Your District 7 Newsletter
VOLUME 37 | April 19, 2018
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District 7 is in action this week!
On Monday, we held our first Property Tax Appraisal Workshop, where over a hundred District 7 residents came together to learn about the property tax process. Thank you to all who made it out and brought their neighbors and a special thank you to the Young Women’s Leadership Academy for hosting. I look forward to engaging with more residents at the next two workshops.
State Representative Diego Bernal (D-123) also joined us to share his “Anchor Neighbor Plan.” This plan, if it becomes law, would bring tax relief to long-term residents. I’m particularly interested in this plan and will share updates with you as I learn of them.
On Wednesday evening, neighborhood leaders made their way to the Forest Hills Library for the Neighborhood Leadership Academy session. One of the first requests I made at City Hall was for a Neighborhood Leadership Academy in District 7. I’m proud to say that it is already bearing fruit: our neighborhood leaders are becoming more effective advocates for their communities.
Finally, this Saturday, Woodlawn Lake Park will host this year’s Earth Day Celebration. This year’s Earth Day, in true Tricentennial fashion, invites us to look back at the progress we’ve made in protecting our environment. More importantly, it invites us to turn our gaze to the future and consider what steps we can take now to continue to preserve our natural resources—clean air, water, soil, and trees for future generations.
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P.S. In last week’s newsletter, Jane Macon was unintentionally omitted from the list of the chairs of ConnectSA. I’m looking forward to working with Ms. Macon and the other chairs to craft our City’s transportation system of the future.
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Office Note: The District 7 Office will be closed next Friday, April 27th, for the Battle of the Flowers.
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The first District 7 Property Tax Appraisal Workshop was a success! We had a packed room of District 7 residents learn about the Texas property tax system and how they can appeal their tax assessments if they believe it is inaccurate.
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Tuesday night, Councilwoman Sandoval and Transportation & Capital Improvements (TCI) joined the Culebra Park Neighborhood Association to discuss how funds from the 2017-2022 bond will be used to improve Gilbert Garza Park.
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Wednesday evening, the District 7 Neighborhood Leadership Academy met for another session. Here, Dr. Don Arispe speaks to neighborhood leaders about the concept of servant leadership.
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The Meadows at Morningside welcomed Team Sandoval to their Senior Fiesta Fashion Show. The outfits were stunning!
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The Maverick Neighborhood Association held their Neighborhood Resource Meeting on Wednesday evening to connect their residents with a host of services available to them.
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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’m excited to see our District 7 representative on ConnectSA (congratulations!), but I have my hesitations. Personally, I like my car.
Thanks,
Car-l
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Dear Car-l,
Thank you for this question. The problem isn’t that you drive your car. The problem is that everybody drives their car. I know the idea that somebody would do anything other than drive to their destination is a new one for many of us, but I want to ensure you of two things. First, whatever transportation plan comes out of ConnectSA, won’t move forward without broad community support. Second, nobody will be forced out of their car. On the contrary, it will give residents choices for getting around.
While you don’t have to give up driving your car, there are many residents who want to be able to ride the bus and bike to their destinations. With a truly multimodal transportation system, those of us who want to bike and ride the bus will be able to do so, and those of us who want to drive will continue to do so. By expanding our transportation choices, we’ll reduce congestion, expand economic opportunity for our residents, and achieve cleaner air.
Again, thank you for your question.
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Sincerely,
Councilwoman Ana Sandoval
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Connect with Your Councilmember
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All District 7 Property Tax Workshops are Booked to Capacity
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All of the District 7 Office's property tax workshops are
booked to capacity. Our office is maintaining a wait list in case space frees up at one of the workshops. If you are interested in getting onto the wait list, please contact our office with your name, phone number, and email address and we will notify you when a location is confirmed.
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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 12 from 10 AM to 11 AM at Barrio Barista (3735 Culebra Road)
- 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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"Some of these people at a Monday night tax workshop hosted by District 7 Councilwoman Ana Sandoval have never filed a protest before."
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"The City’s recommendations came from the Council’s Governance Committee, which includes Nirenberg and Council members Roberto Treviño (D1), Rebecca Viagran (D3), Rey Saldaña (D4), and Ana Sandoval (D7)."
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"'This is a great way to celebrate the landmarks,' Sandoval said, noting that the protections in Austin haven’t stunted growth in that city."
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"'It's the Tricentennial and it also overlaps with the 100th anniversary of Woodlawn Lake Part in District 7, and so this has some significance to us,' she said. 'I'm really happy to see that's one of the finalists on the list."
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Fiesta Verde: for the next 300 years!
2018 San Antonio Earth Day Event
Do you want to learn more about how to protect and improve the planet and local environment? Earth Day reminds us that the earth is our home and is the source of all the resources that we need to live. Come learn how to protect and nourish the earth through live demonstrations, activities, and workshops on going off-grid with solar, water conservation, home energy efficiency, reducing our carbon footprint, vegan living, composting, mulching, improving air quality, supporting bee and butterfly pollination, gardening with Texas friendly plants, urban farming, and more!
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There will be a junk to funk “trashion” show, earth friendly art activities, environmental speakers, a social bike ride with 5 blocks of road closure to cars, kid friendly activities, earth day fitness opportunities, yoga in the park, sale of Texas friendly plants, sale of vegan clothing and bags, live music by Los Nahuatlatos, and vegan/vegetarian delicious food! The MC for the event is Elaine Ayala of SA Express News.
Raffles: 6 bikes, chicken coop, earth wise vacation, solar powered backpack, composting bins, and plants!
Earth Day Blood Drive Day of Event at Woodlawn Lake - South Texas Tissue and Blood Center, register
here.
April 21, 2018
9:15 AM – Earth Day Yoga in the Park
9:30 to 12 PM – SATX Social Bike Ride, temporary road closure along 5 blocks of Cincinnati so families can run, bike and enjoy the street without cars!
10 AM to 3 PM – 2018 Earth Day Event
Location: Woodlawn Lake Park, near the Island House
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For a Tricentennial event, the Pan American League has invited Councilwoman Sandoval to model in the Fiesta Olé: Mujeres Poderoasa Fashion Show on April 22 at the Hyatt Hill Country Resort. For more information, visit the Pan American League website
here.
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Construction Project Updates
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City Announces Fiesta San Jacinto holiday schedule of City Services
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City Hall and most municipal offices will be closed on Friday, April 27 to observe the Fiesta San Jacinto holiday. Public safety and emergency services will remain in operation. Other City services will operate as follows:
Open:
- Recycling, organics recycling and garbage will be collected as usual on Friday, April 27. Residents who normally receive a collection service on a Friday will continue as scheduled.
- The Bitters Brush Recycling Center, located on 1800 Wurzbach Parkway, and the Nelson Gardens Recycling Center, located at 8963 Nelson Rd.
- The 3-1-1 Call Center will be operational from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Police will be on duty
- Fire and EMS personnel will be on duty
- Downtown visitors will enjoy an on-street parking meter holiday
- Dead animal collection crews will be on duty
- Animal Care officers will be on duty
- Sanitarians and air quality inspectors will be on duty
- La Villita shops
- Market Square shops and administrative office
- San Antonio Botanical Garden
Closed:
- All library locations
- Pre-K 4 SA Education Centers and Administrative Offices
- Animal Care Services lobby and adoption center will be closed on April 27 and will re-open at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 28
- Municipal Court, located at 401 S. Frio
- Office of the City Clerk, Passports, Vital Records and Municipal Archives and Records
- SAPD’s Administration and Records Section, which provides reports, background checks and fingerprint services
- The Alamodome Box Office and Administrative Offices
- Visit San Antonio Visitor Information Center
- Metropolitan Health offices
- The Office of EastPoint
- Café College
- Spanish Governor’s Palace will be closed on April 27 and 28
- La Villita administrative office
- Head Start and After-School Challenge Sites
- Senior Multi-Service Centers
- Senior Nutrition Sites (Seniors and the general public may contact individual nutrition sites for complete holiday schedule information)
- Parks and Recreation Department Community Centers, Adult and Senior Centers, McFarlin Tennis Center, Jesse James Leija Gym, Woodlawn Gym, Enrique M. Barrera Fitness Center, San Antonio Natatorium, and the Ron Darner Parks and Recreation Headquarters and administrative offices. In addition there will be no dance or music classes at San Antonio parks.
- Culture Commons Gallery at Plaza de Armas
- Centro de Artes Gallery at Market Square
- The Bitters Bulky Waste Collection Center, located at 1800 Wurzbach Parkway, the Culebra Bulky Waste Center and Household Hazardous Waste Facility located at 7030 Culebra, the Rigsby Bulky Waste Center located at 2755 Rigsby and the Frio City Road Bulky Waste Collection Center located at 1531 Frio City
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"Sound the Alarm" Fire Safety
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The American Red Cross Serving Greater San Antonio is inviting our community to join the Sound the Alarm home fire safety and smoke alarm installation event on
May 12 from 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Volunteers and local partners will be canvassing neighborhoods, installing free smoke alarms, replacing batteries in existing alarms and helping families create escape plans. Volunteers will install free smoke alarms into the following neighborhoods from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: University park, Woodlawn Lake, Memorial Heights, Loma Vista and Prospect Hill. For more information, or to volunteer, visit soundthealarm.org/sanantonio or call 210-224-5151.
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Anita Ledbetter Selected to Chair SA Climate Ready Steering Committee
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After careful consideration, Mayor Ron Nirenberg and District 7 Councilwoman Ana Sandoval are pleased to announce that Anita Ledbetter, Executive Director of Build San Antonio Green (BSAG), has been selected to serve as the chair of the SA Climate Ready Steering Committee. SA Climate Ready is a project aiming to improve the quality of life of all residents of San Antonio and make the city and its people better prepared to face expected changes in climate. SA Climate Ready aims to develop a Climate Action and Adaptation Plan for the City of San Antonio.
“Anita Ledbetter’s sense of mission and dedication will serve the community well, and her experience makes her a perfect fit as steering committee chair,” said Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “I am pleased that she has agreed to accept this important position.”
Ledbetter has been working for the community of San Antonio as the Executive Director of Build San Antonio Green for 14 years, where she has built San Antonio's nationally recognized affordable green building program. Ledbetter has served on several City planning committees and boards including the City of San Antonio’s Sustainable Building Code Task Force, the Mission Verde Alliance, SA Tomorrow Sustainability Plan, SAWS Citizens Advisory Committee, San Antonio Bike Share and the EPIcenter Advisory Committee.
"It is a great honor to serve the citizens of San Antonio, and I am excited to work alongside some of the great minds within our community. Born and raised in San Antonio, I know this is a great responsibility, one that will affect generations to come,” said Ledbetter. “We the people of San Antonio have an opportunity to shape our future towards a more climate resilient and prepared city, one that looks forward to a clean, accessible and equitable city for all."
Ledbetter’s passion for people and vision for the future are at the heart of Build San Antonio Green’s current focus on Smart Green Buildings and home automation as a tool for resiliency against climate change.
“It’s a real win for our community to select Ms. Ledbetter to serve as the Chair of the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Steering Committee. Ms. Ledbetter brings strong leadership and energy, along with a wealth of expertise in the green building sector. She is skilled at successfully leading wide groups of stakeholders toward the common goals of energy efficiency and sustainability,” said Councilwoman Ana Sandoval. “I look forward to supporting her leadership throughout the development of the plan."
In an effort to break down silos and ensure that the Steering Committee is coordinating with the Technical Working Groups who will assist with the identification, evaluation and prioritization of strategies, the following SA Climate Ready Steering Committee Members will serve as Technical Working Group Liaisons:
- Jeffrey Arndt, President and CEO, VIA Metropolitan Transit – Transportation and Land Use
- Sara Beesley, Director, Mitchell Lake Audubon Center – Water and Natural Resources
- Dr. Carlos A. Garcia, Dean, School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering, UIW – Waste and Consumption
- Jessica O. Guerrero, Independent Contractor, Vecinos de Mission Trails – Climate Equity
- Dr. Olufemi Osidele, Independent Consultant – Energy and Buildings
SA Climate Ready is a Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, which is a strategy document that outlines a collection of actions and policies that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions based upon a reduction target, as well as evaluates climate-related community impacts and provides adaptation and resilience strategies. The SA Climate Ready Project will explore both mitigation strategies, aiming to reduce or prevent the emission of GHGs, and adaptation strategies aiming to prepare the community, municipal government operations, and other key sectors for the anticipated impacts of climate change. The Plan will also serve as a pathway to meet the objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement, which City Council supported with a resolution on June 22, 2017.
SA Climate Ready is a partnership between the community, the City of San Antonio, CPS Energy and the University of Texas San Antonio. For more information on SA Climate Ready visit saclimateready.org.
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Military Appreciation Weekend May 5-6 at Joint Base San Antonio-Ft Sam Houston--Open to the Public
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In celebration of the City of San Antonio’s Tricentennial, you are cordially invited to attend Military Appreciation Weekend, 5-6 May at Joint Base San Antonio—Ft Sam Houston. The Post will be OPEN to the PUBLIC (Harry Wurzbach gate) and ENTRANCE and PARKING IS FREE. Great opportunity for the community of San Antonio to learn about the military.
6 May is Military Appreciation Day which marks the final day of the Tricentennial’ s Commemorative Week. Joint Base San Antonio-Ft Sam Houston will be open to the public on both the 5th and 6th to commemorate the City’s 300 year rich military history.
The 5-6th of May festivities include a polo match, awards ceremony, Joint Forces Retreat, a VIP reception, and performances by renown military ceremonial units to include the Marine Corps Silent Drill Team, Army Black Dagger Jump Team, The Army Old Guard, 1st Cavalry Division Cav Charge, historic tours, concert and fireworks.
We hope you can attend one or both days.
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16th Annual Free Shred Day
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The public is invited to bring up to 100 pounds per vehicle of personal paper documents for on-site shredding, such as tax preparation papers, credit card receipts, mail, and old bills. No businesses please.
The shred takes place on Saturday, April 21st, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at three locations:
- Main - 6061 IH 10 West
- Ingram - 6171 NW Loop 410
- Bandera - 8889 Bandera Rd
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Metro Health Shares ¡Viva Health! Tips to Stick to Healthy Eating Habits during Fiesta
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It’s time for Fiesta once again! The 11-day celebration is known for its parades, heritage and food. But celebrating for so many consecutive days does not need to derail your healthy eating habits. Metro Health wants to encourage you to have a healthy game plan before attending any Fiesta event.
Here are some simple tips to keep you energized and feeling great throughout the celebration:
- Eat before going to an event. Eating before attending the event will help you prevent cravings for unhealthy food items loaded with sugar, salt and fat.
- Stay hydrated. It’s important to keep in mind that sugary beverages and alcohol can cause you to be dehydrated, especially in the Texas heat. Choose water when available or find a booth that serves some refreshing Aguas Frescas.
- Choose fruits and vegetables. Fruit cups and roasted corn are some options available at fiesta that will provide you with vitamins, minerals and fiber.
- Share your food. Sharing a food item with family or friends will help keep your portions and calorie intake controlled.
- Get plenty of rest. If you will be attending multiple Fiesta events, it’s important to get at least 7-9 hours of sleep each day. The lack of sleep can make you more inclined to choose unhealthy food options.
Remember the three ¡Viva Health! messages, even during Fiesta:
- Drink water, not sugary drinks
- Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables, every meal, every day
- For portion control, use a smaller plate
Eat well; feel great! For information and materials on the ¡Viva Health! Campaign, visit: http://www.sanantonio.gov/Health/VivaHealth
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Applications for positions on the San Antonio Economic Development Corporation being accepted
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Applications are being accepted for the San Antonio Economic Development Corporation for three at-large citizen positions. Applications are available online using the City’s web-based application for boards and commissions at: https://webapp9.sanantonio.gov/BoardCommApplication/vacancies.
The deadline to submit applications is Monday, April 30, 2018.
The Corporation is seeking candidates primarily with a background and/or experience in one or more of the following areas: (1) managing, evaluating and/or investing in startup companies, particularly in the biosciences and IT industry; (2) banking and securities investment; (3) evaluation and recruitment or retention of companies which create community economic benefit.
For assistance with the application, contact Brandon Smith, the City’s Boards & Commissions Coordinator, at 210-207-7253.
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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: April 20
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Forest Hills Branch Library, 5245 Ingram Road
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Dia Dance Party: Latin Rhythms
Date: April 20
Time: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: Forest Hills Branch Library, 5245 Ingram Road
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Date: April 21
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Woodlawn Lake Park, 1103 Cincinnati Ave
*Councilwoman Sandoval will be in attendance.*
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Date: April 21
Time: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Mission County Park, 6030 Padre Dr
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Give More Hugs Bookshare
Date: April 21
Time:10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Forest Hills Branch Library, 5245 Ingram Road
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Date: April 24
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 AM
Location: San Antonio Area Foundation, 303 Pearl Pkwy
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Date: May 2
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Location: St. George Maronite Church, 6070 Babcock Road
*Councilwoman Sandoval will be in attendance.*
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Grand Opening: San Pedro Creek Culture Park
Date: May 5
Time: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: San Pedro Creek Culture Park, 715 Camaron Street
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Date: May 7
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Location: Leon Valley Conference Center, 6427 Evers Road
*Councilwoman Sandoval will be in attendance.*
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Date: May 12
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: Barrio Barista, 3735 Culebra Road
*Councilwoman Sandoval will be in attendance.*
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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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