This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the future of professional classical music in San Antonio in the wake of disruption, dissolution, and ongoing uncertainty for long-standing arts organizations. San Antonio native Paul Montalvo, a former firefighter who now leads The Orchestra San Antonio, discusses growing the organization from a $45,000 budget to a projected $2.4 million this year, and the unique model he believes can sustain orchestral music in the city where prior efforts have struggled.

Host Cory Ames sits down with Montalvo to address the realities facing professional musicians, asking whether San Antonio can support and sustain a world-class orchestra—both now and long-term.

They discuss:

• How The Orchestra San Antonio’s hybrid model merges performance and education, employing musicians as both performers and artist-educators

• The challenges and prospects for funding arts programming outside traditional public education or city infrastructure

• The organization’s goal to employ 40–50 full-time faculty artists by 2031, and what it would take to make that a reality

• The impact and limitations of philanthropy versus tax-funded support for the arts in a rapidly changing city

• What other Texas and U.S. cities can—and cannot—teach San Antonio about building sustainable arts infrastructure

This episode offers an unfiltered look at what must change for orchestral music to thrive in San Antonio, and the questions every arts patron, donor, and resident should consider as the city’s cultural future is shaped.

RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶️ #96. How a Baggage Handler Became One of San Antonio’s Most Iconic Artists – What does it really take to build a creative life in San Antonio? Host Bob Rivard sits down with Gary Sweeney to uncover how a longtime baggage handler turned his passion for storytelling, humor, and public art into a lasting legacy across the city’s landscape—perfect listening for anyone inspired by unconventional journeys and local impact.

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This week on bigcitysmalltown, host Cory Ames sits down with Jaci Randel, executive director of the Bexar Branches Alliance, to examine the ongoing decline of San Antonio’s urban tree canopy and the push to restore regional “tree equity.” Since 2000, Bexar County has lost 20% of its tree cover, while the state of Texas has lost nearly 25%. Achieving equitable canopy coverage across neighborhoods would require planting more than 1.5 million trees in San Antonio alone.

In this episode, they discuss the challenges facing urban forestry, the impacts of canopy loss on public health, local climate, and neighborhood resilience, as well as the collaborative, data-driven approaches necessary to address these issues. Jaci Randel shares insights from Bexar Branches Alliance’s work, including tree plantings in schools, citizen forester training, and regional partnerships, as well as the practical barriers to large-scale restoration—from nursery supply chains to long-term maintenance funding.

Topics covered include:

• The main drivers of San Antonio’s tree canopy loss
• The connection between canopy decline, rising temperatures, and pollution
• Strategies for planting and preserving trees at the household, school, and city levels
• Barriers facing urban forestry efforts and what local organizations are doing to overcome them
• How residents can get involved—from volunteering to choosing climate-resilient native species for their own yards

This episode is essential listening for anyone concerned with the future of San Antonio’s environment, its neighborhoods, and the role trees play as vital infrastructure in the city.

RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶️ #127. What If We Replaced Every Lawn in San Antonio? – Explore how transforming our yards could reshape the city’s health and environment. Guest host Cory Ames interviews Monika Maeckle about native plants, water-wise landscapes, and practical tips for building a more sustainable, biodiverse San Antonio—one lawn at a time.

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This week on bigcitysmalltown, we focus on Bexar County leadership and the ongoing challenges facing San Antonio’s county government. In light of the upcoming March 3 primary election, Bob Rivard and Cory Ames interviews Judge Peter Sakai, the incumbent county judge seeking re-election.

The conversation covers Judge Sakai’s decades-long public service, his approach to “back to basics” government, and the county’s response to acute issues, including economic instability, food insecurity, affordable housing shortages, and reforms within the county bureaucracy. Judge Sakai speaks to his non-political background, his philosophy of collaborative problem-solving, and recent crisis management with federal funding cuts and strained social programs.

Topics discussed include:

• The impact of federal policy changes on Bexar County agencies and vulnerable families
• County government’s evolving strategies regarding public safety, health care access, and workforce development
• Efforts to make elections secure and transparent in the face of technical and legal challenges
• Implementation plans and long-term goals for Proposition A—Bexar County’s commitment to east side revitalization and major venue investments
• Collaboration and tension between county leadership, city hall, and local nonprofits

The episode also addresses Judge Sakai’s record on immigration policy, the complexities of jail staffing and overtime, and the challenges of balancing immediate needs with future planning. With early voting approaching, Judge Sakai reflects on his leadership style, campaign strategy, and the stakes for Bexar County’s direction over the next four years.

RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:▶️ #153. The Race to Lead Bexar County: Ron Nirenberg – Catch last week's episode, where we interview opponent Former Mayor Ron Nirenberg. Bob Rivard and Cory Ames interview Nirenberg on why he is running, the state of the county, and what is at stake for this race. 

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This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the race for Bexar County Judge through the lens of former San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg’s candidacy. After serving as mayor from 2017 to 2025—a period marked by both crisis and growth—Nirenberg is now challenging incumbent Judge Peter Sakai. As one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation, Bexar County faces new and unresolved questions around public safety, health care access, infrastructure, and the organization of local government.

Cory Ames and Bob Rivard sit down with Ron Nirenberg to discuss the motivations behind his campaign, his thoughts on county government’s preparedness for rapid growth, and his outlook on public service. The conversation considers the discomfort some San Antonians feel over choosing between two long-serving and well-known public officials in a race that will shape regional policy for years to come.

Key issues covered:

• Persistent operational and accountability challenges in the justice system and county bureaucracy

• Widening gaps in health care access despite significant local resources

• The impact of state and federal policy uncertainty—on everything from economic development to emergency management

• The need for a unified vision on growth, affordable housing, and essential infrastructure across city and county lines

• Reflections from Ron Nirenberg on crisis leadership, including lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic and severe winter storms

As local government takes on a greater share of responsibility for daily life in a changing Texas, this episode explores what effective, accountable leadership might require at the county level—and why it matters for San Antonio’s future.

We will be hosting incumbent Judge Peter Sakai next week. Stay tuned. 

RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶️ #152. What’s Ahead for San Antonio in 2026: Bob Rivard & Cory Ames on City Politics, Growth, and Civic Trust – Dive deep into the pivotal issues shaping San Antonio’s near future, as Bob Rivard and Cory Ames break down key local elections, rapid regional growth, and challenges in civic engagement. This episode provides crucial context for understanding the high-stakes county judge race and why downtown investment, infrastructure, and media transformation matter for every San Antonian.

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In the first episode of bigcitysmalltown of 2026, we reflect on a pivotal year for San Antonio and look ahead to the challenges and opportunities of 2026. Bob Rivard and Cory Ames examine how shifts in media—from the podcast’s expansion into video to the growing influence of YouTube—are changing civic engagement and local news consumption. They discuss the impact of major regional elections, including the controversial mayoral race and the county’s vote on the Spurs arena proposition, and consider their long-term implications for city governance and development.

Key themes include:

• The changing landscape of San Antonio politics, with a focus on Mayor Gina Jones’s first year and the upcoming county judge race between Peter Sakai and former Mayor Ron Nirenberg

• Regional growth and strain along the Austin-San Antonio corridor, including water, housing, and infrastructure pressures

• The effect of national policy shifts on local research grants, military presence, and San Antonio’s role as “Military City USA”

• The critical importance of robust downtown investment, especially around UT San Antonio’s expanding campus and student housing

• Ongoing debates over public works delivery, infrastructure bonds, and the future relationship between city and county agencies

Bob Rivard and Cory Ames also look at upcoming stories to watch: San Antonio’s adaptation to climate and energy challenges, continued revitalization efforts downtown, and what the Spurs’ promising season could mean for the community.

RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶️ #151. 8.3 Million New Neighbors by 2050—Henry Cisneros and Bob Rivard on the Austin-San Antonio Megaregion – If conversations about Central Texas’s explosive growth and the challenges ahead grabbed your attention, this episode dives even deeper. Bob Rivard joins Henry Cisneros to unpack their new book and discuss how infrastructure, leadership, and collaboration will shape the future of the Austin–San Antonio corridor. Tune in for a compelling look at what’s really at stake for our region’s next chapter.

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This week on bigcitysmalltown, we turn our focus to the rapidly evolving corridor between San Antonio and Austin—a megaregion that is reshaping the future of Central Texas. Hosts Cory Ames and Bob Rivard are joined by former San Antonio mayor and U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Henry Cisneros, to discuss his and Bob's new book, which examines the unprecedented growth, challenges, and opportunities along this urban corridor.

The conversation moves beyond headlines about population booms to examine the complex realities of life in one of the country’s most dynamic regions. What does steady and fast-paced growth mean for cities like San Antonio, Austin, and the many communities in between? What pressures does the region face, and how are city and state leaders preparing for the future?

They discuss:

• Why population growth in the Austin–San Antonio corridor is inevitable, and what’s driving it
• Visible strains on infrastructure—transportation, water, power—and the urgent need for regional cooperation
• Lessons from other megaregions across the United States—and what Central Texas must do to stay competitive
• How the region’s evolving identity, economic base, and cultural strengths can be preserved as the next wave of growth arrives
• The importance of building—not just roads and runways—but also new structures for cross-community collaboration and planning
• What happens if local and state leaders fail to act, and why the decisions made now will shape quality of life for decades to come

The episode provides a nuanced look at what’s at stake for San Antonio and its neighbors, urging both civic leaders and residents to consider what it will take to create a livable, equitable, and sustainable future for the region.

RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶️ #144. Building the South Side — How JCB Is Bringing 1,500 Jobs to San Antonio – If today’s megaregion conversation sparked your interest in economic growth and workforce opportunities, don’t miss this episode. Bob Rivard sits down with JCB Texas operations director David Carver to explore how a major new manufacturing facility is transforming San Antonio’s south side and what it means for local jobs, training, and the city’s future.

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we sit down with Chef Nicola Blaque, the force behind San Antonio’s only Michelin-recognized Jamaican restaurant, The Jerk Shack. Chef Nicola shares her journey from immigrating to the U.S. as a child, navigating life in New England, and serving in the Army through three tours, to eventually reclaiming and expressing her Jamaican heritage through food in San Antonio.

Host Cory Ames joins Nicola in the restaurant to discuss how her identity, family, and military experiences have shaped her work—along with the challenges of introducing authentic Caribbean cuisine to the city. They examine the evolution of San Antonio’s food culture, its openness to new flavors, and the collaborative spirit found among local chefs.

Topics include:

• Bridging cultures and reclaiming identity through food

• The transition from military service to entrepreneurship

• The realities of building a restaurant in San Antonio—including obstacles, opportunity, and community support

• The role of local chef collaboration in fostering a diverse food ecosystem

• Reflections on parenthood, legacy, and the future for Black and Caribbean cuisine in Texas

The episode offers a candid look at Chef Nicola’s path, the resilience needed to thrive in an ever-changing city, and what the next chapter might hold for San Antonio’s culinary landscape.

RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶️ #83. Chris Cullum and San Antonio's Culinary Legacy – Discover how Chris Cullum, chef-owner of Cullum’s Attaboy and James Beard finalist, draws on family heritage and jazz roots to shape San Antonio’s vibrant dining scene. Host Bob Rivard explores the challenges of sustaining culinary innovation while honoring tradition—perfect for listeners inspired by Chef Nicola Blaque’s journey of identity and authenticity.

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This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the Alamo Promise program—a tuition-free initiative from the Alamo Colleges District aimed at lowering barriers to higher education for Bexar County high school graduates. The program, now entering its sixth year of enrollment, has set out to make college accessible to all students regardless of income, academic standing, or background.

Host Bob Rivard is joined by Stephanie Vasquez, Chief Program Officer for Alamo Promise, to discuss the impact of the program, the challenges facing students in San Antonio, and the realities of retention and completion in the community college system.

They discuss:

• Why Alamo Promise provides universal access and how students qualify
• The growth of college-going rates in Bexar County and persistent completion gaps
• What wraparound supports—like transportation, childcare, and counseling—exist for students facing obstacles beyond tuition
• How the program is funded and what sustainability looks like for universal tuition
• The lessons learned from serving over 30,000 Promise scholars
• Efforts to improve graduation rates and debate over enrollment requirements
• The evolving discussion around educational attainment, local workforce needs, and the fight to reduce San Antonio’s high poverty rate

For students, parents, and community leaders tracking equity and opportunity in local higher education, this episode provides an in-depth look at one of San Antonio’s boldest experiments in college access.

RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶️ #11. How To Achieve Your Higher Education Dreams through Alamo Colleges with Dr. Mike Flores – Discover how Alamo Colleges breaks down barriers to college access for all students. In this episode, Bob Rivard talks with Chancellor Dr. Mike Flores about busting higher ed myths, the power of the Alamo Promise, and how flexible pathways support student success in San Antonio.

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This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine one of San Antonio’s newest and most debated cultural gatherings: the Krampus Parade in King William. Host Bob Rivard is joined by Bob Crittenden, senior Scrum Manager at USAA and founder of San Antonio’s Krampus event, which drew approximately 10,000 participants and spectators in its inaugural year.

Together, they discuss the origins of Krampus in Central European Alpine traditions, its transformation from private house visits to public festivals, and how Krampus found its place in San Antonio’s holiday calendar. The conversation also highlights the unexpectedly large turnout, the local protests that fueled wider interest, and the logistical changes for this year’s parade—now expanding its scope and moving to Beethoven Manicore.

Topics include:

• The roots of Krampus, St. Nicholas, and winter folklore across cultures
• The evolution of the Krampus parade in San Antonio—from idea to city-permitted event
• The intersection of German immigrant history and contemporary celebrations in King William
• Public response, including media coverage, protest, and “Krampus Gate”
• What to expect at this year’s parade: route changes, street closures, entertainment, and costume contests
• How Krampus is being localized—incorporating elements like the “devil in the dance hall” from Mexican American folklore
• The growth of Krampus-themed events in San Antonio, from Fiesta medals to afterparties

For plugged-in San Antonians, this episode explores how global folklore shapes hyper-local celebrations—and why new traditions can provoke both controversy and community.

Find more information on the 2025 Yuletide Parade at https://krampusportal.com/.

RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶️ #108. What It Takes to Host the Final Four—Inside San Antonio’s Big Moment – Dive deeper into San Antonio’s cultural evolution with host Bob Rivard as he chats with Elena Wells and Jenny Carnes about the city’s preparations to host the 2025 NCAA Men's Final Four. From economic impact to community festivities, this episode reveals how major events continue to shape San Antonio’s identity and future.

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This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine dyslexia—one of the most common, yet frequently misunderstood learning challenges affecting up to one in five individuals. Host Bob Rivard is joined by Jasmin Dean, founder and CEO of Celebrate Dyslexia, a San Antonio nonprofit advocating for better diagnosis, intervention, and public understanding of dyslexia across schools, healthcare, and society.

Drawing on both personal experience and current research, Jasmin Dean discusses the realities facing families navigating the education system and the urgent need for early identification and specialized intervention. Bob Rivard and Jasmin Dean address the evolving legislative landscape in Texas, the challenges of public- and private-sector solutions, and what is being done at the local level—including the opening of Celebrate Dyslexia Schools, a tuition-free public charter dedicated to evidence-based support for dyslexic students.

They discuss:

• What dyslexia is—and isn’t—according to current scientific and medical evidence

• Why early intervention and teacher training are critical, and how local schools are responding to new requirements

• The intersection of dyslexia with equity, economic mobility, and juvenile justice

• Barriers to adult diagnosis, workplace accommodations, and the lack of insurance coverage

• The role of advocacy, nonprofit partnerships, and new models for curriculum access

• Ongoing efforts in San Antonio to change the narrative, build resources, and improve outcomes for children and adults with dyslexia

For parents, educators, and community leaders, this episode provides context and updates on a complex issue impacting thousands of San Antonians—highlighting both the challenges and the progress underway to support local families.

For more information on Celebrate Dyslexia, visit their website: https://celebratedyslexia.org/.