Your District 7 Newsletter
VOLUME 41 | May 18, 2018
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Just over a month ago, the San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association presented the City with three petitions to amend the City Charter. Since then, the City Clerk’s office has been hard at work verifying the nearly 100,000 signatures submitted with these petitions. This week, the Clerk presented her findings to City Council, affirming that each of the three petitions had the required 20,000 valid signatures. The City Council now has until August 20, 2018 to call a special election for the November 6, 2018 ballot.
Like most of you, I hold the City’s first responders in high regard. They are responsible for saving the lives of San Antonians every day. And I respect the right of the Firefighters Association to advance the well-being of our firefighters.
However, the proposed amendments to the City Charter do not focus on advancing the well-being of the firefighters, but rather, on radically changing our long-standing form of City government. I firmly believe that changes to our City Charter must be developed openly with community input, not behind closed doors by any special interest group.
I regularly speak to residents about the need for investment in City services like street maintenance and flood control. These charter amendments stand to derail efforts to make those investments, creating instability at City Hall. You deserve a City Council that can govern effectively.
I will continue to keep you informed as this process continues.
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P.S. The District 7 Office will be closed for Memorial Day on May 28.
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The District 7 Office hosted its fourth and final 2018 Property Tax Appraisal Workshop this past Monday at St. Mary's University. Thank you to all of the residents who attended and a special thank you to our presenter, Mr. John Pelayo, who donated his time and expertise to empower members of our community.
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Councilwoman Sandoval volunteered with the American Red Cross to carry out their Sound the Alarm campaign, installing free smoke detectors and helping residents create home fire escape plans. Thank you to the Red Cross for their efforts to keep our residents safe.
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The Inspiration Hills HOA welcomed Councilwoman Sandoval to their meeting Wednesday night, where she discussed her City Council committee work and her priorities for District 7.
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Cub Scout Pack 54 hosted Councilwoman Sandoval at their meeting this past week. The scouts came prepared with questions about city government and what it is like to serve on City Council.
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Councilwoman Sandoval joined her colleague Councilman Rey Saldana and CPS Energy CEO Paula Gold-Williams for a panel at Excel Beyond the Bell's Annual Summit. The panel focused on the role relationships and out-of-school activities play in childhood development.
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For this week's Conversations with Councilwoman Sandoval, District 7 residents visited the neighborhood treasure Barrio Barista. Councilwoman Sandoval answered questions about Code Compliance and neighborhood safety. The next Conversations event is May 26 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Corazones on Fire (1024 Donaldson Ave). It is open to the public.
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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,
I attended the December meeting the Parks Department held where we talked about the future of the Alamo Golf Course property. I’ve been hoping to golf again there soon. What’s the latest?
Thanks,
Itchin’ to Golf
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Dear Itchin’,
I have news for you: following last December’s community meeting, the Parks and Recreation Department is securing a vendor who will operate a driving range at the former Alamo Golf Course property. They expect to identify a vendor and finalize a contract later this summer. The contact would last for three years.
Last night, the Parks Dept. hosted a follow up to their December meeting to update the community and begin to collect input on a concept plan for the long-term use of the land. This plan is intended to guide future development of the land when funding is available. We heard from golfers, drone enthusiasts, and BMX riders about how they wanted to see the land used in the future.
The Parks Dept. will host three more community meetings to develop that plan, tentatively planned for August, October, and late November. They aim to have a complete plan by January 2019.
Thank you for your question.
Sincerely,
Councilwoman Sandoval
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Connect with Your Councilmember
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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 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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"Many people wanted to see the continuation of a golf course, either a driving range or a nine-er or an 18-hole golf course. We had a number of golf enthusiasts come out because this property is located in a very special area in terms of being out of the flight path [of the City's military bases].
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"It's so rare to have this amount of green space for park development especially adjacent to an existing park,” Ana Sandoval said.
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"District 7 Councilwoman Ana Sandoval said the focus should be more on the Transportation Demand Management program, which incentivizes and encourages people to learn more about and use all of the city's transportation options."
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"[City Councilwoman] Ana Sandoval said for safety alone, the city should take a serious look at the tech."
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Meet Your Neighbor: Jorge Vazquez
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Jorge Vasquez has been the Pastor at Agape Baptist Church on Braun Road since 2015. Pastor Vasquez grew up in San Antonio and graduated from Highlands High School. He served proudly in the U.S. Marine Corp, after which, he followed God’s call. He served as a Pastor in Decatur, Texas. Since coming to Agape Baptist Church, Pastor Vasquez has worked hard to connect his parish with our local community. Agape recently hosted a service for First Responders and will soon open a Food Bank pantry. Jorge is married his loving wife Dahlia and they have 5 beautiful girls. Pastor Jorge looks forward to getting to know the city of San Antonio and the community of District 7 so that both can make our city and community a better place!
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Proposed Comprehensive Land Use Categories
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The Planning Department invites the community to review the Proposed Comprehensive Land Use Categories.
The City of San Antonio Planning Department has been working with the community to update the City's future land use categories. The updated future land use categories will implement the SA Tomorrow Comprehensive Plan and provide the City with an easily understandable and flexible land use framework.
For more information, or to schedule a meeting to learn more, please contact Shepard beamon at shepard.beamon@sanantonio.gov or 210-207-0244. More info available
here.
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Tree Preservation and Oak Wilt Prevention Class
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Join the City Arborist in the next DSD (Development Services Department) Academy, scheduled for Saturday,
May 19, 9 to 11 AM. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. and free parking is available on premise.
The session will discuss San Antonio's Tree Preservation Ordinance and steps homeowners can take to help in the prevention of Oak Wilt.
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Digital Inclusion Month at the San Antonio Public Library
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San Antonio Public Library is offering a series of digital classes during the month of May as part of Digital Inclusion Month, a national initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide, providing members of the community access to technology, increasing digital literacy, and encouraging the use of technology in economic and workforce development.
Classes are being offered at branch locations throughout the city and include Computer Basics, Internet Basics & Cyber Security, Online Job Search, and more. Classes are designed for adults brushing up on or expanding their skills and those who may need one-on-one assistance. In addition to classes led by expert staff, San Antonio Public Library offers public computers and WiFi for free to library visitors. Remaining programs coming up this month are listed below:
Learn Basic Computer Skills- Tuesdays and Thursdays in May, 12:30 – 4:30 p.m., Carver Branch Library- Come learn basic computer skills by utilizing self-paced online instruction. These individual sessions are typically one to two hours long.
Mousercise!- Thursday, May 17, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., Thousand Oaks Branch Library- Want to improve your computer mouse or typing skills or have an opportunity to practice other basic computer skills without the stress? This fun hour will allow you to do just that with online games and exercises.
Résumé Writing- Saturday, May 19, 4 – 5:30 p.m., Pruitt Branch Library- Learn how to craft a résumé for a 21st century job search. Students will learn how to use computer resources to write and format a résumé that accurately reflects their skills, experience, and educational background. Class size is limited. Call 210-650-1122 for more information.
Learn Google Suite Computer Class- Sunday, May 20, 3 – 5 p.m., Schaefer Branch Library- Are you still carrying a USB around? Want to create business presentations and a budget all in one place? Need invitations or classroom worksheets? Come learn how to use Google Suite and simplify your tech life! Computers will be provided.
Online Academic and Career Practice Test- Monday, May 21, 3 – 5 p.m., Carver Branch Library- Come prepare for academic and career exams. We offer online practice tests for the GED, ASVAB, Allied Health, Nursing, Teaching, EMS and Firefighter, and Cosmetology exams.
Practice exams are online and timed.
Intro to Internet Basics and Navigation- Tuesday, May 22, 6 – 7 p.m., Cortez Branch Library- Patrons will be introduced to the basics of internet usage and navigation.
Genealogy for the Tech Generation- Tuesday, May 29, 4 – 5 p.m., Igo Branch Library-Learn how to research your ancestors without leaving your computer.
Internet Basics & Cyber Safety- Tuesday, May 29, 5 – 6 p.m., Memorial Branch Library- Join us for an introduction to web browser basics, search engines, and search strategies. We will also discuss ethical and safety concerns. Registration is required and limited to eight users. Laptop users are invited to bring their own device. Call 210-207-9140 to sign up.
Digital inclusion addresses San Antonio Public Library’s goal of removing barriers to access. Visit mysapl.org or call 210-207-2500 for more information about Digital Inclusion Month and upcoming events and programs.
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Stay Safe Memorial Day Weekend
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Memorial Day Weekend marks the start of summer vacation season. Last year, there were 19 severe crashes in the Alamo Area over the holiday weekend.
Lead by example: drive sober, buckle your seat belt, and control your speed.
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The Parks and Recreation Department is registering kids for their 2018 Summer Youth Program. You may register online or in person at a participating community center. The Gilbert Garza Community Center is hosting the Summer Youth Program, but is currently full and offering a wait list for interested residents. For more info, click
here.
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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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To view more events, visit the calendar on the Your District 7 website
here.
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Project Linus
Date: May 18
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Forest Hills Library, 5245 Ingram Rd
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Date: May 19
Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: Development Services Department, 1901 S. Alamo
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Date: May 20
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower, 1715 N. Zarzamora
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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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