In an effort to further improve services and enhance customer satisfaction, the San Antonio Development Services Department, or DSD, has implemented a multi-phase Strategic Plan for Code Enforcement.

On Dec. 3, DSD provided the San Antonio City Council with an update on the plan, which includes the plan’s development, preliminary work, and community engagement efforts.

In a nutshell: Known as the Code Compliance Strategic Plan, updates were presented by Amin Tohmaz, director of the DSD, which included the plan’s five primary focus areas.

“This strategic plan is really about partnership with the community, transparency and continuous improvement,” Tohmaz said.

The background: The strategic plan was created following a Council Consideration Request, or CCR, by Council member Adriana Rocha on July 27, 2023, which directed DSS to develop a strategic plan for code enforcement. According to city documents, the CCR identified a need to reevaluate code enforcement operations and outlined several focus areas.

Stay tuned: City council will receive a follow-up on the DSD’s progress on Jan. 15.   

A locally-owned bridal store and boutique has relocated and opened a new store in North San Antonio.

More details: Brides by Elizabeth opened in November for appointments only, staff at the shop told Community Impact.

The boutique’s new location is at 17595 Blanco Road, Ste. 100. They're planning a soft opening for walk-ins in early January, followed by an official grand opening celebration in February.

The business has taken residence inside the recently closed Agave Ranch Furniture, according to previous reporting from Community Impact. Originally, the shop was located at 1120 West Blanco Road.

Check it out: Brides by Elizabeth offers a complete range of services, from dress consultations to alterations and cleanings.

Dresses available in-store include wedding gowns, mother of the bride or groom dresses and bridesmaids’ dresses, according to their website. Additionally, both informal and formal styles are available to customers.

• 17595 Blanco Road, Ste. 100, San Antonio

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Mezcal Comida & Cantina
Offering Oaxacan-style cuisine and other Mexican dishes, this new restaurant also features a full outdoor bar, seating area and more.

• 12656 West Ave. Bldg. 1, San Antonio

• 9911 I-10, San Antonio

• 9630 Huebner Road, San Antonio

• 118 Broadway, Ste. 530, San Antonio

• 16350 Blanco Road, Ste. 114, San Antonio

Here are five of the most-read CI Texas stories from this year and the latest updates on these trending topics.

1. Texas Senate passes bill that would nearly double property tax exemption for seniors, people with disabilities: Elderly and disabled homeowners were set to receive a $200,000 property tax exemption this year.

2. Texas House bill would make it easier to remove students from the classroom: The law gives teachers more discretion to remove students from the classroom if they are repeatedly disruptive or threaten the safety of others.

3. What to know about the 17 state propositions on the Nov. 4 ballot: Nearly 3 million Texans voted in the November election, approving all 17 constitutional amendments.

4. Texas House bill would prohibit cellphone use in K-12 schools: Under House Bill 1481, cellphones and other personal communication devices are prohibited bell-to-bell in Texas public schools.

5. Texas families can now access 2022-23 A-F school accountability ratings after multiyear legal battle: The state later released ratings for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years in August.