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August 15, 2020
Dear Neighbors,
This week, City Council voted to send the Mayor's proposed Workforce Development and Education Program to the voters this November.

You can learn more about the proposal by reading the draft plan or by watching these City Council meetings: August 5, August 11, August 13.

Residents continue to write and call my office to express their concern about the Edwards Aquifer Protection Program. While the Mayor and SAWS have identified a temporary funding solution for aquifer protection, no long-term solution has been confirmed at this point. I will do everything I can to ensure the long-term security of the aquifer and our drinking water. Currently, I am working to appoint someone to the SAWS Board who has a demonstrated commitment to aquifer protection.

Special Council Session on Proposed Police Budget

Chief McManus presented his proposed FY 2021 police department budget to City Council this week. Here are three highlights:

Number 1: The proposed police budget increases the total budget by $8.1 million. It includes $11.8 million in salary increases that are required by the police contract and a $3.4 million reduction in the overtime budget.

Number 2: Chief McManus presented a list of 15 types of service calls that someone other than a police officer could respond to. The list includes calls about abandoned vehicles, barking dogs, loud music, mental health disturbances, traffic violations, drunk persons, and panhandlers. Shifting these types of calls from police to other first responders would free up police to focus more on crime.

Number 3: The City Manager has proposed gathering public input on the future of the police department over the next several months. After getting more input, his team will write a plan on how to improve our public safety system.

I look forward to hearing more about the proposed FY2021 Budget over the next several weeks as City Council prepares to vote on the budget on September 17. Thank you to every resident that has reached out to my office to share your input. If you haven't done so, you can share your thoughts with me at District7@SanAntonio.gov or 210-207-0870.
Yours in public service,
District 7 Highlights
This week, Councilwoman Sandoval and the District 7 Team had the pleasure of attending the Braun Station West monthly meeting and caught up on the latest from our neighbors.

If your neighborhood plans on meeting virtually and would like representation or assistance in meeting via video conference, feel free to contact us at 210-207-0870 or email us District7@SanAntonio.Gov.
This week, District 7 Staff joined the West San Antonio Chamber of Commerce in distributing safety supplies to small businesses from across the West Side of San Antonio. Over 150 supply kits were distributed to small businesses and non-profits.
Announcements
City of San Antonio's FY 2021 Budget Town Hall for District 7 Residents

District 7 will host a virtual town hall meeting for residents to ask questions & learn about the proposed city budget for 2021. Be part of the conversation and make your voice heard! The event will take place on August 24, 2020 at 7 p.m. For more information, click here.
City Council and Committee Meetings This Week

City Council and Council committees will continue in virtual format this week. Below is a schedule of the upcoming meetings and their agendas:

Culture and Neighborhood Services Committee Meeting
Monday, August 17 at 10:00 AM | Agenda

Audit and Accountability Committee
Tuesday, August 18 at 10:00 AM | Agenda

City Council Special Session on the Proposed FY '21 Budget
Tuesday, August 18 at 2:00 PM | Agenda

City Council Special Session on the Proposed FY '21 Budget
Wednesday, August 19 at 2:00 PM | Agenda

Public Comment
Wednesday, August 19 at 5:00 PM | Agenda

City Council A Session
Thursday, August 20 at 9:00 AM | Agenda
The City of San Antonio's Office of Emergency Management is Seeking Input From the Public
The City of San Antonio Office of Emergency Management is currently working on updating our local Hazard Mitigation Plan to become less vulnerable to natural disasters. To participate, take the survey here. You can also join for discussion meetings on Sept. 10, 17 & 24. Details can be found at: www.saspeakup.com
Metro Health provides guidance to school districts for phased restarting of in-person instruction
San Antonio Metro Health Department has issued an amended health directive for the upcoming school year that provides guidance for phased restarting in-person instruction. The directive applies to all public and private schools from pre-kindergarten through grade 12th. The phases outlined in the health directive are based on health indicators, which can be found at covid19.sanantonio.gov. For more information on the amended health directive, click here.
SAPD Budget Information Available Through the City of San Antonio
Interested in learning about how SAPD is funded? Residents can explore the City of San Antonio Police Department’s FY2020 adopted budget line-by-line here or you can preview the FY2021 proposed budget here.
San Antonio Public Library partners with multiple San Antonio school districts to provide unlimited access to digital library
San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) has expanded its innovative partnership with local school districts to increase access to more eBooks and eAudiobooks for students just in time for the start of the school year. Find out more here.
Deadline to Apply for P-EBT extended to August 21
P-EBT is a one-time benefit for families who have lost access to free or reduced-price meals because of closures related to COVID-19. If eligible, you and your child could receive up to $285 in food assistance. Click here for more information.
NXT Level Youth Opportunity Center is Now Virtual
The NXT Level Youth Opportunity Center focuses on bridging opportunities for young adults between the ages of 16 to 24 who live in the San Antonio area. They helps reconnect young adults to employment and educational opportunities as well as offer resources to help meet personal, educational, and career goals. You can call 210-207-1723 for more information or click here to learn more.
Metro Health Offers Free Testing Sites Across San Antonio
Metro Health offers free COVID-19 testing at three locations across San Antonio. Click here for appointment requirements, hours of operation and additional testing locations.

In addition, the City of San Antonio has an online self-screening tool that can help a person determine if they should get tested for COVID-19. This helpful screening tool can be found at https://covid19test.quacito.com/. This tool does not replace medical care if a person is feeling ill.
Stay Informed
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.
Community Resources
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.
See a full listing of resources here.
Local Job Listings
Help Your Neighbors
Looking for a way to help your neighbors during this time? Here are a few ideas:
See more ideas on how to get involved here.
District 7 Council Office
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.

Contact us by calling 210-207-0870 or emailing us at District7@SanAntonio.gov

We appreciate your understanding.