Elaine Ayala

Escuelitas rose out of a response to segregated Mexican schools

expressnews.com — While many have studied the history of Mexican American students in public education, none have written extensively about the little-known role of escuelitas. In such times, Barragán Goetz says Mexican and Mexican American parents were the “asserting agency” in organizing escuelitas to fill the gaps in schooling and build pride among their children.

The Maya and Olmec, living in tandem

blog.mysanantonio.com — New work at the archaeological site of Ceibal in Guatemala has uncovered new evidence about the Maya that disputes the traditional theories about their development. Some scholars have viewed the Mayan civilization as developing independently from the Olmec; while others believe the Mayans developed from an Olmec "mother culture."

Ruth's Chris to lay off, rehire as part of downtown move

mysanantonio.com — When it moves from Sunset Station to the Grand Hyatt next fall, Ruth's Chris Steak House will add breakfast and lunch to the menu, moving away from a dinner-only format. Kathy Glascock, spokeswoman for the high-end chain's two restaurants in San Antonio, called the notice a formality.

Mission Reach awaiting water education park

mysanantonio.com — Even with all its new recreational amenities, the nearly complete Mission Reach of the San Antonio River still lacks a place where students and other visitors can pause to learn about water's vital role in South Texas. The centerpiece will be a lofty sheltered area with an undulating, leaflike roof to capture rainwater for underground storage cells.

Enforcement of 'no-tossing' ordinance reverberates through Fiesta

mysanantonio.com — On the Monday after Fiesta 2013, while some San Antonians were still combing confetti from their hair and non-profit groups were still counting their booty, others were talking about a lingering controversy.

May 1 march will beat drum for immigration reform legislation

blog.mysanantonio.com — About eayala Elaine Ayala is 30-year newspaper veteran who has served as a news reporter, copy editor, editorial page writer and editor, features editor and writer. A University of Pennsylvania graduate, she has worked for six metropolitan dailies and served several national journalism organizations.

Former San Antonian honored by King Juan Carlos of Spain

blog.mysanantonio.com — Octavio A. Hinojosa Mier, the former chief operations officer of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, has received the Officer's Cross of the Order of Civil Merit from King Juan Carlos I of Spain. Hinojosa Mier was recognized for his "leadership in promoting stronger U.S.-Spanish relations."

District 8 candidate won contract as panelist

mysanantonio.com — When District 8 City Council candidate Rolando Briones served on the Planning Commission in 2011, he won an engineering contract from the city worth up to $500,000, though the City Charter and ethics code prohibit âcity officersâ from seeking such contracts.