Bexar Facts Podcast

In this episode the Bexar Facts team sits down to discuss this last year’s wins, some difficulties of starting a non-profit during a pandemic, and what Bexar Facts can expect to do in the future.

About Bexar Facts:

At Bexar Facts, we amplify the voice of the people to shape the future of our community. We gather and share fact-based data on the issues, attitudes, and trends shaping the greater San Antonio area. With the Bexar Facts podcast we breathe life into our data. We aim to level the playing field by producing real conversations, with real people and bringing scientific data directly to your fingertips. Bexar Facts, your trusted local source for community data.

Show Notes:

00:35 - Intro

01:48 - A year in review

08:21 - The heart behind Bexar Facts (Community focus)

10:50 - Scientific research & gathering valuable data

14:24 - Assessing the impact of the Bexar Facts polls

15:47 - The difficulty of starting a non-profit

20:41 - Polling misconceptions

25:55 - What stands out in the data

35:59 - The Bexar Facts experiment

37:54 - What work does Bexar Facts have left to do

41:18 - Magic wand question

Links:

Bexar Facts: https://www.bexarfacts.org/about/

Brian Dillard is the Chief Innovation Officer in San Antonio. He served in the Air Force for 10 years and currently works with the city of San Antonio to bring new and impactful solutions to the needs of the city and beyond! In this episode, Brian sits down with the Bexar Facts team to discuss a multitude of topics from reducing spending costs, to housing, to much more!

About Bexar Facts:

At Bexar Facts, we amplify the voice of the people to shape the future of our community. We gather and share fact based data on the issues, attitudes, and trends shaping the greater San Antonio area. With the Bexar Facts podcast we breathe life into our data. We aim to level the playing field by producing real conversations, with real people and bringing scientific data directly to your fingertips. Bexar Facts, your trusted local source for community data.

Show Notes:

0:35 - Intro
5:43 - Smart City Data Governance
6:47 - Digital Inclusion
12:55 - Assessing The Digital Divide
14:55 - Neighborhood Focus Groups/Using The Data
17:48 - SA Police Poll
19:25 - Bexar Facts Polling/Using The Data
20:57 - Proposition A
23:21 - Reducing Costs & Current Projects
26:00 - Ambassador Program 
27:42 - Board Chairman for Essence Preparatory School
30:12 - What Drives Brian/Words of Wisdom
33:20 - What Has The Pandemic Taught Us
35:06 - Magic Wand
38:28 - Concluding Thoughts

Links:

• Bexar Facts: https://www.bexarfacts.org/about/ 

Councilwoman Viagran is 4 times elected and a mover and shaker in the Bexar County Community. She serves in the largest council district in San Antonio. She makes an intense effort to create “equity, opportunity, and prosperity” (sanantonio.gov) for all who call San Antonio home! In this episode Councilwoman Viagran discusses policies that are in the spotlight in District 3 where she serves!

About Bexar Facts:

At Bexar Facts, we amplify the voice of the people to shape the future of our community. We gather and share fact-based data on the issues, attitudes, and trends shaping the greater San Antonio area. With the Bexar Facts podcast we breathe life into our data. We aim to level the playing field by producing real conversations, with real people and bringing scientific data directly to your fingertips. Bexar Facts, your trusted local source for community data.

Show Notes:

(00:35) Introductions 

(02:30) The Alamo Project + Its Changes

(08:22) Bexar County Involved In The Alamo Project

(09:38) Latest Bexar Facts Poll - Alamo Question + Ranking

(11:05) The World Heritage Designation

(20:32) Economic Development In District 3

(21:56) Housing + Economic Development

(29:41) Ready To Work Initiative In District 3

(33:36) Police + Bexar Facts Poll Results

(38:56) Trauma Informed Care + Police

(42:27) Winter Storm + Gov. Response 

(47:51) Magic Wand Question

Links:

Bexar Facts: https://www.bexarfacts.org/about/

April is Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month.  On this week’s podcast, we invited Children’s Shelter CEO, Annette Rodriguez, to discuss the Bexar County Child Welfare System and the role Children’s Shelter and Family Tapestry’s plays in our local foster care system. Also joining us on the podcast is Executive Committee member, Marcie Trevino Ripper. Marcie is also the Chair of the Bexar County Child Welfare Board. 

In our prior 5 polls, child abuse and neglect continually ranked as a top concern for local residents.  And rightly so, Bexar County currently has a foster care crisis on its hands. We need 400 more beds to adequately meet the needs and future well-being of our most vulnerable members of our community.  

Children’s Shelter and Family Tapestry’s has been in the news recently due to this crisis.  Listen to the full podcast to learn more about our local child welfare system.

About Bexar Facts:

At Bexar Facts, we amplify the voice of the people to shape the future of our community. We gather and share fact-based data on the issues, attitudes, and trends shaping the greater San Antonio area. With the Bexar Facts podcast we breathe life into our data. We aim to level the playing field by producing real conversations, with real people and bringing scientific data directly to your fingertips. Bexar Facts, your trusted local source for community data.

Show Notes:

(00:35) Introductions 

(02:23) Latest Poll

(06:11) About the Children's Shelter

(07:57) Trauma Induced Care

(11:07) Help for those children already in custody

(14:52) How many children are in the foster system

(18:31) What are the current needs

(22:05) Partners with Commission for Domestic Violence

(23:20) How to help/Family Tapestry

(26:33) Magic wand question

(29:31) How to contribute financially

(30:22) Closing thoughts

Links:

• Bexar Facts: https://www.bexarfacts.org/about/ 
• Children's Shelter: https://childrensshelter.org/
• Family Tapestry: https://www.familytapestry.org/

In the thirteenth episode, the Bexar Facts team sits down with the Honorable Henry Cisneros to discuss everything from Bexar Facts’ latest poll, affordable housing, transportation and infrastructure, and so much more!

About Henry Cisneros:

Mr. Cisneros has served San Antonio in many ways over the years! From serving in City Council, to chairing and serving on non-profits to promote fair housing and development, to serving as Mayor, Henry has poured himself into making San Antonio a better place for all who call it home!

About Bexar Facts:

At Bexar Facts, we amplify the voice of the people to shape the future of our community. We gather and share fact-based data on the issues, attitudes, and trends shaping the greater San Antonio area. With the Bexar Facts podcast we breathe life into our data. We aim to level the playing field by producing real conversations, with real people and bringing scientific data directly to your fingertips. Bexar Facts, your trusted local source for community data.

Show Notes:

(00:36) Introductions 

(05:13) What Makes San Antonio Unique

(06:40) Bi-Partisan Nature of San Antonio

(10:02) Affordable Housing

(!4:07) Transportation + Infrastructure

(19:44) Infrastructure Blueprint

(25:01) Biden Administration + Connect SA

(32:14) How Voting Law Changes Affected Henry

(38:29) Managing Partisan Nature in Politics

(43:29) Magic Wand Question

(45:57) Mayor Re-Election Transcript (A Piece of History)

(48:26) Closing Thoughts

Links:

Bexar Facts: https://www.bexarfacts.org/about/

In the twelfth episode, the Bexar Facts team sits down with Election Administrator Jacque Callanen to discuss everything from voter turnout, to mail-in voting and give listeners an inside look behind the curtain of election offices.

About Jaque Callanen:

Jacque has been Elections Administrator for Bexar County since 2005 and has been a part of over 380 elections. She runs her department with passion and professionalism. Jaque has a heart for helping the voters of Bexar County, and the rest of Texas, make sure their voice is heard. 

About Bexar Facts:

At Bexar Facts, we amplify the voice of the people to shape the future of our community. We gather and share fact-based data on the issues, attitudes, and trends shaping the greater San Antonio area. With the Bexar Facts podcast we breathe life into our data. We aim to level the playing field by producing real conversations, with real people and bringing scientific data directly to your fingertips. Bexar Facts, your trusted local source for community data.

Show Notes:

(00:56) Introductions 

(06:42) Who Does The Election Administrator Report To

(07:48) How Did Jacque’s Team Handle the Presidental Election and the Rest of 2020

(17:00) Poll Regarding Voting + Actions Jaque’s Office Took To Accommodate

(20:18) Ability to Vote Anywhere, Not Just Your Precinct

(22:47) Bexar Facts Voting Poll

(26:47) Mail-In Ballots

(29:23) If You Were A Legislator, What Legislation Would You Pass?

(33:48) Voter Fraud

(40:18) Thank You + Conclusion

Links:

Bexar Facts: https://www.bexarfacts.org/about/

In the eleventh episode, the Bexar Facts team sits down with Co-Chairs of the Collaborative Commission on Domestic Violence, Judge Monique Diaz, and San Antonio Deputy City Manager Maria Villagomez. In this episode, we dive in to discuss the tragic topic of domestic violence and what the city is doing to provide resources for victims.

About The Collaborative Commission on Domestic Violence:

The CCDV was created by Judge Sakai in conjunction with the City on July 31, 2019 to implement a public health strategy for addressing and preventing domestic violence as delineated in the City of San Antonio Domestic Violence Comprehensive Plan. In the inaugural year of the five-year plan, the CCDV has been working on achieving specific objectives, including but not limited to, establishing a Crisis Response Team, developing a framework for collecting data across agencies, launching an all-inclusive website for resources, and organizing a domestic violence awareness symposium. According to Dr. Bridger, “The City is committed to eradicating domestic violence in our community. In fact, with the assistance of the City Council, we are expanding the Violence Prevention Program, so we can better address the root causes of intimate partner and family violence.” (www.sanantonio.gov)

About Bexar Facts:

At Bexar Facts, we amplify the voice of the people to shape the future of our community. We gather and share fact-based data on the issues, attitudes, and trends shaping the greater San Antonio area. With the Bexar Facts podcast we breathe life into our data. We aim to level the playing field by producing real conversations, with real people and bringing scientific data directly to your fingertips. Bexar Facts, your trusted local source for community data.

Show Notes:

(00:56) Introductions 

(01:42) Bexar Facts Polls and Domestic Violence

(03:08) Domestic Violence

(05:31) Covid + Its Effects on Domestic Violence Cases

(07:32) The Process for Helping Victims

(14:31) Undocumented Immigrants + How They Can Get Help

(20:16) Difference Between Criminal and Civil Domestic Violence Cases

(24:00) Initiative Change and Evaluating How to Help

(30:00) How the Commission Came Together

(36:00) Prioritizing Mental Health

(43:32) Magic Wand Question

(45:03) Services Available for Perpetrators 

Links:

• About The Collaborative Commission on Domestic Violence: https://www.sanantonio.gov/Health/News/NewsReleases/ArtMID/9362/ArticleID/19341/The-Collaborative-Commission-on-Domestic-Violence-Hosts-Discussion-on-Urgent-Community-Needs
• Bexar Facts: https://www.bexarfacts.org/about/ 

In the tenth episode, the Bexar Facts team sits down with Haven for Hope President and CEO Kenny Wilson, to discuss homelessness and how covid and the winter storm of 2021 has affected Haven for Hope. Christian, Demonte, and Lisa discuss all this and more!

About Kenny Wilson:

Kenny Wilson left his role as President of Bank of America in San Antonio (a title he held for 16 years) to become the President and CEO of Haven for Hope in 2016. Since then he has changed countless lives for the better by providing help and resources for the city’s most vulnerable. Kenny has proven to be a humble and motivating leader in Haven for Hope and the rest of the San Antonio community!

About Bexar Facts:

At Bexar Facts, we amplify the voice of the people to shape the future of our community. We gather and share fact-based data on the issues, attitudes, and trends shaping the greater San Antonio area. With the Bexar Facts podcast we breathe life into our data. We aim to level the playing field by producing real conversations, with real people and bringing scientific data directly to your fingertips. Bexar Facts, your trusted local source for community data.

Show Notes:

(00:57) Introductions 

(02:40) Bexar Facts Polls and Homelessness

(11:04) Wanting to Help Homelessness vs Not Wanting to See It

(14:00) What Prepared Kenny for this Role

(15:58) Haven for Hope and their Unique Approach to Homelessness

(19:00) Covids Effect on Haven for Hope

(23:34) MisUnderstanding the Root of Homelessness

(26:14) Housing first

(31:20) How Haven for Hope Brings in a New Person

(37:17) Haven for Hopes Capacity and Dealing with an Influx Due to Pandemic

(43:11) Using Hotels to House Homeless

(50:40) Magic Wand Question

Links:

• About Kenny Willson: https://www.havenforhope.org/about/leadership/
• Bexar Facts: https://www.bexarfacts.org/about/ 

In the ninth episode, the Bexar Facts team sits down with Jeff Arndt to discuss several hot topics. From public transit’s response to Covid, to VIA initiatives, to leadership development in the community, Christian, Demonte, and Liza discuss all this and more!

About Jeff Arndt:

Jeff Arndt is President and CEO of VIA Metropolitan Transit. After working a number of years in Houston for Houston Metro, Jeff moved to San Antonio where he has continued in his field of public transportation. Jeff deeply loves the San Antonio community and has continually proven himself to be a humble but strong leader!

About Bexar Facts:

At Bexar Facts, we amplify the voice of the people to shape the future of our community. We gather and share fact-based data on the issues, attitudes, and trends shaping the greater San Antonio area. With the Bexar Facts podcast we breathe life into our data. We aim to level the playing field by producing real conversations, with real people and bringing scientific data directly to your fingertips. Bexar Facts, your trusted local source for community data.

Show Notes:

(00:35) Introductions 

(03:10) VIA in the Polls

(04:48) Leadership and Skills Development

(06:41) Jeff’s Favorite VIA Initiatives

(11:35) The Future of Transit

(14:10) Via Re-Imagined vs Via Long-Term Plan

(21:45) Discussing Under-Utilized Facilities

(27:36) San Antonio + Lite Rail?

(29:21) Vaccine Rollout

(31:25) Via + Social Justice

(39:05) How Does Via Use Bexar Facts Polls

(42:41) Magic Wand Question

Links:

• About Jeff Arndt: https://www.viainfo.net/team-page/
• Bexar Facts: https://www.bexarfacts.org/about/ 

In the eighth episode, the Bexar Facts team sits down with Roberto Trevino to discuss several hot topics. From homeless housing projects, the Alamo refurbishment, to covid protocols for the future, Christian Archer and  Demonte Alexander discuss all this and more!

About Councilman Roberto Trevino:

Known as the “citizen architect”, Roberto was unanimously voted into the City Council in 2014. Since then he has worked tirelessly to make Bexar County a better place. From his visionary work with “San Antonio Under 1 Roof” to the small detail of making the Court House accessible to wheelchairs and the elderly, Trevino has continuously proven his heart for the San Antonio community.

About Bexar Facts:

At Bexar Facts, we amplify the voice of the people to shape the future of our community. We gather and share fact-based data on the issues, attitudes, and trends shaping the greater San Antonio area. With the Bexar Facts podcast we breathe life into our data. We aim to level the

playing field by producing real conversations, with real people and bringing scientific data directly to your fingertips. Bexar Facts, your trusted local source for community data.

Show Notes:

(00:35) Introductions 

(06:25) Covids impact on homelessness

(10:55) Importance of being a housing first city

(12:01) What would Roberto do differently regarding Covid response

(18:10) Bexar County Appraisal protesting process 

(22:57) How does the Councilman see his accomplishments over the years

(26:17) Update on the Alamo redevelopment plan

(31:38) Police union and accountability

(43:37) Serving under different City Managers

(47:07) Hidden gem in District 1 + Magic Wand question

(50:30) Conclusion

Links:

• About Roberto Trevino: https://www.sanantonio.gov/Council/d1/District1Bio

Bexar Facts: https://www.bexarfacts.org/about/