out rescues like this. Ozdemir's friend, Melike Yenice, "who is a board member of the Turkish American Association of San Antonio" is offering help with relief efforts. Visit FOX 29 for more on this heart-wrenching story.
3. A sixth suspect in a May 2022 capital murder case, Andres Villarreal, was arrested after nine months on the run. Allegedly, Villarreal, along with five other co-defendants, brutally attacked and murdered 20-year-old Takhai Michael while attempting to rob Michael and his girlfriend in a hookah lounge parking lot. A witness's cell phone video evidence, along with several surrounding retailers' security footage, helped identify all suspects. "Villarreal is facing multiple charges. The bonds for each charge, totaling $590,000, include the $300,000 bond set for capital murder." More on this story at KENS5.com.
4. A shooting incident between people in two different vehicles, a few blocks from Brennan High School worried students and parents. Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar initially received a call about shots fired at Brennan High, resulting in the school going into lockdown, surrounded by a "unified command" of police and firefighters. Later, deputies learned the shooting originally occurred at the 12000 block of Victorian Oaks. A person believed to be a student of the school was taken into custody for questioning. To learn more, visit KSAT.
5. Local Boy Scouts scoutmaster Bill McCalister received recognition for serving over 45 years in the organization. Under McCalister's tenure, 285 scouts achieved the Eagle Scout rank, which is earned by less than 7% of all eligible scout members. McCalister originally earned his Eagle Scout rank in 1958, is a Vietnam War veteran, and a member at Coker UMC. To read more of this story, check out Community Impact Newspaper.

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Today in San Antonio:

• Texas Music Educators Association Convention at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center (All Day)
• Exhibition - A Legacy in Clay: The Ceramics of Tonalá, Mexico at San Antonio Museum of Art (10 a.m.)
• Spring Gardening Tasks at San Antonio Botanical Garden (10 a.m.)
• Planning to Save and Spend at Harris Room UTSA H-E-B Student Union (Noon)
• 21 Days to a Healthier You at Natural Grocers (4 p.m.)
• Advanced Papier Mache Weekly Class (7-12 Years) at Kid Create Studio (6 p.m.)
• 2023 Youth of the Year Gala at The Witte Museum (6:30 p.m.)
• Revolver Comedy with Raul Sanchez (Ages 18+) at Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club (7 p.m.)
• Marcia Ball at Jazz, TX (7 p.m.)
• Disney's "Aladdin" at Majestic Theatre (7:30 p.m.)
• Cowboy Karaoke at The Lonesome Rose (9 p.m.)
• EDM Warehouse Wednesdays (18+) at Privat Martini Bar & Social Club (10 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Black History Month Events to check out: Rich in culture, "there are a number of events celebrating Black History Month in San Antonio. Here’s what’s still to come." (Texas Public Radio)
• Take your pettiness to a new level with Valentines Day Cockroach dedications: San Antonio Zoo brings back Cry Me a Cockroach Fundraiser and for those who are feeling extra spicy, "donors can send a Valentine’s Day card to their not-so-special-someone to let them know they have been named after a roach, rodent, or veggie being fed to a zoo animal." (KSAT San Antonio)
• ChatGPT A.I. tells whether San Antonio or Austin has "the best breakfast taco": "Since 2016, there’s been a full-fledged war between Austin and San Antonio — a breakfast taco war. Hoping to settle it once and for all, we asked ChatGPT to settle the issue." (San Antonio Express-News/paywall)
• Opportunity to learn about San Antonio agriculture: "Want to know more about the world of agriculture? 🧑‍🌾Look no further! Check out our Agriculture Seminars, Feb. 16 - 17 and Feb. 22 - 23! Learn about agriculture through educated teachers and agriculture specialists!" (San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Facebook)
• Feb. 10 is officially "UTSA 210 Day" - Go Roadrunners! "The Bexar County Commissioners Court today issued a proclamation naming February 10 as UTSA 210 Day. The day celebrates the success of UTSA Athletics’ numerous sports" (UTSA)
• H-E-B hosts a career fair! "One of the biggest grocery store chains in Texas is looking to add hundreds of new partners to the growing company on Wednesday, Feb. 8." (mySA)

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• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week (February 7)
• Crossing Over With Psychic Medium John Edward (Live)! (February 10)
• Check Out This Webinar On The Best Personal Injury Attorney In San Antonio (February 15)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Tuesday. I'll see you around!

— Elaine Thompson

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