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San Antonio Cooling Centers Open

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The City of San Antonio will open cooling centers throughout the City to provide respite from the high temperatures. Cooling centers will observe COVID-19 precautions, including screening, sanitation and social distancing guidelines.  

According to the Metro Health Heat Plan, the City is currently at a level III “heat advisory.” Under normal circumstances, cooling centers are not activated during Level III. Due to COVID-19 and fewer options for those individuals needing to seek shelter from the heat, the City is opening cooling centers sooner. 

Ten Department of Human Services operated Comprehensive Senior Centers will open today and while the heat advisory is in effect from Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.  To provide additional cooling center locations, select Libraries will open tomorrow as cooling centers only from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Patrons seeking relief from the heat will be allowed to sit in designated areas and utilize Wi-Fi on their own devices. Browsing and computer use will not be available at this time. Beginning June 15, select City Park Community Centers will be open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Please see attached list of City of San Antonio cooling centers. 

In addition, the Department of Human Services, in partnership with Catholic Charities, is providing free box fans to community seniors through the Project Cool program.  Residents who would like to request a fan or have heat related resources, should call the United Way Helpline at 211.

With increasing heat, Metro Health reminds the community to take the following precautions:  

  • Spend time at home or locations with air-conditioning. Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death.  
  • Stay well hydrated, regardless of your activity level.
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and appropriate sunscreen.
  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine intake.
  • Avoid heavy and/or hot foods—they add heat to your body.
  • Limit outdoor activities during the heat of the day. Exposure to full sunshine can increase Heat Index Values by up to 15°F.
  • Monitor those at high risk such as the elderly, infants, young children, and people who are ill or have chronic disease, such as heart disease or high blood pressure.
  • Do not leave children or pets unattended in a closed, parked vehicle.

For information about transportation options, please visit www.viainfo.net

Sunstroke, heat cramps or heat exhaustion are likely health effects resulting from heat and heat stroke is likely with prolonged exposure.  

Warning signs of heat stroke include: red, hot, and moistor dry skin, no sweating, a strong rapid pulse or a slow weak pulse, nausea, confusion or acting strangely. If a child exhibits any of these signs after being in a hot vehicle, cool the child rapidly (not a nice bath but by spraying them with cool water or with a garden hose).Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

Metro Health’s Heat Plan follows the national weather service levels. The format resembles a countdown, with Level IV stating a normal/routine condition and Level I representing a maximum readiness/excessive heat warning. The heat plan provides information on how individuals can prepare for, prevent, recognize, and cope with heat-related health problems. Additionally, the plan provides a list of local agencies, which will furnish heat-related assistance during extreme heat weather conditions. 

Community members can contact the National Weather Service for the most current weather conditions at 830-606-3617 or visit www.weather.gov/sanantonio for current hourly weather. Stay tuned for further notices.

2020 Cooling Centers

Site NameAddressPhone  Zip CodeDays and Times
Alicia Trevino Lopez Senior Center (District 6) 8353 Culebra Rd210.558.017878251Mon – Fri7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Bazan Library2200 WEST COMMERCE STREET210.207.916078207 Beginning  6/16/20Tue: 12 p.m. -7 p.m.Wed – Sat10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Bob Ross Senior Center2219 BABCOCK ROAD210.207.530078229Mon – Fri7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Carver Library3350 COMMERCE STREET EAST210.207.918078220From 6/9 – 6/13&Beginning 6/16/20Tue: 12 p.m.-7 p.m.Wed – Sat10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Claude W. Black/Eastside MSC2805 East Commerce Street210.207.5233 78202Mon – Fri7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Collins Garden Library200 PARK BOULEVARD NORTH210.207.912078204Beginning 6/9 – 6/13&After 6/16/20 Tue: 12 p.m. -7 p.m.Wed – Sat10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Copernicus Community Center5303 Lord Rd.210.648.107278220Mon – Fri7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Cortez Library2803 HUNTER BOULEVARD210.207.9130 78224Beginning 6/16/2020Tue: 12 p.m.-7 p.m.Wed – Sat10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cuellar Community Center400 SOUTHWEST 36TH STREET210.207.315678237Mon – Fri7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
District 2 Senior Center (Council District 2) 1751 S WW White Rd210.207.539078220Mon – Fri7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
District 5 Senior Center (Council District 5) 2701 S Presa Street210.207.527078210Mon – Fri7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Garza, Gilbert Park1450 Mira Vista210.207.727578228Mon – Fri7:30 a.m. –5:30 p.m.
Hamilton Community Center10700 NACOGDOCHES ROAD210.207.312178217Mon – Fri7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Johnston Library6307 SUN VALLEY DRIVE210.207.924078227From 6/9 – 6/13&Beginning  6/16/20Tue: 12 p.m.-7 p.m.Wed – Sat10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Memorial Library3222 CULEBRA ROAD210.207.9140 78228From 6/9 – 6/13Tue: 12 p.m.-7 p.m.Wed – Sat10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 
Miller’s Pond6175 OLD PEARSALL RD210.623.290078242Mon – Fri7:30 a.m. –5:30 p.m.
Mission Library3134 ROOSEVELT210.207.2704 78214From 6/9 – 6/13&Beginning 6/16/20Tue: 12 p.m.-7 p.m.Wed – Sat10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Normoyle Senior Center700 CULBERSON AVENUE210.207.565078211Mon – Fri7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Northeast Senior Center4135 Thousand Oaks Dr210.207.459078217Mon – Fri7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Palm Heights Community Center1201 WEST MALONE AVENUE210.207.309978225Mon – Fri7:30 a.m. –5:30 p.m.
Pan American Library1122 WEST PYRON210.207.915078221Beginning 6/16/20Tue: 12 p.m.-7 p.m.Wed – Sat10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Ramirez Community Center1011 GILLETTE BOULEVARD210.921.068178224Mon – Fri7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Schaefer Library6322 US Hwy 87 E210.207.9300 78222 Beginning 6/16/20Tue: 12 p.m.-7 p.m.Wed – Sat10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
South Side Lions Senior Center 3303 Pecan Valley Dr210.207.176078210Mon – Fri7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Southside Lions Community Center3100 HIAWATHA210.207.315578210Mon – Fri7:30 a.m. –5:30 p.m.
West End Park Senior Center (Council District 1) 1226 NW 18th Street210.207.171978207Mon – Fri7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Westfall Library6111 ROSEDALE210.207.922078201From 6/9 – 6/13&Beginning  6/16/20Tue: 12 p.m. -7 p.m.Wed – Sat10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Willie M. Cortez Senior Center5512 W Military Dr210.207.529478242Mon – Fri7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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Black Life Texas

NAACP Legal Defense Fund Fight Voting Barriers in Texas

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A group of organizations of color recently came together on Sept. 11 in San Antonio to represent a lawsuit they filed arguing Senate Bill 1 violates the First, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution and Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act by intentionally targeting and burdening methods and means of voting used by voters of color.

Representatives gathered at the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas (in San Antonio) to represent their case. The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF), Reed Smith LLP, and The Arc filed the lawsuit for the Houston Area Urban League, Houston Justice, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and The Arc of Texas.

The defendants in the case are Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Deputy Secretary of State of Texas Jose Esparza, Attorney General of Texas Ken Paxton, Elections Administrator of Bexar County Jacque Callanen, and Elections Administrator of Harris County Isabel Longoria. 

S.B. 1 includes a series of suppressive voting-related provisions that will make it much harder for Texas residents to vote and disenfranchise some altogether, particularly Black and Latino voters and voters with disabilities. 

The plaintiffs claim the law violates the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act by imposing barriers against voters with disabilities and denying people with disabilities equal opportunities to participate in the state’s voting programs.

The lawsuit challenges multiple provisions in SB 1, including:

  • Limitations on early voting hours and constraints on the distribution of mail-in ballot applications.
  • The elimination of drive-thru voting centers and the prohibition of mail-in ballot drop-boxes.

“Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has been fighting for the rights of all U.S. citizens to vote for 108 years,” said Delta Sigma Theta President and CEO Beverly E. Smith. “S.B. 1 directly threatens the right to vote of over 20,000 members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and their family and friends in Texas, and we are committed to fight against S.B. 1 on their behalf.”

Texas is among more than 40 other states that have enacted legislative efforts to substantially restrict voting access. LDF and The Arc are also involved in litigation challenging Georgia’s restrictive voting laws.

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Community

Travel, Sports, and Growth with Council Person Jalen Mckee

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As the Spurs secure their #1 pick and the IPW Travel Conference puts a spotlight on our city, District 2 stands at the precipice of a booming billion-dollar tourism industry. This convergence of sports and tourism forms the backdrop of our exclusive live podcast event brought to you by East-Side-based Culture Travels magazine.

Join us as we delve into the intertwined worlds of travel and sports tourism with our distinguished guests: Jalen Mckee Rodriguez, Council Person of District 2, Deborah Omowale Jarmon, CEO/Director of the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum, Dr. Kara Allen, Chief Impact Officer for the San Antonio Spurs, and Jenny Carnes, CEO of San Antonio Sports.

This event will take place on August 18 at 6 P.M. at District 2 favorite – Tank’s Pizza.

Jalen, known for his engaging persona and passion for community growth, will take us on a journey through his personal travels, providing insight on how exploring new places, cultures, and experiences has fueled their tireless advocacy for the development of District 2.

Additionally, In the wake of the Spurs’ key draft pick and the potential surge of tourism following the IPW conference, Jalen offers his perspective on how these two factors intertwine with the economic prosperity of District 2. In an era where sports, culture, and economics are more interlinked than ever, understanding the potential impact on District 2’s economy becomes both enlightening and imperative.

We also welcome three extraordinary special guests: Deborah Omowale Jarmon, CEO/Director of the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum, Jenny Carnes, CEO of San Antonio Sports, and Dr. Kara Allen, Chief Impact Officer for the San Antonio Spurs. Their expertise and insights will further illuminate the intersection of sports, tourism, and economic growth in our city.

This live podcast event is perfect for those passionate about travel and tourism, who want to understand the economic relationship between the San Antonio Spurs and District 2’s economy or are eager to gain insights into the potential of district-focused development. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion, diverse perspectives, and a deeper understanding of the dynamics of travel and sports tourism.

Limited seats! Register today! We look forward to seeing you there!

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Community

Places to Stay Cool

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When temperatures rise to potentially dangerous levels, it is important to stay inside an air-conditioned space whenever possible. There are currently over 30 San Antonio locations for the public to use to stay cool. These include:

  • City Libraries
  • Senior Centers
  • Community Centers

NOTE: Via’s Personal Trip Planner can help you find a bus route to a location near you.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES TO STAY COOL

Additional opportunities to stay cool include the City’s following free facilities:

  • Splash Pads
  • Swimming Pools

For locations, visitor information, and hours of operation, please visit the Parks & Recreation Department.

HEAT SAFETY TIPS

Adults over 65, children under 4, and people with existing medical conditions such as heart disease and those without access to air conditioning are at highest risk on days with high temperatures.

Drinking plenty of water and protecting oneself from the sun are critical precautions. Additionally, people should call and check on their neighbors who may be at high risk and ensure access to heat relief and hydration. 

Heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are possible health effects. Warning signs of heat stroke include: red, hot, and moist or dry skin, no sweating, a strong rapid pulse or a slow weak pulse, nausea, confusion or acting strangely. If a child exhibits any of these signs, cool the child rapidly with cool water (not an ice bath) and call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

Never leave children or pets alone in vehicles. If you see a child or pet locked in a hot car or in the back of a truck, take action immediately. Jot down the car’s description (including a license plate number). Call the Police Department immediately. If regarding a pet, call Animal Care Services at 311. Per city ordinance, both Police and Animal Care Officers have the right to break a car’s window if a child or animal is endangered inside a vehicle.

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