With Cases on the Rise, Halloween Precautions are Essential
In the last several days, we've seen an uptick in COVID-19 cases in San Antonio. We've been averaging about 150 new cases a day since September, but we're seeing more cases lately. Just yesterday, we saw 201 new cases in a single day.
With cases on the rise, we need to take seriously our responsibility to be safe this Halloween. There are plenty of safe alternatives to trick-or-treating, like carving pumpkins at a safe distance with your friends, hanging a piñata, or having a spooky movie night. You could also join my office for a free drive-in screening of Coco on Saturday night. You can find more details and register here.
However you celebrate, I encourage you to avoid large gatherings. It could only take one night to put our community at greater risk.
- Do not go trick-or-treating if you are sick.
- Make sure you and your children are wearing cloth masks when going out to trick-or-treat. Bust out the ninja costume or slip on a cloth mask under your spooky mask.
- Limit the size of your group. The safest group of trick-or-treaters are those within your household.
- Maintain distance more than 6 feet apart between other groups.
- Avoid going inside other homes.
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And many more here.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3
We are days away from Election Day and yet we have already set a new record for voter turnout this year. Thank you to everyone who shown up for democracy this year and made their voice heard.
Remember: you're voting for more than just the President this Tuesday. There are three local propositions for you to vote on, as well as many local and state races.
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We want to wish you a safe and wonderful Halloween weekend. Continue to wear a mask, practicing physical distancing, and maintain good hygiene skills. While this year's celebrations may look different, there's safe alternatives to make it memorable. Scroll down to see safety recommendations from Metro Health.
If you're looking for a safe alternative to the usual trick-or-treating, join us on Saturday for a showing of Coco at St. Paul's Community Center. The event will feature an inflatable screen so that residents can enjoy the movie from the comfort of their car. Doors open at 6 P.M.
To register, scroll below and click on the link.
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District 7 Presents Día De Los Drive In: Coco!
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Councilwoman Sandoval, UT Health, and Metro Health Hosted a Free Drive-Through Clinic |
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This past weekend, Councilwoman Sandoval alongside the UT Health chapter of Frontera de Salud and Metro Health to provide over 200 free flu shots to residents.
“This flu season, getting your flu shot isn’t just about keeping yourself safe—it’s about keeping your family safe, too. Less flu in the community means fewer people in our hospitals. Our hospitals need to be prepared for a possible winter wave of COVID-19,” said Councilwoman Ana Sandoval. “I’m grateful to the students of Frontera de Salud and Metro Health for making this event possible.”
For more information about immunizations and to see upcoming events please visit the Metro Health website.
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Update on Governor's Order as Texas Reopens |
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On October 15, Bexar County issued an update to community restrictions due to COVID-19 in accordance with updates issued by Governor Greg Abbott. The following are in effect:
- Every person 10 years or older in Bexar County shall wear a face covering over the nose and mouth when inside a commercial entity.
- Large gatherings more than 10 people are still prohibited.
- Restaurants may operate at 75 percent of posted capacity.
- Bars may operate 50 percent of posted capacity.
To read the complete order, click here.
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Bexar County Strong - Coronavirus Relief Programs |
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Bexar County is currently distributing financial assistance to qualified county residents and businesses through a variety of county assistance programs. These federal relief dollars are designated to help those directly impacted by the pandemic.
"The business grants, to be administered by the nonprofit LiftFund and supported with federal dollars from the Coronavirus Relief Fund, will provide up to $25,000 for bars and restaurants with 60 or fewer employees and less than $5 million in annual income."
If you have lost your job or are having trouble paying for rent or utilities because of COVID-19, click here
For information on small business assistance, click here
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Care.com and Armed Services YMCA offering free childcare to San Antonio parents on Election Day |
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Care.com and the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) will offer free childcare to parents on Election Day at two San Antonio locations.
Parents will need to show identification upon arrival, and all participants must pre-register online to comply with COVID-19 occupancy restrictions.
Registration is open via the ASYMCA website (or by clicking the links above), where parents can reserve a free four-hour spot for their kiddos paid for by Care.com, a company that helps families locate childcare.
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Senior Planet Programming and Gift Card offers! |
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For more information click here. |
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Final Push for Community Engagement |
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Through the input of more than 10,000 San Antonians and with the review of 80 local content experts, SA2020 continues to shape San Antonio's Community Vision for the next decade.
Last call to make your voice heard on the SA2020 Draft Results and Indicators. Take a few minutes to complete the online form (or share with others if you already have!): SA2020input.
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Senior Planet Virtual Dia de Los Muertos Events |
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Join Senior Planet San Antonio & the San Antonio Public Library’s Latino Collection & Resource Center for a week of special events focusing on the cultural significance of Día de Muertos.
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Tips for a Safe Halloween brought to you by Metro Health! |
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With the first holiday of the fall season approaching, Metro Health has provided guidance for the public to have a safer Halloween. The public should continue using face coverings, practicing physical distancing, and good hygiene skills. The need to maintain safe practices will change what celebrations look like, but it is still possible to celebrate a safe Halloween.
Safer Trick or Treating Tips
- Stay home if you are sick. Parents and children should wear appropriate face coverings if going out to trick-or-treat. Halloween masks are not adequate protection.
- Limit the size of your group to those within your household. Maintain a distance of six feet or more between other groups. Bring hand sanitizer and use it frequently. Avoid going inside other homes. Only enjoy pre-packaged treats and avoid buffets or shared food. Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds when you return home.
Safer Ways to Hand out Treats
- Don’t hand out candy if you or someone in your household is sick. Participate in distanced trick-or-treating by not requiring trick-or-treaters to come to your door.
- Prepare individually wrapped goodie bags or leave individually wrapped candy for families to grab and go on a disinfected table at the end of a driveway or the edge of a yard.
- Be sure to disinfect the table periodically
- When preparing goodie bags, be sure to wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before and after.
Safer Adult Halloween Activities
- Limit gatherings with people outside of your household. If you plan to host or go to a Halloween party, plan an outdoor gathering as opposed to an indoor gathering.
- Gathering in small groups is safer
- Avoid beverages from the shared punch bowl and buffet-style food
- Avoid crowded indoor parties,
- Wear appropriate face coverings if going out to trick-or-treat. Halloween masks are not adequate protection.
- Avoid using drugs and alcohol.
Remain vigilant by protecting yourself, your family, and the community. For more information, residents are encouraged to visit Metro Health’s COVID-19 Halloween website: covid19.sanantonio.gov/Halloween. |
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ACS Offers Tips on Keeping Pets Safe This Howl-O-Ween! |
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Whether you're planning a drive-by trick or treat or you're handing out candy safely at home this year, keep your pets' safety in mind. ACS has tips on making sure your furry friend enjoys Howl-O-Ween!
Click here for more info on keeping your pet safe.
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Intergovernmental Relations
Monday, November 2 at 10:00 AM
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Governance Committee
Wednesday, November 4 at 10:00 AM
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Culture and Neighborhood Services
Monday, November 2 at 2:00 PM
City Council B Session
Wednesday, November 4 at 2:00 PM
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City Council A Session and Zoning
Thursday, November 5 at 9:00 AM
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No Meeting
Wednesday, November 11
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This Día de los Muertos, honor those we’ve lost but remember to keep those we have safe by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing & washing your hands often. To help stop the spread of COVID-19, only members of a household should gather. Learn more: covid19.sanantonio.gov.
Este Día de los Muertos, honre a los que hemos perdido, pero recuerde mantener a salvo a los que tenemos usando una máscara, practicando el distanciamiento social y lavándose las manos con frecuencia. Para ayudar a detener la propagación de COVID-19, solo los miembros de un hogar deben reunirse. Obtenga más información: covid19.sanantonio.gov.
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City leaders ban retail pet sales in San Antonio |
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Members of the San Antonio City Council passed a law that bans retail pet sales within the City limits. Instead, local pet stores will be required to work with local shelters and certified rescues organizations instead of large commercial breeding facilities commonly known as puppy mills.
The ordinance will go into effect January 1, 2021. It does not impact a person’s ability to obtain the pet of their choice from an animal shelter, rescue group or even a breeder who sells directly to the public; however, ACS strongly urges residents to make an informed decision before bringing any pet into their home.
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World Heritage Office Celebrates Día de los Muertos |
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The City of San Antonio World Heritage Office will celebrate Day of the Dead with a free online program on Sunday, November 1 and Monday, November 2, 2020.
The virtual events will share the history of the Día de los Muertos holiday, and its rituals, symbolism, and indigenous roots, as well as its gastronomical connections.
On November 1, Mission Marquee Plaza presents, “Día de los Muertos: Celebrando las Misiones - 300 Years of Mission San Jose,” as its third annual event and will be available to watch on the World Heritage Office YouTube channel (@worldheritagesa) and Mission Marquee Plaza Facebook page beginning at 4 p.m. The virtual event will include:
- Discussion on history, symbolism and traditions of Día de los Muertos by Jesus de la Torre, cultural preservation educator and social marketer, and founder of Colectivo Cultural
- Tradition of Pan de Muerto during the holiday, presented by Patricia Bedoy, owner of Bedoy’s Bakery
- Demonstration by San Antonio artist and educator Terry Ybañez on how to make a sugar skull
- Presentation on altars created by descendant families of Mission San Jose
- Performances at Mission San Jose by Mariachi Alma de Mexico and ballet folklorico dancing by Compania Folklorica del Alamo
On November 2, the San Antonio UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy designation, managed by the World Heritage Office, presents the second installment of its virtual Tamal Institute series, “Tamales and Día de los Muertos.” Created by The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, the Tamal Institute is a community effort to explore and provide information on the origins, history and cultural significance of tamales and tamaladas in San Antonio. This event includes:
- Introduction by author Dr. Carmen Tafolla on the historical and cultural significance of tamales for Day of the Dead
- A presentation and cooking demonstration by the Familia de la Torre on how to prepare tamales at home
- An opportunity to travel virtually to other UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy – Ensenada, Mexico; Merida, Mexico; and Belo Horizonte, Brazil – to learn about their culinary traditions for Dia de los Muertos.
“Traditions bring together loved ones, and tamal making is one that has been doing that for generations,” said Colleen Swain, Director of the World Heritage Office. “Food plays an important role in the practices of Dia de los Muertos and we are excited to share a deeper meaning and understanding of these through this year’s virtual program.”
Participants can register for the free event at tamal-institute-diadelosmuertos. The event will begin online at 6 p.m. Once registered, participants will receive a link to watch the program.
For more information:
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Vacant Building Program Virtual Conversation |
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The Office of Historic Preservation is hosting a virtual conversation called People + Place = Vacant Building Program on Thursday, November 5th at 5:00pm using WebEx.
District 7 is in the Vacant Building program area and this is a great opportunity for residents to learn more about how the VBP operates in this people-centered program.
Registration information is here.
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Diwali Festival Celebrating Indian Culture on Nov 7 |
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The culture, food, music, and arts of India will be celebrated during the 12th Annual Diwali SA Festival of Lights Saturday, November 7 starting at 9 a.m. right from the comfort of your home as this year’s free, cultural event is presented virtually.
Co-hosted by the City of San Antonio and Anuja SA, Diwali SA commemorates San Antonio’s Sister City relationship with Chennai, India. Diwali is the Indian “festival of lights,” a holiday that celebrates the triumph of good over evil, and Diwali SA allows people to learn about the culture, food, history, and traditions of India.
Guests will have plenty of activities to enjoy as they experience the culture and traditions of India, including yoga, Zumba Bollywood, kolam (a form of art using rice flour to draw intricate designs in doorways), Indian cooking and music.
During the virtual festival, online attendees can purchase Indian food, clothing, jewelry and more from vendors who will take online orders. The day concludes with a professionally produced video including nostalgic footage of past years’ Diwali SA festivals followed by DJ Lakha who will livestream the top Bollywood hits directly into guests’ homes.
Guests can participate by clicking here, Facebook Live, Instagram Live and YouTube.
For more festival information and updates, click here or call (833) 426-8527.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an Order to prevent evictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The order is effective September 4th, 2020 through December 31st, 2020.
The Order states that landlords are prohibited from evicting certain tenants affected by COVID-19. Click here to learn more or call 210-207-5910.
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Click any of the following buttons for reliable information about COVID-19. Additionally, you can text COSAGOV to 55000 to receive SMS text message updates. |
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The following buttons link to community resources should you need any assistance. If you need a service that is not listed below, please contact our office at 210-207-0870 or by email at District7@SanAntonio.gov. |
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See a full listing of resources here. |
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Looking for a way to help your neighbors during this time? Here are a few ideas: |
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See more ideas on how to get involved here. |
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During this time, the District 7 Office is continuing to work for you. We are taking the following precautions to protect your health and ours:
- We are taking your phone calls and emails.
- We are calling into neighborhood association and HOA meetings. If you would like help hosting a video or conference call for your NA/HOA meeting, call us!
- We are postponing in-person office events for the time being.
We appreciate your understanding.
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