LOCAL - North Central - FEBRUARY 2021

LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

VOL. 9, ISSUE 8 | FEB. 2-MARCH 2, 2021

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS ALAMO HEIGHTS • KING WILLIAM MONTE VISTA • OLMOS PARK • TERRELL HILLS

SUSAN YERKES | PG. 04

HELPING HAND | PG. 11

URBAN LIVING | PG. 14

ROOTIN' FOR VOLUNTEERS FOOT-FRIENDLY RODEO REVAMP WELCOME AT PEARL TALK LOCAL | PG. 02

A TEXAS STATE OF MIND

Alamo Heights residents seek permanent

Rosario’s Southtown project moves along

BIKE PARK

FAMED RESTAURANT RELOCATING TO SITE OF FORMER EL MIRADOR

by EDMOND ORTIZ

A NEW YEAR MARKS the start of a relocation and expansion of one of Southtown’s most popular eateries.

Lisa Wong, owner of Rosario’s Mexican Cafe y Cantina, 910 S. Alamo St., said construction of a 14,000-square-foot, two-story Rosario’s at 722 S. St. Mary’s St. would begin in late winter or early spring.

TEMPORARY SPOT CLOSES FEB. 8

by EDMOND ORTIZ

CANTINA continues on pg. 12

POLITICS | PG. 09

NEW DAY FOR COMMISSIONERS

ALAMO HEIGHTS — Parents and cyclists remain hopeful the city will create a permanent bicycle park where children and teenagers can safely ride and use bike jumps.

For the last several weeks, riders have enjoyed

a cycling oasis the city set aside in a natural area next to the Bark Park of Alamo Heights along Alamo Heights Boulevard.

But the site closes Feb. 8; town officials and neighbors have continued discussions about naming a long-term home.

“We’re thrilled by a temporary solution, but we want to keep up the momentum and work with WHEELS continues on pg. 08

Allergists Warn: “Prepare for Oak Pollen Season NOW”

2

STAFF

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS FEB. 2 - MARCH 2, 2021

PUBLISHER Jaselle Luna EDITORIAL Editor

Thomas Edwards News Staff

Edmond Ortiz Contributing Writers

Olivier J. Bourgoin, Ron Aaron Eisenberg, Travis E. Poling, Arthur Schechter and Susan Yerkes ART Designer

E. Fisher Contributing Artist

South Texans know the two rules of oak pollen season: “don’t wear black, don’t wash your car.”

Jeremiah Teutsch

Allergy sufferers wish they could add a third: “don’t breathe.” Hot on the heels of a relentless mountain cedar pollen season, oak looms large in their minds, and this year promises to live up to their sense of foreboding.

Contributing Photographer

Shortly after oak leaves fall mid-February to early March, male oak trees grow flowering structures called “catkins” which release the infamous yellow-green powder. (Yes, it’s the males causing all the trouble: female flowers are a good bit smaller with fine filaments which catch a tiny amount of the pollen - these later become acorns. The rest of the pollen dusts our streets and fills our noses!) Peak oak season is typically between St. Patrick’s Day and Cinco de Mayo.

Senior Media Representatives

Unfortunately, oak pollen is a potent allergen for many San Antonians, sending their immune systems into a frenzy. This leads to upper respiratory disturbances, sinus problems, eye irritation, and aggravation of underlying conditions such as asthma. To make matters worse, oak pollen counts can reach into the thousands.

Gracie Cortinez

Can anything be done to combat this yellow scourge of nature? It turns out the answer is yes.

The board-certified allergists at CERTIFIED Allergy & Asthma of San Antonio (CAASA) advocate for three main approaches: reduce your exposures, medicate your symptoms, or best of all - treat your actual allergy ahead of time.

“Many people don’t know this, but you can actually make yourself less sensitive to oak pollen right before the season starts,” says CAASA allergist, Dr. Daniel Ramirez. “Traditionally, patients have taken allergy shots for this, and while they’re highly effective, they’re inconvenient and impractical for some who suffer primarily from oak allergies.” Instead, Dr. Ramirez explains, patients can take oral drops of specially-prepared oak pollen extract in the convenience of their own homes, starting just before oak pollen season begins.

His cousin and colleague Dr. Robert Ramirez agrees: “We have found that starting allergy drops to oak right before the season is a highly successful and natural way to treat the underlying allergy rather than just masking symptoms with medications. The results have just been tremendous for many of our patients.”

Those seeking a novel approach to their oak allergies would be well-served to see the specialists at CAASA. With oak pollen around the corner, there is still time to get a p on the season. jump

Medical Center: (210) 614-3923 Lincoln Heights: (210) 822-5300 www.sanantonioallergist.com

RB Ornelas ADVERTISING Dawn Radick and Joanne Torres Multimedia Account Representative

Michael Valdelamar Controller

READER SERVICE Mailing Address

5545 Fredericksburg Road, Suite 211 San Antonio, TX 78229 Phone: (210) 338-8842 Fax: (210) 465-9455 ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Advertising@localcommunitynews.com STORY IDEAS: tips@localcommunitynews.com EDITOR CONTACT tedwards@localcommunitynews.com OUR OTHER PUBLICATIONS North SA: 78213, 78216, 78230, 78231, 78232, 78248, 78249, 78258, 78259 Metrocom: 78109, 78148, 78233, 78239, 78108, 78132, 78154, 78266 South San Antonio: 78204, 78210, 78214, 78223, 78235

Reproduction in whole or in part without our permission is prohibited, 2021 Local Community News LLC, all rights reserved.

• Jeffrey Hallett, MD, FACAAI, FAAAAI • Daniel Ramirez Jr., MD, FACAAI • Robert Ramirez, MD, FACAA

ON THE COVER – A temporary bicycle park next to the Alamo Heights Bark Park shuts down Feb.8, but residents and the Alamo Heights City Council are working on finding a permanent location. Parents say the bike park gives kids shut in due to the pandemic a chance to enjoy fresh air and exercise. Photo illustration by E. Fisher The LOCAL Community News editorial board includes Jaselle Luna and Thomas Edwards.

TALK LOCAL

Don’t mess with Texas AS TEXAS GOES, so goes the country.

Folks used to say that about California.

Not so much anymore. The latest U.S. Census Bureau estimates show our state is among the top five fastest growing in the country.

To the newcomers, we say, “Welcome, y’all.” Also: “Leave things as you found them.”

We get why you moved here. Texas is business-friendly and lacks a state income tax, with temperate climates and neighborly folks. In addition, the Longhorn State hosts major international airports, a vital seaport, space centers, three of the biggest U.S. cities, the hub of cutting-edge military medicine, and the heart of America’s oil industry.

The exodus, especially from California and Silicon Valley, continues. Tech guru Elon Musk announced Austin as his new home; he’s also opening a Tesla plant in nearby Del Valle. Oracle and Hewlett Packard Enterprise are relocating their headquarters to Austin and Spring, respectively. Apple and Amazon have a significant Texas presence.

In San Antonio, the seventh-largest U.S. city, several major corporations have already found homes. One of the most well-known is H-E-B, but there’s also Toyota, Rackspace, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, USAA, Caterpillar, Tyson Foods and Wells Fargo.

Many recently arrived individuals left other states because of sagging economies, overregulation and perhaps even the political mindset. Here’s a bit of advice: Don’t bring all that baggage to the Lone Star State.

Things are pretty much fine just the way they are.

FEB. 2 - MARCH 2, 2021

FEBRUARY

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

HAPPENING

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

Next City Council/School District Meetings

3

1127 S. St. Mary’s St., presents stand-up comedians at 7 p.m. For entertainers, updates or cancellations, visit https://www. facebook.com/GoodKindSouthtown/events.

11:30 a.m. inside The Culinary Institute of America, 312 Pearl Parkway.

For updates or cancellations, call 210-913-7448.

FEB. 11

FEB. 13

Ave.

The San Antonio Herb Society has refreshments and social time at 6:30 p.m., with a program at 7 p.m. at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels Ave. Visit www.sanantonioherbs.org.

Tesoro Drive

FEB. 12-MAY 9

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/the-peoples-clinic/.

Alamo Heights: 5:30 p.m. Feb. 8, 22; 6116 Broadway Olmos Park: 6 p.m. Feb. 17; 120 W. El Prado Drive Terrell Hills: 5 p.m. Feb. 8; 5100 N. New Braunfels

San Antonio ISD: 5:30 p.m. Feb. 8, 16; 406 Barrera St. Alamo Heights ISD: 6 p.m. Feb. 18; 7101 Broadway North East ISD: 5:30 p.m. Feb. 8 & March 1; 8961

FEB. 3

ALAMO HEIGHTS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Luncheons are in a private room at Paesanos Lincoln Heights, 555 E. Basse Road. Arrive by 11:30 a.m. for a meet and greet; a guest speaker is at noon. Cost is $25. For updates or cancellations, call 210-822-7027 or visit http://alamoheightschamber.org/.

FEB. 4

NUTRITION DISCUSSION Live with Nature meets from 10-11:30 a.m. at San Antonio College’s Sinkin EcoCentro, 1802 N. Main Ave. The group examines nutrition’s role involving health challenges during free sessions. For updates or cancellations, call 210-492-4620.

GARDEN GAB

‘THE PEOPLE’S CLINIC’

ON EXHIBIT

The San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave., hosts “No Ocean Between Us,” which explores the art of Asian diasporas in Latin America and the Caribbean. Visit https://www.samuseum.org/.

FEB. 12, 26

PEARL ROTARY The club meets on alternating Fridays at

THROUGH FEB. 14 SCENIC LIGHTS

“Holiday Lights on the River Walk,” 849 E. Commerce St., a free showcase, will be illuminated at night during the winter.

For updates or cancellations, visit https:// www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/events/ holiday-lights-on-the-river-walk-free/.

HAPPENING continues on pg. 05

FOR ART FANS theartisansatx.com

FEB. 4

AUDUBON SOCIETY The San Antonio Audubon Society gathers at 7 p.m. in the San Antonio Zoo Education Center, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. For updates or cancellations, visit saaudubon.org or www.facebook.com/saaudubon/.

FEB. 6, 13

FOR ART FANS Southtown Arts District First and Second Saturday Markets is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Artisan, 1103A S. Presa St. For updates or cancellations, email shop@ theartisansatx.com or call 210-962-5560.

FEB. 11

STAND-UP COMEDY Hosted by Tori Pool, The Good Kind Southtown,

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. LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

OPINION

4

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS FEB. 2 - MARCH 2, 2021

Rodeo returns to roots

by SUSAN YERKES

WE STARTED 2021 with such high hopes, but we forgot about Murphy’s Law. Named for Edward Murphy, an Army major who became an

Air Force engineer, it basically means, “If anything can go wrong, it will.” Thus went the first weeks of 2021, with a growing pandemic, vaccination bottlenecks and the violence at the U.S. Capitol.

Yet we go on, focusing on our families, our neighbors and our communities. We do what we can to be positive.

The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is going on, in some form, from Feb. 11-28. The decision to move forward was not taken lightly. Since last March, when the coronavirus crisis

hit just after the end of a successful show, organizers have juggled options and contingency plans for 2021. As the outbreak waxed and waned and waxed again, it’s been as tricky a balancing act as riding a bucking bull, one official said.

In 2021, the traditionally massive event will be very different, starting with the venue: It’s moving back to

Emergency Care for all seasons.

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Your well-being is our priority.

Visit us anytime. We’re open 24/7 • Treatment of Injuries & Illness • Direct Hospital Admission • CT Scans • Lab Services • X-rays • Ultrasounds • Covid-19 Testing

210.961.4118 2015 Broadway

LA VERNIA 830.779.3200 202 S. FM 1346, Suite 2

show – about average for the past few years. The schedule is more spaced out and rigid, plus the big auctions and horse shows will be livestreamed, with far fewer spectators.

But, when the sawdust from the barns and show rings settles, millions of dollars worth of scholarships will be given to young participants; last year, more than $12 million alone.

Some was earned in junior livestock auctions and other events. More came through the San Antonio Livestock Exposition Inc., the event’s organizer, and additional funding came from “education partners” – colleges, universities and educational foundations. Since 1984, more than $233 million has been awarded. These days, as the number of family farms and ranches continues to shrink, about 60% of the scholarships go to young folks who aren’t in 4-H or Future Farmers of America.

With pandemic numbers rising in January, the stock show and rodeo could be affected. Organizers have put almost a year’s worth of planning into making it as safe as possible.

But, as the year began, we were grimly reminded even good plans can go bad. Here’s hoping Murphy’s Law can be laid to rest for a while.

After a rocky start, all of us need a little sense of normalcy; a little reminder of basic Texas values; and a little hopeful news for 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.

ALAMO HEIGHTS 210.930.4500 6496 N. New Braunfels Ave.

BY THE PEARL

the Freeman Coliseum, half the size of the AT&T Center next door, where it’s been since 2003. And, Freeman’s less than 10,000 seats will be half-filled due to COVID-19 precautions. Fewer performances are scheduled, and tickets sold out as soon as they went on sale, since rodeo season ticket holders got first dibs. (The Feb. 28 Charreada event, only confirmed in mid-January, offered a last shot at affordable tickets). The Family Fair and the sprawling carnival won’t happen at all this year.

According to executive director and CEO Cody Davenport, this year’s overall attendance is limited to 120,000 people — less than 10% of the estimated 1.5 million who visited in 2020. Yet the heart of the show will go on.

“A return to our roots,” is the way spokeswoman Lauren Sides put it. Those roots date to 1949, when rancher Harry Freeman’s dream of a beautiful event center where young people from all over Texas could come for a world-class livestock show became a reality, and the coliseum opened. Just months later, in February 1950, the stock show and rodeo debuted, attracting a quarter of a million fans.

The purpose of the showcase is to further the education of young Texans, a mission still intact this year. More than 17,500 youngsters are registered for the livestock

theemergencyclinic.com

FEB. 2 - MARCH 2, 2021

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

HAPPENING continues from pg. 03

FEB. 15

VIRTUAL GARDENING CLASSES Garden Volunteers of South Texas hold Zoom meetings from noon to 1 p.m.

Free and open to the public, space is limited. For updates or cancellations, visit https://gardeningvolunteers.org/.

FEB. 17

RETIRED TEACHERS The San Antonio Area Retired Teachers Association normally holds a 12:30 p.m. social and luncheon, followed by a 1 p.m. presentation and business meeting at the San Antonio Botanical Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels Ave. Due to the pandemic, conferences may be over Zoom. For updates and guest

speakers, visit https://localunits.org/ SanAntonio/.

FEB. 23

NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY OF TEXAS The San Antonio chapter gathering featuring a plant exchange is at 6:30 p.m., followed by a 7 p.m. program, at Lions Field Adult Center, 2809 Broadway. For updates or cancellations, visit http://npsot. org/wp/sanantonio/.

FEB. 24

LEARN ABOUT ANIMALS Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation offers a series of educational, interactive workshops for children ages 8-10 at the Sherman Animal Care Complex, 1354 Basse Road, from 6-8 p.m. For updates or cancellations, visit wildlife-rescue.org.

HAPPENING

FEB. 25-MARCH 8

FEBRUARY

The Public Theater of San Antonio, 800 W. Ashby Place, presents “Empanada.” COVID-19 health and safety protocols enforced. For tickets, times, updates or cancellations, visit http://www.thepublicsa.org/.

Want to remedy a broken heart ? A San Antonio Zoo fundraiser lets you name a cockroach or a pre-frozen rat after your ex.

Then, on Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day, watch via livestream as the morsel is fed to an animal. Visit https://secure2.convio.net/ sazoo/site/Donation2?df_id=1830&mfc_ pref=T&1830.donation=form1.

‘EMPANADA’

CRY ME A COCKROACH

FEB. 26

ORATORICAL CONTEST The Battle of Flowers Association’s 96th oratorical contest, with speeches reflecting the legacy of Texas media, will be featured for the first time over Zoom with $5,000 to the winner. It’s based at the Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway. For times, updates or cancellations, visit battleofflowers.org.

FEBRUARY

MUSIC TO MY EARS Sam’s Burger Joint, 330 E. Grayson St., hosts performances by the Roger Clyne Duo (Feb. 5); Scott H. Biram (Feb. 6); Two Tons of Steel (Feb. 12) and Jackie Venson (Feb. 20). For times, costs, HAPPENING continues on pg. 15

LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

IMAGINE A HEALTH CARE TEAM THAT ACTUALLY WORKS TOGETHER. Accepting New Patients WellMed at Crockett Park provider group photo,

WellMed is redefining health care for people on Medicare.

It’s an approach we committed to 30 years ago — and one that still sets WellMed apart today.

shot in Summer of 2019 prior to COVID -19 restrictions in effect.

For more information, call 210-225-5323.

WellMed does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in its health programs and activities. ATTENTION: If you speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Please call 888-781-WELL (9355). ATENCIÓN: Si habla español (Spanish), hay servicios de asistencia de idiomas, sin cargo, a su disposición. Llame al 888-781-WELL (9355). 請注意： 如果您說中文 (Chinese)，我們免費為您提供語言協助服務。請致電：888-781-WELL (9355)。

En WellMed, usted nos importa

20_5698_WM_AD_AEPPROVIDER_ALL_JL_C073020

5

LOWDOWN

6

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS FEB. 2 - MARCH 2, 2021

Prayerfully Loving Our current national crisis, when prayerfully placed into God’s hands, can become a bridge moment in history. Why? Because when we pray humbly we are changed and can then help bring the needed change to others by first embodying it in ourselves. By yielding our personal preferences unto His heavenly ways we purify our hearts without compromising our values.

Prayer positions us to speak with each other and not at each other.

Love is heard in our voice when we get up from our bended knees and talk with people, even those who call themselves our enemy. Prayerfully loving keeps us from becoming cynical in our bruising world, and allows others to see God’s possibilities more clearly by how His love shines through us. Like the writer of Lamentations knew, prayerful love lifts us into God’s optimism, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassion never fails.

They are new every morning.”

Les Hollon, PhD Senior Pastor

Worship on Sundays

Join us on Sundays in-person or watch our services streamed live at 10:30am facebook /tbcsanantonio www.trinitybaptist.org

Connect with Us:

319 E. Mulberry Ave | (210) 733-6201 24-hr Prayer line: (210) 738-PRAY info@trinitybaptist.org /leshollon /tbcsanantonio @trinitybaptist_sa

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

Open and Opening Soon TOHUÍ LANGUAGE ACADEMY, 536 E. Courtland Place, is a private educational institution offering immersion in Spanish and Mandarin for preschool to kindergarten learners.

Hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. For more, call 210-387-8491, visit https:// www.tohuilanguageacademy.com/ or email tohuilanguageacademy@gmail.com. (See the story on pg. 10) CAMP OUTPOST CO., 1811 S. Alamo St., recently opened offering wood-fired rotisserie meats and seasonally grilled sides. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more, call 210-942-4690 or visit www.eatatcamp.com.

Adam Lampinstein and his family relocated from El Paso to San Antonio, where he debuted The Hayden, 4025 Broadway, in November. The eatery offers a variety of upscale comfort foods including deli style in a neighborhood setting.

Courtesy photo

THE HAYDEN 4025 Broadway

THE HAYDEN, 4025 Broadway, debuted not long ago in the Boardwalk on Broadway. Owner Adam Lampinstein said the South Texas diner serves housemade pastrami, waffle-iron potato latke, smoked fish, roasted chicken, meatloaf and pork schnitzel. Also featured is a full bar with signature cocktails, local and craft beers and wine. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

For more, phone 210-437-4306, visit www.thehaydensa.com or www. facebook.com/thehaydensa, email thehaydensa@gmail.com or follow on Instagram @thehayden_sa.

DEVILS RIVER WHISKEY, 401 E. Houston St., is opening inside the Burns Building, offering tours and tastings, a kitchen, a gift shop, and access to a rooftop live-music area.

The bar will serve Prohibition-era cocktails. Hours will be 4-8 p.m.

Thursday, 4-10 p.m. Friday, and noon to 10 p.m. Saturday. For more, visit devilsriverwhiskey.com.

WOW 1 DAY PAINTING, 13423 Blanco Road, Suite 761, offers patrons “a quality paint job in just one day,” according to owner David Martinez.

“Our customers really love us because we really deliver on our promise.” Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more, visit call 210-898-9006 or visit www.wow1day.com/.

GRUB GAB: Chef Pieter Sypesteyn closed his Cookhouse Restaurant, 720 E. Mistletoe Ave., but is relocating his nearby NOLA Brunch & Beignets to the former Cookhouse site. Sypesteyn and his wife, Susan Kaars-Sypesteyn, also are opening a new Cambodian eatery, Golden Wat Noodle House, at the NOLA Brunch & Beignets space, 111 Kings Court. Elsewhere, restaurateur Chris Hill will soon debut a tiki bar, Hugman’s Oasis, and House of Má, a Vietnamese homestyle cooking restaurant, in the Witte Building, 135 E. Commerce St. La Panadería founders David and Jose Cáceres plan to launch their next culinary venture, El Morita Kitchen, this summer at the Quarry Village. The breakfast, lunch and dinner menu

FEB. 2 - MARCH 2, 2021

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

will feature input from Mexico Citybased celebrity chefs, plus a full bar.

Visit www.elmorita.com for details.

IN OTHER NEWS:

CITY COUNCIL AND SCHOOL BOARD HOPEFULS HAVE until 5 p.m. Feb. 12 to file for a ballot spot ahead of the May 1 elections. In San Antonio, the mayor’s seat and all 10 council positions are open. Other available area posts include: Alamo Heights Independent School District — board places 5, 6 and 7; Alamo Heights — mayor, council places 1 and 2; Olmos Park — council seats held by Juliana Dusek, Erin Harrison and Sharon Plant; San Antonio Independent School District — District 1; and Terrell

LOWDOWN

7

FORMER OLMOS PARK MAYOR GERALD Z. DUBINSKI SR. died Nov. 26, at age 91

Hills — council places 3 and 4.

SAISD school board terms are four years, AHISD are three, and council terms last two years.

a 2% cost of living increase for city employees, and a road rehabilitation project.

ALAMO HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL

F.A. NUNNELLY CO. IS STARTING DESIGN

following a brief illness. Serving from 1986 to 2008, he oversaw construction of City Hall and the fire station.

work on a new San Antonio Police Department Central substation and Park Police Headquarters, a project funded by the city’s 2017 bond.

ON DEC. 7, CPS ENERGY RELOCATED ITS CUSTOMER-SERVICE CENTER ON THE NORTH SIDE to Park North shopping

recently approved a one-year extension with Pup Pup & Away for holding stray domestic animals until they’re returned to owners, adopted or transferred to a rescue group.

TERRELL HILLS BEGAN 2021 with a new fiscal-year operating budget totaling $6.12 million. The city projects a slight revenue hike due to continued construction and remodeling of existing properties. The budget includes

AREA HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES chosen for the annual San Antonio Sports All-Star Football Game Jan. 30 at Heroes Stadium included: Aidan O’Connell, Central Catholic High School wide receiver; Edison High School defensive tackle Michael Bryan; plus defensive end Alex Arnold and outside linebacker Gage Maples, both of Alamo Heights High School.

center, 754 N.W. Loop 410, Suite 102. It’s open from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, with COVID-19 safety measures.

HEMISFAIR RECENTLY RECEIVED A $1 MILLION GIFT from the Mays Family Foundation to build the Peggy Mays Garden along East Nueva Street.

Find LOCAL Lowdown at www. localcommunitynews.com.

LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

FREE Public Montessori School within SAISD Now Accepting Applications Ahora Aceptando Aplicaciones PreK-3 thru 2nd Grade Offering Non-Dual Language and Dual-Language pathways

Apply Now! For information sessions call (210) 438-6873 or email us at RodriguezInfo@saisd.net saisdchoice.com

8

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

STAYING ACTIVE

FEB. 2 - MARCH 2, 2021

WHEELS continues from pg. 01

stakeholders to find a permanent solution,” said parent Kirstin Silberschlag.

The City Council voted Dec. 14 to approve an agreement with volunteers maintaining the Alamo Heights Bark Park to use a piece of land north of the short-term locale.

Councilman Lawson Jessee said it’s important for the city to settle on a lasting venue soon.

“As you can see, there’s an overflow of demand,” he added.

Municipal leaders and some residents support efforts to reserve a safe public place for recreational cycling, which many children and teenagers see as a break from quarantining

and restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The temporary bike park is open sunrise to sunset. Users haven’t been allowed to enter the natural areas north and west of the bike park.

Several attending the December council meeting included adult and young supporters of the bike park.

Resident Bobby Jones told the council since many students have been doing virtual learning for months, creating healthy ways to reduce youngsters’ online time has been challenging.

“Biking is an outlet that my children, and as a parent, I fully support … as exercise and a form of social interaction among children,” he said.

Last spring and summer, neighbors grew worried about youths riding

Your health is our number one priority.

IMAGINE A HEALTH CARE TEAM THAT ACTUALLY WORKS TOGETHER.

Accepting New Patients

For for more information about WellMed, call 210-905-4270 (toll free). Calling this number will direct you to The Brokerage, a licensed insurance agency.*

AT ALAMO HEIGHTS

*The Brokerage, license number 2359, works with Medicare enrollees to explain Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement Insurance, and Prescription Drug Plan options.

Enhealth WellMed, usted nos importa WellMed does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in its programs and activities.

ATTENTION: If you speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Please call 888-781-WELL (9355).

ATENCIÓN: Si habla español (Spanish), hay servicios de asistencia de idiomas, sin cargo, a su disposición. Llame al 888-781-WELL (9355). 請注意： 如果您說中文 (Chinese)，我們免費為您提供語言協助服務。請致電：888-781-WELL (9355)。 20_5454_WM_AD_AEPPROVIDER_ALL_JL_C073020

bicycles on the Hondondo Creek trails and even building jump ramps along the paths, where wheeled vehicles are prohibited.

The city worked with the Friends of Hondondo Creek, a volunteer group, to remove the bike jumps and discourage cyclists.

Yet, parents voiced concerns their children had no safe option in town to cycle, especially with more people in quarantine, working or studying at home, and trying to find recreational outlets.

Parent Brooke Leddy said some Hondondo Creek cyclists were forced to compete with walkers and hikers after being forced out of the natural area.

Members of the nonprofit Alamo Heights Bike Park emerged from community discussions and teamed with city staff to designate a bike spot.

Municipal officials said the parking area near the Bark Park was a quickfix answer and safe for youngsters to ride their bicycles, particularly with jump ramps.

“We look forward to working with you to make this short-term destination a long-term gift and a win for our children,” Leddy said.

Alamo Heights High School sophomore Weston Cox pedals his bicycle everywhere.

“Having a safe place to ride, like a temporary bike park, would help tremendously to keep kids off their devices and to get outside and be

AS YOU CAN SEE, THERE'S AN OVERFLOW OF DEMAND.

more active,” he said.

Laurie Saunders, who started the Bark Park, asked whether the temporary bike park’s location would have an impact on overflow parking for dog-park visitors or Alamo Heights Little League spring activities.

Mayor Bobby Rosenthal said buffers exist to prevent interference between cyclists and the dog park. He also promised the temporary home for riders would close after Feb. 8.

Aside from her initial concerns, Saunders showed support for the interim bike park: “I’m all for it.

I think kids need to be outside. I encourage my grandson a lot to be outside.”

City officials and AHBP members considered other spaces for the cyclists, such as the northwestern portion of the Hondondo trails area, and the corner of Morse Street and Ogden Lane.

Rosenthal said the city continues to explore a permanent and safe home.

“I just think it’s a good way for them to socialize and to learn,” Councilwoman Lynda Billa Burke said.

For more about the bike park, visit ahbikepark.org. eortiz@localcommunitynews.com Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com.

LAWSON JESSEE, ALAMO HEIGHTS COUNCILMAN

FEB. 2 - MARCH 2, 2021

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

POLITICS

DeBerry takes seat as new county commissioner

by SUSAN YERKES

ALAMO HEIGHTS — “PRAGMATIC” AND “SCRAPPY” are adjectives new Bexar County Precinct 3 Commissioner Trish DeBerry often uses to describe herself.

Both traits have served her well.

After a long, grueling campaign in the middle of a pandemic, DeBerry, 55, emerged as one of two newly elected female county commissioners, along with Rebeca ClayFlores in Precinct 1.

It’s only the second time a pair of women

concurrently serves on the five-member county court. The previous officeholders were Cyndi Taylor Krier and Helen Dutmer in the late 1990s.

DeBerry, mother to two teens, former journalist and founder of The DeBerry Group, a successful public-relations firm, learned effective communications early as the youngest in a big family.

Her childhood was spent in a modest home near Loop 410 and Starcrest Drive.

“It was constant chaos. There was just one bathroom for the six of us children.

You become very scrappy when you’re fighting to be heard at the dinner table,” she said.

DeBerry went to Serna Elementary and Garner Middle schools. When the family moved to Hidden Forest, she enrolled at Churchill High School.

“People thought we were moving to the boonies – that there was nothing out there,” she said. “Now, the boonies are very centrally located.”

9

DeBerry attended Trinity University, and then spent a decade with KENS-TV. At 30, she co-founded Guerra DeBerry Coody, an advertising and PR company; and in 2012, after an amicable split with business partner Frank Guerra, opened The DeBerry Group.

Her 2020 political aspirations weren’t DeBerry’s first. In 2009, she unsuccessfully ran for mayor against Julián Castro. Even then, she declared, “You haven’t seen the last of me.”

When Republican Precinct 3 Commissioner Kevin Wolff, the son of County Judge Nelson Wolff, announced a return to the private sector, DeBerry began thinking about what became her successful bid for Commissioners Court Nov. 3.

She and ex-husband Carlos Mejia resided in Bluffview, but when they divorced she moved COURT continues on pg. 13

LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

CHOICE SCHOOLS & MAGNET PROGRAMS

ALL STUDENTS in Bexar county welcome to apply, regardless of academic abilities

LOOKING FOR A SCHOOL THAT FITS YOUR CHILD’S UNIQUE INTERESTS?

TRANSPORTATION

provided from numerous pick-up and drop-off hubs around the district

Explore a variety of best-fit Choice Schools and Magnet Programs in San Antonio ISD offered through virtual or in-person learning opportunities.

APPLY NOW!

AFTER-SCHOOL CARE available at most Choice Schools

APPLY TODAY! ONLINE: www.saisdchoice.com PHONE: (210) 554-2660 IN PERSON: 1931 E. Houston Street, 78202 Montessori

STEM

Early College

Career-focused Programs

Dual Language

Media & Technology

Single Gender

International Baccalaureate

saisdchoice.com

choice@saisd.net

(210) 554-2660

(210) 309-3259

10 BUY

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS FEB. 2 - MARCH 2, 2021

LEARN ABOUT THE NEWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLACES FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER.

Youngsters offered Spanish, Mandarin at private academy

by OLIVIER J. BOURGOIN

HOURS ARE CURRENT AS OF PRESS TIME, BUT CHECK WITH THE BUSINESS FOR UPDATES.

Students at the new Tohuí Language Academy engage in a variety of educational activities, including gardening. Courtesy photo

TOHUÍ LANGUAGE ACADEMY could be helping create tomorrow’s global business leaders today with Spanish and Mandarin immersion programs for youngsters.

“We cater to young children from the time they are 3-year-old preschoolers until third grade,” said Sarah Quezada, who opened the private academy — the second one — on Dec. 2 at 536 E. Courtland Place. “Extensive linguistic research has shown that in 20 to 25 years when these kids are ready to go into the workforce, Chinese and Spanish will be the two most predominantly (spoken) business languages … in the world.”

Quezada grew up in Guadalajara, Mexico, eventually moving to Texas where she taught

Instruction at Tohuí Language Academy includes Spanish and Mandarin immersion, as well as learning about other cultures. Courtesy phot0

bilingual education, including at the North East Independent School District.

She debuted her first Tohuí Language Academy at 13453 Blanco Road in 2015.

A total of 40 students are enrolled there; the new school houses up to 60.

Both campuses operate simultaneously.

“I have three children of my own. I wanted to give my girls that language advantage and I was convinced that I could find like-minded parents,” Quezada said. “My two oldest are already fluent in Spanish and conversational in Chinese.”

Native speakers lead classes and the curriculum follows state standards for reading, writing, math and science.

Subjects are taught in another language and pupils learn it and the lesson concurrently.

According to a statement from the academy, “Students develop the ability to become versatile international citizens.”

Hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. Call or go online to check for any COVID-19 restrictions.

A 30-minute lunch break and two 15-minute recesses are built into six-hour, language-immersion daily instruction.

Additional Spanish engagement is available through two 30-minute sessions before and after school.

Find this BUY Local at www. localcommunitynews.com.

TOHUÍ LANGUAGE ACADEMY

536 E. Courtland Place For more, call 210-387-8491, visit www.tohuilanguageacademy. com/ or email tohuilanguageacademy@gmail.com

FEB. 2 - MARCH 2, 2021

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

HELPING HAND

11

Local nonprofit lifesaver for many NORTH SIDE SERVICE PROVIDER WANTS TO GET FOLKS BACK ON THEIR FEET

by RON AARON EISENBERG

WEST AVENUE COMPASSION may not be well known, but the people it serves say the food pantry and service provider is a lifesaver.

The organization, located at 10715 West Ave. in the San Antonio First Church of the Nazarene, was created a decade ago by the Rev. Matt Rice. He wanted to provide provisions and assistance to families living near the North Side ministry.

“Part of the vision of the church is compassionate ministries, to do something for the community,” said WAC Executive Director Eric Buell.

With the coronavirus outbreak and recent surges leading to layoffs and furloughs, WAC is now serving families requiring first-time aid.

“Last week we had 30 new clients – folks who had never been short of food before,” Buell said, when interviewed in December.

When it launched, the group partnered with the San Antonio Food Bank to provide groceries for those in need. The relationship continues today.

The nonprofit does more than just dispense groceries. WAC’s mission is to meet the immediate needs of the community, while furnishing residents with tools to move forward, officials said.

It also offers classes in English as a second language, GED testing, job listings and a clothes depot.

“We serve anywhere from between 270 to 400 people on any given Tuesday, when the food pantry is open,” Buell said. “Over Thanksgiving week, we served 416 folks, but our average is around 300 people a week.”

He expects the number to grow as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

“You see a range of people here,” said WAC development director Delaine White. “But, especially since COVID-19, people pull up in their nice cars, dressed

well, but when they share their stories, it’s about having lost everything. Many have no real income due to COVID-19.

They have no jobs. They have no food.

They are sad and frightened.”

For Estela MacDonald and her spouse, the pantry was a huge help, she said.

“My husband had lost his job. He had been putting off radiation for cancer because he knew the treatment would interfere with work. But, he lost his job anyhow. We had very little money. And, very little food,” she said.

A neighbor told them about WAC. “They were there for us,” MacDonald said. “It was hard to ask for help or to receive help. It was a blessing to receive food. It made me feel super, super blessed. I now volunteer every week.”

White said MacDonald’s story is common, as people first come there looking for assistance, and then become helpers to others.

“We live on volunteerism,” Buell said. “Since we’re a nonprofit we need all the volunteers we can find. COVID has limited our volunteer corps, which

Sister Emyrald Williams (front) and, just behind, Sister Elysa Taylor at West Avenue Compassion, a food pantry and service provider located in the San Antonio First Church of the Nazarene, are joined by others with supplies to be delivered. Photo by RB Ornelas

used to be heavily weighted to seniors.

But, they are not coming out now because of the coronavirus.”

He complimented The Winston School San Antonio’s Interact Club for the teenage helpers it provided over the summer. Interact is a Rotary International-sponsored service club for young people.

Both Buell and White also praised Andy Villa, CEO at META Consultants, Comprehensive Home Health Inc. and at Comprehensive Hospice Care Inc. Villa and his businesses gave $10,000 to WAC and didn’t stop there.

“I saw what a great job they were doing and I read on one of their flyers that they needed more volunteers and donations,” Villa said. “We decided to do more for WAC.” They bought and donated 400

turkeys for Thanksgiving food baskets, and also gave hundreds of toys and other items for the nonprofit’s Christmas pantry.

“I was really happy to see our employees get behind the effort to help WAC,” Villa said. “I have a history of working with nonprofit organizations and understand funding is always a challenge, and so we look for ways to give back.”

Villa encourages others to contribute to organizations such as WAC. “It really is our moral obligation to do so,” he said.

The group’s goal is to see people get back on their feet.

“We ask our recipients how can we help you not be here,” White said.

For more, call 210-573-2847 or visit westavenuecompassion.org.

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

LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

12

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

HOT SPOT

FEB. 2 - MARCH 2, 2021

HOT SPOT continues from pg. 01

The $5 million project will take nine to 12 months to finish, and involve partial demolition of the former El Mirador restaurant building on South St. Mary’s.

Rosario’s is among numerous dining establishments and bars upsizing or opening anew in Southtown, despite the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

San Antonio’s Historic and Design Review Commission recently gave Wong and architect Andrew Douglas of Douglas Architects conceptual approval to proceed.

Wong bought the El Mirador property in 2018 with an eye toward developing a bigger, permanent home for Rosario’s, which originally opened in 1992 at 1014 S. Alamo where Hot Joy restaurant now

operates.

A key element in the undertaking includes preserving and incorporating into the new design a caliche wall, once part of a Civil War-era home that over the decades became a commercial building and eventually El Mirador.

The structure, bordering the King William and Lavaca historic districts, is one of the oldest remaining edifices of its kind in San Antonio.

“We are thankful the Historic and Design Review Commission approved the Rosario’s application for the design and demolition of the former El Mirador property,” Wong said. “The approval is with stipulations that are currently being addressed.”

Douglas has said trying to preserve and reuse more of the historic assemblage

Rich in tradition, Devoted to care, Together in community.

Faith Based INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING MEMORY CARE • EXTENDED NURSING CARE • In-Home Care provided by Sisters Care at The Village • Mass offered twice a day • Multiple floor plans • Learning opportunities at UIW

• All faiths welcome • Two locations for dining • Social & recreational activities • Transportation available six days a week

TheVillageIW.org Call Us Today! 210-610-8457 License

#’s 000777 (AL-A) 101505 (AL-B), 100473 (ALZ), 011872 (HCSSA)

wasn’t cost-effective. However, he added, keeping it part of the new building would lend itself to the community’s aesthetics.

“Our desire is to find appropriate ways to integrate the remaining materials and elements into the new design, to pay homage to the original house,” he said.

The endeavor will also involve relocating the historic F.L. Dixon House at 519 S. Presa St. to the southeastern corner of the project site.

Pig Liquors currently operates in the former residential building, on the other side of the former El Mirador structure.

Contractors will modify the property to include a parking lot facing Presa, sidewalk improvements and landscaping.

In addition, the King William Garden House, situated a few yards away, will be refurbished and serve as a dining space.

The entire design, according to Wong and Douglas, should be compatible with the neighborhood.

There will also be indoor and outdoor dining areas, a rooftop terrace, various courtyard spaces, and niches on the property to provide flexible gathering spots.

Early designs show an elevator tower, but commissioners and staff asked for its appearance to be softened.

Wong’s team released conceptual drawings to the public ahead of HDRC’s livestreamed Dec. 2 meeting. Wong told commissioners she and her partners have sought input from the Conservation Society of San Antonio, plus the King William and Lavaca neighborhood associations.

“This project is important to me.

Being part of this neighborhood fabric is extremely important to me,” she said.

Society President Patti Zaiontz said the group generally likes the goal of preserving the caliche walls, but shared a concern: “The massing of the secondstory canopy and fence are out of scale with the neighborhood.”

The KWA’s Architectural Advisory Committee endorsed city staff’s

recommendations, but hopes stipulations to ensure the redevelopment doesn’t overwhelm its surroundings are followed, and there’s significant historical preservation.

“Our support for the new Rosario’s is contingent upon receiving a noise-mitigation agreement that will protect residents from disturbing noise levels coming from the proposed dining areas,” stated a committee letter read by KWA board member Margaret Leeds.

Wong acknowledged neighbors’ worries about a din at the new venue: “I’m a restaurateur. I’m running a restaurant, not an entertainment venue. So, I know that we can provide the correct language to give everyone the confidence that they can continue to enjoy the neighborhood.”

Aside from Rosario’s move, Southtown’s social scene has welcomed several newcomers.

Little Em’s Oyster Bar opened at 1001 S. Alamo, the original Friendly Spot site.

The cocktail bar Amor Eterno debuted at 540 S. Presa, replacing Don Martin’s Coffee Co. Pharm Table relocated from 106 Auditorium Circle to a larger space at 812 S. Alamo, where chef/owner Elizabeth Johnson is expanding her menu of farm-fresh, healthconscious meals with vegan and paleo options.

Bar Loretta is launching in February at 320 Beauregard St., in the former Madhatter’s Tea House and Cafe spot. The menu focuses on contemporary Texas cuisine, complemented by a full bar and market. eortiz@localcommunitynews.com Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com

FEB. 2 - MARCH 2, 2021

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

COURT continues from pg. 09

to Alamo Heights.

“It was closer to my office downtown and to school programs and sporting events,” she said. Her daughter, Mattie, is a sophomore at Alamo Heights High School; son, Scott, named for an elder brother killed in a private plane crash in the ‘90s, is an Austin Community College freshman.

DeBerry already has strong priorities, starting with mobility. Expanding Blanco Road north of Loop 1604 is a big issue for her.

“There’s real need for more expansion out of town around Timberwood Park,” she said. “It’s a complicated project. We have to leverage the city and the Texas Department of Transportation.”

Adding high-occupancy vehicle lanes

to Interstate 10 West, expanding U.S. 281 North, and improving the 1604/I-10 intersection are all important, she said.

The staunch conservative disapproved of the recent ballot initiative devoting sales-tax revenue to VIA Metropolitan Transit starting in 2026.

“Precinct 3 has a lot of suburban municipalities – Shavano Park, Timberwood Park, Hollywood Park, Hill Country Village, Castle Hills. A majority in the precinct (does) not ride the bus, so at the end of the day, their question is, ‘What’s in it for me?’” she said. “And, what is the return on the investment?”

Her outspoken opposition didn’t stop VIA Board Chairwoman Hope Andrade, who stepped down in December, from backing DeBerry and becoming her campaign treasurer.

POLITICS

“My friendship with Trish has spread out more than 20 years. When she first reached out to me about her interest in running, before she ended her statement, I was already saying, ‘Yes!’” Andrade said.

“As a small-business owner, she brings a true understanding of what it means to sign the front of checks, instead of the back.

She understands financials, and believes in smaller government, and she is a great communicator.”

The outgoing Wolff said he and DeBerry share similar views.

“I have known Trish for many years. I supported her when she ran for mayor. Then, when I saw the work she did on the board of Centro San Antonio a couple of years ago to fix a broken organization, I thought, ‘This is a person who not only has the skill set to run for office, but she also has the skill set to do

13

the office right,’” he said.

Wolff and DeBerry have already discussed ways to combine some functions of the city’s Metropolitan Health District and the powerful University Health System.

A military brat, DeBerry is the daughter of a career Air Force officer and stepdaughter of a Navy man; her mother worked as a Fort Sam Houston civil servant. She’s deeply committed to maintaining Wolff’s relationship with the Bexar County Military and Veterans Services Center.

“If we continue to grow it we could be a national model,” she said. DeBerry is also passionate about increasing job-placement services for “trailing spouses” of military men and women. syerkes@localcommunitynews.com Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com.

LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

Your generosity gives the gift of home In 2021 Habitat hopes to build affordable homes for 51 families in our community

Give Now For more information please visit: www.HabitatSA.org 210-223-5203

14

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

URBAN LIVING

FEB. 2 - MARCH 2, 2021

Pearl changes: closing streets, paid parking PARKS, RESTAURANTS, MUSIC VENUES COMING TO DOWNTOWN URBAN OASIS

by TRAVIS E. POLING

THE PEARL COMPLEX between south Broadway and the Museum Reach of the San Antonio River is becoming even more friendly to foot traffic in 2021.

To make this happen at the former Pearl Brewery, officials are offering internal street closures; new restaurants and music venues; paid, tiered parking; and more green space with plants and water features for residents, employees and visitors.

#AlamoHeights

KING OF SUPPLEMENTS

DISCOUNT VITAMINS -N MORE

#ROCKSBUILT

#GOD DISGREAT

Free Smoothie & 20% off purchase!

210.826.2500 @kinglouie210

Must present flier. Offer only good at Austin Highway Location

www.

1248 Austin Highway

localcommunitynews.com

PRINT

DIGITAL

For your community news updates, p events, coupons p and more!

STAY SOCIALL

Plans for the 1100 Springs Park, named for an old Pearl Beer advertising slogan, will eliminate parking in front of the Full Goods building. Also, Karnes Street, which runs along the proposed park to Grayson Street, will be closed to vehicles, just like Pearl Parkway.

Avenues A and B, which cut across Pearl parallel to Broadway, will remain open.

The closure of Karnes later this year also sets the stage to further develop the garage building, which once held Pearl Brewery vehicles, into “new venues that engage with the outside space,” said Pearl Chief Marketing Officer Elizabeth Fauerso.

Pearl Stable, the first edifice renovated for private events after Silver Ventures bought the property from Pabst Brewing Co. nearly two decades ago, will soon start what planners envision as an “iconic Texas music venue.”

Jazz, TX, Pearl’s first music club, is on the site of the brewery’s Bottling Department. The upper floor is the food hall.

The changes are all part of an ongoing effort to have residents, workers and guests feel like they’re part of a community.

“We want parks; we want restaurants; we want places where people interact with one another,” Fauerso said.

Pearl has become a major draw for out-of-towners and San Antonians, so making the complex more pro-pedestrian becomes vitally important, officials said.

“When you’re traveling, most people want to feel like they’re in a unique place,” Fauerso said. “They want to feel like they are where the locals go.”

However, several alterations are

sparking controversy, especially eliminating more than 50 parking spaces for green space, and implementing paid parking in some areas.

While downtown workers less than a mile south of the mixed development wouldn’t blink at shelling out for parking, the nearly 3,000 spots at Pearl were established as free from the start by owner Christopher “Kit” Goldsbury of Silver Ventures and Rio Perla Properties.

However, the organization emphasizes that while some parking will go for premium fees of $6 to $10 depending on time, free parking will remain a Pearl perk.

Even paid lots will be at no expense for 30-minute-or-less stays.

LAZ Parking will manage the service. The first phase, already in place, has turned the Pearl Stable lot into more than 65 premium for-cost spaces payable through a mobile phone app. The parking garage remains free.

What’s more, garage slots of the new Credit Human headquarters and Oxbow building will be free to Pearl visitors on nights and weekends. Efforts also are underway to improve the connectivity of workplaces with the rest of the campus.

Fauerso said those structures were built without cafeterias because employees were expected to frequent Pearl restaurants or public spaces.

Two new eateries on either side of the 1100 Springs Park area will be announced later in 2021 as replacements. Il Sogno has been shuttered for some time and Green will soon be relocating to

FEB. 2 - MARCH 2, 2021

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

Alamo Quarry Market.

As tiered parking arrives over the next year, visitors can pick preferences based on color: red for premium, yellow for lesser-priced cost and green for free.

All handicapped spots stay at no charge.

Keeping patrons safe remains a priority during the pandemic, officials said.

On a chilly January night, moveable heaters warmed outdoor, physically distanced tables and groups of mostly young adults, who sat in circles drawn on the lawn between Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery and the Food Hall.

Bundled up at one, Natalie Sanchez and Diana Gomez painted with watercolors and markers.

“It’s free to get in, so that’s one of the reasons I like to come,” Gomez said. While she plans to use the free parking when commuting from her home near North Star Mall, she doesn’t mind paying a little if everything else is full.

Sanchez, a Northeast Side resident, said she’s willing to fork over a few dollars “because this is a destination.”

The footprint of the development is pushing beyond the historic limits of the former brewery as Silver Ventures reintroduces adjacent properties.

Those include Elmira Apartments, a 265-unit riverfront building approved by the Historic and Design Review Commission in December. At seven stories, it will include a parking garage for residents, plus retail and a coffee shop on the ground floor.

Silver Ventures, also owner of the former Samuels Glass Co. property since 2015, is expected to reveal intentions for the prime spot on the riverbanks later in 2021.

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

HAPPENING continues from pg. 05

updates or cancellations, visit http:// www.samsburgerjoint.com/calendar/.

FEBRUARY

TOBIN CENTER The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, hosts physically distanced events including HeartByrne: A Talking Heads Tribute (Feb. 13) and The San Antonio Symphony (Feb. 5-6 and 19-20).

For tickets, times, updates or cancellations, visit https://www.tobincenter.org.

THROUGH APRIL 4

HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave., hosts various exhibitions including “Hollywood’s Sistine Chapel: Sacred Sets for Stage & Screen.” For updates, visit https:// www.mcnayart.org/.

THROUGH MAY 9 BLUE STAR

Blue Star Contemporary, 116 Blue Star St., presents four exhibitions on today’s tumultuous times: “Sanctuary City Project;” “Ryan Takable: A Relationship with Flight;” “Theresa Newsome: Objects of Aggression” and “Please Form a Straight Line.” For updates or cancellations, visit https:// bluestarcontemporary.org/.

TUESDAYS AND SATURDAYS OLMOS BASIN FARMERS MARKET

The San Antonio Farmer’s Market Association sponsors farm-fresh produce from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 100 Jackson Keller Road. For updates or cancellations, visit sanantoniofarmersmarket.org.

TUESDAYS AND SATURDAYS OPEN HOUSE

The Maverick Carter House, 119 Taylor St., conducts guided tours of the historic home at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. For updates or cancellations, visit maverickcarterhouse.org.

LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

HAPPENING

WEDNESDAYS 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.

SUNDAYS

BRUNCH AND MORE The Good Kind Southtown, 1127 S. St. Mary’s St., hosts a meal and music from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For updates or cancellations, visit https://www.facebook. com/GoodKindSouthtown/events/.

SUNDAYS

GET CANINES MICROCHIPPED Dogs can receive free microchipping by

15

Animal Patrol from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the City Council District 1 Field Office, 1310 Vance Jackson Road. Bring a valid ID. For updates or cancellations, visit https://www. facebook.com/RobertoTrevinoD1/.

ELSEWHERE IN SAN ANTONIO

FEB. 11-28

RIDE ‘EM COWBOY The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, with animals, agriculture, family entertainment, food and beverages, live music, shopping and more, has become one of the largest annual events in the area. For a schedule, locations and tickets, visit https://www.sarodeo.com/.

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

*****ECR WSS Postal Customer Prsrt Std US Postage Paid Permit 6450 San Antonio TX

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD AUTO REPAIR SPECIALIST NEW YEAR SPECIALS FIRST TIME CUSTOMER SPECIAL 10% OFF ANY REPAIR*

SERVICING ALL MAKES EFFICIENCY & MODELS FREE CHECK MEETS EXHILERATION.

ENGINE LIGHT & DIAGNOSTIC TEST*

• General Repairs/ AC Systems THE ALL NEW 2018 • Engine Management Systems BMW 530e.

• Exhausts Systems/ Power Steering • Transmission Repairs • Classic Restoration BRAKE • Brake Service The all-new BMW 530e iPerformance with EPA estimated 72 MPGeSPECIAL maximizes • Suspensionincluding lift kits efficiency by affording you the ability to power your drive OR using all-gas, FRONT REAR. PER AXEL* • Fleet Maintenance all-electric or an intelligent combination of both. Plus, with features like eBoost

$99.99

A

1400WDealership Hildebrand Ave principleauto

CALL TO REQUEST

San Antonio,TX 78201 FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED 5 RATING ON GOOGLE AND YELP

BMWofSanAntonio.com AN APPOINTMENT 877-447-7443 | 8434 Airport Blvd.

4204 GARDENDALE STE. 201

BMW of San Antonio (210) 733-0491

C O M M COMMUNITY U N I T Y NNEWS EWS

BEXAR AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR

5545 Fredericksburg Road,TXSuite SAN ANTONIO, 78229211 San Antonio, TX 78229

Instant Acceleration, and the ability to upload directions the Excludes *includes brakeand pads orprecondition shoes. Includes Most Vehicles.

Cannot be combined with any other discount. One special offer machining or resurfacing and any additional parts needed. **No cabin climate remotely from your smartphone, you can take charge of the road, per customer. Must mention coupon at the time of visit. charge for diagnostic test when repairs are done by Bexar may apply.

Promotions expire 2/28/2021. theRestrictions office and beyond from behind the wheel. Automotive. $39.99 for first hour. Most Cars and Trucks.