|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hello D6,
This was a busy week that started with a kind of cold that we’re not used to in San Antonio, but it also had news of some positive trends that we’re hoping to see more of.
|
|
|
|
San Antonio is known as the city with the largest Martin Luther King Jr. march in the country. The city’s MLK commission works year-round to prepare and organize the March that happens every January in our city. This year, the march was scheduled for Monday, the 12th, but we all woke up to bitter cold and ice on the roads. So, with safety in mind, the City and the MLK Commission decided to cancel the March.
 
The weather didn’t cool our city spirit. The traditional wreath-laying ceremony at the MLK monument continued as planned.
 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
And the more than 200 Dream Week events went on too.
I was honored to deliver opening remarks at this year’s Dream Week awards luncheon.
 
I think of Dream Week as a pause and reset as we begin a new year. It’s a time to take a deep breath with the intention of creating a space, a catalyst for ideas, innovation, and goals.
 
It’s a highlight of the more than 200 events taking place across San Antonio, where community conversations promote cultural understanding and community engagement. It’s like a gas pedal that we purposely push to accelerate our creativity, to strengthen our bonds, and empower us to contribute to positive change.
 
Thank you to Shokare Nikori Nakpodia, my good friend Sho, and his team for this outstanding event.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The positive trends I mentioned earlier have to do with crime in our city.
Police Chief William McManus briefed the Public Safety Committee on overall crime statistics in San Antonio for 2023. The good news is that, overall, violent crime is down in our city.
Violent crimes went down by 9.2 percent in 2023, crimes against society had a 2.2 percent decrease.
The good news is that the violent crime statistics are down. But we shouldn't spike the ball. We have to stay focused and make sure that we're continuing to work on violent crime.
While these numbers are encouraging, they don’t give solace to the victims of these crimes. They're not worried about statistics, they're concerned about their safety and the safety of their property.
Crimes against property were the sore spot. Property crime increased by 6.6 percent, mostly due to auto theft. And the increase in auto theft was seen mostly in Kia and Hyundai cars, more than likely due to a TikTok challenge that shows how to easily steal a Kia or Hyundai and challenged followers to post their thefts online.
The increase in the theft of these particular brands of cars has been seen across the country. A San Antonio Express News article from last July explained that “In the first four months of 2023, Kia thefts have already surpassed the 2022 full-year total, Hyundai getting close.”
I remember when Chief McManus came to a neighborhood in D6 the residents complained about some of the things happening in the neighborhood. The Chief told the residents that they needed to call the police because they hadn’t called SAPD regarding those problems.
A big part of fighting crime is making sure that our community is watching out for each other, being good neighbors and reporting the things that they see.
Hopefully, the trend of violent crime continues to go down, but we need to figure out how to reverse the property crime.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thank you to all the D6 HOA Presidents and residents who attended our virtual meeting this week. We had planned an in-person meeting at the San Antonio Food Bank, but for safety reasons because of the icy conditions, we held the meeting online.
 
Public Works Director Razi Hosseini gave us an update on the 2017 and 2022 Bond projects. Most of the 2017 Bond Projects have been completed, as have a majority of the 2022 projects.
Here’s a breakdown of the total funding for Bond Projects in D6:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
And speaking of public works projects, you may have noticed that new flashing stop signs have been installed at different intersections across the District.
 
Public Works crews have been busy in the past weeks, installing the stop signs and making sure they are operating correctly. The installation should be complete by this weekend.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Special thanks to the BCFS Health and Human Services — Human Trafficking Interdiction for their work to fight against human trafficking.
This week they held their first-ever fundraising/community awareness event as part of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and I was honored to represent the City of San Antonio as Mayor Pro Tem.
 
The theme of the event, Hollywood vs. Reality, was inspired by this year’s release of the movie, Sound of Freedom. Their goal is to educate the community by dispelling myths revolving around human trafficking. Their work has made a positive impact on so many lives as they work with survivors of human trafficking.
 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
And thank you as well to the wonderful San Antonio Solid Waste Department for their hard work during our first Dial-A-Trailer of the year!
 
Misty Oaks HOA President Nancy Cardenas joined our crews, and many households were able to dispose of their unwanted items and junk. Great turnout!
 
|
|
|
|
Have a great week!
Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Construction and Maintenance Notices
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Council Meetings and Committees
|
|
|
|
Council Briefing Room
Thursday, January 25, 2024
9:00 AM
Municipal Plaza Building
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS MEETINGS WEEK:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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:
- Access the PrintOnline portal
- Upload documents from home, the office, a coffee shop, or anywhere you have internet access
- Visit your nearest branch library to print your files
- 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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
City of San Antonio, Council District 6
|
|
|
|
|
Constituent Office
5800 Old Highway 90/Enrique M.
Barrera Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78227
Office Line: 210.207.3749
City Hall Office
P.O. Box 839966
San Antonio, TX 78283
Office Line: 210.207.7065
Fax Line: 210.207.8760
EMAIL: district6@sanantonio.gov
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
