Remembering the 2,000 We've Lost to COVID-19
This week, the San Antonio area surpassed 2,000 total COVID-19 deaths in San Antonio. This milestone is a tragic reminder of how the virus has devastated our community. Those we've lost include our very own neighborhood leader, Mr. Bill Dubel.
As we remember our family, friends, and neighbors that we’ve lost, we must resolve to continue doing the things that will save lives: physically distancing, wearing a mask, and staying home when possible. We will get through this soon enough.
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Federal Legislative Agenda Calls for Expansion of Federal COVID-19 Response
City Council approved the City of San Antonio’s Federal Legislative Program for the 117th Congress this month. The document outlines issues we want Congress to act on, such as infrastructure, housing assistance, and military protection.
As a community of pre-existing health conditions and disparities, we need aggressive action that matches the scale of our health problems. With that in mind, I pushed for the City to include a greater focus on health in our federal legislative agenda. My colleagues supported that effort and our agenda now includes the following:
[The City of San Antonio supports the] expansion of the federal government’s COVID-19 response, including expanding the COVID-19 vaccination supply and availability, scaling up testing and tracing, addressing health disparities, preserving and expanding health insurance coverage, and investing in public health jobs to support the response.
You can read the full legislative agenda here.
District 7 Supports Blood Bank with Successful Blood Drive
The South Texas Blood & Tissue Center declared District 7 the winner of the first-ever, "SA District Challenge." Each council district hosted a blood drive last week to help the blood bank fill a critical shortage. In total, City Council offices collected enough blood to save the lives of 834 patients!
Thank you to the District 7 residents who came forward to help our community and to Pastor Doug Diehl and Brandy Weitzel at Crossroads Baptist Church for their hard work and partnership.
With more than 1,000 blood drives canceled since the start of the pandemic, the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center needs your help to continue providing life-saving blood. Please consider donating today.
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The Latest: COVID-19 Vaccination Sites in San Antonio |
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NOTE: Bexar County is receiving approximately 25,000 doses a week, which changes on a week-to-week basis. However, there are over a million people currently eligible for a vaccine. This means there are not enough doses for everyone who is eligible. While we are working hard to get a vaccination for all residents, please be aware that at the current rate at which the State and Federal government are supplying vaccines, it will be months before everyone who is eligible will receive one.
Still, we encourage you to try to get your vaccine now, please be prepared for appointments to go quickly and for phone lines to be busy.
Metro Health Alamodome Vaccination Site
- Walk-ins will not be accepted.
- Currently, there are no vaccine reservations available for the first week of February.
- If appointments are available at the Alamodome, you can register for the vaccine online. However, if you require assistance, you can call 311 and select option 8. Residents have reported that it may be difficult to reach someone by phone due to the overwhelming call volume experienced.
- The City now schedules second doses when recipients get their first shots. Those who received their first doses before noon Jan. 13 will get a phone call from Metro Health to schedule their second doses. Those who miss the call can contact 311 and select option 8 or email COVID19@sanantonio.gov.
- Anyone living in Bexar County or in one of the other 26 municipal districts is eligible to receive their COVID-19 vaccine, at the Alamodome.
WellMed clinics at Elvira Cisneros Senior Community Center and
Alicia Treviño López Senior Community Center
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WellMed will re-open the reservation hotline beginning tomorrow, Saturday, January 30.
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The phone number for the hotline is 833-968-1745 and operators will accept calls from 8 AM to 8 PM until all reservations have been booked.
- If the phone lines are experiencing an overwhelming call volume, WellMed says you will hear one of two recorded messages:
- On a cell phone: “The line you are trying to reach is out of service.”
- On a landline: "All circuits are busy. Please try your call later.”
- If you are cut off after the recorded greeting, officials say this means all operators are currently on other calls. If the call doesn’t go through at all, it may be an issue with your phone service provider.
University Health clinic at Wonderland of the Americas
- Slots are currently filled up several weeks in advance but you may register online to be notified when new appointments become available.
- You can receive updates by:
- Please note, if you register for the vaccine at this site, check the UHS website on Friday to make sure University Health has received its expected doses from the state.
- If doses are available, there will be a message of “all appointments are confirmed.”
Other places you may be able to find COVID-19 vaccines:
Personal Health Care Providers
- You may be able to receive a vaccine through your primary care physician or other healthcare providers. It is recommended that you call your personal provider to see if they have any doses available.
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Councilwoman Sandoval Applauds Health Priorities in Newly-Minted Federal Legislative Agenda |
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City Council approved the City of San Antonio’s Federal Legislative Program for the 117th Congress. The legislative agenda identifies the City’s priorities for Congressional action ranging from infrastructure to housing assistance to military protection.
The agenda includes an amendment from Councilwoman Sandoval, Chair of the Community Health & Equity Committee, supporting an expanded coronavirus response and recovery effort. She released the following statements:
“San Antonio is a community of pre-existing health conditions and disparities, and we need aggressive action to change that. To that end, I’ve advocated for a greater focus on health equity for the city, in all of our work, including our legislative agenda.”
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Covid-19 hotline for WellMed-run community vaccination clinics will resume January 30 |
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Today, District 7, District 3, District 4, and District 5announced the reservation hotline for the WellMed-run community vaccination clinics at the Elvira Cisneros Senior Community Center and the Alicia Treviño López Senior Center will resume taking appointments at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Jan 30, 2021. Appointments begin Monday, Feb 1.
“Volunteering at the Cisneros Center and seeing the dedication of their team convinced me that our partnership with WellMed is essential to keeping our most vulnerable residents safe from COVID-19,” said Councilwoman Sandoval. “I’m glad they can resume their full operation this week and know residents have been looking forward to this, too.”
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In the News: "It's 1.9 trillion rays of sunshine at a very dark time" |
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This week, Councilwoman Sandoval was featured on KENS 5 highlighting President Joe Biden's aggressive push towards a coronavirus relief package that includes $1,400 stimulus checks, ongoing assistance to small businesses, and enhanced support for vaccines and testing which have the potential to help millions of Americans including locals hardest-hit by the pandemic.
"All those are going to be absolutely critical for our population in District 7," Sandoval said. "It's 1.9 trillion rays of sunshine at a very dark time."
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In the News: Councilwoman Sandoval hopes new national advocacy role means more funding for transportation |
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This week, Councilwoman Sandoval was featured on KSAT 12 covering her appointment to the National League of Cities Transportation and Infrastructure Services (TIS) Committee. The Washington, D.C.-based organization helps municipalities lobby for new laws and federal funding.
“There will be some new bills coming forward, legislation that will fund the transportation infrastructure throughout the country,” Sandoval said. “What we want to make sure is that those that that legislation that moves forward also helps cities with what they need to improve quality of life.
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In the News: City leaders looking to 'retool' approach to street racing |
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This week, Councilwoman Sandoval spoke with KABB Fox News 29 on how City Council will approach addressing street racing and car meets in San Antonio.
“Probably the most frequent thing I hear from constituents, ‘I just want to feel safe on my street, I want to feel safe on my sidewalk, I want to feel safe when I drive," said Councilwoman Ana Sandoval, representing District 7.
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Where I Live: Ingram Hills |
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"My husband Cory and I moved into our home in Ingram Hills in October and were welcomed right away by our neighbors. One neighbor saw the moving trucks and brought over a bottle of wine, another neighbor invited us over to see the plants in her backyard, another has been guiding us through our own gardening, and our next-door neighbors are currently coaching us through homeownership." |
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Connect with the Councilwoman on Zoom |
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On Saturday, February 13th, Councilwoman Sandoval invites you to join her for Zoom with Ana to discuss and share your thoughts.
Constituents are invited to call our office at 210-207-0870 or email us at district7@sanantonio.gov to register for the event. |
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Mobile Clinic Visits District 7 |
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District 7 residents! University Health System is offering a convenient way for parents to stay up-to-date with their child’s immunizations and receive flu shots.
Their mobile clinic will visit the following Northside ISD middle school locations in and around District 7:
- Feb. 2 – Rudder MS – 6558 Horn Blvd., 78240 – 9:15 to 11:15 AM
- Feb. 16 – Rudder MS – 6558 Horn Blvd., 78240 – 2:30 to 5 PM
- Feb. 22 – Connally MS – 8661 Silent Sunrise, 78250 – 2:30 to 5 PM
- Feb. 23 – Ross MS – 3630 Callaghan, 78228 – 2:30 to 5 PM
- Feb. 24 – Stevenson MS – 8403 Tezel Road, 78254 – 2:30 to 5 PM
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Paycheck Protection Program Funding is Now Available |
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Attention Small Business Owners: Congress approved an additional $284 billion in COVID-19 funding for the Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Application. Previous PPP borrowers may be eligible for additional funds. Please contact an SBA-approved lender to apply.
The UTSA Small Business Development Center (SBDC) – COVID Business Recovery Accelerator has business advisors on hand to assist with PPP loan applications and any other recovery-related questions. You can reach them by visiting their website at www.txsbdc.org/businessrecovery, emailing businessrecovery@utsa.edu, or by calling 210-458-2272 to set up an appointment.
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Good Careers Academy Providing Training Opportunities for Those Impacted by COVID-19 |
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Goodwill San Antonio’s Good Careers Academy is here to connect individuals who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 and are seeking to gain new skills to quality, accredited vocational training: (Nurse’s Aide, Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Commercial Drivers License).
Students may qualify for complete financial sponsorships and a stipend for participating in the training.
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Mobile COVID Test Collection |
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Free drive-thru COVID-19 testing will be available at Farris Stadium, Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm. Visit texas.spartancovidtesting.com/ for more information. |
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Are You in the Medical Field & Interested in Volunteering Your Time during COVID-19? |
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Medical Volunteers (MD, NP, PA, RN, LVN, CAN & MA's) can sign up to become a member of the Alamo Area Medical Reserve Corp (MRC).
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Community Based Domestic Violence Survey |
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UTSA researchers have a first-ever community-wide domestic violence survey to share with the community supported by Metro Health and funded by CARES Act dollars.
Domestic violence is always a serious issue in our community and requires additional community input to help in research efforts.
With this survey, researchers have an opportunity to hear from District 7 residents and whether or not they've personally had an experience with domestic violence.
The survey is brief, available in English and in Spanish, non-triggering, and already returning much great information we can use to develop future policy.
Click below to participate.
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SAPL Shares Upcoming Events & Activities |
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SAPL is offering a variety of events and activities in the coming weeks.
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VIA Metropolitan Transit Public Meetings |
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VIA Metropolitan Transit is hosting two public meetings to receive comments on the proposed service revisions scheduled for implementation on May 3, 2021. To comply with public health guidance regarding COVID-19, this meeting will be conducted as an audio/video conference.
PUBLIC MEETING DATES:
* Tuesday, February 2, at 6:00 p.m.
* Wednesday, February 10, at 6:00 p.m. Meeting conducted in Spanish
Members of the public may provide voicemail comments in advance by dialing 1-855-925-2801 (meeting code: 8005). Verbal public comments will be queued during the online public meeting. Each individual will have up to three minutes to speak. Public comments may be submitted in the following ways:
* Mail comments to:
C/O Government and Community Relations,
Re: May 2021 Service Changes
800 W Myrtle St.
San Antonio, TX 78212
* Leave a message at (210) 362-2389
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City of San Antonio lays out goals and timeline for collective bargaining with the police union |
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City staff briefed the San Antonio City Council on the process, timeline, and City’s goals for negotiating the next Collective Bargaining Agreement with the San Antonio Police Officers Association (SAPOA).
The City and SAPOA have agreed to meet on February 12, 2021, allowing for the transition of the Association’s new president. The first meeting will establish ground rules for the negotiations.
Once negotiations begin, the two parties have a 60-day period to negotiate in good faith a new contract that would take effect when the current CBA expires on September 30, 2021.
Click below to learn more.
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CPS Energy RAC Application and Press Release |
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CPS Energy is looking for members to join the Rate Advisory Committee (RAC).
The deadline to apply for the RAC is Friday, February 26, 2021.
To apply, please use one of the links below:
RAC applications can be found at all of our walk-in centers, online, and at the City of San Antonio City Clerk’s office.
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City Seeks Applicants for Zoning Board of Adjustment |
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The City of San Antonio is seeking applicants to serve as alternates on the Zoning Board of Adjustment (BOA). This board hears and decides appeals where it is alleged there is error in any order, requirement, decision or determination made by an administrative official in the enforcement of the Unified Development Code (UDC)
Positions will be open until Friday, January 29, 2021 and applications are available online. Interested applicants may obtain more information about the Board of Adjustment at https://www.sanantonio.gov/DSD/Boards/BOA. |
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State News: DSHS Releases Information on Vaccination in Texas |
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Eligible people can sign up with a vaccination hub or a community vaccine provider.
Texas COVID-19 Vaccine Information:
Texas COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions: Click here
Vaccines remain limited based on the capacity of the manufacturers to produce them. It will take time for Texas to receive enough vaccine for all the people in the priority populations who want to be vaccinated. The supply is expected to increase in the coming months, and additional vaccines may be authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
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Culture and Neighborhood Services Committee
Monday, February 1 at 2:00 PM
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Economic and Workforce Development Committee
Tuesday, February 2 at 2:00 PM
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City Council B Session
Wednesday, February 3 at 2:00 PM
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City Council A Session
Thursday, February 4 at 9:00 AM
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Planning and Land Development Committee
Monday, February 8 at 2:00 PM
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Governance Committee
Tuesday, February 9 at 10:00 AM
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Tune-in to watch Council Committees by clicking the link below |
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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. |
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See a full listing of resources here.
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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.
We appreciate your understanding.
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