CHE in the News
KXAN, KVUE,
Nov 16, 2024 – Texas Tribune
Federal appeals court affirms ruling that Caldwell County must hold public bail hearings
The ruling found that both news organizations were unable to report on bail trends and were barred from ensuring fairness and accuracy of the magistrate judges’ conduct.
“This decision is a victory for transparency, accountability, and freedom of the press,” said Sam Benavides, managing editor of the Caldwell/Hays Examiner, in a press release. “Independent publications like ours are committed to digging deep into issues of injustice in our communities, and today’s decision will enable us to continue to diligently and responsibly cover legal proceedings.”
https://www.texastribune.org/2024/11/16/caldwell-county-public-bail-hearing-lawsuit/
Daily Record on Hipolito on Oct 20
Austin Chronicle on Hipolito – link to our FB post of it
July 30, 2024 – Texas Observer
Neo-Nazi Gang Affiliates Attacked a Mixed-Race Family in Martindale, Only One Was Arrested
“[A] group of 10 family members and friends were wrapping up a tubing trip on the San Marcos River at Don’s Fish Camp in the Central Texas town of Martindale when they were violently attacked by members or supporters of a neo-Nazi prison gang … Robin Blackburn of the Caldwell/Hays Examiner and volunteers from Bellingcat’s Global Authentication Project contributed reporting to this article.”
https://www.texasobserver.org/neo-nazi-martindale-arrest-gang/
July 26, 2024 – Austin Chronicle
The News Biz Is In Deep Shiz
“In February, the newspaper came out with the first of its monthly print editions. It’s now printing 3,000 copies each month, which are available for no cost at more than 50 newsstands throughout the area.
Print editions of the newspaper may include community portraits, original crossword puzzles, and bar reviews, but the paper’s main focus is its investigative reporting on issues Buckley feels have long been overlooked by the area’s media establishment. Recent stories have focused on maternal health care, police accountability, and a local aviation company’s role in transporting migrants at the behest of Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida. The cash bail system is another focus. The Examiner was a plaintiff with The Texas Tribune in a suit against Caldwell County over barring journalists from bail hearings – earlier this year, a federal judge ordered the county to make these hearings public.
“I want for it to continue to be a movement-adjacent publication that’s kind of grounded in the experiences of people that often don’t see their issues and culture and concerns reflected in mainstream journalism,”
https://www.austinchronicle.com/news/2024-07-26/the-news-biz-is-in-deep-shiz/
July 16, 2024 – KXAN News
Hays County district judge reportedly records, streams child sex abuse trial
“The cameras involved in this matter were secreted and installed prior to trial without the knowledge of the parties, and all of [those exceptions to livestreams] had actually occurred on camera prior to our discovery of and objection to the livestream,” Higgins said.
Higgins said there was a mistrial, and the state motioned to dismiss the charges in the case. A spokesperson from Hays County said Neidhardt would not comment or provide a statement on the incident.
Local publication Caldwell/ Hays Examiner originally reported the “secret” recording.
Feb 27, 2024 – Yahoo News, MSN & KXAN
Complaint alleges Hays County candidate doesn’t live in Hays County
“On Wednesday, a complaint was made about whether a candidate for Hays County Sheriff actually lives in Hays County.
The Caldwell-Hays Examiner said they uncovered documents that show Democrat Hays County Sheriff candidate Daniel Law has an active homestead exemption with his wife in Caldwell County, which, the publication said, might suggest he lives there full time.”
Feb 6, 2024 – Texas Tribune & KVUE
Federal judge orders Caldwell County to hold bail hearings in public
“A federal judge has ordered Caldwell County to hold public bail hearings in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of officials there allowing only people arrested and on-duty magistrates to attend such proceedings.
The Texas Tribune, the Caldwell/Hays Examiner and advocacy organization Mano Amiga filed the suit last year, claiming Caldwell County has violated their “First Amendment right of access to judicial proceedings and Plaintiffs’ Fourteenth Amendment right to procedural due process.”
U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman ruled in favor of the plaintiffs and in a preliminary injunction ordered defendant Caldwell County to open bail hearings, or magistrations, by March 4.”
https://www.texastribune.org/2024/02/06/caldwell-county-bail-hearings-lawsuit/
Feb 6, 2024 – Courthouse News Service
After suit from nonprofits, federal judge orders Texas county to open up bail hearings
“The head of the Caldwell/Hays Examiner in 2022 visited the county jail to discuss viewing bail hearings. James Short, a captain with the local sheriff’s department, confirmed that bail hearings were closed to the public but said the public could perhaps attend if the magistration room was remodeled or if the county “used a different type of videoconferencing account,” court filings state…
In his order on Monday, Judge Pitman first acknowledged that the nonprofits were likely to succeed in their suit. While there were limited exceptions, the U.S. Supreme Court in general had “long recognized a First Amendment right of access to criminal trials and criminal pretrial proceedings,” Pitman wrote.
“Open bail hearings foster an informed discussion of criminal justice by providing the public with a more complete understanding of the judiciary system,” Pitman wrote in his order. “Openness also acts as ‘an effective restraint on possible abuse of judicial power’ by subjecting the hearings ‘to contemporaneous review in the forum of public opinion.'”
Dec 28, 2023 – Austin Chronicle
South of Austin, White Supremacist Groups Are Flourishing
“[T]he area is stomping ground to a leader of one of the most active white supremacist hate groups in the country. In October, SPLC identified Brenner Cole of Hays County as a “network director” for the massive propaganda generator Patriot Front.
“Since 2019, Patriot Front has been responsible for the vast majority of white supremacist propaganda distributed in the United States,” writes the Anti-Defamation League, which tracks domestic extremism…
Jordan Buckley is a co-founder of Hays County advocacy group Mano Amiga and left in 2022. He now muckrakes for the grassroots media outlet Caldwell/Hays Examiner.”
Dec 15, 2023 – Public News Service
Texas town calls off rifle raffle after newspaper questions legality
“[T]he Caldwell/Hays Examiner said the Police Association of Lockhart held the same raffle last year. His reporting found the group had only been a 501(c)3 nonprofit for two years, one year shy of being able to legally sponsor a raffle, according to state law.
He acknowledged some in the community were unhappy with the newspaper’s sleuthing.
“We merely pointed out the fact that law enforcement was breaking the law,” Buckley explained. “That’s not a great brand. And in this case, raffling off weapons that kill lots of people, to be able to provide toys for kids for Christmas, it just seems ridiculous.”
Following the Examiner’s reporting, the Police Association of Lockhart announced it had canceled the raffle…”
Dec 6, 2023 – MSN News / Austin American-Statesman
Holiday firearms raffle hosted by Lockhart police union canceled due to being illegal
“An annual raffle that awards rifles to the winner, held as a holiday fundraiser by the Lockhart police union, was canceled this year due to state law making it illegal for the organization to hold a raffle.
The cancellation comes after the Caldwell/Hays Examiner, a local nonprofit news and advocacy organization, questioned the legality of the raffle in a Facebook post on Nov. 30. The site said the Police Association of Lockhart had only been a 501(c) nonprofit for two years and state law stipulates that an organization must have that classification for three years before being allowed to hold a raffle.
The next day, the Police Association of Lockhart said in a Facebook post that it was canceling its rifle raffle.”
October 18, 2023 – Austin Chronicle
Protesters Want Airline Kicked Out of San Marcos for Flying Migrants for DeSantis
“California Gov. Gavin Newsom suggested in June that the flights may constitute kidnapping. Attorney General Bonta has filed public information requests demanding that DeSantis release communications between himself and Berry Aviation, as well as any orders he may have given the airline. A San Marcos city spokesperson told Caldwell/Hays Examiner reporter Jordan Buckley (a former member of Mano Amiga) that the city has identified no specific violation by Berry Aviation that would allow it to terminate their lease with the airport but that officials are continuing to monitor the situation.”
Sept, 14, 2023 – Austin Chronicle
California Considers Criminal Charges for San Marcos Airline That Flew Migrants for DeSantis
“Berry Aviation Inc., has been named as part of an ongoing law enforcement investigation by the state of California for what Gov. Gavin Newsom suggested may constitute kidnapping. Twice in early June, newly arrived immigrants in El Paso were taken to Sacramento by charter plane – 36 people in total – at the behest of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ relocation regime, the dubiously dubbed Voluntary Migrant Transport Program… Jordan Buckley is a co-founder of Hays County advocacy group Mano Amiga and left in 2022. He now muckrakes for the grassroots media outlet Caldwell/Hays Examiner.”
May 23, 2023 – San Antonio Express-News
Former Hays County corrections officer pleads not guilty to charge related to fatal shooting of inmate Joshua Wright
“Jordan Buckley… said Garcia should have faced more serious charges in the fatal shooting.
“It seems to me when you shoot an unarmed man whose feet are shackled in the back fatally that a more serious charge deserves to be applied,” Buckley said. “As we understand it, the charge has to do with the endangerment of bystanders, rather than him being shot to death in the back while his feet were shackled in a hospital.””
May 23, 2023 – KXAN News
Hays County former corrections officer pleads not guilty in hospital shooting
“Grassroots publication the Caldwell/Hays Examiner sent the waiver of arraignment to KXAN. (Photo: Caldwell/Hays Examiner)”
May 17, 2023 – Univision Austin
Ayuntamiento aprueba contrato con la policía de San Marcos
“Queremos reformas. Hemos visto que la policia, cuando hacen violencia en contra de la comunidad, no hay nada de disciplina.” dijo Jordan Buckley.
https://www.univision.com/local/austin-kakw/adyuntamiento-aprueba-contrato-con-la-policia-de-san-marcos-video
May 17, 2023 – San Antonio Express News
(story exclusively results from CHE press release & press conference)
“After Leyva exited the vehicle, he was standing with his hands raised, holding his driver’s license and his cellphone, when Hartman and another officer used their Tasers on him, according to the investigator’s report. Prior to using the Taser, Hartman is heard on his police-issued body camera telling other officers “I’m going to tase this guy,” according to the report.”
May 15, 2023 – KSAT News
San Marcos pays $125K to man shocked by officers’ stun guns while his arms were raised
(story results from CHE press release & press conference, contains our footage)
“A man who San Marcos police officers shocked with stun guns while his arms were raised during a 2021 incident has received a $125,000 settlement from the city, court records viewed Monday by KSAT Investigates show.”
April 30, 2023 – Spectrum News
San Marcos residents say new police contract lacks reforms
“As the publisher of the Caldwell/Hays Examiner, he has closely followed the contract negotiations process and investigated misconduct at SMPD. “No one cares at all about these minor little tweaks to their process that totally sidestep actual accountability,” Buckley said.
He says the tentative agreement doesn’t include the changes to the contract community members demanded, so they plan to go after civil service protections. That’s chapter 143 of the local government code, which allows meet and confer negotiations and exempts police from taking a required “competitive examination to remain in the position.”
‘I’m not anti-law enforcement, I am common sense’: San Marcos residents say tentative police contract lacks needed reforms for officer misconduct
‘I’m not anti-law enforcement, I am common sense’: San Marcos residents say tentative police contract lacks needed reforms for ohttps://spectrumlocalnews.com/tx/south-texas-el-paso/news/2023/04/26/hartman-reforms-#
April 21, 2023 – New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
Indicted former Hays officer freed from Comal County Jail on personal bond after detainee killed
“Garcia was released from jail less than two hours later on a $25,000 personal bond … Garcia allegedly shot Wright in the back at least six times, according to the reporting from the Caldwell/Hays Examiner and the Austin Chronicle on details from an independent autopsy.
Wright’s family attorneys also allege that he was shackled at the ankles.”
April 20, 2023 – Austin Chronicle
Hays Co. Jailer Indicted in ER Room Killing Skips Jail
“Hays County’s district court administrator told the Chronicle that Judge Andrew Leonie, the magistrate in Comal County, issued a personal bond that enabled Garcia to go home without paying bail. While mainstream media broadly reported Garcia’s release on a $25,000 bond, no outlet clarified that the jailer would only be required to fork over money should he skip out on his eventual court date. In contrast, Hays County Jail’s website lists Wright’s various bond amounts as totaling $18,000. Deprived of a personal bond, Wright’s inability to afford bail meant that instead of similarly awaiting his day in court from the comfort of home, he was doomed to do so in custody, including under Garcia’s watch.
Jordan Buckley … muckrakes for grassroots media outlet Caldwell/Hays Examiner.”
April 17, 2023 – Fox 7 News
San Marcos residents adamant for police accountability as city negotiates new police contract
“Chief Standridge telling us to trust him with a two-year historic review whenever a two-week historic review into John Cope should have thwarted his promotion and his boosted pay,” Buckley said.
Cope elected to forfeit vacation or holiday time equal to the length of the suspension without loss of paid salary and no break in service and signed a waiver of appeal.
“I think the glaring hypocrisy of our department of a chief who proclaims that he’s instituting a strong culture of accountability and yet sees no problem with letting officers come right back to work after they engage in ‘offensive racial slurs or denigrating females’,” Buckley said.
Apr 16, 2023 – University Star
Officer Isaiah Garcia arrested following investigation of Joshua Wright death
“The Sheriff’s Office again offers its deepest sympathies to the Wright family,” the Hays County Sheriff’s office said. “It is our sincere hope that all of the citizens of Hays County can come together to foster peace in our community.”
Garcia’s bond was set to $25,000. According to the Caldwell/Hays Examiner, Garcia received a “no-cost” person recognizance bond and was released.’
Apr 11, 2023 – Austin Chronicle
Jailer Who Shot and Killed ER Patient Indicted for Deadly Conduct
Photo credit: Caldwell/Hays Examiner
Apr 2, 2023 – San Marcos Daily Record
Activists use SMPD suspensions to highlight need for police reform
“Caldwell/Hays Examiner Publisher Jordan Buckley provided the Daily Record with copies of each document relative to three of the four cases discussed in the press conference. He told those attending the press conference that he obtained the documents through open records requests from the city. The Caldwell/Hays Examiner is a grassroots, advocacy-based publication mainly focused on criminal and social justice reform.
Buckley used these documents during the press conference to introduce the cases under scrutiny that he said pinpoint the need for departmental reforms. Included in his presentation, culling from the open records documents was one incident involving former SMPD Sgt. Ryan Hartman, after whom the Hartman Reforms–a listing of five criteria under consideration for change in these new negotiations– are named.”
https://www.sanmarcosrecord.com/news/activists-use-smpd-suspensions-highlight-need-police-reform
Mar 31, 2023 – Austin Chronicle
San Marcos Police Get the Reckoning Advocates Have Been Waiting For
“However, newly obtained public documents reveal that last year San Marcos Police Department’s Day Shift Commander Rich Mizanin enjoyed closer to two weeks to prepare a response for his misconduct: sending unwanted sexual advances to women colleagues by way of his work phone. Mizanin – one of the highest ranking members of the department – was suspended, unpaid, for the first half of September… Jordan Buckley is a co-founder of Mano Amiga and left in 2022. He now muckrakes for grassroots media outlet Caldwell/Hays Examiner.”
Mar 22, 2023 – San Marcos Daily Record
City begins negotiations on new police contract
“Prior to the start of the 11 a.m. meeting, a press conference was held by Caldwell/Hays Examiner and Mano Amiga to bring forward their continued set of concerns for the negotiations underway and to specifically remind the public of “three recent cases of police misconduct in which the offending officer was issued a suspension but, in fact, never actually took a disciplinary break from employment.”
Speaking were Jordan Buckley, of Caldwell/Hays Examiner, and Sam Benavides, communications director for Mano Amiga.
The San Marcos Daily Record has requested public information documents associated with some of the cases discussed during the press conference and at time of press, these were not yet available for review.
Later during the meeting, Buckley started to take issue with some of the points presented by Standridge, but due to the meeting structure was not allowed to speak. When the meeting moved into the caucus phase, Buckley said that he disagreed with several of the statements offered by Standridge, particularly when the chief was discussing the definitions of misconduct by officers and the ramifications of how disciplinary actions are either open or closed to public scrutiny.”
https://www.sanmarcosrecord.com/news/city-begins-negotiations-new-police-contract
Mar 23, 2023 – Fox 7 News
Negotiations continue in San Marcos over meet and confer agreement between city, police
“There are several strawmen that the chief keeps putting out here,” said Jordan Buckley, publisher for the Caldwell/Hays Examiner. “Nobody’s concerned about the financial impact; what we said is it’s about seniority and promotion.”
Chief Standridge noted one relevant modification that is underway, incorporating a performance review of the past two years before any officer is promoted.
“Past performance should matter, so we are going to negotiate for a two-year historical review that will become a graded component that then determines if they should become supervisors,” said Chief Standridge. “This is a huge step in the right direction.” Details surrounding the specifics of that process are unclear.
“It’s not clear how that’s binding in any way,” said Buckley. “It’s not the same way as it is statutorily, where if you’re suspended, and you actually have to leave the building, and you don’t just get to give up your vacation time, then it jeopardizes your ability to be promoted and to enjoy seniority.”
https://www.fox7austin.com/news/san-marcos-texas-meet-and-confer-agreement-between-city-police
Mar 22, 2023 – San Marcos Daily Record
Negotiations begin for new city, police ‘meet and confer’ agreement
The meeting is open to the public, but active participation in the discussions or presentations is prohibited. The meeting will be held at the City Hall Conference Room at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 23. Before the meeting Mano Amiga and the Caldwell/Hays Examiner will hold a press conference at 10:15 a.m. to outline the Hartman Reforms. A press release stated that the press conference will profile “three recent cases of police misconduct in which the offending officer was issued a suspension but, in fact, never actually took a disciplinary break from employment.”
March 11, 2023 – University Star
Advocacy continues after death of Joshua Wright
“Protesters hold signs calling for the resignation of Hays County Sheriff Gary Cutler outside to combat Joshua Wright’s shooting, on Monday, Jan. 23, 2023, at Hays County Sheriff Office.
Photo Courtesy of Caldwell/Hays Examiner”
Mar 1, 2023 – KSAT News
‘Culture of impunity’: San Marcos police facing civil rights lawsuits for using Taser on 2 people, including man who is deaf
Video of unjustified tasing includes prominent “Caldwell/Hays Examiner” credit, given we retrieved broken phone from police-violence victim Albian Leyva and took it to repair shop to pay to have the footage recoverable.
Feb 5, 2023 – San Marcos Daily Record
Amendment aims to add SMPD officers to federal lawsuit filed by tased man
“Based on documents obtained in discovery, [Leyva] has identified Officer Jordan Perkins and Officer Luke Begwin as officers standing beside Officers Hartman and Melendrez who knew excessive force would be used on Plaintiff, had the opportunity to stop the misconduct, but who failed to intervene to stop use of force.”
SMPD Cpl. Jason Cormier arrived on scene and saw the alleged vehicle involved leave the convenience store at “great speed,” according to an SMPD memorandum obtained by Caldwell/Hays Examiner…
Perkins is no longer an SMPD officer as of Jan. 24, 2023, according to a personal status report from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement shared by Caldwell/Hays Examiner.”
Jan 26, 2023 – Austin American-Statesman
Joshua Wright’s family remembers loving father with a heart for social justice
“The Statesman last week requested to know the name of the correctional officer involved in the shooting, but the Hays County Sheriff’s Office was still not releasing it…
A sheriff’s office document obtained by the Caldwell/Hays Examiner, a nonprofit news outlet focused on social justice issues, identified Garcia as an officer on duty involved in an “incident at hospital” on Dec. 12, the day Joshua Wright was shot.
Beverly Wright said she was shocked to learn that Garcia was allowed to return to work shortly after Joshua’s death, despite the Texas Rangers’ investigation into the shooting still being active.”
Jan 22, 2023 – Fox 7 News
Family of inmate killed by corrections officer, community organizations hold protest in Hays County
“The family of Hays County inmate Joshua Wright, who was shot and killed by a corrections officer in December, held a demonstration in San Marcos Sunday to protest and call for transparency in the investigation into his death.
Community organizations Mano Amiga, Hays County Jail Advocates, the Caldwell/Hays Examiner, Fierce Madres and the Austin Justice Coalition all joined the family outside Hays County Sheriff Gary Cutler’s office to demand the release of body cam footage, the immediate removal of the corrections officer from duty, and Cutler’s resignation.”
https://www.fox7austin.com/news/texas-inmate-shot-killed-officer-joshua-wright-hays-county-protest
Jan 13, 2023 – Fox 7 News
VIDEO: ‘Compliant’ man tased by two San Marcos police officers
“Police aren’t even allowed to arrest people for that level of offense. They issue a citation due to city law. So it’s particularly bewildering that they would see fit to bring five officers with guns drawn,” said Jordan Buckley, an activist with nonprofits Mano Amiga and the Caldwell-Hays Examiner.”
https://www.fox7austin.com/news/man-tased-by-san-marcos-police-officers
Jan 6, 2023 – Austin Chronicle
George Floyd Attorney Joins Family of Hays County ER Patient Killed by Officer
“Attorney Ben Crump, at the podium, joins San Marcos attorney Chevo Pastrano (l) at press conference on case of Joshua Wright, who was killed by an officer while in the ER (photo courtesy of Caldwell/Hays Examiner)”
Dec 27, 2022 – KXAN News
Hays County Sheriff’s Office still hasn’t released body cam footage from inmate shooting
“The HCSO said Monday it will not be releasing the video right now, and does not have a clear timeline as to when it will.
Jordan Buckley, an activist and publisher for the Caldwell/Hays Examiner said he is not accepting what officers said happened until the body cam footage is released.
“That’s precisely why we have body cam footage so that we can review what actually took place and see the circumstances around why Mr. Wright lost his life,” Buckley said.”
Dec 23, 2022 – Austin Chronicle
Hays County Deputy Shoots, Kills Patient in Kyle Emergency Room
“Statewide law enforcement officials have seemed to close ranks around the Sheriff’s Office. Charley Wilkison, executive director of the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas, tweeted on the night of the shooting, without citing sources, that Wright had “grabbed sharp medical instruments” and begun running toward hospital staff before he was shot. The next night, Wilkison changed his tweet, replacing “grabbed sharp medical instruments” with “moved toward sharp medical instruments.”
Meanwhile, Sgt. Deon Cockrell, speaking on behalf of the Rangers, told The Hays Free Press, “If [Wright] was a violent felon, [the shooting] may be justified.” This echoed the tenor of the press release from the Sheriff’s Office, which listed the offenses for which Wright was being held (though none involved violence).
Jordan Buckley of the Caldwell/Hays Examiner – who broke the story hours after Wright’s death – pointed in his reporting to a New York Times investigation that found that none of the 29 deaths in custody investigated by the Rangers since 2015 have led to charges against any officer. “Suggesting that the justification for shooting someone to death depends on what crimes they are charged with … underscores how totally unreliable the Rangers will be in evaluating the circumstances of Joshua Wright’s killing,” Buckley wrote.”
Dec 19, 2022 Public News Service
Texas University System Changes Drug Discipline Policy Amid Suggestion of Racism
“The year-old Caldwell/Hays Examiner sued the higher education institution in San Marcos to find out the race of students suspended and expelled due to marijuana infractions. Jordan Buckley, publisher of the paper, said until recently, a student with one drug offense, on or off campus, was subject to discipline ranging from mandatory counseling to expulsion. A second offense meant permanent expulsion. He explained the newspaper believed racism was involved.
“We’ve heard for a long time in San Marcos that the people being impacted by this policy of ‘two strikes and you’re expelled’ have disproportionately and perhaps exclusively been people of color,” Buckley reported.
Texas State previously told Austin’s KXAN-TV it does not comment on active litigation. But during a meeting last month, the Board of Regents eliminated the second offense of expulsion from the system’s policy.”
https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2022-12-19/social-justice/texas-university-changes-drug-discipline-policy-amid-suggestion-of-racism/a82005-1
Texas State University System changes discipline policy for students with drug offenses
Dec 4, 2022, KXAN News
“The Texas State University System (TSUS) in November changed its penalties for students who are found to have illegally possessed, used, sold or distributed drugs.
Before, if a student had one drug offense, whether it be on or off campus, they were subject to discipline ranging from mandatory counseling to expulsion. A second offense would have resulted in permanent expulsion from the student’s school and all other TSUS institutions.
Now, expulsion on the second offense has been scrubbed from the system’s policy, according to page 445 of this TSUS Board of Regents document…
This comes after a grassroots social justice publication, the Caldwell/Hays Examiner, said it sued Texas State University (TXST) in San Marcos over an Open Records Request to find out the race of students suspended and expelled due to marijuana infractions. The university is part of the TSUS.”
Election Ticker: Of Recounts and Run-Offs
Nov 25, 2022 – Austin Chronicle
An election watch party in San Marcos held by Mano Amiga Action, upon glimpsing first results showing 81% support for their “reeferendum,” a ballot initiative to decriminalize marijuana. The blue wave in the county seemingly prompted the recounts requested in two races. (Photo courtesy of Caldwell/Hays Examiner)
Hays D.A. Candidate Scrubs Suspected Coup Planner From His Timeline
Nov 4, 2022, Austin Chronicle
“This summer, on the eve of 9/11, Hays County district attorney hopeful David Puryear held a fundraiser, yet inspection of the Republican’s campaign finance filings and social media posts curiously finds zero evidence of it. Perhaps because the venue for Puryear’s event is owned by a suspected chief architect of the coup plot to seize voting machines nationwide in 2020 and refuse surrender of the presidency…
Jordan Buckley is co-founder of progressive Hays County 501(c)(3) Mano Amiga, which he left in January to start Caldwell/Hays Examiner.”
Lawsuit filed against Texas State asks for release of marijuana related disciplinary info
Oct 27, 2022 San Marcos Daily Record
Texas Fair Defense Project filed a petition for writ of mandamus, under Texas Government Code 552.321, on behalf of Caldwell/Hays Examiner, asking for the release of public information pertaining to student discipline for marijuana-possession offenses.
“What the Caldwell/Hays Examiner is trying to do is what they and other community organizers have been trying to do for years, which is trying to understand how criminal law enforcement and how drug ordinances are being used against this community and whether there’s racial disproportionality in that case,” said Nathan Fennell, Texas Fair Defense Project staff attorney.
Texas State sued for withholding data on student discipline for marijuana offenses
Oct 26, 2022, KXAN News
“Who is being disciplined for marijuana offenses at Texas State University, and who is not? That’s the question at the center of a lawsuit filed against the university.
Grassroots publication The Caldwell/Hays Examiner is asking for that data.
“The case here is demanding disciplinary records from the school,” said civil rights attorney for the publication Nathan Fennell.
It’s asking for student disciplinary records including suspension and expulsion for marijuana possession.
“The question here is a very simple and straightforward one which is just — who is Texas State disciplining for marijuana possession and who aren’t they?” Fennell said.”
https://www.kxan.com/news/local/texas-state-sued-for-withholding-data-on-student-discipline-for-marijuana-offenses/
San Marcos PD assistant chief who called Biden supporters ‘tards’ got an 8-hour suspension
Oct 14, 2022, San Antonio Express-News
“San Marcos’ current assistant police chief of administration had to go on unpaid leave for eight hours last December after he referred to supporters of a Joe Biden and Kamala Harris campaign event as “tards” in an October 2020 text message as they begged police for help on Interstate 35.
The assistant chief, Bob Klett, was serving as interim chief of the San Marcos Police Department when he sent the message.
An internal memo sent to Klett from current Chief of Police Stan Standridge on Dec. 8, 2021, revealed the disciplinary action. The Caldwell/Hays Examiner received the information in September via a public records request and shared it with the Express-News.”
Fallout From DWI Crash Follows Hays County Commissioner
Oct 10, 2022 Austin Chronicle
“In September, activist news outlet Caldwell/Hays Examiner (for whom this writer works)* reported the Dripping Springs-area Republican – seeking re-election against independent candidate Susan Cook in November – was arrested by the Austin Police Department in 2021 for Driving While Intoxicated…
On Aug 16, prior to discovery of his DWI arrest, Smith was praised by Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Mike Davenport during Commissioners Court for taking the lead on a new $17-million proposal to contract with LaSalle Corrections, a for-profit incarceration company owned by one of Smith’s Precinct 4 constituents. Hays’ outsourced jail population – the overwhelming majority are pretrial detainees who would be at home awaiting their day in court if only they could afford bail – would be caged in Haskell County, almost five hours away from lawyers and loved ones. Commissioners Court ultimately approved the contract 4-1, with Judge Becerra squalling “Hell No!” when it was his turn to vote.
By contrast, Smith – who posted a $3,500 bond upon his own DWI arrest, enabling him to leave jail the same day he entered – shared his guiding logic with the dais before casting his vote with the majority: “If we want to look at the fiscal side of things, it’s always been cheaper for us to outsource inmates. I don’t think it’s the right thing – at all – but it’s always been cheaper.”
https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/news/2022-10-10/fallout-from-dwi-crash-follows-hays-county-commissioner/
Hays County Commish Brings His Own Drama
Sept 30, 2022 Austin Chronicle
“If Hays County Commissioner Walt Smith wants to drive anywhere for the next five months, he first must prove he is not drunk. Earlier this month, activist news outlet Caldwell/Hays Examiner reported that the Dripping Springs-area Republican, running for reelection in November, was busted for DWI by Austin police in 2021 after he ran a red light and rear-ended a box truck on Lake Austin Boulevard. In response, Smith’s attorney told KSAT News that “Walt has taken responsibility for his actions and is looking forward to putting this behind him.” Just two weeks later, the commissioner’s responsibility-taking came to a halt.
Hays County Commissioner arrested for DWI in 2021
Sept 11, 2022 – front page of Sunday paper, San Marcos Daily Record
“An officer also observed that Smith had “bloodshot and glassy eyes,” the arrest affidavit stated. Smith also told the officer that he had two cocktails that contained vodka between 8 p.m.-1 a.m.
Smith refused to take a intoxilyzer test, preliminary breath test and blood test.
The commissioner’s arrest was first reported by Caldwell/Hays Examiner, a news outlet and curator “attuned to issues of justice & equality in Caldwell & Hays counties.” This was the first time details emerged regarding Smith’s DWI arrest.”
https://www.sanmarcosrecord.com/news/hays-county-commissioner-arrested-dwi-2021
Safety Instructor Fired After Insulting Massacre Survivors
Sept 9, 2022 – Austin Chronicle
“The uproar over Ferry’s presentation boiled over to Facebook after the Caldwell/Hays Examiner page posted allegations by faculty who had attended. “What I was accused of didn’t happen. I don’t mock victims,” Ferry exclaimed on their page.
A few days later, C/HE posted a clip from a training video bearing the emblems of ALERRT and Texas State. In it, Ferry narrates over footage of a 2015 mass shooting in France, where four people died at a kosher eatery.
“This is that Jewish deli attack. You see our bad guy walk in,” Ferry blazons. Grainy footage depicts individuals sprinting for safety. “Again, this is in Paris, so you’ll see the French do what the French are best at: You’ll see them run away.” Ferry pauses – as if waiting for laughter – and discharges a pair of finger pistols at the camera with a prideful grin.”
https://www.austinchronicle.com/news/2022-09-09/safety-instructor-fired-after-insulting-massacre-survivors/
Hays County commissioner’s 2021 DWI arrest comes to light ahead of election
MySA.com, Sep. 6, 2022
“A Hays County Commissioner up for reelection this November was arrested for allegedly Driving While Intoxicated just west of downtown Austin in April of last year, according to a report from the Caldwell/Hays Examiner, a publication with ties to regional justice reform organization Mano Amiga. It is the first known report of the arrest.”
https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/hays-county-walt-smith-dwi-17423197.php
San Marcos to mull decriminalizing low-level marijuana offenses
Spectrum News, July 29, 2022
Photo of C/HE’s news coverage, as reposted by Mano Amiga:
https://spectrumlocalnews.com/tx/south-texas-el-paso/news/2022/07/29/san-marcos-nears-talk-of-decriminalizing-low-level-marijuana-offenses-after-petition-amasses-more-signatures-than-needed-
Texas Rangers not investigating unauthorized use of taser by former SMPD sergeant
San Marcos Daily Record, Sun, July 10, 2022
“…according to an SMPD memorandum obtained by Caldwell-Hays Examiner and shared with the Daily Record…
“All it takes is the integrity to do the right thing,” Mano Amiga Communications Director Sam Benavides said. “The Internal Affairs memo as well as his letter of suspension together demonstrate ample probable cause that the violence perpetrated by Hartman — which Chief himself called ‘unnecessary and unreasonable’ — constitutes felony aggravated assault, among other crimes. Real police departments, like in neighboring Austin, investigate crimes within their own agency all the time. Chief tried to pass the buck to the Rangers and failed — now it’s time for him to show he gives a damn about victims of violence, even when it’s committed by people in his employ.”
San Marcos police chief requests Texas Rangers investigate police officer tasing incident
MySA.com, July 1, 2022
In January 2021, former San Marcos police sergeant Ryan Hartman used a taser on Albian Leyva, who was complying with officers commands during a traffic stop, according to a lawsuit filed by Leyva against Hartman and the City of San Marcos on June 14. During the traffic stop, Hartman said, “I’m going to tase this guy,” to the officer on the scene and proceeded to use the taser on Leyva. Documents from the Caldwell/Hays Examiner show the police chief asked Texas Rangers in an email to find out if “Hartman committed an offense when he used the taser.”
https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/Texas-rangers-San-Marcos-police-taser-lawsuit-17279163.php
Charges dropped against San Marcos man suing former SMPD sergeant, city
San Marcos Daily Record, Tuesday, June 28, 2022
“A San Marcos man who was tased by a former San Marcos Police Department sergeant in January 2021 has had his charges dropped…SMPD Cpl. Jason Cormier arrived on scene and saw the alleged vehicle involved leave the convenience store at “great speed,” according to an SMPD memorandum obtained by Caldwell-Hays Examiner and shared with the Daily Record…
During the stop, Leyva exited the vehicle with his hands raised approximately shoulder height. He complied with police commands and later grabbed his phone out of his pocket to possibly record officers, the memo states.
Hartman then tells an officer, in a lower volume, to shine their light on Leyva and said, “I’m going to tase this guy.” An officer asks Hartman, “Want to tase him?,” and Hartman replies “Yep,” the memo states.
Hartman — after approximately 15 seconds of no further direction given to Leyva — approaches Leyva, who had both hands above his shoulder, and yells for him to “Come to me now.” A split second later, Hartman deployed a taser on Leyva, not giving him a chance to comply, the memo states. Another officer also used a taser on Leyva.
“At the time, Sgt. Hartman deployed his [Conducted Energy Device] on Leyva, Leyva was not acting or verbalizing aggressively nor displaying any threat,” the memo states.
https://www.sanmarcosrecord.com/news/charges-dropped-against-san-marcos-man-suing-former-smpd-sergeant-city-0
Ex-SMPD sergeant, city sued in federal court for tasing incident
San Marcos Daily Record, June 17, 2022
“A new lawsuit has been filed against former San Marcos Police Department Sgt. Ryan Hartman and the City of San Marcos, stemming from an incident where Hartman tased a San Marcos man.
[A]ccording to an SMPD memorandum obtained by Caldwell-Hays Examiner and shared with the Daily Record…
During the stop, Leyva exited the vehicle with his hands raised approximately shoulder height. He complied with police commands and later grabbed his phone out of his pocket to possibly record officers, the memo states.
Hartman then tells an officer, in a lower volume, to shine their light on Leyva and said, “I’m going to tase this guy.” An officer asks Hartman, “Want to tase him?,” and Hartman replies “Yep,” the memo states.
Hartman — after approximately 15 seconds of no further direction given to Leyva — approaches Leyva, who had both hands above his shoulder, and yells for him to “Come to me now.” A split second later, Hartman deployed a taser on Leyva, not giving him a chance to comply, the memo states. Another officer also used a taser on Leyva.
“At the time, Sgt. Hartman deployed his [Conducted Energy Device] on Leyva, Leyva was not acting or verbalizing aggressively nor displaying any threat,” the memo states. “No lesser means of control were attempted. Leyva offered no verbal non-compliance.”
https://www.sanmarcosrecord.com/news-news-mobile-news-alert/ex-smpd-sergeant-city-sued-federal-court-tasing-incident
Fired San Marcos cop who caused fatal wreck wants his job back
San Antonio Express-News, Feb 16, 2022
“In an internal letter from Chief Standridge to Director of Public Safety Chase Stapp on Jan. 12, Standridge outlined the results of an internal investigation into Hartman’s misconduct on the police force…According to the letter, which was obtained via a public records request by nonprofit Caldwell/Hays Examiner and shared with the Express-News, Hartman also failed to complete several documents related to important investigations.”
https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/Fired-San-Marcos-cop-16920978.php
Council Approves Lawyer To Represent City In Arbitration: Former SMPD Officer Files For Appeal Of Indefinite Suspension
San Marcos Daily Record, 2/20/2022
According to records obtained by nonprofit Caldwell/Hays Examiner and shared with the Daily Record, Hartman failed to complete documentation in several SMPD investigations, which hindered their completion.
According to a document regarding an internal investigation into Hartman’s alleged misconduct, he allegedly failed to complete a narrative in a fatal crash investigation that took place on Dec. 7, 2019 until over one year and six months after the collision.
Additionally, in the document sent from Standridge to Director of Public Safety Chase Stapp, Hartman also allegedly failed to complete a supplement related to a homicide investigation. The murder occurred on March 12, 2021 and on Aug. 16, 2021 detective Travis Davidson sent an email request to Hartman asking for him to complete supplement in order for the case to be sent to the Hays County District Attorney’s Office. The document stated that filing had been delayed because Davidson was waiting on digital evidence returns from search warrants. Hartman acknowledged the email request for supplement and apologized to the detective, the document states. Davidson, however, had to send another reminder email to complete his supplement on Sept. 28, 2021. Hartman completed his supplement on Oct. 11, 2021.
“It should be noted that this case, which involved a public safety matter of the highest importance (murder), was directly delayed by Hartman for five months and 25 days, which was the date that Detective Davidson said he was ready to file it and only needed Hartman’s supplement,” the letter read. “In its research of other homicides, the Department cannot find a similar instance of such gross misconduct.”
https://www.sanmarcosrecord.com/news/council-approves-lawyer-represent-city-arbitration
Groups push to decriminalize pot
Austin American-Statesman, Feb 20, 2022
“Possession of marijuana or drug paraphernalia charges can jeopardize a scholarship opportunity and make reentering the country or university difficult for international students and non-citizens.
‘There are still ramifications for international students and for students who are on financial aid,’ said Jordan Buckley, publisher at Caldwell/Hays Examiner. ‘It’s two strikes and you’re expelled for any drug conviction. So, if you get caught with marijuana on two occasions at Texas State University, you’re out. You’re gone.’
https://www.facebook.com/chexaminer/photos/a.105961135324458/126327289954509/
Activists look to decriminalize marijuana in San Marcos
University Star (Texas State University), Feb 4, 2022
“According to [Caldwell/Hays Examiner publisher] Jordan Buckley, the decriminalization of marijuana is intended to build off the city’s cite and release, an ordinance where San Marcos police officers are obligated to give out written citations instead of making arrests.
Buckley explained how a citation will still enter someone into the legal system and can have negative effects on their life. If the ordinance is passed, there will be no legal penalty for possession of marijuana in the city under the amount of four ounces.
“[Under cite and release] you still get a citation – you still get a criminal record for having marijuana on you. This would take it a step further and make it so that there’s no penalty, there’s no citation. There’s no going to jail,” Buckley said.
https://www.universitystar.com/news/activists-look-to-decriminalize-marijuana-in-san-marcos/article_2f091d88-860d-11ec-9b02-d7b5f7e4c81e.html