#repost Natasha Hernandez ・・・ So, this is a big deal. It’s a block party to celebrate our public space that will soon be privatized. I was recently asked why I do community work despite the supposed inevitability of neighborhoods loosing theses fights against developers. It’s because I love San Anto and the special culture we have here. Most cities have a similar personality. I never hear about the vibrant culture in Oklahoma City that is distinct from Boise for example. Most of America is strip malls with the same national chains and suburbs with the same houses. But there are some places where intersections of cultures have made something rare and beautiful. The French, Africans, Spanish and Indigenous making New Orleans magic, the various Immigrant communities in the 5 Boroughs, the Asian and Queer communities that make San Francisco unique. Here in San Anto I have Indigenous history that makes me obsess over my plants and respect the earth and all it gives to me. Black history that me gives the heart to know community organizing can be successful and the music that changed everything (Did you know Robert Johnson recorded his first record in the Gunter Hotel on Houston street?) German history that makes my polka too bouncy and my beer so perfect for Texas heat, Spanish history that gives me the language for chisme on the phone with my sister and Santos I ask for favors. Mexican history that is so llena de vida it’s not just a stupid Fiesta week, it’s every damn day. It’s in the food we eat everyday, the music at the Mercado, and the cumbia circles at every wedding. The point is, history has given us the gift of a truly unique culture that was born here and I don’t want to see it tossed aside for generic buildings, chain restaurants and displacement that is meant to make neighborhoods “safer”. If you love San Anto, protect it. Vote and go to city council meetings, shop local and support family business, talk to your neighbors and have a louder, united voice when changes need to be made. . . . . #cherryandlamar #puenteparalagente #haysstbridge #community #eastside #bridgingthegap #dignowityhill #privatehandsoffpubliclands #photoshoot #210 #savetheview #thecityy

View from Hays Street Bridge San Antonio, Texas This spot is a real gem on the east side of San Antonio. When I got to the bridge there were already a variety of people hanging out there- families with little kids, a group of teenagers, a couple of photographers waiting for the sunset, people riding their bikes crossing every now and then. A train even passed under the bridge while I was there. I took this photo just after sunset. Right now, people who want this view preserved are protesting a plan to build an apartment complex on an empty lot right beside this bridge. They want to turn the lot into a park instead. Upon seeing this magnificent view, I must stand with them. instagram/twitter: @jicophotography #jicophotography #sanantonio #sanantoniotexas #yourshotphotographer #travelphotography #canonusa #cityscape #nightphotography #toweroftheamericas #texasphotography #natgeoyourshot #downtownsanantonio #haysstreetbridge #igsanantonio #igtexas #bridgephotography #eastside #bridgingthegap #dignowityhill #privatehandsoffpubliclands #cherryandlamar #puenteparalagente (at Hays Street Bridge)