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Dear Neighbor,
Big news: This week, City Council unanimously agreed to create a vaccine registry for our community! The first phase of the project will target residents 65 years and over. This tool will make the appointment process easier and help us save lives.

I have heard for months from residents that getting a vaccine appointment feels like a lottery system that only those with fast internet and flexible schedules can win. After the State decided to expand vaccine eligibility last week, I knew we needed to find a better approach -- and quick.

That's why I joined Councilmembers Viagran and Courage to call a special City Council meeting on Wednesday to discuss creating a vaccine registry. We voted unanimously to create a registry system with Health Access San Antonio (HASA) for residents 65 years and older. 

You can listen to my comments below.
If the registry is successful, we'll expand the registry so that everyone can sign up. But even if someone can't sign up immediately, they'll still benefit. Crashing web pages and busy phone lines will no longer be the norm, but rather the exception. 
 
I am grateful to my council colleagues for their collaboration on this issue. We’ve met with vaccine providers several times a week since December to find ways to improve the system for our residents. Without their collaboration, this would not have happened.

Bandera Road Corridor
Thank you to all those residents and stakeholders who participated in our Bandera Road Corridor Plan community meetings this week. Your input will help us turn Bandera Road into a richer, more vibrant road. 

Edwards Aquifer Protections
This week City Council acted to protect over 500 acres of land over the Edwards Aquifer recharge and contributing zones. The four conservation easements are located over the Lee Creek, Helotes Creek, Culebra Creek, Live Oak-Seco Creek, Parker Creek, Hondo Cree, and Frío River watersheds and all are part of the Edwards Aquifer recharge and contributing zones. This purchase is a tremendous win for water quality in San Antonio. 

Community Health & Equity Committee
Continues Discussing Topics in Policing
The Community Health & Equity Committee will host one last special committee meeting to discuss topics in policing this Monday at 7:00pm. This third and final meeting will focus on the relationship between police and the LGBTQ+ community.

These conversations are critical. Councilmembers need to understand how our public safety system works so that we can improve it.

You can watch the meetings on TVSA online, AT&T channel 99, Grande channel 20, Spectrum channel 21, or digital antenna 16.1.

After this final meeting on policing, the Community Health & Equity Committee will send recommendations for the police department to the Public Safety Committee for further consideration.
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 Opens COVID-19 Vaccination to All Adults
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.
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.
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.
In The News: San Antonio's Second Cricket Field Opens on Northwest Side Due to Booming Scene in Sport
Last weekend, Councilwoman Sandoval joined her council colleagues and neighbors to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the new cricket field at O.P. Schnabel Park.

The park space provides families with the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of sports and recreation activities for residents from across our city.
In the News: City of San Antonio Meeting Focuses on Racial Equity in Policing
The City of San Antonio's Health and Equity Commission held a meeting on Monday, March 29 about racial equity in policing. It included several panelists from the community who presented on the topic.
Culebra Road 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.
District 7 Partners with San Antonio Food Bank to Provide Resources for Residents
On Thursday, our office, in partnership with the San Antonio Food Bank distributed over 250 meals for residents in the community.

We know that it has been a difficult time for many of you in our community. If you are in need of support, don't hesitate to call our office at 210-207-0870 or email us at district7@sanantonio.gov to connect you with resources.
Connect with the Councilwoman on Zoom
Councilwoman Sandoval invites you to join her for an upcoming 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.
Bandera Road Corridor Meeting Plan - Community Meeting
Overnight Camping at City Parks Restricted but Will Be Open Over the Easter Weekend 
San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department officials announce that City parks and greenway trails will be open Easter weekend. 

However, curfew will not be lifted to accommodate camping in parks. More than 250 parks are open daily from 5am-11pm; natural areas and greenway trails are open sunrise to sunset. This presents a great opportunity for the public to spend time outdoors this weekend.  
Applications Open for Positions on the Small Business Advisory Commission
The City of San Antonio is now seeking applicants for positions on the newly established Small Business Advisory Commission! For priority review, apply by April 21st  

For more information, contact the Economic Development Department at (210) 207-8080, or visit: https://www.sanantonio.gov/SBO/Small-Business-Advisory-Commission
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.
Easter Animal Sales Illegal in San Antonio
As Easter weekend nears, Animal Care Services reminds residents that the sale of baby animals as holiday novelties is illegal in San Antonio.

It is illegal for any person to sell or offer for sale, barter, lease, rent or give away baby chicks or ducklings, or rabbits less than 8 weeks old as pets or novelties.

Violators face stiff fines and mandatory court appearances.
OHP Hosts Webinars to Help Homeowners Plan for Heirship
Heirs property--inherited property owned by multiple people--can lead to issues such as a tangled title, inability to sell or a forced sale, reduced homestead exemption, tax foreclosure, or vacancy.
San Antonio Celebrates 25th Annual National Poetry Month
National Poetry Month San Antonio continues throughout the month of April with online and socially distanced, in-person events held across the city and by many of the Department of Arts & Culture grant-funded, nonprofit arts partners.
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.
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.
Culture and Neighborhood Services Committee
Monday, April 5 at 2 PM
Community Health and Equity Committee
Monday, April 5 at 7PM
Economic and Workforce Development Committee
Tuesday, April 6 at 2 PM
City Council B-Session
Wednesday, April 7 at 2 PM
City Council A-Session
Thursday, April 8 at 9 AM
City Council Special Session
Thursday, April 8 at 1 PM
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.