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VOLUME 71 | December 22, 2018
Dear Neighbors,
As the year winds down, and the Holiday ramps up, I am grateful for the many opportunities I’ve had to enjoy the season with our District 7 residents. Thank you for welcoming my staff and me into your celebrations. These get togethers exemplify the community spirit that’s alive and well in District 7.

And a special thank you to those who joined our District 7 Council Office for our first annual holiday tree gatherings at Nani Falcone and Woodlawn Lake Parks. We invite you to visit these trees over the next few weeks and check out the ornaments made by each of our neighborhood associations. We look forward to celebrating this annual tradition with you for years to come.

Thank you for trusting me to represent our community at City Hall. It’s a privilege.
Yours in public service,
Office note: In observance of the holidays, the District 7 Office will be closed from December 20 to January 3.
The Week in Photos
The District 7 Council Office celebrated at Nani Falcone Park and Maverick Library with District 7 residents for the park's first Holiday Tree Gathering. The District 7 Council office invited neighborhood leaders to hang their creative ornaments representing their communities. Special guests Santa Claus, the San Antonio Choral Society, and Sparky made the event one to remember!
Crossing at Quail Creek's ornament.
Braun Station West's ornament.
The Oaks of French Creek's ornament.
Eckhert Crossing's ornament.
Mainland Square's ornament.
In an effort to improve reading skills and develop life-long readers, educators and parents at Colby Glass Elementary have collected over 2,600 books for students to jumpstart their own personal libraries. On December 20, Colby Glass held a book fair for students to pick up free books for themselves and their siblings to encourage them to read during the holiday break. The event was made possible by generous donations from Half Price Books.
Happy Holidays, District 7!
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,

With Councilman Shaw resigning, what happens next? I can’t imagine his seat remaining vacant until the elections in May, but I also can’t imagine there’s enough time to hold a special election for the seat… 

Thanks,
Perplexed on Parkway
Dear Perplexed,

For those who didn’t catch the news: District 2 Councilman “Cruz” Shaw announced his resignation last Thursday. He has accepted a position as an associate judge at the Bexar County Courthouse.

According to the City Charter, the remaining Councilmembers must vote to appoint someone to serve out the rest of Councilman Shaw’s term. District 2 residents who have lived in the district for at least six months have until January 4, 2019 to submit their applications for the position.

My colleagues and I will review the applications on January 9 and vote on a replacement on January 10. Whoever is selected will serve until May 31, 2019.

Councilman Shaw and I have worked together on the Council’s Public Safety Committee. I will miss him and wish him luck!

Thanks for the question.
Sincerely,

Ana
Connect with Your Councilmember
District 7 in the News
"'In a public park, everyone is a role model in the eyes of children,' Sandoval said. 'We want children and families to enjoy our City’s parks without learning unhealthy behavior or inhaling harmful smoke—especially as their lungs develop. By moving forward and making our parks tobacco-free, we ensure they remain welcoming and clean spaces.'"

Líderes locales celebran aniversario 50 de la audiencia de la Comisión de Derechos Civiles de 1968
" Ana Sandoval, concejal del distrito 7, comparte sus impresiones sobre este evento organizado en la universidad Our lady of the Lake. "

San Antonio Votes To Renew Housing Incentive Program
" The San Antonio City Council voted to 8-2 to renew incentives for developers to help create thousands of housing units downtown ."

Tobacco use at San Antonio city parks may soon be banned
" Tobacco use at San Antonio city parks may soon be banned as part of a proposed city ordinance. The ban includes all tobacco products, including chew.  Vaping  would also not be allowed."

"District 7 Councilwoman Ana Sandoval and Mayor Ron Nirenberg are pushing for a more open and accountable city government, which would include livestreaming more meetings and clearing obstacles for citizen feedback. Critics say it’s about time."

"The Woodlawn Lake area looked a little bit more like Christmas Thursday night. The District 7 Council Office and Councilwoman Ana Sandoval hosted the Woodlawn Lake Tree Lighting ceremony as the park revels in its 100th year."

Neighbor of the Week
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Announcements
City Holiday Closure Schedule
The City of San Antonio Offices will be closed beginning Monday, December 24 — Tuesday, January 1, 2019. Public safety and emergency services will remain in operation through the holidays. Other city services will operate on a modified schedule as outlined below:
 
  • Recycling, organics recycling and garbage will be collected Dec. 26-31

  • Christmas Tree drop off is available January 5&6 and 12&13 from 8 am-1 pm at Rusty Lyons Sports Center, Bitters Brush, Southeast District Center, Southside Drop-Off Center, Northeast District Center, Northwest District Center, Nelson Gardens, Eisenhower Park, and Stone Oak Park.  Bitters Brush and Nelson Gardens are open every day from 8 a.m-.5 p.m. and will accept trees the entire month of January.

  • Animal Care Services Lobby and Adoption Center will be open: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 24 & 31; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 26-28; and regular hours Dec. 29-30. Animal Care Officers coverage will be unaffected with the holidays and are on duty from 6:00 am to midnight then on call from midnight to 6:00 am (normal hours).

  • Development Services Main Offices will be closed with Code Enforcement Officers on duty Dec. 27-28 to assist with calls from 311 and building inspectors available by appointment only for permitting inspections and emergency coverage throughout the winter holiday.

  • Central Library and all branch libraries open Dec. 27-29

  • City of San Antonio Community Centers, Adult and Senior Centers, McFarlin Tennis Center and Barrera Community Fitness Center are closed Dec. 22-25 and Dec. 29-Jan.1 (designated Community Centers will offer camps Dec. 26-28 and Jan. 2-4)
 
For a full list of closures and modified hours please visit the Government and Public Affairs website .
Four legged Christmas presents? Animal Care Services urges residents to make an informed decision on pet gift giving; look out for scams 
With the holidays quickly approaching, many people decide a new puppy or kitten would make the perfect Christmas gift. Animal Care Services does not discourage holiday pet adoptions, but does strongly encourage residents to make an informed decision when adopting a pet at any time of the year. ‘Tis the season for scams and unfortunately there are unscrupulous breeders out there that will take advantage of would be pet parents. Some will misrepresent the breeds they have or even sell sick and underage animals for cash in parking lots or roadsides. Not only is this dishonest, it’s also against the law. Many pets connected to illegal pet sales end up dying from diseases like Parvo and Distemper because they’ve not been vaccinated or they’re simply too young to be placed in a home.

City residents should always report illegal pet sales to 311. If you still decide to get a pet from a breeder instead of a shelter, ask questions. A reputable breeder won’t mind you verifying vaccination records and can give you information on your new pup’s mother and father, if not actually show them to you. Ask for a signed health guarantee and read the breeder’s contract before you sign it.  

Regardless of how you meet your new pet, the commitment is for a lifetime so it makes sense to make a decision that’s well thought out and right for you, your family and your new furry friend. Here are some considerations when pondering pets as gifts:

  • Puppies and kittens require constant attention and supervision which could be in short supply due to the usual hustle and bustle of the season. This time in a young pet’s life is one at which they are most impressionable. Habits learned now, good AND bad, can last a lifetime. 

  • If you want to give a pet as present, consider bringing the animal home after the holidays and give pet supplies or a stuffed animal in preparation for the real thing.         

  •  Consider planning the purchase with the gift recipient. Make a surprise trip to the shelter and let your friend or loved one choose their pet. Everyone’s idea of the perfect dog or cat may not be the same.

  •  Parents buying a new puppy or kitten for their children this Christmas must realize they will likely be the primary caregivers of the animal.                                 

  • If people do decide to bring a new pet home, they need to have patience while the animal gets acclimated to their new environment. Understand that getting a dog or cat means you are willing and able to make a lifetime commitment to the responsible care of that animal. 

  •  Remember- a dog or cat who has been properly introduced to their adopters is much more likely to become a true member of the family.

All potential adopters at Animal Care Services meet with the shelter’s adoptions team who help them complete a questionnaire aimed at matching potential adopters with the perfect pet for their family and lifestyle. We strongly encourage people to give gift cards for pet supplies or even a stuffed toy as an alternative to an actual pet which can be chosen by the actual adopter or as a family. Animals adopted from ACS will be sterilized, vaccinated and micro chipped before going to their furever home. The Animal Care Services Adoption Center will be open Christmas Eve until 3pm, Closed Christmas Day and then open again the day after Christmas from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Be a Census Taker: Hiring Now!
In preparation for the 2020 Census, the United States Census Bureau will be hiring thousands across the nation to assist in this effort.

In San Antonio alone, there will be three (3) Area Census Offices that will staff these types of jobs. The offices in San Antonio will be located on the east, west and north sides of the city!

Please watch the videos above for more information!
Metro Health Tips for a Healthy Holiday Season
The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District ¡Viva Health! campaign reminds you that the holidays are a great time for families to create traditions and healthy eating habits by celebrating together, cooking together, and talking together during meal times. 

And as always remember the three ¡Viva Health! messages:
  1. Fill half your plate with fruits and veggies, every meal, every day.
  2. For portion control, use a smaller plate.
  3. Drink water, not sugary drinks.

For more information and materials on the ¡Viva Health! Campaign, click here.
Tax-Free Online Shopping
All honorably-discharged veterans now have the ability to shop tax-free online at PX/BX/NavEx shops. Click here to learn more about the benefits offered and how to utilize them.
This Weekend at San Antonio Public Library
Forest Hills Branch Library (5425 Ingram Rd., 78228)
Friday, December 21
11 a.m. - 1 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.
December 22: Merry Fitmas in the Park
Join the Parks Dept. for fun, festive, fitness classes, all for a good cause.
Saturday, December 22
Finale Celebration
Lady Bird Johnson Park
10:00 a.m.
10100 Nacogdoches Road
Workouts led by Body Architecture Personal Training and Fitness with healthy snacks, raffle prizes, giveaways, and more!

Workouts at locations throughout San Antonio. For schedule information, visit www.saparksandrec.com.

Encouraged donation of an unwrapped at any fitness event to be given to the Children's Shelter.
December 22: San Antonio Youth Wind Ensemble Concert
SA Youth Wind Ensemble Concert
Forest Hills Library (5245 Ingram Road)
Thursday, December 22
2:30 p.m.

Join the Forest Hills Library for this concert by the San Antonio Youth Wind Ensemble performing holiday favorites.

The San Antonio Youth Wind Ensemble (SAYWE) was founded as the premier honor wind ensemble for youth in the San Antonio and surrounding areas. Its purposes are to provide a positive musical experience for advanced musicians and to supplement music education programs in the public and private schools in the region.
Upcoming Events
Braun Hollow Christmas Event
Date: December 22
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Location: Braun Hollow Community Park
*District 7 staff will be in attendance.*
Northwest Neighborhood Alliance Meeting
Date: January 2
Time: 7:00 p.m.
*Councilwoman Sandoval will be the featured speaker.*
Young Women's Leadership Academy's 10 Year Anniversary Celebration
Date: January 5
Time: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Young Women's Leadership Academy (2123 W Huisache Ave)
*District 7 staff will be in attendance.*
Our Office Staff








Office Hours
Note: Our offices will be closed in observance of the holidays from December 20 to January 3.
Brass Professional Center
4414 Centerview Dr #160

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

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