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VOLUME 87 | April 12, 2019
Dear Neighbors,
­­­­After months of public input, City council has approved a tobacco-free Parks ordinance this week. The ordinance is effective beginning June 1.
 
I want to thank District 7’s very own Alex and Ester Soto and the Woodlawn Lake Community Association, who collected over 400 signatures in support of the ordinance and have been steadfast supporters for this measure.

When the Parks Department sought feedback from the public on the future of San Antonio’s Parks system, they were surprised to see overwhelming support for a tobacco-free parks policy.
 
By adopting this ordinance, we are protecting the health of everyone who enjoys our city’s parks, especially our children and the elderly since their lungs are more sensitive to tobacco smoke.
 
You can read the ordinance here .
Yours in public service,
P.S. Our field office will be closed on Friday, April 19 and Monday, April 22.
The Week in Photos
Councilwoman Sandoval attended the Braun Hollow HOA and provided updates on District 7 including upcoming property tax workshops and a community meeting to discuss the future of Bandera Rd.
Councilwoman Sandoval attended the Braun Oaks HOA meeting with Councilman Pelaez and Commissioner Rodriguez.
Councilwoman Sandoval, Councilman Trevino, Former Mayor Ed Garza, and the Urban Soccer Leadership Academy (USLA) broke ground at the Old Spanish Trails Park, a 2017-2022 Bond Program Project.

The improvements are part of a two phase project converting storm water detention basins into 10 acres of high-quality sports recreation fields.
The District 7 office attended the Mainland Square HOA meeting this week. San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department discussed upcoming Greenway Trails expansion.
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,
 
I’m concerned about pet welfare in the district. We need to tell pet owners about the city's rules! How can we get the word out to pet owners about what is expected?

Thanks,
Furr-mom on Fairworth
 
Dear Furr-mom,
 
Thank you for your question. There’s actually a new opportunity for you to get involved—the Animal Care Services (ACS) Ambassador Program.
 
The ACS Ambassadors are community members interested in promoting animal welfare in their community, they help ensure their neighbors know about the latest pet ordinances and getting the word out about low and no-cost spay and neuter events in the city.
 
If this sounds like you, consider contacting my office to join the ACS ambassadors! The first cohort will begin later this month, so contact us soon.
 
My office has been working with Animal Care Services to develop this program and we’re excited to bring it to the community.
Yours in public service,

Ana
Connect with Your Councilmember
Have Coffee with Ana!
Spots are available for upcoming Coffees with Ana! This is an opportunity available each month for District 7 residents to schedule a twenty minute, one-on-one meeting with the Councilwoman.

Coffees are held on the first Saturday of the month. Our April Coffee is all booked up, but the next Coffee will be held on May 11 at our field office at 4414 Centerview Dr, Suite 160.

To make an appointment, call 210-207-0870 or send an email to district7@sanantonio.gov.
2019 Property Tax
Workshop Series
Join Councilwoman Sandoval and District 7 residents to learn how to protest your home's appraisal value.

There will be four workshops:

  • April 6, 2:00PM at Maury Maverick Library(8700 Mystic Park)
  • April 17, 7:00PM at St. George Maronite Church (6070 Babcock Road)
  • April 29, 7:00PM at Leon Valley Community Center (6421 Evers Road)
  • May 9, 7:00PM at Young Women's Leadership Academy (2123 W Huisache)
District 7 in the News
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Taxpayers in Ana Sandoval's District 7 can attend free  property tax workshops  on April 17, April 29 and May 9 by registering online.

Taxpayers in Ana Sandoval's District 7 can attend free  property tax workshops  on April 17, April 29 and May 9 by registering online.

"By adopting this policy, San Antonio is helping reduce the rate of tobacco use in the community and is demonstrating that our parks and public plazas are where people go to improve their fitness and enjoy nature. Tobacco use and secondhand smoke simply don’t belong."

In order to promote the #IKnowMyStatusSA campaign, City Councilwoman Ana Sandoval is spearheading a friendly competition among City Council districts to see who can get the most residents tested.

Neighbor of the Week
Meet Your Neighbors: Brandy and Ryne Weitzel!

“On paper our schedules do not make sense as to how we balance everything, between youth camps, Vacation Bible school, mission trips, and our five kiddos out of school and yet God always provides a way and a support system for us. People say it takes a village and in our case it takes a city.” Brandy’s words reflect the world of Brandy and Ryne Weitzel and their five children during the summer months. The summer of 2019 may be even more challenging as Ryne will take the youth to Journey Camp and will be traveling to Colombia on a mission trip with other members of Crossroads Church. Brandy will also travel to Kenya, Africa for an immersion trip with Women’s Global Connection this July.

Ryne is an ordained minister and youth and young adult pastor at Crossroads Baptist Church located in District 7 on Tezel. Additionally, he is a volunteer leader with Youth for Christ, an organization that mentors middle school and high school students and provides leadership opportunities for students after high school. During spring break, Ryne led a church team of 12 people including youth to Orange, Texas where students and adults helped repair homes for families affected by Hurricane Harvey through Bounce, a Student Disaster Recovery ministry. The youth ministry is also planning a mission trip to Haiti during the summer of 2020 with the organization Mission for Hope.

Brandy currently works for Endeavors https://www.endeavors.org/ where she supervises and provides counseling for the Safe Services program. The Safe Services program provides free professional counseling and offers case management services to any Bexar county resident that identifies as a victim of crime at any point in their life. She has been working with at risk communities for three years and in that time became inspired to become civically engaged. Brandy is a proud alumna of the Latina Leadership Institute-cohort 3, a leadership program of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She actively serves as a steering committee member for this year’s cohort-cohort 4.

Brandy also serves on the Texas Counseling Public Policy committee where she advocates on behalf of the mental health profession.
To their five children, ages 11 through 3, Brandy and Ryne are instilling at a young age the importance of Colossians 3:23 (NLV)   Whatever work you do, do it with all your heart. Do it for the Lord and not for men.

Their school age children are very active in their NISD schools academically and through extracurricular activities. The youngest will start in Pre K for SA this fall following in the footsteps of three of her siblings. In Brandy and Ryne’s words, “Out of all the blessings we have received, we know that our biggest blessing is to be the parents to our five beautiful children.”

And we are fortunate to have these District 7 residents as our neighbors!
Share Your Thoughts
Announcements
This Weekend at San Antonio Public Library
Maverick Writer's Group
Maverick Branch Library (8700 Mystic Park, 78254)
Saturday, April 13
10- 11:30 a.m.
Each month, the Writer’s Group will present a new topic about the craft or the business of writing. This will be very informal and can even be an article or video one would like to share. Then, we will discuss! (Suggested topics: Book Titles, Working with an Illustrator, Marketing a Non-Fiction Book, or the Role of an Editor.) Each person will also have an opportunity to share what he or she is working on, and of course, critiques can be part of this! All participants will be asked to offer constructive and respectful critiques.
Maverick Writer's Group
Maverick Branch Library (8700 Mystic Park, 78254)
Saturday, April 13
2- 3:30 p.m.
It's time to Fiesta San Antonio! Bring your family and friends for some fiesta crafts and fun! Mark your calendar!
An Epic Poem: Beowulf
Forest Hills Branch Library (5245 Ingram Rd., 78228)
Sunday, April 14
3-4 p.m.
Join us in celebrating National Poetry Month by learning about an epic poem of a hero and a warrior.
Viva Fiesta! Floats by Spare Parts: An All Ages Shoe Box Float Workshop
Forest Hills Branch Library (5245 Ingram Rd., 78228)
Monday, April 15
6 p.m.
Make a Fiesta Shoe Box Float with spare parts at this free event! All supplies provided.
Word on the Street: A Collaboration Between Artists & Writers
Forest Hills Branch Library (5245 Ingram Rd., 78228)
April 20 - June 20
Word on the Street is a collaborative artist exhibit between female artists and writers. These protest banners premiered in New York City. The banners were also seen locally or Artpace. The banners with the words of San Antonio poet, Naomi Shibab Nye, are featured in the Forest Hills Library exhibit.
Mission Reach Flotilla Fiesta
Fiesta Flotilla Fiesta Event
Mission County Park (6030 Padre Drive)
April 20, 2019
11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
At the free 4th Annual Mission Reach Flotilla Fiesta, you can expect fabulous live music, delicious food and beer, exclusive medal sales, a craft mercado and more!

11 a.m.- 12 p.m.: Water Parade
One of the best parts about the Mission Reach Flotilla Fiesta is the foltilla water contest, you can participate in the 80's themed costume contest (pets included)!

1 p.m. - 4 p.m.: Kayaking Activities
Take to the water with Boating for Beginners, then meet with San Antonio River Authority staffers to be provided a kayak, life vest, and paddle! All kayakers must be over the age of 12.
Attend any of the available sessions to learn more about the citizenship application process.
April 29: Bandera Road Corridor Plan Community Meeting
City Church (9431 Bandera Rd.)
Wednesday, April 29
7 - 8 p.m.
Please join us as we share information regarding the SH 16 Bandera Road Corridor Plan. We want to get you involved and keep you informed as we start working on this
important corridor plan for your area.

For more information visit the San Antonio Planning Departments website here.
Upcoming Events
District 7 Pothole Patrol
Date: April 17
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Woodlawn Lake Park, 1103 Cincinnati Ave.

The Pothole Patrol is conducting an April blitz where they hope to fill 10,000 potholes. To reach their goal, the city needs your help spotting the broken asphalt. For the sake of all our vehicle’s tires, suspension and alignment, let’s put the Pothole Patrol to work.
District 7 Property Tax Workshop
Date: April 17
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: St. George Maronite Church, 6070 Babcock Road
Register here.
81st Annual Battle of Flowers Association Band Festival
Date: April 25
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: SAISD Alamo Stadium, 110 Tuleta Drive
District 7 Property Tax Workshop
Date: April 29
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Leon Valley Community Center, 6421 Evers Road
Register here.
Bandera Road Corridor Plan Community Meeting
Date: April 29
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: City Church (9432 Bandera Rd.)
District 7 Property Tax Workshop
Date: May 9
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Young Women's Leadership Academy, 2123 W Huisache Avenue
Register here.
Our Office Staff

  • Joseph Bravo
  • Chief of Staff
  • 210.207.2727

  • Lexi Bachran
  • Community Outreach Coordinator
  • 210.207.0875

  • Charlie Mazuca
  • Neighborhood Engagement Officer
  • 210.207.0870

  • Debbie Dehlinger
  • Super Volunteer
  • 210.207.0870

  • Julio Arroyo
  • Executive Secretary
  • 210.207.7044

  • Bianca Maldonado
  • Chief of Policy & Communications
  • 210.207.0873

  • Matteo Trevino
  • Communications Coordinator
  • 210.207.0872

  • Frank Ramirez IV
  • Zoning & Case Manager
  • 210.207.0874

  • Josh Jaeschke
  • Policy & Case Manager
  • 210.207.0858
Office Hours
Brass Professional Center
4414 Centerview Dr #160

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

Monday - Friday:
12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Saturday:
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Closed on Friday April 19 & Monday April 22.