LOCA LCOMMU NI TYNE WS.CO M | VO L . 1, I SSUE 4 | JUNE 2 – JULY 7, 2020
COMPLETE CALENDAR LIST TO PLAN AHEAD
HAPPENING LOCAL PG. 06
NEWS BRIEFS AND BUSINESS OPENINGS
LOCAL LOWDOWN PG. 08
PG. 02 | TALK LOCAL: HEALTHY HABITS COULD EASE NEXT COVID-19 WAVE SOUTH SAN ANTONIO
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS GUEST COMMENTARY
Pandemic leaves mark on the South Side COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER TO ASSIST NEIGHBORS SOUTH SIDE LEADERS AND RESIDENTS are lending each other a helping hand as the state and city work to safely ease COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
by EDMOND ORTIZ
PG. 04 | OPINION
SUSAN YERKES Pandemic keeping elders isolated
By early May, Texas malls, retailers and movie theaters reopened, with restaurants allowed dine-in service, all with occupancy limits, according to orders issued April 27 by Gov. Greg Abbott. Nail salons, hairdressers, barbershops and gyms are also operating again — but with socialdistancing requirements still in place to slow the spread of the highly infectious novel strain of coronavirus. Schools and colleges were ordered
to remain closed for the rest of the academic year, as students engaged in distance learning. Although San Antonio and Bexar County’s business and public-health HEALTH continues on pg. 10
PG. 15 | EAT LOCAL
BAHAMA BUCK’S
Icy treats for warmer days
THE IMPORTANCE OF SPORTS by GABE FARIAS
AT MY VERY CORE, I’m a sports guy.
It’s hard not to be, after participating during my youth in baseball and basketball for South Side-area Catholic Youth Organizations from Mission San José to St. Leo. Then, I continued playing football and baseball at McCollum High School. And finally, I hit the gridiron and the diamond at Kemper College in Missouri. I even spent a few years as both a high school and a FARIAS continues on pg. 05
2 STAFF
L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S JUNE 2 - JULY 7, 2020
TALK LOCAL
Play it safe
IN THE WAKE OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, both the state and the city are reopening businesses in phases to get Texas back on its feet, collectively and protectively. EDITOR TH O MAS E DWARDS tedwards@localcommunitynews.com
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ON THE COVER – Neighbors are helping neighbors on the South Side as the government starts to relax restrictions on businesses and movement in response to the spread of COVID-19. Emilie (left) and Tatu Herrera, owners of Folklores Coffee House, have led a campaign to provide free food to seniors during the pandemic. Courtesy photo/Folklores
The LOCAL Community News editorial board includes Jaselle Luna and Thomas Edwards.
But, what changes from the now-lifted lockdown will become the new normal? What’s past is prologue, so the virus is not going away. Even as the Texas economy tries to get a second wind, let’s not forget to maintain healthy practices. In the last few weeks, we’ve been reminded about proper hygiene. Some have decided to keep wearing face masks. That’s a voluntary decision, but what should be habitual is washing hands, covering mouths and noses when sneezing or coughing, practicing social distancing and even refraining from hugs and handshakes for a bit. Let’s reassure people that in a region where so many have underlying health issues, no one is going to think twice if you walk into a store with a mask on, or whip out a box of sanitized wipes to clean the table at your favorite eatery before you sit down. Someday there will exist a vaccine. Until then, we must continue cooperating to slow the spread of the disease. The authorities say the pandemic will return this winter. However, if we practice these safety tips as frequently as possible, we might avert another widespread shutdown and keep our schools and merchants open this time.
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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 JUNE 2 - JULY 7, 2020
Seniors in solitary by SUSAN YERKES
DRIVE-BY BIRTHDAY PARADES, mariachis in parking lots, loving gestures through windows — in the age of COVID-19, we’ve all seen heartwarming stories about reaching out to elderly, locked-down loved ones.
We need all the “happy” we can get these days. But there’s another, very different picture most don’t see. Isolation, confusion, fear and depression during the pandemic have affected seniors, especially in nursing homes or assisted living. Most news stories about these institutions are statistical counts of outbreaks. But behind the numbers are the human tragedies. Because of the coronavirus, many
of our graying “Greatest Generation” are living out their last days in solitary confinement, even as we try to protect them from the illness. In nursing homes and assisted-living communities, this deadly pathogen can spread like wildfire. For the elderly and frail, it becomes “almost a perfect
We are currently accepting new residents. Our community is following all CDC guidelines for COVID-19 and have strict protocols in place to keep you safe. Call us to schedule a virtual tour. (210) 927-0800 • legendsouthsanantonio.com 2003 W. Hutchins Place, San Antonio, TX 78224
killing machine,” according to Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living. Both state and federal governments have issued lockdown orders aimed at stopping the disease. That means no visitors to nursing homes, statesupported living centers, assisted-living facilities and long-term care, except in end-of-life situations. Care homes have a little leeway regarding enforcement. Some allow families to deliver gifts, cards and comfort items to residents; others do not. “It’s a horrible situation. It’s just heartbreaking,” one longtime doctor who sees geriatric patients in local nursing homes and hospitals told me. “For a lot of these people, the family is their only anchor. It is who they are. It’s more important than eating or exercising. To be cut off from their families is completely devastating.” I’ve seen it happen. Back in February, an active, independent friend and mentor in her 80s developed a urinary tract infection and was hospitalized. Her devoted children flocked to her bedside to cheer her on, and she recovered enough to go to a rehab facility to gain her strength back — just as no-visitors policies were put in place. Alone, confined to her room, she developed another infection, returned to the ER and isolation. She was tested for COVID-19. By the time her family
arrived, they could only watch her die through a glass partition. (Too late, the test came back negative). “She never saw our faces after she went into the rehab,” her daughter said. “Before COVID, we could have been there encouraging her, reminding her of what she was to us all. But, we didn’t even have a chance to say goodbye.” We must find solutions. In the age of Zoom, Skype and FaceTime, virtual visits can make an enormous difference. Yet often, overstressed nursing-home staff can’t even facilitate a simple phone call for days. In many places, iPads, table-display tablets or even cellphones are in short supply. Some seniors can’t cope with the new tech, and disabilities make it harder. AARP and other groups are lobbying the federal government to require that nursing homes provide residents virtual visits with their families and friends. A single employee dedicated to coordinating those communications could be invaluable. This already occurs in a few cases, where some facilities or wonderful aides are making all the difference. It happens too seldom, especially in Texas, where nursing homes are consistently ranked among the worst in the U.S., according to Families for Better Care. We’re all getting older. Now is the time to push for change. 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.
JUNE 2 - JULY 7, 2020
L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S
FARIAS continues from pg. 01
college baseball coach, not to mention working the better part of my professional life as a sports broadcaster. Bottom line, I love sports and miss it dearly as our country continues to deal with COVID-19 closures and cancellations. We’ve never needed the diversion more than we do now – especially here on the South Side. This significant nuance to our daily lives isn’t just related to enjoying our area and state professional teams. The feeling extends to the McCollum Cowboys, Harlandale Indians, Brackenridge Eagles, Southside Cardinals, Southwest Dragons, East Central Hornets and, well, pretty much every local South Side high school program. Although we love our San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Cowboys, and others, nothing motivates pride and enthusiasm like high school sports. It allows our neighborhood youngsters both directly and indirectly involved in high school athletics the chance to continue with their development on and off the field of play. It lets communities cheer and support the next generation and the future of our nation. But above all, it gives us a reason to just feel good, stimulate our emotions in a positive way and, quite frankly, speed healing and recovery. I’m hearing that superintendents, athletic directors, coaches and stakeholders are doing what they can to set up a 2020-2021 high school sports season. This undertaking
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undoubtedly will be rooted in the utmost safety and precautions for both the kids participating and the fans attending. To maintain social-distancing requirements to stem the pandemic’s spread, officials are also looking at filling any given stadium with just a third of the fans. For about 95 percent of the games that should not be a problem. However, for the Frontier Bowl and other big matches, it could be — but that’s a sacrifice we should be willing to make to get those kids back in action. Now, I’m not the type of guy who goes around criticizing commentaries. In fact, I firmly believe our greatest freedom is the right to have and share opinions. However, I really took issue with Washington Post sports columnist Norman Chad’s effort titled, “The pandemic has reminded us: We don’t need more sports in our lives — we need less.” To say Chad really misses the mark is a huge understatement. I understand we need perspective in these times. We also need healing. We need a reason to galvanize our emotions, love and passion for a feel-good moment. Going to a high school or middle school sporting event and watching your child, grandchild, niece, nephew or neighbor carry the ball, make a free throw, or play proudly in the band will help cure us all. We need sports. Oh, do we ever need sports. Farias is a longtime South Side resident, family man, active in his community, and chief operations officer at Kellum Physician Partners. LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
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HAPPENING
L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S JUNE 2 - JULY 7, 2020
JUNE
PLAN YOUR MONTH WITH OUR CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE COMMUNITY.
JUNE 2, 16 & JULY 7 ROTARY CLUB
The Rotary Club of San Antonio South meets at noon on the second floor of Stinson Municipal Airport, 8535 Mission Road. There’s plenty of parking. For updates or cancellations, visit https://portal.clubrunner.ca/8149.
JUNE 6, 20 & JULY 4 YOGA AT THE MISSION
A free, one-hour yoga community session is at
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.
10 a.m. at Mission San José, 701 E. Pyron Ave. Meet outdoors in front of the church or inside the granary during inclement weather. It’s funded by Western National Parks Association and the National Park Service. For updates or cancellations, call 210-932-1001.
JUNE 6, 13 & JULY 4 CALLING ART FANS
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JUNE 15
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 on the free event with music, email shop@ theartisansatx.com or call 210-9625560.
SAISD BOARD MEETING
JUNE 7
Trustees with the Harlandale Independent School District meet from 6-9 p.m. at Harlandale High School, 114 E. Gerald Ave. For more, visit www.harlandale.net.
HEY, DAD!
Shop
Greenline, 2532 Sidney Brooks Drive, for a free showing of “Finding Nemo” June 13 at dusk. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. For updates or cancellations, visit https://livebrooks.com/ wp-content/uploads/2018/11/ Brooks_FY20_Events.pdf.
Presented by the Asociación de Charros de San Antonio, a “Father’s Day and Anniversary” rodeo competition begins at 4 p.m. at Rancho del Charro, 6126 Padre Drive. Food vendors will be onsite. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children. For updates or cancellations, visit http://www. sacharros.org/events.html.
JUNE 11
NETWORKING BREAKFAST
San Antonio Independent School District trustees meet at 5:30 p.m. at 406 Barrera St. For updates or cancellations, visit www.saisd.net.
JUNE 15
HARLANDALE ISD BOARD MEETING
JUNE 18
STROKE SUPPORT A stroke support group meets from 2-3 p.m. at Southwest General Hospital, Classroom A, 7400 Barlite Blvd. For updates or cancellations, and to RSVP, call 1-877-215-9355.
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/ or call Jessica Furdock at 210-5331600.
JUNE 18
JUNE 12, 13
Free, outdoor movies start
OPEN-AIR CINEMA Join the Brooks family at The
SOUTHSIDE ISD BOARD MEETING Trustees for the Southside Independent School District meet at 6 p.m. at 1460 Martinez Losoya Road. For updates and cancellations, visit https:// southsideisd.org/.
JUNE 18
MOVIE TIME HAPPENING continues on pg. 09
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LOWDOWN
L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S JUNE 2 - JULY 7, 2020
TAKE A QUICK LOOK AT WHAT’S NEW IN THE COMMUNITY FROM OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS TO NEWS TIDBITS.
Open and Opening Soon
BAHAMA BUCK’S, 7022 S. New Braunfels Ave., is a recently opened shaved-ice shop featuring some 100 flavors. Other items include smoothies, lattes, lemonades, limeades and sodas. Due to the pandemic, the lobby is closed until further notice, but customers can get refreshments via the drive-thru or third-party delivery services. Hours are noon to 10 p.m. daily. For more, call 210-507-2057 or visit bahamabucks.com or facebook. com/BBTX1305. (See story on page 15)
TUTTI’S A PLACE FOR FOODIES, 318 E. Cevallos St., plans to open soon and will offer 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. Check the Facebook page and website for debut date and regular hours. For more, call 210-530-1313 or visit tuttisforfoodies.com or facebook. com/tuttisforfoodies.
IN OTHER NEWS:
RECENTLY NAMED KAZEN MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER OF THE YEAR
LOWDOWN SPOTLIGHT
TUTTI’S
Martha McCulloch wants pupils to know science is part of their everyday lives. The sixth- and seventh-grade educator at the South San Antonio Independent School District campus said she encourages her learners to acknowledge science surrounds them. “I try to give them examples of things we do here, so they understand, ‘Oh, I do need science,’” McCulloch said in a release.
SA YES RECENTLY REVAMPED ITS LITTLE FREE LIBRARY INTO A LITTLE LOCKER providing art supplies to keep children active while they’re off campus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The giveaway is at the Harlandale Independent School District’s Sosa Parent Education Center, 901 March Ave. SA YES is the largest distributor of school supplies in South Texas. Before, the library offered free books to 14,000 students and parents in the district.
BIBLIOTECH, BEXAR COUNTY’S ALLDIGITAL LIBRARY, REOPENED May 4 for essential services. Hours of operation for the branches are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Essential services include printing, faxing and
computer use. Visitors must wear a mask and follow staff guidelines for social distancing during the ongoing pandemic. Patrons should have only one family member at a time inside a branch, and follow guidelines of 25 percent capacity. Those wishing to check out a digital device must call ahead. The BiblioTech South branch is located at 3505 Pleasanton Road. For more, call 210-631-0180 or visit https://bexarbibliotech. org/. BiblioTech is the first and only all-digital U.S. public library, according to officials.
THE SOUTH SIDE’S BUSINESS AND CHURCH COMMUNITY HASN’T FORGOTTEN SOUTHWEST GENERAL HOSPITAL. On May 2, workers received homemade cookies and more than 600 thank-you letters from First Presbyterian Church of San Antonio. In recent weeks, the infirmary also received donations from H-E-B, Chick-fil-A, Bella Vista Homes, Rocky’s Tacos and Little Caesars.
THE SAN ANTONIO RIVER AUTHORITY RECENTLY ADDED 4.1 MILES TO THE MISSION REACH TRAIL on the southern end. The extension parallels Cassin Lake and follows the San Antonio River to U.S. 281 South, where it joins the 10-mile Medina River system, which runs from Medina River Natural Area, along the waterway, past Mitchell Lake, ending at Mattox Park near Mission del Lago.
HOT WELLS OF BEXAR COUNTY celebrated its one-year anniversary with a small ceremony May 1. The park, located where the former Hot Wells bathhouse and resort at 5503 S. Presa St. once stood, features
JUNE 2 - JULY 7, 2020
L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S
HAPPENING continues from pg. 06
LOWDOWN SPOTLIGHT
BAHAMA BUCK’S
showing after dark at Confluence Park, 310 W. Mitchell St. Presented by the Committee on the Environment. For more including the movie title, plus updates or cancellations, visit https://www.slabcinema.com/ free-outdoor-films/confluencepark.
JUNE 20
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/.
the hotel’s ruins built by local brewer Otto Koehler, who ran Pearl Brewery. Amenities include landscaping, night lighting, paved trails connecting to the San Antonio River, parking and restrooms.
AFTER SEVEN YEARS IN THE WORKS, Mission Escondida Luxury Apartments recently opened at 1507 Mission Road, according to the San Antonio Business Journal. The 360-unit complex includes an 8,300-square-foot clubhouse and five four-story buildings on 20 acres. The property is adjacent to the Riverside Golf Course and southeast of Concepción Park, along the San Antonio River. Apartments range from $999 to $1,925 per month. White-Conlee Development, working with Cushman & Wakefield San Antonio Commercial Advisors, transformed the former trailer park. Find LOCAL Lowdown at www. localcommunitynews.com.
LOWDOWN/HAPPENING
towel to the park. For updates or cancellations, visit www. livebrooks.com.
SUNDAYS
YOGA CLASS Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, free sessions, normally 1011 a.m. at Confluence Park, 310 W. Mitchell St. will be conducted online during the coronavirus 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 after on Mobile Om’s YouTube channel.
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ELSEWHERE
JUNE 17
CANCER SUPPORT GROUP UT Health San Antonio offers a group setting for women with gynecologic cancers. Meetings are from 6-8 p.m. at the Medical Arts & Research Center, 8300 Floyd Curl Drive (first floor, Conference Room B). Light refreshments served. Free parking. For updates or cancellations, visit uthealthcare.org/purple or call 210-450-9500.
SUBMITTING EVENTS: Email all the details along with your contact information two months in advance to tips@ localcommunitynews.com.
JUNE 27
ZUMBA, ANYONE? The Greenline, 2532 Sidney Brooks Drive, hosts free Zumba classes from 9-9:45 a.m. Bring a water bottle and
HAPPENING SPOTLIGHT
ZUMBA, ANYONE
Starting At $350/Month All Bills Paid Independent Senior Living
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SPECIAL PROGRAMS
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311 SOUTH ST. MARY’S ST. • SAN ANTONIO TX 78205 granadahomessanantonio.com
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L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S
PANDEMIC
JUNE 2 - JULY 7, 2020
HEALTH continues from pg. 01
limitations cannot exceed those placed by the state, the city and county have strengthened safety requirements and launched assistance programs. Mayor Ron Nirenberg and County Judge Nelson Wolff issued new orders requiring the continued use of facial coverings in public places where social distancing is a challenge, including workplaces. In mid-May, a letter from the state Attorney General’s Office cautioned both men not to issue decrees that are not aligned with state orders. City and county mandates also limited the size of social gatherings, extended suspension of evictions and foreclosures, and boosted safety at nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. A localized outbreak at the Southeast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center resulted in several residents and an employee dying, officials said. Two teams of appointed local experts and civic leaders recommended further safety measures, increased testing and surveillance of the virus, and ways businesses could safely operate. Gov. Greg Abbott also ordered testing at assisted-living facilities. Wolff and Nirenberg said wearing masks in public is one key to slowing the spread of COVID-19. Orders from the governor encourage masks but do not make them mandatory. “(The governor’s plan) is not going to be successful without the guidelines we put in,” Wolff said in a press briefing. “Social distancing and other commonsense measures recommended by our public-safety officials have been successful,” Nirenberg added in a statement. But, some South Siders fear a fast return to normality following a weekslong statewide lockdown may be
unwise. Health experts say another wave is likely, even as virus outbreaks wane for now. “The worst is to come since businesses are going to open and there are still cases of coronavirus in our city every day,” resident Rosalinda Saenz said. “I am concerned about the people that won’t take it seriously, and put others in jeopardy,” resident Veronica Franz added. Facing a $180 million revenue shortfall, the city received $270 million in federal dollars to help offset pandemic costs. San Antonio also created a $25 million fund for eligible residents to address rent, mortgage, utilities, internet access, groceries, medicine and fuel. “I’m proud to see the city adopt this program that helps our most vulnerable residents pay their critical bills so they can stay in their homes and feed their families,” District 3 Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran said in a statement. The county began a $4 million package to provide a maximum of three months of rental aid for inhabitants feeling the effects of a job loss or furlough. County leaders, however, said a $5 million loan-assistance program for small businesses might need replenishment because the existing pot is nearly empty. The South San Antonio Chamber of Commerce is offering relief for business owners denied the federal Paycheck Protection Program. “We want to help share your story and the impact this resource would have on your business,” chamber President/CEO Al Arreola Jr. told chamber members. Arreola can be reached at al@southsa. org or 210-240-1764. Meanwhile, some local merchants are taking matters into their own hands. Pica Pica Plaza co-owner Al Honigblum leads the Lots of Love
Residents receive supplies from the San Antonio Food Bank during a distribution event April 29 at Pica Pica Plaza. Courtesy photo/Pica Pica Plaza.
initiative, which has raised about $500,000 for the San Antonio Food Bank. The plaza parking lot has been used for drive-thru food distribution. Folklores Coffee House, 5009 S. Flores St., suspended regular service in March. But, proprietors Tatu and Emilie Herrera worried how elderly residents would feed themselves while grocery stores saw long lines and panic-buying. “We thought about being proactive for our community,” Tatu Herrera said. They used their own cash to buy produce and dry goods, and sought out needy residents via Facebook. Deliveries were made to those neighbors. More responses arrived online, leading to a request for volunteer drivers.
The Herreras created a GoFundMe campaign (https:// tinyurl.com/y9jjmvk8), raising money to buy more supplies individuals can use to fix meals lasting two or three days. Tatu Herrera, a chef, enlisted assistance from other cooks and food-truck owners. Folklores had donated free victuals to about 4,000 seniors on the South, West and East sides by late April. Monetary donations and nonperishables to the Herreras are still welcome. Requests from more local seniors, too, are encouraged. “We’ll keep going until we can’t go anymore,” Herrera said. More COVID-19 information can be found at https://www. sanantonio.gov and www.bexar.org. Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com.
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BUSINESS/DEVELOPMENT
JUNE 2 - JULY 7, 2020
Last hole for Republic Golf Club SOUTH SIDE LOCALE SAW YEARS OF DECLINING REVENUE, REPORTS SAY by EDMOND ORTIZ
THE REPUBLIC GOLF CLUB has booked its last tee time.
Following 18 years of existence, the Southeast Side golf course was shuttered May 3 after property owner Boerne-based Foresight Golf completed the transaction. Now, community leaders and residents wonder what’s next for the 212-acre site. According to reports, decreasing revenue over the years motivated Foresight Golf’s decision. Foresight, which runs several other links in the San Antonio area, shut another South Side property, Pecan Valley Golf Club, in 2012. District 3 Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran said she feels for residents who chose to live next to The Republic
because they assumed the golf course, adjacent to Salado Creek and greenery, would always be permanent fixtures in the neighborhood. “It’s disappointing to see this
happening,” Viagran said. “There was so much promise there.” Representatives for the new property managers haven’t shared details about the future of the acreage, but they indicated the potential development of single-family homes and preservation of green spaces, the councilwoman said. “We’re making sure the new owner is talking to adjacent neighbors and property owners about their plans,” Viagran added. “There’s a lot of land that can’t be developed because it’s in a floodplain.” Golfers have long lauded The Republic for its wide fairways, spacious landing areas and open approaches, as well as its affordability. They also had praised its scenic surroundings. However, in recent months, other players expressed disappointment in course conditions.
The Republic Golf Club has closed permanently, the results of declining revenues over the past few years, according to reports. Courtesy photo
Local linksmen were still saddened to hear about the closure of The Republic, which leaves the South Side with two public golf courses, Mission Del Lago and Riverside, both managed and promoted by the Municipal Golf Association San Antonio. “The closing creates a huge void for San Antonio golf. It’s a major blow to the junior golfers on this side of town,” one neighbor said on a Facebook page for South Side residents. University of the Incarnate Word also utilized The Republic as a home for its golf squads. In addition, the club played host to a facility where UIW provided a professional golf-management program. Campus officials indicated the school will maintain its partnership with Foresight Golf, and is making adjustments to accommodate its golfmanagement students and collegiate teams. According to a statement from Michael Valdes, UIW media and public relations manager, “Our students will utilize other golf courses within Foresight Golf along with area golf courses for their internships. Instruction of the business aspects of the program remains with the Broadway campus.” UIW also plans to use current instructors in golf management from Foresight Golf so The Republic’s closure will have minimal impact on the academic program. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, student-athletes aren’t currently allowed to practice together. “When they are cleared to return, they will find another course to call home,” the statement added. Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com.
JUNE 2 - JULY 7, 2020
L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S
Lyster Road extension to speed Brooks’ growth MORE TRAFFIC PROJECTS IN THE WORKS by ERIC MORENO
A PROJECT EXTENDING LYSTER ROAD near Brooks should ease traffic flow and increase business growth at the South Side economic generator, planners say.
Since 2001, the Brooks mixed-use development community – formerly known as Brooks City-Base, and before that, Brooks Air Force Base – has been a boon to the South Side, revitalizing the area and creating new jobs, officials said. The reconstruction is one undertaking in an overall period of expansion at Brooks. “This project came about in large part thanks to the overwhelming support of District 3 City Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran and her office,” said Connie Gonzalez, Brooks’ director of strategy and community relations. “The councilwoman was instrumental in helping us obtain the funding for the Lyster Road extension, which the voters passed in 2017 as part of the bond.” A January groundbreaking of the $7.6 million betterment came with accolades from Viagran. “This project was made possible by the citizens in District 3 and throughout the city of San Antonio,” she said at the ceremony. “The support of entities like Brooks and their tenants helps me do my job of securing funding for projects like this that enhance and connect our community and help build a better future for our residents.” When completed, the thoroughfare will stretch from Aviation Landing to South New Braunfels Avenue. “This area of our campus is where many major employers have opened or are in the process of developing, so the direct connection to South New Braunfels will
make it even easier for those filling the jobs we are bringing here to get to and from work every day,” said Brooks President and CEO Leo Gomez during the groundbreaking. In addition to upgrades to the road itself, construction includes two new lanes in each direction and a center turn lane. Efforts to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting directives to shelter in place and temporarily close businesses – ultimately eased in late April – haven’t caused any real headaches, officials said. “Despite the stay-at-home orders made by our local and state governments, we’ve still been able to maintain our schedule with minimal delays, and right now, we’re on track to be finished by early 2021,” Gonzalez said. “When it is complete, the extension project will not only help with the mobility on the Brooks campus, but also in traffic around the campus.” She added, “There is a lot of development in this area, in general, especially in the light-industrial and manufacturing area of our campus.” The widened passageway will serve some of Brooks’ largest employers. One of the upcoming corporate tenants will be Cuisine LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
INFRASTRUCTURE
Solutions, a sous vide food distributor and manufacturer. Breaking ground on its headquarters this past February, the company could generate more than 500 new jobs. Officials noted those workers would become benefactors of the Lyster Road work. “Right across from where Cuisine Solutions facilities will be is where we are creating a new 450,000-square-foot lightmanufacturing facility,” Gonzalez said. “Who will occupy that space is still to be determined, but this could create hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs. With development, naturally, comes traffic. We’re not shying away from that. And in fact, we’re trying to be proactive in anticipating that, which is why the Lyster Road project was started initially.” Another major industry, Nissei Plastic
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Machinery America’s 115,000-square-foot structure, debuted in May 2018. In addition to actual roadwork, there will be new sidewalks and bike paths, plus drainage improvements and landscape with more than 160 planted trees. “When Lyster Road is completed, we feel that it will truly be beneficial in helping to mitigate the traffic in the area,” Gonzalez said. “We have several projects in development as part of our master plan. One involves South New Braunfels to Loop 410, which would give us access to another major highway, as right now we only have access really to one — Interstate 37. Ultimately, our goal is to do everything we can to make Brooks everything that this community needs.” Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com.
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L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S
COMMUNITY
JUNE 2 - JULY 7, 2020
Councilman pushing for citywide renters' commission by TRAVIS E. POLING
A PROPOSED SAN ANTONIO COMMISSION to represent apartment and home renters — about half of the city’s population — has been slowed down thanks to COVID-19, but officials hope that’s only temporary.
Meanwhile, landlords and other property owners say they don’t see the value of creating such a group when there are other means of oversight. The commission would advise the city on access to affordable housing, transportation issues, crime control, tenants’ rights and laws, and more. Despite the stall in putting together the Renters Commission, District 1 Councilman Roberto Treviño and his staff vow to get it back on track. “The Renters Commission is intended to be a platform to meaningfully engage a group that makes up almost half of our population,” Treviño said in February when introducing the launch of the effort. “Statistically, renters earn less, spend a greater proportion of their income on housing, and have more barriers to civic engagement. Renters also have a unique view on issues like transportation, education, public safety, and housing which needs to be heard.” The formation of the commission, like many city initiatives, was stalled by the spread of COVID-19, a novel strain of coronavirus that originated in China in late 2019. In March, governmentmandated orders went into effect that closed schools, shuttered nonessential businesses, prohibited large gatherings, and dictated that people shelter in place. For months, Treviño tried to garner City Council and community support for the commission to advocate for renters. Renters’ concerns include maintenance issues, upkeep of common
areas and a system that Treviño says favors the landlord at least 88 percent of the time in eviction cases. Landlords and their representatives object to the committee, saying that its duties could be handled within existing groups or that any new committee would need to have representation from rental-property managers and owners. The commission was first formally proposed to the council in June and a town-hall meeting Feb. 29 at San Antonio College was the next big step. A follow-up meeting to help determine the framework was scheduled for April 4. However, in the weeks between the two meetings, tens of thousands of renters were laid off, furloughed or saw their hours drastically reduced as the city and county issued directives to slow the spread of the virus that causes the highly infectious COVID-19. Some people used federal-government stimulus checks of up to $1,200 per person to help pay rent and keep food on the table, but for those who don’t file electronically with automatic bank-account deposits, paper checks are likely to arrive long after the rent is due for those with no income or reduced household income.
The Texas Supreme Court placed a moratorium on evictions, but that was lifted in May. Treviño proposed an additional 60-day protection after that expires. Gov. Greg Abbott has started phasing in a reopening of some businesses with social distancing. Some apartments have federal funding, and those are subject to the 120-day federal ban on evictions. They include numerous locations in San Antonio. A searchable database of those properties can be found at the National Low Income Housing Coalition website https://nlihc.org/ federal-moratoriums. Ryan Rettaliata, a renter in a downtown apartment complex on Broadway, is frustrated because he and his wife, a city employee, traded a less expensive and more spacious suburban life for the amenities of living in the urban core, such as the ability to walk to restaurants, bars and coffee shops. “We traded space for amenities and now they’re all closed,” Rettaliata said. Long term, he said, he can see how the formation of a Renters Commission could be useful. “We need a representative to stand up for us. We don’t have a voice,” Rettaliata said. “We need guidelines for how well things are kept up.” Unfortunately for the cause of Treviño, the late February meeting, while well attended, included few tenants and was heavy on landlords and their real estate representatives. Only about 10 renters showed up to the town hall meant for them, according to Lawson Picasso, a spokeswoman for Treviño. She has been “handing out business cards like confetti” to get the feedback from renters.
While the councilman’s office understands the plight of the landlord, which includes no cap on valuation of properties when it comes to property taxes, the spokeswoman said she hopes any freeze in property values that may occur during the coronavirus crisis trickles down to the distressed renter. The San Antonio Board of Realtors, whose members represent landlords, packed the February hearing, and believes any committee that only represents renters doesn’t solve any potential problems. “SABOR is supportive of the establishment of a balanced rental housing advisory committee that is all-inclusive and has representation from both renters and property owners in San Antonio,” said SABOR Chairman Kim Bragman. “Our hope in this effort is an environment where renters and landlords can have respectful dialogue which will lead to meaningful solutions; particularly to those problems caused as a result of COVID-19.” She added, “SABOR looks forward to engaging with our partners at City Council to ensure that this committee becomes an educational resource for tenants and landlords within our community while maintaining the current affordable housing policy measures explicitly recommended in the Mayor’s Housing Policy Framework.” While the COVID-19 crisis has postponed meetings to form the committee, Picasso said the issue hasn’t been put on the back burner “because we are looking at vulnerable demographics such as single mothers, seniors and serviceindustry workers.” Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com.
JUNE 2 - JULY 7, 2020
EAT
L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S
Journey to Bahama Buck’s for a ‘mini vacation’
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LEARN ABOUT THE NEWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLACES FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER.
by COLLETTE ORQUIZ
PARADISE IS JUST A SPOONFUL AWAY at Bahama Buck’s, said franchise owner Marc Ruiz.
Known for its shaved ice, the store with the motto “Surf, sun, sno” wants to deliver a relaxed atmosphere with multiple flavor combinations. “We’re trying to provide the best tropical-dessert experience, or we actually call it a mini vacation,” Ruiz said. The shop opened several months ago at 7022 S. New Braunfels Ave. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the drive-thru is open and delivery is available using third-party services. Though the state has given food establishments the go-ahead to open dining rooms at 25 percent capacity, Ruiz said he’s keeping the lobby closed while considering walk-in orders.
“I’d love to open back up, but I just want to make sure that customers and employees are safe,” he said. Ruiz has worked in the restaurant industry for three decades, including a four-year stint at another Bahama Buck’s before opening his own shop. Raised on the South Side, Ruiz is giving back to the community through fundraisers and events. “I thought bringing it to the South Side of San Antonio would be nice,” he said. “They’re always the last ones
Toppings such as sprinkles, creams, chamoy and more can be added to shaved ice. Also, ice cream can be a topping, too.
HOURS ARE CURRENT AS OF PRESS TIME, BUT CHECK WITH THE BUSINESS FOR UPDATES. Bahama Buck’s features some 100 different flavors of shaved ice, including sweet and sour and sugar-free. Customers can mix several flavors like cherry and blue coconut (pictured). Photos by Collette Orquiz
to get the good stuff, even though they make just as much money or work just as hard as everybody else.” Bahama Buck’s, founded in Lubbock by Blake Buchanan in 1990, features some 100 shaved flavors; popular are blue coconut, strawberry, cherry, tiger’s blood, mango and watermelon. Beverages include smoothies, lemonades, sodas and Frostalattés, a blended coffee drink. Fruit cups and hot chocolate are seasonal treats. “Without all the COVID-19 stuff, we normally have games out so we try to get people to … put your phone down for a little bit and interact with each other,” Ruiz said. “It’s what we like to see: kids coming in with parents and playing games and stuff.” Hours are noon to 10 p.m. daily. Find EAT Local at www.localcommunitynews.com.
BAHAMA BUCK’S
7022 S. New Braunfels Ave. For more, call 210-507-2057 or visit bahamabucks.com or facebook.com/ BBTX1305 LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
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