State of the City — Week of April 4

Continued Giving Day

In an effort to raise funds, UTSA will be hosting Giving Day, an opportunity for the university to raise money, from April 4 to April 5, 2023.

“Giving Days are a best practice in higher education funding,” Heather Green, senior director of Annual Giving, said. “Other universities have been hosting these mega-giving days to attract as much money as possible on those days. UTSA’s effort is modeled after those efforts.”

The event’s theme is “Build The Nest” — a nod to the Roadrunner community.

By Lauren Hernandez Assistant Arts & Life Editor

Misc:

On March 31, San Antonio portrait artist Angel RodriguezDíaz died at age 67. RodriguezDíaz used his portraits to reflect on cultural, political and social issues. His artworks have been featured in multiple galleries and museums across the country, such as the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C., the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago and the San Antonio Museum of Art. He created several public art projects in San Antonio, such as “The Beacon” and “Crossroads of Enlightenment.” These artworks will continue to show RodriguezDíaz’s impact on San Antonio.

Starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 1, the Pig Stand, a historic Broadway diner that permanently closed in March, auctioned off about 200 prized pigs and other memorabilia that decorated the restaurant. The Pig Stand had been in operation for 101 years, but the former owner, Mary Ann Hill, was forced to close its doors due to her health. The money made from auctioning off the pig memorabilia, which included porcelain pig figures, piggy banks and pig cookie jars, will go to the former employees of the diner.

San Antonio’s Pearl complex has extended its free parking hours until June 30. Pearl visitors parking in the 281 North, 281 South, Greyson or West lots can take advantage of free parking from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday. After 2 p.m. on these days, there is

Chloe Williams/The Paisano

a $3 fee. From Friday through Sunday, the first 30 minutes of parking are free and then a $10 fee is required. At the Riverwest and Norwell lots, there is free parking for the first two hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and then a $10 parking fee as well.

Crane flies – long-legged winged insects commonly known as mosquito hawks –have been abundant in San Antonio lately. They are most often found around streams and lakes. Due to the damp weather that the city has faced recently, these insects are being found everywhere in large numbers. Luckily, the myth that crane flies bite similar to mosquitoes is just that – a myth. Crane flies are harmless, but mosquitoes will take their place once they are gone for the spring.

Crime:

On Wednesday, March 29, a San Antonio man’s vehicle was stolen from his Northside home. Using an Apple AirTag, the man was able to track his truck down, finding it at a shopping center in the 3200 block of Southeast Military Drive. SAPD spokesperson Nick Soliz said the man saw his truck in the parking lot and did not wait for the police to arrive before confronting the person inside. The man claims that the person in the truck had a gun, prompting a “firefight.” Police believed that the car thief victim was the only one who fired shots, and they have not confirmed if there was more than one weapon at the crime scene. The suspected thief was shot and pronounced dead, and the shooter is not expected to face charges, although an investigation is ongoing.