Hello D6,

This week there was big news regarding transportation in San Antonio and in the Central Texas region.

The Aviation team also briefed the Council on their plans for the Airport expansion parking contract.

The San Antonio International Airport is one of the few in the country that runs its own parking system. That will change soon.

The city will soon be contracting the airport parking operations, and the contracting includes technology and innovation.

One of the exciting features will be that travelers will have the ability to reserve parking spaces at the airport in advance using their mobile devices.

 My concern regarding this change was making sure that none of the airport parking employees would lose their jobs, and we were assured that they wouldn’t be affected by the change.

Also, the parking rate at the airport will continue to be set by the council, and not by the contractor.

On Friday, our attention turned to taking steps towards establishing passenger rail between San Antonio and Austin.

I was asked by Travis County Judge Andy Brown to take part in the formation of a new coalition called the Texas Passenger Rail Advisory Committee that will help direct a strategy to bring rail to Central Texas.

There’s a lot of work to do. The federal government has approved $66 billion in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for investments in passenger rail. Now is the best time to work together to bring passenger rail to our region.  

The project will have technical, political, and organizational challenges, but the coalition is committed to working to get it done.

Another wonderful example of a coordinated effort happened at the D6 Neighborhood Engagement Meeting.

HOA leaders and community members gathered in Roundtable Work Groups to identify issues, needs and solutions. We covered topics ranging from 311 Services, Neighborhood Engagement, HOA board Development, and the Migrant Resource Center.

It was a great evening of sharing, and discussing. I’m looking forward to our next meeting in July!

I totally geeked out this week when I toured the City Archives with San Antonio City Clerk  Debbie Racca-Sittre.

Our San Antonio City Clerk’s Department and the vital records they keep are some of our City’s gems, and the team Debbie leads is the best in its field.

I could have stayed there all day looking at the City’s historic documents, some dating back several centuries.

We had a captive audience and great questions at Realty San Antonio’s State of San Antonio event on Wednesday.

A thank you and shout out to Marisa Jackson for asking me to join Jenna Saucedo Herrera and Judge Carla Obledo, two powerful women in our city, to talk about the State of San Antonio.

We discussed economic development, the airport expansion, rail between San Antonio and Austin, and much more. Realtors at the event engaged us in great conversation and shared their insights into the state of the local housing market.

Friday evening, I attended a solemn Wreath Laying and Candlelight Ceremony at the steps of the Bexar County Courthouse.

It’s a yearly remembrance of the children who have passed from abuse and neglect.

Thank you to Child Advocates San Antonio for reminding us that together we can work to end child abuse.

Two events that I have been looking forward to are the solar eclipse and Fiesta!

Thank you to everyone who came out to our eclipse glasses and fiesta metal giveaway. It was great to see cars lining up an hour before the announced starting time, it was so much joy and anticipation!

The best part was that the event was also a food drive for the San Antonio Food Bank. Everyone who donated four items of non-perishable food received a medal and two eclipse glasses.

Remember, the eclipse is Monday, so be sure to wear the correct eclipse-viewing glasses. Be safe, everyone!

Have a great week!

Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda

Construction and Maintenance Notices

March 1st - June 28th

• Military Dr W and Potranco Rd
  • Fiberlichgt, LLC
  • robert.pash.fiberlight.com
  • (435) 687-7836

March 8th - July 8th

• Culebra Rd
  • Starting at 10603 Culebra Rd, Crown Castle is aerial fiber attachments at an existing CPS utility pole along Culebra Rd. Aerial fiber to route west along Culebra Rd. At 10151 Culebra Rd, fiber turn turn north at an existing utility pole, and route along the west side of Les Harrison Dr. At the north side of 10151 Culebra Rd, aerial fiber to transition at an existing utility pole to underground conduit. Underground conduit by direction bore to continue north along Les Harrison Dr. Underground conduit to terminate at HH at 5802 Les Harrison Dr.

March 8th - July 8th

• Weybridge and Hardesty
  • Starting at 10603 Culebra Rd, Crown Castle is aerial fiber attachments at an existing CPS utility pole along Culebra Rd. Aerial fiber to route west along Culebra Rd. At 10151 Culebra Rd, fiber turn turn north at an existing utility pole, and route along the west side of Les Harrison Dr. At the north side of 10151 Culebra Rd, aerial fiber to transition at an existing utility pole to underground conduit. Underground conduit by direction bore to continue north along Les Harrison Dr. Underground conduit to terminate at HH at 5802 Les Harrison Dr.

March 29 - July 19

• Google
  • 9550 Westover Hills Blvd
  • Stonegate Hills & Aviara

March 20 - July 20

• Google
  • 9760 Braun Rd
  • Tezel Trls

April 4th ​to June 4th

• Jim Bowie from Town Hill Dr to Viva Max Dr.  The project schedule is estimated 4-4-24 to 6-4-24, weather permitting.

April 4th ​to June 4th

• Townfield Dr from War Arrow Dr to Townwood St.  The project schedule is estimated from 4-4-24 to 6-4-24, weather permitting.

April 9th to June 9th

• Oakhill Dr from Ingram Rd to War Arrow Dr.  The project schedule is estimated from 4-9-24 to 6-9-24, weather permitting.

March 7^th – April 7^th

• REMUDA DR from HARNESS LN to BIG ROCK DR. Weather permitting.

April 2^nd – April 30^th       

• Point Quail @ Crested Quail @ Silent Sunrise. Weather permitting.

April 2^nd   –   April 9^th

·         ANTSLA SANDS from VALGA HILL to CUL DE SAC. The work is estimated from 4/2/2024 to 4/9/2024, weather permitting. 

April 4^th   –   April 11^th

·         OAK TIMBER ST from WOODLINE ST to RIM ROCK TRL.. The work is estimated from 4/4/2024 to 4/11/2024, weather permitting.

April 3^rd   –   April 10^th

·         OAK BRANCH from OAK MILL to CUL DE SAC. The work is estimated from 4/3/2024 to 4/10/2024, weather permitting. 

April 3^rd   –   April 10^th

·         OAK FENCE ST from OAK MILL to CUL DE SAC. The work is estimated from 4/3/2024 to 4/10/2024, weather permitting. 

April 3^rd   –   April 10^th

·         OAK MILL from OAK BRANCH to STAR CREEK DR. The work is estimated from 4/3/2024 to 4/10/2024, weather permitting.

April 8^th   –   April 16^th

·         RIDGE LEAF from STAR CREEK DR to DEAD END. The work is estimated from 4/8/2024 to 4/16/2024, weather permitting. 

April 8^th   –   April 16^th

·         WINDLINE ST from DESERT MORNING ST to RIM ROCK TRL. The work is estimated from 4/8/2024 to 4/16/2024, weather permitting. 

April 8^th   –   April 16^th

·         RIDGE STONE ST from CUL DE SAC to RIMLINE DR. The work is estimated from 4/8/2024 to 4/16/2024, weather permitting.

April 9^th   –   April 17^th

·         DESERT MORNING ST from WINDLINE ST to SAGELINE ST. The work is estimated from 4/9/2024 to 4/17/2024, weather permitting. 

April 9^th  –   April 17^th

·         SAGELINE ST from RIM ROCK TRL to DESERT MORNING ST. The work is estimated from 4/9/2024 to 4/17/2024, weather permitting.

April 10^th   –   April 18^th

·         ARLENE PARK from CROSS SPRING to STAR CREEK DR. The work is estimated from 4/10/2024 to 4/18/2024, weather permitting. 

April 10^th   –   April 18^th  

·         CINDER RIDGE from CUL DE SAC to CHELSEA PARK. The work is estimated from 4/10/2024 to 4/18/2024, weather permitting. 

April 10^th   –   April 18^th  

·         CHELSEA PARK from CINDER RIDGE to ARLENE PARK. The work is estimated from 4/10/2024 to 4/18/2024, weather permitting.

                      April 11^th   –   April 19^th                           

·         CROSS SPRING  from WESTOVER VIEW to CUL DE SAC. The work is estimated from 4/11/2024 to 4/19/2024, weather permitting. 

April 11^th   –   April 19^th

·         LEDGESIDE  from VILLAGE PKWY to CUL DE SAC. The work is estimated from 4/11/2024 to 4/19/2024, weather permitting.               

April 12^th   –   April 19^th

·         RIDGELAND ST  from RIDGE PLACE ST to RIDGEBROOK ST. The work is estimated from 4/12/2024 to 4/19/2024, weather permitting.

March 7 - July 7

• Old Tezel Rd
  • Within COSA right of way, start path at approximately 9418 Guilbeau Rd proposing to bore for an estimated 3,514 ft along Old Tezel Rd.

March 1 - July 1

• Rue De Bois
  • Within COSA right of way, start path at approximately 9303 Rue De Bois proposing to softscape for an estimated 4,407 ft and bore 400 ft along Rue de Bois, Autumn Branches, Autumn Sunrise and Braun Rd.

March 2 - July 2

• Guilbeau Rd.
  • Within COSA right of way, start path at approximately 9418 Guilbeau Rd, proposing to softscape for an estimated 1,812 ft and bore 418 ft along Guilbeau Rd between Old Tezel Rd and Tezel Rd.

May 3 - September 3

• Tezel Rd
  • Within COSA right of way, start path at approximately 8181 Tezel Rd proposing to bore for an estimated 609 ft along Tezel Rd.

Council Meetings and Committees

BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS MEETINGS WEEK:

• Fire Fighters’ and Police Officers’ Civil Service Commission
• Renter Rights and Responsibilities Information Session 
• SA Ready to Work Advisory Board Community Outreach Subcommittee
• San Antonio Arts Commission
• Small Business Advisory Commission
• San Antonio Arts Commission: Performing Arts, Film, and Music Committee
• San Antonio Early Childhood Education Municipal Development Corporation
• City/County Joint Commission on Elderly Affairs Meeting
• River Walk Capital Improvements Advisory Board Meeting
• Planning Commission Meeting
• Public Comment Session
• Mayor's Commission of the Status of Women
• Building Standards Board
• Collective Bargaining Negotiation Session - Fire
• Charter Review Commission
• New Meeting for 2022-2027 Bond Project: Old Highway 90 Phase 2 (State Highway 151 to US Highway 90 West)
• Collective Bargaining Negotiation Session - Fire

ACS Pet Of The Week

Back at ACS through no fault of her own, Samantha yearns for her furever home.

Last October, we responded to a 3-1-1 call regarding a young pup roaming around, being struck by kids in the area. For the safety of all involved, our animal care officers brought the pup, named Samantha, to ACS for care. Shortly after, a family welcomed her into their lives, but as life often does, circumstances changed, and Samantha found herself back in our care.

But Samantha isn't defined by the setbacks she's faced. Despite the uncertainty, she greets each day with a wagging tail and a playful spirit, finding joy in the simple pleasures of life—like splashing in pools and making friends with other dogs.

As we work to find Samantha a new forever home, her story serves as a gentle reminder of the commitment required when bringing a pet into your life. It's not always easy, but the love and companionship they offer make every moment worthwhile.

If you're ready to open your heart and home to Samantha, please visit our shelter to meet her!

Community Bulletin Board

The Bond Project will construct roadway improvements to include sidewalks, curbs, driveway approaches, drainage, bicycle facilities and other improvements as applicable and within available funding.  This is a multi-phased project. 

Click on the graphic above for more information.

Mental Health Matters!

The Teen Mental Health Survey, created by teens for teens ages 12-19 in San Antonio, is now live. By filling it out today, teens can help improve teen mental health in San Antonio!

Take the survey here: https://publicinput.com/v2030

Did you know that we have an interactive Apartment Inspections dashboard? Stay up to date on inspection activities for apartment units. For more info: https://app.powerbigov.us/view...

COSA Construction Resource Toolkit

As progress continues in our City so does construction.  I am reaching out to remind you that COSA has a Construction Resource Toolkit to help small businesses impacted by construction in their area.  This guide includes contacts, strategies, and other resources to help small businesses prepare and navigate the construction experience. This Toolkit is available digitally at the links listed below. 

• EDD Programs & Grants page
• Construction Resource Toolkit-ENGLISH
• Construction Resource Toolkit-SPANISH

The Texas Legislature recently enacted HB 114 requiring all school districts to implement mandatory disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP) placement for students found in possession of, using, selling, giving, or delivering e-cigarettes or vaping devices on school grounds or at a school-related event.

This alternative school placement, required by law, is made regardless of whether the substance being vaped is a controlled substance or not.

We ask that you discuss this new state law with your child(ren).

Pack your school bag with resources from San Antonio Public Library!

Local libraries offer school resources for students of all ages

The school year is once again upon us, and San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) wants to remind students and their families of the educational resources available at your library year-round. Throughout the year, SAPL is packed with free resources to support children, teens, and adults on their educational journeys.

In addition to a collection of over 2 million items and dozens of free online databases, SAPL offers online tutoring, Wi-Fi, low-cost printing services, and more for all ages. Sign up for a free SAPL card today to kick off the school year and enjoy several services and resources to assist in your educational pursuits. Visit MySAPL.org/CardSignUp or stop by your nearest SAPL location to register.

SAPL’s educational resources include:

Read-alongs

Available at all SAPL Locations

Do you have a young child learning to read or reading English or Spanish for the first time? Read-alongs, print books with built-in audio narration, are available in a range of English and Spanish titles. They are an entertaining, self-guided way to help enhance your little one's literacy skills. To borrow a read-along, visit the read-along shelf at your nearest SAPL location. Introduce children to the pleasure of independent reading and let them embark on a delightful literary journey with read-along stories. To learn more about these selections and to browse them in our collection, visit the children's services section of the SAPL website.

MySAPL App

Download instant access to the San Antonio Public Library collection on your phone or mobile device. The MySAPL app is free, easy, and available for both iOS and Android users — take the library wherever you go!

PrintOnline

Available at all SAPL Locations

PrintOnline is a mobile printing service available to all library cardholders. Get printing in four simple steps:

1. Access the PrintOnline portal
2. Upload documents from home, the office, a coffee shop, or anywhere you have internet access
3. Visit your nearest branch library to print your files
4. Enter your SAPL card number into the print kiosk at your library to finish printing your documents.

Free Indoor & Outdoor Public Wi-Fi

Available at SAPL Locations

You’ll always have the Wi-Fi password at SAPL! Wi-Fi is available at all SAPL locations daily.* Indoor Wi-Fi is available during normal service hours and outdoor Wi-Fi is available from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. every day.

* Locations undergoing building improvements or other projects may have adjusted hours. Details listed at MySAPL.org.

Ask a Librarian
Call (210-207-2500) or chat online (Ask.MySAPL.org)
Librarians are teachers in disguise. They’re available to make book recommendations for your next research project or help with account questions.

Homework Help

Daily | 11 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.

Connecting you to Homework Help heroes is what we do. Free online homework help from professional tutors is available in a variety of subjects for students in kindergarten through college. Available 11 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., seven days a week in English and Spanish. For more information, visit SAPL’s expert help website.

SORA App

SAPL has partnered with every public school district in the area to offer students unlimited access to age-appropriate materials in our digital library even if you don't have a SAPL card. Thanks to the Sora app by OverDrive, San Antonio students at participating schools can easily browse our extensive library. Head over to Sora’s website to see if your school is participating!

FAFSA Assistance   

Monday – Thursday, 1 p.m. - 10 p.m.

College preparation just got a little bit easier! Brought to you by Brainfuse, FAFSA tutors are available for live assistance Monday through Thursday, 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Visit SAPL’s featured services page for details.

Database Access
Looking for the August 1973 issue of National Geographic for a research project? Need access to over 60 years of articles about rock music? From Aardvarks to ZZ Top, San Antonio Public Library is your doorway to over 170 online databases, including popular news databases like the New York Times and Wall Street Journal. Some databases are library-use only, so visit your nearest SAPL location for these resources. To get started visit our database guide.

For more information on Back-to-School resources provided by SAPL, visit our guide.

Animal Care Services Extends Shelter Hours to Encourage Lifesaving

 San Antonio Animal Care Services (ACS) has expanded shelter hours to give would-be adopters, fosters, and rescue partners more opportunities to help pets in need. The municipal shelter will be open two additional hours, with adoptions and other services now available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays. Weekend hours remain unchanged, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The $25 special adoption rate continues through the end of July. This special rate applies to dog, cat, puppy, and kitten adoptions. 

Fosters Desperately Needed to Help Local Pets in Need

 San Antonio Animal Care Services (ACS) and local animal welfare partners have been flooded with pets in need, including dozens of puppies and kittens. Fosters are urgently needed to provide temporary care for pets as they become adoption ready. Foster applications are available via the following links:

• Animal Care Services at: www.saacs.info/foster
• San Antonio Pets Alive! at: www.sanantoniopetsalive.org/programs/foster
• Animal Defense League at: www.adltexas.org/foster-application/

Fosters will receive food and other supplies for their temporary pets including medical care and vaccinations. Interested residents should check with the program of their choice for additional resources. 

Always dispose of pesticides properly

Pesticides and herbicides can be a convenient way to protect plants from pests and weeds. But when used or discarded incorrectly, these chemicals pose great risks not only to our ecosystem and wildlife, but also to our water, soil, air and human health.

The best way to avoid the perils of pesticides and herbicides is to stop using them altogether. But if you must use them:

• Always carefully read the product label and follow the disposal instructions exactly.
• Only purchase what you need and use it until it’s gone to avoid leftovers.
• Never discard these items in your trash bin for regular collection.  
• Don’t ever pour them down sink drains, toilets or storm drains.

Pesticides and herbicides must be disposed properly at a household hazardous waste site. For a schedule of monthly drop-off events, visit sa.gov/swmd.

A higher-paying career is now within your reach. San Antonio’s unprecedented Ready to Work program offers tuition assistance for education and job training.

Career coaches are with you from start to finish to evaluate what you need now to get started, guide you through career planning and get you enrolled to begin your path to securing a quality, higher-paying job.

No other program offers more support to ensure participants reach success. If you are ready for a change, take advantage of this opportunity now.

There are three easy ways to learn more and apply:

      1. Online: Visit readytoworksa.com

      2. Phone: Call 3-1-1 and ask for Ready to Work

          3. In Person: Visit Alamo Colleges District, Project Quest, Restore Education or Workforce Solutions Alamo

Animal Care Services joins Daisy Cares to feed hungry pets in San Antonio 

Pet food donations sought as holidays near and needs increase   

The San Antonio Animal Care Services (SAACS) team is joining Daisy Cares, a local non-profit, to host a holiday pet food drive that will help both organizations support pet parents in need by filling their pet pantries.    

Bags of dog and puppy food are especially needed in addition to other new or gently used pet items. All donations will be divided between the Daisy Cares pet food pantry and the SAACS Community Animal Support and Assistance (CASA) program, which uses a case management approach to assist pet parents in need with food, humane care support, and veterinary resources.   

Residents can bring pet food donations through the end of November to Animal Care Services during regular business hours. SAACS is located at 4710 State Highway 151 and is open on weekdays from 1 - 7 p.m. and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. on weekends (except on City holidays). All donations are tax-deductible.

CPS energy has launched an updated webpage with information to help keep customers safe in the event of an outage: www.cpsenergy.com/prepare and in Spanish www.cpsenergy.com/preparar.

Customers are also encouraged to update their emergency contact information with CPS in case of an emergency.

For more information visit http://cpsenergy.com