SAN ANTONIO – Downtown San Antonio business owners are preparing and keeping an eye on the planned protests that could affect their businesses.
The business owners we spoke with told us they are concerned about whether the protests will remain peaceful.
If anything does get out of hand, those business owners said they can’t afford to have their business vandalized or looted.
“It does worry me a lot whether it will be a peaceful march, or whatever it will be, it does worry us everything that is happening right now,” said Jose Salazar, owner of Alejandra MTZ H. Arte.
Alejandra MTZ H. Arte is an art store downtown. Salazar said he’s thankful his business has not been vandalized in the past.
That’s not the case for Veronica Sandoval, who owns Regalos, a souvenir shop downtown.
A few years ago, Sandoval said her store was broken into during a protest.
“I really just didn’t think about it and then when it did get out of control and there was looting and there was pilfering among the shop owners, now it’s giving me a different perspective of any type of protest that I always have to worry if something will happen,” said Sandoval.
Since then, Sandoval said she has boarded the store up several times, but won’t be able to do the same for this protest.
“I’m not able to put the boards up on my business, not just because of the timing, but also because of financial reasons. It is costly to do that,” said Sandoval.
We also reached out to the communications team at the Alamo. A spokesperson said Alamo staff have been coordinating with local law enforcement and closed early.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the Alamo Grounds will close to the public beginning at 5:00 p.m. this evening. This step is being taken to ensure the safety of all individuals—visitors, demonstrators, and staff alike—while preserving the integrity of the historic site.”
Bexar County employees were also sent home early to avoid the large crowds expected.
