Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez

This month we recognize and celebrate Juneteenth Independence Day, the end of slavery in the United States also known as Emancipation Day. And although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed two and a half years earlier, it was not until federal troops arrived to take control of the state of Texas that we began to actually experience a state of freedom from the system of slavery here in this state. Two and half years later! This week we have remarkable community events lined up in celebration of our history and achievements. Please join us as we gather and commemorate our past, as we reflect on our future.

Earlier this month, we secured a $4.8 million grant to improve the Railroad Crossing at Rittiman Road. Residents have shared numerous concerns regarding the intersection at Rittiman Road and Gibbs Sprawl Road, this investment will pave the way for an overpass, eliminating delays and improving access for thousands of residents in our district. 

According to the National Weather Service, we will continue to experience hot temperatures. A heat advisory is in effect through the weekend. We ask that you drink plenty of water and try as much as possible to stay cool. It is important to stay in an air-conditioned space especially when temperatures rise to potentially dangerous levels. We have cooling centers located around the City. We will continue to share resources and information as needed.

It is wonderful to hear from you, our offices are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also give us a call at 210-207-0950, and we will assist you.
 

As always, It is an honor to serve you.

Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez  Digital Signature

 

 


ANNOUNCEMENTS

 


Our District 2 offices will be closed on
Monday, June 19
in observance of Juneteenth.

 


UPCOMING EVENTS

 

DISTRICT 2 OPEN OFFICE HOURS
Tuesday, June 20 |  4:00 - 6:00 PM
Molly Pruitt Library, Walzem Road, San Antonio, TX, USA

 

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JUNETEENTH EVENTS

 


 

JUNE 16

Juneteenth Farmer’s Market
Gardopia Gardens | 619 N New Braunfels
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Food, vendors, music and more. Visit gardopia.eventbrite.com to register Free event. Vendor spots available.

 

JUNE 17

Juneteenth Parade
Parade starts at 10:00 am
Route Starts at Sam Houston High School (4635 E Houston St)
Route ends at Comanche Park #2 (2600 Risgby Ave)

The Art of 4 Rooftop Reception
Artpace | 445 N Main
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Artpace San Antonio hosts an evening of free festivities including entertainment, food and artists on the roof of their gallery space.  For more information visit intheeye2021.wixsite.com

Juneteenth Block Party
Crockett Park | 1300 Main St
3:00 pm - 9:00 pm


Hosted by Dream Big Scholarship Fund. Tickets at sanantoniojuneteenth.com

 

JUNE 18

The Art of 4 Celebration
Legacy Park | 103 W Commerce 
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

A fun filled family friendly night of dazzling entertainment including The Right Now Society Band and headliner Danny Clay plus food trucks, educational booths and artisan vendors. For more information visit intheeye2021.wixsite.com

 

JUNE 19

Juneteenth March
March starts at 10:00 am
Live band during the march. Food trucks will be at the end location and field day events.
From Pittman-Sullivan Park (1101 Iowa St)
To Martin Luther King Park (3503 Martin Luther King Dr)


 


THINGS TO CONSIDER

 

Beat the Heat
Residents of San Antonio are no strangers to high temperatures and humidity during the summer months. Every year, people across the country die due to heat-related illness, so it’s important to know what you can do to prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The City of San Antonio has implemented the “Beat the Heat” campaign in order to educate the community of the dangers and precautions that can be taken during excessive heat.

Below you will find basic information on heat injury prevention as well as resources available to the community to assist with staying cool.

PLACES TO STAY COOL
When temperatures rise to potentially dangerous levels, it is important to stay inside an air-conditioned space whenever possible. There are currently over 30 San Antonio locations for the public to use to stay cool. These include:

  • City Libraries
  • Senior Centers
  • Community Centers

Places to Stay Cool Map

NOTE: Via's Personal Trip Planner can help you find a bus route to a location near you.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES TO STAY COOL
Additional opportunities to stay cool include the City’s following free facilities:

  • Splash Pads
  • Swimming Pools

For locations, visitor information, and hours of operation, please visit the Parks & Recreation Department.

HEAT SAFETY TIPS
Adults over 65, children under 4, and people with existing medical conditions such as heart disease and those without access to air conditioning are at highest risk on days with high temperatures.

Drinking plenty of water and protecting oneself from the sun are critical precautions. Additionally, people should call and check on their neighbors who may be at high risk and ensure access to heat relief and hydration.

Heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are possible health effects. Warning signs of heat stroke include: red, hot, and moist or dry skin, no sweating, a strong rapid pulse or a slow weak pulse, nausea, confusion or acting strangely. If a child exhibits any of these signs, cool the child rapidly with cool water (not an ice bath) and call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

Never leave children or pets alone in vehicles. If you see a child or pet locked in a hot car or in the back of a truck, take action immediately. Jot down the car’s description (including a license plate number). Call the Police Department immediately. If regarding a pet, call Animal Care Services at 311. Per city ordinance, both Police and Animal Care Officers have the right to break a car’s window if a child or animal is endangered inside a vehicle.

For more information on resources and tips visit saoemprepare.com

Hoops and Health
Saturday, June 17 | 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m
Walzem Family YMCA | 5538 Walzem Rd., Windcrest, TX 78218
In commemoration of National Men’s Health Week (June 12 – June 18), Metro Health and the YMCA will host Hoops and Health, an event targeting men that will include a health fair and 3v3 basketball tournament.
 
This event will feature produce giveaways by Gonzaba Medical, a cooking demo, and community vendors. In addition, it will promote the upcoming Diabetes Garage workshops for men, which are scheduled for July at the Walzem YMCA. The community is invited to come to our health fair and check out the tournament! 

 


NEWS

 


District 2 Councilman Shares Excitement for $4.8 Million Grant to Improve Railroad Crossing Intersection at Rittiman Road
On Monday, June 5, the City of San Antonio was selected for a federal grant award of $4.8 million to design and complete an environmental review for an overpass to eliminate traffic at a Union Pacific railroad crossing. The intersection at Rittiman Road and Gibbs Sprawl Road has been an extreme concern for thousands of residents of the north east side of San Antonio for public safety access, traffic congestion, and general infrastructure needs.

Upon his appointment to the Intergovernmental Relations Committee and subsequent appointment to the Transportation & Mobility Committee, Councilman McKee-Rodriguez advocated for funding solutions along this corridor. At Bond meetings and during open office hours in the Fall of 2021, many District 2 residents and those impacted by the intersection shared their frustration and concerns about the detrimental effects of railroad crossings through their neighborhood and across main corridors needed to access their homes, work, and schools.

The District 2 Councilman shared the following statement, “We are so grateful for this additional funding that will assist in solving one of the most disruptive issues in District 2 on the north east side. For San Antonio, and specifically District 2, to be chosen for federal funding by the United States Department of Transportation is incredible, and we are hopeful more equity-centered funding priorities are met during this term and beyond. My constituents shared their ongoing frustration and concerns with this intersection, and we are glad their voices were heard for these initial steps. Thank you to our City leadership, intergovernmental bodies, Public Works, TxDOT and Union Pacific for their collaboration to acquire these funds. We look forward to more progress in this area and in addressing problematic railroad crossings and long-needed infrastructure solutions in District 2 and across San Antonio.”.

 

 

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