By Michael Robinson-Uvalde Hesperian

Picture by Robinson

12-29-25

  “Adventure is ridiculously easy to find,” Author William Least Heat Moon wrote in his nonfiction autobiographical travel book, Blue Highways. 

 If you’d like to start the New Year off with a little adventure without breaking the bank, this is something you can do here in South Texas that will create memories for years to come.

  Book a Greyhound Bus Trip from Uvalde to San Antonio: Having just done this out of necessity, I found out that hopping on the (not so) Dirty Dog was actually inexpensive and a lot of fun. A one-way ticket from Uvalde to San Antonio will run you about $28 dollars and the trip will take about an hour and a half but sometimes quicker.  A round trip the same day will cost about $50. 

The bus I rode was clean and not crowded plus offered comfortable seats and free Wifi and entertainment options. 

  The San Antonio Bus Station is located in Downtown San Antonio near the River Walk where there are a lot of things to do and see. If you’re even more adventurous, take a Bird or Lime Scooter to further explore the downtown area.  If a same day trip seems too rushed, book a return tip the next day.

  Upon arriving in the Downtown San Antonio area, being seated high up overlooking the traffic, I got a great view of the area and got to do some people watching.

Taking the bus will save your nerves from big city driving and expensive downtown parking.

   Greyhound has an app that can be downloaded onto any smartphone where you can buy tickets and even track the progress of your trip.

By Michael Robinson

12-21-25

If you regularly shop at a certain Uvalde Big Box store on the east side of town, you may have seen two regulars who show up at the parking lot.

Not sure if they have official names but in this article, I’ll refer to them as Milo and Otis.

The two usually mind their own business but one look from them has spurred shoppers to take a second trip back into the store to pick up a can of cat food or tuna. Not confirming or denying offering these two any food but I’ve noticed there are a number of friends that have helped them out with a morsel or two of food. They have a system going.

Like most cats, they know who the cat people are in those that don’t like cats.

As far as I can tell, they’ve been hanging around for a number of months. While ideally, they both deserve a good home, At least they have a good feline racket going at the big box parking lot, melting the hearts of cat loving shoppers for tuna or pet food.

The regular benevolent contributors of these two will know that the tuna isle is much closer to the front of the store than the pet food isle, just saying!

My wish for 2026, these two will be scooped up by a loving individual, spayed/neutered and relocated to a farm or permanently home.

December 21, 2025

By Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

December 21, 2025

The 38th Judicial District Attorney, Christina Mitchell, has failed to file an appeal within the 30-day period following the Texas Attorney General’s letter decision issued on October 22nd. According to legal counsel consulted by the Uvalde Hesperian, this missed deadline means the original Attorney General’s decision is now final and binding.

On August 22nd, the Uvalde Hesperian submitted a public records request to D.A. Christina Mitchell for the search warrant issued on or about May 24, 2022, for the residence of the Robb Elementary shooter’s grandmother, where the shooter had been living..

On December 3rd, the Hesperian followed up via email. D.A. Mitchell responded the same day, stating, “Additional information was submitted to the AG office.”

However, according to the attorney consulted by the Hesperian, any further communication with the Texas Attorney General does not extend or override the statutory appeal deadline.

The Uvalde Hesperian is now considering legal action, including filing a writ of mandamus in the 38th District Court against District Attorney Mitchell in her official capacity.

In the opinion of the Uvalde Hesperian, District Attorney Mitchell no longer has any legal basis to withhold the requested search warrant

By Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian 

12-21-25

  The prospect of becoming homeless is scary close for many Americans housing costs and the cost of living continues to go up. Lose your home and you can easily become a persona non grata person, meaning an unacceptable or unwelcome person to society.

  In response to the U.S Supreme Court Grants Pass Decision, President Donald Trump has doubled down on commending that States to enforce laws that criminalize public camping, sleeping in public and even loitering.  Want to take a brief nap at lunch after lunch?  It could be illegal now.

 Think this only applies to only those homeless living in tents on public property? The law actually can affect those who live in a vehicle such as car, truck, van or RV who are parked overnight on public property or a public right of way.

  Trump signed an executive order on July 24th, 2025 called Ending Illegal Encampments and Restoring Our Cities and Public Spaces. 

   According to the order it reads, “Endemic vagrancy, disorderly behavior, sudden confrontations, and violent attacks have made our cities unsafe.  The number of individuals living on the streets in the United States on a single night during the last year of the previous administration — 274,224 — was the highest ever recorded.”

President Trump’s Executive Order instructs the DOJ to look at using civil-commitment laws more aggressively for people with severe mental illness or addiction who are repeatedly cited for camping.

 (On December 19th, 2025) “A federal judge on Friday blocked President Donald Trump’s administration from imposing new restrictions on more than $3 billion in grant funding used to provide permanent housing and other services to homeless people,” a Reuters article said.

  According to an Investopedia article published on September 24th, 2025 , it says, “The percentage of people living paycheck to paycheck increased 4% from 2024 to 2025, with 67% of Americans struggling financially, a new report said.

According to the article, it reads, “A 2025 financial wellness study that looks at what employees value found that 67% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. That’s up from 63% in 2024, according to the PNC Bank Financial Wellness in the Workplace Report.1 As the cost of living rises, it’s easy to understand why more people are strapped for funds,”

 “Texas is home to tens of thousands of homeless families and individuals who do not have access to affordable housing or even safe and adequate shelter, and who instead must live outdoors until housing is available to them,” According to the National Homelessness Law Center article

   A Texas statewide camping ban (House Bill 1925) went live September 2021. It’s a Class C misdemeanor (up to five hundred dollar fine) for anyone to camp in any public place that isn’t a designated campground. Cops can cite or arrest you on the spot—no shelter has to be available requirements like some other states. – Cities can’t opt out or make their own softer rules anymore. 

   The City of Uvalde has recently had its own issues with homeless camps set up on City property, specifically the land just south of Uvalde Memorial Park along the banks of the Leona River. 

   In 2024, the Uvalde Hesperian went to the location and spoke with several of those living there including a man named Michael who stated his truck was towed off from being parked on a Dollar General Store privately owned property, He went on to say he was told he had to come up with several hundred dollars to reclaim his camper. Homeless campers issued “Notice to Vacate” by the City – Uvalde Hesperian

 City of Uvalde Ordinances pertaining to Recreational Vehicles

   Even if you are not homeless and own an RV, the City of Uvalde’s has strict codes on where a resident can park a RV an prohibits anyone residing it according to City of Uvalde Code

17.36.010 – Permitted accessory uses: E

 Additionally Parking an RV on a city street is illegal within the City of Uvalde.

10.32.070 – Parking of oversize vehicles on public streets or highways. F

  12-19-25

  Commentary by Michael Robinson

  Welcome to the time of year when many businesses like real estate offices, title companies, insurance companies, accounting and law firms as well as government and corporate offices and other organizations are keeping office hours but are actually not doing any real work. 

  From about December 15th, until a few days after New Years Day, many offices are open for “ahem” business, but not really. Half the staff have rushed HR a few weeks prior and have scheduled paid time off because, “if you don’t use it by the end of the year, you lose it.” Other employees may have called in sick because the holiday season is the time colds. flu and respiratory infections are making their germy, airborne rounds infecting people.

 So many offices have two or three staff members holding down the fort and answering the phones. Other business is usually handled by a specific employee named Susie, who won’t be back till after the first of the year. If you ask, “Can anybody else help me with that?” The answer is usually. “No. Suzie is the only one that can do that, and she won’t be back until after the first of the year. 

 What do company employees do besides answer the phones? Nothing, except surf the internet and do some last-minute Christmas shopping online. 

  Most employees are pros at looking busy.

Pro Tip: If you have to leave your desk, carry a 8 ½ by 11-inch paper and walk with a concerned look on your face. If the brass isn’t in, you don’t even have to do that. 

  If you are a customer or vendor calling to get something done you will hear a cheery, “Sorry, It’s the holiday’s you know. “

 Phones ring, lights are on, but everyone’s either skiing, drunk on eggnog, or pretending to shop. And yet nobody says, “Look, just close till January. We’ll survive.”

 Instead, we get this zombie half-staffed limbo where no one signs contracts, no one fixes printers, no one admits the weeks basically gone.

Need an oil change? Sorry, the auto shop that says, “Your oil can wait till New Year’s, boss is off with his family in Aspen.”

Are you wanting to close on a real estate deal during the holidays? Yeah, that’s really not happening, after all, it’s the holidays.

Need a rental car? Nope. 

  The other place that’s on ghost shift is accounts payable, like if somebody owes you money and you call a company and ask for accounts payable, they’re always out for the holidays:  they don’t want to pay you.

  The one silver lining at a number of financial institutions, insurance companies and real estate related businesses and day spas offer free mimosas, champaign, cookies and lovely charcuterie boards with cheeses, veggies and an array of sliced smoked meats for their customers and prospective customers for really business that will happen after the first of the year.

 Auto and RV dealerships will often have great spreads of goodies too and great deals can be had on new and used vehicles because of end of year inventory clearances.”What would it take to get you in this car or truck TODAY?”

Enjoy a flute or two of chilled Chardonnay while the nurse marks up your face for that Botox injection at the day spa.

  In San Antonio there is a huge list of places where one can office hop or shop and get tons of free finger foods and alcoholic beverages this time of year, especially on Friday and Saturday. Stay tuned for that article!

 So Merry Christmas, be of good cheer, but don’t expect any meaningful customer service until after the 1st, because “It’s the holidays!!”

Press Release from SkyWay Entertainment
December 11th, 2025

Top photo by Michael Robinson

UVALDE, TX – Friday, December 12, 2025 – SkyWay Entertainment is thrilled to announce the highly
anticipated grand re-opening of the Hangar 6 Air Cafe in Uvalde, Texas. After a period of extensive
preparations and exciting enhancements, the beloved aviation-themed eatery is once again ready to
welcome back the community, offering an elevated dining experience, breathtaking views, and brand-new
family attractions.
Hangar 6 Air Cafe is renowned for its unique atmosphere, allowing guests to enjoy delicious food while
watching aircraft take off and land, creating an unforgettable backdrop for any meal. The re-opening
marks a new chapter, promising an even better experience that is truly “Just PLANE Good.”
“We are absolutely delighted to re-open the doors of Hangar 6 Air Cafe and invite our Uvalde community
and all visitors back,” said Mark Espinoza, President of SkyWay Entertainment. “This project has been a
labor of love, and we are immensely grateful for the tireless efforts and exceptional craftsmanship of all
the local contractors and suppliers who partnered with us. Their dedication truly brought our vision to life
and highlights the incredible talent within our own community.”

A significant new addition to the cafe is a brand-new playground, specifically designed for younger
guests. This exciting feature ensures that Hangar 6 Air Cafe is not just a place for great food and unique
views, but also a vibrant hub for family fun where kids can enjoy a high-flying good time.
“Our vision for Hangar 6 Air Cafe has always been to create a cherished gathering place for families,
friends, and aviation enthusiasts alike,” said Mark Espinoza, President. “With our refreshed space,
commitment to ‘Just PLANE Good’ food, and the fantastic new playground, we’re confident that Hangar 6
will continue to be a destination where wonderful memories are made. We can’t wait to share it with
everyone.”
Hangar 6 Air Cafe is located at 249 Airport Blvd, Uvalde, TX 78801. For operating hours, menu details,
and to plan your visit, please visit https://hangar6aircafe.com/ or their Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/Hangar6AirCafe.

Media Contact: Mark Espinoza, President of SkyWay Entertainment (mark@skyway-ent.com)

12-09-25

Candidate announcement submitted by Ramona “Mona” Southward

Ramona “Mona” Esquivel Southward submits to be placed on the Democratic Ballot as a candidate for Justice of the Peace, Pct. 1, to serve as your next Uvalde County Justice of the Peace, Pct. 1.

Currently a retired Peace Officer for the State of Texas and employed as part-time support for the UCISD Motivate Our Students Texas Perfect Attendance Initiative by organizing, recruiting chaperones, and a lead in the expeditions.

As a public servant with 25+ years of experience in law enforcement having completed the Advanced Peace Officer Certification and Instructor Certification for a Police Academy, engaged in community service with various local organizations, served as an advocate with the Bluebonnet Children’s Advocacy Center and recruited Court Appointed Special Advocates for the Tri-County area, over 5 year experience as Chief Deputy, implemented the Office of Compliance for Uvalde County, and served as the Uvalde County Clerk. These experiences have made me the most qualified candidate to serve as your Justice of the Peace Precinct 1.

Registered voters in Precincts 1, 5, and 12, please consider allowing me to serve you as the Uvalde County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 by requesting a Democratic ballot and voting in the upcoming Primary Election.

The Uvalde Hesperian will publish candidates’ announcements free of charge for Uvalde County candidates running in the 2026 Democratic and Republican primaries.

Press Release from City of Uvalde: Gloria Resma, Parks and Recreation Manager
12-09-25

UVALDE, Tex. (Dec. 18, 2025) – The City of Uvalde and national nonprofit KABOOM! participated in a plenary session at the Texas Children in Nature Network Summit, where leaders from Uvalde came together to share how play and access to nature can support children’s health, reclaim joy, and pave a way towards long-term resilience.

The panel, hosted by Jen DeMelo, Vice President of Innovation at KABOOM!, the national nonprofit committed to end playspace inequity, featured the following speakers:

• Gloria Resma, City of Uvalde Parks and Recreation Manager
• Tammie Sinclair, Director, El Progreso Memorial Library
• Mayra Vasquez, Vice President, Rotary Club of Uvalde
• Dolly Schultz, U.S. Navy Veteran and American Legion Representative

Panelists discussed the transformative power of play in the wake of tragedy, the role of participatory design in reclaiming purpose and joy, and the community’s evolution in creating inclusive playspaces and expanding access to nature.

KABOOM! expressed deep gratitude to the City of Uvalde for its steadfast leadership and partnership.

Together, KABOOM! and the City have created six new playspaces, with two additional projects planned for 2026, ensuring more children and families have joyful, safe places to play and connect.

“Uvalde continues to show what’s possible when a community comes together to center the well-being of its kids,” said Jen DeMelo, Vice President of Innovation at KABOOM!. “Play and access to nature aren’t just nice-to-haves. They are essential for children’s physical, mental, emotional, and social health. Playing in nature helps kids build confidence, strengthen relationships, process big feelings, and reconnect with joy. The leadership and partnership we’ve experienced here in Uvalde is extraordinary, and it’s fueling real progress toward playspace equity. KABOOM! is proud to stand with Uvalde as they create inclusive, joyful spaces where every child can heal, grow, and thrive.”

As the year comes to a close, KABOOM! celebrates the collaboration, creativity, and resilience that make this partnership and pursuit towards playspace equity in Uvalde possible.

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About the City of Uvalde
The City of Uvalde suffered an unimaginable tragedy on May 24, 2022, with the Robb Elementary School shooting—a day that forever changed our community. In the midst of our grief, KABOOM stepped forward with compassion and support, helping us transform parks that were long overdue for care. Their partnership created more than just improved spaces; it offered our community a place to breathe again, to gather, to remember, and to begin healing together. During one of the darkest moments in our history, these renewed parks became symbols of hope, purpose, and unity for the people of Uvalde.

About KABOOM!
KABOOM! is the national nonprofit committed to ending playspace inequity – the reality that quality places to play are not available to every child, especially in communities of color. Since 1996, KABOOM! has partnered with kids and communities to create or transform 17,000+ playspaces and ensure that more than 12 million kids have equitable access to the critical benefits and opportunities that playspaces offer. KABOOM! continues to make progress on its 25 in 5 Initiative to End Playspace Inequity through new partnerships with a goal of accelerating efforts in 25 municipal systems toward achieving their mission at scale across the United States. Learn more at kaboom.org or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Information provided by Uvalde CISD

12-09-25

Uvalde CISD students will be presenting sounds of the Holiday Season with several music events open to the public.

Uvalde CISD will be having the UCISD District Elementary Christmas Concert tonight, Tuesday, December 9th

UCISD will be hosting the Annual Winter Concert Wednesday, December 10th at the John H. Harrell Auditorium beginning at 6 p.m. The concert will feature performances by the Uvalde High School Band, UHS Color Guard, Morales Junior High Band, and the MJH Beginner Band.