LOCAL on the Southside - July 2020

LOCA LCOMMU NI TYNE WS.CO M | VO L . 1, I SSUE 5 | JULY 7 - AUG 4, 2020

COMPLETE CALENDAR LIST TO PLAN AHEAD

HAPPENING LOCAL PG. 06

NEWS BRIEFS AND BUSINESS OPENINGS

LOCAL LOWDOWN PG. 08

PG. 12 | EDUCATION: SOUTHSIDE ISD LEADERS START TAKING THE REINS SOUTH SAN ANTONIO

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS GUEST COMMENTARY

by ERIC MORENO

BRINGING OUT THE BEST

by LEO GOMEZ

FIRST OPPORTUNITY ZONE IN STATE AT BROOKS INVESTORS SEE ECONOMIC POTENTIAL OF SOUTH SIDE

PG. 04 | OPINION

SUSAN YERKES COVID-19 and a better normal

BROOKS IS TAKING OFF with the state’s first Opportunity Zone, designed to boost job growth and development in areas facing economic challenges.

Officials in April broke ground on the spot at the 1,308-acre mixed-use Brooks, formerly an Air Force base. It’s part of a nationwide federal program created in 2017 through the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act to “spur economic development and job creation in distressed communities.”

Investors who pump capital and assets into an Opportunity Zone are DEVELOPMENT continues on pg. 16

PG. 19 | EAT LOCAL

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A place for foodies

AS WE CONTINUE TO NAVIGATE challenging and evolving circumstances, I want to reiterate Brooks’ commitment to serving and supporting you – our community, our neighbors – as we all work to heal, recover, rebuild and create lasting change.

If you live within a 2-mile radius of the Brooks campus, you have likely received this letter from me – but it’s a sentiment GOMEZ continues on pg. 09

2 STAFF

L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S JULY 7 - AUG. 4, 2020

TALK LOCAL

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

LOCAL

VISIT US ONLINE TO FIND OUT MORE AND JOIN THE DISCUSSION ABOUT WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR COMMUNITY. EDITOR TH O MAS E DWARDS tedwards@localcommunitynews.com

PUBLISHER Jaselle Luna

Contributing artist

EDITORIAL

ADVERTISING

Editor

Senior Media Representative

Thomas Edwards

Dawn Radick and Joanne Torres

News Staff

Collette Orquiz

Multi-Media Account Representative

Contributing Writers

Michael Valdelamar

Leo Gomez, Noi Mahoney, Eric Moreno, Edmond Ortiz, Travis E. Poling, Arthur Schechter and Susan Yerkes

Controller

ART

Mailing Address

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Phone: (210) 338-8842 Fax: (210) 465-9455 ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Advertising@localcommunitynews.com STORY IDEAS: tips@localcommunitynews.com EDITOR CONTACT tedwards@localcommunitynews.com

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OUR OTHER PUBLICATIONS North Central SA: 78204, 78205, 78209, 78210, 78212, 78215 North SA - Stone Oak: 78213, 78216, 78230, 78231, 78232, 78248, 78249, 78258, 78259 Metrocom: 78109, 78148, 78233, 78239, 78108, 78132, 78154, 78266 Reproduction in whole or in part without our permission is prohibited, 2020 Local Community News LLC, all rights reserved.

ON THE COVER – The first Opportunity Zone program in Texas is underway at Brooks to encourage the growth of businesses and investment in underserved areas. Ground has been broken for a climate-controlled storage facility to serve the South Side, and more services are coming. See the story on page 01. Illustration by E. Fisher

The LOCAL Community News editorial board includes Jaselle Luna and Thomas Edwards.

Speak Up THE FIRST AMENDMENT guarantees the right to “peaceably … assemble” in protest. It does not permit looting businesses, smashing windows and burning cars.

A string of deaths during law-enforcement encounters — primarily Black men — have provoked righteous outrage.

Peaceful demonstrations advocating necessary policing reforms are completely in keeping with the American character.

However, some rallies in U.S. cities that began as nonviolent marches sparked isolated but needless destruction.

Black lives matter. Parents of color should not have to give “the talk” to their children about what to do when dealing with police.

Equal justice under the law is essential to democracy.

However, trashing private property and attacking merchants — often in the very communities where injustice occurs — arguably divides, rather than unites, many of us.

Terrence Floyd, the brother of George Floyd, an African American who died at the hands of white Minneapolis police, asked protesters to stop rioting.

“That’s not going to bring my brother back,” he said, instead urging the election of leaders who support changing the culture and behavior of law officers.

Like peaceful demonstrations, voting is a right. Though it may start in the streets, true and lasting reform happens at the ballot box.

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OPINION

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L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S JULY 7 - AUG. 4, 2020

A new and better normal

by SUSAN YERKES

NOWADAYS, there’s lots of talk about “the new normal” – a handy description of our altered reality in a post-coronavirus world: Wear masks while shopping, practice social distancing, shelter at home, stockpile toilet paper, don’t touch your face. …

These have become routine in the wake of COVID-19 as we try to keep our communities and ourselves alive and well. Some of them may be around for a while.

COVID-19 isn’t going to disappear in the next few months, no matter how desperately we might want to go back to living as we did before the outbreak, when hugs and handshakes didn’t come

with health warnings. It’s going to take more time. Yet, despite the persistence of the virus, the world is opening up again, however haltingly. As it does, I’ve been thinking about what parts of the new

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normal we might want to maintain.

To me, the most powerful lesson of the pandemic has been a renewed spirit of caring. When times get tough, Texans rise to the challenge. People across the region started thinking about what they could do for others.

Neighbors offered to deliver groceries to those more at risk, folks turned out to donate blood and volunteerism became commonplace. When record numbers hit by the economic shutdown turned to the San Antonio Food Bank, the ranks of volunteers swelled to gather and distribute meals. Others signed over their government stimulus checks to aid the less fortunate. The level of need brought the plight of many families, children and elders into stark relief.

As a journalist, I have the privilege of hearing a lot of people’s stories.

One of the most heartwarming came from a female reader who moved here from another state for a promising job just months earlier. However, when the pandemic struck, her position was eliminated. Reading stories in LOCAL Community News about how neighbors and neighborhoods assisted each other, she too wrote about wanting to help.

“While it’s disappointing and scary (I don’t exactly have a plan yet), I also realize that I’m blessed to receive a severance package that many others who have also lost employment do not have access to,” she told me. “I’d like to use part of my severance to help however I can.”

This spirit of giving is not new, but it

seems stronger and more widespread.

Each act of kindness is an inspiration.

Across town, people are taking the time to show appreciation to essential workers, from health care personnel to supermarket clerks. As Zoom sessions replaced office meetings and support groups, families also started reaching out online, sometimes connecting with distant friends and relatives often out of touch for years.

With classrooms shuttered to avoid the spread of the virus, many parents spent more quality time with their children (OK, not always a blessing, but we’re talking positives here.) There was an opportunity to cook meals at home, and with restaurants closed, more reason to do so. Also, I’ve never seen so many walkers or bike riders on neighborhood streets and parks.

Fresh air and exercise lift the spirit while strengthening the body. People are paying more attention to cleaning and handwashing – habits worth keeping. Life slowed down. There were, and still are, hardships, tragedy and pain. For many, the old normal is gone forever. Now is the time to focus on what’s ahead.

As the pandemic passes, life will certainly speed up again. But, we can choose to continue some of the actions and attitudes, which sustained hope and community in these dark times.

We can plan and work to shape a better normal in the future. 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.

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HAPPENING

L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S JULY 7 - AUG. 4, 2020

JULY

PLAN YOUR MONTH WITH OUR CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE COMMUNITY.

JULY/AUGUST

JULY 16

Experience an outdoor film series on the historic grounds of Mission Marquee Plaza, 3100 Roosevelt Ave. Movies include “Toy Story” July 11; “Urban Cowboy” July 16; “Jumanji: The Next Level” July 18; “Back to the Future 2” July 25; and “Toy Story 2” Aug. 1.

Movies begin 15 minutes after sundown.

Bring lawn chairs and blankets. For updates or cancellations, visit https:// www.slabcinema.com/free-outdoorfilms/mission-marquee or https:// www.missionmarquee.com/EVENTS/ Cultural-Community-Events.

Trustees meet at 6 p.m. at 1460 Martinez Losoya Road. For updates or cancellations, visit https://southsideisd.org/.

MISSION MARQUEE PLAZA

JULY 7, 21 & AUG. 4 ROTARY CLUB

The Rotary Club of San Antonio South meets at noon on the second floor of Stinson Municipal Airport, 8535 Mission Road. For updates or cancellations, visit https://portal.clubrunner.ca/8149.

JULY 9

NETWORKING BREAKFAST The South San Antonio Chamber of Commerce holds a networking breakfast from 7:30-9 a.m. at Don Pedro Mexican Restaurant, 1526 S.W. Military Drive. Cost is $15 for members, $20 for nonmembers. For updates or cancellations, visit https://www. southsachamber.org/.

JULY 14

OUTDOOR MOVIES Confluence Park, 310 W. Mitchell St., hosts free, monthly, outdoor films that begin after dark. For updates, visit https://www.slabcinema.com/freeoutdoor-films/confluence-park.

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.

SOUTHSIDE ISD BOARD MEETING

JULY 16

https://livebrooks.com/wp-content/ uploads/2018/11/Brooks_FY20_ Events.pdf.

JULY 18 & AUG. 1

YOGA AT THE MISSION

A stroke support group meets from 2-3 p.m. at Southwest General Hospital, Classroom A, 7400 Barlite Blvd. It aims to help stroke survivors, their families and caregivers. For updates or cancellations, and to RSVP, call 1-877-215-9355.

Funded by Western National Parks Association and partners at the National Park Service, Mission San José, 701 E. Pyron Ave., is the site of a free, one-hour community yoga session at 10 a.m. Meet outdoors in front of the church or inside the granary during inclement weather.

For updates or cancellations, call 210-932-1001.

JULY 18

JULY 20

A farmers’ and artisans’ market is 9 a.m. at Mission Marquee Plaza, 3100 Roosevelt Ave. The San Antonio Food Bank Mobile Mercado will be on-site hosting healthy-cooking demos and nutrition education. For updates or cancellations, visit https://www.missionmarquee. com/EVENTS/Farmers-ArtisanMarkets.

San Antonio Independent School District trustees meet at 5:30 p.m. at 406 Barrera St. For updates or cancellations, visit www.saisd.net.

STROKE SUPPORT

FARMERS’ MARKET

JULY 18

THE PEOPLE’S CLINIC The Estela Avery Education Center inside Confluence Park, 310 W. Mitchell St., is home to traditional healing practices from 1-5 p.m. For updates or cancellations, visit https:// sariverfound.org/events/thepeoples-clinic/.

JULY 18

FREE CONCERT The Greenline, 2532 Sidney Brooks Drive, is home to a free, outdoor concert from 6-9 p.m.

For updates or cancellations, visit

SAISD BOARD MEETING

JULY 20

HARLANDALE ISD BOARD MEETING Trustees meet at 6:15 p.m. at McCollum High School, 500 W. Formosa Blvd. At press time, due to COVID-19, the meeting may be virtual. For updates or cancellations, visit www.harlandale. net.

JULY 25

ZUMBA, ANYONE? The Greenline, 2532 Sidney Brooks Drive, will host free Zumba classes from 9-9:45 a.m. Bring a water bottle and towel. For updates or cancellations, visit www.livebrooks. com.

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LOWDOWN

L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S JULY 7 - AUG. 4, 2020

TAKE A QUICK LOOK AT WHAT’S NEW IN THE COMMUNITY FROM OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS TO NEWS TIDBITS.

Open and Opening Soon

LA CRAWFISH, 2410 S.E. Military Drive, is a Cajun- and Vietnamese-fusion restaurant. Opened in mid-May, this marks the fifth location in San Antonio. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. For more, visit thelacrawfish.com or facebook.com/LACrawfishCityBase. (See story on page 18) TUTTI’S A PLACE FOR FOODIES, 318 E. Cevallos St., offers breakfast tacos, shakshuka, sandwiches, Frito pie, chicken potpie, meatloaf and Cajun fare including red snapper with red beans and rice, crawfish étouffée and corn maque choux. Dine-in open, reservations start at 6 p.m. Takeout, delivery offered. Hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, closed Sunday. For more, call 210-530-1313 or visit tuttisforfoodies.com or facebook.com/tuttisforfoodies. (See story on page 19)

IN OTHER NEWS:

EARLY VOTING FOR JULY 14 RUNOFF ELECTIONS from local primaries runs through July 10. Some South Side Republican voters will decide the outcome of the

LOWDOWN SPOTLIGHT

LA CRAWFISH

Congressional District 20 race between Mauro Garza and Gary Allen. The winner advances to the Nov. 3 general election to challenge incumbent Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio. Other area Republicans must determine the Congressional District 35 contest pitting Jenny Garcia Sharon against “Guillermo” William Hayward.

The victor opposes District 35 Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin. Attorneys Roland Gutierrez and Xochil Peña Rodriguez are headed for a showdown to represent the Democrats in a state Senate District 19 battle opposite GOP state Rep. Pete Flores Nov. 3. Former District 3 Councilwoman Jennifer Ramos and business owner Elizabeth “Liz” Campos will face each other to decide the state House District 119 Democratic primary. The winner challenges Republican George Garza, who ran alone in the GOP primary.

Sergio “Chico” Rodriguez, seeking his fifth term as Bexar County Precinct 1 commissioner, must first defeat Rebeca “Becky” Clay-Flores. The triumphant Democrat then vies with Republican Gabriel Lara, previously unopposed in 2020 on the GOP side.

Call 210-335-VOTE or visit https:// www.bexar.org for election details.

TONY GREEN WAS NAMED THE FIRST HEAD FOOTBALL COACH at Young Men’s Leadership Academy in the San Antonio Independent School District. The YMLA Lions will field its inaugural high school gridiron team this fall. Green was promoted from athletic coordinator, a position he held at YMLA since the campus opened five years ago. “We are going to have young kids. Our goal is to mold them into leaders,” he said in a release. YMLA is scheduled to kick off the 2020 season Aug. 27 at Alamo Stadium against Randolph.

HARLANDALE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT RECENTLY NAMED NEW PRINCIPALS for Adams and Gilbert elementary schools, plus an administrative staff member. Julia Gimbel, the latest Adams principal, has worked at Harlandale ISD nearly 15 years in various roles. Geralynn Wing, with more than 20 years of experience in education, now leads at Gilbert. Michael Littlefield was hired as director of curriculum and instruction after serving as the top administrator at STEM Early College.

TWO BURBANK HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS and the school’s farm manager – Jeffrey Braune, Mark Bindseil and Ryan Koltermann – recently handpicked more than 2,000 cabbage plants and donated them to the San Antonio Food Bank to help families in need during the coronavirus pandemic.

Every year, Burbank students tend and harvest cabbage, in conjunction with the Palo Alto College horticulture department.

Because of social-distancing practices, pupils were unable to be the harvesters this spring.

JIM CAMPBELL IS BROOKS’ new board chairman. He replaces Steven Goldberg, who served in the position since 2017 and as a board member for five years previously. At the same time in May, the board also announced three new directors: Alicia ReyesBarrientez, Roland F. Gonzales and Joe Nix. Formerly Brooks City-Base, Brooks is a 1,308-acre mixed-use community.

Find LOCAL Lowdown at www. localcommunitynews.com

JULY 7 - AUG. 4, 2020

L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S

GOMEZ continues from pg. 01

that bears repeating.

Watching our already tight-knit community stepping up to help and support one another in the face of a global pandemic has been nothing short of inspiring. Across the Brooks area, I have seen firsthand how businesses, organizations and individuals that make up our rapidly growing mixed-use community have come together. They have been there to assist one another in traversing the physical, emotional and financial impacts of this public-health crisis.

Our community has also been essential in supporting the city of San Antonio’s response to this unprecedented event. First and

COMMENTARY

foremost, we owe a profound debt of gratitude to the first responders and health care workers who have worked tirelessly to keep us safe. We thank the dedicated doctors, nurses and specialists across San Antonio, especially those at Mission Trail Baptist Hospital whose strength and dedication is on display daily as they flow in and out of our community’s award-winning hospital.

Personnel at the Emergency Operations Center have also worked around the clock for months to centralize the response efforts for the city and county, allowing for seamless integration and operation of emergency-management personnel while supporting mission-critical collaboration and communication.

As our city and our nation turns its

attention to address the pervasive issues of racism, inequality and injustice, Brooks remains committed to serving as a resource for this community.

We stand on the side of diversity and inclusion. Brooks’ mission is built on creating regional prosperity for our historically underserved community. While we have practices in place to ensure that we are creating opportunities for minority-owned businesses and encouraging our tenants to do the same, there is still work to be done.

Combating these pervasive issues requires ongoing commitment, accountability and a plan of action.

Rest assured, we will continue to listen and learn from you – our community members and our partners – to address

9

longstanding systemic issues and promote equity that enables shared prosperity and opportunity for all.

Community is and will continue to be the foundation of the work we do every day on and around the Brooks campus.

This is why we exist.

Over the past few months, we have seen that spirit of community transcend every aspect of our day-to-day life at Brooks.

There is a spirit of togetherness and unity that is in San Antonio’s DNA. We certainly see it on the South Side. It is safe to say that the worst of circumstances has bought out the best in us.

Let us continue to come together as a community and support one another as we all work to drive change.

Leo Gomez is president and CEO of Brooks.

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L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S

HEALTH

JULY 7 - AUG. 4, 2020

City struggles with COVID-19’s economic impact SA COULD SEE UP TO $200 MILLION IN LOSSES

by EDMOND ORTIZ

THE CITY IS HELPING vulnerable community members and small businesses on the South Side adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, there are local leaders and residents who say it’s not enough; and others worry tough financial decisions are needed to counter lost revenues, which some estimate could cost San Antonio $200 million overall.

As pandemic cases began to spike again, on June 17, County Judge Nelson Wolff issued an executive directive mandating that businesses require employees and customers wear protective masks if they are closer than 6 feet to each other. Each violation is punishable by a $1,000 fine.

City Council in early June approved a $191 million plan — partly derived from federal sources — to boost small-businesses aid, housing security, workforce development, and bridging the digital divide in specific neighborhoods.

“We have a responsibility with these federal dollars for response and recovery, and to get these dollars out very quickly,” District 3 Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran said.

Other politicos, such as District 5 Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales, said mom-and-pop merchants could use even more.

“I’m hopeful we can find other resources … to stimulate (small businesses),” she added.

Mayor Ron Nirenberg noted folks require support from local

government, especially because many workers lost their jobs or were furloughed.

I’M HOPEFUL WE CAN FIND OTHER RESOURCES

SHIRLEY GONZALES, DISTRICT 5 COUNCILWOMAN

“A majority of people have been affected by this economic crisis and they’re teetering on the edge, they need action,” he added.

“They need relief.”

The city’s new assistance package includes grants of varying amounts for eligible small businesses and arts-related ventures, individual artists and nonprofits.

San Antonio is providing rental and mortgage assistance, plus expanded financial counseling and domestic-violence prevention measures.

The city is also leasing more than 300 motel rooms to temporarily shelter homeless people.

In addition, the plan is funding workforce training to help 10,000 people prepare for high-demand jobs.

Money here includes subsidies for trainees to temporarily pay for basic living costs, such as rent and groceries.

As well, it would enhance internet access

Representatives from small businesses including ones on the South Side picked up free COVID-19 safety supply kits from the city on May 27 at the Alamodome. Photo courtesy of Brooks

JULY 7 - AUG. 4, 2020

L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S

in 50 neighborhoods citywide to buoy high school and college students with distance learning.

About $96 million in the plan comes from federal emergency dollars, including the $270 million in stimulus funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security — or CARES — Act. The rest is from the city’s general fund, which has seen an income drop — especially in hotel-occupancy taxes and airport usage.

Yet, many residents pushed for a delay so the city could reallocate more relief dollars toward emergency housing and workforce development.

“This is about investing in San Antonians,” said Virginia Mata, COPS Metro Alliance leader.

While San Antonio starts reopening public facilities, including libraries, with capacity limits and safety measures, municipal officials acknowledged the upcoming fiscal year looks uncertain.

The city projects nearly $200 million in losses because of fewer tourists and business visitors, declining CPS Energy income, and other revenue sources.

San Antonio continues to furlough employees, primarily in departments and programs relying on hoteloccupancy taxes, plus conventionand visitor-related revenues.

“We made the cuts in our budget in order to stay balanced, I think we’re all going to keep an eye on fiscal year 2021,” City Manager Erik Walsh said.

The city, along with other parts of the public and private sectors, has been trying to lend a hand as commerce reopened, and elsewhere.

San Antonio arranged a “Greater.

SAfer. Together.” supply pickup day May 27 at the Alamodome.

HEALTH

11

More than 6,000 preregistered local small businesses and nonprofits received containers of masks, gloves, thermometers and hand sanitizer to provide to employees and visitors so to enhance their safety protocols.

In mid-May, Precinct 4 Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Calvert rented a truck, filled it with hundreds of COVID-19 safety kits and delivered them to area small businesses and suburban citygovernment agencies.

Calvert and his fellow commissioners in May voted to allocate an additional $1.5 million for small-business assistance.

In addition, the county provided preregistered Precinct 4 small businesses with free Plexiglas coverings at a June 1 Freeman Coliseum event.

Local schools are doing all they can to continue serving the community.

San Antonio Independent School District’s Bonham Academy surveyed families’ needs, identifying those most at risk.

Its staff and PTA partnered to coordinate drop-offs of food and supply donations to needy folks.

Bonham Academy also created a Bobcats Lend-A-Paw campaign through a partnership with SAISD Foundation, which provides a platform called Donasity. For more, visit https://tinyurl.com/ BobcatsLendAPaw. Also, Southside Independent School District began summer curbside meals to-go at Southside High School.

The city is offering a free “grab and go” food service for children ages 1-18 at 26 locations citywide.

For this story and more, visit www.localcommunitynews.com.

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L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S

EDUCATION

JULY 7 - AUG. 4, 2020

Southside ISD gets new leaders STATE RELAXES CONTROLS; SUPERINTENDENT, TWO TRUSTEES STEP IN DURING TRANSITION

by EDMOND ORTIZ

AFTER THREE YEARS of state-appointed management, the Southside Independent School District has three new leaders — a superintendent and two publicly elected trustees.

Their focus is to gradually guide SISD back to self-governance after the Texas Education Agency appointed a board of managers in 2017 to oversee the troubled district.

June 1 marked Rolando Ramirez’s first day as superintendent. He succeeded Mark Eads, who retired after three years. The state’s board of managers unanimously voted in March to name Ramirez the lone finalist.

Katie Farias and Margarita Morales took their seats in June as trustees.

They were elected in 2019.

With more than two decades in public education, Ramirez most recently was superintendent of Valley View Independent School District in Hidalgo County.

During his tenure, Valley View ISD received a 95 rating in the state’s accountability system despite serving a 92 percent economically disadvantaged population and a 62 percent limitedEnglish-proficient student body.

He’s looking forward to assisting SISD in achieving similar success.

“After 22 years at Valley View, the thought had crossed my mind about a new challenge,” the Pharr native said.

Leading the district is “an opportunity that I don’t take for granted and will do my very best to make a difference in the lives of the students and staff at Southside ISD,” Ramirez added.

SISD’s newest superintendent arrives at a critical juncture. The TEA in May launched a process of cycling out the five members of the school district’s board of managers.

They were appointed to oversee its operations in 2017 after TEA found what state officials termed governmental dysfunction.

As the district itself noted on its website, “On Feb. 1, 2017, the Southside Independent School District received word from the Texas Education Agency of the decision to appoint a board of managers in conjunction with the district’s 2015-2016 lowered accreditation status to AccreditedWarned, coupled with findings of an agency Special Accreditation Investigation into the district.”

Each year through 2022, one-third of the managerial board membership will be replaced with publicly elected trustees as SISD transitions to selfgovernance.

Farias works for state Rep. Roland Gutierrez. Married to Gabe Farias — a businessman and frequent columnist for LOCAL Community News — they have two children who attend Gallardo Elementary School.

The parents volunteer with school activities and other area programs.

“This experience has provided me with the opportunity to understand our public-education system and how that applies to school-board governance in our community,” Katie Farias said. “My top priority on this board will be to work with my fellow trustees through our new superintendent in improving student outcomes.”

Morales, an SISD alumna, is a campus organizer with the national nonprofit Faith in Public Life.

“I think that my educational background and training has helped prepare me for what is to come in the next few years,” said Morales.

She expressed confidence in Ramirez: “His former district is very similar to ours, and he brings with him a record of high-rated schools.”

SISD leaders collectively continue to address fallout from the COVID-19 emergency, including possibly reopening campuses.

“This has been a difficult end to the school year with the pandemic for everyone including our parents/ grandparents and teachers,” Farias said. “I have confidence that our superintendent will help our district and community navigate through this next school year with all of the unknown factors.”

Ramirez is introducing himself to neighbors by carefully conducting home visits with pupils, their families and others, plus providing online recordings to give SISD status updates and details on upcoming events.

The new district head and colleagues also are planning for whatever the state requires in 20202021, including guaranteeing teachers and learners are technologically prepared for any additional distance tutelage.

“Our main and most important goal is to maximize student learning in a safe and secure environment,” Ramirez said. “If classes will be offered virtually, then we must take all measures to ensure students have the devices they need and have WiFi access.”

Morales and Farias agreed SISD should be ready for any eventuality as the community tries to recover from the coronavirus outbreak.

“Currently, we are sending out surveys to our parents to get to know what we can do to help our community stay safe,” Morales said. “I hope that in the coming months, we can help ease parents and students back into classes in the safest and most secure way our district can provide.”

Farias added, “Our hope is to continue with student-outcome improvement regardless of whether the students are in the classroom through traditional style education or through distance learning.”

In addition, there’s a rescheduled $64.7 million bond election to arrange for the Nov. 3 general election.

Ramirez said he’s committed to promoting increased student enrollment, higher instructor pay, and better SISD accountability ratings.

“The public is now experiencing the value of the teaching profession,” he said regarding the pandemic-caused closures.

“Teaching is not easy and it takes very special individuals to practice this profession. Therefore, they should be compensated accordingly.”

Find this story and more at www.localcommunitynews.com.

JULY 7 - AUG. 4, 2020

L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S

HAPPENING continues from pg. 06

Blue Star St., is home to several exhibitions. For updates or cancellations, visit https:// bluestarcontemporary.org/ upcoming-exhibitions/.

THROUGH AUG. 2 AT HOME RAFFLE

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SA YES has moved fundraising online. Among its offerings, the organization, which provides school supplies for South Texas students, will have a drawing to win one of five different vehicles.

Individual tickets cost $25. For more and to make purchases, visit sayes.org.

HAPPENING

THROUGH AUG. 7

cancellations, call 210-207-2704.

The San Antonio Independent School District continues to provide free food to community youth. The Texas Department of Agriculture’s “Seamless Summer Nutrition Program” will be available at curbside locations at select campuses and at various SAISD busstop locations. For more, visit https:// www.saisd.net/upload/page/0130/docs/ SAISDSummer2020MealsProgram.pdf.

WEDNESDAYS

SUMMER MEALS

TUESDAYS

CHECKMATE! Whether just learning chess or a grand master, all ages and skill levels are welcome to participate from 6-8 p.m. at Mission Branch Library, 3134 Roosevelt Ave. For updates or

GOOD VIBES

The Good Kind Southtown, 1127 S. St. Mary’s St., hosts “Wednesday Vibes in the Garden.” Experience music, yard games and more from 6-10 p.m. For updates or cancellations, visit https://eatgoodkind. com/events/wednesday-vibes-in-thegarden/.

SUNDAYS

YOGA CLASS (WITH A TWIST) Due to the coronavirus pandemic, free sessions, normally 10-11 a.m. at Confluence Park, 310 W. Mitchell St., will be conducted online during the outbreak. Focus on the fundamentals of yoga and mindfulness 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 afterward on Mobile Om’s YouTube channel.

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SUBMITTING EVENTS: Email all the details along with your contact information two months in advance to tips@localcommunitynews.com.

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L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S

REAL ESTATE

JULY 7 - AUG. 4, 2020

COVID-19 doesn’t stop South Side home sales LOW INTEREST RATES KEEP PRICES STRONG DURING PANDEMIC

by TRAVIS E. POLING

SOUTH SIDE RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE, after a slight slowdown in sales during the government stay-at-home orders to limit COVID-19, are rising as mortgage interest rates dip to new lows.

Ivette Sanchez, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker, and her colleagues in the industry have been busy, she said. With little inventory available overall, mortgage rates around 3 percent, and time on their hands, buyers are plentiful.

“We are living in a crazy market right now,” Sanchez said. “People are trying to upgrade because of the low rates and having the time to shop. One of the lenders I work with says their volume has doubled.”

The brisk market is prompting

them to add five days to the standard 30 days for closing to catch up with processing all the mortgages.

What’s more, sellers who have priced their dwellings to match the

real estate environment from the start are getting their asking price, often commissioning contracts in less than a week after posting a “For Sale” sign, Sanchez said.

That includes the South Side, as owners move elsewhere and their old abode becomes a first home for someone else, she added.

Neighborhoods continued to see movement in housing stock, and generally positive sale prices, according to May industry figures.

In the 78204 ZIP code, seven houses sold for an average of $203,557, a 29 percent decline from the average price of the same number of homes sold in May 2019.

For 78214, six homes were bought for an average of

In spite of the pandemic sparked by the highly contagious COVID-19, real estate professionals report that home sales are still moving along at a steady pace across San Antonio, including on the South Side. Stock photo

$159,125, up 8.5 percent from last May. Transactions in the 78223 ZIP code gave a better snapshot of price improvements locally.

There were 29 deals this May compared to 28 the same month last year. Homes sold for an average of $170,023, 15 percent more than last year. The median rose 20 percent to $177,500.

The coverage area includes Brooks’ ZIP code 78235, where there is no single-family housing. It also contains 78205, which encompasses downtown where there aren’t many singlefamily houses on the market.

However, there were two sales downtown this May, going for an average price of $398,000 after just 51 days of availability.

There are a growing amount of apartments in the region, especially on the Brooks development and the surrounding vicinity, but specific information from the San Antonio Apartment Association wasn’t available by press time.

Citywide, apartment rental rates had been climbing for years including reaching new highs by 2020’s first quarter, according to an analysis of a national database from Apartment List/Rentometer.

However, job loss associated with the pandemic, and an overall softening economy, caused a slight drop in average rates in May. Rents declined 0.3 percent from April to May, and were virtually unchanged from last May. The median for a onebedroom and two-bedroom unit

JULY 7 - AUG. 4, 2020

L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S

78204

78223

HOUSES SOLD

HOUSES SOLD

(AVERAGE)

(AVERAGE)

7

$203,557

78214

6

29

$170,023

78205

2

HOUSES SOLD

HOUSES SOLD

(AVERAGE)

(AVERAGE)

$159,125

$398,000

FIGURES ARE FROM MAY 2020

REAL ESTATE

is $856 and $1,076, respectively.

“This is the second straight month that the city has seen rent decreases after an increase in March.

San Antonio’s yearover-year rent growth lags the state average of 0.6 percent, as well as the national average of 0.8 percent,” according to Apartment List.

Across the San Antonio metropolitan area in May, home sales fell 20 percent from last year to 2,869, according to the San Antonio Board of Realtors’ Multiple Listing Service Report. Yet, it’s rebounding from April, when the purchased number lowered to 2,748.

The city and county issued shelterin-place directives in March, plus ordered the closure of nonessential businesses, to thwart the coronavirus spread. Various mandates were eased weeks later, but a surge in cases is prompting new safety measures.

May’s pending sales, many with closing dates in June, amassed 3,745, up from 2,652 at the end of April.

LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

“This indicates that home buying and selling is still on the move, even amidst the changing times of the pandemic,” according to a statement from SABOR. “While we saw a little downward trend this month compared to May 2019, if we’re looking at total numbers for the year, the sales numbers are only at 0.3 percent decrease, so we’re near par for year-to-date home sales,” said SABOR 2020 Chairman Kim Bragman. “Also, we are entering into June with total number of pending sales up by 20 percent, which is promising for an upward trajectory to round out the year, as we move into

15

summer buying months.”

“We have to remember the magnitude of what we have experienced across the world and expect that we will see some numbers that change the trend, but we are optimistic when looking at the big picture that momentum will keep driving forward in the housing market,” Bragman said.

San Antonio home costs didn’t suffer despite a slight decline in sales. MLS data shows the average price in May climbed 3 percent to $281,353 and median prices swelled 2 percent to $242,400.

Find this story and more at www.localcommunitynews.com.

Garden Style San Antonio Your guide to water-saving yards, drought-proof plants & more.

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L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S

OPPORTUNITY

JULY 7 - AUG. 4, 2020

DEVELOPMENT continues from pg. 01

granted capital-gains tax abatements.

Governor Greg Abbott submitted 628 sites across 145 Texas counties to serve as Opportunity Zones.

“The Brooks Opportunity Zone is beneficial to this area for a number of reasons,” said Brooks President and CEO Leo Gomez. “The main reason we wanted to be a part of the Opportunity Zone program was in the goal of bringing jobs to this area that will benefit the surrounding neighborhoods.”

One enterprise coming is a climate-controlled self-storage facility owned and operated by DPR Investments.

The cost to DPR Investments, which has 18 months from the time of transaction to begin construction, is roughly $16 million.

Another structure along City Base Landing will be home to a 9.4-acre flex space – ultimately a warehouse that can be used by a small company for various purposes.

The South Side and Brooks in particular show much promise for growth, said DPR Investments owner Jimmy Day. “I’ve done business in San Antonio since we moved there in 1996 and I began my first project on the South Side around 2003,” Day said. “I’ve seen the economic potential of the South Side ever since, and this new project will be our fourth on that side of town.”

The developer added, “When the Opportunity Zone program was brought to our attention a few years ago, it seemed like a no-brainer for us, and when we met with the folks at Brooks, I was even more sure of

that. They are passionate about what they do and it has been first class working with them from the beginning.”

DPR Investments is a diversified business-management company involved in numerous industries nationwide.

Those include leasing large construction equipment, small-plane rentals, used-car dealerships and real estate management.

The DPR Investments’ structure at Brooks will be its first foray into the self-storage sector.

“When we met with Leo Gomez and his team at Brooks, we asked them what did they need, what are people asking for on this side of town,” Day said.

“They immediately identified

the need for modern storage facilities. There are any number of single-story, old-school type of facilities on that side of town, but nothing like the modern, climate-controlled facilities you see that seem to litter the North Side on (U.S.) 281. We crunched the numbers and realized it would be a good deal for all of us.”

The Brooks Opportunity Zone site was identified by the state initially due to poverty levels in the census tracts surrounding the area, and designed to allow leveraging development there to enrich residents’ lives.

“I think that the South Side of San Antonio is truly

DPR Investments broke ground on the first Opportunity Zone program site in the state at Brooks. When completed, it will bring a much-needed climate-controlled storage facility to the South Side, officials said. Photos courtesy of Brooks

JULY 7 - AUG. 4, 2020

an underserved community,” Day said. “My company and I have a long track record of success on that side of town and I think that side of town is long overdue for real economic growth.”

A larger tract under development at Brooks includes a bigger 350,000-square-foot space intended for multiple operations, officials said. It has the potential to be a great economic driver for the community.

“This is going to be a very large structure that could be used for a number of employers or for one large employer,” Gomez said. “I expect that construction will be completed this year and I also expect that we will have an employer in that facility within the

L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S

OPPORTUNITY

17

next year.”

With construction underway on the DPR Investments property, the goal is to have the new self-storage campus operational by early spring 2021.

The flex space, barring unforeseen delays, could open later this year.

“Ultimately, someday down the road, I hope the development here at Brooks will someday lead to actual investment in the community around us,” said Gomez. “At the end of the day, our vision here at Brooks is to create opportunities for this community.

It isn’t just about the 1,300 acres that used to be an Air Force base, but to create prosperity for the people in this community.”

Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews. com.

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Serving up crawfish on the South Side

by COLLETTE ORQUIZ

SOUTH SIDE PATRONS can get the “best of both worlds” at LA Crawfish, a Cajun- and Vietnamesefusion restaurant, according to owner Prakash Mammen.

He opened the mudbug and seafood franchise after living near one in Houston.

This eatery — there are five in San Antonio — debuted May 18 at 2410 S.E. Military Drive in City Base West.

“I’m big on super-flavorful food,” Mammen said. “I really like dishes that elevate flavor, which is where it really kicks you in the mouth and it’s like, ‘Whoa.’”

The 29-year-old San Antonian spent years managing his family’s Golden Chick fast-food restaurant and a grocery store/gas station.

“This area is amazing,” he said. “I definitely saw a need for this. I felt like this would be a perfect match and it has been good so far.”

In 2011, Andy and Minson Ngo founded LA Crawfish in Houston. There are more than two-dozen locations in Texas and California.

Mammen said the chain is famous for boiled food, including the namesake crawfish, plus

king crab, snow crab and shrimp. Dishes can be tossed in garlic butter; sauces range from Cajun to hot and sour.

Sides include red potatoes, sweet corn, andouille sausage and white rice.

“It’s exactly how you’d like it. It’s by the pound, by the side, by the flavor, all that,” Mammen said.

Selections include fried seafood, which can be made into po’boy sandwiches; chicken wings and bites available in numerous flavors; pho, noodles and rice dishes, too.

The restaurant is known for a crawfish pho with a Texas, Louisiana and Vietnamese twist, Mammen said.

Blue crab and oysters will be added to the menu soon.

Domestic and imported beers are served; also, check for mango- and margarita-flavored daiquiris.

Takeout is offered, plus delivery through third-party apps.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Find this EAT Local at www. localcommunitynews.com.

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Crawfish pho is a popular dish at LA Crawfish, a franchise serving Vietnameseinfused Cajun eats.

In addition to the mudbug, the South Side location offers crab, chicken wings and more. Photo by Collette Orquiz

JULY 7 - AUG. 4, 2020

L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S

EAT

Comfort food, Cajun charm on menu at Tutti’s

by COLLETTE ORQUIZ

A TRANSFORMED 100-YEAR-OLD BUNGALOW is doling out upscale comfort food on the near-South Side as Tutti’s A Place For Foodies.

General manager and chef Kyle Breaux said the causal eatery, which was waiting on a gas line, opened June 15.

“We’re just a neighborhood restaurant with a coffee bar. We’ll have beer and wine, but we’re going to be food first,” Breaux said.

Tutti’s is located at 318 E. Cevallos St. Two years in the making, its owner is Donna “Tutti” Norling. In the New Orleans area where she’s from, “tutti” is a Cajun term of endearment, according to Breaux.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available, along with fresh coffee brewed with beans from Pulp Coffee Roasters and vegan pastries from Cake Thieves Bakery.

Two sous chefs will help cook meals, Breaux said.

“The combination of the three of us is going to create a lot of cool opportunities on the culinary side of all this,” he added.

Dishes include breakfast tacos, shakshuka, sandwiches, Frito pie, chicken potpie, meatloaf and a handful of Cajun selections such as red snapper with red beans and rice, crawfish étouffée and corn maque choux.

“It’s a lot of comfort foods with a little twist and a lot of Southern-style cooking,” the general manager said. “It’s got a little zing to it.”

Patrons can choose inside, front-ofrestaurant or backyard tables. The latter has communal dining and an herb garden.

“The majority of our seating is … outside. We have such a small interior that we’re lucky to be able to capitalize on the outdoor seating as well,” Breaux said.

It’s also dog friendly.

Dine-in open, reservations start at 6 p.m.

Takeout, delivery offered. Hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, closed Sunday.

Find EAT Local at www. localcommunitynews.com.

Tutti’s A Place For Foodies opened June 15 and offers coffee and upscale comfort food including meatloaf, sandwiches and Cajun favorites. Photo by Collette Orquiz

19

LEARN ABOUT THE NEWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLACES FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER. HOURS ARE CURRENT AS OF PRESS TIME, BUT CHECK WITH THE BUSINESS FOR UPDATES.

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