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🌱 Patch AM: How a $550M Alamo makeover could reshape downtown San Antonio

Make time for Home for the Holidays on the San Antonio Patch calendar

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Sunday December 21st Patch AM
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Hi San Antonio! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a $550M Alamo makeover could reshape downtown San Antonio
  • Planning New Year’s fireworks? Check what’s actually legal near San Antonio
  • How a family-violence chase ended in gunfire on Southwest Military

Also on today's calendar: Home for the Holidays and 5 more events.

Find out what's happening in San Antoniofor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the balloon say to the doctor? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in San Antoniofor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Sunday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 72 and low of 56 degrees.
  • Monday: Areas of low clouds and warm, temps: high: 77, low: 65.
  • Tuesday: A shower in places, with a high of 82 and low of 65 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. The Alamo Rebuilt: Stewardship, Archaeology, and the Future of Downtown San Antonio (bakercityherald.com) — Major changes are coming to the Alamo and downtown San Antonio, with a $550 million public‑private project reshaping the historic site into a larger cultural campus and walkable plaza. Archaeology, new museums, and education centers are expanding how visitors experience the Alamo, while future facilities promise skyline views and stronger ties to the River Walk and local economy.
   

2. Fireworks sales begin in Texas: What to know before New Year's Eve (expressnews.com) — If you’re in San Antonio city limits, personal fireworks are illegal this New Year’s, though you can still catch several organized shows downtown and at local theme parks. In unincorporated Bexar County, some consumer fireworks are allowed under strict distance rules, drought-related bans on certain aerial types, and safety recommendations from county fire officials.
   

3. Man shot by San Antonio officer after crashing into car he was following and shooting at, SAPD says (kens5.com) — San Antonio police say an officer shot a man on the South Side after he allegedly rammed a car carrying his girlfriend or ex-girlfriend and opened fire near Southwest Military Drive. The incident began with a family-violence call on Ann Arbor Drive, ended with the suspect hospitalized and facing custody, and left no other reported injuries.
   

4. East Side charter school to close after TEA denies renewal over low academic ratings (news4sanantonio.com) — A San Antonio East Side charter school, Essence Preparatory Public School, will close after the Texas Education Agency declined to renew its charter following three years of low academic ratings. The school will operate through the 2025-26 year, keeping staff employed until June 2026, while leaders question how state accountability treats new schools serving high-need communities.
   

5. How a San Antonio family helped spark a $20B Texas wine boom (mysanantonio.com) — A San Antonio physician and his family’s weekend escape to the Hill Country unexpectedly helped launch Becker Vineyards and fuel Fredericksburg’s booming wine scene. Their early gamble on a 308-acre property helped transform the Texas Wine Trail into a $20 billion industry, reshaping tourism, development, and affordability across the region while keeping San Antonio roots at its origin.
   

📸 Around San Antonio

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Neighbors please be aware this man just tried to push our door open.
    We have called the police. He just stood there and wouldn’t leave just talking. He seems to be under the influence. (Nextdoor Encino Mesa)
  • Anyone need small fleece blankets for small pets?
    Also have lots of small toys for dogs. My chihuahua passed away in the summer and I’m wanting to give away her stuff to any pets in need. (Nextdoor Hidden Cove/Indian Creek)
  • TradeJobsWorkforce posted a job opening for American Airlines Baggage Handler in San Antonio. Apply here.
  • PrideStaff posted a job opening for Warehouse / Inventory / Shipping & Receiving Associate in San Antonio. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near San Antonio here.

Ok San Antonio! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I feel lightheaded!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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