179. Haven for Hope CEO Discusses San Antonio's Response to Rising Homelessness

179. Haven for Hope CEO Discusses San Antonio's Response to Rising Homelessness

This week on bigcitysmalltown, the focus shifts to homelessness in San Antonio—an issue that remains top-of-mind for both policymakers and residents, despite substantial public and private investment. Bob welcomes Rhonda Mundhenk, who recently stepped into the role of CEO at the San Antonio shelter, Haven for Hope. They discuss the realities on the ground, the evolving demographics of homelessness, and how San Antonio’s approach compares to other major cities. The conversation explores what’s working, where resource gaps remain, and the impact of housing costs and healthcare policy on the most vulnerable. They discuss: • The distinction between homelessness as a condition versus a problem in San Antonio • How Haven for Hope’s 15-year Blueprint for Hope study informs future strategies • The city’s increasing population of unsheltered residents and the underlying economic drivers • The challenges of coordinating services—and funding streams—across local and federal agencies • The growing need for affordable housing, permanent supportive care, and better healthcare reimbursement • Why sustained collaboration is key to improving outcomes for both families experiencing short-term hardship and individuals facing chronic homelessness For listeners seeking to understand the complexities behind San Antonio’s most pressing social issue, this episode offers a grounded look at the data, policy decisions, and daily realities shaping the city’s response. RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN: ▶️ #162. Close to Home on Why the City Struggles to Keep Up With Homelessness [https://www.bigcitysmalltown.com/162-close-to-home-on-why-the-city-struggles-to-keep-up-with-homelessness/] Building on this week’s discussion of policing and homelessness, Bob Rivard and Cory Ames talk with Katie Wilson of Close to Home about San Antonio’s ongoing struggle to address housing, mental health, and chronic homelessness. Discover why collaboration and long-term planning are crucial as they unpack the local realities and policy challenges behind this persistent citywide issue. -- -- GET THE NEWSLETTER 📰 If you enjoyed this conversation, sign up for Bob Rivard's Midweek — sharp takes on San Antonio's politics, culture, and civic life, delivered to your inbox every Wednesday. Independent, nonpartisan, and free to read. Subscribe here. [https://bigcitysmalltown.kit.com/fb1825d442] -- -- CONNECT 📸 Connect on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/bigcity.smalltown/] 🔗 Join us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertjrivard/] 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@bcstsatx] SPONSORS 🙌 Support the show & see our sponsors [https://www.bigcitysmalltown.com/sponsors/] THANK YOU ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts ⭐ Rate us on Spotify

178. Federal Judge Fred Biery Discusses Immigration Policy, Due Process, and the Power of "We the People"

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we sit down with U.S. District Judge Fred Biery, a San Antonio local who has served 32 years on the federal bench. Known for his distinctive, often witty legal opinions, Judge Biery offers a candid look into the realities of the Western District of Texas—one of the nation’s largest and busiest federal court districts, encompassing everything from Austin to El Paso. Bob Rivard and Judge Biery discuss the pressures facing the federal courts, the increasing case backlog driven by immigration issues, and the long-term impact of national politics on local judicial work. Judge Biery reflects on the evolution of his judicial writing style, shares insights from his most high-profile cases, and considers the future of the federal judiciary as San Antonio and Texas continue to grow. Topics include: * The overwhelming caseloads and staffing challenges for San Antonio’s federal judges * How due process and immigration reform are playing out under current political conditions * The local significance and national profile of Judge Biery’s written opinions * Changes Judge Biery has witnessed in federal courts over the past 30 years * What’s ahead for the courts as San Antonio prepares for even more rapid growth A thoughtful conversation on the state of justice, local courts, and what it means for the city and region. RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN: ▶️ #174. Twenty Years at SAPD: Chief Bill McManus on Recruiting, ICE, and Who Comes Next [https://www.bigcitysmalltown.com/174-twenty-years-at-sapd-chief-bill-mcmanus-on-recruiting-ice-and-who-comes-next/]– As San Antonio navigates federal and local challenges, Police Chief Bill McManus joins Bob Rivard to discuss two decades of policing, immigration enforcement, and the complexities of leadership in a rapidly growing city. Hear firsthand how the SAPD adapts to community needs, state laws, and the future of public safety. -- --  GET THE NEWSLETTER 📰 If you enjoyed this conversation, sign up for Bob Rivard's Midweek — sharp takes on San Antonio's politics, culture, and civic life, delivered to your inbox every Wednesday. Independent, nonpartisan, and free to read. Subscribe here. [https://bigcitysmalltown.kit.com/fb1825d442] -- --  CONNECT 📸 Connect on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/bigcity.smalltown/] 🔗 Join us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertjrivard/] 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@bcstsatx] SPONSORS 🙌 Support the show & see our sponsors [https://www.bigcitysmalltown.com/sponsors/] THANK YOU ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts ⭐ Rate us on Spotify

177. Staying Small in San Antonio: How Clementine Found Success Without Expansion

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we visit Clementine, a family-owned restaurant in Castle Hills that has quietly become a fixture for neighborhood dining and local sourcing in San Antonio. Bob Rivard sits down with Chef John Russ to discuss the realities of operating an ambitious independent restaurant outside of the city’s trendiest areas—and how decisions around location, size, and sustainability have shaped Clementine’s identity and resilience since opening in 2018. They discuss: • The challenges and opportunities of opening a restaurant in a modest strip center rather than downtown or at the Pearl • How the team navigated pandemic disruptions, staffing shortages, and ongoing economic uncertainty • The importance of local farms, ranches, and the broader food ecosystem that supports restaurants in South and Central Texas • The financial realities of restaurant ownership in San Antonio—and why the focus remains on community, staff, and family rather than rapid expansion • Reflections on evolving neighborhood dining, what keeps regulars coming back, and how Clementine builds connections with guests and growers alike Tune in for a grounded look at the work, risk, and local relationships behind one of San Antonio’s most respected neighborhood restaurants. RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN: ▶️ #150. The Rise of Jamaican Food in San Antonio (ft. The Jerk Shack) [https://www.bigcitysmalltown.com/150-the-rise-of-jamaican-food-in-san-antonio-ft-the-jerk-shack/]– Explore how culinary identity shapes a city with Chef Nicola Blaque, San Antonio’s only Michelin-recognized Jamaican chef. Host Cory Ames joins Nicola to discuss her journey from military service to launching The Jerk Shack, the evolution of San Antonio’s dining scene, and building community through food. -- --  GET THE NEWSLETTER 📰 If you enjoyed this conversation, sign up for Bob Rivard's Midweek — sharp takes on San Antonio's politics, culture, and civic life, delivered to your inbox every Wednesday. Independent, nonpartisan, and free to read. Subscribe here. [https://bigcitysmalltown.kit.com/fb1825d442] -- --  CONNECT 📸 Connect on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/bigcity.smalltown/] 🔗 Join us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertjrivard/] 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@bcstsatx] SPONSORS 🙌 Support the show & see our sponsors [https://www.bigcitysmalltown.com/sponsors/] THANK YOU ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts ⭐ Rate us on Spotify

176. The Education of a Texas Public Servant: Ron Nirenberg's Memoir and Vision for Bexar County

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we turn our attention to local leadership and public service in San Antonio. Bob sits down with former San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, now the Democratic frontrunner for Bexar County Judge, to discuss his new memoir, The Education of a Texas Public Servant, published by Trinity University Press. The conversation delves into Nirenberg’s journey from jazz station manager to public servant, as well as the personal and professional experiences that have shaped his time in office. The episode explores how family, crisis, and San Antonio’s unique culture have influenced Nirenberg’s approach to leadership—and how those lessons may inform the city’s future as he pursues county office. They discuss: * The impact of personal loss, family, and upbringing on public service * San Antonio’s pandemic response—what worked, what didn’t, and what needs to change * Persistent challenges around poverty, economic mobility, and health care in Bexar County * The role of public-private partnerships and collaboration between city and county governments * Why investments in downtown, infrastructure, and workforce development matter for San Antonio’s resilience Listen in for a candid reflection on leadership, the city’s evolving identity, and the ongoing work of building a more equitable San Antonio. RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN: ▶️ #153. The Race to Lead Bexar County: Ron Nirenberg [https://www.bigcitysmalltown.com/153-the-race-to-lead-bexar-county-ron-nirenberg/] – Hosts Cory Ames and Bob Rivard dive into Ron Nirenberg’s campaign to become Bexar County Judge. Hear candid insights into his vision for public health, justice reform, and regional leadership as San Antonio faces a pivotal moment of growth and change. ….. GET THE NEWSLETTER 📰 If you enjoyed this conversation, sign up for Bob Rivard's Midweek — sharp takes on San Antonio's politics, culture, and civic life, delivered to your inbox every Wednesday. Independent, nonpartisan, and free to read. Subscribe here. [https://bigcitysmalltown.kit.com/fb1825d442] -- -- CONNECT 📸 Connect on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/bigcity.smalltown/] 🔗 Join us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertjrivard/] 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@bcstsatx] SPONSORS 🙌 Support the show & see our sponsors [https://www.bigcitysmalltown.com/sponsors/] THANK YOU ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts ⭐ Rate us on Spotify

175. Claudia Zapata's Advice on Eating Well, Staying Active, and Living Healthier in San Antonio

This week on bigcitysmalltown, Bob Rivard sits down with registered dietitian Claudia Zapata to examine the challenges and opportunities facing San Antonio’s food culture and public health. A longtime advocate for healthier eating and community well-being, Claudia brings her experience as a columnist, former television host, and founder of the Diplomacy Diet to the discussion. Bob and Claudia discuss the roots of San Antonio’s health issues, the realities of changing eating habits in a city known for its food traditions, and the small steps individuals and institutions can take to improve outcomes for residents of all ages. They discuss: * The limits of “everything in moderation” and the importance of daily choices * How affordability and access shape San Antonio’s nutrition landscape * The role of education in changing family and community health * How policy, school cafeterias, and marketing influence what we eat * The importance of mobility, exercise, and social connection in lifelong health * Claudia’s personal approach to working with clients, meal planning, and teaching healthy habits The episode also looks at the impact of federal policy, the evolution of GLP-1 weight loss drugs, and why prevention—and practical, non-judgmental support—are central to Claudia’s work with Methodist Healthcare and her broader vision for San Antonio. RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN: ▶️ #140. The Food Bank is Harvesting Solutions to San Antonio’s Hunger [https://www.bigcitysmalltown.com/140-the-food-bank-is-harvesting-solutions-to-san-antonios-hunger/] – Food, health, and housing are deeply interconnected in San Antonio. In this conversation, host Cory Ames sits down with Mitch Hagney of the San Antonio Food Bank to explore how innovative farming, drought-resistant crops, and sustainable agriculture are transforming both emergency food services and long-term food security for the city’s most vulnerable communities. ….. GET THE NEWSLETTER 📰 If you enjoyed this conversation, sign up for Bob Rivard's Midweek — sharp takes on San Antonio's politics, culture, and civic life, delivered to your inbox every Wednesday. Independent, nonpartisan, and free to read. Subscribe here. [https://bigcitysmalltown.kit.com/fb1825d442] -- -- CONNECT 📸 Connect on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/bigcity.smalltown/] 🔗 Join us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertjrivard/] 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@bcstsatx] SPONSORS 🙌 Support the show & see our sponsors [https://www.bigcitysmalltown.com/sponsors/] THANK YOU ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts ⭐ Rate us on Spotify