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By Lou DugganNews Of Local InterestAltaf Safri, Partner With New York Life Recognized By AR151BAJAuly 4th Floodccording to News4 San Antonio, hundreds of photos and videos claiming to show the devastation in the Hill Country — along with celebrities rushing to help — began circulating online after July’s deadly floods. None of them were real. And the people posting them weren’t looking to help. The images were emotional, and the captions were convincing, but experts say they were manufactured to manipulate viewers. The goal of the posts was to drive donations to fraudulent links.New Laws in EffectMore than 800 new laws went into effect in Texas on Sept. 1. New laws range from school vouchers and water infrastructure funding to a ban on city and county-funded abortion travel funds.Democrats Fined for Leaving State During SessionAustin station KXAN reports that more than 50 Democratic representatives in the Texas House left the state for weeks in August, in an attempt to block a vote on redrawn maps of Texas’ U.S. congressional districts and raise national awareness of the maps. As a whole, the group of House Democrats who broke quorum will have to pay more than $350,000 for the absentee fines, plus the $124,943.25 for DPS’s efforts to bring them home. The total fines add up to nearly half a million dollars.Bexar RaisesThe San Antonio Report highlighted budget raises for Bexar County officials. “Bexar County Commissioners voted (in late August) to again raise their own salaries, bringing Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai’s salary from about $205,000to nearly $209,000 per year for the 2026 fiscal year. The county’s four commissioners will make about $165,000 per year, including a $9,000 per year car allowance. The county judge also receives executive security detail, which provides his transportation. In addition to the county commissioners, the raise would apply to the district attorney, the county clerk, the district clerk, the tax assessor-collector, justices of the peace and probate court judges. Bexar County’s average household income was $82,500 in 2025.” Spurs ArenaPACs are attempting to sway voters on Spurs arena vote. The focus of their efforts is to raise money to get an arena deal approved — or shut down — on Bexar County’s Nov. 4 ballot. HousingIn July, foreclosure activity across the U.S. increased month-over-month, with a total of 36,128 properties with foreclosure filings — including default notices, scheduled auctions, or bank repossessions — up 11 percent from June and up 13 percent from July 2024. Nationwide, one in every 3,939 housing units faced a foreclosure filing. Texas ranked 8th for foreclosures - 1 in every 2,990 housing units. Texas EconomyIn August, Governor Greg Abbott recognized the strength and resilience of the Texas economy as the state set new records for total nonfarm jobs and the number of Texans working based on July data. Texas also outpaced the national annual job growth rate, adding 232,500 jobs over the previous 12 months. “Texas continues to see sustained job growth thanks to having the best business climate in America and the productivity of hardworking Texans,” said Governor Abbott.Amy Lee Rodriguez, Assistant of Altaf Safri , Jonathan Barragan, agent New York Life , Altaf Safri, Partner with New York Life and Gina Barbera, Director of AR151BA.who have a desire for entrepreneurship or are looking for a new career in San Antonio. He has always enjoyed offering othersthe opportunity to build a career that they love. He enjoys working with honest & hard workers with a passion for serving others. He values open & honest communication, is committed to building long term relationships with his peers and community and strives to recruit a team of driven, humble and capable individuals who work at New York Life.To contact Altaf Safri and see how you can start a career with New York Life, call (210) 321-2760 or email aasafri@newyorklife.com.ABy Staff(AR151BA) for his continued support of theltaf Safri, a Partner with New York Life, was recognized by the Alamo Ranch/151 Business Associationassociation and was presented a special art piece as a thank you.Altaf Safri is a husband, father and Partner with New York Life Insurance Company. He has been an agent, senior agent, Eagle Strategies agent, and partner with a tenor over 16 years with New York Life.In his role as an agent, he guided & helped protect numerous clients with their financial needs, retirement planning and forging a legacy. Currently, he is building a team of successful financial professionalsNothing Bundt Cakes Recognized By AR151BAPostal Hub & More Recognized By AR151BABAy StaffLBy StaffRanch/151 Business Association (AR151BA) and presented a special label pin for their continued support.At Nothing Bundt Cakes NW, they are passionate about crafting cakes that are as delightful as they are delicious. Each Bundt Cake is baked with the finest ingredients, creating rich, moist flavors topped with their signature cream cheese frosting that truly takes the cake. From birthdays and special events to everyday treats, their cakes make the perfect centerpiece for any celebration.With whimsical and classic decorations to complement every occasion, their mission is to bring joy and create sweet memories in our community. They are excited to continue their membership with the Alamo Ranch/151 Business Association.Visit Nothing Bundt Cakes at 11620ndy Anderson owner of Postal Hub and More was recognized by Alamo Ranch/151 Businessesli Gabbert, Marketing Manager with NW & West Nothing Bundt Cakes was recognized by AlamoAssociation for his continued support of the association and was presented a special plaque.Postal Hub & More is a dependable mail, print & business services and proudly military veteran-owned and located at 12370 Potranco Rd, Suite 207 in San Antonio, TX 78253. Postal Hub & More is your trusted one-stop shop for packing, shipping, printing, and business solutions. Their professionally trained team delivers Super- Star Customer Care, saving you time and money with the right products and services in one quick visit.They partner with the four major carriers—UPS, FedEx, USPS, and DHL—to pack and ship [almost] anything to [almost] anywhere in the world. Their premier copy, print, and document services handle projects of any size—black-and-white or full color—with precision and speed. From business essentials to personal projects, theyLesli Gabbert, Marketing Manager with NW & West Nothing Bundt Cakes &Gina Barbera, Director of AR151BABandera Road San Antonio, TX 78250 to experience why Nothing Bundt Cakes NW is the go-to destination for celebrations big and small.Interested in partnering with us for Events, Fundraising, or our Elementary School Reading Program? Email Lesli at lesli.gabbertnbc@gmail.comshe would love to connect!Gina Barbera , Director of AR151BA and Andy Anderson , owner of Postal Hub and More.help you focus on what you do best while they take care of the rest.At Postal Hub & More, they are more than a service center— they are your neighbors, partners, and problem-solvers.They can be reached at (210) 332-5538 or visit https://canvasprintingsanantonio. com.Support Groups - continued from page 7 predictive of better physical and mental health-related quality of life at three-year follow-up appointments for breast cancer patients. That means the benefits of joining a breast cancer support group are not only evident during treatment, but endure longafter treatment as well.• Support groups can be informative on multiple levels. Breastcancer.org notes that participation in a support group can teach women diagnosed with the disease how to become better advocates for themselves.That’s a notable benefit, as womenconfronting the mental health side effects of cancer treatment, including depression and anxiety, may feel as though they lack agency. In addition, by listening to others in a support group, women can identify new resources for understanding their diseaseand treatment plan.Support groups can be invaluable forwomen diagnosed with breast cancer. Women can speak with their cancer care team to learn about local support groups.8www.heloteshighlights.comOctober 2025