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VOLUME 66 | November 9, 2018
Dear Neighbors,
Regardless of what happened this past election day, we should all take pride in our historic voter turnout. As of November 7, the County Elections Department reports a turnout of 49.64%.

I spent Tuesday morning reminding voters to get out to the polls and the afternoon taking pizza to elections workers. The excitement in the air was palpable! When I visited polls in the May 2017 election, I remember showing up to many polls that only had 30 or 40 voters all day. This Tuesday, many polling locations saw as many as 200 and 300 voters before the day was even over. 

Our voters are energized and determined to have their voices heard. And we heard you.

San Antonio voters rejected Proposition A; it would have reduced the number of signatures required to overturn a Council ordinance, extended the time allowed to collect those signatures, and expanded the types of council actions that voters could overturn. In short, Proposition A had the potential to significantly change how our government operates.

Voters, however, approved Proposition B by a wide margin of 18% and Proposition C by a 1.5% margin (according to the County Elections Department’s tally on November 7). Proposition B limits the length of employment of future City Managers to 8 years and caps their salaries at 10 times the lowest paid City employee. Proposition C allows for “unilateral binding arbitration” between the City and the Firefighters Union. That’s to say that when the City and the San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association hold contract negotiations, either side can end the negotiations. At that point, an arbitrator will step in and determine the terms of the labor contract.

These propositions—whether they passed or failed—sent clear messages: our community has real and valid concerns about how our City operates. I have heard this concern, I have prioritized this issue, and I am actively working to make your City more transparent and accountable to you. As Chairwoman of the Community Health and Equity Committee, I am prioritizing transparency and accessibility efforts. At my urging, the committee will meet later this month to discuss measures to make City decision-making more transparent and open to the public. Measures could include broadcasting Council Committee meetings, publishing Councilmembers’ voting records, and making it easier to testify in front of City Council. They are straightforward measures that invite the public in.

Proposition B struck a chord that resonated with many residents, understandably so. It is hard to see a City official make over $400,000 while some of our neighbors struggle to pay their utility bills. Next week, my colleagues and I on the City Council Governance Committee will discuss how the City sets the salary for its executive and what level of performance we expect from them. For the first time in the history of our City, our Council will establish formal performance standards to evaluate the work of the City Manager. This work has been underway for several months. I look forward to establishing performance standards that fall in line with our community’s priorities and the needs of our City.

With respect to the Professional Firefighters Association, City leadership is currently reaching out to them. We are prepared to move forward and put behind us the longstanding bitterness of five years of unsuccessful negotiations. You can expect to hear about this effort soon.

The charter amendments election encouraged a lot of dialogue, exposed much resentment, and exemplified a City striving for a better future. It is my priority to continue to listen and work with San Antonio residents and organizations. It is incumbent on all of us to spend our energy productively: developing constructive solutions to the complex challenges our City faces. We must learn from our failures, and just as importantly, build on our successes.
Yours in public service,
P.S. In lighter news, my office and I are hosting Puppies & Pumpkins this Saturday, November 10 to promote responsible pet ownership and welcome the winter weather.

We’ll be at Nani Falcone Park (7625 Mystic Park) from 9 a.m. to noon, where we’ll have a pie-eating contest, face painting, music, bouncy houses, pumpkin painting, and food. We’ll also have pets, plants, and trees to adopt. For pets, we’ll have free microchipping, low-cost vaccinations, and 100 free rabies shots (thank you, ACS!). 

The San Antonio Food Bank will accept donations of non-perishable food and pet food to help families ahead of the holidays.

Hope to see you there!
Councilwoman Sandoval came across this lively crew of bipartisan volunteers on election day still going strong as the sun set behind the Joe Ward Community Center.
Office note: Our office will close on November 12 in observance of Veterans Day and from November 19 to 23 in observance of Thanksgiving Week.
Welcome the fall weather with Councilwoman Sandoval and Animal Care Services at this year's Puppies & Pumpkins!

On November 10, make your way to Nani Falcone Park for bouncy houses, a pie-eating contest, live music, free microchipping, 60 free rabies shots, and low-cost vaccinations for your pets! Thanks to Parks and Recreation Department, we'll have pets, trees, and plants up for adoption.

Consider giving back! The San Antonio Food Bank will be on-site to collect donations of non-perishable food and pet food.

The festivities begin at 9:00 a.m. and run until noon. For more information, please contact our office at 210-207-0870 or district7@sanantonio.gov.

This event is made possible with the help of the City of San Antonio Animal Care Services and San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department, San Antonio Water System, Helotes Humane Society, God's Dog Rescue, SNAP San Antonio, the San Antonio Master Gardeners, City of San Antonio Solid Waste Management, and the San Antonio Food Bank.
The Week in Photos
Councilwoman Sandoval rolled up her sleeves to build a new playground for the Boy's & Girl's Club at the Salvation Army on West Ashby Place. We thank Kaboom!, for providing the playground kids now enjoy.
Councilwoman Sandoval visited the Donaldson Terrace Neighborhood Association meeting on Monday to congratulate the new leadership, present the outgoing president with a certificate thanking him for his service, and talk about the neighborhood's streets and sidewalks. Congratulations to Diana, Armando, Irma, and Yolanda on your new roles!
KSAT caught up with Councilwoman Sandoval and her appointee to the Veteran's Affairs Commission, Ramon Gonzales, to promote Operation Cold Front. On November 17, veterans can visit VetStrong at 1735 Babcock to obtain new winter wear and space heaters to help face this year's bitter winter. Veterans, regardless of their discharge status, are eligible so long as they have called TX Serves to confirm their service. TX Serves can be reached at 1-888-SA-4-VETS or bit.ly/D7OpColdFront.
District 7 non-profits The San Antonio Clubhouse and Roy Maas Youth Alternatives both received $100,000 from ImpactSA for their programming and support for those with mental health disabilities and children who have been abused and neglected. We're overjoyed to have such incredible service providers right here in District 7 and for them to receive critical resources.
The City's Parks & Recreation Department hosted the third community input meeting on the former Alamo Golf Course and how the City will incorporate the land into O.P. Schnabel Park. Over 300 residents have weighed in on how future park visitors will use the land and have considered uses from continued golf operations, frisbee golf, a BMX track, a ropes course, and a drone racecourse. The Parks Department will have one more community meeting in January. We'll share news of it in the newsletter.
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 just can’t stand the overgrown grass filling medians on Bandera. It’s embarrassing and reflects poorly on the community. What needs to be done to get them cut more frequently?

Thanks,
Mow the Medians
Dear Mow,

Thanks for the question. I agree: even the little things can speak about the state of our community. It’s important we ensure the medians are maintained regularly.

As a state highway, Bandera Road is maintained by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). In fact, TxDOT is responsible for maintaining all state highways and freeways, such as IH-10, Loop 410, IH-35, and others. TxDOT maintains the medians on Bandera about three times a year. As a state agency, TxDOT is formally overseen by the State Legislature. I would encourage you to contact your State Representatives and State Senator to share your message with them. With the 86th Legislature on the horizon, it’s a great time to reach out.

For questions about median maintenance on City-owned roads, you can view the City’s mow schedule here.
Sincerely,

Ana
Connect with Your Councilmember
Upcoming Office Events
The District 7 Office is teaming up with the AARP and VetStrong to host Operation Cold Front. We’re offering blankets, hats, coats, gloves, scarves and space heaters to veterans who can provide proof of their service. We'll also have flu shots and an osteopaths on site.

If you’ve served and could use some support this winter, call 1-888-SA-4-VETS to register today. You'll be able to pick up items on November 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at VetStrong (1735 Babcock).

If you want to show your appreciation for our veterans, you can drop off donations of new blankets and winter clothing at my office or at VetStrong.
Coffee with Ana: Make an Appointment Now!
Appointments are available for the upcoming Coffees with Ana! This is an opportunity for residents to schedule a one-on-one meeting with the Councilwoman.

To make an appointment, call 210-207-0870 or send an email to district7@sanantonio.gov.
Councilwoman in the News
"Councilwoman Ana Sandoval, who chairs the committee, had requested the presentation about how the tree money is spent. She pressed city staff to explain the long-term goals of the tree programs."

"Among other things, Sandoval said, the city also has to recognize when it’s made a mistake and learn from it. She and Nirenberg suggest that officials analyze the effectiveness of public-participation activities and allow takeaways to help inform future events."

Neighbor of the Week:
“Disabled is a label I refuse.” From surfing to water skiing, Chris Salas, Founder and Executive Director of Rolling Inspiration, enjoys a life with few limitations because, as he says, he doesn’t like to let what he can’t do stop him from doing what he can. In 1997 a spinal cord injury caused him to become a quadriplegic. The experience led him to create Rolling Inspiration, a support and activity group for mobility-impaired individuals that focuses on assisting with community integration. It is the San Antonio chapter of the United Spinal Association and was honored to participate in the Roll On Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Chris’ organization was named as the 2012 United Way Volunteer of the Year, and Chris has been inducted into Morgan’s Wonderland’s and Warm Springs’ Walls of Fame. 

Chris’ message is to be mindful of everyone’s needs, not just those with apparent disabilities, to offer a pat on the back but don’t assume that one needs help, and that there is only a minute difference between a smile and a grimace. Chris describes himself as passionate and outspoken. We’re grateful to have him as our neighbor.

Note: You can volunteer, donate, participate—Rolling Inspiration is all inclusive. Reach him at chris@rolling-inspiration.org. 
Share Your Thoughts
Announcements
November 10: Free Landfill Day is this Weekend
Saturday, Nov. 10 San Antonio residents are invited to participate in the City’s Solid Waste Management Department’s free landfill day from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the following locations. To dispose of furniture, including mattresses and other bulky items, bring a copy of a recent CPS Energy utility bill showing the Solid Waste service fee and a picture ID. No contractor, commercial industrial or hazardous waste will be accepted at this event.

For more information on Free Landfill Day or SWMD services, visit www.sanantonio.gov/swmd or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SASOLIDWASTE.
November 10: Councilman Roberto Treviño offers free 
Veterans Day meals to area service members
San Antonio carries the “Military City USA” trademark because of the commitment the city has made to caring for the men and women who have served. To honor area veterans, District 1 City Councilman Roberto Treviño has organized the fourth annual free Veterans Day luncheon at the historic VFW Post 76 (10th Street, 78215) on Nov. 10 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. All veterans and their families are invited to attend after the parade for an afternoon of leisure.
 
Residents are encouraged to show their support for veterans by attending the Veterans Day Parade which will take place along Houston Street from N. Alamo and end at Milam Park. The parade will begin at noon and end approximately at 1:30 pm.
November 10 - 11: Visit Historical and Cultural Landmarks throughout San Antonio for FREE
The San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department is excited to partner with The Cultural Landscape Foundation in connecting people with places. You are invited to explore San Antonio's diverse cultural landscapes during the  What's Out There Weekend San Antonio tours on November 10 - 11, 2018. 

Come learn more during expertly guided tours of some of our city's most significant public spaces. 
 
All tours are free. Space is limited and registration is required. Go to tclf.org for more info.
November 12: City Announces Veterans Day Holiday Schedule of City Services
City Hall and most municipal offices will be closed on Monday, Nov. 12, 2018 to observe Veterans Day. Public safety and emergency services will remain in operation. Other City services will operate as follows: 

Open:
  • Recycling, organics recycling and garbage will be collected
  • Police will be on duty
  • Fire and EMS personnel will be on duty
  • 3-1-1 Call Center will be operational from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Downtown visitors will enjoy a parking meter holiday
  • Dead animal collection crews will be on duty
  • Animal Care Officers will be on duty
  • San Antonio Botanical Garden
  • La Villita and Market Square shops
  • Bitters Brush Recycling Center, 1800 Wurzbach Parkway
  • Nelson Gardens Brush Recycling Center, 8963 Nelson Rd.
  • Alicia Trevino Lopez and Doris Griffin Senior Center (with limited services)
  • Limited Fitness in the Park and Cultural Classes will be offered- see November schedule for details
  • Pre-K 4 SA centers and corporate office
  • Head Start administrative offices and school district sites

Closed:
  • Alamodome Box Office and Administrative Offices
  • Central Library and all branch libraries
  • All Metro Health clinics
  • Animal Care Services Lobby and Adoption Center
  • Municipal Court, 401 S. Frio
  • Carver Community Cultural Center, 226 N. Hackberry
  • Senior Comprehensive Centers, with the exception of those listed above
  • Senior Nutrition Sites (seniors or the general public may contact individual nutrition sites for holiday schedule information)
  • City of San Antonio Community Service Centers
  • Child Care Services administrative offices
  • Office of the City Clerk, Passports, Vital Records and Municipal Archives and Records
  • SAPD’s Administration and Records Section
  • Parks & Recreation Community Centers
  • Parks & Recreation Adult and Senior Centers
  • Enrique Barrera Community Fitness Center
  • McFarlin Tennis Center, 1503 San Pedro
  • San Antonio Natatorium, 1430 W. Cesar Chavez
  • Spanish Governor’s Palace
  • La Villita Administrative Offices
  • Market Square Administrative Offices
  • Culture Commons Gallery at Plaza de Armas
  • Centro de Artes Gallery at Market Square
  • Willie C. Velasquez Emergency Services Center
  • SAFD Administrative Offices
November 12 - 17: San Antonio Entrepreneurship Week
Don't miss the opportunity to be a part of the biggest entrepreneurship celebration in San Antonio.
November 13: The Evolution of Mariachi Music Work shop
Forest Hills Library welcomes Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza for The Evolution of Mariachi Music and a performance by Mariachi Espuelas de Plata on Nov. 13 at 4:00 p.m.

Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza celebrates the history, beauty, and cultural impact of mariachi music. The annual festival includes concerts by world-renowned musicians, competitions, workshops and participants from across the U.S.
November 15: Community Meeting on Alamo Area's Long-Range Transportation Plan
AAMPO invites you to attend public meetings that will be held across the region to discuss Mobility 2045 and how it relates to air quality. Meetings will be held in Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe and Kendall Counties from November 1 -15. All remeetings will be similar in format and content. You can also participate online from October 28-November 19, 2018.

The Bexar County meeting will be held on Thursday, Nov. 15 at the VIA Metro Center Community Room at 1021 San Pedro Avenue. The presentation will begin at 6:00 p.m.
November 17: Forest Hills Library Celebrates National Caprese Day
Start your Thanksgiving with a Caprese Salad Making Class on Saturday, Nov. 17 at Forest Hills Library.

Combine tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese and basil, olive oil and pepper for this traditional Italian salad. All ingredients provided!
November 17: Run the River 5k
November 19-21: Parks & Recreation holds Thanksgiving Camp
Now Registering for #SAParksandRec Thanksgiving Camp, Nov. 19-21. Ages 6-14 will enjoy sports, fitness, games and holiday crafts! The cost is $3/per day and includes a lunch and snack. 

Visit saparksandrec.com or a participating community center to register.
November 27: CPS Energy's Board of Trustees Hosts Public Input Session
CPS Energy Board of Trustees will host a second Flexible Path public input session on Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at the Villita Assembly Building, 401 Villita Street San Antonio, Texas, 78296
 
CPS Energy is offering free parking beginning at 4:30 at Navarro Street Garage, 126 Navarro.
 
CPS Energy Board of Trustees will be available to receive comments from members of the community. Individuals who wish to speak should fill out a registration card between 5:00 and 6:00 pm. Individuals who do not wish to speak will have the opportunity to submit written comments.
 
This Public Input Session is free and open to the public
Alamo Commutes App offers over 2,400 rewards for Smart Commutes
The AAMPO commuter assistance program, Alamo Commutes, new mobile app now offers over 2,400 rewards for users. The free Alamo Commutes app is available for download in the iOS App Store and Google Play Store or visit the Alamo Commutes website at www.alamocommutes.org.

The app has three primary features:
  • Find a carpool match.
  • Log your smart transportation trips.
  • Earn rewards for your smart trips.
  • Emergency Ride Home assistance.
Thanks to a new partnership with Entertainment Rewards, the Alamo Commutes app now offers more rewards for users! The rewards are organized by category and proximity. The most popular rewards include:

  • A raffle for a $50 Amazon gift card
  • Buy one get one free pizza at Papa Murphy’s
  • Buy one get one free donuts at Krispy Kreme
  • Buy one get one free admission to the Witte Museum
  • Two free tickets to the Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
  • 40% off at Hobby Lobby
  • 20% off at Bed, Bath & Beyond, and much more!

Earn points to redeem for rewards by recording your trips taken by carpool, transit, walking, biking, and telecommuting. 100 points is equivalent to $1 in rewards. Each new user begins with 1,000 free points.
Upcoming Events
To view more events, visit our calendar on the website here.
Thomas Jefferson High School Pep Rally
Date: November 9
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Thomas Jefferson High School (723 Donaldson Avenue)
*Councilwoman Sandoval will be in attendance.*
Date: November 10
Time: 9:00 a.m. to noon
Location: Nani Falcone Park (7625 Mystic Park)
*Councilwoman Sandoval will be in attendance.*
Date: November 10
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: southwest School of Art (300 Augusta)
*Councilwoman Sandoval will serve on the panel.*
Date: November 12-17
Time: varies
Jefferson Neighborhood Association Meeting & Turkey Bingo
Date: November 12
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Jefferson United Methodist Church (758 Donaldson Avenue)
*District 7 Staff will be in attendance.*
University Park Neighborhood Association Meeting
Date: November 13
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: St. Mary's University, AT&T Center (1 Camino Santa Maria)
*Councilwoman Sandoval will be in attendance.*
French Creek Village HOA Meeting
Date: November 13
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: French Creek Village Pool (9210 John Barrett Drive)
*District 7 Staff will be in attendance.*
Women's Transportation Seminar: Women's Leadership Panel
Date: November 14
Time:11:30 a.m.
Location: Plaza Club (100 West Houston Street, 21st Floor)
*Councilwoman Sandoval will serve as a panelist.*
Braun Station West HOA Meeting
Date: November 14
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Braun Station West Clubhouse (8630 Tezel Road)
*District 7 Staff will be in attendance.*
Inspiration Hills HOA Meeting
Date: November 14
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Colby Glass Elementary's Cafeteria (519 Clearview Drive)
*District 7 Staff will be in attendance.*
Oaks on French Creek HOA Meeting
Date: November 15
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Maverick Library (8700 Mystic Park)
*District 7 Staff will be in attendance.*
Date: November 15
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: VIA Metro Center (1021 San Pedro Ave)
Date: November 17
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Location: Begins at S. Alamo and E. Nueva, next to La Villita
Date: November 17
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: VetStrong (1735 Babcock Road)
*Councilwoman Sandoval will be in attendance.*
Date: November 13
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Location: Forest Hills Library (5245 Ingram Road)
Date: November 17
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: Forest Hills Library (5245 Ingram Road)
Date: November 17
Time: 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Location: O.P. Schnabel Park (9606 Bandera)
Date: November 27
Time: 5:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Villita Assembly Room (401 Villita Street)
Tween Night with the YMCA at O.P. Schnabel Park
Date: December 8
Time: 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Location: O.P. Schnabel Park (9606 Bandera)
Our Office Staff

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




Office Hours
Brass Professional Center
4414 Centerview Dr #160

Monday - Friday:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm

CLOSED November 12 in observance of Veterans Day
Maury Maverick Library
8700 Mystic Park

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

CLOSED November 12 in observance of Veterans Day