On April 6, 2025, COPS/Metro convened a nonpartisan accountability session at St. John Berchman Catholic Church - drawing more than 200 leaders representing 15 institutions across San Antonio’s South and West sides. The session brought 10 city council candidates from districts 4, 5, and 6 to the table to listen, respond, and commit.
Also present was Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar, who addressed the crowd on their legal rights and how they can confidently and safely engage with law enforcement, even in these times of uncertainty.
“We are here today to make sure that all community members feel safe in their community and can trust local law enforcement. We do not want people to be afraid to call the police if they are a victim or witness of crime, and therefore having crime go unreported in our communities,” said Lupita Valdez, Sacred Heart Catholic Church. “Pope Francis urge(d) the people of goodwill to not give in to ‘narratives’ that discriminate against and cause unnecessary suffering to immigrants and refugees.”
Leaders shared vivid stories about the realities they experience in their neighborhoods - gunshots, vandalism, and neglected recreational space.
“The Westside is home to the poorest zip code in the city,” said Sarah Mauricio, St. John Berchman and Thompson Community Neighborhoods. “We want to learn the skills we need to earn a good income. Our side of town has been waiting for decades for basic infrastructure. We need sidewalks, stop signs, upkeep to our parks, flooding infrastructure, and more.”
Leaders sought commitments from candidates on the following issues:
- Oppose the use of an any public funding for Project Marvel
- Sustain investment in Project Quest
- Prioritize flood mitigation without displacing families
- Release of designated funds for Benavides Park
- Host Community Safety Fairs to distribute gun locks
Candidates in attendance included:
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Council District 4 • Ernesto Arrellano Jr • Edward Mungia |
Council District 5 • Pablo Arriaga III • Councilwoman Teri Castillo • Raymond Zavala |
Council District 6 • Lawson Alaniz-Picasso • Chris Baecker • Ric Galvan • Kelly Ann Gonzalez • Gerald Lopez |
All candidates agreed to meet with COPS/Metro on a regular basis if elected and leaders committed to educate and motivate their family, friends, and neighbors to vote.
The session agenda was built upon thousands of conversations with families across San Antonio, including small group and 1-on-1 conversations within South/West neighborhoods and institutions.