Hello D6,

This was a week highlighted by an important discussion regarding CPS Energy.

It wasn’t a surprise. We’ve known the decision regarding a CPS Energy rate change was coming.

It’s true that no one wants to pay a higher CPS Energy bill. And no one wants a repeat of Winter Storm Uri, or to be vulnerable to a fragile energy grid.

And it’s also true that we shouldn’t depend on anyone for our safety and our energy. But self-sufficiency means upgrading old systems, and that has a cost. I’ve brought ideas to the table to make our energy more reliable and more affordable. I’ve looked for ways to make us a stronger city, a city ready to meet the future with more people, more business, more industry, and more potential.

My revenue transfer idea evolved into a dedicated surplus plan that keeps my original goal of reliability and affordability. And I’m still open to ideas that will make us stronger and save money.

But, as I said before, self-sufficiency and reliability have a cost. We’ve had months to figure out a better way. We knew this was coming and we had time to bring ideas to the table.

We can’t just say no without offering a viable solution. Because this isn’t just about keeping the lights on today, or this year, or next. This is a long-term decision.

We’re playing the long game, meeting the needs of coming generations. The cost is undeniable; the question is how we pay for it.

There are systems in place to help those who will have trouble meeting the cost. And if those programs are falling short, we need ideas to make them better.

That’s going to be my focus - reliability, affordability, a strong future where families and businesses can thrive.

The Council will vote on the rate change on the 12th. I’m open to ideas that will make our city stronger, now and in the future.

There is good news to report!

The city’s policy regarding the installation of stop signs and speed bumps has changed for the better.

In the past, stop signs and speed bumps were approved based on traffic studies. That will no longer be the case. Stop sign and speed bump placement will now be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, taking the community need into account.

Several speed mitigation requests in D6 have been stalled because of the old requirement. This new policy will make it easier for neighborhoods to keep their streets safe for families.

Another bit of good news is that the development of the new airport terminal is moving along, on time and under budget.

This week city staff briefed the council on a big step for the new airport. The city has chosen a construction manager at risk for the project. We’re moving closer to breaking ground on the construction; I think of this step as handing out the shovels in preparation for the groundbreaking.

Hensel Phelps, one of the largest airport contractors in the country, has been chosen to lead the San Antonio International Airport’s new $1.4 billion terminal project.

If all goes according to plan, the new terminal will open its doors in 2028.

Also, on Friday, I was honored to deliver welcoming remarks at the Mental Health Court graduation.

The mental health court is presided by Judge Yolanda Huff.

I’m proud of all the graduates for putting in the hard work, for finding the strength, every moment of every day, to continue on the journey that brought them to this day.

Mental health is front and center in all the work I do at City Hall. We have dedicated millions of dollars in funds and resources to mental health recovery after the pandemic, and we’re always looking out for ways to support our first responders’ mental health.

We’ve leaned on nonprofit organizations to help us do the work because organizations like the Mental Health Court are on the front line and know the challenges better than most. They’ve shown us the best path to make the biggest difference in mental illness recovery.

Congratulations to the graduates, and to Judge Huff and her staff!

The Zoo has been a central part of San Antonio for more than 100 years, and this week, after years of planning and fundraising, and more than a year of construction, the Zoo’s new front gate was opened to the public.

It was a wonderful, lively, and colorful celebration with perfect weather.

I encourage you to visit the zoo so you can see the beautiful new entrance for yourselves. The design reflects our city, our history, and our culture.

The San Antonio Zoo is one of the best in the nation.

As we approach the holidays, it’s good to keep safety and security in mind.

I invited the Police Chief and the Fire Chief to this week’s Public Safety Committee meeting to provide safety suggestions for the holiday season. These are some of their tips:

Have a great week!

Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda

Construction and Maintenance Notices

FIBER OPTIC INSTALLATION PROJECTS

5950 Les Harrison Dr. - Great Northwest from 8/14/2023 to 12/24/2023

9203 Ridge Grove St - Great Northwest from 08/28/2023 to 12/29/2023.

10603 Culebra Rd - Mtn View from 08/28/2023 to 12/29/2023.

7543 Grissom Rd - Lindsey Pl, Misty Oaks from 08/24/2023 to 12/24/2023.

Council Meetings and Committees

BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS MEETINGS WEEK:

• Let's Ride! Leon Creek
• Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting
• Community Health Committee
• Public Engagement and Outreach Subcommittee of the Housing Commission
• San Antonio Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission Meeting
• Arbitration Hearing
• San Antonio Arts Commission: Public Art Committee
• Zoning Commission Meeting
• Municipal Court Advisory Committee
• Linear Creekway Parks Advisory Board Meeting
• Updating the Short Term Rental Ordinance - Task Force Meeting
• Conservation Advisory Board Meeting
• Historic and Design Review Commission
• San Antonio Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting
• Public Comment Session
• City Council Zoning and Land Use Session
• Updating the Short Term Rental Ordinance - In-Person Community Meeting

Community Bulletin Board

SAWS is currently seeking applications from D6 customers who are interested in serving on the Community Conservation Committee. Below are some helpful links and info to help advertise in our newsletter:

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