Talk of the recession possibly hitting the bottom (meaning a potential recovery is on the way) may not be just a bunch of hooey. At least, not if you look at San Antonio's most recent unemployment numbers. In October, the Alamo City saw the unemployment rate drop to 7%. This is compared to 7.1%, which was the rate for September. While .1% does not seem like a huge drop, this means that while several still lost their jobs, there was a net gain of 1,100 jobs for the month. The biggest sectors t... Read Full Story

The Milken Institute each year puts out a list of the Top Performing Cities in the United States, and San Antonio just missed the top 10 cut. Instead, the Alamo City came it at a still very-respectable 11th. Nearby neighbor Austin was ranked number one based on a whole host of factors including economic performance and the ability to both create new jobs and maintain old ones. Several Texas cities other than Austin and San Antonio were also on the list. In fact, Killeen/Temple/Fort Hood ranke... Read Full Story

A couple of weeks ago, I told you about some really big price issues with CPS' proposed nuclear project. The update: In a nutshell, CPS had originally been given an estimate of $13 billion for the controversial nuclear power project. However, the Toshiba Corporation gave an ammended proposal of $17 billion, which put the project in danger. A team of CPS representatives was dispatched to Japan to discuss the increase, and though nothing has bee resolved, some deadlines have been set. Toshiba h... Read Full Story

Fiesta San Antonio 2010 is still months away, but you can get into the spirit early by doing your holiday shopping there! This year, the Fiesta Store will be open beginning November 30th for shoppers. They will be open through December 18th, with daily hours from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. In addition to the normal t-shirts, official posters and other fare, there will be special holiday items on sale including wine bags that look like a Santa Claus suit, a Fiesta throw and matching table runner.... Read Full Story

When I first read the news that Edwards Aquifer users would have an increase in their water bill beginning next year, I thought it meant for everyone. Luckily, a closer look at the article in today's San Antonio Business Journal shows that industrial and municipal users will see the increase--but it appears that residential users will not see a hike. This is good news in light of the recent revelation that your electric bills would see an increase. Of course, there has hardly been any cold we... Read Full Story

When it rains, it really pours, and we can be thankful for that for several reasons. First, the rain was much-needed because of the drought that had a stranglehold on the region for many months now. Second, these recent rains mean that the drought is officially over. The announcement was made by City Manager Sheryl Sculley recently. So what does this big announcement mean? It means that the Stage 1 water restrictions have been lifted, with the exceptions being Anaqua Springs Ranch, Timberwood... Read Full Story

If anyone was wondering how they could help the victims of last week's tragic shooting spree at nearby Fort Hood, then here is one way-- donate blood. In addition to the 600 units of donated blood needed daily to help medical patients right here in San Antonio, blood and platelets are needed in Fort Hood to help the survivors of the rampage that are still recovering. Because the amount of blood and platelets at the regional blood bank are adequate, they have agreed to send any extra units tha... Read Full Story

City Public Service (CPS) seems to have some price issues lately, and for once it's not just the price you see on your bill. Actually, this could be worse than that and could significantly affect your bills in the future. According to the San Antonio Business Journal, the original cost estimate for two nuclear reactors that the municipally-owned power company was set to build has gone up-- by a lot. And now an investigation will have to be done. The original cost estimate from the Toshiba Cor... Read Full Story

I don't know about you, but Election Day seemed to just sneak up on me. But it is finally upon us, so make sure you get to the polls sometimes today. If you need help finding out whre to go vote in your particular district, you can refer to this handy list. So what do we vote for today? Here in Texas, quite a bit. There are a total of 11 proposed state constitutional ammendments on the ballot that cover everything from eminent domain to access to public beaches. There really is quite a bit, a... Read Full Story

Although the calendar has flipped to November, Oktoberfest is in full swing. Or more specifically, Wurstfest is still happening all week through November 8th. Wurstfest is a 'salute to sausage' being held in New Braunfels. It started on October 30th and will be held all week (yes, even weekdays) until this coming Sunday, so you have plenty of time to get over there and check it out. Festivities include food (more than just sausage), drinks (especially beer) and lots of live music, much of whi... Read Full Story