This Flu Season, a Flu Shot is Even More Important
As we get closer to flu season, it's important to make a plan to get your flu shot.
This flu season, getting your flu shot isn’t just about keeping yourself safe—it’s about keeping your family safe, too. Less flu in the community means fewer people in our hospitals. This means that our hospitals will be better prepared to handle a possible winter wave of COVID-19.
To help, my office is hosting a no-cost drive-thru flu clinic with Metro Health and students at UT Health. As of this evening, we're at our limit for sign-ups. Fortunately, there are other opportunities to get a low cost of no cost flu shot. Please visit the Metro Health website for more information about upcoming events.
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Have a Spooky (Yet Safe!) Halloween
This Halloween, the scariest person isn't the one wearing a mask... it's the person who isn't wearing a mask. We all want to enjoy a fun night out celebrating Halloween and Día de los Muertos, but that doesn't mean letting our guard down. I am asking everyone to take commonsense steps to stay safe this year.
Metro Health has put together tips for celebrating a spooky, yet safe, Halloween. Please read them and share them with your neighbors. One of the more creative ideas is to find a way to give out candy without making contact. You can do this with a pincer or a homemade candy chute.
For those parents who are opting out of trick or treating this year, I invite you join my office for a free drive-in screening of Coco on Halloween night, October 31. You can find more info and sign up here. RSVPs are required.
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Councilwoman Sandoval joins Metro Health to encourage residents stay safe this Halloween |
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Councilwoman joined Metro Health to provide residents with safety tips and a live demonstration for Halloween. Look out for the PSA on the news and in the next edition of this email! |
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Express News: San Antonio’s craziest Halloween decor at historic Jefferson-area home, a treat for trick-or-treaters |
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Like a Dr. Frankenstein with power tools, Michael Lane is all about giving life — life! — to his undying love for Halloween.
For about the past six years, Lane has transformed a humble 1940s bungalow at the corner of Donaldson Avenue and John Page Drive into the stuff of delightfully demented nightmares, piling the front yard with foam tombstones, plastic skeletons and other props that look plucked from old Universal horror films.
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District 7 Presents Día De Los Drive In: Coco!
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Meditation Circle at Woodlawn Lake Hosted by Krishna Temple SATX |
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The Krishna Temple of San Antonio is hosting A Moment of Intention - A Community Reflection on Unity in Diversity. The event will include yoga, meditation, and more. If interested in attending or would like to volunteer, call 210-995-7377.
The event is this Saturday, October 25th at 5:30 PM at Woodlawn Lake. Learn more about Krishna Temple SATX here.
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Bexar County Strong - Coronavirus Relief Programs |
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Bexar County is currently distributing financial assistance to qualified county residents and businesses through a variety of county assistance programs. These federal relief dollars are designated to help those directly impacted by the pandemic.
"The business grants, to be administered by the nonprofit LiftFund and supported with federal dollars from the Coronavirus Relief Fund, will provide up to $25,000 for bars and restaurants with 60 or fewer employees and less than $5 million in annual income."
If you have lost your job or are having trouble paying for rent or utilities because of COVID-19, click here
For information on small business assistance, click here
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Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment |
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2021 Open Enrollment is only a few weeks away!
The 2021 Open Enrollment Period runs from Sunday, November 1 to Tuesday, December 15, 2020. If you don’t act by December 15, you can’t get 2021 coverage unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Plans sold during Open Enrollment start January 1, 2021.
If you don’t act by December 15, you can’t get 2021 coverage unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Plans sold during Open Enrollment start January 1, 2021.
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Exercise Your Civic Duty! Early Voting Runs Through the Month of October |
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Early voting by personal appearance begins at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 13 and ends at 10:00 p.m. on Friday, October 30. Early voting sites include the Bexar County Elections Department located at 1103 S. Frio, Suite 100, along with 47 other locations throughout Bexar County.
City of San Antonio registered voters will have the opportunity to vote on three propositions.
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Tips for a Safe Halloween brought to you by Metro Health! |
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With the first holiday of the fall season approaching, Metro Health has provided guidance for the public to have a safer Halloween. The public should continue using face coverings, practicing physical distancing, and good hygiene skills. The need to maintain safe practices will change what celebrations look like, but it is still possible to celebrate a safe Halloween.
Safer Trick or Treating Tips
- Stay home if you are sick. Parents and children should wear appropriate face coverings if going out to trick-or-treat. Halloween masks are not adequate protection.
- Limit the size of your group to those within your household. Maintain a distance of six feet or more between other groups. Bring hand sanitizer and use it frequently. Avoid going inside other homes. Only enjoy pre-packaged treats and avoid buffets or shared food. Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds when you return home.
Safer Ways to Hand out Treats
- Don’t hand out candy if you or someone in your household is sick. Participate in distanced trick-or-treating by not requiring trick-or-treaters to come to your door.
- Prepare individually wrapped goodie bags or leave individually wrapped candy for families to grab and go on a disinfected table at the end of a driveway or the edge of a yard.
- Be sure to disinfect the table periodically
- When preparing goodie bags, be sure to wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before and after.
Safer Adult Halloween Activities
- Limit gatherings with people outside of your household. If you plan to host or go to a Halloween party, plan an outdoor gathering as opposed to an indoor gathering.
- Gathering in small groups is safer
- Avoid beverages from the shared punch bowl and buffet-style food
- Avoid crowded indoor parties,
- Wear appropriate face coverings if going out to trick-or-treat. Halloween masks are not adequate protection.
- Avoid using drugs and alcohol.
Remain vigilant by protecting yourself, your family, and the community. For more information, residents are encouraged to visit Metro Health’s COVID-19 Halloween website: covid19.sanantonio.gov/Halloween. |
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SACADA Announces Red Ribbon Week (October 23-31, 2020) |
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The Red Ribbon Campaign is the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation, reaching millions of young people during Red Ribbon Week, October 23-31 each year. This year’s theme is Be Happy, Be Brave, Be Drug Free. The mission of the Red Ribbon Campaign is to present a unified and visible commitment towards the creation of a DRUG-FREE AMERICA.
This year, due to COVID-19, the Air Force Bank of the West will be offering virtual concerts straight to the children (see details below). To procure your online concert, contact Master Sergeant John Garcia, Band of the West Director of Operations, at Band.media@us.af.mil or call (339) 927-1730.
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Innovation and Technology Committee
Wednesday, October 27 at 2:00 PM
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City Council A Session
Thursday, October 29 at 9:00 AM
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City Council B Session
Wednesday, October 28 at 2:00 PM
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City Council B Session
Wednesday, November 4 at 2:00 PM
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City Council A Session and Zoning
Thursday, November 5 at 9:00 AM
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City Council A Session
Thursday, November 12 at 9:00 AM
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City Council B Session
Wednesday, December 2 at 2:00 PM
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City Council A Session and Zoning
Thursday, December 3 at 9:00 AM
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San Antonio Public Library To Begin Phase 3 Services |
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The San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) will be moving into Phase 3 of its reopening plan beginning November 4, 2020. Expanded services available as part of Phase 3 include the expansion of computer usage by appointment to Central Library and all branch locations* as well as the continuance of Contact-Free Pickup for holds with standardized hours. Wi-Fi service outside 29 locations continues to be available 7:30AM to 10:30PM daily.
For more information regarding services and hours, please click here.
Contact-Free Pickup Hours Beginning November 4
Tuesday 12 PM – 7 PM
Wednesday through Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM
Computer Usage by Appointment
Tuesday 3 PM - 7 PM
Wednesday - Saturday 1 PM – 5 PM
Library staff is available by phone Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at 210.207.2500 and by chat Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at ask.mysapl.org.
More information is available here.
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World Heritage Office Celebrates Día de los Muertos |
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The City of San Antonio World Heritage Office will celebrate Day of the Dead with a free online program on Sunday, November 1 and Monday, November 2, 2020.
The virtual events will share the history of the Día de los Muertos holiday, and its rituals, symbolism, and indigenous roots, as well as its gastronomical connections.
On November 1, Mission Marquee Plaza presents, “Día de los Muertos: Celebrando las Misiones - 300 Years of Mission San Jose,” as its third annual event and will be available to watch on the World Heritage Office YouTube channel (@worldheritagesa) and Mission Marquee Plaza Facebook page beginning at 4 p.m. The virtual event will include:
- Discussion on history, symbolism and traditions of Día de los Muertos by Jesus de la Torre, cultural preservation educator and social marketer, and founder of Colectivo Cultural
- Tradition of Pan de Muerto during the holiday, presented by Patricia Bedoy, owner of Bedoy’s Bakery
- Demonstration by San Antonio artist and educator Terry Ybañez on how to make a sugar skull
- Presentation on altars created by descendant families of Mission San Jose
- Performances at Mission San Jose by Mariachi Alma de Mexico and ballet folklorico dancing by Compania Folklorica del Alamo
On November 2, the San Antonio UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy designation, managed by the World Heritage Office, presents the second installment of its virtual Tamal Institute series, “Tamales and Día de los Muertos.” Created by The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, the Tamal Institute is a community effort to explore and provide information on the origins, history and cultural significance of tamales and tamaladas in San Antonio. This event includes:
- Introduction by author Dr. Carmen Tafolla on the historical and cultural significance of tamales for Day of the Dead
- A presentation and cooking demonstration by the Familia de la Torre on how to prepare tamales at home
- An opportunity to travel virtually to other UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy – Ensenada, Mexico; Merida, Mexico; and Belo Horizonte, Brazil – to learn about their culinary traditions for Dia de los Muertos.
“Traditions bring together loved ones, and tamal making is one that has been doing that for generations,” said Colleen Swain, Director of the World Heritage Office. “Food plays an important role in the practices of Dia de los Muertos and we are excited to share a deeper meaning and understanding of these through this year’s virtual program.”
Participants can register for the free event at tamal-institute-diadelosmuertos. The event will begin online at 6 p.m. Once registered, participants will receive a link to watch the program.
For more information:
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Recovery and Resiliency "Train for Jobs" Program |
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If your job was impacted by Covid-19, the City of San Antonio and community partners are here to help.
Apply for the “Train for Jobs SA” program to receive free training for jobs available in San Antonio right now. Childcare and cash stipends are also available for those who qualify.
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Renters' Commission Survey Extended to October 31 |
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SAN ANTONIO (October 17, 2020) – The Neighborhood and Housing Services Department (NHSD) has extended its Renters’ Commission survey to October 31 to gather more input from San Antonians. The survey is available in English and Spanish at www.saspeakup.com.
NHSD is charged with implementing the Housing Policy Framework (HPF) that serves as a guide to addressing San Antonio’s local housing needs. The HPF shows that for those households renting or owning, approximately one out of every two renter households is cost-burdened (48%) compared to one out of every five owner households (21%). In June 2019, Councilmember Treviño, District 1, issued a Council Consideration Request for the creation of a Renters’ Commission.
A proposed goal of this commission is to increase renter representation on City Boards & Commissions and elevate renter’s issues in citywide discussions. Staff is currently analyzing local and national strategies to achieve the goal of increased renter representation and planning an engagement effort to involve people impacted by renters’ issues into the process.
“Renters represent many diverse families, including ones who fall within the digital divide,” stated Councilman Treviño. “This two-week extension will give more residents the opportunity to make their voices heard.”
Renters occupy 46 percent of the housing units in San Antonio. Median rent in San Antonio increased by 18 percent since 2010, while incomes have not kept pace. The median household income for renters is $33,690, and nearly half of renters are housing cost-burdened, meaning that their ability to pay rent can be easily jeopardized.
Renter protection issues have risen to the forefront in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Evictions filings have more than tripled in Bexar County since 2010, and Texas has no protections for renters based on sexual identity or use of vouchers; meaning that people can be evicted or denied based on those statuses.
Seven out of 10 African Americans in San Antonio rent, while 56 percent of renters are Hispanic or Latino/a/x. Recent data from the Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP) showed about nine out of 10 recipients of the Emergency Housing Assistance Program were renters. The average EHAP recipient made less than 30 percent of the area median income (AMI), while the majority of approved applicants were single females.
The City is also hosting focus groups to receive additional input on the proposed Renters’ Commission. The survey can be completed online here.
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Make a Difference! The Office of the City Clerk Encourages Residents to Apply for Boards and Commissions Vacancies
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Residents with varied backgrounds and experiences who are interested in making a difference in the community are encouraged to apply for vacancies on City of San Antonio Boards and Commissions.
The City’s Boards and Commissions provide individuals interested in City government the opportunity to perform an invaluable public service by broadening the forum for community input.
The Office of the City Clerk announces vacancies available on the following boards and commissions:
- Airport Advisory Commission (At-Large with Categories)
- Building-Related and Fire Codes Appeals and Advisory Board (At-Large with Categories)
- Citizen Advisory Action Board (At-Large)
- City Commission on Veterans Affairs (District Appointed)
- Disability Access Advisory Committee (District Appointed)
- Ethics Review Board (District Appointed)
- Historic and Design Review Commission (District Appointed)
- Parks and Recreation Board (District Appointed)
- San Antonio Arts Commission (District Appointed)
- San Antonio Public Library Board of Trustees (District Appointed)
- Small Business Advocacy Committee (District Appointed)
- Westside Development Corporation
- Zoning Board of Adjustment (District Appointed & At-Large)
- Zoning Commission (District Appointed)
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an Order to prevent evictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The order is effective September 4th, 2020 through December 31st, 2020.
The Order states that landlords are prohibited from evicting certain tenants affected by COVID-19. Click here to learn more or call 210-207-5910.
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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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See a full listing of resources here. |
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Looking for a way to help your neighbors during this time? Here are a few ideas: |
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See more ideas on how to get involved 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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