Hello D6,

There are two events coming up that I want to tell you about this week.

The first is a combination of outreach and summer fun at the San Antonio Zoo. It’s our first Paleta Pop Up, on Tuesday, July 16, starting at 9AM.

This is our way of reaching out beyond District 6 to connect with her neighbors from across the city, listen to their concerns, get to know them better, and understand the things we have in common.

Everyone knows that the card on a hot summer day has a way of bringing people together. And that’s our goal!

Will be giving away free paletas and telling people about all the great things that are going on in District 6.

Preparations are well underway for our annual Back-To-School Rediness Bash!

It’ll be held Saturday, August 3, 10 AM to 1 PM at Hallmark University on Westover Boulevard.

There are so many generous sponsors to thank!

We have school supplies for our scholars, hot dogs, haircuts, vaccinations, dental screenings, music, fun, and much more!

Mark your calendars, we’ll see you there.

It was my honor this week to help open Frida Fest, an event that celebrates the extraordinary life and legacy of Frida Kahlo, while showcasing the incredible talent of our local artists and vendors.

They remind me of the unbeatable spirit of Frida Kahlo, a woman who transformed her pain and passion into timeless art.

This festival is a testament to the strength, resilience, and creativity of women everywhere.

Frida’s legacy lives on through the 80 art vendors, who embody her spirit with their beautiful artwork, clothing, accessories, home decor, baked goods, and more. Their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit enrich our community and keep the vibrant culture of San Antonio alive.

My deepest gratitude to Janie Villarreal McClinchie, the organizers, vendors, artists!

Let’s embrace the art and continue to be inspired by the remarkable life of Frida Kahlo.

Also this week I was happy to break ground on a new 26-unit multi-family development in D6!
 

The Vistas at Sendero Norte project on Kelwood St. is a testament to the growth and progress we are seeing in District 6 and the far west side.

This development represents more than just new buildings; it shows our commitment to providing modern and beautiful housing options for our community. It's a step forward in creating a dynamic place where residents and families can thrive.

Thank you to everyone who has worked to bring this vision to life. We’re all looking forward to the bright future we’re building together!

Have a great week!

Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda

         SAPD Calls for Service - Last 7 Days

Click on the image for interactive map.

Council Meetings and Committees

BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS MEETINGS WEEK:

• Arbitration Hearing
• Zoning Board of Adjustment
• Renter Rights and Responsibilities Information Session 
• Veterans Advisory Commission
• Storm Water Management Advisory Board
• Building Standards Board
• First Community Meeting for the Pride Cultural Heritage District Nomination
• Historic Districts Coalition Meeting Series
• Renter Rights and Responsibilities Information Session

ACS Pet Of The Week

Maya can't wait to jump into an adventure with you!

Her journey began in early June when she was found as a roaming pup and rescued by Mr. F, who opened his heart and home to foster her. Since then, Maya has been living her best life and is ready to bring joy to her furever family.

Maya's favorite activities include zooming around the backyard with her flirt pole, enjoying car rides with her head out the window (especially when there's a pup cup involved!), and indulging in yak cheese chews! She can be selective about her friends, so meeting any potential fur-siblings is recommended!

Maya has learned basic tricks like sit and has made incredible strides with the support of her foster family. Her foster, Mr. F, has seen her transform from a neglected pup into a confident, healthy dog full of life. "Witnessing Maya's journey has been a privilege, and we're eager to find her the loving home she deserves," says Mr. F.

Community Bulletin Board

Storm drains are only for rain

Rain may be a rare occurrence these days, but when it does happen the San Antonio River and local creeks are inundated with debris and contaminants.

That's because trash from streets and parking lots or chemicals from driveways and landscapes is washed down storm drains and right into the nearest body of water.

It's called runoff — and it's a major source of pollution to the San Antonio River watershed.

You can help prevent pollutants and debris from entering our storm drains.

· Toss trash in garbage bins.

· Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly, within recommended amounts (and avoid using if rain is in the forecast).

· Pick up and dispose of pet waste.

· Use drip pans to catch engine oil and other pollutants when repairing automobiles and recycle them.

· Compost or mulch leaves and yard trimmings instead of sweeping them into the street.

· Direct downspouts and rain gutters away from paved surfaces.

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).

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