Morning San Antonio! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Why do Norway's navy ships all have barcodes? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Valvoline Plans New San Antonio Service Center (whatnow.com) — A former Sonic Drive-In site on Nacogdoches Road is slated to become a new Valvoline Instant Oil Change center, adding another quick-service option for San Antonio drivers. Construction is expected to start in March 2027 and wrap by September, with services likely including oil changes and other basic maintenance once an opening date is set.
2. Mushrooms, memories, and metal: Latinx sci-fi cinema shines in the sixth installment of Raza Cósmica (tspantx.com) — A free three-day Raza Cósmica film festival is coming to Arthouse at Blue Star and the Central Library in San Antonio from Oct. 8–10, spotlighting Latinx and BIPOC sci-fi and speculative films. The event opens with the San Antonio premiere of the documentary "Daughters of the Forest," followed by shorts, a Texas feature premiere, and a live podcast with San Antonio filmmakers.
3. Man who shot, paralyzed San Antonio Marine Corps veteran could get up to 99 years (star-telegram.com) — A Bexar County jury has convicted Wilmer Vladimir Ruiz Ortega of multiple aggravated assault charges for shooting San Antonio Marine Corps veteran Jimmy Friesenhahn at a West Side sports bar, leaving him paralyzed. Ruiz Ortega now faces up to 99 years in prison, while the case continues to draw attention because of security questions and his immigration detainer.
4. These San Antonio things don't make sense to anyone else (mysanantonio.com) — Locals will recognize themselves in this look at the uniquely San Antonio habits that confuse outsiders, from breakfast and puffy tacos to Spurs playoff honking and Fiesta traditions. The piece highlights how high schools, local slang, and celebrations like Battle of Flowers make the city feel like a tight-knit small town despite its size.
5. Memorial street designation for drag icon Erica Andrews approved by San Antonio City Council (tspantx.com) — San Antonio City Council has approved a memorial street designation along Main Avenue in the Pride Cultural Heritage District to honor beloved drag performer and trans activist Erica Andrews. New plaques and markers, funded by the District 1 office, will highlight her legacy and help preserve LGBTQ+ history while boosting cultural tourism and visibility for nearby locally owned businesses.
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Ok San Antonio! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "Why do Norway's navy ships all have barcodes?" — So when they come back to port they can just scan-da-navi-an! (Thank you Jessica C. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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