Editorial
The Dry Truth
In May alone, the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) was at Stage 4, falling to Stage 5, rising back to Stage 4 on May 29th, when rains came. You can’t fool Mother Nature, but she sure can fool us.
From Deli to Destiny
Two Pakistani American Muslims from Houston – whose lives seemingly paralleled my own – were trailblazing on the silver screen and the local political scene, cutting through the darkness of a rising trend of anti-immigrant sentiment and Islamophobia and providing a refreshing glimmer of hope.
Brothers Saagar and Sakib Shaikh are a testament to the power of patience and perseverance.
Scene in SA's Summer Soirée Playlist 2025
This year’s Summer Soirée Playlist was curated as melodic medicine with the intention of bringing us closer together through movement. Whether that be intimately to your significant other, or stepping in sync with a future friend on a dance floor as these tracks transition from breezy simmering soul to sprinkles of uptempo Afro-Latin baile and disco beats.
Life Curated:
We’re living in a curated era. Not just our closets, but our coffee orders, playlists, skincare routines—even our supposed “spontaneity.” Every little detail feels like a brushstroke in the masterpiece of personal brand. And for many of us, it starts in the closet.
Beefing Up Broadway: Development Downtown
Jones Avenue, off of Broadway, was a lonesome sandy-colored road fifteen years ago, home to the San Antonio Museum of Art—and not much else. Today, the art museum is practically hidden. The trees are grown, and new apartment buildings and pubs crowd the street. River North is among San Antonio’s newly flourishing neighborhoods, urban renewal happening uptown and downtown.
From Southtown to NIOSA: Boho Style Gets a Fiesta Remix
Forget the over-layered, fringe-heavy festival looks of the past—2025’s bohemian aesthetic is softer, sleeker, and effortlessly cool. It’s all about intentional texture, flowy silhouettes, and a little South Texas sparkle.
Women Making Waves
In honor of our womens' issue, Scene In SA spoke with five leaders changing the landscape of San Antonio across business, hospitality, and culture.
Puro SA: Puro Handsome Tommie
“I still very much run my shop like a record label. Subpop, Sacred Bones, SST, and all these classic punk record labels created a scene around their brands.” He noted that one of his favorite experiences during his time in the music industry was seeing at a big Scandinavian music festival how diligent they were about putting local merchants on showcase for visitors. “There’s tons of places to go put hair on the floor. I’m really proud of creating that image, brand, and culture that makes people want to be here, to be a part of it.”
Notes from Nirenberg: A Mayor’s Parting Thoughts on the Future of Our City
With our mayoral elections here in San Antonio fast approaching on May 3–and early voting running from April 22 through April 29–we thought a valuable voice to hear from among the cacophony of candidates currently vying for the spot would be the man who’s occupied the position for the past four terms: Mayor Ron Nirenberg.
Raise the Curtain: Jaselyn Blanchard-Pace Expands Joci Straus’ Legacy and Empowers the Next Generation
First, there was Joci Straus, whose passion and determination saved these theaters from decline. Now, Jaselyn Blanchard-Pace is carrying that mission forward, not only preserving their historic grandeur but also expanding opportunities for young performers through the Joci Awards and other educational initiatives.
Fiesta, Family & Philanthropy: Miss Fiesta 2025 & Chef Bohanan Celebrate Tradition and Community Impact
If there’s one thing that defines San Antonio, it’s Fiesta — a vibrant, joyous celebration rooted in history, culture, and community. This year, two standout figures are bringing that spirit to life in a special way: renowned chef and restaurateur Mark Bohanan and Miss Fiesta 2025, Kylie Rodriguez.
Money Goals
Scene In SA sat down with Jeremy Porcha, VP Financial Consultant at Charles Schwab, who provided savvy saving and investing tips, useful financial tools you should know, and best practices for keeping your accounts safe going into this year and beyond.
A Really Green House
Montemayor, retired engineer and Chairman of the Alamo Group of the Sierra Club, has transformed his Northside home into a “green” house, a place so energy-efficient, his electric bill runs as low as $19 a month.
A Heartfelt Guide to Valentine’s Day
San Antonio boasts endless unique experiences in every corner—if you know where to look. Scene In SA has the hook up.
DreamWeek 2025: “We Are Neighbor”
Over the course of 16 days, local organizations, city officials, and community members hosted a variety of events, seminars, and speaker panels across the city that covered a diverse range of topics.
Foreseen in SA: An Astrological Look Ahead at 2025
While there is much to understand when we look up at the skies, I wish to enlighten you on the differences between sidereal and tropical astrology, provide insight on 2025’s first quarter including important transits and lunar cycles, and describe how best to harmonize with the upcoming astroweather.
The Skinny on Ozempic
There are several considerations when it comes to taking GLP-1 drugs, especially without an underlying condition, a significant amount of weight to lose, or doctor supervision. Side effects and high costs can outweigh the benefits for some people, while others might be willing to endure a few inconveniences for a shot at a slimmer way of life.
Brown Butter Chili Crisp Recipe
Combining sweet and nutty brown butter with smoky chiles and warm seasonal spices, this recipe perfectly bridges the sweet–savory spectrum, as well as the proverbial East–West culinary divide.
Puro SA, One Year Later: Checking In with 2023 Picks
Aaron Peña and San Antonio Street Art Initiative share updates on what they’ve got cooking. Aaron’s organizing small businesses against construction nightmares and SASAI is setting up art parks, districts, and galleries.
A ‘Tis the Season Holiday Guide
It’s fall, and it’s officially time to kick off the holidays. Enjoy the holiday season with these festive events and gift ideas!