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VOLUME 100 | August 16, 2019
Dear Neighbors,
A lot has happened in these last two weeks—the shootings in El Paso and Dayton, the Earned Paid Sick Time delay, and the presentation of the proposed FY 2020 General Budget, among others. This week, here are five major updates:

After El Paso Shooting, City Council Calls for State & Federal Action on Gun Violence

Over the last several years, I, like many of you, have learned a lot more about mass shootings than I ever wanted to know: the speed with which someone can kill so many people, the ease with which someone can purchase a lethal weapon, and the depths of pain and suffering a family experiences when they lose their loved ones to senseless violence.

For many in our community, the El Paso shooting feels different. In San Antonio, a city that some call “the northern most city in Mexico,” the shooting hits close to home. It feels like it could have happened here.

One of our local parishes saw their congregation shrink by half on the Sunday after the El Paso shooting. People are too afraid to send their kids to school and to worship with a group of Latinos in public. Gun violence doesn’t just strike those who were there, it strikes communities far and wide. And we can’t continue to tolerate it.”

From every level of government—local, state, and federal—we must act. We can’t continue to stand by and let more places like El Paso and Dayton join the steadily growing list of cities, schools, and churches where mass shootings have occurred.

Today, City Council approved a resolution calling for legislative action to combat this scourge of domestic terrorism. What we’re saying with this resolution is that we will do everything we can to make sure San Antonio residents are safe and have some peace of mind.

In my role as Chairwoman of the City Council’s Public Safety Committee, I intend to continue the conversation and guide our community to find solutions for what we, as a City, can do.

I also intend to support the $1.6 million in the proposed FY 2020 City Budget to address domestic and family violence. There’s an intimate link between domestic violence and mass shootings. According to research, over half of the mass shootings between 2009 and 2017 were committed by someone who also killed a family member or intimate partner.

In a city with epidemic levels of domestic and family violence, and in a country with epidemic levels of mass shootings, there is no excuse for inaction. We must take every opportunity to get ahead of family and gun violence.

Further, I’m issuing an open invitation to gun owners and vendors to join us as we search for solutions. We need your insight and collaboration to make our community safer.

An Update on Earned Paid Sick Time

I’m a steadfast supporter of Earned Paid Sick Leave and an advocate for a San Antonio where hard-working residents can pay the bills and take care of themselves and their family.

Early in July, the City made a decision to delay the implementation of Earned Paid Sick Leave until December of this year. I originally believed this was an appropriate approach. However, after much discussion with community advocates and city staff, I spoke to city staff and voiced my disagreement with delaying the ordinance’s implementation date.

The majority of City Council did not take the same position. As such, the City delayed the August 1 implementation date to December 1. Before then, Council intends to adopt possible amendments to the ordinance. These amendments will be proposed by the Paid Sick Leave Commission, which is currently working on this right now. To find out more about their work, click here.

As for next steps, my priority remains ensuring that this ordinance goes into effect as soon as possible, as is the will of the 144,000 who signed the Earned Paid Sick Leave petition. We must work efficiently and diligently to make this happen.

The District 7 Back to School Bash is Tomorrow

Our Back to School Bash is this Saturday at Gilbert Garza Community Center, 1450 Mira Vista Dr., from 9:00 a.m. to noon.

My office has teamed up with State Representative Ray Lopez and County Commissioner Justin Rodriguez to ensure our local students have the resources they need to succeed in school.

We’ll have the Spurs Coyote, McGruff the Crime Dog, and a number of other mascots, along with backpacks, school supplies, low-cost immunizations, and vouchers for free haircuts. Many City departments and community resources will be there as well, including SAWS, CPS Energy, Neighborhood & Housing Services, and Metro Health. 

You Can Now Watch ALL City Council Committee Meetings Online

Whether City Council is voting on a new law or a commission is making a decision that will impact your neighborhood, you deserve a process that is accessible and transparent.

As a result of my efforts to improve the City’s Public Participation efforts, I am happy to announce that the City will begin to broadcast ALL City Council committee meetings as well as specific Boards & Commissions meetings, including the Zoning, Planning, and the Historic Design & Review Commission.

You can tune in on the City's Facebook Page or on the City website. The schedule of broadcasted meetings is also available on the City website.

Now Public: The Proposed FY 2020 Budget

City Manager Erik Walsh presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2020 Budget to City Council last Thursday, August 8. He and his staff have done an excellent job crafting a balanced budget that includes $110,000 budget for street maintenance, funding for 16 new police officers, and $1.6 million to combat domestic violence.

The proposed budget keeps the property tax rate consistent, offers a $5,000 Homestead Exemption, and reflects the input of both City Council and over 11,000 residents.

Throughout this week, City Council has met in worksessions to review and discuss the proposed budget. We’ll continue to take a fine-toothed comb to the proposed budget over the next few weeks and ultimately adopt a final budget on September 12.

If you like to learn more about the budget, we invite to participate in the public meetings scheduled for Trader’s Village on August 17 at 1:00 p.m. and The Rustic, 17619 La Cantera Pkwy, on August 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Additionally, you can attend the public hearings scheduled for August 28 and September 4. Both are at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at 114 W Commerce St.

Finally, you can also participate in the City’s Telephone Town Hall on the proposed budget on August 29 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. To register, visit SASpeakUp.com.
Yours in public service,
The Week in Photos
The District 7 Office visited with Donaldson Terrace residents this week about plans to improve a vacant lot that the City owns by installing a playground and planting new trees. Read more about the effort Donaldson Terrace Neighborhood Comes Together to Learn about Plans for Sutton Park below or click here.
D7 in the News
A northwest side business keeps getting targeted by thieves who have stolen everything from expensive equipment to the owner’s guard dog.

“This area of the neighborhood has been known for years as a blighted and unsafe place. Longfellow Middle School students walk past it every day on their way to school,” said Councilwoman Sandoval. “That’s why it’s such an incredible opportunity for us to reclaim this space for the community.”

"There is about almost 2,000 of sides of streets without sidewalks in San Antonio. So, if we had the money to do it, to put sidewalks everywhere, it would take us about nearly eight hundred million dollars to do that."

The San Antonio area expects to add an additional million residents by 2040, but that growth comes with a lot of noise and some residents are tired of losing sleep over it.

The City of San Antonio will consider funding enhancements to the application process for its public boards and commissions this year after an analysis found that most of these groups do not reflect the demographics of the city.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released the guidelines to apply for federal reimbursement for migrant response-related expenses, Assistant City Manager Colleen Bridger said Wednesday, but no mechanism for applying exists.

Announcements
SAN ANTONIO (Aug. 13, 2019) — The District 7 Office joined the residents of the Donaldson Terrace neighborhood at a community meeting last night to share their ideas for the new city park at Zachry and Shadwell Dr. The meeting was hosted by the City’s Transportation & Capital Improvements and the Parks & Recreation Department
 
“This area of the neighborhood has been known for years as a blighted and unsafe place. Longfellow Middle School students walk past it every day on their way to school,” said Councilwoman Sandoval. “That’s why it’s such an incredible opportunity for us to reclaim this space for the community.”
 
Initial improvements to the park include a new playground, enhanced lighting, new trees and a memorial plaque dedicated to the late Steven Cerna Jr.
 
A special thank you is owed to Bert Guerrero, former president of the Donaldson Terrace Neighborhood Association, who has spent the last two years planting saplings and maintaining playground equipment on the land.
 
“I want to thank Ana Sandoval for getting involved in this,” said Bert Guerrero. “People told me it couldn’t happen, but today the City is helping us to make this a fun and safe place for the kids.”
 
Preliminary improvements are set to begin in Spring 2020.
August 17: Back to School Bash
This year, Councilwoman Ana Sandoval, State Representative Ray Lopez, and County Commissioner Justin Rodriguez have teamed up to promote school readiness with a Back to School Bash on August 17.

The Back to School Bash will run from  9:00 AM to noon at Gilbert Garza Community Center, 1450 Mira Vista Dr. We'll have  school supplies, low-cost  immunizations, and  hair cut vouchers for kids, while supplies last. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Plan to join us and say hello to your favorite mascots, city departments, education organizations, and representatives.
August 20: Westside Creeks Restoration Oversight Committee Meeting
Join the San Antonio River Authority for a meeting of the Westside Creeks Restoration Oversight Committee.

The meeting is on August 20 and begins at 6:00 p.m. at the San Antonio River Authority Boardroom, located at 100 East Guenther Street.

For more info, please contact Hillary Lilly at 210-302-3641 or hlilly@sata-tx.org
Learn about the proposed Fiscal Year 2020 budget with your friends and family. It’s your chance to meet City officials and learn more about City services while enjoying free entertainment and fun giveaways!
September 5: Climate & Security - A Conversation in Military City, USA
Join us for a discussion about climate change as viewed through the lens of national security and global stability, including the additional consequences it may pose for Military City, USA. 

The panel will be held on Thursday, Sept. 5 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Weathered Souls Brewing Co. at 606 Embassy Oaks, #500, 78216.
September 7: The Amazing Youtube Workshop
Ready to become a “content creator”?

Attend this event and learn how to craft You Tube videos and create podcasts for yourself or your organization.

"How to be a Youtuber" presented by the San Antonio You Tuber group and Geekdom members at 1:15 pm at forest Hills Branch Library on September 7th.

This local YouTuber group promotes and supports new and veteran YouTubers. The group offers workshops on branding, collaboration, analytics, graphic design, and much more. They meet regularly at Geekdom headquarters.
 
September 7: The Amazing Podcast Workshop
“The Power of Podcasting for Yourself and/or Organization” presented by Gameday Media at 2:30 pm at Forest Hills Branch Library on September 7th.

Geekdom partners, Gameday Media, have been on the forefront of developing niche programming verticals including Tailgate Radio, Fitness and Faith, The Family Brain and League of Legends Radio available on digital platforms.

 
September 11: Citizenship Information Sessions
Become a citizen! American Gateways presents a citizenship information session at several libraries that will introduce you to the process of becoming a citizen.

Learn what documentation is needed for the next step of filling out an Application Form.

Join American Gateways at Forest Hills Branch Library, 5245 Ingram Rd., on Wednesday, September 11 at 6 p.m.
September 14: 10th Annual Citizen Preparedness Workshop
The San Antonio Office f Emergency Management (SAOEM) invites you to the Citizen Preparedness Workshop, on September 14th from 9 am to 12 p at the Emergency Operations Center. This workshop connects citizens with the City's emergency management resources and partner agencies. The goal of this workshop is to strengthen the community by equipping citizens with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to help you and your families recover from an emergency.
 
For additional information or to RSVP contact Ashley Carter at ashley.carter@sanantonio.gov or
210-206-8551.
Paid Sick Leave
On July 24, 2019, an agreement to extend the implementation date of the Paid Sick Leave Ordinance was accepted in civil court proceedings. As a result of the court order, the Paid Sick Leave Ordinance will be implemented on December 1, 2019 instead of August 1, 2019. The Paid Sick Leave Commission will continue to consider the ordinance and has committed to recommend revisions to City Council for consideration in the next 45 days.

Survey: Proactive Inspections for Senior Living Facilities
The City of San Antonio Development Services Department wants to know what you think about having proactive inspections for Senior Living Facilities.
The aim is to ensure the health and safety of this vulnerable population.

Survey: FlexSTEP
CPS Energy will be reaching out to the community to solicit input on FlexSTEP, the next generation of energy management programs for its customers. Seeking feedback from a broad array of customers and key stakeholders, CPS Energy will use the information that it gathers to update, design, and create programs and services that meet the needs of its diverse set of customers.

This Weekend at San Antonio Public Library
This Weekend at San Antonio Public Library
Moms Crochet and Play Group 
Forest Hills Library, 5245 Ingram Rd.
Friday, August 23 
10am – 12pm

Ladies' Choice Book Club
Forest Hills Library, 5245 Ingram Rd.
Saturday, August 24
10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Feral Cat - Trap Neuter Release Training
Forest Hills Library, 5245 Ingram Rd.
Sunday, August 25
1:30 - 4:00 p.m.

Presented by the Feral Cat Coalition, a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the suffering and overpopulation of feral and abandoned cats through free, humane Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR).
Upcoming Events
Wonder where your District 7 Team is headed next? Join Councilwoman Sandoval and/or District 7 staff at any of the following events!
2019 Back to School Bash
Date: August 17
Time: 9:00 a.m. to noon
Location: Gilbert Garza Community Center, 1450 Mira Vista Dr.
Maverick Neighborhood Meeting
Date: August 19
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: St. Brigid's Convent, 5118 Loma Linda Dr
Culebra Park Neighborhood Meeting
Date: August 20
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Esparza Elementary, 5700 Hemphill
Braun Station East Community Improvement Association Board Meeting
Date: August 21
Time: 6:45 p.m.
Location: Braun Station East Clubhouse, 9350 Knighthood
District 7 and SABullyFree Present: Movie in the Park: One Chance
Date: August 23
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Woodlawn Lake Park, 1103 Cincinnati Ave.
Monticello Park Neighborhood Meeting
Date: August 26
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Grace Presbyterian Church, 950 Donaldson Ave.
Rolling Ridge Club Neighborhood Meeting
Date: August 26
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Rolling Ridge Clubhouse, 5306 Rolling Ridge Dr W
Woodlawn Lake Neighborhood Meeting
Date: August 27
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Woodlawn Gym, 1103 Cincinnati Ave.
Woodlawn Hills Neighborhood Meeting
Date: August 27
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Forest Hills Library, 5245 Ingram Road
Ingram Hills Neighborhood Meeting
Date: September 2
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: International Bible School, 2639 Benrus
Donaldson Terrace Neighborhood Meeting
Date: September 2
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: St. Paul's Pastoral Center, 326 John Adams
Thunderbird Hills Neighborhood Meeting
Date: September 3
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Powell Elementary, 6003 Thunder Dr
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