Community
San Antonio Cooling Centers Open

The City of San Antonio will open cooling centers throughout the City to provide respite from the high temperatures. Cooling centers will observe COVID-19 precautions, including screening, sanitation and social distancing guidelines.
According to the Metro Health Heat Plan, the City is currently at a level III “heat advisory.” Under normal circumstances, cooling centers are not activated during Level III. Due to COVID-19 and fewer options for those individuals needing to seek shelter from the heat, the City is opening cooling centers sooner.
Ten Department of Human Services operated Comprehensive Senior Centers will open today and while the heat advisory is in effect from Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. To provide additional cooling center locations, select Libraries will open tomorrow as cooling centers only from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Patrons seeking relief from the heat will be allowed to sit in designated areas and utilize Wi-Fi on their own devices. Browsing and computer use will not be available at this time. Beginning June 15, select City Park Community Centers will be open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Please see attached list of City of San Antonio cooling centers.
In addition, the Department of Human Services, in partnership with Catholic Charities, is providing free box fans to community seniors through the Project Cool program. Residents who would like to request a fan or have heat related resources, should call the United Way Helpline at 211.
With increasing heat, Metro Health reminds the community to take the following precautions:
- Spend time at home or locations with air-conditioning. Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death.
- Stay well hydrated, regardless of your activity level.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and appropriate sunscreen.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine intake.
- Avoid heavy and/or hot foods—they add heat to your body.
- Limit outdoor activities during the heat of the day. Exposure to full sunshine can increase Heat Index Values by up to 15°F.
- Monitor those at high risk such as the elderly, infants, young children, and people who are ill or have chronic disease, such as heart disease or high blood pressure.
- Do not leave children or pets unattended in a closed, parked vehicle.
For information about transportation options, please visit www.viainfo.net.
Sunstroke, heat cramps or heat exhaustion are likely health effects resulting from heat and heat stroke is likely with prolonged exposure.
Warning signs of heat stroke include: red, hot, and moistor dry skin, no sweating, a strong rapid pulse or a slow weak pulse, nausea, confusion or acting strangely. If a child exhibits any of these signs after being in a hot vehicle, cool the child rapidly (not a nice bath but by spraying them with cool water or with a garden hose).Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
Metro Health’s Heat Plan follows the national weather service levels. The format resembles a countdown, with Level IV stating a normal/routine condition and Level I representing a maximum readiness/excessive heat warning. The heat plan provides information on how individuals can prepare for, prevent, recognize, and cope with heat-related health problems. Additionally, the plan provides a list of local agencies, which will furnish heat-related assistance during extreme heat weather conditions.
Community members can contact the National Weather Service for the most current weather conditions at 830-606-3617 or visit www.weather.gov/sanantonio for current hourly weather. Stay tuned for further notices.
2020 Cooling Centers
Site Name | Address | Phone | Zip Code | Days and Times |
Alicia Trevino Lopez Senior Center (District 6) | 8353 Culebra Rd | 210.558.0178 | 78251 | Mon – Fri7 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
Bazan Library | 2200 WEST COMMERCE STREET | 210.207.9160 | 78207 | Beginning 6/16/20Tue: 12 p.m. -7 p.m.Wed – Sat10 a.m.- 5 p.m. |
Bob Ross Senior Center | 2219 BABCOCK ROAD | 210.207.5300 | 78229 | Mon – Fri7 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
Carver Library | 3350 COMMERCE STREET EAST | 210.207.9180 | 78220 | From 6/9 – 6/13&Beginning 6/16/20Tue: 12 p.m.-7 p.m.Wed – Sat10 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
Claude W. Black/Eastside MSC | 2805 East Commerce Street | 210.207.5233 | 78202 | Mon – Fri7 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
Collins Garden Library | 200 PARK BOULEVARD NORTH | 210.207.9120 | 78204 | Beginning 6/9 – 6/13&After 6/16/20 Tue: 12 p.m. -7 p.m.Wed – Sat10 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
Copernicus Community Center | 5303 Lord Rd. | 210.648.1072 | 78220 | Mon – Fri7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |
Cortez Library | 2803 HUNTER BOULEVARD | 210.207.9130 | 78224 | Beginning 6/16/2020Tue: 12 p.m.-7 p.m.Wed – Sat10 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
Cuellar Community Center | 400 SOUTHWEST 36TH STREET | 210.207.3156 | 78237 | Mon – Fri7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |
District 2 Senior Center (Council District 2) | 1751 S WW White Rd | 210.207.5390 | 78220 | Mon – Fri7 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
District 5 Senior Center (Council District 5) | 2701 S Presa Street | 210.207.5270 | 78210 | Mon – Fri7 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
Garza, Gilbert Park | 1450 Mira Vista | 210.207.7275 | 78228 | Mon – Fri7:30 a.m. –5:30 p.m. |
Hamilton Community Center | 10700 NACOGDOCHES ROAD | 210.207.3121 | 78217 | Mon – Fri7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |
Johnston Library | 6307 SUN VALLEY DRIVE | 210.207.9240 | 78227 | From 6/9 – 6/13&Beginning 6/16/20Tue: 12 p.m.-7 p.m.Wed – Sat10 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
Memorial Library | 3222 CULEBRA ROAD | 210.207.9140 | 78228 | From 6/9 – 6/13Tue: 12 p.m.-7 p.m.Wed – Sat10 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
Miller’s Pond | 6175 OLD PEARSALL RD | 210.623.2900 | 78242 | Mon – Fri7:30 a.m. –5:30 p.m. |
Mission Library | 3134 ROOSEVELT | 210.207.2704 | 78214 | From 6/9 – 6/13&Beginning 6/16/20Tue: 12 p.m.-7 p.m.Wed – Sat10 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
Normoyle Senior Center | 700 CULBERSON AVENUE | 210.207.5650 | 78211 | Mon – Fri7 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
Northeast Senior Center | 4135 Thousand Oaks Dr | 210.207.4590 | 78217 | Mon – Fri7 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
Palm Heights Community Center | 1201 WEST MALONE AVENUE | 210.207.3099 | 78225 | Mon – Fri7:30 a.m. –5:30 p.m. |
Pan American Library | 1122 WEST PYRON | 210.207.9150 | 78221 | Beginning 6/16/20Tue: 12 p.m.-7 p.m.Wed – Sat10 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
Ramirez Community Center | 1011 GILLETTE BOULEVARD | 210.921.0681 | 78224 | Mon – Fri7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |
Schaefer Library | 6322 US Hwy 87 E | 210.207.9300 | 78222 | Beginning 6/16/20Tue: 12 p.m.-7 p.m.Wed – Sat10 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
South Side Lions Senior Center | 3303 Pecan Valley Dr | 210.207.1760 | 78210 | Mon – Fri7 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
Southside Lions Community Center | 3100 HIAWATHA | 210.207.3155 | 78210 | Mon – Fri7:30 a.m. –5:30 p.m. |
West End Park Senior Center (Council District 1) | 1226 NW 18th Street | 210.207.1719 | 78207 | Mon – Fri7 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
Westfall Library | 6111 ROSEDALE | 210.207.9220 | 78201 | From 6/9 – 6/13&Beginning 6/16/20Tue: 12 p.m. -7 p.m.Wed – Sat10 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
Willie M. Cortez Senior Center | 5512 W Military Dr | 210.207.5294 | 78242 | Mon – Fri7 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
Business
Bexar County Couple Offers Counseling & Mentorship Program

Community-based counseling is happening at Ken-Lyn Consultants and Associates, a vision Dr. Kenneth Brown and Dr. Lynda Brown had years ago. The couple is now considered a family counselor and life coach duo.
Ken-Lyn has been serving Bexar County since 2017 and has grown almost immediately from serving 3-5 clients weekly to serving 50-70 globally. One of their greatest accomplishments is their continuous “5-Star” ratings. Amazingly, of the thousands of clients that have chosen to write a review, they all have shared the same sentiment.
Dr. Lynda Brown is a product of the East Side, where her father, Dr. Walter Duncan, served as one of the leading dentists to Black clients. Her mom, Dr. Joan Duncan, spent 40 years as an educator and professor. Dr. Kenneth Brown’s mom was an office manager, church leader, and pianist in Southern Maryland.
The Brown’s services have taken them to faraway places such as Australia, Dubai, Italy, Hawaii, and Alaska. They travel to perform workshops and officiate weddings all over the country. The Brown’s business partner, Tiana Hill, is an Air Force veteran like Dr. Kenneth Brown. A University of Texas at San Antonio graduate, Hill develops all website and software programming, mentors the youth, and is also a parent in the program. Ken-Lyn’s associates and partners are specialists in their fields, such as nurse practitioners, military human resources, special education professionals, attorneys, doctors, pharmacists, information technology specialists, movers, mechanics, realtors, credit recovery, insurance brokers, and many more.
Ken-Lyn’s vast array of services is “everything family.” Their youngest client is four years old, and their oldest is 86. They have assisted over 110 students to get into four-year universities, helping them earn over $5.2 million in scholarships. Their clientele is diverse, from local families simply trying to keep their child in school to West Coast entertainers, East Coast politicians, doctors, lawyers, police officers, active military and veterans. They also serve as educational advocates during 504/IEP meetings from the school conference room to the Texas Education Agency and the Office of Civil Rights as needed.
Ken-Lyn Consultants and Associates has been where undergraduate psychology students come to “cut their teeth” and learn how to run a practice and market their services. As of spring 2023, 80% of their undergraduate interns have come from UTSA. Interns serve in the tradition of “camp counselors” as they aid students within the Ken-Lyn mentorship program.
They say, “We monitor grades. We aid them with everything from hygiene, makeup application, grooming, and college prep to cleaning and organizing backpacks. We help our mentees to discover themselves, despite the possible odds and misunderstandings they may face daily.”
This spring, Ken-Lyn has a busy community schedule while serving clients daily:
- Their office has recently expanded, and on March 23 at 6:30 pm, they will host a brief “Business Blessing Ceremony.” Dr. Otis Mitchell, pastor of Mt. Zion First Baptist Church, will officiate.
- On Thursday, March 30, the six-week “12 Steps Toward Communicating Better” workshop will conclude at the Windmill Ice House at 2769 Nacogdoches Rd, featuring artist Elizabeth Holmes and the Ken-Lyn Communicators Band.
- Their mentorship program will host female and minority pilots at the Boerne Stage Field, 100 Boerne Stage Airfield, on Sunday, March 26 at 5 pm.
- Other mentorship guest speakers this semester will include professionals in tech fields, professors, and adults who have turned their lives around for themselves and their families.
- Every semester, students in their program will tour at least two colleges. This semester, they will visit Our Lady of the Lake University and Texas A&M University at College Station.
To learn more about Ken-Lyn’s services, visit (KenLynConsultants.com) or call 210-761-4345.
Community
Celebrating 100 Years – Saleta Rodgers

On 26 February 1923, Saleta Wilson was born to Rev. Rufus and Odessa Wilson of San Antonio, TX. She was the second child of six siblings.
She attended pre-integration San Antonio Independent School District (schools: Cuney Elementary; Frederick Douglas Jr High and graduated from Phyllis Wheatly High School). Later she went to cosmetology school. Many San Antonians were grateful for her coiffeur skills.
A lot of her early years were spent at church, where the Wilson children learned Biblical teaching and developed a love of singing. Saleta was a member of Mt. Zion First Baptist, Friendship Baptist, and Mt. Pleasant Baptist churches. Her father organized Antioch Baptist Church in 1935; she was a charter member. He later organized Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in 1952, where she is a charter member and still attends today.
While serving in the military at Lackland AFB, Prince Rogers visited Antioch, where he met Saleta. In 1946 they united in matrimony. The union lasted until his death in 1989, almost 43 years. Upon completing his military service, the couple moved to Prince’s home, Mobile, Alabama, where two children were born, Kenneth and Jacqueline.

Saleta was an active part of the church community in Mobile. Along with her duties as wife/mother/sewing for herself and others, she united with Mt Sinai of Whistler, Alabama, and was active in their Sunday school, choir, and Mission Circle. The family returned to San Antonio after four years.
Following her parents teaching, “Don’t send them, Bring Them,” she made sure her children had a spiritual base for their lives. While working in the beauty shop, she accompanied her children at church and their various activities. Wednesday night Bible Study was a routine family engagement. At any baseball/football/basketball game, she could be found in the bleachers or somewhere in the area. This chaperoning continued with her grandchildren. She was an active PTA member. She was involved in home, neighborhood, church, and community and even worked the polls on election days.
Saleta is an excellent cook, but everyone’s favorite is her home-made dinner rolls. There are many fond memories of fabulous dinners with family and friends.
After retirement, Saleta worked as a substitute teacher for 14 years with SAISD.
She has opened her home for some who needed a place to live. Through sickness, pain, agony, headache, heartache, nursing, caring, and losses, Saleta has remained a devoted disciple of Christ. Through it, all of God’s business never suffered and was never cut short. As it gets late in her evening, her steps may be a little slower/shorter now, but she’s still about the Father’s business. She continues to believe “when praises go up, blessings come down.”
Black Life Texas
A Crowded Mayor’s Race

By Chris Dawkins
Feb. 17 was the deadline for candidates to file their intentions to run for an elected office. Election Day in San Antonio is Saturday, May 6, 2023.
Below are the City of San Antonio Mayor and City Council candidates. In a later magazine issue, we will include other candidates for school boards and other municipalities.
If you are a candidate in Bexar County and would like to be included in future issues of Black Life Texas, please submit a (75 word) description of your candidacy to; (CandiCandidate@BlackLifeTexas.com).
Here are the San Antonio municipal candidates:
Mayor (10) Candidates
Christopher Longoria, Ray Adam Basaldua, Diana Flores Uriegas, Ron Nirenberg*, Michael Idrogo, Armando Dominguez, Gary Allen, Christopher T. Schuchardt, Michael Samaiego
District 1 (10) Candidates
Sukh Kaur, Ernest Salinas, Jeremy Roberts, Lauro Bustamante, Mario Bravo*, Kaitlyn Folk, Roberto Rios Ortega, James Matthew Duerr, William T. Lamar-Boone
District 2 (10) Candidates
Carla Walker, Edward Earl Giles, Jalen McKee-Rodriguez*, James M. Guild, Denise Gutierez, Denise McVea, Wendell Carson, Patrick Jones, Rose Requeneq Hill, Michael John Good
District 3 (4) Candidates
Larry La Rose, Phyllis Viagran*, Jayden Munoz, Erin Gallegos Reid
District 4 (3) Candidates
Adrian Rocha Garcia*, Gregorio De La Paz
District 5 (3) Candidates
Teri Castillo*, Arturo Espinosa, Rudy Lopez
District 6 (2) Candidates
Irina Rudolph, Melissa Cabello Havrda*
District 7 (5) Candidates
Dan Rossiter, Marina Alderele Gavito, Jacob Chapa, Sandragrace Martinez, Andrew “AJ” Luck
District 8 (2) Candidates
Cessario Garcia, Manny Pelaez*
District 9 (5) Candidates
John Courage*, David Allan Lara, Jarrett Lipman, Dominque Lui, James Casey
District 10 (7) Candidates
Joel Scolis, Madison Gutierrez, Margaret Sherwood, Marc Whyte, Rick Otley, Robert Flores, Bryan R. Martin
* Indicates incumbent
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