Ivalis Meza Gonzalez, who served as Mayor Ron Nirenberg’s chief of staff, won District 8’s council seat in June with 57% of the vote. Credit: Facebook / Ivalis Meza Gonzalez for District 8
San Antonio police arrested newly elected District 8 Councilwoman Ivalis Meza Gonzalez late Thursday on a charge of driving while intoxicated, records show.

Meza Gonzalez, 43, who replaced term-limited Manny Pelaez and previously served as Mayor Ron Nirenberg’s chief of staff, has been in office for a little more than a month. She won 57% of the vote to represent District 8 in June.

She posted a $1,000 bond on Friday, Bexar County court documents show.

“As a public servant, I know we’re held to a higher standard, and my actions failed to meet that,” Meza Gonzalez said in a statement emailed to the Current. “I deeply regret the disappointment this has caused my constituents, my colleagues, and my family. As this matter moves forward, I’ll take full responsibility, and I will not stop working to make sure my constituents are well represented.”

She is the third San Antonio council member police have been arrested in less than three years on drunk driving charges.

Former District 10 Councilman Clayton Perry grabbed headlines when he was involved in a hit-and-run after having 14 cocktails at the Evil Olive in November 2022, according to police records. Perry’s successor, Marc Whyte, then caught a DWI charge a year later.

A San Antonio police officer on DWI patrol pulled over Meza Gonzalez after she was spotted driving slower than other vehicles and drifting between lanes on I-10 near Hildebrand Avenue, the Express-News reports, citing arrest documents.

After being pulled over, Meza Gonzalez denied having anything to drink even though she smelled of alcohol and exhibited glassy eyes and slurred speech, according to the daily. However, she reportedly told officer that she had been at The Centre Club, a ritzy members-only downtown social spot frequented by the city’s elite and rising young professionals.

Police obtained a warrant for a blood draw after Meza Gonzalez declined a breath or blood sample, the Express-News also reports.

Meza Gonzalez was absent from Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones’ special Friday meeting about the proposed downtown Spurs arena.

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This article appears in Jul 23 – Aug 6, 2025.

Michael Karlis is a multimedia journalist at the San Antonio Current, whose coverage in print and on social media focuses on local and state politics. He is a graduate of American University in Washington,...