Hello D6,

This week I co-Chaired a joint meeting in San Marcos, TX, between AAMPO and CAMPO — Capitol Area Metropolitan Planning Organization — where I sparked a discussion about rail between San Antonio and Austin.

This was also a busy week for the Public Safety Committee, which I Chair.

We discussed the issue of oversize trucks parking near residential areas overnight. It’s a problem we’ve seen in D6, and is a concern across the city.

This discussion has been ongoing for several months, but we wanted to make sure that city staff had the opportunity to gather input from the trucking industry, and the communities that are affected. We also wanted to see a list of alternate parking options, and a plan for communicating the proposed changes to the community.

We’re not done yet. The Public Safety Committee sent the proposed ordinance to the full Council for consideration.

Also, at Public Safety the committee discussed the establishment of an Office of Crime and Recidivism Prevention.

Think of this as an effort to address crime before it happens. The idea is to bring together all of the City programs that address the causes of crime, and have them work in conjunction with each other. The effort will be directed by a point-person that works in the Metropolitan Health District and is in line with the overall direction of integrating all City departments in the public safety effort.

There is a lot of experience and knowledge on the City staff, across all departments, and it makes sense to use it in the best way.

I had the opportunity this week to honor a true legend in San Antonio and South Texas.

The Governance Committee heard a presentation about memorializing a stretch of Robert B. Green Way, in our downtown, as Jovita Idar Memorial Way.

There will be no address changes, the memorial way designation does not change the name of the street, but it does pay homage to a trailblazing Latina who was a groundbreaking journalist and civil rights activist in the early 1900’s.

Jovita was a formidable woman who left a positive mark on our community not only for her political activism and journalism, she was also an educator and a nurse.

I was honored to support the Memorial Way designation.

I want to send a special shout-out this week to Rod Sanchez, who after 31 years of work with the City is moving on to take a vital role at VIA.

Rod was the Assistant City Manager who oversaw the Development Services Department, the Public Works Department, the Building and Equipment Services Department, the Planning Department, the Transportation Department, and the management of the annual operating budget.

Our loss is VIA’s gain and he will leave a space that will be hard to fill.

He has been a true partner for District 6 and every San Antonian.

He’s been our go-to for difficult issues and projects; he has sat with our team and found creative solutions to hard issues; and he never sprang a surprise on us, because he always told us what to expect; he always found a way.

The D6 team is going to miss his get-it-done attitude. He does his work with his sleeves rolled-up, consistently, and I knew I could always count on that.

I’m glad he'll be joining VIA to lead the ART effort. They needed the best for this project, and they’re getting the best. We’ll be talking about transportation with him for some time to come.

Thursday was World Down Syndrome Day, a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012.

It’s an opportunity to celebrate the diversity and uniqueness of people with Down syndrome. It's a time to honor their contributions to our communities and society.

We can use this day to raise awareness about Down syndrome and educate others about what it means to live and thrive with this condition. We can work to dispel myths and misconceptions and foster understanding and empathy.

We can advocate for the rights of individuals with Down syndrome, including access to healthcare, education, employment, and other opportunities.

And we can offer support to families of people with Down syndrome. It's important for families to know that they are not alone on their journey and that there are networks and organizations available to provide assistance and guidance.

World Down Syndrome Day is also a call to action, to encourage everyone to participate in events, fundraising for Down syndrome organizations, or simply spreading awareness on social media.

Also, on Thursday I voted to approve an ordinance establishing the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer + (LGBTQIA+) Advisory Board for the City of San Antonio.

This ordinance represents our commitment to fostering a community where every individual, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, feels valued, respected, and included. 

This LGBTQIA+ Advisory Board establishes a direct line of communication between City Council and City staff and ensures that the voices and concerns of our LGBTQIA+ community are heard and addressed.

This advisory board will serve as a vital resource, providing valuable insights and recommendations to help us understand the unique challenges faced by our LGBTQIA+ neighbors. The board will play a crucial role in shaping a more equitable and welcoming San Antonio for all.

This isn’t a symbolic gesture, it’s a tangible step toward meaningful change. These voices demand and deserve to be heard.  I’m proud to be part of a city that gives space for the LGBTQIA+ community to have this voice and representation.

Thank you to everyone who worked to make this ordinance a reality. Their dedication and advocacy have brought us one step closer to building a city that reflects the values of inclusivity and compassion.

There’s great news for District 6! The completion of a beautiful piece of public art on Old Highway 90.

It’s called Orgullo Tejano, a series-installation by San Antonio artist Luis Lopez. It’s inspired by the musical legacy of Historic Old Highway 90, and has been installed near the intersection of Old Highway 90 and SW 37^th St.

The artwork depicts a 14-foot-tall mosaic and steel accordion player with the accordion as an extension of the sculpture’s body.

Old Hwy 90, Los Jardines, is a proud and hard-working community and I think of this art piece as a fitting tribute to the families, the spirit, and the culture of the Old Hwy 90 community.

If you get a chance, drive one mile east on Old Hwy 90, from Hwy 151, you’ll see Orgullo Tejano in the heart of District 6.

There’s no better way to celebrate the Spring Equinox than an evening with friends of the Mehr Foundation at their annual Nowruz Gala. The Persian/Iranian New Year is a time of hope, unity, and renewal, and it’s always a thrill to celebrate the Persian culture and arts in our great City.

It brings me so much joy to celebrate Spring, renewal, hope, and unity for millions of people around the world.

Nowruz isn’t just a celebration of the changing seasons, it’s also a time to reflect on the values of peace, harmony, and diversity that are at the core of our community. These are universal values, and Nowruz reminds us that we can come together as one family, regardless of our backgrounds or beliefs.

I celebrate and honor the rich cultural heritage of the Persian people and recognize the countless contributions they have made to our society. It is a time to embrace our differences and celebrate the traditions that make our city, and our world, so vibrant and unique.

My hope is that this time of joy, celebration, renewal, and prosperity for everyone in our community extends throughout the year!

And the best way to end the week was by joining the thousands of people who participated in this year’s Cesar Chavez March for Justice.

I thank all the members of the Cesar E. Chavez Legacy and Educational Foundation who began working on this year’s march the moment last year’s march ended. Thank you for your dedication. Thank you for your commitment to education, and to Cesar Chavez’ legacy of justice.

Saturday was a perfect day to support the CECLEF cause and the students they support with your scholarships.

I’m honored to call the women and men of the Chavez foundation friends. Through the years I have made many wonderful and joyful memories of the March for Justice.

Thank you, San Antonio Food Bank, for the Yes We Can campaign. I take a point of personal pride to say that the Food Bank is a loved D6 institution. The Food Bank is a District 6 partner in many ways and I’m grateful to you all.

The Chavez Foundation and the Food Bank are among a select group of community organizations that have impact, that stand out for their dedication, and have a deep legacy of commitment to our community.

Viva Cesar Chavez!

Have a great week!

Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda

Flavors of District 6

In celebration of Women’s History Month, your District 6 team is thrilled to highlight Rocio Segura, the founder of Elisé Cuisine. It’s no surprise that San Antonians from the far west side come out to Elisé as their go-to destination for brunch with friends, a cup of coffee, or enjoy a savory, healthy meal with loved ones. You'll often find Rocio herself, either cooking behind the stove or working behind the scenes.

During our visit, the D6 team enjoy a veggie omelet dish with crispy potatoes and fresh fruit and a delightful chicken pesto sandwich with lentil soup. It seemed our cook, Rocio might have read our minds or perhaps more accurately, our stomachs when she surprises us with French toast with fresh strawberries and blueberries.

You can find Elisé Cuisine tucked in a small shopping center by the Potranco Branch Library at 8771 TX-151 Hwy. Metro Health’s ¡Por Vida! Program recognized Elisé Cuisine back in 2023 as a Gold Tiered partner and Rocio received a special recognition from Fit City SA through the Mayor’s Fitness Council for promoting nutritious menu options and giving back to the San Antonio community.

As we honor Women's History Month, we thank Rocio for her contributions to District 6 and for creating a welcoming space that brings people together as well as their dedication to wellness and culinary excellence. Your D6 team will be back for seconds.

Until next time, San Antonio!

Construction and Maintenance Notices

February 26th - March 30

• Military Dr W and Democracy
  • Behind Curb, Sidewalk
  • ZAYO Group, Alex Dorgan
  • alex.dorgan@zayo.com
  • (435) 660-1937

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

March 3^rd – March 29^th

• BARBADOS PLACE from WESTWARD DR to MARIMBA PLACE. Weather permitting.

March 7^th – April 7^th

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

March 4^th – March 29^th

• MARIMBA PLACE from ANDROS PLACE to BARBADOS PLACE.Weather permitting.

February 29^th – March 25^th

• WESTWARD DR from W MILITARY DR to PINN RD. Weather permitting

February 29^th – March 25^th

• WESTEDGE DR from MARBACH RD to WESTLAWN DR. Weather permitting.

March 3^rd – March 29^th

• BARBADOS PLACE from WESTWARD DR to MARIMBA PLACE. Weather permitting.

March 7^th – April 7^th

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

March 4^th – March 29^th

• MARIMBA PLACE from ANDROS PLACE to BARBADOS PLACE. Weather permitting.

February 29^th – March 25^th

• WESTWARD DR from W MILITARY DR to PINN RD. Weather permitting.

February 29^th – March 25^th

• WESTEDGE DR from MARBACH RD to WESTLAWN DR. 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.

Council Meetings and Committees

BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS MEETINGS WEEK:

• Summer Youth Program Self-Monitoring Standards Public Comment Opportunity
• Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
• Ethics Review Board Meeting
• Storm Water Management Advisory Board
• Building-Related and Fire Codes Appeals and Advisory Board Meeting
• Removing Barriers to Affordable Housing Development & Preservation Subcommittee Meeting
• Economic and Workforce Development Committee Meeting
• New Meeting for 2022-2027 Bond Project: Culebra Road Phase 1 (Bandera Rd. to General McMullen)
• Linear Creekway Parks Advisory Board Meeting
• Head Start Policy Council Meeting
• INFO. SESSION #2 (Virtual): Zero Percent Interest Loan Program
• Housing Commission Regular Meeting
• Conservation Advisory Board Meeting
• Planning Commission Meeting
• Municipal Court Advisory Committee
• Healthy Neighborhoods Gardening Events - Seasonal Planting
• San Antonio Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting
• San Antonio Arts Commission: Centro de Artes Committee
• Planning and Community Development Committee
• Community Health Committee
• Fire Fighters’ and Police Officers’ Civil Service Commission
• Collective Bargaining Negotiation - Fire

Community Bulletin Board

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