Quick Take: Neighborhood Association Meeting on the Migrant Resource Center

Resident: “If they’re only here for 24-48 hours, why should they go anywhere (roaming neighborhoods, streets, etc.) anyway?”
SAFD Deputy Chief/Emergency Management: “(Among other things) some of them don’t like the cold meal service.”

That was a notable takeaway from the Shearer Hills/Ridgeview Neighborhood Association meeting last night focused on the Migrant Resource Center.

First, props to NA President Erik Sanden for laying out clear ground rules and maintaining order. This was not a referendum on U.S. immigration policy, and the floor was open only to residents (which did NOT include those who had “residents as clients”). He seemed to have a solid majority of support from residents in enforcing those rules.

The most ire appeared directed toward the City of San Antonio’s Director of the Department of Human Services. Given that she’s likely the liaison with the feds, that was understandable, especially since they look to have run a little roughshod over the city. That said, there does appear to be some question on exactly when the city knew this was going to happen.

That was a likely contributor to some of the early trash problems. Residents also reported migrants wandering their neighborhoods, approaching their kids while they were playing outside. Police patrols have since increased according to Joe Frank Picazo, assistant to SAPD Chief William McManus.

One recurring theme, as D1 Councilman Mario Bravo pointed out, was that the migrants are not properly brought up to speed on the rules, or our “cultural norms.”

The exchange at the beginning was another jaw-dropper. “How ungrateful?! To be granted legal asylum, but then refuse the food provided??” Then, firsthand accounts clarified exactly what these “cold meals” were: pan dulce, candy and the like.

The taxpayer shouldn’t be feeding these folks anymore extravagantly than the diets of those of us that are basic, healthy. But even our food pyramid is better than that, and that’s saying something. This was/is a good opportunity for those genuinely concerned about government spending, to fill the void of compassion that can’t effectively, efficiently be filled by soulless bureaucratic charity efforts.

These bumbling shortcomings do not instill a whole lot of faith in our varied levels of government.