Your District 7 Newsletter
VOLUME 36 | April 12, 2018
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Yesterday, Mayor Nirenberg announced my selection to serve as a director of ConnectSA, a new non-profit tasked with creating a blueprint for the future of San Antonio’s modern transportation system. I am honored to serve with Councilman Rey Saldaña, State Representative Ina Minjarez, and State Senator José Menéndez under the leadership of former Mayor Henry Cisneros and VIA Board Chairwoman Hope Andrade.
Our transportation system shapes how San Antonio grows and how our economy develops. It influences our health outcomes and how we define our community. Without a doubt, it determines how we spend much of our time and how we interact with our city.
A robust, reliable, and modern transportation network is long overdue in San Antonio. Our system has lagged behind for decades, leaving us as the only major city whose residents must rely on cars to get around. Our dependence on driving makes us more vulnerable to fluctuations in gas prices – and can nearly bring us to a standstill as we saw after Hurricane Harvey hit the coast.
The longer we wait to take action, the longer we’ll wait in traffic.
I applaud Mayor Nirenberg for his vision in assembling such an exceptional team. I am confident we will deliver a community-driven, future-focused mobility plan that works for all San Antonians.
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District 7 residents enjoyed speaking with Councilwoman Sandoval about their neighborhood concerns and questions this past Saturday at Martha's Mexican Restaurant. We'll have the next Conversations with the Councilwoman on
May 12 at Barrio Barista (3735 Culebra Road) and on
May 26 at Corazones on Fire (1024 Donaldson Ave). Both will take place from 10 AM to 11 AM.
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Team Sandoval had a great time visiting with the Jefferson Neighborhood Association Monday night. We spoke about their neighborhood and our upcoming property tax appeal workshops.
My office and I are currently planning a third property tax appeal workshop on May 7. To register, contact my office at 210-207-0870 or at district7@sanantonio.gov.
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Councilwoman Sandoval attended at the Peripheral Vascular Associates (PVA) Downtown Plaza Pre-Fiesta grand opening this past Tuesday, where she spoke about the importance of community health. PVA's newest facility is a converted and restored old bank building.
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The Mayor's Housing Policy Task Force held its second community meeting this past Saturday morning. Councilwoman Sandoval attended and appreciates the District 7 residents who attended as well.
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Councilwoman Sandoval celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Institute of Texan Cultures. Senator Van de Putte’s first job was here as a bilingual tour guide. Also here is Ms. Frances Garza-Alvarado, long time Folklife Festival champion.
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Habitat for Humanity celebrated their volunteers at Volunteer Appreciation Night. Habitat's volunteers do invaluable work. Thank you, volunteers!
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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 line "Ask Ana Anything".
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Dear Ana,
When do you plan to host another Property Tax challenge education meeting? I just received my new appraisal and am shocked. Is San Antonio trying to tax me out of my home?
Thanks,
Too Much of a Taxpayer
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Dear Taxpayer,
When my office and I decided to host two Property Tax Appraisal Workshops, we knew there was a need for them. Yet, we couldn’t have anticipated this level of demand – both originally scheduled workshops are now full.
The needs of school districts have continued to grow as state funding has dried up. As a result, some school districts have raised their tax rate. If you look at your assessment, you’ll see that the City receives just over 20% while school districts draw over 40%.
School finance reform is one of the City’s legislative priorities for 2019. We will urge our representatives at the state level to find a way to restore financing for schools during the next legislative session so that you have meaningful tax relief.
Some of my City Council colleagues want to ensure that the Bexar County Appraisal District’s process is transparent. A couple of weeks ago, I signed onto a request to have their process and its outcomes studied to ensure a fair and accurate process.
I will keep you posted as that initiative moves forward. I have decided to host a third Property Tax Appraisal Workshop on May 7th. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. We have not yet determined a location. Contact my office and we’ll add you to the registration list and share the rest of the details as soon as they are available.
Thank you for your question.
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Sincerely,
Councilwoman Ana Sandoval
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Connect with Your Councilmember
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We've Added a Third Property Tax Appraisal Workshops
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The District 7 Office's two workshops on protesting your property tax appraisal are both booked to capacity; so
we have scheduled a third property tax workshop for May 7th. Contact our office with your name, phone number, and email address and we will notify you when a location is confirmed.
These workshops will explain the process and prepare you with the information you need to protest your property tax appraisal this year. Remember, your neighbor’s property value influences yours, so please invite them! Our presenter is bilingual and will be able to explain the process in both English and Spanish.
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Dial A Trailer Coming to Braun Station Neighborhoods
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It's time for spring cleaning! To assist, we have arranged for a Dial-A-Trailer in your area. This is an opportunity to discard objects that you cannot typically fit into your trash bin.
The Dial-A-Trailer will be April 14 at the Braun Station East Clubhouse (9350 Knighthood) from 8 AM to 1 PM. Volunteers are greatly appreciated! IF you want to volunteer, please call Frank Ramirez at 210-207-0874.
Items accepted at Dial-A-Trailer include appliances, furniture, lumber, mattresses, shrubs, tree limbs, water heaters, and vehicle tires (limit of 4).
If you do not live in the Braun Station area, you are also welcome to take advantage of Free Landfill Day. Please provide a recent copy of your CPS Energy bill showing that you are a solid waste rate payer. More information available
here.
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Community Conversations with the Councilwoman
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Councilwoman Ana Sandoval is committed to being your voice at City Hall. As a part of her ongoing efforts to make your District 7 Office accessible and responsive, we invite you to join us for a "Community Conversation with the Councilwoman". Please join your neighbors to discuss issues affecting our families and our neighborhoods.
These events are open to the public. Upcoming Conversations with Councilwoman Sandoval:
- May 12 from 10 AM to 11 AM at Barrio Barista (3735 Culebra Road)
- May 26 from 10 AM to 11 AM at Corazones on Fire (1024 Donaldson Ave)
If you have any questions, call 210-207-0870 or send an email with the subject line "Community Conversations with the Councilwoman" to district7@sanantonio.gov.
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Councilwoman Ana Sandoval values your input (and coffee). That's why we're inviting you to: Coffee with Ana.
District 7 residents have the opportunity to have a 20-minute, one-on-one conversation with Councilwoman Sandoval.
These conversations are by appointment.
To make an appointment, call 210-207-0857 or send an email with the subject line "Coffee with Ana" to district7@sanantonio.gov.
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"District 7 Councilwoman Ana Sandoval will be one of ConnectSA's directors. 'I think we've really been missing an advocate, a voice for equalizing transportation,' Sandoval said, after hearing Nirenberg's speech. 'For decades, we've invested in roadway projects and that's not a full-blown infrastructure.'"
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"Councilman Rey Saldaña (D4), who led the effort to increase the City’s budget for VIA, will serve on the board with Councilwoman Ana Sandoval (D7), State Sen. José Menéndez (D-San Antonio), and State Rep. Ina Minjarez (D-San Antonio). The remaining members 'will be chosen with input from City Council, the County, stakeholders and the tri-chairs,' according to a news release."
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"'[Short-term rentals] allow you to pretend you’re a local,' Councilwoman Ana Sandoval (D7) said, but too many in one neighborhood can start to feel 'like a hotel or a theme park.'"
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District 7 Councilwoman Ana Sandoval — the other female council member — emphasized that qualified and diverse candidates need to be found."
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For a Tricentennial event, the Pan American League has invited Councilwoman Sandoval to model in the Fiesta Olé: Mujeres Poderoasa Fashion Show on April 22 at the Hyatt Hill Country Resort. For more information, visit the Pan American League website
here.
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Construction Project Updates
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Sidewalks Coming to Bexar Dr!
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Sidewalks are coming to Bexar Dr. Sidewalks will be installed on the east/north side of Bexar Dr., from Colleen Dr. to Wild Cherry Dr. Construction began last week.
The project will consist of the installation of concrete curb, sidewalk, and driveway approaches (the portion of the driveway typically in the Right-of-Way from the curb to the property line). The primary purpose of this project is for safe pedestrian access as required by the Americans With Disability Act (ADA).
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March for Science on April 14
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The March for Science demonstrates our passion for science and sounds a call to support the use of science-based decision making, the scientific community and science education. Ongoing policy changes have caused heightened concern regarding the role scientific analysis plays in policy deliberations. The outpouring of support for science advocacy and STEM education are evidence of the understanding of the value science brings to our world. The March for Science - San Antonio 2018 in a non-partisan, apolitical collaboration celebrating science.
March for Science - San Antonio has been busy planning for the 2018 March.
Come and join us on April 14 as we march from Jefferson High School to Woodlawn Lake, and return along Kampmann Blvd. for a Walk Thru Science! We want YOU! Like to volunteer? Start by filling out the MFS San Antonio 2018 SignUp (https://goo.gl/hwzcwE) to tell us more about yourself. We will continue to update this website with volunteer opportunities, news, and merchandise offerings. Thank you, San Antonio!
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The City of San Antonio, Department of Human Services, is accepting applications for the 2018 Ambassador Summer Internship Program.
Interested applicants must submit a completed application by April 13. Applications can be found online on the Department of Human Services website or by visiting http://www.sanantonio.gov/humanservices
For more information on the Ambassador Program, contact Angel Lerma at 210-207-5843 or ambassadorinternship@sanantonio.gov
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City’s Planning Commission Technical Advisory Committee seeks applicants
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Development Services is seeking applicants to fill six positions in the City’s Planning Commission Technical Advisory Committee (PTAC):
- Development/Real Estate Professional - one position
- Registered Professional Engineer - one position and one alternate
- Planning Professional - one position
- Community at-Large - two positions
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Metro Health Hosts Open House Events for National Public Health Month
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National Public Health Month does not rank among the most popular annual observances. However, this year, the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District wants to use the opportunity to raise awareness about public health issues and connect directly with the community through a series of open house events held throughout the month at different Metro Health locations.
Metro Health will host the following open house events:
- Environmental Health and Safety Open House on Friday, April 13, from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Claude Black Community Center at 2915 E. Commerce.
- Community Health Open House on Thursday, April 19, from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at the Benavides Center at 515 Castroville.
Nationally, the annual observance begins with National Public Health Week (April 2-8) which serves to celebrate the power of prevention, advocate for healthy and fair policies, share strategies for successful partnerships and champion the role of a strong public health system. The theme for 2018 is “Healthiest Nation 2030” and strives to create the healthiest nation in one generation.
To learn more about Metro Health’s mission and initiatives, please visit www.sanantonio.gov/health.
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SA Climate Ready is a community-driven project that will improve the quality of life of all residents by reducing our contributions to a changing climate and making the city and its people better prepared to face our expected changes in climate.
Interested in hosting your own SA Climate Ready meeting with your family, friends, neighbors, or civic club to discuss VISION & PRIORITIES? Our Meeting-in-a-Box tools are online and designed to help you get the conversation going!
For more information and to download the Meeting-in-a-Box toolkit or to volunteer with the planning effort, click
here.
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SA Climate Ready needs your help in engaging citizens across the community! Attend a volunteer training to learn about SA Climate Ready and about how you can get involved. It is open to the public.
Central Library Auditorium, 600 Soledad St
Thursday, April 12
5:30 - 6:30 PM
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Big Brothers Big Sisters Recruiting 300 Men As Mentors
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In honor of San Antonio's 300th year celebration, Big Brothers Big Sisters has kicked off a "300 Men" Campaign to recruit 300 male volunteers to become Big Brothers to kids on our wait list.
The campaign kicked off on New Year's Day and will run until Father's Day, June 17, 2018. There are hundreds of boys on the wait list to get a Big Brother. We hope to find mentors for 300 of them in honor of the Tricentennial.
Men who sign up to become mentors (aka "Bigs") between New Year's Day and Father's Day will be entered into a drawing with a chance to win prizes. Drawings will be held at the end of each month and on Father's Day. Below is a sample of the prizes we have acquired so far:
- A signed Tony Parker jersey
- An all-team signed Spurs basketball
- 2 game tickets
- A night stay at El Tropicano
- Free Krispy Kreme doughnuts
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To view more events, visit the calendar on the Your District 7 website
here.
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Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
Wednesdays: 12:00 - 7:00 PM
Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Forest Hills Libary, 5245 Ingram Rd
VITA staff and volunteers will be available to assist with filing your tax returns. This is for people with $60,000 or less in taxable income. This will occur weekly until April 14th.
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Date: April 12
Time: 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Location: Central Library Auditorium, 600 Soledad St.
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Date: April 14
Time: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Braun Station East Clubhhouse, 9350 Knighthood
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Date: April 14
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Thomas Jefferson High School, 723 Donaldson Ave
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Date: April 16
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Location: Young Women's Leadership Academy Library, 2123 W Huisache
*Councilwoman Sandoval will be in attendance.*
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Date: April 17
Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: Mexican American Unity Council, 23000 W Commerce St
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Date: April 18
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: LiftFund, 2007 W Martin St
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Date: April 21
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Woodlawn Lake Park, 1103 Cincinnati Ave
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Date: April 24
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 AM
Location: San Antonio Area Foundation, 303 Pearl Pkwy
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Date: May 2
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Location: St. George Maronite Church, 6070 Babcock Road
*Councilwoman Sandoval will be in attendance.*
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Date: May 7
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Location: TO BE DETERMINED
*Councilwoman Sandoval will be in attendance.*
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Date: May 12
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: Barrio Barista, 3735 Culebra Road
*Councilwoman Sandoval will be in attendance.*
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Date: May 26
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: Corazones on Fire, 1024 Donaldson Ave
*Councilwoman Sandoval will be in attendance.*
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- Joseph Bravo
- Chief of Constituent Services & Administration
- 210.207.2727
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Brass Professional Center
4414 Centerview Dr #160
Monday - Friday:
9am - 5pm
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Maury Maverick Library
8700 Mystic Park
By appointment only.
Please call 210-207-2727.
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