VOLUME 121 | January 30, 2020
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ConnectSA Proposal Presented to City Council
My colleagues and I received a presentation this week on ConnectSA, a framework for the future of transportation in San Antonio area. One thing that stood out was how underfunded and underused our mass transit system is. As our city and traffic grow, we will need to rely more and more on mass transit.
My first job after college was at VIA Metropolitan Transit. When I started working there, I thought public transportation was important. By the time I left, I
knew just how important it actually is to San Antonians.
When you have your own car or a reliable public transportation system—when the buses run on time and get you to your destination quickly—you’re connected to jobs, doctors, schools, parks, libraries, and your friends and families.
The problem is that many members of our community don’t have their own car and San Antonio doesn’t have reliable public transportation. Our seniors, disabled community, and poor often either don’t own their own car or can’t drive. But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be connected to the rest of the community.
As our city doubles down on efforts to reduce poverty and economic segregation, we must invest in our mass transit system. Having a good job can mean the difference between remaining in poverty and living comfortably, but many in San Antonio don’t have access to good jobs because they can’t drive or afford a car.
That’s why I believe it’s important to invest in mass transit. Council will receive an update on how to finance the plan in February.
Homeless Point-in-Time Count
Last Thursday, my team and I joined the South Alamo Regional Alliance for the Homeless (SARAH), the San Antonio Police Department, and a host of volunteers for the annual Point-in-Time Count of Bexar County’s homeless population.
It was enlightening. I want to thank SAPD SAFFE Officer Shawn King for guiding us through the evening.
The Point-in-Time Count is an important project that helps inform how we approach the issue of homelessness in San Antonio. The Count will also help us craft a strategic plan to address homelessness, which is already in the works.
You can share your thoughts on homelessness and the homeless strategic plan by attending a
community input meetings. There are two left:
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Tonight, January 30
6:00 p.m.
Claude Black Multi Service Center
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Monday, February 10
6:00 p.m.
Ozuna Library, Palo Alto College
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New Report Reveals San Antonio Had 49 Days of Poor Air Quality in 2018
A new report from Environment Texas reveals that, in 2018, San Antonio had 49 days of air that was unhealthy to breathe. It’s an unfortunate finding that underscores the importance of improving and protecting our air quality.
Unhealthy air is linked to many health problems, including respiratory illness like asthma and COPD, heart attack, and stroke. According to the American Thoracic Society, local air pollution has contributed to dozens of premature deaths each year.
I’m grateful that the City already considers clean air a priority and is taking steps to ensure residents have clean, healthy air to breathe. It is within our ability to do better—and we will.
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Councilwoman Sandoval spent Saturday morning visiting with residents at the Community Coffee held at Maverick Library. The next Community Coffee will be February 22, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Forest Hills Library, 5245 Ingram Road. Make plans to swing by!
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A new report released by Environment Texas reveals that, in 2018, San Antonio experienced 49 days of poor air quality
—days when the air was unhealthy for children, elderly, and people with respiratory illnesses like asthma. Councilwoman Sandoval spoke at the press conference announcing the report, saying that we can
—and will
—do better to ensure residents enjoy clean, healthy air.
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With the Coronavirus in the news, the City Council's Community Health & Equity Committee received a presentation from the Metro Health Department on how they track and fight the spread of infectious diseases. Interested in learning more? View the video of the meeting
here.
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The District 7 Team joined the Maverick Neighborhood Association, where Mayor Ed Garza spoke about plans for the Urban Soccer League Academy to begin using the soccer fields at the Old Spanish Walking Trail and Flood Control Basin, one of the 2017-2022 Bond projects.
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Councilwoman Sandoval and the District 7 Team joined the South Alamo Regional Alliance for the Homeless (SARAH), the San Antonio Police Department, and a cadre of volunteers for the annual Point-in-Time Count of our homeless population. Each year, SARAH and the City collaborate to get an accurate count of how many people are experiencing homelessness within Bexar County.
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City Councilmembers and their staff participated in an Equity Training this week, where the City's Office of Equity talked about why it's important to make sure that we consider all San Antonians when designing policies and programs and how to make sure that happens.
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San Antonio residents were exposed to 49 days of lousy air quality due to pollution in 2018, according to a new report from a trio of environmental groups.
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Applications Sought for City Boards & Commissions
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The District 7 Office is looking for applicants for the following Boards & Commissions:
You can apply or view a full list of the boards and commissions
here. Have any questions? Call the District 7 Office at 210-207-0870.
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Metro Health Reports Three Pediatric Flu-Related Deaths; Reminds Residents to Get Flu Vaccinations
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Metro Health reports three pediatric flu-related deaths in Bexar County. For medical confidentiality and privacy reasons, Metro Health will not provide additional identifying information.
The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (Metro Health) reminds the community that it is not too late to get the flu vaccine as it is still the best prevention against flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for all persons aged six months and older, with rare exception. People age 65 and older, pregnant women, young children and those with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease or kidney and liver disorders are more susceptible to serious influenza complications, so the flu vaccine is especially important for them.
The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District recommends a three step approach to protect yourself and others from the flu:
- Get the flu vaccine.
- Wash hands often and maintain good hygiene to prevent the spread of germs, including covering your cough and sneeze with a tissue, your arm or sleeve.
- If you get the flu, complete all medication doses prescribed by your doctor and stay home.
It is not too late to get your flu shot. Schedule your appointment by calling 210-207-8894. Free flu shots are still available while supplies last at our two clinics located at:
Eastside Clinic
210 Mel Waiters Way • San Antonio, TX 78202 • 210.207.8894
Open: Monday – Friday • by appointment only
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Frank Garrett Center
1226 NW 18th St. • San Antonio, TX 78207 • 210.207.8894
Enter: from Hamilton Ave. & Albert St.
Open: Tuesdays & Thursdays • by appointment only
8:00 A.M – 3:00 P.M.
**Please Note: Clinic may close early and without notice if full to capacity and total service transactions cannot be completed by 4:30 p.m.**
To find the latest flu activity data, click HERE. To find a vaccination site near you, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s online Flu Vaccine Finder tool.
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Applicants Sought for SA Climate Ready Advisory Committees
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The Office of Sustainability has released the official applications for the advisory committees that will assist in the implementation of the SA Climate Ready Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, the Technical and Community Advisory Committee and the Climate Equity Advisory Committee.
Applications for both Committees can be accessed at http://sanantonio.gov/clerk.
Hard-copy applications are also available at all library branches.
Advisory Committee meetings will be scheduled on a quarterly basis with a target launch in April 2020.
For questions, help, or to obtain a Spanish version of the application, please contact the Office of Sustainability at sustainability@sanantonio.gov or 210-207-6103.
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City of San Antonio's Airport Advisory Commission Seeks Applicants
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Applications are being sought for the City of San Antonio’s Airport Advisory Commission (AAC) for 11 positions. The deadline to submit applications is
Friday, Feb. 7, 2020.
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The primary purpose of the AAC is to advise the Director of Airports regarding policies, air transportation initiatives, and noise-related issues affecting the City’s Airports. The City is seeking applicants in the categories of Aviation Industry (1 slot); Business Community (3 slots); Federal Aviation Administration (1 slot); General Community (4 slots); Ground Transportation (1 slot); and Travel & Tourism Industry (1 slot).
Meetings are held every third Tuesday of the month at 3:30 p.m. at the San Antonio International Airport. Members of the Commission receive no compensation. For more information, please visit
here.
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ConnectSA Seeks Public Input
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ConnectSA is working on a comprehensive plan to address the challenge of moving people and goods efficiently within and through our region. Your input is important and needed as part of this comprehensive plan.
Please take this brief survey.
Survey is open until Friday, January 31.
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CAST Schools Call for Applications
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Calling all incoming 9th and 10th graders! Want to jumpstart your career while still in high school, earn up to two years of college credit, and connect to industry mentors? Tuition-free and open to all Bexar County students, CAST Schools are accepting applications for the 2020-21 school year! Choose from five different career and college-focused high schools today!
Find your purpose and discover your dreams. To learn more and APPLY TODAY, visit: https://castschools.com/
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February 3: Climate Action in the Classroom
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Join the City of San Antonio and ecoRise on February 3rd from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for a teacher training on
Climate Action in the Classroom through Placed Based Solutions. The training will take place at Confluence Park, 310 West Mitchell St.
Explore climate challenges and sustainability with free K-12 standards aligned curriculum (and access to classroom grants), hands-on activities, and dedicated planning time so that you can find lessons that align with your own grade level standards and scope and sequence. Prepare to explore a variety of climate solutions with your students that utilize the campus as a teaching tool, provide authentic learning experiences, and help students connect to San Antonio’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP)! Community partners will be on hand to share additional resources and opportunities!
Additional info and registration can be found
here
. Lunch and PD credit provided (applicable to CPU, TEEAC Credit hours, and 6 Hr GT Credit)
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February 8: Jane Dubel Park Groundbreaking Ceremony
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Help us kick off a new round of park improvements and recognize park supporters in the community on February 8 at 10:00 a.m. at Jane Dubel Park, 4741 Callaghan Road. We will hold a plant and tree giveaway, as well.
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February 15: Sign Up for Basura Bash
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Basura Bash is a community clean up effort meant to keep our creeks and waterways free of garbage. Since its beginning, volunteers have collected and disposed of over 600 tons of litter.
Registration for this year’s Basura Bash is now online. The event day is February 15, 2020. STORM (South TX Off Road Mountain Bikers) will again be manning 2 locations: OP Schnabel Park and the Leon Creek at the Buddy Calk Trailhead. Below are direct links for each site.
We will be asking participants to arrive at 8:30 a.m. for a briefing on safety procedure and event protocol on the morning of the event.
Suggested Attire: long pants/jeans, closed toe shoes, and long sleeves. If you have work gloves, please bring them. Sunscreen and bug repellent is also encouraged. We will have water available but please bring your own water bottle or hydration pack.
To volunteer with the District 7 Office, call Frank Ramirez at 210-207-0870.
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February 15: 90 Second Newbery San Antonio Film Festival
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BiblioTech and H-E-B Read 3 cordially invite you to attend the 5th Annual San Antonio 90-Second Newbery Film Festival – Saturday, February 15th, 2:00 PM at the Witte Museum’s Mays Family Center. Free parking is available in the Brackenridge Park Parking Garage on Avenue B.
We hope you will join us as we, along with 90-Second Newbery creator and author, James Kennedy, celebrate the creativity and talents of local students as they are challenged to translate Newbery award winning books into 90 second videos!
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February 17: West Quill Park Community Meeting
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Come learn about design ideas for the future park on West Quill Road. The meeting will be held on Monday, February 17, at 6:00 p.m. at Forest Hills Library, 5245 Ingram Road.
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Save the Date: Texas Trails & Active Transportation Conference, March 25-27
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The biennial Texas Trails and Active Transportation (TTAT) Conference brings together those involved with bicycle, pedestrian, and other active transportation and recreation modes from around Texas and the world...and this year's conference is back in San Antonio March 25-27, 2020! Topics focus on issues of economic development, health, safety, and other issues relevant to advancing active transportation and trails.
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May 15, 2020: Mark your calendar for Bike to Work Day
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National Bike Month includes an ever-expanding diversity of events in communities nationwide - but the biggest day of the month is Bike to Work Day (BTWD). AAMPO is spearheading BTWD around the region on May 15, 2020! It's a celebration of bicycles as a fun and healthy way to get to work, as well as an opportunity for those who don’t usually bike commute to try it out. With increased interest around the world in healthy, sustainable and economic transportation options, the question should really be “Why not bike to work?”
Want to lend a hand? BTWD planning is underway! Reach out to Joey Pawlik about getting involved at (210) 230-6931 or pawlik@alamoareampo.org. Stay tuned for all the updates on our social media channels!
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AAMPO can help plan your commute
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The Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization can help you plan your commute. Call their helpful team to learn more about how to find your carpool match and plan your commute. Consultations available in English and Spanish. Call 210-CAR-POOL / 227-7665.
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Wonder where your District 7 Team is headed next? Join Councilwoman Sandoval and/or District 7 staff at any of the following events! Call us for more information.
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Braun Oaks HOA Board Meeting
Date: February 3
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Call us for more info
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Ingram Hills Neighborhood Meeting
Date: February 3
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Call us for more info
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Monticello Park
Neighborhood Meeting
Date: February 3
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Call us for more info
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Donaldson Terrace
Neighborhood Meeting
Date: February 3
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Call us for more info
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Thunderbird Hills
Neighborhood Meeting
Date: February 4
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Call us for more info
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Northwest Neighborhood Alliance Meeting
Date: February 5
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Call us for more info
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Guilbeau Park HOA Meeting
Date: February 6
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Call us for more info
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Groundbreaking Ceremony for Park Improvements at Jane Dubel Park
Date: February 8
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Jane Dubel Park,
4741 Callaghan Road
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Coffee with Ana
Date: February 8
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Note: Call to make an appointment
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Jefferson Neighborhood Meeting
Date: February 10
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Call us for more info
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University Park
Neighborhood Meeting
Date: Februrary 11
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Call us for more info
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Braun Station West
HOA Board Meeting
Date: February 12
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Call us for more info
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Retreat at Oak Hills
HOA Annual Meeting
Date: February 12
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Call us for more info
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French Creek Village HOA Meeting
Date: February 13
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Call us for more info
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Councilwoman Spends Valentine's Day with D7 Seniors
Date: February 14
Time: All-day
Location: Various Senior Centers and Living Facilities in District 7
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Basura Bash
Date: February 15
Time: 8:00 a.m.
Location: Call us for more info
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Women's Global Connection Girls Global Summit
Date: February 15
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Call us for more info
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Community Meeting on West Quill Park Design
Date: February 17
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Forest Hills Library,
5245 Ingram Road
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Brass Professional Center
4414 Centerview Dr, Ste #160
Monday - Friday:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Closed for Lunch:
12:00 pm- 1:00 pm
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Plaza de Armas
100 Military Plaza
Monday - Friday:
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Please call for an appointment.
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