Chavez's Gossip Group 210 La Chismosa Sends Aid to San Antonio Flood Victims

Cecilia Chavez directed flood relief efforts to San Antonio's Southwest Side through a Facebook group with more than 224,000 members. The network, known as 210 La Chismosa, originated as a platform for local gossip but has evolved into a resource for community assistance.

Chavez discussed the history of the group during an appearance on Pickup Lines, a digital talk show hosted by KSAT's Ernie Zuniga. She noted that the platform began during the pandemic when she uploaded a video of a Zoom call with her mother and aunt. The clip showed the three women trading stories, and the post quickly gained a large audience. Chavez stated that the group requires constant management, saying, "You wake up to it, you go to sleep to it."

Her personal history in San Antonio shaped her approach to community engagement. Chavez grew up on the South and West sides of the city. She contracted measles as a child, which resulted in hearing loss in one ear. Later, she faced a dispute over her son's high school football eligibility. After an appeal failed, the family moved to a Native American reservation in Nevada, where her husband had tribal ties. Her sons continued playing football, and one received a scholarship.

Chavez said the group provided purpose after her son Jose died in a motorcycle crash in 2024. She described the impact of helping others through the platform, stating, "It filled a void. It did. It definitely did." She added, "I want to help. I want to be there for people."

The group recently assisted residents on the Southwest Side who were affected by flooding. Chavez plans to open a community resource center in the future. She also mentioned that she maintains her independence by declining certain sponsorship opportunities. Zuniga created Pickup Lines to feature guests who share their personal stories, ranging from business owners to everyday residents.

The recent flood relief effort marks a specific application of the group's outreach capabilities. Chavez continues to use the 224,000-member network to share information and support local needs.