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Dear Neighbor,
Council to Reconsider Creating a Vaccine Registry

This week, I joined my colleagues, Councilmembers Rebecca Viagran and John Courage, to request that City Council consider creating a vaccine registry.
 
City Council briefly discussed this issue in February. At that time, City staff assured Council that the vaccine sign-up process would improve as more vaccines became available. Under those circumstances, Council voted against the creation of a vaccine registry and committed to discuss the topic further at a meeting of the Council Committee on Community Health and Equity.
 
Since then, the state has expanded vaccine eligibility but has not announced a corresponding increase in vaccines for San Antonio. The local mass vaccination operators spoke at the Community Health & Equity Committee. During the meeting, they expressed interest in working with Councilmembers on ensuring that the most vulnerable are vaccinated.
  
The State's decision makes it urgent for San Antonio to develop a registry. It would help us identify and vaccinate those members of priority populations such as teachers and healthcare workers who may have not had an opportunity to get vaccinated. 
 
For everyone else, a registry would provide an alternate option to a vaccine lottery. Vaccines save lives; they should not be treated as a lottery.

While the registry may not guarantee anyone a vaccine sooner, it would give residents a more user-friendly option. 

The Council is scheduled to discuss the development of a registry on Wednesday, March 31. Stay tuned for updates.
 
Community Health & Equity Committee Continues Discussing Topics in Equity and Policing

This past Monday, the Community Health & Equity Committee welcomed several community experts to discuss how police respond to mental health crises. It was an illuminating conversation that raised possibilities for our system. You can catch the meeting on the City website.
 
These conversations are critical. 
 
Our next Committee meeting on policing will focus on racial equity. It is scheduled for Monday, March 29, at 7:00 pm. The third and final meeting will focus on policing and our LGBTQ community. It is scheduled for Monday, April 5, at 7:00 pm.
 
You can watch the meetings on TVSA online, AT&T channel 99, Grande channel 20, Spectrum channel 21, or digital antenna 16.

COVID Safe Workplace
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 office-hosted in-person events for the time being.
 
Contact us by calling 210-207-0870 or emailing us at District7@SanAntonio.gov.
 
We appreciate your understanding.
Yours in public service,
COVID-19 Resources
Vaccination Sites
City's Alamodome Vaccination Site: Register online | Call 311, select option 8
H-E-B: Register online | Call 1-800-811-8620
WellMed Clinics Elvira Cisneros and Alicia Treviño López Senior Centers: Call 833-968-1745; phone lines only open if vaccines are available
University Health System Vaccine Clinic at Wonderland of the Americas: Register online
Other opportunities: You may be able to receive a vaccine from your primary care physician.
NOTE: 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.
Texas to Open COVID-19 Vaccination to All Adults on March 29
All adults will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Texas beginning Monday, March 29.

DSHS has directed vaccine providers to prioritize people 80 years old or older when scheduling appointments. DSHS will also launch a website to allow people to register for a shot through some public health providers.
City of San Antonio creates text alert notification for COVID-19 vaccine availability
The City of San Antonio has partnered with some of the Bexar County vaccine distribution sites to create a vaccine availability text alert system to keep the community informed about the release of more COVID-19 vaccines.

Individuals who decide to opt-in, can text VACCINE to 55000 or in Spanish VACUNA to 55000 starting today. By signing up you will receive a text notifying you which locations have available appointments. Opting in to this text alert system will not sign you up for a vaccine or add you on to a wait list.
Texas Teachers / Child Care Workers and People 50 and Older Now Eligible to Receive a Covid-19 Vaccine
Earlier this month, the Texas Department of State Health Services today notified all vaccine providers that they should immediately include school and child care workers in vaccine administration.

Additionally, Texans ages 50 to 64 are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine starting this week. Those 50 and older will be included in priority group 1C.
Winter Storm Recovery Resources
City of San Antonio Offers Assistance After Winter Storm
If you or your family experienced property damage and/or personal property loss because of the 2021 Texas Severe Winter Storm you may be eligible for assistance.

Residents can call 311 and select option 5 or 210-207-6000 to connect with a call taker. For assistance online, residents can visit strongertogether.sanantonio.gov.

Call takers will help residents navigate the disaster assistance programs available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Small Business Administration (SBA), and the newly created Community Pipe Repair Fund (CPR) administered by SAWS.
Property Tax Exemption for Those Who Qualify
Did your property sustain damage from the winter storm? If so, you may qualify for a temporary property tax exemption if your property experienced at least 15% damage due to the storm.

Applications for this Temporary Disaster Exemption for Qualified Properties must be submitted by May 28, 2021.
Bandera Road Corridor Meeting Plan - Community Meeting
Culebra Arterial Study Survey
The City of San Antonio, in partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation, is looking for ways to improve Culebra Road between Loop 1604 and I-10.

The goal of this project is to enhance pedestrian/bicycle mobility and safety, improve bus transit, beautify the streetscape, and ensure the roadway serves all motorists.
Connect with the Councilwoman on Zoom
Councilwoman Sandoval invites you to join her for an upcoming Zoom with Ana on April 3 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.
Project Update: Shadwell Park Phase II
Construction is underway at Shadwell Park in the Donaldson Terrace neighborhood! This phase of the project expands the park by adding:

  • A picnic area with two picnic tables, a bench, and trash cans;
  • A shade canopy over the playground and picnic areas; and
  • All Night Security Lighting.
Project Update: French Creek Greenway Trail
This new greenway trail will connect Nani Falcone Park to the Leon Greenway Trail through French Creek. Construction of the trail is about 15% complete and should be finished by early 2022.
City Helping Residents, Including Those Experiencing Homelessness, Get Access to Third Federal Stimulus Payments
Residents, including individuals experiencing homelessness, who do not normally file income tax returns and do not have bank accounts or a fixed address, may still be able to access direct stimulus payments available through the recently signed American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
The City’s Hospitality Grants Program Will Begin Accepting Applications on Monday, March 15
The City of San Antonio Hospitality Grants Application is now open! $14.25 million has been provided to fund grants for the Hospitality Industry, with an emphasis on food & beverage small businesses.

Hospitality Industry businesses include: Restaurant & Catering; Lodging; Travel and Transportation; and Entertainment and Recreation.
Project Grants for Individual Artists
The Department of Arts & Culture has opened a Project Grants for Individual Artists that provides up to $5,000 for San Antonio artists of all genres for the creation of new works presented to the San Antonio community.

The deadline to apply is Monday, April 5, 2021 at 5 p.m.
The City of San Antonio is Hiring!
If you're looking for a job, be sure to check out the 70+ available career opportunities listed on the CIty's website. Full-time opportunities plus benefits are available.
Animal Care Services Unveils New Tool for Local Pet Parents
Animal Care Services has created a search tool that locates veterinary clinics throughout San Antonio and the surrounding area. The interactive Veterinary Clinics map can be found on the ACS website at www.saacs.net or directly at http://saacs.info/vetcare.
Call for Volunteers! Easter Mobile Food Distribution
Grace Point Church plans to host an Easter Food Distribution Sunday, April 4 for families in the District 7 community. Volunteers for the event are needed and there will be various opportunities to serve. For questions contact 210.696.6093 or email teresa.summers@gracepoint.org.

Families who require food assistance are welcomed to attend the event at no cost.
Need Assistance With PPP? Maestro Entrepreneur Center Can Help
Let Maestro guide you through the process of applying for the PPP! You can contact us for more information at camila.mencia@maestrocenter.org or call (512) 815-3034

The deadline to apply is March 26th
Alamo Commutes: Do you bring your lunch to work?
If you bring your lunch to work - or eat at home while telecommuting - instead of driving out for a meal, we'd like to say thanks!

From March 1-31, log your brown bag lunches on Alamo Commutes and you'll be entered to win a $50 gift card.
SAFB Culinary Arts Training Program
In partnership with Project Quest, the San Antonio Food Bank is offering a state-certified, 10-week culinary training course for anyone seeking new employment opportunities in the culinary arts.

No Experience is required. Scholarships and stipends are available.
Community Health and Equity Committee 
Monday, March 29 at 7:00 PM
City Council B-Session
Wednesday, March 31 at 2:00 PM
City Council A-Session and Zoning
Thursday, April 1 at 9:00 AM
Committee on Emergency Preparedness
Friday, April 2 at 10 AM
Tune-in to watch Council Committees by clicking the link below
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.

Contact us by calling 210-207-0870 or emailing us at District7@SanAntonio.gov.

We appreciate your understanding.