LOCAL North Central - June 2020

LOCA LCOMMU N ITYNE WS.CO M | VO L . 8, I SSUE 12 | JUNE 16 - J ULY 14, 2020

COMPLETE CALENDAR LIST TO PLAN AHEAD

HAPPENING LOCAL PG. 03

NEWS BRIEFS AND BUSINESS OPENINGS

LOCAL LOWDOWN PG. 06

PG. 02 | TALK LOCAL: HEALTHY HABITS COULD EASE NEXT COVID-19 WAVE CASTLE HILLS • SHAVANO PARK • NORTH SAN ANTONIO

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

UNDERGROUND clean s r e d n o p s e r t s ir F p up homeless cam FE TY PG. 10 | PU BL IC SA 1 beneath U.S. 28

PG. 14 | EAT LOCAL

WHAT’S BREWING?

Officials find trash, waste in half-mile tunnel

San Antonio Coffee Roasters

PG. 08 | HEALTH

WORKING TOGETHER

As COVID-19 restrictions ease, residents and businesses helping out PG. 13 | SERVICES

ROAD RUPTURES

City on a mission to fill potholes

PG. 04 | OPINION

SUSAN YERKES Pandemic keeping elders isolated

2 STAFF

L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S JUNE 16 - JULY 14, 2020

LOCAL RE

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.

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ABOUT WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR COMMUNITY AND NEARBY AREAS

EDITOR THOMAS E DWARDS

localcommunitynews.com

tedwards@localcommunitynews.com

LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

PUBLISHER Jaselle Luna EDITORIAL Editor

Thomas Edwards News Staff

Collette Orquiz Contributing Writers

Jose T. Garza III, Noi Mahoney, Edmond Ortiz, Travis E. Poling, Arthur Schechter, and Susan Yerkes

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Joyce Hotchkiss OUR OTHER PUBLICATIONS North Central SA: 78213, 78216, 78230, 78231, 78232, 78248, 78249, 78258 Metrocom: 78109, 78148, 78233, 78239, 78108, 78132, 78154, 78266 South San Antonio: 78204, 78205, 78210, 78214, 78223, 78235 Reproduction in whole or in part without our permission is prohibited, 2020 Local Community News LLC, all rights reserved.

ON THE COVER – Hollywood Park first responders spent time in April clearing part of a drainage tunnel that had been filled with homeless people and their belongings. Officials said the COVID-19 pandemic has strained some social services, often leaving transients short of resources. See the story on page 10. Courtesy/Hollywood Park Police Department

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.

JUNE 16 - JULY 14, 2020

JUNE

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

HAPPENING

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

Lemonwood Drive

City Councils/ School Districts

Northside ISD: 7 p.m. June 23; 5900 Evers Road

Highway. For updates or cancellations, visit https://www.showclix. com/event/j-brewsky-beer-blintzes.

North East ISD: 5:30 p.m. July 13; 8961 Tesoro Drive

JUNE 12 & JULY 10

JUNE 11

BEER & BLINTZES

Hollywood Park: 6 p.m. June 16; 2 Mecca Drive Hill Country Village: 5 p.m. Aug. 6; 116 Aspen Lane Shavano Park: 6:30 p.m. June 22;

900 Saddletree Court

Castle Hills: 6:30 p.m. June 9 & July 14; 209

J-Brewsky, a beer-tasting journey, returns to the Barshop Jewish Community Center at 7 p.m. Cost is $12. Event is only for those 21 and older. The JCC is on the Campus of the San Antonio Jewish Community, 12500 N.W. Military

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. CHECK WITH THE LISTED CONTACTS FOR UPDATES.

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WATERING YOUR GARDEN Garden-watering systems will be discussed at a brown-bag lunch and learn from noon to 1 p.m. at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 3355 Cherry Ridge Drive, Suite 208. In July, it’s bees. Free admission. For updates or cancellations, visit https://www.bexarmg.org.

JUNE 12 & JULY 10 MOVIES IN THE PARK

City Council District 9 sponsors free, outdoor movies at sundown HAPPENING continues on pg. 05

LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

ANTONIAN COLLEGE PREPARATORY HIGH SCHOOL Antonian’s graduating class of 2020 has160 talented students.We are proud to say to date the class of 2020 has amassed a total of $19,538,392 in merit-based college scholarships. We congratulate the class of 2020 for their hard work and focus. We are excited for the future they will lead and change they will bring.

100 seniors received a scholarship from a single school in an amount exceeding $40,000 -- the approximate amount invested in an Antonian education.

55 students received scholarship awards exceeding $100,000

13 students received scholarship awards exceeding $250,000

5 students received scholarship awards exceeding $500,000

OPINION

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L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S JUNE 16 - JULY 14, 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

Embrace adventure, experience wellness.

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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

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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 16 - JULY 14, 2020

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

HAPPENING

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JUNE 18

JUNE 20

JUNE 23-25

in Blossom Park, 15015 Heimer Road. For titles, plus updates or cancellations, visit https://www. slabcinema.com/free-outdoorfilms/blossom-park or call 210-2070955.

From 1-3 p.m., Jessica Robertson discusses new and underused plants in a free session at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 3355 Cherry Ridge Drive, Suite 208. For updates or cancellations, visit www.bexarmg.org.

JUNE 18 & JULY 2

JUNE 20

Meet at the Butterfly Learning Center, 1021 Voelcker Lane inside Hardberger Park, from 10 a.m. to noon to learn basic beekeeping. Free admission. For updates or cancellations, visit https://www. philhardbergerpark.org/calendar-events/ nature-talk-honeybees-nativebees.

MUSIC FOR A CAUSE

JUNE 22-AUG. 7

You can enroll kids, ages 5 through sixth grade, for three days of free, religious fun and learning from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Cornerstone Church, 18777 Stone Oak Parkway. For registration, plus updates or cancellations, visit https://sacornerstone. brushfire.com/events/464894 or call 210499-1706.

Enjoy a free, 1 p.m. movie for seniors at the Barshop Jewish Community Center’s Holzman Auditorium. Free popcorn.

Walk-ins welcome. The JCC is on the Campus of the San Antonio Jewish Community, 12500 N.W. Military Highway. For updates or cancellations, call 210-302-6860.

Sam Ash Music, 25 N.E. Loop 410, Suite 110, conducts its fifth annual Memories with Melodies concert. The summer solstice will bring daylong activities, including musical performances. Proceeds benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. For updates or cancellations, plus donations, call 210-530-9777 or visit http://act.alz. org/goto/memorieswithmelodies.

Providing a Jewish emphasis, the summer sessions at 14535 Blanco Road, presented

by Chabad Lubavitch of South Texas, have activities for children of various ages.

Cost varies. For registration, times and programs, plus updates or cancellations, visit www.GanIsraelSA.com or call 210764-0300.

HAPPENING continues from pg. 03

HONEYBEES & NATIVE BEES

NEW AND UNDERUSED PLANTS

SILVER CINEMA

CAMP GAN ISRAEL

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

JUNE 27

NATURE WALK: LANDSCAPE Meet at Hardberger Park’s Urban Ecology Center, 8400 N.W. Military Highway (western entrance), from 8-10:30 a.m. Joan Miller leads a 1.5-mile stroll through the park’s trails. Free admission. For updates or HAPPENING continues on pg. 07

LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

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LOWDOWN

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L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S JUNE 16 - JULY 14, 2020

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

Open and Opening Soon WHAT’S BREWING? DRIVE-THRU, 12054 Blanco Road, opened in late March at the site “where we are still slinging our specialty coffee drinks San Antonio fell in love with at our roastery and cafe next to the airport” at 138 W. Rhapsody Drive, according to the website.

In addition to java, the new drive-thru iteration of the business offers smoothies, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, plantain chips and coffee beans. It’s right across from Churchill High School. Hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday. For more, call 210-308-8882 or visit https://www.sacoffeeroasters. com/drive-thru. (See story on page 14)

IN OTHER NEWS

advance to the state competition this year.

appointment of former Alderman Frank Paul to fill the slot left when Place 2’s Mark Sanderson resigned just a year into his first term.

THE NORTH EAST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT partnered with the San

CHANGES IN THE CASTLE HILLS POLITICAL SCENE continue, with the recent

JERRY WOODS, FORMERLY THE PRINCIPAL OF CLARK HIGH SCHOOL, is Northside Independent School District’s newest assistant superintendent for high school instruction, officials announced.

MAY 5 MARKED THE START OF NORTHSIDE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT’S Teacher Appreciation Week. The celebration included creative ideas to bridge the distance between students and educators, acknowledging the hard work of teachers during the shuttering of campuses brought on by the COVID-19 outbreak, officials said. Events included administrators at Boone Elementary School treating teachers to free meals at Culver’s restaurant, 5836 De Zavala Road.

DISTRICT 9 COUNCILMAN JOHN COURAGE

Summer Enrichment, JROTC, & Athletic Camps Offering a variety of camps July 6 - 24, 2020 Boys: grades 3-9 Girls: grades 3-8

Online registration available now!

https://www.cchs-satx.org/summercamps/ 1403 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio, TX 78215 210-225-6794 • cchs-satx.org

participated May 14 in a COVID-19 Recovery Tele-Town Hall to remotely address questions about San Antonio’s “path to recovery,” he said in a release.

Other officials included representatives from the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District and the city’s Neighborhood and Housing Services Department. The event was carried on the councilman’s Facebook page.

TWO REAGAN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS RECEIVED Gold Seal Awards from the state Visual Arts Scholastic Event competition in Austin. Rosie Gankse and Catherine Zou each got nods for their pieces “Human’s Nature” and “Blank Canvas,” respectively. Reagan also had 18 total VASE art pieces

Antonio Food Bank to serve 1,800 families on May 6. Distribution centers included LEE and Roosevelt high schools, Harris Middle School and the Blossom Athletic Center.

NEISD family specialists, along with members of the National Guard, distributed food every Wednesday during May to keep district families fed while campuses remained locked down due to COVID-19, a novel strain of highly infectious coronavirus.

CASTLE HILLS CONTINUES TO BAN THE PRUNING of oak trees until June 30, according to a digital post. “Spring is the time when oak trees have the highest chance of contracting oakwilt disease; pruning in spring leaves them very vulnerable to this disease.

The Texas Forest Service will tell you that the riskiest time to prune oaks is from Feb. 1 through June 30.

Please help protect your property and your neighbors’ property (by) not pruning nor trimming of any type of oak tree until July 1,” the warning noted.

THE CASTLE HILLS GARDEN CLUB IS SPONSORING A Yard of the Month recognition program. The goal is to encourage a renewed interest in yard and landscaping beautification.

From May to November, each month one yard from north Castle Hills and one from the south side of town will be lauded by the club. Residents are asked to email photos and entries to CastleHillsGardenClub@gmail.com.

Find Local Lowdown at www. localcommunitynews.com.

JUNE 16 - JULY 14, 2020

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

HAPPENING continues from pg. 05

cancellations, visit https://www.philhardbergerpark.org/calendar-events/naturewalk-go-native-for-your-landscape.

JULY 4

HOLIDAY FUN Shavano Park residents celebrate U.S. independence at 900 Saddletree Court with daylong activities including games, food, music, water events and more. For festivities and times, plus updates or cancellations, visit http://www.shavanopark. org/residents/independenceday.php or call 210-581-1116.

JULY 5

SPLASH & DASH RACE The Barshop Jewish Community Center

holds swim/run “Aquathlons” from 8-10 a.m. for ages 5-17. The JCC is on the Campus of the San Antonio Jewish Community, 12500 N.W. Military Highway. Cost varies. Series continues on July 26. For registration, updates or cancellations, call Tracy Schuleman at 210-302-6909 or visit https://www.jccsanantonio.org/index. php src=events&srctype=detail&category=Youth&refno=4977.

JULY 17

OFF AND RUNNING El Chupacabra de San Antonio 5K, 10K begins (and ends) at the Classic Elite soccer fields at McAllister Park, 11600 Starcrest Drive, at 9 p.m.

Navigate the trails of this San Antonio original. A flashlight or headlamp is

HAPPENING

necessary. For registration costs, plus updates or cancellations, visit https:// www.athleteguild.com/running/san-antonio-tx/2020-el-chupacabra-de-san-antonio-5k-10k.

THURSDAYS

MUSIC TO MY EARS In June and July, The County Line BarB-Q’s live-entertainment series aids the San Antonio Food Bank. Headliners take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free, but visitors can contribute a nonperishable food item or monetary donation.

Upcoming musicians include Kin Faux, June 11; Mario Flores & The Soda Creek Band, June 18; Jesse Stratton Band, June 25; Hayden Haddock, July 2; and Jade Maria Patek, July 9. The restaurant is at 10101 Interstate 10 West. For an

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extended music lineup, plus updates or cancellations, call 210-641-1998.

SUMMER

JCC CAMPS The Barshop Jewish Community Center offers sessions for youngsters of various ages. Weekday activities include traditional pursuits, sports and specialty programs. The JCC is on the Campus of the San Antonio Jewish Community, 12500 N.W. Military Highway. For times and registration, plus updates or cancellations, call 210-302-6859 or visit www. jccsanantonio.org/.

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

HEALTH

JUNE 16 - JULY 14, 2020

Pandemic leaves mark on North Side

COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER TO ASSIST NEIGHBORS DURING COVID OUTBREAK

by EDMOND ORTIZ

THE STATE’S EASING OF RESTRICTIONS brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic is allowing more businesses the leeway to gradually open, while local programs continue to offer assistance.

San Antonio and Bexar County, meanwhile, have kept requirements for social distancing and continue to urge the wearing of facial coverings in public. Gov. Greg Abbott advocates the use of protective masks, but said they’re not mandatory.

The city and county, along with

organizations and establishments, are striving to help people most adversely affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

Two teams of appointed local experts and civic leaders have recommended further safety measures, increased testing and surveillance of the virus, and ways merchants could safely operate.

County Judge Nelson Wolff and Mayor Ron Nirenberg agree wearing masks outside is key to slowing the spread of COVID-19. “(The governor’s plan) is not going to be successful without the guidelines we put in,” Wolff said during a recent press briefing.

“Social distancing and other commonsense measures recommended by our public-safety officials have been successful,” Nirenberg added in a statement.

Abbott increased the businessoccupancy limit to 50 percent May 18. Bars, aquariums, bowling alleys and other venues were also allowed to open with limited capacity and 6 feet or more between patrons.

The governor ordered that schools and colleges stay closed through the rest of the spring semester. However, school districts continue to provide curbside meals to young families.

Between mid-March and April 30, the North East Independent School District had served 1 million meals.

“School closures threatened the food access for these children,” Sharon Glosson, the district’s executive director of school nutrition services, said in a statement. “The NEISD meal program took one worry off of parents’ minds since they knew that their children would be provided with nutritious meals.”

The state is allowing inperson commencement exercises

with proper distance between audience members, but others have arranged virtual ways for new graduates to celebrate.

The Hollywood Park Community Association organized a mini-parade May 30, inviting local high school and college seniors to cheer on parade-goers from their front yards.

Free supplies of hand sanitizer from local distillers Maverick Whiskey and Rebecca Creek Distillery were given to the Shavano Park Police Department.

San Antonio received $270 million in federal funds to help offset costs of responding to the pandemic.

The city also created a $25 million program to help eligible residents with costs of rent, mortgage, utilities, internet access, groceries, medicine and fuel.

“The city of San Antonio’s COVID-19 Emergency Housing Assistance Program is the most comprehensive housing and utility assistance program in the state because it builds upon the affordable housing priorities the City Council set long before the COVID-19 pandemic,” City Manager Erik Walsh said in a statement.

In addition, San Antonio launched a “Donate to the Arts” feature on its website, www. getcreativesanantonio.com/, to support local nonprofit arts agencies impacted by the crisis.

The county began a $4 million pool to provide a maximum of three months of rental aid for residents affected by job loss or furlough.

JUNE 16 - JULY 14, 2020

On May 19, Bexar County commissioners voted to set aside $1.5 million in federal relief funds for small business grants.

Area businesses and students have taken matters into their own hands.

CANopener Labs, an area prototyping and development space, has been using a 3D printer to create face shields for health care workers and first responders.

A group of NEISD students developed a ventilator prototype that costs only $700; most ventilators cost $20,000 to $30,000.

Private and public construction projects have continued mostly unaffected by the outbreak.

The San Antonio Public Works Department has made progress on area projects funded by the 2017 city bond, including upgrades to De Zavala Road from Interstate 10 to Lockhill Selma Road, and the Hardberger Park land bridge.

The latter has resulted in weekend closures of Wurzbach Parkway between Blanco Road and Northwest Military Highway.

Embrey Partners,

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

WATER IS THE BASIS FOR SAN ANTONIO’S PROSPERITY

RICHARD PEREZ, SAN ANTONIO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

9 a local developer, continued work on a 296-unit apartment complex along U.S. 281 near the Hill Country Village city limits.

San Antonio Water System’s long-anticipated and oft-controversial Vista Ridge pipeline project went live April 15, providing customers with an alternative water supply.

The massive construction project extends from east of Austin, and includes the building of water tanks and mains in Stone Oak. It provides another source of water for the city in addition to the Edwards Aquifer.

Richard Perez, San Antonio Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, said in a statement that securing additional water sources is one of the Chamber’s priorities to help support continued economic growth in the San Antonio area.

“Water is the basis for San Antonio’s prosperity, and new water supplies will move the city forward for decades to come,” he added.

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

PUBLIC SAFETY

JUNE 16 - JULY 14, 2020

Homeless tunnel under 281 being closely monitored

HOLLYWOOD PARK, SAN ANTONIO, TXDOT CLEANED AREA, ASSISTED TRANSIENTS

by EDMOND ORTIZ

OFFICIALS ARE KEEPING A CLOSE WATCH after the discovery and cleanup in late April of an extensive homeless camp hidden in the drainage tunnels between Hollywood Park and San Antonio.

Some observers say the transient community under U.S. 281 North near Mecca Drive in Hollywood Park emphasizes the homelessness issue that has been been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hollywood Park officers, fire and public works personnel labored to clear out the

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Reports of increased homeless activity led Hollywood Park police to a drainage tunnel under U.S. 281 North that had been turned into a transient community. Courtesy/Hollywood Park Police Department

transients and belongings they took into the tunnels, including shopping carts filled with supplies and trash, as well as human waste.

The tunnels are about a half-mile long, officers said.

Hollywood Park Mayor Chris Murphy said the camp found in the local drainage area shows how widespread the homeless situation has gotten around San Antonio, where officials are still working on a comprehensive plan to further help transients and address root causes.

“It is a sad, but compelling story as to the resourcefulness of the homeless that were staying there,” Murphy said. “Our fire, police and public works staff all devoted time, attention and energy towards this project. I’m proud of the work they’ve done, and in the progress in seeking continued help from (the Texas Department of Transportation) and the city of San Antonio.”

According to the Hollywood Park

Police Department, officers saw a surge in calls early this spring involving homeless individuals seen in and around the town.

Residents and merchants complained about transients trespassing, carrying drugs and weapons, and littering.

“It is a major health and safety issue,” Police Chief Shad Prichard said on the department’s Facebook page April 29.

Police investigated, and by late March they discovered a homeless encampment in the drainage area under the expressway.

Authorities followed some transients into a longer passage of tunnels beneath city roads and the freeway, extending into the San Antonio city limits, where a bank and retail center are located at the beginning of Thousand Oaks Drive.

Hollywood Park employees cleaned out their city’s portion of the tunnels, although HPPD noted

JUNE 16 - JULY 14, 2020

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

on Facebook the amount of garbage and materials discovered was far greater on the San Antonio side.

Hollywood Park reached out to San Antonio and TxDOT to check out the rest of the tunnels.

One San Antonio officer said she was very familiar with some of the individuals in the tunnels and knew some by name.

According to an online post from Hollywood Park police, a peach-colored rose bush that was a present to a local church was discovered during one of the sweeps of the tunnels and returned to the parish priest.

Hollywood Park police said they have tried to help many of the transients by matching them to needed resources, according to an online statement.

“The COVID pandemic has put a strain on some of these services.

However, there are still organizations and people who are ready and able to assist,” an online statement said.

Reactions from local residents concerning the discovery under 281 were mixed.

Neighbor Rex Parlay said on the HPPD Facebook page there “is a whole underworld economy that is in front of us every day, yet we do not do anything about it.”

“When you see a person homeless

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on the street, what do you think happens to them when they are done begging?” he added.

“They have those in most large cities. This is not shocking,” resident Valerie Albert added on the same page.

As media outlets covered the news, some observers began asking whether the coronavirus pandemic was exacerbating the matter.

More than 40 million Americans have sought unemployment payments because of job losses due to the outbreak’s impact on the economy, resulting in local governments such as San Antonio providing millions of dollars in rental and mortgage assistance.

The federal government has a moratorium, effective until July 24, limiting evictions on properties that receive federal assistance.

The San Antonio City Council on May 14 failed to approve an ordinance that would give renters 60 days to address their outstanding rent.

Many property owners criticized the city’s proposal, saying it would have had a negative domino effect on them and that it would have likely opened the city up to litigation.

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

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COMMUNITY

L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S JUNE 16 - JULY 14, 2020

Councilman pushing for citywide renters' commission

9

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Roberto Treviño and his staff vow and owners. to get it back on track.

The commission was first “The Renters Commission formally proposed to the council is intended to be a platform to in June 2019 and a town-hall meaningfully engage a group meeting Feb. 29 at San Antonio that makes up almost half of our College was the next big step. population,” Treviño said not A follow-up meeting to help long ago when introducing the determine the framework was launch of the effort.

“Statistically,

by TRAVIS E. POLING scheduled for April 4. renters earn less, spend a greater However, in the weeks between proportion of their income on the two meetings, tens of housing, and have more barriers A PROPOSED SAN ANTONIO COMMISSION to represent thousands of renters were laid to civic engagement. Renters also apartment and home renters — about half of the city’s population off, furloughed or saw their hours have a unique view on issues like — has been slowed down thanks to COVID-19, but officials hope that’s only drastically reduced as the city and transportation, education, public temporary. county issued directives to slow safety and housing which needs to Meanwhile, landlords and other property owners say they don’t see the value of the spread of the virus. be heard.” creating such a group when there are other means of oversight. The commission would Some people used federal The formation of the advise the city on access to affordable housing, transportation issues, crime control, government stimulus checks of commission, like many city tenants’ rights and laws, and more. up to $1,200 per person to help initiatives, was stalled by the Despite the stall in putting together the Renters Commission, District 1 Councilman pay rent and keep food on the spread of COVID-19, a novel table, but for those who didn’t strain of coronavirus that file electronically with automatic originated in China in late 2019. bank-account deposits, paper In March, government-mandated checks arrived long after the rent orders went into effect that closed Located in Stone Oak was due. schools, shuttered nonessential NOW ENROLLING 6 WEEKS - 5 YEARS OF AGE. The Texas Supreme Court businesses, prohibitedCHILDREN large Located in North Central San Antonio. placed a moratorium on evictions, gatherings, and dictated that but that was lifted in May. Treviño people shelter in place. Many proposed an additional 60-day of those edicts have since been protection. Gov. Greg Abbott has relaxed somewhat.

ION ERStried M M I started reopening businesses with For months, Treviño H IS PAN CouncilER social distancing. to garner SCity and SUMMP! Some apartments have federal community support CAMfor the funding, and those are subject commission to advocate for to the 120-day federal ban on renters. evictions. They include numerous Renters’ concerns include locations in San Antonio. maintenance issues, upkeep of A searchable database of those common areas and a system that properties can be found at the Treviño says favors the landlord National Low Income Housing at least 88 percent of the time in Coalition website https://nlihc. eviction cases. org/federal-moratoriums.

Landlords and their Ryan Rettaliata, a renter in a representatives object to the downtown apartment complex on committee, saying that its duties Broadway, is frustrated because could be handled within existing www. he and his wife, a city employee, groups or or thatcontact any newuscommittee by phone at 210.694.0740 would need to have representation RENTAL continues on pg. 15 from rental-property managers

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JUNE 16 - JULY 14, 2020

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

SERVICES

13

Potholes blitzed in North Side campaign CITY EXCEEDS GOAL TO FILL ROAD CRATERS ACROSS DISTRICT 9

by JOSE T. GARZA III

A YEARLY BLITZ to report and repair potholes on the North Side has ended successfully without hitting any snags, officials said.

The city’s Public Works Department repaired 518 potholes in District 9 during its April Pothole Blitz Challenge, an annual initiative — started in 2018 — that encourages neighbors to contact the 311 service system to report craters they see, said Public Works spokesman Paul Berry.

A total of 35 repairs came from residents’ requests.

“We believe that we can be more efficient and repair even more (holes) if residents call 311 and report them,” said Berry, who guaranteed that each pothole turned in will be filled in two business days.

Citywide, 10,909 holes were paved over in April, exceeding the annual goal of 10,000.

Unlike previous years, Public Works employees completed the repairs during regular shifts, Berry said, as opposed to working overtime to get them done.

He attributed the efforts to pleasant weather and fewer drivers on the road due to the coronavirus pandemic, as well as government stay-at-home orders.

The disease forced the shuttering of many businesses in March, some of which have reopened since the state loosened its restrictions in May. “We were pleased to meet and beat the (pothole repair) goal,” said Berry, who also credited the Public Works employees for their “hustle.”

“Whenever you set a goal, you want to try to at least meet it, if not beat it. And we were able to do that in this case,” he added.

Since Oct. 1, which was the start of the 2020 fiscal year, 1,375 holes— 92 of which came from neighbors’ alerts — have been repaired in District 9 at an allocation of $48,125, Berry said.

Each hole cost roughly $35 to plug, officials said.

Of the 236,925 potholes that have been filled citywide since 2018, 5,921 repairs were completed in District 9 — 461 of them from 311 calls — at a total cost of $207,235, officials said.

It takes crews up to 30 minutes to fill each hole, Berry said.

He urged residents to continue contacting 311 to report potholes in the city.

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

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What’s Brewing? San Antonio Coffee Roasters, under owners and brothers Sami and Tony Chbeir, debuted in late March at 12054 Blanco Road.

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What’s Brewing? San Antonio Coffee Roasters has debuted a new drive-thru across from Churchill High School. Nine varieties of java are served. Photo by Collette Orquiz

quality coffee drinks in the convenience format,” Sami Chbeir said.

The idea came about in January and by March, when COVID-19 was starting to look like a “national tragedy,” the siblings saw opportunity to keep their employees on the payroll. Many businesses had to shut down their dining rooms to help limit the spread of the novel strain of coronavirus, but not drivethrus.

In 1979, Roger Chbeir created What’s Brewing? It is now operated and managed by his sons.

Originally from Lebanon, the elder Chbeir was displaced by a civil war in the late 1970s. He ended up in Wichita Falls, then eventually came to San Antonio after a tornado destroyed the family home. “(He) was kind of driven by his desire to have a piece of his culture from

Lebanon,” Sami Chbeir said. “You know where you stand with somebody if they offer you coffee. It’s such a huge part of their daily interactions.”

Churchill is Chbeir’s alma mater, so it made sense to open close to the campus.

Coffee is roasted at their nearby warehouse and cafe, 138 W. Rhapsody Drive. Nine varieties are available at the drive-thru.

Chbeir said the original business is a “no-nonsense” roastery with an old-school approach melding artistry and science.

Coffee drinks range from brewed and espresso to lattes.

In addition, the drive-thru serves smoothies, tea, sandwiches, plantain chips and pastries. Chbeir said the avocado toast has been a huge hit.

Hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

Find this EAT at www. localcommunitynews.com.

WHAT’S BREWING? SAN ANTONIO COFFEE ROASTERS

12054 Blanco Road For more, call 210-308-8882, or visit sacoffeeroasters.com/drivethru or facebook.com/whatsbrewingdrivethru.

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

JUNE 16 - JULY 14, 2020

RENTAL continues from pg. 12

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.

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

COMMUNITY

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

15

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 service-industry workers.”

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

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

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