John Yochem

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John Yochem

John Yochem Jr. was appointed by Governor Abbott to fill the Goliad Director position recently vacated by the retirement of former director Alicia Lott Cowley. The term is set to expire on December 31, 2027, or until a successor is duly elected and qualified.

John, a Goliad native, has long had an interest in the San Antonio River and the San Antonio River Authority. He has previously served on the River Authority’s Environmental Advisory Committee, which assists the agency with the Clean Rivers Program and other environmental initiatives. In addition to enjoying living near the River Authority’s Branch River Park in Goliad, he has enjoyed hiking along the river near Riverdale, admiring old-growth Burr Oak and Pecan trees. 

John is retired after over 47 years in furniture sales and interior design. He is chairman of the City of Goliad Board of Architectural Review for Historic Districts and Landmarks and former chairman of the City of Corpus Christi Arts & Cultural Commission, formerly the Municipal Art Commission. Yochem Jr. received a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts from The University of Texas at Austin.

Alerts

San Pedro Creek Culture Park – Facility Maintenance Alert

Please be advised that the women’s restroom at the AME site is currently closed for maintenance and will remain unavailable through the end of tomorrow.

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding.

Trail Closure: Museum Reach at Pearl

* Trail temporarily closed from 2/3/2025 until 4/25/2025.
* For southbound pedestrian traffic, please exit the river and utilize the Hotel Emma bridge to gain access to the east side river trail. Access to the east side river trail via the elevator or stairs.
* For northbound pedestrian traffic, please exit the river trail at the south bridge to gain access to the east side river trail. Continue north through Pearl towards Hotel Emma. The west & east side river trail accessible via the Hotel Emma bridge.

North Bridge West Landing & Stairs Trail Closure Map

 

Goliad Paddling Trail Alert

NOTICE: HWY 59 Landing Site Closed

Due to TxDOT construction on the HWY 59 Bridge, the HWY 59 landing site is closed until further notice. However, the Goliad Paddling Trail remains open, and paddlers can still access the river at the Riverdale, Ferry Street, and Goliad State Park landings.

Please plan accordingly and check back for updates.

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail Temporarily Closed

Staff have removed two large log jams just downstream of Helton Nature Park, keeping the southern portion of the SASPAMCO Paddling Trail temporarily closed. Staff are working to contact adjacent landowners to support a land-based removal solution.

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail

The SASPAMCO paddling trail is open from River Crossing Park to Helton Nature Park.
*Please Note: Paddling Trail from Helton Nature Park to HWY 97 is still closed due to blockages. 

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