San Antonio Public Safety Committee Meeting - October 20, 2026

The Public Safety Committee met on October 20, 2026, at 2:38 PM with quorum present (Councilmembers Maki Rodríguez, José Castillo, Spears, White, and Chief Core). The committee reviewed multiple agenda items including Animal Care Services (ACS) performance, domestic violence data, the Good Neighbor Program, crime statistics, and the Dart property abatement program. No agenda or minutes were available beyond the transcript.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the September 23 meeting without opposition. Motion by Councilmember Castillo.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Paul: Addressed spay/neuter data. Emphasized the need for better reporting by species and gender, noted that contracts often miss goals, and advocated for mobile clinics citing experience in Houston (23 surgeries per day).
• Vicky Sturman: Expressed frustration with stray dogs and criticized ACS for partnering with Best Friends, which she claimed promotes leaving dogs on streets. Urged implementation of a strategic plan focused on dangerous dogs.
• Jennifer Mate: Represented a dog rescue organization. Described a critical problem of stray dogs creating dangerous conditions. Criticized ACS for lack of enforcement and specifically condemned the arrest of 71-year-old Olga García, who was trying to help dogs. Asked for policies that prioritize real animal cruelty cases and support for rescuers.
• Tina Castro: Given six minutes; echoed concerns about stray dogs and the criminalization of those who help animals. Called for justice and better collaboration.

Discussion Items

Animal Care Services (ACS) FY2026 Report

• Presentation by Deputy City Manager John Gary and ACS Director. Key data: 5.6% fewer animals in shelter vs. FY2025; 18,932 stray dogs (lowest in 10 years); 26% increase in adoptions; live release rate declined due to a distemper outbreak that forced euthanasia of 7 dogs and testing of 200+ dogs (16 positive, 2 new cases). Spay/neuter surgeries increased by 7,000 with two new clinics, but cancellations and no-shows (42.5% average) remain a challenge. Comparative analysis with Austin, Dallas, Houston showed San Antonio has the most incoming animals and highest enforcement actions.
• Council Questions:
  • Councilmember White probed policies on picking up stray dogs – ACS admitted they lack personnel and prioritize aggressive/injured animals; cannot respond to every report. Requested cost recovery data.
  • Councilmember Maki Rodríguez asked about spay/neuter costs per species, contracts vs. in-house, and requested a budget follow-up memo.
  • Councilmember Castillo inquired about outcomes of ambassador program, no-show costs (none currently), and urged better coordination with county.
  • Councilmember Spears emphasized need for a concrete plan to reduce stray dogs, not just incremental steps. Called for aggressive metrics, free adoptions, and better recruitment of veterinarians.

Domestic Violence Update

• Presentation by María (CCBD) and Judge Díaz. Data: 42% of children and 29% of adults reported witnessing domestic violence (up from 2023). 1,907 connections to services via United Way (5/day), 13,500 visits to assistance centers (27/day). 58,000+ emergency calls (7/hour). 28 family violence homicides (down from 2020 peak); 13 intimate partner homicides (low compared to Travis and Harris counties). 1,579 protective orders issued. 900 people received shelter, 20,000 received advocacy services. A 5-year prevention plan is mid-implementation focusing on communication, evaluation, and youth education.
• Council Discussion: Councilmember White asked about measuring long-term stability of survivors – services include residential and crisis management for up to two years. Councilmember Castillo requested breakdown of shelters by agency and noted difficulty for some victims to access shelters (e.g., missing birth certificates). Councilmember Maki Rodríguez asked about the 800 cases received vs. 1,000 served – many do not need extra support; requested more granular data.

Good Neighbor Program

• Presentation by María Vargas Yates (Office of Integrated Community Safety). Program addresses chronic nuisance properties. Since 2023, 56 cases identified (37 active). Proposed ordinance: properties with 16+ calls in 365 days become eligible; owners/tenants must register and complete a reduction plan; failure to comply results in a $500 fine. Implementation 90 days after council approval.
• Public Comment: Raymond Nájera shared personal story of a fatal dog attack after repeated unheeded calls. Urged better coordination and accountability.
• Council Discussion: Councilmember White asked about criteria (16 calls) and fine collection rates – staff admitted no historical data but promised follow-up. Councilmember Castillo noted concern about repeat offenders and wanted support for the lone program manager (Megan). Councilmember Maki Rodríguez questioned about linking to other city services. A motion to advance the ordinance to full council was made and approved without opposition.

Crime Statistics Update

• Presentation by Chief Core or staff. Highlights: Homicides down 40% (national trend); property crimes down; increases in kidnapping/human trafficking due to proactive operations with US Marshals (45 exploited individuals identified); robberies and vehicle thefts slightly up. Response time at lowest ever. Staffing: 360 officers deployed but ideal is 383; more detectives needed for special victims unit.
• Council Questions: Councilmember White asked about proactive patrols in hot spots – confirmed 85-90% coverage. Councilmember Maki Rodríguez requested context for increased kidnappings (linked to trafficking operations and revenge porn cases). Follow-up requested on ideal staffing by substation.

Dart Program (Dwelling Abatement Review Team)

• Presentation by staff. FY26: 40 inspections (down from 57 in FY25) due to voluntary resolutions and staffing constraints. 27 cases rejected for incomplete documentation. 9 properties in compliance, 17 pending hearings, 1 in litigation, 13 under special circumstances (elderly, disabled, family disputes). Successful case: removal of microplastics illegally stored near aquifer. Councilmember Castillo asked about recidivism (estimated 25-30%) and cost recovery opportunities. Councilmember Maki Rodríguez thanked the team and expressed interest in participating in inspections.

Key Outcomes

• Motion Approved: The Good Neighbor Program ordinance will be forwarded to the full City Council for consideration, including a parallel ordinance for administrative hearings and appeals. The motion passed unanimously.
• Directives:
  • ACS to provide a follow-up memo on spay/neuter costs, cost recovery per service, and a plan to increase veterinarians and surgeries.
  • Staff to prepare a presentation on ideal police staffing levels by substation and unit.
  • Domestic violence presenters to provide more detailed data on case management and outcomes.
• Referrals: Councilmember White requested cost recovery data from all departments given fiscal constraints. Councilmember Maki Rodríguez asked for a strategic plan update for ACS with aggressive targets.
• Next Steps: The committee will reconvene in November for further discussions on crime trends and police staffing.