Hello D6,

Let’s discuss the charter review.

Next week, on August 1, the City Council will talk about changes to the City’s charter.

Mayor Ron Nirenberg convened a charter review committee in March last year. He selected the committee members and determined the list of proposed changes to be considered, which included eliminating the City Manager’s term limits and salary cap; changing the City Council’s term length and salary; and modernizing the outdated language within the charter.

The committee concluded its work in May of this year.

This past January, I sent a memo to the Mayor requesting that city employees' freedom to participate in the political process be included in the review. It's unfair to restrict the 13,000 City of San Antonio employees from supporting candidates in city elections during their personal time. The Mayor has included this item in next week’s discussion.

The Council must approve the items and language for the charter review ballot by August 7 to ensure it can be considered by voters this November. That leaves one week for the City Council to review and discuss the proposed changes with their constituents. It feels like the Council is being hurried through a narrow path with no options. We can do better.

I’m grateful to all the members of the Charter Review Commission for their hard work, time, and energy. I understand the limited scope they were charged with. But something as important as a charter review should be more inclusive and deliberate.

I urge every voter in the city to reach out to their Council members to make their opinions known. We have the opportunity to amend our charter every two years, my intention is to advocate for a broader set of ideas and transparency.

Although limited, there is still time to get it done.

This week I learned that the economy of the state of Texas is poised to surpass France among the largest economies of the world.

The San Antonio Mobility Coalition invited Texas Comptroller Glen Hegar to talk about the State of the Texas Economy. It was a packed room at the Witte Museum and the news was good. San Antonio plays a key role in the state's economy, and given the project growth in our area the city's influence will grow in the coming years.

Congratulations to Betty Johnson-Carter!

She's a D6 community leader who this week celebrated her retirement after 50 years at Lackland AFB.

I was happy and honored to be part of Betty's celebration and had the distinct privilege of presenting her with a proclamation from the Mayor and City Council, thanking her for her hard work dedication. She's an example of community spirit!

And don’t forget the District 6 Back To School Readiness Bash!

We’ll see you there!

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:

• Bike Network Plan Open House #2
• Virtual Lunch and Learn: Rental Housing Providers
• Metal Recycling Entities and Used Automotive Parts Recyclers Code Update - Virtual (WebEx) Community Meeting
• Contract Workshop for FY25 Artist Grantees
• Building Standards Board
• Arts Funding Committee
• Meeting: Renters' Solutions Subcommittee of the Housing Commission

ACS Pet Of The Week

Snoopy is an oldie but a goodie, who knows he's not too old to find his new best furiend! 

Snoopy arrived at ACS in late June after being found wandering by a kind resident who knew he needed help and called 3-1-1 for assistance. After spending some time in the ACS kennels, our amazing clinic team member, Ms. M, couldn't resist his charm and decided to take him in as a foster!

Snoopy is a well-mannered pup who gets along wonderfully with other dogs, cats, and children of all ages. His favorite activities include following his humans around, napping, and giving his paw. While he's very loving, Snoopy needs some time to feel comfortable in a new environment (as anyone would!).

Ms. M shares that fostering Snoopy has been a joy, especially watching him follow her everywhere and seeing the gratitude in his eyes. He has the best prance when walking, as he has a corgi-shaped body that executes his little hops. He's an older boy who will bring so much love and loyalty to the right home. If you're looking for a sweet and appreciative friend, Snoopy might be the paw-fect match for you.

Email our team at ACSfoster@sanantonio.gov to set up a meet and greet with him today!

Community Bulletin Board

FY 2025 BUDGET TOWN HALL

Wednesday, August 28

6:30 p.m.

Cuellar Community Center

5626 San Fernando St.

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