ALAMO HEIGHTS • KING WILLIAM • MONTE VISTA • OLMOS PARK • TERRELL HILLS
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS LOCA LCOMMU NI TYNE WS.CO M | VO L . 9, I SSUE 4 | O C T. 6-NOV. 3, 2020
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FOR THE LATEST L ON LOCPAG. 08 RACES
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MJ HEGAR
PG. 05
COMPLETE CALENDAR LIST TO PLAN AHEAD
PG. 14
LOCAL LOWDOWN
PG. 18
EAT LOCAL MR. JUICY SECOND EATERY DEBUTS
HAPPENING LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS AND BUSINESS OPENINGS
N Y N R O C JOHN REPUBLICAN PG. 16 | GOVERNMENT
REPAIRS COMING City budgets on tap
2 STAFF OCT. 6 - NOV. 3, 2020
PUBLISHER Jaselle Luna EDITORIAL Editor
Thomas Edwards News Staff
WHO SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TO SELL YOUR HOME IN OUR COMMUNITY?
Edmond Ortiz Contributing Writers
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ON THE COVER – It’s been said the Nov. 3 general election is one of the most important in decades. LOCAL Community News turns the spotlight on races affecting North Central — congressional, state and county, plus an Alamo Heights bond issue and a rare mayoral race in Terrell Hills. Coverage begins on pg. 01. Illustration by E. Fisher
The LOCAL Community News editorial board includes Jaselle Luna and Thomas Edwards.
TALK LOCAL
Law and order CALLS TO DEFUND POLICE DEPARTMENTS are not only misguided but radically dangerous. The men and women in blue are enforcers of the peace, with a job more rewarding and more difficult than most can imagine. Sure, there are some bad apples. However, taking livelihoods away from all peace officers for the actions of a few will not usher in a golden age, only undermine their effectiveness. The majority of officers joined to protect and serve. Training on de-escalation, cultural sensitivity and more community policing offer solutions. Meanwhile, the public could also show a little more civility to officers during an encounter, instead of adjudicating from the curb. While reformers with good intentions say defunding the police means shifting financial resources to social, education and anti-poverty programs, we know what the road to hell is paved with. The City Council this budget session wisely did not approve any cuts to the police force. “(Crooks) are going to speed up, they’re going to accelerate” if the police are defunded, warns Brandon Tatum, a Black retired police officer, on his YouTube channel. Taking resources away from departments will lead to layoffs, the hiring of inferior candidates, poor training, fewer patrols and inadequate equipment. The only winners will be the criminals. Send your thoughts on whether to defund police departments to tedwards@localcommunitynews.com.
Water
we doing to help? Suspending service cutoffs in this time of emergency.
Worrying about paying your water bill doesn’t need to be an added stressor during this time of uncertainty. Your neighbors at the San Antonio Water System want to make sure no family ever has to be disconnected because they can’t pay their bills. Our Uplift program eases the burden of paying your monthly water bill with 14 initiatives to assist customers who need a little help. Learn how SAWS helps ensure your water stays connected during times of emergencies and financial hardship by calling 210-233-CARE(2273) or visiting saws.org/uplift.
OPINION
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L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S OCT. 6 - NOV. 3, 2020
Silver linings by SUSAN YERKES
THIS FALL, “back to school” has been anything but back to normal.
From online instruction to masks and distanced classrooms, the pandemic is changing education. Most campuses have reopened to some extent, and progress is likely to continue. But, the going has been tough for parents, teachers, administrators and children. Long-term, several lessons emerged from the Herculean effort in March to keep kids connected to instruction when the novel coronavirus started spreading. Today, it seems the storm clouds of COVID-19 may even have some silver linings. The outbreak helped change minds about the importance of distance learning. “It has really forced our hand on
some things — for instance, getting public schools online in ways that were long overdue,” a veteran teacher told me. While the mad scramble to get educators and learners linked to digital devices last spring proved a nightmare for many, it brought communities
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We’re open 7 days a week! Full menu available for patio dining, dine-in or to-go. Check our website and social media to see how we’re staying safe.
together in ways only a crisis can. Technological advances, maybe delayed because of extra effort and expense, got fast-tracked. Indeed, virtual learning has some parents feeling more plugged into their children’s education, instructors and institutions. “I do think the digital needs did move education forward, and continue to do so in a short period of time,” said Principal Mary Jewell of Northside Independent School District’s Rudder Middle School. Parents and teachers continue to adapt, although it has been difficult for a few adults. Younger students adjusted the quickest, according to educators. Teachers have emerged as heroes, working overtime and reaching out to students with Zoom conferences and personal help. Most districts have set up resources to assist pupils and parents with digital issues. While there have been plenty of glitches and crashes, over time, connections will improve as technology is more smoothly integrated. Though online events and classes may lack the feel of being there in person, the experience reaches a far wider audience. Local arts institutions sprang into action to develop or refine learning modules, making virtual visits more fun and educational. However, San Antonio still faces a
drastic digital divide. Despite students receiving Chromebooks and other data devices in record time, maintaining connectivity became the elephant in the virtual classroom. The National Digital Inclusion Alliance’s “Worst Connected Cities 2018” found nearly 20% of San Antonio households lacked workable broadband connections. In some areas, up to 25% of learners didn’t reconnect with schools following Spring Break, plus numerous parents were hard to contact, educators said. Nimble solutions helped, such as the cooperation between NISD, the San Antonio Independent School District, the San Antonio Housing Authority and VIA Metropolitan Transit with the dispatch of VIAtrans vans around town providing Wi-Fi hot spots. In the future, a San Antonio Office of Innovation Smart City coordinator told me, special nodes attached to high-tech streetlights, or smart lights, could send wireless communications into underserved areas. Meanwhile, simple steps could make a big difference, such as getting Congress to extend the Federal Communications Commission’s E-rate program for affordable mobile hot spots to cover homes in some areas. For now, though, the best news for many is just getting kids back to school. syerkes@localcommunitynews.com
One of the most well-respected and award-winning journalists in South Texas, Susan Yerkes pens a column each month for LOCAL Community News. A veteran of newspapers, television, radio and online, she calls San Antonio home.
OCT. 6 - NOV. 3, 2020
OCTOBER
PLAN YOUR MONTH WITH OUR CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE COMMUNITY.
L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S
HAPPENING
City Councils/ School Districts Broadway
Lincoln Heights, 555 E. Basse Road., start at 11:30 a.m. with a meet and greet, followed by a guest speaker at noon. Cost is $25. For updates or cancellations, call 210-822-7027 or visit http:// alamoheightschamber.org/.
Drive
OCT. 7
Alamo Heights: 5:30 p.m. Oct. 12, 26; 6116 Olmos Park: 6 p.m. Oct. 21; 120 W. El Prado Terrell Hills: 5 p.m. Oct. 12; 5100 N. New
SPROUTING AT THE GARDEN
Braunfels Ave.
San Antonio ISD: 5:30 p.m. Oct. 13, 19 & Nov. 2; 406 Barrera St.
Alamo Heights ISD: 6 p.m. Oct. 22; 7101
San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels Ave., holds a 9:30 a.m. social time, followed by 10 a.m. program. The public is welcome. For updates, email info@
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sanantoniogardencenter.org or call 210-8249981.
OCT. 8
ALAMO HEIGHTS VIRTUAL TOWN HALL Alamo Heights residents at 6 p.m. can discuss through videoconferencing a Nov. 3 bond election to fund the Alamo Heights/Lower Broadway Improvement Project. Visit https:// www.alamoheightstx.gov/news/stories/ november-3-2020-special-bond-election/. HAPPENING continues on pg. 06
Broadway
North East ISD: 5:30 p.m. Oct. 12; 8961 Tesoro Drive
EDITOR’S NOTE: THE CALENDAR IS CURRENT AS OF PRESS TIME, BUT SOME EVENTS MAY HAVE BEEN POSTPONED OR CANCELED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS CONCERNS. ACCESS TO PUBLIC MEETINGS MAY BE LIMITED OR STREAMING ONLY. CHECK WITH THE LISTED CONTACTS FOR UPDATES.
OCT. 7
ALAMO HEIGHTS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Luncheons in a private room at Paesanos LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
OPHTHALMOLOGY ASSOCIATES OF SAN ANTONIO IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE… the relocation of the downtown office from The Nix Hospital to the Metropolitan Plaza Building. Conveniently located within a professional medical building with many other physicians of all specialty types; the Metropolitan office location includes covered garage parking and easy front building access. Ophthalmology Associates of San Antonio has been serving the medical and surgical eye care needs of the community since the early 1970’s with Dr. Thomas F. Hogan, Dr. Joe R. McFarlane, Jr., and Dr. David M. Hunter. Doctors Arlo C. Terry, Robert P. Green,Jr., John A.Campagna, Mark J. Trevino, and Cooper M. Clark joined the practice over subsequent years. Offices were opened in outlying communities for the convenience of our patients.
Our services include state of the art: • cataract surgery • sub-specialty glaucoma • premium lens implantation • sub-specialty retina • sub-specialty cornea • oculoplastic procedures OASA has always adhered to the highest standards in safety and cleanliness. We continue to implement the recommendations of the CDC and have added additional health safety protocols to ensure patients have the safest visit possible.
2015-2016
Schedule your eye exam today. (210) 223-5561 We look forward to seeing you in our offices and taking care of your eye healthcare needs.
DOWNTOWN 1200 Brooklyn Ave, Suite 240 San Antonio, TX 78212
MEDICAL PLAZA 1804 N.E. Loop 410 Suite 270, San Antonio
BOERNE 1048 East Blanco Rd.
Jourdanton • Uvalde • Pearsall
OTHER LOCATIONS
www.ophthalmologysa.com
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L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S OCT. 6 - NOV. 3, 2020
HAPPENING continues from pg. 05
OCT. 9-JAN. 3
The San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 Jones Ave., presents a collection of Turkmen and Miao jewelry. For updates or cancellations, visit https:// www.samuseum.org/.
from local artist Sarah Sudhoff, as part of its fourth-annual Artistin-Residence program. Sudhoff’s installation will be shown with The DoSeum’s fall exhibit, “Beautiful Minds: Dyslexia and the Creative Advantage,” through Jan. 3.
OCT. 9, 23
OCT. 10
The club meets on alternating Fridays at 11:30 a.m. inside The Culinary Institute of America, 312 Pearl Parkway. For updates or cancellations, call 210-913-7448.
The Estela Avery Education Center inside Confluence Park, 310 W. Mitchell St., offers traditional healing practices from 1-5 p.m. For updates or cancellations, visit https://sariverfound.org/events/ the-peoples-clinic/.
JEWELRY EXHIBIT
OCT. 8
GARDEN GAB The San Antonio Herb Society gathers at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels Ave., with refreshments and social time at 6:30 p.m. and a program at 7 p.m. For updates or cancellations, visit www. sanantonioherbs.org.
OCT. 8
SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS Hood’s Texas Brigade, Camp 153, meets at 7 p.m. in Chester’s Hamburgers, 1006 N.E. Loop 410. For updates or cancellations, visit www. hoodstexasbrigade.net.
PEARL ROTARY
OCT. 10
THE DOSEUM The DoSeum, 2800 Broadway, opens “The Reading Brain,” a new exhibit
Rich in tradition, Devoted to care, Together in community.
‘THE PEOPLE’S CLINIC’
INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING MEMORY CARE • EXTENDED NURSING CARE • In-Home Care provided by Sisters Care at The Village • Mass offered twice a day • Multiple floor plans • Learning opportunities at UIW
• All faiths welcome • Two locations for dining • Social & recreational activities • Transportation available six days a week
TheVillageIW.org Call Us Today! 210-610-8457 License
#’s 000777 (AL-A) 101505 (AL-B), 100473 (ALZ), 011872 (HCSSA)
WITTE GAME DINNER The 50th annual Witte Game Dinner will be served outdoors from 6-10:30 p.m. at 3801 Broadway, or via a catered at-home meal. This year’s theme is “Back to our Roots.” At the museum, enjoy food, music from Robert Earl Keen, and more. Proceeds benefit The Witte Museum. For ticket costs, updates or cancellations, visit https://www. wittemuseum.org/50th-annual-wittegame-dinner/.
OCT. 21
RETIRED TEACHERS
Southtown Arts District First and Second Saturday Markets take place at The Artisan, 1103A S. Presa St., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For updates or cancellations, email shop@theartisansatx.com or call 210-962-5560.
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, the San Antonio Area Retired Teachers Association conducts a 12:30 p.m. social and luncheon, followed by a 1 p.m. presentation and business meeting via Zoom video conferencing — at least through December. For updates, cancellations and guest-speaker data, visit https://localunits.org/ SanAntonio/.
OCT. 15-NOV. 1
OCT. 21
The Public Theater of San Antonio, 800 W. Ashby Place, presents “Squeamish,” which is virtual only. For ticket information, production times, updates or cancellations, visit www.thepublicsa.org.
The San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place, hosts a hands-on produce workshop and cooking demonstration from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fee is $40.50 for members, otherwise $45. For registration, updates or cancellations, visit https://www.sabot. org/events/harvest-night/.
OCT. 10 & NOV. 7, 14 FOR ART FANS
ON WITH THE SHOW
Faith Based
OCT. 19
OCT. 17
HARVEST NIGHT
TOBIN CONCERT
OCT. 23
Although limited by the COVD19 pandemic, the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, welcomes a physically distanced concert by Matthew West at 8 p.m. For ticket prices, updates or cancellations, visit https://www.tobincenter.org/ box-office/2020-10/matthew-west.
“Haunted River, Jr.,” hosted by the Shops at Rivercenter, 849 E. Commerce St., is a free, kid-oriented Halloween party from 6-9 p.m. Little ghouls and goblins can enjoy trick-or-treat activities. For updates or cancellations, visit https://www.thesanantonioriverwalk. com/events/haunted-river-jr/.
BOO!
OCT. 6 - NOV. 3, 2020
L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S
HAPPENING
7
OCT. 24-31
OCTOBER
Presented by the San Antonio Public Library Foundation, virtually attend the "Catrina No Ball at All" silent auction and celebration. For more, contact amy.hone@saplf.org or call 210-225-4728.
Shows are returning to the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre, 226 N. St. Mary’s St. Acts include Alamo City Jazz Series: Everette Harp & Tim Bowman (Oct. 11) and Entre Nos 2020 Live Tour (Oct. 16). For more, visit https://www. majesticempire.com/mobile/calendar.
HAVE A BALL
OCT. 28
LEARN ABOUT ANIMALS Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation offers a series of educational, interactive workshops for children ages 8-10 from 6-8 p.m. at the Sherman Animal Care Complex, 1354 Basse Road. For updates or cancellations, visit wildliferescue.org.
OCT. 24-31 HAVE A BALL
Presented by the San Antonio Public Library Foundation, virtually attend the "Catrina No Ball at All" silent auction and celebration. For more, contact amy.hone@saplf.org or call 210-225-4728.
OCTOBER
MUSIC TO MY EARS Sam’s Burger Joint, 330 E. Grayson St., hosts numerous entertainers. For times, costs or cancellations, visit http://www.samsburgerjoint.com/ calendar/.
OCTOBER
SCARY MOVIES St. Paul Square at Sunset Station, 1174 E. Commerce St., will show free, outdoor films including “The Brain That Wouldn’t Die” (Oct. 7); “Carnival of Souls” (Oct. 14); “The Terror” (Oct. 21); and “Night of the Living Dead” (Oct. 28). Screenings begin at dusk. Bring chairs to the physically distanced events. For updates or cancellations, visit https:// www.slabcinema.com/free-outdoor-films/ st-paul-square-sunset-station.
DOWNTOWN PERFORMANCES
OCTOBER
AZTEC OFFERINGS The Aztec Theatre, 104 N. St. Mary’s St., will host performers including The Black Jacket Symphony Presents Led Zeppelin IV (Oct. 17) and Heather McMahan (Oct. 24). For more including show times, ticket costs, updates or cancellations, visit https://www. theaztectheatre.com/.
NOV. 5
AUDUBON SOCIETY The San Antonio Audubon Society meets at 7 p.m. in the San Antonio Zoo Education Center, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. For updates, visit saaudubon.org or www.facebook.com/saaudubon/.
NOV. 5
ALAMO CITY GUARDS, CAMP 1325 The chapter conducts a 7 p.m. meeting in the Fiesta Room at Luby’s, 911 N. Main Ave. Members and guests are welcome to eat at 6 p.m.; no reservations required. For updates or cancellations, visit www. alamocityguards.com.
NOV. 5
NUTRITION DISCUSSION Live with Nature meets from 10-11:30 a.m. at San Antonio College’s Sinkin EcoCentro, 1802 N. Main Ave. Free sessions might include health tips, recipes and plant swaps. For updates or cancellations, call 210-492-4620. HAPPENING continues on pg. 19 LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
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DECISION 2020
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
Election Showdown by EDMOND ORTIZ
NORTH CENTRAL VOTERS are looking at U.S. Senate and House races, candidates for state office and picking a new Bexar County Precinct 3 commissioner and sheriff in the Nov. 3 elections.
U.S. SENATE
U.S. SENATE VS JOHN CORNYN
MJ HEGAR
Air Force veteran MJ Hegar, D-Round Rock, opposes a bid for a fourth term by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-San Antonio. Cornyn, a former Texas Supreme Court justice and state attorney general, has built a conservative track record on issues such as immigration, taxes, spending, abortion, gun control, health care and public education. Hegar supports expanding affordable health care access, lower prescription-drug prices, protecting reproductive rights, immigration reform, investing in clean, renewable energy to create jobs, strengthening ties with U.S. allies abroad, and commonsense gun laws. Libertarian Kerry McKennon and Green Party member David Collins are also on the ballot.
MAURO GARZA
VS
JOAQUIN CASTRO
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 20 CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 35
JENNY GARCIA SHARON
VS
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 20 Republican Mauro Garza, a business owner, challenges Democratic U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro’s bid for a fifth term. Castro, a former state legislator and Stanford University graduate,
LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
LLOYD DOGGETT
OCT. 6 - NOV. 3, 2020
L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S
has worked in public education, health care and the juvenilejustice system. Recently, he was vocal about changes in U.S. Postal Service operations and how they affect mail delivery. Garza served at the Texas Biomedical Research Institute, taught in the Alamo Colleges District, and founded two companies. He advocates continuing many policies supported or implemented by President Donald Trump, including stronger border protection. Libertarian Jeffrey Blunt is also on the ballot.
Sharon is pro-life, pro-Second Amendment, pro-border wall, plus supports free-market health care solutions, and school choice. Libertarian Mark Loewe and independent Jason Mata Sr. are also on the ballot.
TEXAS HOUSE DISTRICT 121 State Rep. Steve Allison, a Republican who succeeded former Texas House Speaker Joe Straus, seeks a second term. He’s in a rematch with Democrat Celina Montoya, whom he bested in 2018. Allison previously served on the Alamo Heights Independent School District and VIA Metropolitan Transit boards. He advocates free-market principles, protecting constitutional liberties and reducing burdensome government regulations. Serving with several local youth and literacy-related nonprofits, Montoya is campaigning for expanding Medicaid, supporting small businesses and affordable health care, and investing more in public schools.
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 35 Jenny Garcia Sharon, R-Austin, opposes U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, a former Texas senator and state Supreme Court justice. Doggett, a 25-year congressman, favors a stronger response to the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. He also promotes gun-safety legislation, affordable health care, pro-family immigration reform, and helping small-business owners.
DECISION 2020
Libertarian Shawn Huckabay is also on the ballot.
TEXAS HOUSE DISTRICT 120 Republican Ronald Payne faces two-term state Rep. Barbara GervinHawkins, a Democrat. A former educator and San Antonio zoning commissioner, Gervin-Hawkins is special-projects coordinator of the George Gervin Youth Center, and co-founder of the Gervin Academy. She has long focused on education and criminal-justice reform. Payne has been a vocational nurse, emergency medical technician and volunteer firefighter. He’s also volunteered with several religious and secular humanitarian-aid groups. The Army veteran advocates free-market and libertarian approaches to several issues.
BEXAR COUNTY PRECINCT 3 Communications-firm owner Trish DeBerry, a Republican, is vying with attorney Christine Hortick, a Democrat, to succeed outgoing Commissioner Kevin Wolff. DeBerry, a television-news veteran, is campaigning on low taxes, propertyappraisal reform, job creation, preventing fraud and abuse of senior
citizens, and improving infrastructure. Hortick, a San Antonio native and former aide to the late U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy, is promoting expanding access to women’s and mental health care, protecting abused and neglected children, economic development, and smart transportation.
BEXAR COUNTY SHERIFF Republican Gerald “Gerry” Rickhoff, a former Bexar County clerk, opposes Democrat Javier Salazar’s bid for a second term. An ex-San Antonio police officer, Salazar has promoted ways the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office seeks to partner with culturally diverse communities. Under his tenure, BCSO has outfitted deputies with body cameras, and is launching a pilot program to better address mental health-related calls. Rickhoff believes his administrative experience can benefit county jail operations, which came under scrutiny after a series of escapes, plus legal troubles for some guards. He hails from a politically active family, which includes a judge and peace officer. Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com.
TEXAS HOUSE DISTRICT 121
TEXAS HOUSE DISTRICT 120
VS
VS
STEVE ALLISON
LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
CELINA MONTOYA
RONALD PAYNE
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BARBARA GERVINHAWKINS
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L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S
DECISION 2020
OCT. 6 - NOV. 3, 2020
ALAMO HEIGHTS’ $13M BOND WOULD FUND BROADWAY REVAMP by EDMOND ORTIZ
ALAMO HEIGHTS — Residents will vote Nov. 3 on a $13.2 million bond funding the city’s portion of a $31.6 million project upgrading Broadway.
San Antonio has already started efforts to enhance its section of the thoroughfare, which runs north from downtown, through Alamo Heights and to the North Side. If the Alamo Heights electorate approves the local referendum, betterments on the stretch of Broadway inside the city limits include a new underground box culvert, updated curb inlets, modernized sewer and water lines, road-surface improvements — pavement, wider sidewalks, bike lanes and traffic signals — and landscaping incorporating lowimpact development features. In addition, the route would shrink from six lanes to four, and center medians with turn lanes will be introduced. The main goal is to curtail flooding at Broadway and Austin Highway. But, city leaders also see an opportunity to remake the heavily traveled traffic artery into a “complete street” friendlier to motorists, pedestrians and merchants. Mayor Bobby Rosenthal said the roadwork would reinvent Broadway from Austin Highway to Burr Road. He added, though, “the most important purpose is to reduce drainage and bring property out of the floodplain.” “The focus during construction would be on the operating businesses and the traffic flow,” he said. Alamo Heights has financial
pledges from the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization ($10 million); Texas Department of Transportation ($4 million); and San Antonio River Authority ($1.3 million). If Alamo Heights’ voters OK the bond issue, there would be a $3.07 million funding gap left over. The city plans to close the shortfall by redirecting $2.1 million in utility-fund certificates for replacing the water and sewer lines, and earmarking $978,000 in general-fund money over the next four fiscal years to cover project contingency costs. An approved bond would raise the city’s total property-tax rate from the current 38.4 cents per $100 valuation to 40.6 cents. The owner of a home valued at $350,000 would pay about $70 more annually. Construction could start in 2022 or 2023 and last at least 18 months, officials said. The
town will keep working with Overland Partners on landscape design. A third, final informational meeting is 6 p.m. Oct. 8, accessible by Zoom, Vimeo, YouTube and Facebook Live. Visit www.alamoheightstx.gov for details. Find this story and more at www.localcommunitynews.com.
ELECTION BASICS by EDMOND ORTIZ
RARE MAYOR’S RACE IN TERRELL HILLS ON BALLOT by EDMOND ORTIZ
TERRELL HILLS — Contested elections don’t frequently happen here, but residents headed to the polls Nov. 3 will get to choose a new mayor.
City councilmen John Low and William Ochse III are vying to succeed Mayor Anne Ballantyne, who declined a bid for a fourth term. Terrell Hills postponed its May elections after Gov. Greg Abbott said the COVID-19 outbreak made it unsafe to open polling places. Low owns and runs a local law firm. A graduate of Southern Methodist University’s school of law, he previously served with the Board of Adjustment and the Planning and Zoning Commission. He’s a former board member with both the Alamo Heights School Foundation and the San Antonio Country Club. If elected, Low wants to increase Police Department pay to match the Fire Department. He also promises to back salary hikes across the board for both units over time “as our budget allows so that we can attract the best candidates for our departments as positions become available.” In addition, Low advocates: providing comprehensive repair/replacement of city streets as part of Terrell Hills’ long-term capital-improvement program; beautifying town entrances as funds become available; expanding physical work spaces for municipal staff; and embracing MAYOR continues on pg. 13
VOTERS DURING THE NOV. 3 general election likely will see a lengthy ballot.
In addition to the presidential battle, there’s a range of congressional, county and state legislative races to consider. Also to be determined are contests and special initiatives delayed from local May elections because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
HERE ARE A FEW KEY THINGS TO REMEMBER: EARLY-VOTING HOURS: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 13-17; noon to 6 p.m. Oct. 18 and 25; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 1924; and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 26-30.
Area voting sites include: Lions Field, 2809 Broadway; San Antonio College Victory Center, 1802 N. Main Ave.; Tobin Branch Library at Oakwell, 4134 Harry Wurzbach Road; and Bexar County Elections Department, 1103 S. Frio St. Voters on Election Day may cast a ballot at any open Bexar County polling site (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.).
OCT. 6 - NOV. 3, 2020
L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S
DECISION 2020
BEXAR COUNTY SHERIFF
BEXAR COUNTY PRECINCT 3
VS
VS
GERALD “GERRY” RICKHOFF
ELECTION BASICS Oct. 23 is the final day to apply for a mail-in ballot. Any county-registered voter may apply for one if: 65 years of age or older prior to Nov. 3; sick or disabled; out of the county on Election Day and during the period of early voting by personal appearance; or confined in jail, but eligible to vote. Mail-in ballot applications are available through the Bexar County Elections Department. Call 210-335-8683 or visit https://www.bexar.org/1568/ Elections-Department for details on other voter information, including Election Day polling sites.
JAVIER SALAZAR
ID card containing the person’s photo; U.S. citizenship certificate or naturalization certificate containing the person’s picture; or a U.S. passport.
The electorate must practice social distancing and wear a mask when casting an inperson ballot. Hand sanitizer is available. The new electronic voting machines use ExpressVote, which enables a voter to print a ballot card and verify choices.
MORE INFORMATION
AT THE POLLS
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF TEXAS (https://my.lwv.org/texas/ election-information) provides nonpartisan election information.
VOTERS MUST PRESENT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING: a Texas driver’s license; Texas Election Identification Certificate; Texas ID card; Texas concealed handgun license (issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety); U.S. military
MOVE Texas (https:// movetexas.org) works to empower mainly young people through civic education, leadership development, plus information on voter mobilization and issue advocacy. Find this story and more at www.localcommunitynews.com.
LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
TRISH DEBERRY
11
CHRISTINE HORTICK
NEISD, ACD RACES AWAIT NORTH CENTRAL VOTERS by EDMOND ORTIZ
SOME OAK PARK/NORTHWOOD RESIDENTS taking part in the Nov. 3 election will cast ballots in a North East Independent School District board race.
Meanwhile, voters in the Bel Meade and Mahncke Park neighborhoods and the Alamo Heights area will elect two Alamo Colleges District trustees. The COVID-19 outbreak forced NEISD and ACD to delay their respective board votes from May 2 until the fall general elections. Two Oak Park/Northwood denizens vie for the District 4 seat in NEISD. Incumbent David Beyer, a landscape architect, was appointed to the post in early 2019 to fill the rest of Jim Wheat’s term. Beyer’s wife is a district alumna; they currently send their children to NEISD schools. Classroom innovation, hiring and retaining more quality teachers, plus improved mental health and socialemotional learning methods are key issues in Beyer’s campaign. “I have the temperament to work closely with six other individuals to make decisions for all 65,000 students,” Beyer said. “I am able to present opposing views, engage in discussion and leave my
personal biases at the door for the greater good of NEISD.” Opponent Joseph Hoelscher is a childwelfare attorney and former educator. He’s an adjunct faculty member at Our Lady of the Lake University and previously taught at TMI-Episcopal. His campaign priorities include bolstering special education and gifted/ talented programs, particularly for younger students. Hoelscher said the current school board lacks a trustee with experience as an educator and someone with businessmanagement experience. “I look forward to working with the other members so we can learn from each other,” he added. BOARD continues on pg. 13
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EDUCATION
L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S OCT. 6 - NOV. 3, 2020
Keeping Bexar County businesses Strong during COVID-19. Even before any national pandemic support was created, Bexar County developed and implemented an $11,750,000 loan and grant fund to help micro and small Bexar County businesses weather the COVID-19 storm. The programs, administered for Bexar County by LiftFund of Texas, have helped over 850 businesses stay open and provide continued employment opportunities for hundreds of Bexar County residents. Together, we will all get through this difficult time. Because together, we are Bexar County Strong.
Bexar County
STRONG See our latest Impact Report at
BexarCountyStrong.org
Pandemic hits school budgets AHISD EXPECTS TO FINISH CONSTRUCTION by EDMOND ORTIZ
NEW ACADEMIC-YEAR BUDGETS passed by North Central school districts weigh how the COVID-19 pandemic affects ongoing student enrollment, staffing and tax revenues.
Many school systems are confronting challenges in providing remote instruction or a mix of on-campus classes and virtual lessons, with some teachers and parents concerned about returning to places of learning amid efforts to contain the novel coronavirus. Districts also worry about local and state tax income because of emergency measures taken to address the outbreak, and job losses, which might impair people’s ability to pay mortgages or property taxes.
Hagar also said AHISD will issue the “remainder of the $135 million bond program — $20 million — and construction of the district natatorium and athletic complex will be complete this year.”
AHISD
NEISD
Alamo Heights Independent School District trustees adopted a combined general and debt-service fund budget of $94 million in expenses for 2020-2021 — an increase over the $91.7 million approved in 2019-2020. AHISD has $28.7 million in instruction-related expenditures this year, a slim dip from $29.5 million last year. The district projects $93.9 million in revenues for this academic calendar, slightly higher than $92.3 million of 2019-2020. AHISD is cutting the maintenance and operating part of its tax rate of $1.19 per valuation by 1.36 cents. According to Mike Hagar, assistant superintendent for business and finance, the $1.1 million budget deficit reflects $718,000 recaptured by the state, and $300,000 in the district’s pandemic response.
The North East Independent School District adopted a $564.2 million general-fund budget, which contains a $6.74 million increase in instructionrelated expenses. This year’s allocation is $4.6 million lower than last year’s. NEISD is delaying raises until it gets answers concerning enrollment and state school finance. Yet, the school board authorized Superintendent Sean Maika to decide whether to give employees retention bonuses. District 6 Trustee Tony Jaso praised district staff for formulating a budget while unknowns created by the coronavirus outbreak remain. “You guys do a great job given the variables you don’t have. You’ve positioned us the best way you can,” he said. NEISD projects $553.5 million in
OCT. 6 - NOV. 3, 2020
L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S
general-fund revenue this year. The district dipped into its fund balance to equalize the new financial plan. It also set the property-tax rate at $1.27 per $100 valuation — almost 2 cents lower than 2019-2020. The owner of an average-valued home in NEISD should expect to pay $117 more in taxes this school year.
SAISD
The San Antonio Independent School District’s new $498 million general-fund budget includes more than $3 million in proposed incentives for high-performing teachers working in high-needs areas. The Texas Education Agency must approve the package in the district’s compensation plan because the awards aren’t state funded. SAISD is also continuing a $500 longevity stipend for all employees who’ve completed their 15th year of in-district tenure. The latest balance sheet assumes student enrollment will basically stay flat from last school year; the figure in 2019-2020 was reported at about 48,500 pupils, with this year’s projected to be 48,547. SAISD’s total property-tax rate of $1.53 per $100 valuation is unchanged. While the school board unanimously adopted the budget, trustee Steve Lecholop suggested district administrators start the bookkeeping earlier in the academic year, and make it easier for the public to receive data. “We are doing really good things (in the district) and I want people to know, and not have to dig around the website and a large amount of documents to see that,” he said. The district is asking voters to approve a $1.3 billion bond in the Nov. 3 election. Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com.
MAYOR continues from pg. 10
technological advances at City Hall to help maintain optimal city operations. A retired Army Reserve captain, Ochse holds two businessadministration degrees from the University of Texas at Austin. He’s a real estate broker and a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers. Ochse, who has an extensive background in commercial real estate, said his expertise includes development, property and project management, marketing, sales, leasing, entitlements and zoning ordinances. He served two years on planning and zoning before his council election in 2000. During his tenure on the dais, Ochse said he helped craft the mission statement and strategic goals for the council, plus the execution of the new City Hall. He also initiated and supported motions for bond elections to minimize infrastructure costs and led efforts to develop a comprehensive residential-zoning ordinance. If he becomes mayor, Ochse wants to focus on alley maintenance, review commercial- and residential-zoning ordinances, and create alternate sources for sales-tax revenues. “During my 22 years of service to the city and its residents, I have been able to use my professional experience and knowledge to enhance the effectiveness of our city leadership,” he added. Realtor Kate Lanfear was the only person to file for Low’s Place 2 council spot. Councilman Bill Mitchell, a local business owner from Place 1, is running unopposed. Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com.
EDUCATION/DECISION 2020
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BOARD continues from pg.11
Because NEISD will host 46 on-campus polling sites, schools are closed to students Nov. 3 to create a safe and secure environment for all, officials said. Meanwhile, José Macias Jr., a former Judson Independent School District trustee, seeks a full term as an ACD board member from District 2. Gloria Ray, a federal civil-service retiree, opposes him. Macias is campaigning for fiscal responsibility, initiating collegereadiness collaborations, improving student retention, increasing the number of minority students, producing more workforcedevelopment partnerships, and creating a second-chance program for adults previously imprisoned. Ray advocates expanding tuition assistance, work-study and internship programs, bolstering academic/workforce education and certifications, plus sustaining quality infrastructure at all campuses. The District 9 seat in ACD has three candidates: incumbent Joe Jesse Sanchez, attorney Leslie Sachanowicz and Michael John Good. Sanchez, a former teacher and school administrator, has in recent years been administrator of the Bexar County Juvenile Probation Department’s Juvenile Justice Academy. Sachanowicz is a former Bexar County assistant district attorney now teaching government at San Antonio College. Good recently graduated from St. Philip’s College, having studied construction technology there. He has social-work experience. Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com. LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
JOY
Where do you find joy during these strange days of COVID-19? Surprisingly, maybe you’ve discovered that JOY has found you. Though we are definitely impacted by our circumstances, we are not a prisoner to COVID-19. Ages ago, this was what the psalmist knew when he wrote Psalm 100, “Shout for joy . . . Worship the Lord with gladness . . . Come before Him with joyful songs.” Why? Because in all circumstances we can know this central truth – “the Lord is good. His love & faithfulness endure forever. We are His.” Therefore joy stirs inside of us like a wellspring to quench the thirst of our parched souls. C. S. Lewis discovered this truth during a different era in his own life while – absorbing the childhood tragedy of his mother’s death; recovering from the trauma of being a frontline soldier in a bloody war; anguishing through intellectual doubts – he found himself “surprised by a joy” beyond his own creation, (the subsequent name of his autobiography). Therefore let’s encourage each other in the basic truth of joy’s source, “we are the Lord’s” (Psalm 100:3). And when this season of COVID-19 passes, let’s remember who got us through and “shout to the Lord a joyful song, all the earth.” Les Hollon, PhD Senior Pastor
Worship on Sundays Join us on Sundays in-person or watch our services streamed live at 10:45am facebook /tbcsanantonio www.trinitybaptist.org
Connect with Us:
319 E. Mulberry Ave | (210) 733-6201 24-hr Prayer line: (210) 738-PRAY info@trinitybaptist.org /leshollon /tbcsanantonio @trinitybaptist_sa
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L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S OCT. 6 - NOV. 3, 2020
TAKE A QUICK LOOK AT WHAT’S NEW IN THE COMMUNITY FROM OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS TO NEWS TIDBITS.
Open and Opening Soon MR. JUICY, 3315 San Pedro Ave., has opened under chef Andrew Weissman in the spot occupied for decades by a Jack in the Box. The original Mr. Juicy still operates in Olmos Park. The new eatery serves hamburgers, cheeseburgers or double cheeseburgers with six addons available, including egg. A variety of shakes are on the menu, too — chocolate, caramel, vanilla, peanut butter, strawberry or Nutella. There are two desserts: Key lime pie and “House Famous Cookies.” Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. For more, visit www.facebook. com/pages/Mr-Juicy/899699013715398. (See the story on page 18)
JARDÍN, 555 Funston Place, is a new eatery launched by chef Jason Dady at the San Antonio Botanical Garden’s Sullivan Carriage House featuring Mediterranean
cuisine and a full bar. The garden also opened the Betty Kelso Center, named after the philanthropist. The events venue boasts 3,500 square feet of banquet seating space, a lobby, two green rooms, outdoor speakers and a full catering kitchen. Restaurant and center hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. For more, visit https://www.sabot.org/visit/jardin/.
GRUB GAB: Papa’s Burgers opened a second location at 6900 San Pedro Ave. For more, call 210-781-9171 or visit www.papasburgerssatx.com. The Hayden delicatessen debuts later this year at 4025 Broadway, offering lunch and dinner on weekdays, and breakfast
on weekends. Visit www.facebook.com/ thehaydensa. Extra Fine opened its doors at 138 E. Mistletoe Ave., serving breakfast and lunch sandwiches, pastries, coffees and juices. Hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, accepting only credit/debit card payments, and as of press time providing only to-go service. Visit http://extrafinesa.com for more. Vegan Avenue launched at 2512 N. Main Ave., cooking up vegan breakfast and lunch items. It’s open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Visit www.eatveganavenue.com or www.facebook.com/VeganAvenueSA. La Panadería, 8305 Broadway, now sports an expanded outdoor patio to accommodate dining with COVID-19
Smart Investment. Proven Results. In 2012, San Antonio voters made a smart investment by approving a 1/8-cent sales tax to fund Pre-K 4 SA. Eight years later, the program has provided high-quality early childhood education to thousands of kids and has become a model of success. The reauthorization of the funding will be on the November 3 ballot. Your yes vote will ensure the investment made is protected and that this proven program continues the transformational and meaningful progress to thousands more kids and families.
EARLY VOTING: OCT. 13 – OCT. 30
VOTE
YES TO GET KIDS SCHOOL READY
HIGHER KINDERGARTEN READINESS HIGHER TEST SCORES HIGHER SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
NO NEW TAXES ELECTION DAY: NOV. 3
Pol. ad by Keep Pre-K 4 SA, Henry Gonzalez, III, Treasurer, P.O. Box 461234, San Antonio, TX 78246.
OCT. 6 - NOV. 3, 2020
L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S
safety measures. Visit www.lapanaderia. com for details. Augie’s Alamo City BBQ Steakhouse, 909 Broadway, has a new beer- and whiskey-centric bar outdoors, Brazed, offering traditional pub fare 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday. The Fairmount Hotel, 401 S. Alamo St., now features a rooftop oyster bar accessible to all. Hours are 4-9 p.m. daily. Call 210-224-8800 or visit www.siloelevatedcuisine.com for more. Volare closed its longtime Alamo Heights location, but the Italian restaurant and pizzeria’s Olmos Park site at 3902 McCullough Ave., where Olmos Pharmacy once stood, remains open. Chilaquil, focused on traditional Mexican fare and chilaquiles, plans to debut at Pearl’s Bottling Department, 312 Pearl Parkway, Building 6, in October. Hours will be 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday in the food hall. Visit www.eatchilaquil.com for more. Also at Pearl, Best Quality Daughter will launch in November where Granary ’Cue & Brew once stood. The menu will offer “new Asian American” cuisine, with a full bar. For more, visit bestqualitydaughter.com.
IN OTHER NEWS:
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learners chosen as Bank of America Student Leaders. He spent the summer developing leadership, civic engagement and workforce skills working with local civic, business and nonprofit leaders in a virtual format, sponsors said. Topics discussed included social justice, civil rights, and building of a more diverse and inclusive society, according to a news release.
OLMOS PARK RESIDENT AND THE HOTCHKISS SCHOOL student Sarah Moorman created Day2Vote.org, an online initiative to help urge 500 San Antonio companies and organizations to declare meaningful time off for employees to vote in the Nov. 3 elections. Moorman said each November Election Day should be a holiday or on a weekend. “How could we get there? Perhaps starting with employers giving their employees a day off to vote,” she added. Moorman said many respondents, including business owners, have embraced the idea, but others are hesitant because of the potential financial impact or that extra early voting days this election year are sufficient.
TERRELL HILLS IS RESTRICTING RESIDENTIAL property use for short-
A $12 MILLION MAKEOVER OF LA VILLITA’S MAVERICK PLAZA begins this fall. The
term rentals. Banned are residential property rentals for fewer than 30 days, nor can consecutive six-month leases in a specified short time frame be renegotiated, officials said.
San Antonio Historic and Design Review Commission in August approved planned public improvements, including reducing interior public space, adding square footage along South Alamo Street, and removing stone walls. Chef Johnny Hernandez’s Grupo La Gloria will lead a project to add three restaurants, kiosks, a demonstration kitchen and plaza parking.
OLMOS PARK HAS CREATED A FOURTH SINGLE-FAMILY residential category in a new zoning district for properties surrounding Alameda Circle. According to city leaders, the goal is “to preserve the unique residential lots.”
RECENT ALAMO HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE James Schnoebelen was one of four San Antonio-area high school
THE THIRD INSTALLMENT OF CENTRO San Antonio’s Art Everywhere initiative includes giant, yellow painted words on LOWDOWN continues on pg. 19 LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
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L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S
GOVERNMENT
OCT. 6 - NOV. 3, 2020
Smaller cities dodge COVID-19 budget cuts DESPITE PROTESTS, SAN ANTONIO APPROVES PAY INCREASE FOR POLICE OFFICERS by EDMOND ORTIZ
union contract with the city. The budget went into effect Oct. 1. Meanwhile, Alamo Heights and Olmos Park both project increased revenues due to rising property appraisals. Terrell Hills’ fiscal year runs Jan. 1-Dec. 31. The city will adopt its 2021 budget later this fall.
SAN ANTONIO WHILE THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC’S IMPACT forced San Antonio to cut spending in Fiscal Year 2021, smaller North Central cities’ budgets remain stable.
San Antonio’s new $2.9 billion budget, however, includes reinstated money for road fixes, bolsters community services and features more funds for police. The latter measure has drawn fire from law-
enforcement reform advocates. No layoffs are in the financial plan. Police get a 5% raise, as mandated by a
Local sales agent with local Medicare Advantage plans. I’m Melissa Navarro, a licensed sales agent in San Antonio & Austin, Texas. When it comes to Medicare, it’s important to consider all of your options. What works well for your neighbor may not be the best fit for you. I know the ins and outs of Medicare, and I’m ready to answer you questions and help you find a plan that fits your needs. Take advantage of my knowledge and experience to: • Take the confusion out of Medicare • Get help comparing plans
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Reductions were made in various departments to accommodate COVID-19 response and recovery initiatives, and shortfalls in tourist- and convention-related revenue streams damaged by the coronavirus outbreak. Three components comprise the budget — the general fund, restricted funds and the capital budget. The $1.28 billion generaloperating fund for FY 2021 is 0.4% greater than last year’s counterpart. However, the overall budget is $4.4 million less than FY 2020, with the city facing a revenue shortfall of $127 million primarily due to the pandemic. Officials stressed no city workers are losing their jobs, but a hiring freeze is in place, with no raises coming. Community services including libraries, youth programs and senior services won’t see any significant alterations. The city is returning more than $40 million in street maintenance deferred in the 2020 budget when it addressed shrinking revenues. Altogether, San Antonio is allocating $102 million on street repairs and $18 million on
sidewalk upgrades citywide.
Some budgeted North Central projects include: • West Russell Place from West Ashby Place to Breeden Street • Shannon Lee Street from McCullough Avenue to East Skipper Drive • Edison Drive sidewalks from Blanco Road to North Audubon Drive San Antonio’s 2021 balance sheet also has a combined $61 million for affordable housing, mental health care and drug treatment, and homelessness initiatives, including creating 11 outreach teams — one for each council district and downtown. Aid for renters struggling in the crisis is key, District 1 Councilman Roberto Treviño said. “Our priority needs to be about keeping people in their homes,” he added. The budget also expands a program where eligible homeowners can replace their worn or damaged roof with new, energyefficient coverings for free. District 5 Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales commended city staff for crafting a balanced budget without a “negative impact on the services that the community always expects.” District 10 Councilman Clayton Perry lauded restoring money for roads. “(The previous cuts added) to our backlog that continuously builds up every year and it’s critical we don’t fall too far behind,” he said. Funding to the Police Department disappointed residents who sought to reduce its allocation
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L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S
following protests against racial inequality and use-of-force policies. The department’s slice of the pie increased 1.7%, including more money for family-violence prevention. Regarding cries to defund police, City Manager Erik Walsh proposed a lengthy review to be undertaken by the council, staff, Police Chief William McManus and the community “to define what we want the police to engage in the future.” He said many calls to police, such as mental-health care checks, need more nuance. “We need to think about what kind of encounters we want to put our police officers in. Some of them are completely appropriate,” Walsh said. District 2 Councilwoman Jada Andrews-Sullivan said if the city cannot redirect police funding elsewhere in the budget, officials must find other ways to boost Police Department accountability. Andrews-Sullivan suggested voters could consider repealing two chapters in Texas’ localgovernment code, which require collective bargaining agreements, and control officer misconduct. “We have to make sure this goes back into citizens of San Antonio’s hands and ask them when do you want to see this take place and how do you want this to shape up,” she said. Perry defended the police budget. “As far as the number of officers on the street, we don’t want a reduction. In fact, what I’m hearing is that we need more,” he said.
GOVERNMENT
TESTING
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ALAMO HEIGHTS The city’s $10.8 million generalfund budget is a 3.4% decrease from the FY 2020 version. Alamo Heights has a 2% salary adjustment for employees, more than $354,800 to replace publicsafety equipment, and $75,000 for swimming-pool complex renovations. The new budget also contains $75,000 to an engineer consultant for the proposed Broadway revamp, and $25,000 to develop a commercial corridor master plan. Local taxable values have risen 2.3%. Revenues for FY 2021 total $11 million — a 1.3% increase. The total property-tax rate is staying at 38.6 cents per $100 valuation. Neither the pandemic nor the resulting economic downturn had an impact on funding, but City Manager Buddy Kuhn added, “a prolonged economic recession or depression will eventually affect these revenue streams.”
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OLMOS PARK The town adopted a $3.72 million general-fund budget with $3.8 million in operating revenues. Police, Fire and Public Works departments are all getting more money. The capital project and equipment fund includes $50,000 for City Hall repairs, $180,000 for road maintenance, and $50,000 for McCullough Avenue enhancements. Olmos Park is dropping its total tax rate from 43.4 cents per $100 valuation to 41.9 cents. The town’s average homestead taxable value has increased 1.5%. Find this story and more at www.localcommunitynews.com. LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
1
Cuellar Community Center 5626 San Fernando St, San Antonio, TX 78237
2
Kazen Middle School 1520 Gillette Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78224
3
Freeman Coliseum 3201 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78219
Parents may be asked to assist with administering the COVID-19 test If their child requires assistance.
covid19.sanantonio.org
18 EAT
L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S OCT. 6 - NOV. 3, 2020
LEARN ABOUT THE NEWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLACES FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER.
Chef-prepared fare at second Mr. Juicy by OLIVIER J. BOURGOIN
WITH THE OPENING OF ANOTHER MR. JUICY, chef Andrew Weissman hopes to duplicate a winning concept.
Debuting in August at 3315 San Pedro Ave. in a former Jack in the Box, this iteration is only about a half mile from the Olmos Park original, which Weissman doesn’t plan to shutter. “I want to open 200 of these in the next five years.” Weissman said. “I’m going to put six to eight Once a Jack in the Box for decades, the site at San Pedro and West Hildebrand avenues now houses chef Andrew Weissman’s second Mr. Juicy. Photos by Olivier J. Bourgoin
RIDGECREST APARTMENTS ALL BILLS PAID
Playground On Site Laundry Facility 24-Hr. Emergency Maintenance On Site Overnight Courtesy Patrol Phone: 210-822-5750 Fax: 210-822-5751 • TTY (800) 735-2989 Hours: M-F 8am - 5pm
Burgers and shakes are on the keep-it-basic menu.
Owner does not discriminate against persons with disabilities
more in San Antonio, about 20 in the San Marcos/ South Austin area, some in Dallas.” Although well versed in fine dining, Weissman is no stranger to the hamburger, having developed Big’z Burger Joint in association with his sister, Lauren. The new Mr. Juicy at the corner of West Hildebrand Avenue, across the street from the original Taco Cabana, has already exceeded expectations, with 3,000 patties gobbled up in a single weekend, Weissman said. “We bake our own buns, we hand cut our fries and double blanch them. Everything is homemade, inhouse,” he added. The no-nonsense menu keeps it basic: hamburgers, cheeseburgers or double cheeseburgers with add-ons available, including bacon, mushrooms, fries and egg. Mr. Juicy also is home to the Wet Burger, which adds a specially crafted peppercorn sauce topping. Shake lovers can choose chocolate, caramel, vanilla, peanut butter, strawberry or Nutella. Dessert options are Key lime pie or “House Famous Cookies.” Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
MR. JUICY
3315 San Pedro Ave. For more, visit www.facebook.com/pages/Mr-Juicy/899699013715398
OCT. 6 - NOV. 3, 2020
L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S
HAPPENING continues from pg. 07
THIS FALL
DOSEUM DOINGS The DoSeum, 2800 Broadway, provides numerous online and in-person programs for children of all ages, and educators seeking professional-development opportunities. For a list of offerings with specific dates, updates or cancellations, visit www.thedoseum.org.
THROUGH JAN. 17 ART EXHIBIT
Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St., presents “Visual Voices: Contemporary Chickasaw Art.” See the collection of work by tribal artists. During the COVID-19 pandemic, health and safety protocols are enforced. For updates or cancellations, visit https://www. briscoemuseum.org.
place. Guests may park for free in Travis Park Plaza garage. Hopscotch will be open 2-11 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturdays, and noon-9 p.m. this fall. Ages 3-under free, $15 for 4-13 and $24 for others. Visit www.letshopscotch.com.
ONGOING
SAISD FREE SCHOOL MEALS Qualifying campuses in San Antonio Independent School District serve breakfast and lunch to all children at no charge and eliminate the collection of meal applications for free, reduced-price and paid student meals. For updates or cancellations, call 210-554-2290.
ONGOING
MCNAY EXHIBITS
The Good Kind Southtown, 1127 S. St. Mary’s St., hosts “Wednesday Vibes in the Garden,” from 6-10 p.m. For updates, visit https://eatgoodkind.com.
McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave., hosts “Artists Looking at Art: Ruben Luna” (through Jan. 3); “Forever/Siempre Selena” (through Jan. 10); “Kelly O’Connor: Multifaceted Woman” (through Jan. 17); and “Hollywood’s Sistine Chapel: Sacred Sets for Stage & Screen” (through April 4). For updates or cancellations, visit https://www.mcnayart.org/.
SUNDAYS
ELSEWHERE IN SAN ANTONIO
During the coronavirus pandemic, free sessions, normally 10-11 a.m. at Confluence Park, 310 W. Mitchell St., will be online. It's yoga with a practice designed for all levels. For more and to participate live at 10 a.m., visit https://www.facebook.com/MobileOm, or any time after on Mobile Om’s YouTube channel.
READY, SET, GO!
WEDNESDAYS GOOD VIBES
YOGA CLASS
ONGOING
HOPSCOTCH An immersive art experience, Hopscotch, opens inside the Travis Park Plaza Building, 711 Navarro St., featuring 14 installations from more than 40 local, national and international artists. COVID-19 safety measures and capacity limits will be in
OCT. 10
The Wounded Warrior Project Mission in Motion will be virtual due to the coronavirus outbreak. Run or walk in the Carry Forward 5K from your treadmill or neighborhood streets and raise money for injured veterans. For registration costs, updates or cancellations, visit https:// carryforward.woundedwarriorproject. org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive. event&eventID=533.
HAPPENING/LOWDOWN
LOWDOWN continues from pg. 15
the streets surrounding Travis Park. Artist Anthony Dean-Harris developed the street-mural concept. Artists and volunteers overnight in August wrote a message from local poet laureate Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson: “Jubilant and exuberant is the melanin of our skin. From despair, we have arisen.”
GREEN SPACES ALLIANCE RECENTLY LAUNCHED A PARTNERSHIP with the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word and Headwaters at Incarnate Word to place the iconic Blue Hole in a conservation easement. Area springs contribute to the headwaters of the San Antonio River. The easement now covers 50 acres, which mainly serve as a nature
sanctuary, and contains a recreational trail network, sports field, greenhouse and gardens, plus many natural artesian springs, including Blue Hole.
THE SAN ANTONIO PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT started the North Flores Street/Fredericksburg Road intersection bond project, which will create new traffic signals, curbs, sidewalks and bike lanes.
KEYSTONE SCHOOL ALUMNI Ben Feinstein is featured in “Boys State,” an Apple TV+ documentary about Texas Boys State, the American Legion’s yearly government-instruction program. Find Local Lowdown at www. localcommunitynews.com.
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THE ALL NEW 2018 • Engine Management Systems BMW 530e.
ENGINE LIGHT & DIAGNOSTIC TEST*
• Exhausts Systems/ Power Steering • Transmission Repairs • Classic Restoration BRAKE • Brake Service The all-new BMW 530e iPerformance with EPA estimated 72 MPGeSPECIAL maximizes • Suspensionincludingyou lift kits efficiency by affording the ability to power your drive OR using all-gas, FRONT REAR. PER AXEL* • Fleet Maintenance all-electric or an intelligent combination of both. Plus, with features like eBoost
$99.99
1400WDealership Hildebrand Ave principleauto
CALL TO REQUEST
San Antonio,TX 78201 FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED 5 RATING ON GOOGLE AND YELP
BMWofSanAntonio.com AN APPOINTMENT 877-447-7443 | 8434 Airport Blvd.
4204 GARDENDALE STE. 201
A
4204 Gardendale Ste.TX107 SAN ANTONIO, 78229 San Antonio, TX 78229
BMW of San Antonio (210) 733-0491
BEXAR AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR
C O M M COMMUNITY U N I T Y NNEWS EWS
Instant Acceleration, and the ability to upload directions and precondition the *includes brake pads or shoes. Includes Most Vehicles. Excludes Cannot be combined with any other discount. One special offer machining or resurfacing and any additional needed. **No cabin climate remotely from your smartphone, you can take charge of theparts road, per customer. Must mention coupon at the time of visit. charge for diagnostic test when repairs are done by Bexar may apply. Promotions expire 11/1/2020.the wheel. Automotive. $39.99 for first hour. Most Cars and Trucks. theRestrictions office and beyond from behind
