The following story was originally published at Deceleration News by Greg Harman. Heat Island Effect means that temperatures across a city can vary widely due to differences in development, greenspace, transportation networks, and other factors. A Deceleration analysis shows that greater downtown San Antonio and the northwest zone, including the Medical District, are bearing the brunt of rising heat—as are those already suffering energy burden and asthma on the west and east sides of town.

Where can you get vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus? This map has COVID-19 testing locations around San Antonio. Some locations require an appointment, others don't, the information for individual locations is provided below. 

Where can you get tested for the COVID-19 virus? This map has COVID-19 testing locations around San Antonio. Some are free, some are not. Some sites are pop-up testing locations that last from 1-2 days. This map will change as more information becomes available. The City of San Antonio announced that city-run testing sites would only test symptomatic people beginning July 6. They also asked for those people who are getting tested that have insurance to please no go to the free testing locations, so those who are uninsured can get tested. 

Where can you find a park designed just for dogs? This map includes 14 dog parks: 11 in San Antonio, one in Alamo Heights, one in Schertz and one in Universal City. Click on a marker to see the hours. This map does not include parks that allow dogs on a leash. This map only includes parks designed specifically for dogs and their people.

On this week’s Edge, how to improve our dismal voter turnout rate, what’s missing in the police union’s contract with the city, the long history of gentrification and displacement, and how the whole community benefits when a kid gets an immunization shot. This edition of the Edge is sponsored in part by NOWCastSA nonprofit member Friends of Communities in Schools San Antonio. To learn more about sponsorship, click here.

Catch up and get ahead with the edge for the week of January 25, 2016. Mayor Ivy Taylor at UTSA: Cities and Citizens

Everyone six months old and older should get vaccinated. People age 65 and older, pregnant women, young children and those with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease or kidney and liver disorders are more susceptible to serious influenza complications, so flu vaccine is especially important for them. The latest available data from the Metro Health flu surveillance network showed that mostly flu A is circulating in our community.

Catch up and get ahead with the Edge Feeding the homeless is not illegal in San Antonio

I made a map of free Wi-Fi in San Antonio, using blue dots for public places and red dots for private businesses. Feel free to share and add more locations:

Updated Oct. 23, 2014: According to the voter ID law that went into effect in November 2013, every Texas voter must show an acceptable form of ID to be allowed to cast their ballot in person. All IDs - with the exception of a Citizenship Certificate - must be current or less than 60 days expired. Accepted photo IDs include: