Almost there, but not quite!
We are in the final stretch, the vaccine is around the corner, but let’s remember that the pandemic is not over. People are still getting infected, still going to the hospital, and, unfortunately, too many are still dying from COVID.
We are facing the most difficult period in this pandemic. On the one hand, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel – vaccinations are happening now for our health care workers! But on the other hand, we are exhausted. We are tired of standing so far away from one another, of being glued to a screen for human interaction, of going without hugs. And with the holidays upon us, the temptation to cheat is huge.
This is the final stretch, but it is the hardest stretch. This Holiday season may not be perfect, but let’s do what we can to make it to the next holiday season.
This season, celebrate with the people you live with. Setup a Zoom gathering for your family. Host a virtual game night. There are plenty of ways to celebrate safely.
It's Official: Nani Falcone Park is Growing
Major upgrades are underway at Nani Falcone Park! Yesterday, the City Council accepted a land donation next to the park. Then, we approved a construction contract to connect the park to the Howard Peak Greenway Trail System.
The parkland donation was a gift from the family of local businessman and philanthropist Stanley Spigel. I met Mrs. Barbara Spigel this week and thanked her, on behalf of the residents of District 7, for this generous donation.
The donated land is at the corner of Guilbeau Road and Wickersham, behind the H-E-B, and expands Nani Falcone Park to 74.3 acres. The Parks & Recreation Department will invite the community to discuss plans for the park's future in 2021.
San Antonio Taking Steps to Lower Flood Insurance Rates
I understand that for those of us who live in an area that floods, flood insurance is expensive. The high rates put pressure on homeowners. But it doesn't have to cost so much.
That's why I have long advocated for the City to join the Community Rating System (CRS), a program that lowers flood insurance premium rates when a City’s flood management goes beyond national standards. This program could reduce premiums in San Antonio by as much as 25%!
Yesterday, City Council approved Public Works to begin the application for the program. This brings us one step closer to savings residents money.
Look out for a future announcement when the City joins the program.
