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Your District 7 Newsletter
VOLUME 54 | August 17, 2018
Dear Neighbors,
City Council took up several substantial issues yesterday, including both Earned Paid Sick Time and the proposed amendments to the City Charter.

After a long debate, my council colleagues and I voted to adopt Earned Paid Sick Time. I’ll explain my rationale:

I have a childhood friend who felt she was in trouble with her mom every time she too sick to go to school. As an adult, my friend asked her mom about it. It was then that she learned that on those days, her mother was simply overwhelmed by having to choose between neglecting her ill daughter or losing a day’s wages—and the food and rent that they provided. It was with families like hers in mind that I voted yes on paid sick time.

Unfortunately, today our community is burdened with some of the worst health outcomes in the state—birth outcomes, diabetes complications, and an unacceptable twenty-year life expectancy difference between residents in the wealthiest and poorest parts of town. Those issues are made worse when you cannot take a day off to care for yourself—and nearly 354,000 San Antonio workers lack that ability. Earned paid sick time gives our working families a chance to care for their health and make ends meet. My council colleagues agreed.

Researchers who have studied paid sick time have found that it reduces rates of flu cases by as much as six percent. This flu reduction and decrease in similar illnesses leads to employees missing less days of work, thus saving businesses money. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the overall cost-savings to employers can be as much $1 to $2 billion over the course of a year.

While we know that businesses with healthy workers see gains in productivity and cost-savings, I have heard from many small businesses about the potential burden this ordinance may cause. Had we the opportunity, I would have much rather fine-tuned the ordinance before voting on it. However, the City Charter requires the Council to vote on proposed ordinances as they are submitted.

By law, if the Council had rejected the proposed ordinance, it would have been placed on the November ballot—where it was expected to pass by an overwhelming margin. Adopting the ordinance now gives us two months more to explore improving it before its implementation. I look forward to meeting with more businesses in the coming months and seeing what amendments we can make so both employees and employers benefit.

You can view the ordinance language here.

We also took up the proposed amendments to the City Charter. First, we heard a presentation on the anticipated fiscal impact of the charter amendments. Dr. Nivin, an economist at St. Mary’s University indicated that the main impacts derive from the uncertainty created by the amendments.

In accordance with the City Charter, my colleagues and I voted to place the proposed charter amendments on the ballot for the November 6, 2018 election. It is important to note that because these are proposed amendments to the City Charter, the City Council cannot vote to adopt or reject them. The only body with the power to amend the City Charter is you, the population of San Antonio.
Yours in public service,
The Week in Photos
The District 7 Office and Place for Life Church hosted our Back to School Bash last week with great success. We had over 1,400 community members join us for a day full of fun and school preparation. We're so grateful to all those who attended and helped make the event possible. We'll post the photos from the day on Facebook.
Councilwoman Sandoval joined the SAWS Main Break Response Team this past week as they worked to repair critical water pipes in the area. The summer heat puts additional stress on the pipes, causing them to break more frequently. This can happen regardless of the age of the pipes.

To report a main break, call 210-704-7297. Make sure to provide: (1) an address or nearest cross street and intersection of the break; (2) amount of water flowing; and (3) whether the break is affecting the public, traffic or a critical facility such as a hospital or school.
Councilwoman Sandoval joined the Mayor's Fitness Council's "Get Strong with Mayor Ron" training at the Woodlawn Lake Gym to take participants through a rigorous crossfit routine and drive home the importance of living an active lifestyle.
Senator José Menéndez welcomed Councilwoman Sandoval to his Community Gathering at San Antonio College this past week, where she listened to residents voice their positions that matter to them.
Congratulations to the Young Women's Leadership Academy on their ten year celebration! Councilwoman Sandoval joined the YWLA students on Monday to welcome them to school this year. Best wishes!
Ask Ana Anything
One of the ways Councilwoman Sandoval wants to give you the answers you need about city government is through "Ask Ana Anything", a recurring part of the weekly District 7 newsletter. Have a question for Ana? Email it to district7@sanantonio.gov with the subject "Ask Ana Anything".
Hi Ana,

What names did you settle on for your dogs? Please tell me you chose my submissions!

Thank you,
Thelma and Louise Lover
Dear Thelma and Louise Lover,

Thank you to all those who submitted names! The truth is Thelma and Louise was a very popular suggestion. The selection was very difficult, but, without further ado, I’d like to introduce you to Lola and Scout!
Scout gets her name from her investigative nature and as a nod to Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird. Lola gets her name from being, well, bold, determined and just pain cute.

I hope you’ll meet Lola and Scout at an upcoming event!


Yours in public service,

Ana E. Sandoval
Connect with Your Councilmember
Upcoming Office Events
Coffee with Ana and
Community Conversations with the Councilwoman
The next Coffee with Ana will take place in August. The next Conversations with the Councilwoman will take place in September.

If you have any questions, call 210-207-0870 or send an email with the subject line to district7@sanantonio.gov.
Councilwoman in the News
"'Earned paid sick leave allows families to care for their health and make ends meet,' said Councilwoman Ana Sandoval, minutes before voting in favor."

"'I want to thank the many community advocates who brought this petition to City Council and have spoken with us on this matter,' Councilwoman Ana Sandoval (D7) stated after the vote. 'Your work is an inspiring example of the democratic process and the power of civic engagement.'"

"'Unfortunately, today our community is burdened with some of the worst health outcomes in the state—birth outcomes, diabetes complications, and an unacceptable 20-year life expectancy difference between residents in the wealthiest and poorest parts of town. Earned paid sick time gives our working families a chance to care for their health and make ends meet,' said council member Ana Sandoval."

The SAWS Main Break Response Team "took San Antonio District 7 City Councilwoman Ana Sandoval, the Business Journal and three television stations to observe repairs Wednesday morning. A water main break along the 200 block of Sunnycrest Drive was sending 10 to 15 gallons of water per minute into an alley and down the street."

"District 7 City Council Representative Ana Sandoval said getting the proper supplies into the hands of students is essential. 'We want to make sure they get a great education and get the jobs they want. This is a foundation of that.' Sandoval said."

"'What we know is that children whose lungs are still developing, if they’re exposed to high levels of ozone, their lungs won’t fully develop,' said Councilwoman Ana Sandoval (D7). 'They just won’t grow as big as they do otherwise. That means that when that child gets old and has lung function decrease … they will decrease from a lower point, and they will die sooner.'"

Young Women's Leadership Academy is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a Senior Walk procession. Several special guests will help commemorate the celebration, including Congressman Joaquin Castro, State Senator Jose Menendez, State Representative Ina Minjarez, City Councilwoman Ana Sandoval, and SAISD trustees Patti Radle and Ed Garza.

Neighbor of the Week
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Announcements
City Accepting Applications for Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation & Reconstruction Program
The City of San Antonio’s Neighborhood & Housing Services Department (NHSD) invites all eligible residents to apply for the Owner Occupied Rehabilitation & Reconstruction Program. The program was budgeted with $4.5 million after City Council unanimously approved last Thursday the FY 2019 Action Plan and Budget for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant programs. 

Residents of San Antonio who are U.S. citizens or legal residents, have a clear title to their home, carry home insurance, are current on their property taxes and meet HUD’s income guidelines are eligible to apply until Sept. 14. Eligible residents will be selected through a computerized lottery system and notified by October.

Throughout the month of August, NHSD staff members will attend 18 community events (see attachment) to assist eligible residents with applying to the program in-person. Residents may also download the application online.

The Owner Occupied & Rehabilitation Program assists income eligible homeowners to bring their housing into compliance with local codes and provide safe housing. The program can address the following items for repairs: roof, foundation, electrical / plumbing, windows / doors, lead hazards, energy efficiency and accessibility improvements.
10th Annual Historic Homeowner Fair
The Historic Homeowner Fair is a free event hosted by the Office of Historic Preservation that brings together owners of aging and historic homes with local professionals, services, and solutions. In addition to featuring a curated Exhibit Hall that provides the most relevant resources for homeowners, the Fair offers workshops and learning sessions designed to meet the needs or property owners and DIY renovators.

This year, expect:
  • More than 1,500 attendees
  • Residents from all historic districts
  • More than 55 exhibitors
  • Hands-on demonstrations
  • Ask-an-Expert sessions

This year's Historic Homeowner Fair will take place on September 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Pearl Stable. Click here for more information.
Alamo Area MPO's "Street Skills" Bicycle Class
New to city cycling? Returning to bicycling from a long hiatus? Just want to become more confident riding on streets?

Join us for our FREE Street Skills class! Register here.

The class will take place on Wednesday, August 22, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at 825 S. St. Mary's.

Participants also receive a FREE helmet and bike lights!
O.P. Schnabel Park Community Meeting
The Parks Dept. wants your help in developing a concept plan for the newly acquired O.P. Schnabel Park Land. The concept land will guide future development of the park land when funds are available.

The meeting will take place on Thursday, August 16, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Rudder Middle School (6558 Horn Blvd).
Parks & recreation Dept. Inviting Community Members to Join Park Trail Watch
The Parks and Recreation Department invites community members to attend a Park Trail Watch Orientation to learn about park safety and how to join the Park Trail Watch volunteer team. 
The presentation will be hosted by Park Police and Volunteer Services and will cover common trail and safety concerns, trail etiquette, and trail watch volunteer duties. 

Upcoming Orientation Dates: 
Thursday, 8/23/18, Phil Hardberger Park, 6-7:30pm

Please call 210-207-2899 or email Henry.Arredondo@sanantonio.gov to reserve your spot today.

To volunteer for this program, we ask that: 
  • Volunteers must be 18 and older
  • Volunteers should be friendly and outgoing
  • Volunteers serve at least four hours per month
  • Volunteers must successfully pass a criminal background check

Park Trail Watch Volunteers are active in the following parks:
  • Hardberger
  • McAllister 
  • OP Schnabel
  • Howard W. Peak Greenway

For questions on Parks and Recreation Department volunteer opportunities, please contact Meredith Tilley, Program Manager, at 210.207.8603.
Dementia Friendly San Antonio Interest Meeting
Join us to learn about Dementia Friendly San Antonio and how you can participate. Dementia does not only impact those with a diagnosis, it can be felt across a community. Attend to learn more and meet other community members interested in making San Antonio a dementia friendly city.
Anyone can become dementia friendly, including:
  • Neighborhoods and community members
  • Financial, legal, & advance planning professionals
  • Libraries
  • Community-based services and supports
  • Local government
  • Faith communities
  • Residential and specialty care
  • Health care (clinics, offices, research, etc.)
  • Private business
  • Hospitals
  • Arts

The meeting will be held Thursday, August 16 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at UT Health San Antonio in the Alternate Learning & Teaching Center (ALT-C), Room 3.304 at 7703 Floyd Curl Dr.

The Dementia Friendly Town Hall will take place on October 4.
SA Speak Up's 2018 Community Days
It's your city, make your voice heard! Learn about the proposed Fiscal Year 2019 budget with your friends and family. It's your chance to meet your neighbors, city leaders, and learn more about city services while enjoying free entertainment, free health screenings, and fun giveaways!

The events in and closest to District 7 include:
  • August 20 at Hardberger Park Urban Ecology Center from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.
  • August 25 at Woodlawn Lake Park from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Upcoming Events
To view more events, visit our calendar on the website here.
Mayor's Fitness Council: Get Strong with Mayor Ron
Date: August 16
Time: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Woodlawn Lake Park (1103 Cincinnati Ave.)
*Councilwoman Sandoval will be in attendance.*
O.P. Schnabel Park Concept Plan Meeting
Date: August 16
Time: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Rudder Middle School (6558 Horn Blvd)
*Councilwoman Sandoval will be in attendance.*
Dementia Friendly San Antonio Interest Meeting
Date: August 16
Time: 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Location: UT Health San Antonio, Alternate Teaching & Learning Center, Room 3.304 (7703 Floyd Curl Dr.)
Project Linus Knitting, Crochet, and Quilting Club
Date: August 17
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Forest Hills Library (5245 Ingram Rd)
Tobacco 21 Stakeholder Meeting
Date: August 27
Time: 10:30 a.m to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Tobin Library (4134 Harry Wurzbach)
Thomas Jefferson High School Ice Cream Social
Date: August 17
Time: 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Thomas Jefferson High School Cafeteria (723 Donaldson Ave)
*Councilwoman Sandoval and Mayor Nirenberg will be in attendance.*
Date: August 20
Time: 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Hardberger Park Urban Ecology Center (8400 NW Military Hwy)
SA Speak Up Community Day -- Evento en Español
Date: August 21
Time: 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Palo Alto College Student Center (1400 W Villaret Blvd)
City of San Antonio Vendor Orientation
Date: August 22
Time: 1:30 to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Parman Library (20735 Wilderness Oak)
Date: August 25
Time: 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Location: Woodlawn Lake Park (1103 Cincinnati Ave.)
*Councilwoman Sandoval will be in attendance.*
St. George Maronite Catholic Church Divine Liturgy & Lebanese Luncheon
Date: August 26
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: St. George Maronite Church (6070 Babcock Road)
*Councilwoman Sandoval will be in attendance.*
Date: August 30
Time: 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Texas A&M University SA, Central Academic Building, Vista Room (One University Way)
SA Speak Up Community Day-- Evento en Español
Date: September 1
Time: 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Location: Pearsall Park (4838 Old Pearsall Road)
Tobacco 21 Stakeholder Meeting
Date: September 4
Time: 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Mission Library (3134 Roosevelt Ave)
Save the Date: Dementia Friendly Town Hall
Date: October 4
Time: 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
*Councilwoman Sandoval will be in attendance.*
Our Office Staff

  • Joseph Bravo
  • Chief of Constituent Services & Administration
  • 210.207.2727






Office Hours
Brass Professional Center
4414 Centerview Dr #160

Monday - Friday:
9am - 5pm
Maury Maverick Library
8700 Mystic Park

By appointment only.
Please call 210-207-2727.
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