You're Invited to a Weekly Facebook Live every Wednesday
Thanks for joining us on Facebook Live these past three weeks! We'll continue these sessions through the month of May so be sure to join us on May 20th and May 27th at 7pm. We'll update you on the latest community and City Council news and take your questions.
To view our latest Facebook update click here.
Hope you'll join us this week!
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Serving our Seniors: District 7 Wellness Checks
Living through a pandemic is tough. It’s even tougher when you feel isolated and alone. Now more than ever, senior citizens need our attention and support to avoid isolation. Isolation can increase the risk of a whole range of health issues like Alzheimer’s and depression. That’s why my team is calling District 7 senior citizens to check on them and connect them to the resources they need.
I want to thank the volunteers that have helped us call nearly 800 senior citizens. We'd love to have your help. To volunteer, email us at District7@SanAntonio.gov or call us at 210-207-0870.
Using Federal CARES Act Funds for Emergency Response
Families and our local economy have been hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, but help is on the way. On Tuesday, City staff proposed a spending plan for the $270 million that San Antonio is receiving from the federal CARES Act.
Funds from the CARES Act must be used on expenses related to the pandemic. The City plans to invest the funds in emergency response efforts and community support. Not only will the City use the funds to expand testing, contract tracing, and delivering food to seniors, but we’ll also invest the funds in housing assistance, supporting small businesses, and workforce development.
As Council moves forward with a plan for the CARES Act funds, I want to ensure that we invest in building our community’s resilience. San Antonio has worked hard to weather this storm, but we stand to do better the next time something like this happens. We can do that by investing in workforce development, like good paying jobs in construction and green energy; expanding digital infrastructure so that more people have access to distance learning and the job market; growing manufacturing that meets local supply needs; and filling the shortage of nurses in our City. These efforts will take time, but would transform San Antonio.
You can watch the presentation on this topic given to City Council and the Commissioners Court here.
Thoughts on Proposed Right to Cure Ordinance
Today, City Council voted 6-5 against an amended Right to Cure Ordinance, which would have granted renters a 30 day period to pay outstanding rent before their landlord could file for eviction if they applied for rental assistance from the City. If the renter wasn't seeking assistance or didn't qualify, they would not have the grace period.
I voted in favor of this amended Right to Cure Ordinance because I felt it would help renters without leaving landlords with an unfunded mandate. The amendments offered today were the result of a good-faith effort that addressed each of the concerns that landlords, property managers, and organizations like the San Antonio Board of Realtors and the San Antonio Apartment Association brought to our attention.
There are many responsible and compassionate landlords who have helped tenants during this pandemic. Yet I'm still concerned that San Antonio is on the precipice of a public health and homelessness crisis. This is why we must explore alternative options to support renters like increasing our Emergency Assistance Fund and exploring a Renters’ Commission to make sure renters have a voice at City Hall.
There is no doubt that San Antonio residents are facing a national emergency. Today’s vote was one of the most difficult Council has taken because there are no winners during this health and economic crisis. When faced with an unprecedented national emergency, we must explore every option available to protect the health of our residents and keep them from losing their home.
I want to thank every landlord and renter alike who reached out to the District 7 Office to voice their thoughts and concerns on this ordinance. If we can successfully keep families in their homes, we will keep our neighbors safe and save lives during this pandemic.
If you are a renter or landlord in need of assistance, please call the City at 210-207-6459 or visit COVID19.SanAntonio.gov.
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We will get through this, together, San Antonio. |
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Join Councilwoman Sandoval on Facebook Live every Wednesday at 7pm during the month of May as she updates you on the latest community and City Council news and takes your questions. You can watch at Facebook.com/AnaSandovalD7. |
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COVID-19 Updates
- As of May 14, there are 2,041 cases of COVID-19. Of these, 1,051 individuals have made a full recovery. Unfortunately, we have had 59 deaths attributed to the virus in San Antonio.
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San Antonio Metro Health releases data on COVID-19 cases in nursing homes. As part of the City’s ongoing universal testing of nursing home residents and staff, Metro Health will begin posting the results on the City of San Antonio’s website. Click here for more information.
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San Antonio Metro Health Expands COVID-19 Testing to Asymptomatic Individuals. Previously residents were required to show symptoms of the disease. Now, individuals will have access to testing even if they do not have any COVID-19 symptoms. Click here to learn more.
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Governor Abbott directed the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to test 100% of residents and staff in Texas nursing homes.
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Governor Abbott, HHSC Announce Over $1 Billion in Pandemic Food Benefits through the federal Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT). This will provide for families with children who have temporarily lost access to free or discounted school meals due to COVID-19-related school closures.
- Animal Care Services and BISSELL Pet Foundation host Empty the Shelters. Through appointments, constituents will be able to adopt a pet at a reduced adoption fee. To schedule an appointment, click here. To view some of the pups and kittens up for adoption, click here. The event will run until Sunday, May 17.
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Past Updates
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The City of San Antonio has created a COVID-19 Website The website provides up-to-date information and resources to help residents and businesses respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
- Last Thursday, I voted to approve the development of a plan to re-envision Culebra Road in a way that protects all commuters and sets the stage for economic revitalization of the corridor. You can watch the full discussion here.
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Economic Transition Team Releases Guidelines for Safely Opening San Antonio Businesses. The report is available for you to view here. You can also watch the presentation given to City Council and Commissioners Court here.
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COVID-19 Health Transition Team released a report that outlines how we can reopen our community as safely as possible.The report is available here for you to view. You can also watch the presentation given to City Council and Commissioners Court here.
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Governor Abbott issued a new executive order allowing more types of business to reopen as of May 8. Cosmetology salons, hair salons, barber shops, nail salons, tanning salons, and swimming pools are permitted to operate. For more information, click here.
- The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is issuing guidance to unemployment claimants concerning their continued eligibility for unemployment benefits should they refuse rehire.
- Neighborhood and Housing Services is offering emergency rent and housing assistance during this time. Click the link to access the application or call 210-207-5910 for further assistance.
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Tenants who have experienced harassment in the form of illegal lockouts from their home can find self-help packets here. Frequently asked questions on your rights as a tenant or landlord can be found here.
- The Federal Housing Finance Agency has released two tools that help renters check if their properties are financed by federally backed mortgages. To learn if your property is covered, visit KnowYourOptions.com or Freddie Mac's website.
- If you need help in determining what businesses are deemed "essential" by the State of Texas, click here.
- City of San Antonio and Bexar County remind renters of their protections amidst the COVID-19 pandemic:
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Federal Tenant Protections: A 120-day moratorium on evictions for any residential property that receives federal housing funds, including both public housing and mixed income housing beginning March 27, 2020 and ending on July 24, 2020.
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State of Texas Tenant Protections: A stay on all court proceedings involving petitions for eviction for non-payment of rent which will be in effect until at least May 18, 2020.
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To see which local properties are subject to the federal CARES Act protection for tenants, review the best available data here. For more information on tenant protections during COVID-19, click here.
- Please continue practicing social distancing and frequent hand-washing. Please remember that for now, public or private gatherings with people outside of one's household are expressly prohibited by the Stay Home, Work Safe Order.
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Community and Non-Profit Updates
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Hearts Need Art, a community non-profit, is offering digital support for caregivers and patients in the medical community in an effort to reduce social isolation. If interested, you can schedule one-on-one zoom sessions with our artists free of charge without the need for prior experience.
- CPS Energy alongside Chamber Partners invite you to a virtual Facebook Live to update you on their COVID-19 response.The event happens today at 3:30 P.M. Click here to tune in.
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SA2020 is hosting a Facebook Live today at 4:30 P.M. to share with the community, "results, data, and a shared community vision."
- St. Paul's Catholic Church is hosting a Facebook Live with Chef Anita Centeno Thursday nights at 7:30 P.M.This week, Zuchini 3 Ways! Click here to learn more.
- As we continue staying at home and self-isolating, The Monterrey Bay Aquarium has brought the outdoors to your home. Tune into these live webcams that share a glimpse of west coast wildlife.
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UTSA is officially launching its new Career in Focus workforce initiative for San Antonio citizens.Programs such as Job Jumpstart and Career Builder Badges are being offered online and many are completely free of charge.
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If you are in need of food assistance, the San Antonio Food Bank is here to help offering daily food distribution at multiple locations as well as home delivery services for seniors.
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Endeavors is offering immediate financial assistance for qualifying veterans. If you are a veteran in need of assistance can call (210) 469-9664 or email SSVF-SA@endeavors.org.
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Are you in need of utility assistance? You may qualify for the Residential Energy Assistance Partnership (REAP) by CPS. Click here to find out more on qualifications.
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VIA will not charge fares for bus, VIAtrans, and VIA link through May 17. Click here for more information. Information on modified routes can be found here.
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The Texas Health and Human Services Department has launched a statewide mental health support line to help Texans experiencing anxiety, stress or emotional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic at 833-986-1919. The line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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The Texas Workforce Commission is experiencing a high volume of calls within the last weeks. If you are having trouble applying for benefits, reach out to the office of State Senator Jose Menendez at 210-733-6604.
As a reminder, please be mindful of where you receive your information. Trust only reliable news sources that provide the latest and most accurate information.
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Councilwoman Sandoval was grateful to assist Project MEND in delivering a new wheelchair to Jayden this past Tuesday. Project MEND provides medical equipment and technology to individuals who cannot afford it and will be opening their new warehouse in District 7 soon.
Read more about how you can assist Project MEND here.
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Click any of the following buttons for reliable information about COVID-19. Additionally, you can text COSAGOV to 55000 to receive SMS text message updates. |
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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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Additionally, please note the following resources:
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Beware of price gouging. It is illegal to raise the cost of necessary supplies at any point during a declared disaster. Call the Office of the Attorney General’s toll-free complaint line at (800) 621-0508 or file a complaint online.
- Small, minority, and women-owned businesses may qualify for 0% interest loans from between $500 to $100,000 from LiftFund.
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Federally Qualified Clinics
for Uninsured Persons
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How You Can Help Your Neighbors |
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Looking for a way to help your neighbors during this time? Here are a few ideas: |
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The City has identified the following community volunteer opportunities:
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Consider checking in on your neighbors, especially if they are elderly or have pre-existing medical conditions. Give them a call or send them a text message to let them know you're willing to help if they need it. If you're getting ready to go to the grocery store, consider offering to pick up items they might need.
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Prepare hygiene kits for outreach to homeless persons. Individuals and families experiencing unsheltered homelessness may not have access to COVID-19 information or hygiene supplies. City of San Antonio Homeless Street Outreach Teams will deliver hygiene kits, assess needs, and connect people to services.
- Hygiene kits for the street homeless population are needed. Hygiene kits will include, but are not limited to, the following: hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, soap, bottle of water, socks, and snacks. Items may be packaged in plastic grocery bags.
- Hygiene kits can be delivered to your nearest SAPD SAFFE substation. Additional information at: https://www.sanantonio.gov/SAPD/SAFFE
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Deliver food to seniors with Meals on Wheels. Many seniors in our community depend on home food delivery while self-distancing. Volunteers are needed to deliver perishable and non-perishable food items to their homes.
- Contact Meals on Wheels at samanthaf@mowsatx.org or call (210) 599-7405 ext. 309.
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Volunteer as an Elder Friend with Meals on Wheels. Homebound elderly individuals are in need of socialization and friendship.
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Elder Friend volunteers typically serve three hours per week with a home-bound senior and do things such as play games, take a walk, run small errands or go out to eat as advisable.
- Contact Meals on Wheels at samanthaf@mowsatx.org or call 210-599-7405 ext. 309.
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Volunteer with homeless service providers. Volunteers are needed to provide services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Volunteers assist with serving meals, sorting clothes, engaging with clients (arts/crafts, singing, etc.) and helping with everyday program operations.
- Contact SARAH Volunteer Registration here.
- Contact Have for Hope Volunteer Opportunities at volunteers@havenforhope.org or 210-220-2549 or here.
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Plan grocery shopping strategically. Major grocers are overwhelmed with urgent shoppers while small grocers are under-shopped.
- To redistribute the crowds, use NextDoor, or other social media, to organize your neighborhood’s shopping days. Note smaller grocers in your area as alternatives. Example: Odd house numbers shop Monday, Wednesday, Friday and even numbers shop Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday. Designate Sundays or a particular time window for elderly shoppers.
- Participate by putting a sign with #taketurns in your window. Use #taketurns to spread the word.
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Updates from Local Universities |
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District 7 Office
Work Arrangements
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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 will remain accessible for your phone calls and emails.
- We will begin calling into neighborhood association and HOA meetings, should you choose to host them. If you would like help hosting a video or conference call for your NA/HOA meeting, we can assist!
- We are postponing office events for the time being.
We appreciate your understanding.
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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
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