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SBy Lou Dugganenate Bill 2529 authored by Texas Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, proposes to increase the thresholdapproval of local governing entities, such as a school board or city council, when they need to put a bond on public ballot. Currently, all that is needed is a simple majority vote of 50%, but this bill would raise that threshold to 60%.“It’s the question of winning versus doing the right thing for taxpayers,” said Bettencourt during a senate committee hearing. The bill also mandates an even higher threshold (80% approval) for a bond that is up for re-election after failing in a previous year.Last month The San Antonio Report stated “after leaving the mayor’s office, Ron Nirenberg will return to Trinity University as a professor in practice in the communications department this fall. The Trinity alumnus served as the general manager of the school’s KFTU FM 91.7 radio station before starting his political career.”The Epic Times reports that Texas lawmakers have been working to shake up the monetary system in creative ways. Some states have already made significant moves. Called “transactional gold bills,” the most far-reaching proposals wouldNews Briefs Impacting Local Areacreate state-backed systems to facilitate commerce in precious metals. Texas has been at the forefront of the movement. With major grassroots support and one of the top 10 largest economies in the world, the Lone Star State is leading the effort. Under the proposed plan, HB 1056, sponsored by more than 80 House members from both parties, the state’s bullion depository would manage a state-backed system to allow commercial transactions. Using debit account-style cards linked to the precious metals deposited there, citizens and merchants could choose to pay or be paid in either gold or Federal Reserve Notes. The metals can easily be converted to cash at market prices at any time.According to March data released from the San Antonio Board of REALTORS, home sales declined in 78148, 78154 and 78233 ZIP codes, but increased in 78266. Year over year, the number of homes sold decreased in 78108. The average price of homes listed for sale in the Northeast San Antonio Metro area during the previous six months were between $286K to $605K. In March, the majority of homes sold in Northeast San Antonio was in the $200,000 to $399,999 price range. Also in March, year-over-yearmedian home prices decreased in 78148. The average number of days homes spent on the market in March increased in all ZIP codes compared to March 2024.As of early May, Canyon Lake was 46.0% full. The water level has been steadily declining due to ongoing drought conditions.On A Mission To Find A Cure For Duchenne Muscular DystrophyOutstanding Athlete : Amiya JassoABy Sally Kalosmiya Jasso is a senior at Sandra Day O’Connor High School (ASTA) and a standout member of theschool’s softball team, where she plays the vital position of catcher. Her journey in softball began at the young age of seven, inspired and encouraged by her parents and coaches who have supported her every step of the way.Amiya’s list of achievements is both extensive and impressive. She is a 6A UIL State Champion, a four-year varsity letterman, and has contributed to over 100 high school varsity career wins. She has been recognized with 3x All-District Honors, 4x First Team Academic All-District, and Second Team Academic All-State. In the classroom, she ranks in the Top 10% of her graduating class and was awarded the Walter Gerlach Scholarship. Her leadership and involvement go beyond sports—she serves as a Leadership in Action Ambassador for NISD, has earned a Swine Proficiency Award through FFA, and even modeled for *Senior Luxe* magazine.In addition to softball, Amiya is actively involved in numerous student organizations including FFA, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Leadership in Action, and Panther Pals.Amiya will be attending Angelo State University in the fall, where she plans to continue her softball career while majoring in Animal Science. Her favorite high school memory is the unforgettable playoff runISubmitted By CureDuchennen the heart of Helotes, Texas, theMunoz family is on a mission tofind a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rare disease that has profoundly impacted their son, Joshua. At just five years old, Maribel and Ramiro noticed Joshua struggling during his first tee ball practice, a moment that marked the beginning of a challenging journey. By early 2013, they received the unexpected diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a neuromuscular disease which causes progressive muscle weakness, and it shifted their family’s perspective on life.Embracing each day with purpose and gratitude became their guiding principle. Their unwavering faith provided strength as they balanced supporting Joshua with ensuring their family dynamic remained inclusive for their three sons. They’ve also been fierce advocates for Joshua and the thousands of other individuals with Duchenne, raising over $1 million through community fundraisers to support CureDuchenne, the leading patient nonprofit funding Duchenne research.Now 18 years old, Joshua is a vibrant young man with diverse interests. He loves exploring historical sites during family travels and enjoys playing video games with friends. His passion for learning shines through as he excels at his favorite subjects, calculus and physics. A devoted sports fan, Joshua loves the Spurs and his favorite player is Steph Curry.While there is still no cure for Duchenne, Joshua had the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial for a treatment that received early funding from CureDuchenne, and their family has seen positive changes in his muscle strength and energy levels. The Munoz family is optimistic that treatments like this could help Joshua and thousands of others.This year, Maribel and Ramiro welcomed hundreds of families with Duchenne from across the country and around the world to CureDuchenne’s Annual FUTURES Conference in San Antonio that took place May 22-25, serving as local ambassadors to the educational and community-building event.O’Connor High Amiya Jasso.Photo by Celia S. Hermesch Photography & Digital Artleading to a state championship win.When asked what advice she’d give incoming high school students, she says, “Be involved!” As for what it takes to succeed in her sport, Amiya believes resilience is key— pushing yourself regardless of any setbacks. Looking ahead, she shares, “I’m looking forward to playing at Angelo State nextyear.”10www.heloteshighlights.comJune 2025