San Marcos Scoop

The last episode of the San Marcos Scoop is here, and for the finale, Exsar reflected on his time in the city, talking about challenges that San Marcos will face in the future. Thank you to everyone who has listened to the show for the past year. Your support has made all of this possible. This isn't goodbye but see you soon. Thanks for everything, San Marcos! Peace.

This week on the San Marcos Scoop, Exsar was joined by San Marcos Planning & Zoning Commissioner Gabrielle Moore to discuss zoning, downtown density, housing supply and other key issues here in San Marcos. Moore is an avid biker and always brainstorming ways San Martians can be better stewards of our environment through smart planning and growth. Support the show: Patreon.com/SanMarcosScoop

Exsar and Scott are back in the studio and ready to tackle a new week in San Marcos politics. This week's episode was filled with discussion about historic preservation. Are the city council and historic preservation commission trying to force the designation of historic structures in light of the demolition of the San Marcos Telephone Co. building? The 2019 city council elections are right around the corner. Who will we see run for office? Lastly, local immigrant activist organization Mano Amiga hosting a candlelight vigil on June 12, calling for the end of inhumane conditions reported at detention centers across the state. Support the show: Patreon.com/SanMarcosScoop

Despite an overpopulated jail that is costing the county millions to outsource prisoners, Hays County District Attorney Wes Mau said the county will continue to prosecute possession of marijuana. But does Texas need to take a different approach in regards to how we prosecute minor offenders? And what does the DA's statement mean for the rest of the criminal justice system? In 2017, county records indicate marijuana possession was the leading charge with over 800 arrests. Critics point to these numbers as hard evidence that taking a different approach to marijuana possession may relieve some of the pressures on the jail and court system. Joining Exsar on the San Marcos Scoop was Karen Munoz and Joe Ptak. Munoz is the co-founder of Mano Amiga, criminal justice and immigration rights activists group and Ptak is a local expert in the criminal justice system. Together, the trio discussed how changing the paradigm on marijuana offenders could help save the taxpayers millions while potentially saving the lives of thousands of people. Support the show: Patreon.com/SanMarcosScoop Links: http://www.fox7austin.com/news/local-news/hays-county-will-continue-prosecuting-marijuana-cases-despite-new-hemp-law-1 https://www.facebook.com/ManoAmigaSM/

Dr. Peter Tschirhart, the associate dean for the Honors College at Texas State University, is an avid biker here is in San Marcos. For Tschirhart, San Marcos could be a hub for a walkable, bikeable, densely populated city that could better the health of the citizens of San Marcos. But how do we get there? This week on the show, Exsar and Peter discussed the city's transportation, zoning, density and the relationship with Texas State University. Support the show: Patreon.com/SanMarcosScoop