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As fall begins, it is important to prepare ourselves for the back-to-school season. While this exciting time of year can mean new clothes, backpacks, and school supplies, it also signifies a rise in foot and road traffic. With school in session, drivers can expect to see an increase in the number of drivers and pedestrians milling around, especially during school pick-up and drop-off. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggests all drivers take extra caution and follow all traffic laws and speed limits in school zones. Agencia de Seguros de Accesso, LLC (A Abana Insurance) believes driving safety should always be a priority. Whether you are on drop-off duty in Selma or driving your child to the bus stop in Boerne, adopting mindful driving habits can be an integral part of your back-to-school routine. School Bus Safety Ready for drop-off duty? Keep in mind that most schools have very specific drop-off and pick-up procedures. Be sure to review your school’s particular policies before the school year begins. The National Safety Council (NSC) suggests carpooling to reduce the number of vehicles at the school and to avoid loading and unloading children across the street from the school. Many students rely on school buses to get to and from school. take extra caution when driving around school buses and review the following helpful tips from the NSC: Allow greater following distance if you are driving behind a bus so you will have more time to stop once the yellow lights start flashing. Do not pass a bus from behind, or from either direction if you’re on an undivided road, or if it stopped to load or unload kids. If the bus’s yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, you must wait until the lights stop flashing, the arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before you may move your vehicle. Be wary of children exiting school buses, as they can behave unpredictably. Bike Safety Bikes can provide an eco-friendly mode of transit for older children heading to school. However, young cyclists are not always educated on the rules of the road. It is up to adult drivers to remain watchful and safely share the streets with both cyclists and pedestrians. Be on the lookout for excess foot and bike traffic, and heed these following safe driving suggestions: If you must pass a cyclist, proceed in the same direction slowly, and leave 3 feet between your car and the cyclist. If you are turning left and a bicyclist is approaching in the opposite direction, wait for the cyclist to pass. Watch for cyclists turning without looking or signaling, as well as bikes coming out of driveways and behind parked cars. Be sure to check the side mirrors before opening your vehicle’s door. Car and Children's Safety According to the NHTSA, during the school year pedestrian traffic tends to be higher. Many young children lose their lives due to motorists who fail to comply with safety precautions. Put safety first by familiarizing yourself with these helpful tips: Do not block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn. When lights are blinking in a school zone, you must stop and yield to the pedestrians crossing in the crosswalk or intersection. Do not pass another vehicle that is stopped for pedestrians. Make a full stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard when they are holding up a stop sign. Even if you have the right of way, do not honk or encourage a pedestrian to hurry up. Lastly, if you are parking your car or leaving it unattended, remember to keep your vehicle locked. It is not uncommon for young children to see the car as a play site, crawl around, and get trapped. While the weather may still be balmy in San Antonio come September, the shift in seasons signifies it’s time to hit the books and head back to school. School pick-ups and drop-offs can seem chaotic. Nonetheless, by exercising awareness and caution, drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians can safely co-exist. A Abana Insurance knows that safe driving goes beyond the bus stop. Obtaining the right coverage for your family’s vehicle is an important part of being a responsible driver. Give one of our qualified bilingual-Spanish agents a call today at 210-899-5401 to receive a free quote or discuss our affordable auto insurance options.  Disclaimer: This material is for general informational purposes only. Products, services, and discounts referenced herein are not available in all states or in all companies. All statements are subject to the terms, exclusions, and conditions of the applicable policy. In all instances, current policy contract language prevails. Coverage is subject to individual policyholders meeting the insurer's underwriting qualifications and state availability. Other terms, conditions and exclusions may apply. Sources: https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/nhtsa-reminds-everyone-be-alert-children-head-back-school https://www.nhtsa.gov/school-bus-safety/keeping-children-safe https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/school-safety/back-to-school-safety-tips-for-drivers

Regional bank’s donation supports nonprofits funding critical resources, services On July 4, saturating rains caused local rivers to inundate parts of Kerr County as well as Travis, Kendall, Burnet, Williamson, and Tom Green counties with devastating floodwaters, almost without warning. Within days of those catastrophic flash floods, Hancock Whitney Bank gave $100,000 to organizations spearheading relief and recovery efforts in the hardest hit areas. Now, those nonprofits are deploying those much-needed dollars to provide critical supplies, recovery and rebuilding resources, and flood assistance services to people and communities working hard to come back from the floods.

Mark your calendars because the Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival is almost here! Get ready to dive into a night overflowing with inspiration. More than 200 artists will gather to showcase their finest creations. Wander the beautiful streets of St. Paul Square and experience everything from paintings and digital art to interactive installations, films, dance, live music, poetry, and countless surprises waiting to be discovered.  Join friends and family on October 18, 2025, at St. Paul Square, from 6 PM to midnight, where commerce and downtown meet. Enjoy the magic of Luminaria and create lasting memories. Don’t miss out—join us for an unforgettable evening and experience the festival for yourself!

We are seeking dedicated community members passionate about learning more about the San Antonio public education landscape and enhancing their skills to take action for all students in Bexar County. Take 30 min to apply for the Class of 2026! Applications due 7/31.

CPS Energy is seeking applicants to fill the upcoming Board of Trustees vacancy in the Northeast Quadrant (2) of CPS Energy’s service area . The selected candidate will fill the Quadrant 2 seat that is currently held by Mr. John Steen, whose term ends January 31, 2026. The CPS Energy Board of Trustees will select a Trustee by majority vote. That selected nominee must then be considered and confirmed by San Antonio’s City Council. Applicants must submit applications online, via email, mail, or by hand delivering a hard copy to CPS Energy headquarters, 500 McCullough Avenue, by 5:00 P.M. on August 29, 2025. Interested applicants are invited to attend one of two informational sessions held by CPS Energy ahead of the application due date to learn more. Information about those sessions is below: Where: CPS Energy headquarters, 500 McCullough Avenue When:  August 12, 2025, at 12:00 P.M. Sessions will be livestreamed, and recordings of each session will also be available online for those who cannot attend in person. The application is available online at cpsenergy.com/trusteevacancy or in person by visiting any of CPS Energy’s Walk-in Service Centers. Learn more about the qualifications and application process at cpsenergy.com/trusteevacancy .

The San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome Happy State Bank, A Division of Centennial Bank, member of the FDIC as our official Ribbon Cutting Sponsor! We are thrilled to partner with a company that shares our commitment to supporting local business growth and community engagement. As our newest partner, Happy State Bank will be featured at all upcoming ribbon cutting celebrations, helping us recognize and celebrate milestones with new and existing members throughout the year. Their generous support allows us to continue creating meaningful and memorable experiences for our business community. About Happy State Bank: Founded in 1908, Happy State Bank (now a division of Centennial Bank as of 2022) has a long-standing tradition of providing personalized banking services with a strong emphasis on community involvement. With locations throughout Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, New York and the great State of Texas, Happy State Bank offers a full suite of financial services and products for individuals, families, and businesses — all delivered with a smile and a focus on customer care with white glove service. Their mission is simple: "Happy employees make for happy customers." Please join us in giving a warm welcome to the Happy State Bank team! We look forward to a bright and successful partnership ahead.

VIA Metropolitan Transit (VIA) has issued an RFP for the Advanced Rapid Transit East/West Corridor (Silver Line). Needed are Architectural and Engineering Services. Salient Dates of the Procurement Process: July 15, 2025, 9:00 AM – 12:00PM Pre-Proposal Meeting followed by Bus Tour July 22, 2025, Last Day to Submit Request for Clarifications and/or Modifications to the Procurement/Contract documents. September 16, 2025, 2:00 PM Deadline to submit Statement of Qualifications and Proposal Package January 2026 Anticipated Award Date Brief Project Background and Description As a key element of the voter approved Keep San Antonio Moving (KSAM) Program, VIA is developing the ART East/West (E/W) Corridor Project (the “Project”). The Project is approximately 7.3-mile Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line within the City of San Antonio (COSA), Texas. It extends from General McMullen Drive in the west, through Downtown, to Coca Cola Place in the east. The Project, with a Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) Goal of 12%, includes transit-signal priority and is proposed to operate in a mixture of center dedicated lanes, curbside dedicated Business Access, and Transit (BAT) lanes, and in mixed traffic. Approximately 5.10 miles (70%) of the route would feature dedicated lanes, including 2.15 miles (30%) of center-dedicated lanes and 2.95 miles (40%) of curbside dedicated BAT lanes. The remaining 2.20 miles (30%) would operate in mixed traffic. Within the capital limits, the Project includes 18 new or modified station areas. Stations are planned to include amenities such as off-board fare collection, real-time arrival information, security cameras, lighting, and platforms for level boarding. In general, VIA plans to minimize significant ground disturbance or construction impacts in the downtown area by including stops with limited amenities. Sidewalk improvements are planned to provide pedestrian and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access to the transit stations. Click to learn more: Silver Line June 2025 Virtual Meeting - VIA Keep SA Moving . To access the RFP and other critical information please use the - VIA Contract Opportunities link . For assistance on how to register as a supplier of goods and services for VIA do not hesitate to contact me. My email address is below. All questions regarding this RFP are to be directed to Jeremy Taub . He is the Contract Specialist assigned to this contract proposal. He can be reached at either 210-362-241, or Jeremy.taub@viainfo.net .

Summer is a great season for road trips, spontaneous getaways, and fun-filled family vacations. Whether you’re heading to a beach, exploring the mountains, or going on a camping trip, you may be thinking about how you can prepare your vehicle for the long drive. At Agencia de Seguros de Accesso, LLC (A Abana), we understand that getting ready to travel for the summer may come with complications and risks. Here are some useful tips that may help you when driving during the warmer months. Plan your route An important part of summer driving is planning your route. While impromptu road trips can be fun, it may be helpful to check road conditions, highway advisories, and the weather forecast before leaving town. If you’re traveling long distances, you may want to schedule regular breaks to stretch your legs and stock up on snacks. Try avoiding driving when you’re fatigued or sleep deprived since being distracted may be a serious safety risk. Remember, summer can be a peak time for travel, so you may want to plan for longer driving times. Potential traffic, especially if you’re heading to popular destinations, may result in driving for increased periods. Prepare your vehicle for the summer heat Depending on where you live, the summer sun and heat may be harsh on both you and your vehicle. Before heading out on your trip, it may be important to check your vehicle or have it assessed professionally. Some things to check may be: Tires: Hot weather can cause tire pressure to fluctuate, so checking tire pressure may be crucial. If you can’t do it yourself, a professional can check your tire pressure for you. Cooling system: Overheating may be a common issue when driving in the summer. To prevent this, you may want to check your coolant levels in your vehicle. It may be wise to find a mechanic that can assess your coolant level, check for system leaks, and replace the old coolant if needed. Battery: High temperatures can be tough on car batteries, so you may need a mechanic to check your battery and charging system before your road trip. Air conditioning: Not having operating air conditioning in your car can be a significant problem in the summer months. You may want to have your system checked or recharged if necessary. Stock your vehicle Though planning for a summer vacation may be exciting, it can also be important to stock your car in case of an emergency. Putting together a roadside kit may help you in the event of an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, here are some things you may want to include in your emergency kit: Cell phone charger First aid kit Flashlight Flares Jumper cables Tire pressure gauge Jack for changing a tire and spare tire Water bottles Packing your car with some of these essentials may help you manage a roadside accident when you’re away from home. Review your insurance coverage before traveling Before you hit the road, you may want to review your car insurance coverage. Depending on your policy, auto insurance may help you avoid financial losses in the event of a covered accident. Here are some key coverages to consider that may benefit you: Liability coverage: This coverage can help pay for bodily injury and vehicle damage to another driver’s vehicle if you’re at fault. Collision coverage: This can help pay for damages to your vehicle after a collision, regardless of who is at fault. · Comprehensive coverage: This coverage can help pay for damages to your vehicle from certain non-collision incidents such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. Roadside assistance: This can be helpful if you find yourself stuck on the highway or somewhere far from home. Roadside assistance may help replace your tires or tow your vehicle if it can’t be repaired on the spot. At A Abana, we understand that spending summer vacation with your family and friends is important. If you’re taking a road trip across the states, reviewing or updating your auto insurance coverage may help you navigate certain driving accidents. If you have questions about your policy or need a personalized insurance quote, you can call an agent at 210-899-5401  Disclaimer: This material is for general informational purposes only. Products, services, and discounts referenced herein are not available in all states or in all companies. All statements are subject to the terms, exclusions, and conditions of the applicable policy. In all instances, current policy contract language prevails. Coverage is subject to individual policyholders meeting the insurer's underwriting qualifications and state availability. Other terms, conditions and exclusions may apply.