Your District 7 Newsletter
VOLUME 57 | September 8, 2018
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This week, City Council voted to accept the report submitted by the Mayor’s Housing Policy Task Force. Mayor Nirenberg created the Task Force in August 2017 and charged it with developing a framework for a comprehensive, compassionate housing strategy for our City. During the past year the Task Force led a robust public engagement process comprised of public meetings, technical working groups, and working meetings. You probably saw these meetings promoted in our newsletter.
The report contains an overview of housing challenges in San Antonio and a strategy to address these through five overarching policy recommendations:
- Develop a Coordinated Housing System
- Increase City Investment in Housing
- Increase Affordable Housing Production, Rehabilitation and Preservation
- Protect and Preserve Neighborhoods
- Ensure Accountability to the Public
Housing prices have risen faster than wages. Families who may have once been able to afford a home in their childhood neighborhoods can no longer afford to do so. Without action soon, our community will have a housing crisis beyond what we are already seeing. As our City grows, it is important that every member of our community has a place to call home. The report can be found at
www.sanantonio.gov/HousingTaskForce. I highly recommend reviewing it.
The task force was led by Chairwoman Lourdes Castro-Ramírez. Members included Jim Bailey, María Berriozábal, Gene Dawson Jr. and Noah Garcia. These five individuals represent a wide range of professions and experiences, which I believe made the process stronger.
I am thankful to all the community members who participated and volunteered their time for the development of this framework plan.
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Councilwoman Sandoval and Councilman Brockhouse hosted a joint budget town hall meeting at Rudder Middle School this week. Several proposed budget items were discussed including: Dedicated funding for Bandera Road congestion, new ACS Ambassadors, more Park Police, and increased street & sidewalk funding.
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The Prue Substation SAFFE Officers joined Councilwoman Sandoval at Rudder Middle School this week. Officers Boehm and Pruneda spoke with constituents and answered questions about community safety. If you need to contact a SAFFE officer please visit
https://www.sanantonio.gov/SAPD/SAFFE for more information.
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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 "Ask Ana Anything".
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Hello Councilwoman Sandoval,
I hate to bother you, but I get confused by Code Compliance. Last week I reported a problem to 311 (I appreciate that it can be anonymous) and there hasn’t been any progress. I reported this problem last week and the weeds are still up to my waist in my neighbor’s yard. What’s going on?
Bewildered by Weeds
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Dear Bewildered,
I understand your confusion. The process does take time. I am going to describe what usually happens even though we all know there are exceptions.
- A code officer investigates (It is important to remember that Code Officer must see the violation in order to act), and if there is a violation of the city ordinance, the tenant and the owner (if different) are given a notice.
- 10 business, not calendar, days are given to remedy.
- A code officer re-inspects and if not remedied, a citation to appear in court is sent to tenant/owner. This makes the process even longer.
To view a more detailed process chart from Code Compliance’s website click
here .
Thank you for your interest in learning more about this process. If you have access to a computer, I suggest you visit Code Compliance’s page on the City’s website for additional information:
https://www.sanantonio.gov/CES.
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Yours in public service,
Ana E. Sandoval
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Connect with Your Councilmember
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Safety & Resource Summit at Gilbert Garza Park - September 22nd
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The District 7 Office will host a Safety & Resource Summit on Saturday, September 22nd at Gilbert Garza Community Center from 9 a.m.- 11 a.m. Councilwoman Sandoval and City Departments will discuss how to maintain a safe home and community. Resources and security vendors will be available to answer questions at the event.
Doors will open at 8:30 and the program will begin at 9 a.m. Join us in learning how to keep your home safe and have an opportunity to win a prize from our vendors! Please contact our office at 210-207-0870 or email us at District7@sanantonio.gov for more information.
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Councilwoman Sandoval has heard your feedback and now seeks to give residents an opportunity to speak directly to the city services you call about most. Schedule a 20 minute meeting with a representative from Animal Care Services, Code Enforcement or 311. Take your concerns directly to the city department, learn more about their processes, and gain a better understanding of how city services work together to address the needs of our community.
Call 210-207-0870 or email us at District7@sanantonio.gov to reserve an appointment. Representatives will only meet with pre-scheduled constituents of District 7.
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The next Coffee with Ana will take place in September and appointments are still available! This is an opportunity for residents to schedule a one on one meeting with the Councilwoman.
If you have any questions, call 210-207-0870 or send an email with the subject line to district7@sanantonio.gov.
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City Accepting Applications for Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation & Reconstruction Program
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The City of San Antonio’s Neighborhood & Housing Services Department (NHSD) invites all eligible residents to apply for the Owner Occupied Rehabilitation & Reconstruction Program. The program was budgeted with $4.5 million after City Council unanimously approved last Thursday the FY 2019 Action Plan and Budget for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant programs.
Residents of San Antonio who are U.S. citizens or legal residents, have a clear title to their home, carry home insurance, are current on their property taxes and meet HUD’s income guidelines are eligible to apply until Sept. 14. Eligible residents will be selected through a computerized lottery system and notified by October.
Throughout the month of August, NHSD staff members will attend 18 community events (see attachment) to assist eligible residents with applying to the program in-person. Residents may also download the application
online.
The Owner Occupied & Rehabilitation Program assists income eligible homeowners to bring their housing into compliance with local codes and provide safe housing. The program can address the following items for repairs: roof, foundation, electrical / plumbing, windows / doors, lead hazards, energy efficiency and accessibility improvements.
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2018 Mayor's Housing Summit
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The 2018 Housing Summit aims to achieve and maintain healthy growing cities and dynamic and diverse neighborhoods that offer a mix of housing opportunities for all by:
- Updating and informing the housing community about the current housing ecosystem;
- Engaging participants from different disciplines in positive conversations with varied viewpoints;
- Providing targeted information and seeking feedback on barriers to housing production, especially the production of affordable housing;
- Advising policy makers and housing providers about necessary local changes; and
- Promoting opportunities for specific action.
A detailed description of each topic can be found on the work session page found
here.
The event will kickoff on September 17, 2018 at 5:00 PM at the Henry B. Gonzalez Center (900 East Market Street)
You can register for the event
here. This event is not free, however if you are interested in participating, scholarships are available to attend the Housing Summit.
If you wish to apply for a scholarship to attend the Housing Summit, please email
HousingSummit@sanantonio.gov
and provide a brief explanation why you are requesting a scholarship. Scholarship recipients will receive tickets for the full 1 1/2 day Summit, which includes all events.
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City of San Antonio Department of Human Services celebrating National Senior Center Month at Dorris Griffin Senior Center
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September is National Senior Center Month, an opportunity to showcase the City of San Antonio Department of Department of Human Services’ Senior Centers and promote a positive image of aging.
The 2018 theme is “Senior Centers: Building Momentum!” Human Services’ Senior Services Division is observing this month long celebration with various activities.
The Dorris Griffin Senior One Stop Center (6157 N.W. Loop 410) will be hosting a "Fall Prevention Presentation & Bingo" on Wednesday, September 12th from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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San Antonio Department of Human Services celebrating National Senior Center Month at Dorris Griffin Senior One Stop Center
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Neighborhood Leaders,
Early registration is now open for National Night Out! Sign up today to receive updates and information as the City’s National Night Out coordinator releases it.
Please note that you will not receive an email confirmation after signing up. If you have any questions, please contact Linda Tomasini at
linda.tomasini@sanantonio.gov.
We’re looking forward to a fantastic National Night Out this year!
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As the design phase for SAISD Bond 2016 is underway, the Bond team would like to share preliminary plans and designs for Jefferson High School. This meeting will give the community a chance to meet and talk with the architectural team chosen to renovate Jefferson, as well as to provide feedback.
Wednesday September 12 at 6 p.m.
Jefferson High School Student Union Building (next to the cafeteria) 723 Donaldson Ave
.
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SAWS National Night Out 2018 Special Event Packages
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Dear Community Leader,
SAWS will participate in National Night Out 2018 by offering special event packages available for pickup on a predetermined day at SAWS Headquarters. These packages will include glow sticks, tote bags, phone wallets, and information about our conservation programs that may be handed out to guests and neighbors.
To reserve your National Night Out 2018 event package, please complete the Application Form located
here
and submit to Byron Gipson no later than Thursday, September 20
th
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Please note that SAWS has 50 event packages available for pickup. Reservations will be made on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The signed Application Form may be submitted to Byron via email:
byron.gipson@saws.org
; fax: 210.233.5200; mail: SAWS Headquarters - 2800 U.S. Hwy 281 North San Antonio, TX 78212; and/or hand delivery: SAWS Headquarters. Please include ATTN: Byron Gipson if mailing and/or delivering to SAWS Headquarters.
Once SAWS has reviewed and accepted the Application Form, a confirmation letter will follow detailing the exact time and location of National Night Out 2016 package pickup. It is important to note that all packages must be picked up on this day – no exceptions. Please bring the confirmation letter with you when picking up the package.
Due to the large number of requests, we will send out one confirmation email to everyone that will be receiving a package on Friday, September 21, 2018.
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New 311 CityFlag App Available Now!
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The 311SA Mobile App allows you to interact with the City of San Antonio by submitting service requests for concerns that need attention, while earning rewards, strengthening communities and empowering local businesses. City services available through the app include requests for pothole repair, graffiti removal, animal and property maintenance concerns, as well as many more.
Through the app, citizens are able to flag (geo-locate a service request), attach a photo, and provide supporting information for issues throughout your community. The requests go straight to the appropriate City department for evaluation and investigation.
The 311SA Mobile App also has a social network feature, which allows sharing and voting on other users flags/requests.
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VIA Metropolitan Transit announces Public Hearings on Proposed Service Changes
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VIA Metropolitan Transit is hosting public hearings to receive comments on the proposed service revisions scheduled for implementation on Monday, Jan. 7, 2019. Additionally, multiple routes will undergo minor schedule adjustments and possible route re-pairings for higher efficiency. For a full list of these service changes, please visit www.vianifo.net/jan2019. The meetings will take place as follows:
5:30 p.m. Doors Open | 6 p.m. Public Hearing
Monday Sept. 10, 2018
Texas Diabetes Institute
701 S. Zarzamora St.
Route 520
Thursday Sept. 13, 2018
VIA Metro Center
1021 San Pedro Ave.
Routes 3 and 4
Tuesday Sept. 18, 2018
Leon Valley Community Center
6427 Evers Rd.
Route 88
PROPOSED CHANGES
- Route 103 Zarzamora Prímo - Implement new Prímo route connecting Crossroads Park & Ride with Madla Transit Center along Fredericksburg Rd. and Zarzamora St.
- Route 672 TAMUSA / Madla Transit Center - Implement a new route to connect Madla Transit Center with Palo Alto Community College, Texas A&M University - San Antonio, and SW General Hospital.
- Routes 9, 43, and 44 - Increase frequency to every 20 minutes from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Routes 82 and 88 - Increase frequency to every 15 minutes from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Route 95 - Extend route from Crossroads Park & Ride to Medical Transit Center
- Route 101 - Rename Route 101 Prímo UTSA / Leon Valley to 501 UTSA / Leon Valley
- Route 520 - Reestablish Route 520 as new 103 Prímo Zarzamora and adjusting stop spacing.
Comments may be submitted at the public hearings or in writing. A court reporter will be available to accept verbal comments. Written comments may be mailed:
Attention: Government & Community Relations – January 2019 Service Changes c/o VIA Metropolitan Transit, P.O. Box 12489, San Antonio, Texas 78212, or by email to GCR@viainfo.net. For more information, please visit VIAinfo.net.
Para información en español, llame a (210) 362-2075.
مقرلا ىلع لاصتالا ىجري ،ىرخأ ةغلب تامولعملا هذه تدرأ اذ ٢٠٧٥ :يلاتلا ‒٣٦٢‒٢١٠.
如果需要任何其它语言的信息, 请致电:(210) 362-2075
만일 다른 언어로정보가 필요하면 (210) 362-2075로 전화하십시요
Nếu bạn cần thông tin trên viết bằng một ngôn ngữ khác, xin hãy gọi số (210) 362-2075.
Kung nangangailangan ng impormasiyon sa ibang wika, mangyari lamang na tawagan ang: (210) 362-2075.
ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
VIA meeting facilities are wheelchair accessible. Persons with hearing impairments may request an
interpreter 48 hours prior to the meeting by calling TDD (210) 362-2019 or
call VIA Government & Community Relations at (210) 362-2389.
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Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust -- Draft Beneficiary Mitigation Plan for Texas
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The Draft Beneficiary Mitigation Plan for Texas has been released for public comment. The public is invited to submit comments on the plan as explained below. Click on the following link to view and download a copy of the plan:
Draft Mitigation Plan. Input may be sent to VWsettle@tceq.texas.gov.
As part of a court settlement, Volkswagen will be providing funds to Texas cities to aid in reducing pollution.As part of this settlement, the City of San Antonio may receive as much as approximately $73 billion.
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Clean Air for Kids! School Voluntary Anti-Idling Program
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It's time to celebrate! THe Mission Reach section of the San Antonio River Walk is one of the nation's largest urban ecosystem restoration projects, and in honor of the five-year anniversary of the October 6, 2013 grand opening, the San Antonio River Authority is hosting a photo contest. We would love to see your photos of the Mission Reach! Over $3,000 in prizes will be awarded!
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Clean Air for Kids! School Voluntary Anti-Idling Program
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To combat the growing issue of air pollution, the City of San Antonio's Office of Sustainability is launching a
Clean Air for Kids! School Anti-Idling Program. The program provides a toolkit free-of-charge to schools who want to improve air quality and provides an easy-to-follow methdology to help all people become aware of ways they can help reduce air pollution.
Air pollution is one of the main reasons students with asthma miss an average of 7.6 school days each year in Bexar County. One of the common means by which air pollution, specifically ozone, is produced is by idling vehicles. The
School Anti-Idling Program aims to reduce the amount of vehicles idling when picking up students and thus cut the amount of air pollution produced and number of students harmed.
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10th Annual Historic Homeowner Fair
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The Historic Homeowner Fair is a free event hosted by the Office of Historic Preservation that brings together owners of aging and historic homes with local professionals, services, and solutions. In addition to featuring a curated Exhibit Hall that provides the most relevant resources for homeowners, the Fair offers workshops and learning sessions designed to meet the needs or property owners and DIY renovators.
This year, expect:
- More than 1,500 attendees
- Residents from all historic districts
- More than 55 exhibitors
- Hands-on demonstrations
- Ask-an-Expert sessions
This year's Historic Homeowner Fair will take place on
September 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Pearl Stable. Click
here for more information.
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Last Aqua Zumba Class Of The Season
Join San Antonio Parks & Recreation as they light up the pool for one last Aqua Zumba class of the season! The outdoor aqua class will be located at the beautiful Woodlawn Lake Park swimming pool. So bring some trunks and a beat as we groove the night away!
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To view more events, visit our calendar on the website
here.
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Tween Night with the YMCA at O.P. Schnabel Park
Date: September 13
Time: 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Location: O.P. Schnabel Park (9606 Bandera)
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Creative Teens
Date: September 14
Time: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Location: Forest Hills Branch Library (5245 Ingram Rd., 78228)
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Growing Strong-Hunger Action Month
Date: September 15
Time: 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Location: Maverick Branch Library (8700 Mystic Park, 78254)
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Opposing Viewpoints Book Club
Date: September 15
Time: 3 – 4 p.m.
Location: Forest Hills Branch Library (5245 Ingram Rd., 78228)
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District 7 Safety & Resource Summit
Date: September 22
Time: 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Location: Gilbert Garza Community Center (1450 Mira Vista)
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10th Annual Historic Homeowner Fair
Date: September 29
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Pearl Stable (307 Pearl Pkwy)
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Save the Date: Dementia Friendly Town Hall
Date: October 4
Time: 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
*Councilwoman Sandoval will be in attendance.*
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Tween Night with the YMCA at O.P. Schnabel Park
Date: October 13
Time: 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Location: O.P. Schnabel Park (9606 Bandera)
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Trunk or Treat with the YMCA at O.P. Schnabel Park
Date: October 20
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: O.P. Schnabel Park (9606 Bandera)
*Councilwoman Sandoval will be in attendance.*
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Trunk or Treat with the YMCA at O.P. Schnabel Park
Date: October 27
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: O.P. Schnabel Park (9606 Bandera)
*District 7 Staff will be in attendance.*
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Tween Night with the YMCA at O.P. Schnabel Park
Date: November 17
Time: 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Location: O.P. Schnabel Park (9606 Bandera)
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Tween Night with the YMCA at O.P. Schnabel Park
Date: December 8
Time: 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Location: O.P. Schnabel Park (9606 Bandera)
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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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