"Though she voted in favor of skipping such a session, Councilwoman Ana Sandoval agreed that the presentation on Thursday was not as detailed as she expected."

www.therivardreport.com

We will be hosting our first State of District 7 Town Hall meetings next month. For the convenience of residents, we’ve scheduled two events.

Braun Station Elementary is located at 8631 Tezel Road. Jefferson High School is at 723 Donaldson Ave.

We will be talking with you about our community’s future and how we will strengthen District 7. Please plan to attend!

The District 7 Office will close December 20th in observance of the holidays. It will reopen on January 2nd.

The District 7 Office is happy to welcome the newest member of our team, Frank Ramirez. Frank attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he studied Government and Communications and was involved in several organizations including the Liberal Arts Council and UT Leadership Week. While at UT, Frank received the J.J. Pickle Fellowship. Frank comes to our office from Texas House District 118 in the Texas Legislature, where he previously served as Legislative Director and later Chief of Staff. When he’s not serving the residents of District 7, he enjoys reading, playing music, being outdoors, and biking.

City Hall and most municipal offices will be closed Dec. 25, 2017-Jan. 1, 2018 in observance of the holiday season. Public safety and emergency services will remain in operation. Other City services will operate as follows:

Open:

 

Closed:

Do you ride a bike or care about bicycle mobility and safety? If so, then apply to join the Bicycle Mobility Advisory Committee (BMAC)! Hear updates on bicycle plans and projects, and participate in discussions on improving bicycling in the region.

Open positions include:

Learn more and apply at: www.alamoareampo.org/Committees/BMAC

With below-freezing temperatures possible this winter season, San Antonio Water System reminds homeowners and businesses in our area to be aware of the dangers of water pipes freezing or bursting in cold temperatures.

One of the most common hazards in San Antonio is freezing run-off from irrigation systems, so turn them off now before they become a liability. When water from spray irrigation systems run off onto sidewalks and roadways, the resulting black ice can cause major problems for drivers and pedestrians.

Plumbing is another issue SAWS would like you to keep in mind.

"While it rarely gets cold enough to cause harm to pipes in our area, it's important to know the steps you can take to help protect your pipes from freezing or bursting," said Anne Hayden, SAWS Communications Manager. "Investing a little time or money now can prevent costly plumbing repairs."

In very cold weather, ice begins to form in plumbing exposed to cold air. This can cause a blockage and excessive water pressure, ultimately causing the pipe to burst. Temperatures rarely drop low enough to cause plumbing to freeze or burst in this area, so many people are not aware of what they can do to help.

Seal openings where cold air can reach unprotected water pipes, like outside faucets. Cold winds can speed up the freezing process. Cover exposed pipes with foam or fiberglass insulation sleeves - the thicker the better.

In cases when there's no internal heat, or if there are extended freezing temperatures, leave cabinet doors open under the kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow warmer room air to circulate around pipes.

While not preferred, you can let faucets drip slowly to keep water flowing through the pipes. Ice might still form, but an open faucet allows water to escape. Note: If you choose this option, SAWS will not be able to credit your account for the excess water use.

Also, please be sure to bring inside or protect plants and pets from freezing temperatures.

With the forecast calling for freezing, wet conditions over the next several days, Animal Care Services will have ZERO TOLERANCE for weather related violations. Local pet owners who do not provide adequate shelter and/or who use inappropriate tethers for their outdoor pets face criminal citations from patrolling Animal Care Officers. Remember, it is illegal to use chains as tethers for pets in San Antonio. ACS strongly urges all pet owners to take these simple precautions during foul weather conditions:

Residents can report possible animal ordinance violations by calling 3-1-1.