Stay ConnectedWelcome to La Mesa, the official podcast of the City of San Antonio. At La Mesa, everyone is invited to the table – whether they’re working from inside or outside city government to better the community.
We will produce new episodes whenever a vital topic emerges in our city that deserves an extra layer of transparency and open conversation.
So pull up a chair to La Mesa and let’s talk about it!
Copyright: © 2025 La Mesa - City of San Antonio
As the new year approaches, many people in our community are thinking about what’s next especially when it comes to finding more stable work, learning new skills, or moving into an in-demand career. In this episode of the La Mesa podcast, we dive into how the San Antonio Ready to Work (RTW) program is helping local residents take that next step.
Whether you or someone you know is unemployed, underemployed, or simply ready for a career change, this episode breaks down how RTW can help you gain new skills, earn industry-recognized credentials, and connect to employers who are hiring now.
🎧 Tune in to learn how Ready to Work is opening doors to opportunity, and how you or someone you know can get started in the new year.
For eligibility and other questions, learn more and apply at readytoworksa.com
Panelist:
For many survivors, the path to safety may not be an easy one. Leaving an abusive relationship can mean losing your home, your income, or your sense of stability. In fact, domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness among women and families across the country — and…right here in our own city.
These issues remind us that homelessness isn’t just about housing — it’s about safety, justice, and dignity.
Panelist:
- Moderator: Rick Gipprich, Jr, Program Coordinator for the Collaborative Commission on Domestic Violence.
· Paige Theriot, Director of Residential Services at Family Violence Prevention Services. She also oversees The Battered Women and Children's Shelter and housing services.
· Judith Marie Adrade, Program Coordinator at Close to Home, the lead Continuum of Care agency in San Antonio and Bexar County.
· Kathy Lacy, Human Services Administrator of Homeless Services and Strategy Department with the City of San Antonio.
Dr. Jennifer Mata, Director of the City’s Compliance, Opportunity & Access Department, moderates a conversation about the 1968 Edgewood High School walkout, a pivotal moment in San Antonio’s civil rights history. She is joined by Edgewood graduates who were in attendance the day of the walkout, as well as the attorney who argued their landmark case before the Texas Supreme Court. They reflect on their personal choices that day, the pursuit of educational fairness, and how their actions continue to inspire access to education today.
Panel:
Albert (Al) Kauffman, MALDEF attorney who argued the Edgewood ISD v Kirby case before the Texas Supreme Court.
Diana Herrera, an Edgewood High School student who remained in the classroom during the 1968 walkout.
Richard Herrera, an Edgewood High School student who walked out of the classroom during the 1968 walkout.
Presented in collaboration with the San Antonio Housing Coalition.
Mark Carmona, the Chief Housing Officer with the City of San Antonio, moderates a roundtable conversation with young adults and professionals who have a commitment to address youth housing instability in San Antonio communities. Panelists discuss the perspective of lived experience and the power of strong support systems and the necessity of programs offered by local nonprofits to uplift young adults and empower resiliency. Young adults speak directly to the meaning of trauma-informed care and how peer-to-peer relationships are crucial to engaging young adults in community resources. The conversation dives deep into real-world impacts and gives listeners an understanding of how they can be a part of the solution.
Panel:
Join us at La Mesa where we reflect on the past five years of what the City of San Antonio has done to help people in our community experiencing domestic violence. This includes additional training for police officers, more public services, support for young children, and partnerships with other organizations.
On this episode of La Mesa, we discuss how our community is collectively working together to end homelessness in San Antonio. Our panel includes key figures in the city’s homeless response system – including an individual who experienced homelessness before working to end it.
· Brian Chasnoff, City of San Antonio Assistant Director Communications & Engagement
· Dominic Yanas, Governance Coordinator Close to Home
· Kathy Lacy, City of San Antonio Homeless Services Administrator
· Trish Deberry, President and CEO of Centro San Antonio
· Nikisha Baker, President and CEO SAMMinistries
This episode of La Mesa features four leaders planning the “airport of the future” and we’ll also find out how they are inspiring the next generation of aviators and who inspired them. Join us and see what it takes to operate San Antonio International Airport and Stinson Municipal Airport.
· Tonya Hope, City of San Antonio Public Relations Manager SAT
· Jesus Saenz, City of San Antonio Director of Airports
· Tim O'Krongley, City of San Antonio Deputy Director of Development SAT
· Karen Ellis, City of San Antonio Chief Customer Experience Officer SAT
· Jacob Tyler, City of San Antonio Air Service Development Manager SAT
This episode of La Mesa tackles the challenge of making our streets safe and accessible for all users, whether they are traveling by foot, bike, car, bus, or wheelchair.
· Brian Chasnoff, City of San Antonio Assistant Director Communications & Engagement
· Arturo Herrera, Special Projects Manager VIA
· Harley Hubbard, City of San Antonio Assistant to the Director Transportation
· Tim Hayes, City of San Antonio Senior Engineer Public Works
· Joey Pawlik, Executive Director Activate SA
This episode of La Mesa focuses on Public Art in San Antonio and features a lively discussion with local artists and a gallerist. The artists talk about challenges they have faced, how social media has impacted their work and the future of San Antonio’s art scene.
Welcome to La Mesa, the official podcast of the City of San Antonio!
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