VOLUME 123 | February 20, 2020
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Park Improvements Beginning Soon at Nani Falcone Park
I’m happy to announce that, today, City Council approved a contract to begin park improvements this March at Nani Falcone Park as part of the 2017 Bond Package. Since the voters approved the bond in 2017, the City held two community meetings to ask residents what they wanted to see improved at the park.
Based on feedback received, the City plans to construct new shade canopies in the dog park, increase security lighting along the walking trail, place new benches and picnic tables, and install wheel stops in the parking area to maximize the available parking spaces.
Nani Falcone Park has been a thriving part of the area since it was created and I’m confident this investment will make it more popular (especially the shade canopies!).
The construction is anticipated to begin in March and end in July. Of course, that’s assuming we don’t experience too many storms between now and then.
Early Voting Began this Week
Early voting for the March 3 election began this week and will run into February 28. There are lots of candidates on the ballot for County, State, and Federal offices. My team has put together some helpful information on the election later on in this newsletter, including a
link to the sample ballot that the County Elections Department provides. More information is available on the County Elections Department's
website.
Community Coffee This Saturday at Forest Hills Library
My team and I are excited for this Saturday’s Community Coffee at Forest Hills Library. Some of my best conversations as City Councilmember have been with residents over coffee, so I hope you’ll consider dropping by and visiting with us.
My staff will serve up coffee from 10 a.m. to noon. Have a few minutes during that time? Consider dropping in for a quick conversation.
If you’re looking at Forest Hills Library on Google Maps and thinking that it seems a bit far—don’t worry, we’ll host another Community Coffee at the Maverick Library soon enough.
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Councilwoman Sandoval will welcome residents and then converse with residents individually on a first come, first serve basis.
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Happy Valentine's Day y
Feliz día de San Valentín, District 7! Councilwoman Sandoval and the District 7 Team visited senior centers and living facilities in the district to connect with residents, including Mr. and Mrs. Love, for whom Valentine's Day is an extra special day.
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Councilwoman Sandoval and the Parks Department welcomed residents of Woodlawn Hills to help craft plans for the first round of construction at the new West Quill Park.
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The District 7 Team joined the Lochwood HOA for their annual meeting, which included a visit from the San Antonio Fire Department!
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The annual Basura Bash Riverway Clean Up took place this past weekend. Councilwoman Sandoval and the District 7 Team joined thousands of volunteers across the city to remove trash from creeks and riverbeds.
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Councilwoman Sandoval attended the Girls Global Summit 2020 took place this past Saturday at the University of Incarnate Word, where high school girls made presentations on topics important to the empowerment of girls and women and the responsibility of being a global citizen.
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The Cesar Chavez Legacy Foundation announced this year's Cesar Chavez March. This year's musical guest is a staple of San Antonio: Little Joe y La Familia.
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"San Antonio should keep a program aimed at protecting the Edwards Aquifer if voters choose to shift sales tax money that funds the program to instead boost public transit, city officials said Wednesday."
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"VIA Metropolitan Transit has a 10-year strategic plan to improve bus frequency, reliability and safety, but its ability to do so depends on figuring out how to pay for it."
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Pre-K 4 SA Scheduled for May 2 Election
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On February 13, City Council authorized an election for the reauthorization of Pre-K 4 SA on May 2, 2020. The ballot language will read:
For / Against: Renewed adoption of a sales and use tax at the rate of one-eighth of one percent for the purpose of continued financing of authorized programs of the San Antonio Early Childhood Education Municipal Development Corporation for a maximum period of eight years.
For more information, watch the presentation delivered to City Council at the A Session held on February 13 or visit the Pre-K 4 SA website
here.
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Texas Joint Primary Elections on March 3;
Early Voting Beginning February 18
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The Texas 2020 Primary Elections are coming up on March 3. This year’s ballot includes:
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- U.S. President
- U.S. Senate
- U.S. House District 20
- Texas Senate District 26
- Texas House District 125
- Texas Railroad Commissioner
- Bexar County Sheriff
- Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector
- Bexar County Commissioners
- Supreme Court of Texas
- Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
- State Board of Education
- And more. See a sample ballot here.
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Early voting begins February 18 and ends on February 28.
This year, you can vote at any polling location during Early Vote
and on Election Day. The full list of polling locations is available
here. There are four locations in or near District 7:
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- Leon Valley Conference Center
- 6421 Evers Rd, 78240
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- Maury Maverick Library
- 8700 Mystic Park, 78254
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- Wonderland of the Americas Mall
- 4522 Fredericksburg Rd, 78201
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- John Igo Library
- 13330 Kyle Seale Pkwy, 78249
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- Great Northwest Library
- 9050 Wellwood, 78250
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The League of Women Voters Education Fund (LWVEF) provides nonpartisan information to the public with both general and state-specific information on
VOTE411.org.
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Applications Sought for City Boards & Commissions
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The District 7 Office is looking for applicants for the following Boards & Commissions:
You can apply or view a full list of the boards and commissions
here. Have any questions? Call the District 7 Office at 210-207-0870.
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City of San Antonio Update on Novel Coronavirus preparedness and coordination
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and the City of San Antonio, are working to support Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) as American passengers arrive to Lackland Air Force Base, following a quarantine aboard the Diamond Princess Cruise Ship.
All passengers were evaluated by medical personnel from the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), were reported to not have symptoms of COVID-19 and fit to fly before being processed for evacuation. Upon landing at Lackland Air Force Base, those passengers who have no symptoms will remain under quarantine for 14 days.
“Our extensive coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control, Joint Base San Antonio and our other state and local partners has gone according to plan,” said Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “As of today, the risk to the general public of contracting COVID-19 continues to remain low. Every precaution has been taken to keep the public isolated from these travelers who are in a precautionary quarantine and any travelers who have shown symptoms of the virus. Our residents should continue to go about their lives.”
Passengers that may have developed symptoms during their flight and those who tested positive for COVID-19 remained isolated on the flight and have been transported to an appropriate location, outside of San Antonio, for continued isolation and care. The group of travelers that arrived today were placed in a separate location from travelers that arrived last week.
Information for the Public:
Metro Health continues to maintain an up-to-date website which will provide current updates to anyone seeking information on the situation
here.
Information regarding the Novel Coronavirus is also available in American Sign Language
here
.
How do people become infected with Coronavirus?
Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:
- Respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing;
- Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands;
- Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands; and
- Rarely, fecal contamination.
What are the symptoms?
- Patients with confirmed 2019-nCoV infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
At this time, CDC believes that symptoms of 2019-nCoV may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure.
How can I avoid infection with Novel Coronavirus?
The best way to prevent infection is to take precautions to avoid exposure to this virus, which are similar to the precautions you take to avoid the flu. CDC always recommends these everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, nor your hands.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
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San Antonio Public Library Celebrates Black History Month
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In honor of Black History Month, San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) will be hosting a line-up of free, fun and educational programming for all ages that celebrate diversity and inclusion. During the month of February, we celebrate Black History Month, a time to recognize and honor the central role of Black Americans in U.S. history.
The San Antonio Public Library is proud to be hosting a variety of events and discussions throughout the month at several branch locations that offer a contemporary look at Black History Month while addressing the historical narrative. For a complete list of library events, visit
www.mysapl.org.
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New Chicano Art Exhibition on Display at Centro de Artes
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The Department of Arts & Culture opened two landmark exhibits addressing Chicano arts at its Centro de Artes gallery in Market Square.
XicanX: New Visions challenges previous and existing surveys of Chicano and Latino identity-based exhibitions.
Los Maestros: Early Explorers of Chicano Identity highlights the contributions of active Chicano artists since the start of San Antonio’s Chicano arts movement in the 1960s and 1970s. An opening reception will be held tomorrow, February 13, at 6 – 9 p.m. at Centro de Artes. The exhibitions will be on view through June 28, 2020. Councilwoman Sandoval visited with its curator, Malena Cid.
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Voluntary Income Tax Assistance Program
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VITA is a
FREE tax preparation service for individuals and families who earn up to $55,000 per year. All Tax Preparers are IRS-trained and certified.
VITA es un servicio
GRATUITO de preparación de impuestos para individuos y familias que ganan hasta $55,000 por año. Todos los preparadores de impuestos están entrenados y certificados por el IRS.
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Animal Care Services Seeking Feedback on Changes to Pet Sale Laws
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Animal Care Services has teamed up with SASPEAKUP to gauge public opinion on proposed revisions that could mean big changes for local pet sales law. An initial public survey done in the summer of 2019 garnered more than 3,200 responses with an overwhelming majority of respondents indicating unregulated pet sales in San Antonio contribute to our local animal overpopulation issues. In response to that feedback, Animal Care Services has drafted a number of proposals revisiting the ordinance to further ensure the health and safety of animals in the community. Proposals include enhanced penalties for violators as well as additional pet sales restrictions. A survey, available in both English and Spanish, can be accessed by San Antonio residents in a number of ways:
- Logging onto www.saspeakup.com
- Using the special QR code on flyers posted at ACS
- Via the ACS website (www.saacs.net) and click Pet Sales Survey Highlights banner OR
- Via the ACS Facebook page @SanAntonioACS
The survey runs through March 23
rd. It’s currently illegal to breed or sell dogs or cats, puppies or kittens without a permit from ACS. In addition to mandating humane care requirements like proof of the pet’s rabies vaccinations and microchips, sellers are also required to display their permit numbers anytime they offer the animals for sale.
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February 22-23: On and Off Fred Road Studio Tour features 80 artists in gallery stroll!
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More than 80 artists will participate in the 13
th
annual On and Off Fredericksburg Road Studio Tour presented by Bihl Haus Arts from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22 and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23 in San Antonio’s Deco District.
“Fred” is a self-guided tour of private homes, art studios and galleries of the participating artists, including painters, sculptors, photographers and metal smiths. The studio tour kicks off with an On and Off Fred Autograph Party and opening reception
from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21 at Bihl Haus Arts, 2803 Fredericksburg Road, 78201.
Music is by Los Nahuatlatos
The Deco District has become a hot spot for many of the Alamo City’s artists. In fact, all artists featured in Fred live and/or work in the surrounding Fredericksburg Road communities: Alta Vista, Beacon Hill, Los Angeles Heights, Jefferson, Keystone, Monticello Park and Woodlawn Lake.
“Our goal is to highlight the quality, variety, and sheer numbers of professional artists who live and/or work in these neighborhoods,” said Kellen McIntyre, executive director of Bihl Haus Arts, the nonprofit that organizes the event each year.
Attendees can purchase either the hardcopy color catalog, consisting of a map to help people plan their route, artist bios and an image of their work, or the online catalog for $10. For more information, visit
www.OnandOffFred.org
or call Bihl Haus Arts at (210) 383-9723.
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February 22: Free Educational Seminars on Specialty Courts
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The Bexar Specialty Courts Coalition invites you to attend Understanding Specialty Courts
Join Judge Huff and the 14 Specialty Court Judges to learn about the diffrent specialty courts, including Family Drug Court, Domestic Violence Court, Adult Drug Court, and others. Judges and court staff will be avaible for question and answer sessions.
Event times and location
Saturday, February 22
: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
St. Dominic Church, 5919 Ingram Road, 78228
Family Drug Court, Domestic Violence Court, Juvenile Post-adjudication Drug Court.
Saturday, March 7
: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
San Antonio Behavioral Health (Cafteria), 8550Hueber Road., 78240
Adult Drug Court, Juvenile Pre-Adjudication Drug Court.
Friday, April 17
: 9;00 AM to 12:00 PM
Bexar County Central Jury, 300 Dolorosa St., Basement level.
For additonal information, contact 210-335-0835
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February 24-28: Bandera Road Lane Closure
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Heads Up! Lane Closure on Bandera Road Scheduled for Feb. 24 - 28
Neighbors, TxDOT will close the left lane on the 1604 Eastbound Access Road, from Bandera Road to Hausman Road, from Feb. 24 to Feb. 28 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Please be extra careful when driving through the area.
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March 9-13: Spring Break Camp
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Take advantage of this timely and affordable resource and pass the word along as well. This is a great opportunity to connect with the community and participate in great activites!
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Coming soon: the City of San Antonio’s inaugural Girls Empowerment Summit! ✨ This free two-day conference for girls between the ages of 14-18 features conversations about self-care, social media awareness and non-traditional career roles for women! Learn more or register
here
.
Próximamente: ¡la Cumbre Inaugural de Empoderamiento de las Niñas de la Ciudad de San Antonio! ✨ ¡Esta conferencia gratuita de dos días para niñas de entre 14 y 18 años abordará temas sobre el cuidado personal, el uso con conciencia de las redes sociales y los roles profesionales no tradicionales para las mujeres! Obtenga más información o regístrese
aquí
.
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Wonder where your District 7 Team is headed next? Join Councilwoman Sandoval and/or District 7 staff at any of the following events! Call us for more information.
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Guilbeau Park Annual Meeting
Date:
February 20
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Call for location
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Date:
February 22
Time: 7:30 a.m.
Location: Woodlawn Lake Park
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Community Coffee with Councilwoman Sandoval
Date:
February 22
Time: 10:00 a.m. to noon
Location: Forest Hills Library, 5245 Ingram Road
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Sunshine Estates
Neighborhood Meeting
Date:
February 24
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Call for location
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Date: February 24
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Call for location
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Date: February 25
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Call for location
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Date: February 26
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Call for location
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Date: February 27
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Ivy Hall, 1127 S St. Mary's St.
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Braun Oaks HOA Board Meeting
Date: March 2
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Call for location
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Ingram Hills Neighborhood Meeting
Date: March 2
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Call for location
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Donaldson Terrace
Neighborhood Meeting
Date: March 2
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Call for location
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Thunderbird Hills
Neighborhood Meeting
Date: March 3
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Call for location
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Northwest Neighborhood
Alliance Meeting
Date: March 4
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Call for location
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Guilbeau Park Neighborhood Meeting
Date: March 5
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Call for location
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Brass Professional Center
4414 Centerview Dr, Ste #160
Monday - Friday:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Closed for Lunch:
12:00 pm- 1:00 pm
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Plaza de Armas
100 Military Plaza
Monday - Friday:
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Please call for an appointment.
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