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VOLUME 79 | February 15, 2018
Dear Neighbors,
If you live live certain parts of District 7, you’ve probably seen your garbage bin swept away in a current during a rainstorm, or a neighbor’s yard flood with medium rain, or perhaps you’ve even had water running through your own home during the worst rainstorms. These are sights are common in older parts of our District.

The reason for this is simple: many of our older neighborhoods were developed without underground drainage. My own neighborhood, for example, was developed with a rural feel to it. Driving through Donaldson Terrace, you’ll notice it was built without curbs and drainage inlets. So while most of the neighborhood isn’t in the floodplain, the lack of drainage makes it difficult to manage stormwater in the area.
It’s with this in mind that my office is organizing a community meeting with the City’s Stormwater Team this Saturday, February 16, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Young Women’s Leadership Academy. The meeting will feature an update on future flood relief projects and a hands-on session with maps so residents can show City staff where they've seen flooding. Your input will help us put funds where we most need it and where it will make the most difference.

I hope to see you there!
Yours in public service,
P.S. Some of the increased flooding in our communities is related to climate change? Please join me on Feb. 19 to learn about San Antonio's proposed plan to fight climate change and prepare for more extreme weather. See announcements below or visit here.
The Week in Photos
Happy Valentine's Day District 7! Councilwoman Sandoval spent time today delivering carnations to senior centers and apartments across the community.
Councilwoman Sandoval presided over Wednesday evening's session of Citizens To Be Heard. As Mayor Pro Tem, she assumes the Mayor's responsibilities in his absence.
A warm congratulations to Chris Alderete on her new position as 2019 Board Chair of the Port SA Board of Directors. Here's to a fantastic 2019 with Mrs. Alderete at the helm of one of San Antonio's most ambitious organizations!
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,

I noticed the Fiesta Inn & Suites has a new name and paint job! That place has worried me for as long as I can remember, but it seems a little quieter lately. Not as many police cars visiting it. What’s up with that?

Thanks,
Roiled on Rolling Ridge
Last spring, a couple of residents came to visit with me over coffee. They were deeply concerned about the Fiesta Inn & Suites, an apartment complex on NW Loop 410 that had developed a reputation for crime. I immediately contacted SAPD and they executed a “dangerous premise warrant.”

As part of the warrant, the City required the property owner:

  • hire a certified peace officer and a certified security guard to patrol the property.
  • install more lighting and cameras around the property.
  • meet monthly with SAPD SAFFE officers.
  • meet with the Rolling Ridge Club association at their request.

The owner has complied with these requirements for eight months now. The results? A 65% reduction in monthly 911 calls to SAPD.
While there’s still room for improvement, I’m glad we headed in the right direction and District 7 residents are safe.

Thank you for the question.
Yours in public service,

Ana
Connect with Your Councilmember
Have Coffee with Ana!
Spots are available for upcoming Coffees with Ana! This is an opportunity for District 7 residents to schedule a twenty minute, one-on-one meeting with the Councilwoman.

Coffees are held on the first Saturday of the month. The next Coffee will be held on March 2 at the our field office at the Maverick Library.

To make an appointment, call 210-207-0870 or send an email to district7@sanantonio.gov.
District 7 in the News
"The City of San Antonio's plan to be "carbon neutral" by 2050 has drawn mixed reactions since its release in late January. What strategies are being proposed? Does the plan go too far or not far enough in working to reduce climate impacts?"

"VIA has started its second high frequency PRIMO bus line, which will fun north through the west side up Zarzamora and Fredericksburg, then connect at the Crossroads station with PRIMO service to the Medical Center."

If you experience flooding on your property or street, we want to hear from you. Join the Council District 7 Office and Transportation & Capital Improvements (TCI) to learn more about storm water and how it is managed throughout the City. From planning and designing drainage channels to vegetation management, the City of San Antonio strives to ensure that storm water doesn't flood your property.

The conversation will be held on February 16 from 10:30 to noon at the Young Women's Leadership Academy (2123 W Huisache Ave.)

For more info call 210-207-0870 or email district7@sanantonio.gov.
Neighbor of the Week:
Mary Valdez
How many engineers does it take to build a bridge—no idea, but how many lawyers? TWO. Mary Valdez and her colleague Brenda Knowles are bridge builders extraordinaire, bridging the gap for foster children between foster care and independent living. As lawyers in the children’s court system, they witnessed the difficulties foster children have when thrust into society at 18, and together they created the nonprofit Youth Transitioning Into Adulthood (YITA) in 2009.

Many of the children have experienced significant instability. For them, independent living is overwhelming and can pose a challenge achieving their potential. That’s where YTIA comes in; it is dedicated to helping these kids develop practical life skills like meal preparation, budgeting, and paying a bill. Ideally the work begins when the children are about 13 or 14 and continues through early adulthood. They also offer home-based assistance to foster parents, organize an annual conference, and host small group events throughout the year. Mary has witnessed many milestones with “her kids” including their first job, their first apartment, and even getting married.

Mary and Brenda's dream is something they call simply “The Dorm,” transitional housing where these young adults can build and practice the skills necessary to be successful in life. The communal living model would allow these youths to foster independent living skills with the assistance of staff and the support of peers with similar life experiences. Despite their continued search for available land and the capital funding needed to fulfill their vision, Mary’s resolve remain unshaken, “We know it is something we have to do.” No doubt these two determined ladies and their hard-working board will make it a reality. 

If you want to learn more, please visit the website: www.YTIA.org.

District 7 is proud to have Mary, an Alamo Farmsteads Babcock Road resident, as our neighbor!
Share Your Thoughts
Announcements
February 16-17: 12th Annual On and Off Fredericksburg Road Studio Tour
The 12th Annual On & Off Fredericksburg Road Studio Tour, organized by Bihl Haus Arts, is scheduled for February 16 & 17, 2019, with a preview party at Bihl Haus on Friday, Feb. 15, 2018. 

The goal is to highlight the quality, variety, and sheer numbers of professional artists—visual, musical, performing, literary—who live and/or work in the Los Angeles Heights, Keystone, Beacon Hill, Monticello Park, Jefferson, Woodlawn Lake, Alta Vista neighborhoods.
SA Climate Ready collecting community input on draft of
Climate Action & Adaptation Plan
SA Climate Ready, an initiative led by the City of San Antonio, CPS Energy, the University of Texas at San Antonio and Navigant, has released the draft Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP). With a focus on equity, the plan includes strategies for reducing San Antonio’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and adapting the city to the effects of climate change. The CAAP is a data-driven plan that outlines the policies and steps that serve as a pathway to meet the objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement, which City Council supported with a resolution on June 22, 2017.

A city’s response to climate change can be framed around two separate pathways for action: mitigation and adaptation. San Antonio’s CAAP identifies strategies for both, presents a detailed discussion of these strategies and includes efforts to support planning and funding discussions. The CAAP also includes a community GHG inventory, climate projections and a path to carbon neutrality.

The CAAP is the result of an intensive community process that brought together a diverse coalition of 91 community leaders as part of a Steering Committee and Technical Working Groups and solicited significant input from the community-at-large.

The public is invited to provide their feedback on the draft plan, as well as share their visions and priorities for a climate-ready San Antonio by visiting saspeakup.com or e-mailing sustainability@sanantonio.gov. A public meeting on the draft CAAP will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Feb. 19 at Central Library, 600 Soledad.

To view the draft CAAP, visit saclimateready.org. Printed copies are also available in City of San Antonio public libraries.
City's Airport Advisory Commission Seeks Applicants
Applications are being accepted for the City of San Antonio’s Airport Advisory Commission (AAC) for 12 slots total; 2 slots expiring March 18, 2020 and 10 slots expiring March 18, 2021. Those interested in applying may do so online using the City’s web-based application for boards and commissions at: https://webapp9.sanantonio.gov/BoardCommApplication/vacancies.  
The deadline to submit applications is Friday, February 22, 2019.
 
The primary purpose of the AAC is to advise the City’s Aviation Director regarding policies affecting the San Antonio International and Stinson Municipal Airports. In addition, Commissioners act as advocates for the San Antonio Airport System to the public, airlines, regulatory agencies, and other beneficiaries of air transportation. 
 
The City is seeking applicants for stakeholders in the following categories: Airport Lessee (1 slot), Alamo Area Council of Governments (1 slot), Aviation Industry (2 slots), Business (2 slots) and General Community (3 slots) Organizations, Ground Transportation Industry (1 slot), and Travel & Tourism Industry (2 slots). Representatives from neighborhood associations in areas located near the City’s airports are also encouraged to apply.
 
Meetings are generally held on the third Tuesday of the month at 3:30 p.m. at the San Antonio International Airport and members of the commission receive no compensation. For assistance with the application please contact Brandon Smith, Boards & Commissions Coordinator, at 210-207-7253.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program provides free income tax return preparation to hard-working taxpayers earning up to $55,000 annually. District 7 has the following VITA locations:

  • Forest Hills Library, 5245 Ingram Road
  • St. Mary's University's Center for Legal and Social Justice, 2507 NW 36th St.
  • The Neighborhood Place, 3014 Rivas St.
  • Westfall Library, 6111 Rosedale Ct.

Don't forget to take with you your:
  • Driver's license or photo ID
  • Social Security card or ITIN for all family members
  • All W-2 forms
  • 1099 forms
This Weekend at San Antonio Public Library
Project Linus
Forest Hills Library (5245 Ingram Road, 78228)
Friday, February 15
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Do you like to knit, crochet or quilt? Join Project Linus and create hand-made blankets for seriously ill and traumatized children. Please bring some supplies for your blanket project.
January 19th-March 1st: Public Art San Antonio Call for Artists
The Department of Arts & Culture is seeking applicants in the categories of Public Artist and Support Services/Collaborative Partners!

A pre-submittal conference will be hosted on Tuesday, February 5 at 4:15 p.m. at the Central Library. The call will close on March 1. For more information and to apply, for more info visit getcreativesanantonio.com!
January 25th-March 12th: Recycling Expo for Parents and Students
The City of San Antonio's Solid Waste Management Department is hosting a recycling expo. Curby and Friends will be in attendance and they hope to see you and your family for one (or more) of the six dates!

Education, activities, games, prizes and presentations are designed for grades Pre-K to 12th.

Meet Curby and learn how we can protect our City and the greater environment by recycling!
February 16: 25th Annual Basura Bash River and Waterway Clean-Up
It's that time of the year! The 25th Annual Basura Bash will be taking place Saturday February 16th from 9 a.m. to noon.

Join your neighbors in cleaning up the San Antonio watershed!You can also recycle your e-waste (no T.V.'s please!) at the District 1 Field Office located at 1310 Vance Jackson during Basura Bash on February 16th.

Register online to secure a spot in the clean-up location nearest you at basurabash.org.
Basura Bash is a great opportunity to try out the Litterati app! Give it a try!
February 18: CPS Energy's Board of Trustees Hosts Public Input Session on the Climate Action & Adaptation Plan
The CPS Energy Board of Trustees will host a Public Input Session on the SA Climate Ready: Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) on Monday February 18, 2019 from 5-8:30pm at the Villita Assembly Building.
 
Along with the Public Input Session, a CPS Energy People First! Community Fair will be held from 5-6 p.m. A Community Fair is an opportunity for customers to learn about energy conservation programs, rebates and other services offered by CPS Energy.
 
Individuals who would like to address the Board must sign up to speak between 5-6 p.m. The Public Input Session begins promptly at 6 p.m.
 
Complimentary parking will be made available in the Navarro Street Garage starting at 4 p.m. In addition, sign language interpreters will be available for the hearing impaired as well as designated seating for wheelchair access and Spanish translation services.
Make plans to join representatives from local government agencies to learn what bicycle and pedestrian related initiatives they have in store for the coming year and beyond! Walk & Bike Night is on Wednesday, February 20, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the VIA Metro Center, 1021 San Pedro.
February 23: American Organization for Immigrants hosts Citizenship Workshop
The workshop will explain the process to obtain citizenship for a legal permanent resident. Attendees will have the chance to review and learn about the naturalization application, the interview, and the documents that must be provided for the application.

There is no cost for the workshop. The explanations will be in Spanish. Volunteers will be on-hand to assist during the review.

The workshop will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on February 23 at 702 Donaldson Ave. For information, call 210-253-0752.

El taller se explicará el proceso para obtener la ciudadanía para un residente permanente legal. Vamos a revisar y explicar la solicitud de naturalización, la entrevista y los documentos que tienen que ser proporcionado para la aplicación.

No hay ningún costo para el taller. Las explicaciones serán en español.

Habrá voluntarios para ayudarle como se revisa el formulario de solicitud.

Para información llama al 210-253-0752.
February 24: Musical Bridges Around the World Presents “Pastiche” at San Fernando Cathedral
 Lilya Zilberstein, 1987 gold medalist of the Busoni Piano Competition performs with violin virtuoso Emanuel Borok, former concertmaster of Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra, Israel Chamber Orchestra, Boston Symphony and Dallas Symphony Orchestra. The concert is part of the Russell Hill Rogers Musical Evenings at San Fernando Cathedral presented by Musical Bridges Around the World.

The concert will be on Sunday, February 24 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the San Fernando Cathedral.

Musical Bridges Around the World is a nonprofit that unites, educates and inspires through culturally diverse performing and visual arts programming. MBAW public programs reach more than 80,000 people annually free of charge. For more information, visit www.musicalbridges.org or call (210) 464-1534.
February 25: Community Meeting: Public Art for Seeling Channel
Public Art San Antonio is seeking community input for a public art project in the Seeling Channel area. Tell them what you think about public art in Seeling Channel area: take the survey at SASpeakUp.com, attend the community meeting on Monday, 2/25 at 6:00pm at Jefferson High, or call Public Art Project Manager Sarah Farwell (210-207-5951).

Comparte su opinión sobre como la Ciudad puede crear arte público para la zona del Canal Seeling cerca del Parque Woodlawn Lake! Tome nuestra encuestra en SASpeakUp.com
March 11-15: 2019 Spring Break Camp
We all like to be efficient and save on energy costs. Whether it's winter heating or summer cooling, CPS Energy has programs and rebates to help you save.

Come visit with CPS Energy at their People First! Community Fair to learn about simple things you can do now to save on your energy bill. Programs like Casa Verde offer free weatherization improvements for qualifying home owners and renters and their Affordability Discount Program helps qualifying customers pay their bill.

The event will be on March 5 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Crown Jewel Ballroom at 1416 Callaghan Road.
March 11-15: 2019 Spring Break Camp
Parks and Recreation will be hosting their annual Spring Break Camp from March 11-15.

Parents can register their kids ages 6-14 online or go to any designated location to register. For more information please click here.

Registration is $3 per child per day activities will include sports, fitness and many fun activities!
Upcoming Events
Date: February 16
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Young Women's Leadership Academy, 2123 W Huisache Ave
*District 7 staff will be in attendance.*
Date: February 18
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Location: Villita Assembly Buiding, 145 Navarro
*District 7 staff will be in attendance.*
Date: February 19
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Location: Central Library, 600 Soledad
*District 7 staff will be in attendance.*
Guilbeau Park Neighborhood Meeting
Date: February 21
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Guilbeau Park Community Center, 9014 Rue De Lis
*District 7 staff will be in attendance.*
Community Meeting: Public Art for Seeling Channel
Date: February 25
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Thomas Jefferson High School, 723 Donaldson Ave
*District 7 staff will be in attendance.*
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: New City Park
Date: March 2
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: District 7's Newest Park, 224 W Quill
*District 7 staff will be in attendance.*
Our Office Staff

  • Joseph Bravo
  • Chief of Staff
  • 210.207.2727

  • Lexi Bachran
  • Community Outreach Coordinator
  • 210.207.0875

  • Charlie Mazuca
  • Neighborhood Engagement Officer
  • 210.207.0870

  • Debbie Dehlinger
  • Super Volunteer
  • 210.207.0870

  • Julio Arroyo
  • Executive Secretary
  • 210.207.7044

  • Bianca Maldonado
  • Chief of Policy & Communications
  • 210.207.0873

  • Matteo Trevino
  • Communications Coordinator
  • 210.207.0872

  • Frank Ramirez IV
  • Zoning & Case Manager
  • 210.207.0874

  • Josh Jaeschke
  • Policy & Case Manager
  • 210.207.0858
Office Hours
Brass Professional Center
4414 Centerview Dr #160

Monday - Friday:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Maury Maverick Library
8700 Mystic Park

Monday - Friday:
12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Saturday:
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.