A staffing analysis of Bexar County Jail, recently completed by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, supports Sheriff Amadeo Ortiz's contention that the jail is understaffed, officials said in a news conference Tuesday.

To meet state standards, 801 jailers are required for the jail's current population of about 3,600 inmates, according to the analysis.

An additional 121 uniformed officers are needed to fill what commission Director Adan Muñoz said were essential positions to “operate an efficient facility,” but they aren't required by the state.

The total number of officers needed at the jail, based on the analysis, is 922, which is 92 positions more than Bexar County budgeted for the 2011-2012 fiscal year... [READ MORE]

SAN ANTONIO - Tempers are flaring in south Bexar County, where volunteer firefighters say they don't have enough manpower or equipment to keep people safe.  Members of the Sandy Oaks Volunteer Fire Department sold their ladder fire truck, after the Emergency Services District # 6 didn't make a payment.

"Now we have to wait 45 minutes to an hour for that same apparatus to get to our call," explained Stacy Smith, Sandy Oaks VFD president.

Smith said if the department defaulted on their loan, they would have lost four other trucks.  A ladder truck can be used to battle a fire in a large building or school, among other things... [READ MORE]

The city of San Antonio and Brooks Development Authority (BDA) recently broke ground on the city's new fire and police emergency dispatch center at Brooks City-Base.

The new facility, located on six-acres, is a state-of-the-art communications facility that will replace the current 9-1-1 center located at police headquarters in downtown San Antonio.

“The BDA was established with a vision for the collaborative and innovative development of Brooks City-Base in a way that honors the legacy of public service left here by the U... [READ MORE]

Season's Greetings from my family to yours! I hope you are enjoying this time and staying warm with your family and friends.

This is my last article in the Southside Reporter as city councilwoman for District 3. As you may already know, I am leaving City Council to pursue other opportunities for public service in the Southside community, and I would like to take a few moments to reflect on what we've been able to accomplish during my time on City Council.

Serving as your voice on City Council has been a great honor. I sincerely thank you for entrusting me with this humbling and tremendous opportunity to serve our community... [READ MORE]

Former District 3 Councilwoman Jennifer V. Ramos recently presided over a ribbon-cutting event to complete the Loop Road at the Mission Drive-In site, located adjacent to the Mission Branch Library.

The project includes new amenities such as sidewalks, pedestrian lighting, landscaped parking islands and parking spaces for handicapped drivers.

The completion of the Loop Road is another step towards the development of the Mission Drive-In site and marquee area.

There will be several future improvements coming soon that will also include recreational amenities, fitness equipment, and the further development of the Mission Marquee Plaza... [READ MORE]