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June 19, 2020
Dear Neighbors,
COVID-19 Cases Surging; Businesses Must Now Require Masks

COVID-19 cases are surging in San Antonio. Since May 31, the number of people who have tested positive for COVID-19 has more than doubled from 2,830 to 5,962. Over 1,500 of these cases were confirmed in only the last few days. Young people, aged 20-29, make up a quarter of the people who recently contracted COVID-19.

This means we must recommit to taking safety precautions if we are to keep our community safe. We must recommit to wearing a mask, practicing physical distancing, washing our hands often, and staying home when possible.

It is tempting to act like the COVID era is over. But nothing could be further from the truth. Remember, our health depends just as much on what we do as what our neighbors do.

Judge Wolff and Mayor Nirenberg have ordered local businesses to require employees and customers to wear masks. Violations are subject to a maximum fine of $1,000. Governor Abbott confirmed that this action is in line with his orders.

Celebrating Juneteenth: A Day in Texas History

Today, the City of San Antonio commemorates Juneteenth, the day in 1865 when slaves in Texas were finally freed. It marked the end of chattel slavery and the beginning of the ongoing struggle for full civil rights for African Americans.


A Conversation with Dean Williams

This week, I welcomed an extraordinary woman, Dr. Michelle Williams, for a talk on Facebook Live. Dr. Williams is the Dean of the Harvard School of Public Health, an epidemiologist, and someone I greatly admire. We spent an hour discussing public health, racism, and strengthening communities.

Stayed tuned for announcement about our guests for next week!

You can find the video, and videos of previous conversations on Facebook here or on YouTube here.

Two More Opportunities to Speak Up This Week

Your input is critical in making sure that City policies reflect the needs of our community. There are two more opportunities to speak up this week on public safety and next year's City budget.

Tomorrow, Saturday, June 20, you can join me for a Virtual Town Hall on the City's 2021 Budget. It starts at 10 a.m. With revenues down, our City budget faces shortfalls, and we need your help to prioritize services.
Tomorrow, you can also speak up on public safety and policing in San Antonio. The City Council's Public Safety Committee will host a listening session at 11:30 a.m.

You can access both meetings on TV on AT&T channel 99, Grande channel 20, Spectrum channel 21, digital antenna 16.1; online at  www.SanAntonio.gov/TVSA or the City’s Facebook page; or by phone by calling (210) 207-5555, option 1.
Yours in public service,
District 7 Initiatives
Facebook Live Every Wednesday

Thanks for joining us on Facebook Live this past month! Join us this Wednesday, June 24 at 7 p.m. for a conversation on the City Budget. Stay tuned for an announcement about our guests for next week!

Join us online at facebook.com/AnaSandovalD7/live .
Help us Serve Our Seniors

While many of us are now able to return to day to day activities. this is not the case for our seniors, as they must continue to be extra careful in protecting their health. To make sure they have what they need, our office is calling our District 7 senior citizens. With our volunteers, we have contacted over 1,200 senior citizens so far.

But we could use your help. If you could spare some time to make a few calls, please contact us by email or phone.
Announcements
Our office wants to congratulate SAFD Chief Charles Hood for being named Chief of the Year by the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association. Hood oversees a department of 2,000 employees and has a career spanning 36 years.
City Council creates a forum for dialogue about policing in San Antonio
The San Antonio City Council Public Safety Committee has two listening sessions remaining to gather feedback on policing in San Antonio. The meetings will be livestreamed on TVSA or on the City’s Facebook page . Find more information here .
City Facilities Begin Phase Two of Reopening
Phase two of the City's limited reopening begins this week. The strategic plan prioritizes the health and safety of City employees, residents, visitors and those who do business with the City. Find out more here .
The San Antonio Public Library is offering contact-free pickup for holds during specific service hours and public computer access by appointment at nine locations is now available . All details, including hours and locations, can be found here .
The Office of State Representative Ray Lopez will be hosting a Virtual Property Tax Town Hall on June 20 to help you protest your property taxes. Click here to register.
The San Antonio Food Bank has teamed up with AmeriCorp to bring on 25 additional "Hunger Fighters" to help our most vulnerable community members. Your involvement would include an 8-week commitment, 40 hours a week with a bi-weekly compensation of $500, and an end of term education award. Apply here.
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.