Ron Nirenberg

This is a photo of my father attempting to ride a water buffalo in Malaysia while on Peace Corps assignment in the 1960s. Thanks for showing me that public service is fun, Dad. Happy Father’s Day to all of the dads setting good examples in the world today!

On June 19, 1865, the news of freedom rang for the 250,000 enslaved people of Texas—nearly two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.

Every year since, communities have joined in Juneteenth celebrations across Texas and the nation to honor a defining moment in Black history, celebrate those who have fought for freedom, and recognize that the work toward justice continues with us.

May we continue to learn from our history and work together toward a more equitable future.

When mental health beds disappear, the patients don’t. As County Judge, I’ll work with the Southwest Texas Crisis Collaborative to ensure that everyone has access to quality healthcare and mental health services. No one should fall through the cracks when they need help the most.

Read the full op-ed from Jelynne LeBlanc Jamison, President & CEO of the Center for Health Care services, here ↘️

Loss of services at Laurel Ridge exposes fragile behavioral health system San Antonio and Bexar County must invest in upstream services that help people before they reach a crisis, our guest columnist writes.

Amarillo by morning, up from San Antone.

Another death at the jail. Five deaths already this year, 90 since 2020. Last night, it was Elizabeth Anne Nero. Last week, it was CaSandra Monette Pearson. Neither were violent criminals. Both experienced mental health difficulties and were failed by systems that have been broken for decades. These tragedies are inexcusable in a modern world.

These systemic failures are far too large to be attributable to any one person or era, but now is the time for collective action. Dangerous criminals walk free while low level offenders without the proper means to advocate for themselves languish in the jail.

The Bexar County jail should not be a substitute for mental health care and addiction treatment. I'm committed to creating a diversion center, but that's only one piece of the equation. Years of painstaking work lie ahead to address these injustices, so we can't wait any longer. As your next County Judge, I will be accountable to you and make access to appropriate care a top priority of my administration.

Woman dies at Bexar County jail in apparent medical episode; 2nd in 1 month The Bexar County Sheriff's Office said Elizabeth Anne Nero, 57, suffered a sudden medical episode and died Thursday at the jail.

The Race for Seis begins