District 10 News!

Hi neighbors, Happy April!

It's Fiesta time!

We're inviting you to our annual District 10 Fiesta! Join us Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at the Catholic Life Insurance Pavilion (1635 NE Loop 410), from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm, for a night filled with great food, live music, dancing, and special prizes! All are welcome.

Mark your calendars...

Are you in need of de-cluttering? We're hosting Shred-It, a paper shredding event, Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 10:00 am, at the Catholic Life Insurance (1635 NE Loop 410). Please remove any large metal pieces from any paper that will be shredded. Limit one box per person. The box can be no larger than 20'' X 14'' X 14''. We hope to see you there!

Be on the lookout...

We have a lot of construction improvements all around District 10 including new Fiber Deployment. Visit the City's website for additional information on Fiber.

Our Office is seeking volunteers for all our community events, and special tasks. If you're interested in getting involved, contact our Special Assistant to Council, Rosalinda Guia at: rosalinda.guia3@sanantonio.gov.

Do you have any ideas that you would like to see in your community? If so, please email councildistrict10@sanantonio.gov.

- Marc

Connect with us on Social Media!

Neighbor of the Month:

We are so proud to honor Brent Hoben as our District 10 Neighbor of the month!

A veteran of the U.S. Army, Brent served multiple tours as a Special Forces officer in Vietnam. Afterwards, he served as a member of the Army Reserve. He has been married to his wife, Elvi, for 47 years. Together, they have raised two daughters: Gwen, a surgeon from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Samantha, an employee of USAA in San Antonio. Brent has also been an active member of not only the Eden Neighborhood Property Owners Association but also the San Antonio Alamo Arms Collectors Association.

It's common to see him providing his elderly friends and neighbors with transportation assistance, grocery shopping, and delivery services.

However, a neighbor wanted to highlight a special occasion when he had the opportunity to experience firsthand Brent’s selfless loyalty, putting the safety and welfare of others ahead of his own. This neighbor was eating lunch at a restaurant in Devine, Texas, on the afternoon of April 22, 2021, when he started to choke on his food and became unable to breathe or communicate. Brent saw an immediate need and jumped into action, using the Heimlich Maneuver to restore his breathing and save his life.

Brent, we would like to acknowledge your commitment as a dedicated member of your community and your selfless loyalty as a friend to many!

As always, if you have a neighbor you would like to nominate, please email our office at CouncilDistrict10@sanantonio.gov.

Community Corner:

District 10 Community Meeting:

Let's talk about last week! We had a great D-10 Community Meeting at the beautiful Meals on Wheels San Antonio. Special thanks to ChildSafe San Antonio and City of San Antonio - Municipal Government - Development Services for volunteering their time to be with our neighbors. In case you missed it, click here.

Texas Public Policy Summit:

My team and I made a trip up to Austin for this year's Texas Public Policy Foundation Summit! We thoroughly enjoyed networking with influential leaders and exploring innovative approaches to bring back to City Hall!

Blair Young Construction:

New D-10 business alert! Congrats to Blair Young Construction, Inc. for breaking ground on your new headquarters. We are thrilled to have you in District 10, and welcome you with open arms.

Conpus Club:

I want to give a big thank you to the Conopus Club for the invitation to provide a City hall update and keep you all informed about our community!

Coffee with Councilman:

Coffee with Councilman #5! We loved spending our morning with the great people of Vista.As always, if you're interested in hosting a coffee in your neighborhood, email our office at: councildistrict10@sanantonio.gov

San Antonio Folk life and Dance Festival:

For over 66 years, the San Antonio Folk life and Dance Festival has provided a way to educate and preserve cultural traditions of the San Antonio and South Texas Region. I was honored to give opening remarks at this great festival who has been so vital to our community. Learn more here.

Longs Creek HOA:

Getting in the Easter spirit with our friends at Longs Creek Home Owners Association! We enjoyed spending last weekend with you all.

Briarwick Neighbors:

What a productive Sunday well spent with the Briarwick Neighborhood Association discussing city issues, and how we can better engage with them. We also want to give a special shout out to the incredible Raine Tanner for her service to this community for many years. Best of luck on your new adventures!

Medal Meetup:

I'm so thankful to all our neighbors who traveled near and far to collect my first Fiesta medal as your Councilman. Thank you Dutch Bros Coffee for providing tasty coffee while folks wait in line. Words cannot express how thankful I am to serve you. Happy collecting this Fiesta season!

Senior Resource Fair:

We had a blast with our beloved seniors at the Resource Fair last week! Thank so much to my staff for always being there for our community.

Fox Run Meeting:

Over joyed to have spent an evening with our Fox Run Neighbors!

Haven for Hope Tour:

Priding itself on being in inclusive campus for all, Haven for Hope offers an opportunity for individuals to move toward self-sufficiency and higher quality of life. Getting to tour this state-of-the-art campus and learn more from the wonderful staff was a great honor. Thank y'all for all that you do.

Fiesta at Blessed Angels:

Getting into the Fiesta spirit with our amazing neighbors at Blessed Angels Community Center!

Steubing Ranch Elementary Visit:

Easy as 1, 2, 3! Thank you to Ms. Tovar's 2^nd grade class at Steubing Ranch Elementary for the inviting me to speaking about the importance of engaging in your communities. It was truly a blast!

Congrats Lila Smethurst:

Back in February, Lila Smethurst came to City Hall to be recognized for competing on Food Network's Kids Baking Championship. Today, we were honored to present her with a special proclamation for being crowned KBC Champion! Lila, thank you for being an inspiration to many young kids all across our city, and around the world. District 10 is always here to cheer you on.

Thank you Truett:

Thank you to our District 10 Youth Commission Representative Truett Dwyer for his great advocacy on the importance of banned books in the education system.

Policy Update:

District 10 Calendar!

*District 10 specific

April 15, 2024: Northeast Neighborhood Alliance Community Meeting, Tool Yard, 10303 Tool Yard, San Antonio, Texas, 78233, 7:00 PM.

*April 16, 2024: District 10 Fiesta, Catholic Life Insurance Pavillion, 1635 NE Loop 410, 78209, 5:30 PM.

*May, 11, 2024: Shred It with District 10, Catholic Life Insurance Building, 1635 NE Loop 410, 78209, 10:30 AM.

*May, 14, 2024: District 10 Town hall on Elderly Fraud, Northeast Senior Center, 4135 Thousand Oaks, 78217, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM.

*May 20, 2024: District 10 Community Meeting, Meals on Wheels, 2718 Danbury Dr, San Antonio, Texas, 78217, 6:00 PM.

Sign up HERE to Meet the Councilman

Getting it done for D-10:

Another successful encampment cleanup completed. Our first responders and the San Antonio Public Works department are dedicated to diligently addressing these cleanups across our neighborhoods, prioritizing your safety and security.

Heads up:

Give YOUR input:

The San Antonio Arts and Culture Department needs YOUR help for a new Public Art project at the intersection of Albin & Brookside in District 10! The survey and more information on the project can be found by clicking on the following link: https://publicinput.com/publicartalbinbrookside.

Survey CLOSES: April 19, 2024

Watering Rules from San Antonio Water System:

Proactive planning has helped our community weather many serious droughts, and the current one is no exception. Thanks to diverse water supplies, long-term conservation and reasonable landscape watering rules, San Antonio has not needed more severe drought restrictions. But to be effective, all SAWS customers need to follow the rules.

Under Stage 2, landscape watering with a sprinkler, irrigation system or soaker hose is allowed only from 7-11 a.m. and 7-11 p.m., one day a week, based on the last number of your street address. You can still hand-water with a hose-end nozzle any time.

More than 6,000 water waste citations have been issued to home and business owners so far in 2023, and patrols are ongoing, including inside gated communities and outside city limits.

While 9 out of 10 customers do follow the rules, the ones who don’t are driving up water demand. This has prompted SAWS leaders to consider updating the rules and the way they are enforced.

“We want the watering rules to be more fair, effective and efficient,” said SAWS Conservation Vice President Karen Guz. “We think it’s important to shift away from a criminal process to one that can apply to all SAWS customers equally, regardless of where they live.”

Currently, homes and businesses in separately incorporated cities cannot get a water waste citation.

“It’s also important that enforcement consequences are meaningful, even for large commercial properties,” Guz said, noting that high volume users and repeat offenders could see higher fees.

SAWS staff has begun meeting with city leaders and will gather public input over the next several months. The SAWS Board would ultimately need to vote on any proposed changes, followed by City Council consideration.

Learn more about proposed new watering rules, request a presentation, or give us your opinion at www.wateringrules.com.

Be a part of history as the San Antonio Pothole Patrol begins its 8^th Annual Pothole Patrol Blitz! We are challenging residents to help us reach our goal of locating and fixing more than 10,000 potholes in April by calling 3-1-1 or by reporting potholes through the 311sa app on their smart phone.

The Public Works Department will be distributing Pothole Patrol Fiesta Medals at various pop-events during the month of April. Below you'll find event dates and locations:

District 1 - Siclovia

on April 7, 2024

from 10 a.m. – 2:00 p.m

District 4 - Pearsall Park

on April 11, 2024

at 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

District 7 - Woodlawn Park

on April 20, 2024

at 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

District 8 - Bonnie Conner Park

on April 24, 2024

at 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Pothole Patrol Program

The San Antonio Pothole Patrol is managed by the Public Works Streets Division. Residents made more than 4,600 calls to the City’s 311 hotline to report potholes in 2023, roughly 5% of the total potholes Public Works repaired. Public Works’ 14 Pothole Patrol crews fixed approximately 333 potholes each day.

Each pothole takes roughly 20 minutes to repair and costs about $35. San Antonio’s extremely hot weather, followed by bouts of rain, causes the expansion and contraction of asphalt and creates the perfect conditions for water to seep into the asphalt and create potholes.

Learn more about the Pothole Patrol April Program!

Learn about the PACE Program:

The Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program provides commercial, industrial, and large multi-family property owners access to affordable, long-term, 100% upfront private financing (typically 20 - 25 years) that is not available through traditional funding sources. PACE enables owners to lower their operating costs and use the savings to pay for eligible water conservation, energy efficiency, resiliency, and distributed generation projects with little or no capital. To realize the program’s benefits and determine eligibility, please visit https://www.texaspaceauthority.org/.

Motor Oil and Water Don't Mix:

That old saying is especially true when it comes to used motor oil and our local water supplies. It is estimated that American households improperly dump about 193 million gallons of used motor oil every year which could leak into our storm drain system and eventually contaminate our rivers, creeks, and lakes. Recycling used motor oil reduces this pollution threat.

Did you know that the City of San Antonio operates a permanent drop off location for used motor oil?

Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Facility

7030 Culebra Road

San Antonio, Tx 78238

Tuesday-Friday: 8am-5pm (except holidays)

Saturday: 8am-12pm (except holidays)

For a list of drop off requirements, please visit sa.gov/swmd.

Construction Project Updates:

Bulverde Road - Phase I

(Limits: Butterleigh Drive to North of Quiet Meadow)

The contractor is currently working on completing curbs, sidewalks and driveways, drainage features and asphalt throughout the project.

Located North of Quiet Meadows Street, Contractor will focus on completing the medians, the remaining traffic signal work and landscape installation.

The final steps will be installing the last 2” of asphalt for the entire length of the project, striping and clean up. The contractor will be complete by the end of this year.

From Northside ISD:

ELECTRIC WATER METERS ARE HERE!

SAWS ConnectH2O is the union of a technology and a philosophy to empower every San Antonian to help manage our community’s water in a way that’s sustainable, simple and secure. Learn more!

City is now accepting applications for REHABARAMA!

The City’s Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) is expanding its REHABARAMA program. If selected, participants may receive minor home repairs at no cost.Eligibility restrictions apply.

One goal of REHABARAMA is to preserve aging housing stock for the purpose of allowing residents to age in place & gain generational wealth. “Our older housing stock provides a high proportion of naturally occurring affordable housing that remains largely unsubsidized and unprotected. These existing homes can be at risk of deterioration or demolition due to deferred maintenance, and once they are gone, we lose the affordability,” says Shanon Miller, Director of the Office of Historic Preservation. “Prioritizing repair and maintenance programs for our older housing stock is supported by the City's Strategic Housing Implementation Plan as an environmentally and economically sustainable method of housing preservation.”

Qualified participants are eligible to receive assistance with home repair and maintenance projects focused on arresting deterioration and prolonging the useful life of the home. Typical scopes of work include projects that address one or more of the following:

Building envelope (siding, soffit, fascia, roof penetrations, skirting)
Structural systems (foundation, stabilization, reinforcement of structural elements, masonry)
Non-compliance with property maintenance code issues
Weatherization & comfort (wood window repair, windows screens, door repair, insulation)
Longevity (scraping, caulking, painting, flashing, gutter repair)
Safety (porch repair & decking, accessibility)

To be eligible, the home must be constructed prior to 1960, and the income level for the household must be at 80% of the Area Median Income or below.

To apply, homeowners can visit the REHABARAMA website or call 210-207-3327 to request an application by mail or email.

Beyond preserving aging housing stock, another goal of REHABARAMA is to integrate trades education and learning opportunities into every project. The City is seeking to hire contractors that would be willing to host an apprentice at no cost. Interested contractors can call 210-207-4680 or visit the REHABARAMA website to submit the Contractor Interest Form.

San Antonio Community Resource Directory:

Do you know where the closest food pantry is or where you can find utility assistance? Do you or a friend need help learning how to make the most of your paycheck? Have you experienced loss and are looking for grief support or mental health resources? The San Antonio Community Resource Directory, SACRD.org, was created to answer these questions and much more.

SACRD.org is a free, comprehensive online platform that offers an array of resources encompassing food, housing, health, legal, aid, education, work, transportation and more. These resources are provided by nonprofit agencies, government programs, congregations, and other compassionate groups located in and around the San Antonio area.

SACRD.org also offers three specialized portals designed to address specific needs more effectively. The Mental Health Portal offers resources customized to users' experiences, spoken language, age, insurance coverage, and other factors influencing their mental well-being. The Housing Finder helps users locate properties in the greater San Antonio area based on income, housing type, and potential rental barriers. The Housing Stability Portal focuses on housing needs beyond finding a place to live, such as home repair, legal assistance, financial assistance, relocation, and homemaking.

With almost 11,000 programs in over 140 categories, you will always find something at SACRD.org.

Start your search today at SACRD.org on your phone or computer. Enter your ZIP Code and find support.

LEARN ABOUT PROJECT QUEST:

Zero Percent Interest Loans Now Available for San Antonio Small Businesses!

The City of San Antonio, the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SAHCC), and LiftFund have secured $500,000 in the FY23 Budget for the City of San Antonio’s 0% Interest Program, a program aimed to support the growth of San Antonio small businesses, especially in light of recent economic challenges.

Small businesses located in or relocating to San Antonio city limits can apply for up to $100,000 in 0% interest funding through the program, double what has been offered by the program in the past. The funding can be used for startups as well as the majority of regular business expenses including inventory, payroll, equipment, and working capital.

According to the program website, the initiative prioritizes funding small businesses looking to hire additional staff, in efforts to help create jobs in the city. Those that have not received a 0% interest LiftFund loan in the past two years also have priority, to help those that need support the most.

Learm more about LiftFund:

https://www.liftfund.com/cosabusinessloans/

Join Ready To Work!

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.

Learn more about the City of San Antonio's Fiber Deployment!

April 2024 Thousand Oaks Library Programming

4618 Thousand Oaks Dr. | San Antonio, TX 78233 | 210.207.9190

Monday & Tuesday: 12 pm - 8 pm | Wednesday - Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMING (For ages 0-12)

Baby Time

Every Tuesday at 1pm – 1:45pm (except April 2)

Enjoy a lap-sit story time especially for babies 0-18 months and their caregivers. Short stories, songs, rhymes and fingerplays are followed by a brief playtime.

Let’s Move! Music & Movement

Thur, April 11 and Sat, April 20 & 27 at 10:30am – 11:15am

Join us for a morning filled with music, songs and rhymes! Best for children under 10. No registration required.

Let’s Create! Arts & Crafts Friday

Every Friday at 3:15pm – 4:15pm (except April 26)

Unwind from the school week with a relaxing arts and crafts activity. This program is for children ages 6-12 but younger children may participate with caregivers’ help.

Read to a Dog!

Every Friday at 4:15pm – 5pm (except April 26)

Children practice developing literacy skills by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog, accompanied by the animal handler. Recommended for ages 6-12.

TEEN PROGRAMMING (For ages 13-18)

Teen Time

Every Monday at 6pm – 7pm

Join us in the teen area every Monday night! Get creative, be artistic, watch a movie, do some gaming – what we do is up to you.

ADULT PROGRAMMING (For ages 18+, unless otherwise noted)

Tai Chi Class (for beginners & experts!)

Every Thursday at 12pm – 1pm

Improve breathing and balance, increase strength, and decrease stress with certified instructor Debra! Comfortable clothing recommended and no equipment required. Classes limited to first 15 attendees to arrive.

Fiber Arts Community

Tue, April 9 at 5:30pm – 7pm

Bring your projects and supplies and mingle with other needlecrafters for an evening of sewing, knitting, crocheting and more! For beginners and experts. Teens and adults welcome. Not an instructional class.

All Booked Up Book Club

Sun, April 14 at 3pm – 4pm

Copies of “The Fervor” by Alma Katsu are available at Thousand Oaks Library. E-book and e-audiobook copies are also available through the Libby app with a Library card.

Tech Class for Older Adults: Anti-Virus and Malware Removers

Wed, April 17 at 10am – 11:30am

Learn about types of malwares and how they work. We’ll also introduce anti-virus programs and go over how they prevent and destroy malware infections to keep your devices safe! For adults 50+ years. Adults 18-49 may attend if they are caregivers to older adults. No registration required.

Adult Craft Time

Wed, April 17 at 4pm – 5:30pm

Join us each month to work on an art/craft project! Meet new people, listen to music, and make paper flowers or do paper quilling. Supplies are provided but you’re also welcome to bring your own.

Plant Swap

Sun, April 21 at 11:30am – 1:30pm

Join us for our first plant swap of the year! We welcome potted plants, plant cuttings, seeds and gardening supplies to trade or give away. All plants must be healthy and free of pests and disease. Limit 2 free plants per person. All ages welcome!

Senior Book Club

Wed, April 24 at 10am – 11am

Copies of “Night Music” by Jojo Moyes are available at Thousand Oaks Library. E-book and e-audiobook copies are also available through the Libby app with a Library card. For adults 60+ years. Held at the NE Senior Center | 4135 Thousand Oaks Dr.

Beginning Genealogy

Wed, April 24 at 10am – 11am

Are you curious about finding out more about your family’s history? Not sure where to start? Join us for beginning genealogy where you will learn basic rules of research and briefly discuss resources you can access through the San Antonio Public Library and how.

All Libraries are closed Friday, April 26 for the holidays.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) services will be held until Monday, April 15.

Hours will be Friday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm and Mondays, 12pm – 6pm.

Please call the Thousand Oaks Library for details on any of the listed information.