VOL. 9, ISSUE 7 | JAN. 5 - FEB. 9, 2021
LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM VOL. 9, ISSUE 7 | FEB. 9-MARCH 9, 2021
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS CASTLE HILLS • HILL COUNTRY VILLAGE • HOLLYWOOD PARK • SHAVANO PARK • NORTH SA
SUSAN YERKES | PG. 04
ROOTIN’ FOR RODEO REVAMP
PLENTY TO DO AT JCC
SPECIAL SECTION | PG. 10-13
GET HOME & GARDEN READY FOR SPRING
TALK LOCAL | PG. 02
A TEXAS STATE OF MIND
new space. I can’t help but think about how our future shows will change.” Learners majoring in five of the seven disciplines offered in the North East Independent School District’s magnet program have started their instruction in the complex to start the spring semester. The fresh NESA performing arts center — the final project to be completed under NEISD’s 2015 bond program — is also the new home to LEE High School’s separate arts classes and extracurricular spirit programs. PERFORMERS continues on pg. 14
FACILITY IS BASED AT LEE HIGH SCHOOL
Bulverde Road expansion on last phase CONSTRUCTION COULD FINISH IN 18 MONTHS
by EDMOND ORTIZ
by ERIC MORENO
THE CURTAIN HAS RISEN on lessons inside the new performing-arts center for North East School of the Arts students.
Many of the young performers and other creative pupils at the Legacy of Educational Excellence High School-based campus are giving the facility rave reviews. “My reaction to the new performingarts center building was one of amazement and excitement,” said senior Alex Charney, specializing in creative writing. “The thing I love most about this new building is the possibilities with this
HAPPENING LOCAL | PG. 03
A $14.9 MILLION PROJECT to expand Bulverde Road north of Loop 1604 to Evans Road is entering a final phase.
SEE THE STORY ON PG. 18
Castle Hills considers adding traffic officer CITY COUNCIL MULLS NEW POSITION TO KEEP UP WITH CALLS
For residents and travelers along the U.S. 281 North corridor, long-term construction has been a way of life for more than six years. One of the remaining tasks, the long-gestating CONSTRUCTION continues on pg. 17
SEE THE STORY ON PG. 16
SHAVANO PARK WELCOMES A NEW TOP COP
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LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS FEB. 9 - MARCH 9, 2021
PUBLISHER Jaselle Luna EDITORIAL Editor
Thomas Edwards
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ON THE COVER – Motorists for more than six years have been dealing with massive construction projects along the U.S. 281 North corridor. Now, one of those initiatives is entering a final phase — the last leg of a $14.9 million project to expand Bulverde Road north of Loop 1604 to Evans Road. Officials say the work could be finished in 18 months. See the story on page 01. Photo by Eric Moreno
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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. 9 - MARCH 9, 2021
FEBRUARY
PLAN YOUR MONTH WITH OUR CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE COMMUNITY.
HAPPENING
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
City Councils/ School Districts
cord. For updates or cancellations, contact Sylvia Jolet at sjolet@earthlink.net or call 210-497-3383.
Hollywood Park: 6 p.m. Feb. 16; 2 Mecca Drive Hill Country Village: 5 p.m. March 18;
FEB. 9
116 Aspen Lane Shavano Park: 6:30 p.m. Feb. 22; 900 Saddletree Court Castle Hills: 6:30 p.m. Feb. 9 & March 9; 209 Lemonwood Drive Northside ISD: 5 p.m. Feb. 16; 7001 Culebra Road North East ISD: 5:30 p.m. March 1; 8961 Tesoro Drive
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 3355 Cherry Ridge Drive, Suite 208, holds its monthly board meeting from 1-3 p.m.; contact Lynn Cox a day in advance. Sessions may be held over videoconferencing due to COVID-19. For registration, contact president@bexarmg.org or https://bexarmg.org/.
FEB. 9 & MARCH 9
SO, YOU THINK YOU CAN SEW The Encino Park Community Center, 1923 Encino Rio St., is the setting for a sewing club from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Bring a power strip or extension LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
BEXAR COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS
3
THROUGH FEB. 12
NEISD MAGNET SCHOOLS Applications for North East Independent School District magnet institutions for the 2021-2022 academic year — middle and high schools — are being accepted before the Feb. 12 deadline date, and possible Feb. 15 lottery. For more, visit https://www.neisd.net/magnetprograms. HAPPENING continues on pg. 06
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.
OPINION
4
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS FEB. 9 - MARCH 9, 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 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
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
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show – about average for the past few the Freeman Coliseum, half the years. The schedule is more spaced size of the AT&T Center next door, out and rigid, plus the big auctions where it’s been since 2003. And, and horse shows will be livestreamed, Freeman’s less than 10,000 seats with far fewer spectators. will be half-filled due to COVID-19 But, when the sawdust from the precautions. Fewer performances barns and show rings settles, millions are scheduled, and tickets sold out of dollars worth of scholarships will as soon as they went on sale, since be given to young participants; last rodeo season ticket holders got first year, more than $12 million alone. dibs. (The Feb. 28 Charreada event, Some was earned in junior livestock only confirmed in mid-January, auctions and other events. More offered a last shot at affordable came through the San Antonio tickets). The Family Fair and the Livestock Exposition Inc., the sprawling carnival won’t happen at event’s organizer, and additional all this year. funding came from “education According to executive director partners” – colleges, universities and CEO Cody Davenport, this year’s overall attendance is limited and educational foundations. Since to 120,000 people — less than 10% 1984, more than $233 million has of the estimated 1.5 million who been awarded. These days, as the visited in 2020. Yet the heart of the number of family farms and ranches show will go on. continues to shrink, about 60% of “A return to our roots,” is the the scholarships go to young folks way spokeswoman Lauren Sides who aren’t in 4-H or Future Farmers NORTH CENTRAL:12222 Huebner Rd. 78230 I STONE OAK: 20615 Huebner Rd. 78258 put it. Those roots date to 1949, of America. when rancher Harry Freeman’s With pandemic numbers rising in dream of a beautiful event center January, the stock show and rodeo where young people from all over could be affected. Organizers have Texas could come for a world-class put almost a year’s worth of planning livestock show became a reality, and into making it as safe as possible. the coliseum opened. Just months But, as the year began, we were later, in February 1950, the stock grimly reminded even good plans show and rodeo debuted, attracting can go bad. Here’s hoping Murphy’s a quarter of a million fans. Law can be laid to rest for a while. The purpose of the showcase is After a rocky start, all of us need to further the education of young a little sense of normalcy; a little NOW ENROLLING CHILDREN 5 YEARSvalues; OF AGE.and Texans, a mission still intact this reminder6ofWEEKS basic- Texas Located in North Central San Antonio. year. More than 17,500 youngsters a little hopeful news for the future. are registered for the livestock syerkes@localcommunitynews.com
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NG FRUITFUL CHILDREN I W O R G One of the most well-respected and
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LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
HAPPENING
FEB. 9 - MARCH 9, 2021
HAPPENING continues from pg. 03
FEB. 17
THROUGH FEB. 19
Those with myasthenia gravis meet from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Baptist HealthLink, 288 W. Bitters Road. For updates or cancellations, visit www.mgsouthtexas. org.
The North San Antonio Retired Teachers Association holds a 10 a.m. to noon conference at San Pedro Presbyterian Church, 14900 San Pedro Ave. Presentations are geared to retired educators. For updates or cancellations, visit https://localunits.org/ NSARTA/.
The city offers brush/bulk pickup. A map designating dates appears in the Shavano Park newsletter. For more, visit https://www.shavanopark.org/.
FEB. 13
FEB. 17
Hardberger Park’s Nature Play Area, 1021 Voelcker Lane, No. 4, (and other park locations) will distribute “Grab-NGo” bags from 9-11 a.m. with activities for bird-watching. For updates or cancellations, visit https://www.philhardbergerpark.org/calendar-events/grab-n-go-birds.
The Stone Oak Property Owners Association board normally meets at 3:30 p.m. in the association offices, 19210 Huebner Road, Suite 100. However, due to COVID-19, sessions may take place over Zoom. For updates or cancellations, visit http://www.stoneoakpoa.com or call 210-858-8508.
FEB. 13
SUPPORT GROUP
FOR THE BIRDS
RETIRED TEACHERS
STONE OAK POA
SHAVANO PARK WINTER CLEANUP
FEB. 24
DISTRICT 9 NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE The alliance gathers at 7 p.m. in Stone Oak Methodist Hospital, 1139 E. Sonterra Blvd., classrooms No. 1 and No. 2. The hospital is just off U.S. 281 North. For updates or cancellations, call Art Downey, alliance president, at 210-497-8873.
FEB. 25
ages 20-40 and their loved ones meets from 6:30-8 p.m.at La Madeleine, 722 N.W. Loop 410, Suite 201. For updates or cancellations, contact Chelsea Hart at Chelsea.hart@lls.org or call 210-998-5127.
FEB. 27
OFF AND RUNNING The 37th annual Diploma Dash 5K and City Championship, based out of the University of Texas at San Antonio, is a virtual-participation event this year. For start time, registration costs, updates, cancellations or more, visit www.utsaalumnievents.com/diplomadash/.
FEB. 28
SOUL FOOD & MORE
IT’S A ‘C’ THING This cancer support group for survivors
Cornerstone Church, 18755 Stone Oak Parkway, hosts its annual soul-food fest
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
FEB. 9 - MARCH 9, 2021
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
from 5-8:30 p.m. Enjoy live music, too. Cost is $20. For updates, cancellations or to register, visit https://www.sacornerstone.org/ Events/EventDescription/51936.
HAPPENING
MARCH 6
AMERICAN LEGION BREAKFAST Military and guests eat 8-10 a.m. at Lupe Tortilla, 21103 U.S. 281 North. Contact www.post10.weebly.com.
MARCH 4
MARCH 8-12
The Barshop Jewish Community Center’s Holzman Auditorium hosts a local beer lover’s paradise from 7-9 p.m. Adults only. Physical-distancing protocols in place. The JCC is on the Campus of the San Antonio Jewish Community, 12500 N.W. Military Highway. For more, visit https://www.jccsanantonio.org/index.php?src=events&srctype=detail&category=Adults&refno=7786.
Students in Northside and North East independent school districts enjoy Spring Break. Also, NISD pupils take a breather from school Feb. 15, Presidents Day. For updates or cancellations, visit www.neisd. net or www.nisd.net.
SOMETHING BREWING AT THE J
SCHOOL’S OUT
MONDAYS
SO, YOU THINK YOU CAN SING San Antonio Chordsmen, a barbershop chorus, rehearses at 7 p.m. in The Backdoor youth center behind Colonial
Hills United Methodist Church, 5247 Vance Jackson Road. Auditions open to newcomers. For updates or holiday cancellations, visit sachordsmen.org. Meanwhile, The Friends in Harmony Chorus also exercise vocal cords at 6:45 p.m. in University United Methodist Church, 5084 De Zavala Road. For updates, contact Wendell Peters at wendellpeters@ sbcglobal.net.
TUESDAYS
WEIGHT-LOSS SUPPORT GROUP T.O.P.S., or Take Off Pounds Sensibly, meets at 10 a.m. (weigh-in 9-9:45 a.m.) inside House of Prayer Lutheran Church, 10226 Ironside Drive. For updates or cancellations, call Carolyn at 210-415-0937.
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TUESDAYS AND SATURDAYS
OLMOS BASIN FARMERS MARKET
San Antonio Farmer’s Market Association offers farm-fresh produce from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 100 Jackson Keller Road. For updates or cancellations, visit sanantoniofarmersmarket.org.
THURSDAYS
STONE OAK ROTARY CLUB Guest speakers normally are featured at the club from noon to 1 p.m. at The Club at Sonterra, 901 E. Sonterra Blvd. During the COVD-19 outbreak, sessions may be held over Zoom. For more, visit www.stoneoaksarotary.org or call Erin Nevelow at 210-528-0377 or email erinnevelow.rotary@gmail.com. HAPPENING continues on pg. 17
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8
LOWDOWN
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS FEB. 9 - MARCH 9, 2021
TAKE A QUICK LOOK AT WHAT’S NEW IN THE COMMUNITY FROM OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS TO NEWS TIDBITS.
Open and Opening Soon LUSTEA, 602 N.W. Loop 410, Suite 130, debuted in the Park North shopping center across from Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. The boba-tea purveyor takes pride in using no powders, only fresh local fruit and leaves grown in Taiwan. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. For more, call 210-598-0089 or visit https://lusteasa.shopsettings.com. (See the story on page 19)
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, call 210-8594433 or visit www.wow1day.com/.
IN OTHER NEWS:
FORMER BEXAR COUNTY PRECINCT 3 COMMISSIONER KEVIN WOLFF
12 to file for a ballot spot ahead of the May 1 elections. In San Antonio, the mayor’s office and all 10 council posts are open. Other available positions in area races include: Castle Hills — mayor, places 2 and 3 aldermen; Shavano Park — mayor, at-large council seats held by Alderman Michael Colmere and Alderwoman Michele Bunting Ross; council places 1, 3 and 5 in both Hill Country Village and Hollywood Park; plus Northside Independent School District trustees in districts 5 and 6. NISD stints are four years, city council two years.
recently joined Spire Risk Management as a business partner. The San Antonio-based fullservice insurance consulting firm specializes in employee benefits, property/casualty and retirement planning. “Being a business partner allows me to blend my political experience with my 20 years of expertise in human resources to help grow Spire into the largest locally owned and operated benefits consulting firm in the county,” Wolff said. The Navy veteran was a San Antonio District 9 councilman before being elected to Bexar County Commissioners Court in 2008, where he served three terms.
SAN ANTONIO HAS AWARDED A $5.94 MILLION construction contract
JOHNSON HIGH SCHOOL’S MARCHING BAND won the state
CITY COUNCIL AND SCHOOL BOARD HOPEFULS HAVE UNTIL 5 p.m. Feb.
to Capital Excavation Co. for the Vance Jackson Road low-water crossings project. The initiative, designed to improve access at Orsinger Lane and south of Tree Hill Street, is supported by reimbursements from the San Antonio Water System and CPS Energy, both of which also are upgrading area utilities.
LUSTEA
THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES RECENTLY recognized Methodist Hospital Stone Oak as a Level III advanced trauma center. The state’s mandatory survey found no deficiencies in the facility. The hospital opened in March 2009 specializing in neurosciences, cardiovascular treatment, obstetrics and gynecology, emergency care/trauma, oncology and robotic-assisted surgery.
602 N.W. Loop 410, Suite 130
FEB. 9 - MARCH 9, 2021
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
University Interscholastic League 6A championship Dec. 15 by finishing first from a field of 20 Texas institutions at the Alamodome. Jarrett Lipman, the Jaguars’ director of bands, said the obstacles his musicians hurdled were impressive. “We are so proud of our students and thankful for the support from our community throughout this extremely challenging year,” Lipman said in a prepared release. Their final performance in the show was titled “Know Who You Are.”
IN JANUARY, THE REAGAN HIGH SCHOOL CHEER TEAM WON the 6A Division I state championship in the fight-song category at the 2021 University Interscholastic League Spirit State
LOWDOWN
Championships. They also placed fourth overall out of 42 squads at the competition.
NISD libraries.” For more, call 210-397-8500 or email info@ nisd.net.
THE NORTHSIDE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT has almost
LEE HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMAN AIDAN UNDERWOOD won the
34,000 library materials overdue from campus libraries, which need returning or replacement, or absorb $500,000 in losses, according to NISD officials. “In an effort to get those books back into the hands of students wanting to read them, NISD Library Services is hosting an initiative called ‘New Year, New Books,’” NISD said in a statement. “Please help make 2021 the year that all overdue library books are returned to
2020 Congressional App Challenge in Texas District 21. Underwood called his app “Hawkeye,” which he designed to help people avoid internet scams. “After learning how much money gets stolen per year, I figured that I might as well try and make a program that could steer users away from online scams to lower the amount of money lost per year,” Underwood said in a news release.
9
THE ENCINO PARK HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION is seeking a resident or residents to build and/or donate to a Little Free Library. The park committee said such open-air bookshelves are both a community enhancement and children’s educational tool. The libraries — which grew out of a nationwide literacy movement — promote neighborhood book exchanges under the philosophy of leave a book, take a book. Individuals, groups or residentowned businesses can make contributions. For more, call 210-497-3022 or email contact@ encinoparkhoa.com. Find LOCAL Lowdown at www. localcommunitynews.com.
LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
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LOCAL SPECIAL SECTION
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Tips for a successful home renovation 8 FOLLOW THESE EIGHT REMODELING TIPS TO HELP MINIMIZE HASSLES DURING A RENOVATION:
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HOME & GARDEN
SIDEBAR
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
Refresh your home and garden
JAN. 5 - FEB. 9, 2021
SPONSORED CONTENT
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If you're hoping for a different or refreshed look at your property, try a new furniture layout — indoors or outdoors. Organize closets, kitchen space and supplies; paint walls a new color, hang some paintings or photos. And, with so many people working from home and children doing virtual learning, it may be time to update a space in the home for school or work. SOURCES: Parklane Landscaping LLC, James J. Ivy of Ivy Enterprises LLC
FEB. 9 - MARCH 9, 2021
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
13
Edible plants give gardeners something to ‘chew on’ by PAUL SCHATTENBERG
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LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
EDUCATION
FEB. 9 - MARCH 9, 2021
PERFORMERS continues from pg. 01
Costing $30.5 million, the venue is near the existing fine-arts facility. It includes a 750-seat capacity theater, orchestra pit, men’s and women’s dressing rooms, green room, piano storage, and separate scene shops with prop and costume storage for NESA and LEE pupils. Boys previously had to use a bathroom for wardrobe changes. “Now we don’t have to worry about that. It is also much bigger, so we don’t have to be as cramped in there,” said
senior Austin Riley, a dance and musicaltheater major. There are separate NESA and LEE dance studios with main rehearsal halls, dance offices, mobile storage systems, mat storage areas, locker rooms and
mezzanines. “The dance studio is so big and I cannot wait to create and be able to perfect my artistry in this new building with all my friends,” said Marissa Garza, a sophomore dance major.
IT'S GOING TO BE REALLY NICE FOR US.”
North East School of the Arts dance students tour the dance studio in NESA's new performingarts center at LEE High School in December. Courtesy photo/NEISD
LENIDA SPURLOCK, NESA PROGRAM DIRECTOR
There’s also a black-box theater, storage and separate offices for NESA and LEE drama programs. In addition, the choir and orchestra each have main rehearsal halls and offices, soundproof practice rooms, ensemble spots, plus uniform and instrument storage. Creative-writing students have their own classrooms and office, too. The existing fine-arts facility underwent renovations, including replacing more than 600 auditorium seats and the projector system. Pupils got a preview just before Christmas, which was just like opening a holiday gift, said NESA program director Lenida Spurlock. “It was truly awe. They didn’t believe this space was really for them because the space they’re walking into truly feels like a professional space,” she added. The architects, Pfluger Associates, got some input from NESA educators and students about designing specific programming places to suit everyone’s wishes. “It’s going to be really nice for us to have two performing spaces,” Spurlock said of the new theater and existing auditorium. “The scheduling has been somewhat of a challenge for us and it honestly takes us hours at a meeting to plan out the year’s worth of performances for LEE and for NESA, as well to address needs of (the International School of the Americas and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Academy).” Roll-out costume storage maximizes overall space and extends the life of fabrics, Spurlock said. All quarters in the new building have high ceilings, permitting
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
FEB. 9 - MARCH 9, 2021
EDUCATION
my craft anywhere else,” Martinez added. Although remote learning during the pandemic sparked challenges for teachers and learners alike, Spurlock said program directors adapted to logistic obstacles, and have been “innovative in their approach to their lessons and collaborations with one another.” “These students’ desire to create and perform is an innate part of them. It’s like breathing. They need that outlet, that opportunity, to express
plenty of natural lighting. The black box has a catwalk, plus state-of-the-art audio and lights. “It’ll provide an opportunity for our students to learn and play with lighting and sound design for our performances in the black box,” Spurlock added. Senior Amaryllis Martinez, a creative-writing major, said the advanced digs set the stage for all the courses offered there. “It is the perfect place to start my career and I wouldn’t want to practice
themselves,” she added. In January, NESA streamed, “Raise You Up: Songs in the Time of Corona,” a collaboration among five school disciplines. This spring, the hope is that limited
15
live audiences can see the musical “Anastasia,” but livestreaming might be necessary, Spurlock said. eortiz@localcommunitynews.com Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com.
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North East School of the Arts orchestra students have separate rehearsal and soundproof practices in NESA's new performing arts center at LEE High School. The multimillion-dollar facility, funded by the 2015 bond, also has a new theater. Courtesy photo/NEISD
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LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
PUBLIC SAFETY
FEB. 9 - MARCH 9, 2021
Fox takes charge as Shavano Park’s new police chief CRIME CONTROL AND DEPARTMENT’S ACCREDITATION TOP TO-DO LIST
Gene Fox brings 30 years of law-enforcement experience to his new role as Shavano Park police chief. Photo by Edmond Ortiz
by EDMOND ORTIZ
SHAVANO PARK — When recalling the most important lessons he’s learned in a 30-year career in military and civilian law enforcement, two quickly come to mind for Gene Fox.
“Don’t take anything for granted, and never say nothing is going to happen,” said the city’s new police chief. The City Council voted Nov. 23 to promote Fox, who was a captain. He succeeded Chuck Pinto, who served as the interim top cop for a few weeks following Ray Lacy’s October retirement. Lacy spent four years at the helm. Fox said while crime in Shavano Park pales in comparison to San Antonio, wrongdoing still occurs. Thus, he plans to enhance the Police Department’s crimecontrol and prevention assets. A native Nebraskan, the Air Force
veteran spent most of the 1990s as a K-9 handler for security forces in Wyoming and South Korea. His then-wife, also, was in the military. A special-duty assignment brought them to San Antonio in 1998. Fox worked one year as a detention officer with the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office. He also was in the Air Force
Reserve, based for five years out of Brooks Air Force Base as a lawenforcement flight chief. While a reservist, Fox’s civilian law-enforcement career led him to a three-year stint as a Hill Country Village patrolman, and later as a detective. He was promoted to police sergeant in early 2012, lieutenant in November 2017, and retired from Hill Country Village in November 2019 to accept a captain’s position with the Shavano Park Police Department. Fox had worked with Lacy prior to his arrival in Shavano Park, so he was already familiar with the area. When Lacy decided to end a 40-year career in law enforcement, the city advertised the job opening, drawing 22 applications. A committee, including Pinto, reviewed the candidates and unanimously endorsed Fox. Lacy’s retirement letter also backed Fox. During November’s council session, he said his colleague had performed “exceptional work” for the force. Mayor Bob Werner said promoting Fox was “an easy decision.” “When a community loses as fine a leader as Chief Ray Lacy, it often struggles to find a suitable replacement,” Werner said. “Following the evaluation process, I am very pleased that Shavano Park has hired Chief Gene Fox as our new police chief. He possesses a breadth of knowledge and experience comparable to Chief Lacy, and with his Shavano Park experience, he is ready to hit the road running.” Alderman Lee Powers, speaking as both a municipal official and local business owner, said he places high importance on institutional knowledge of a city department. “Like a relay race, you hand off to your successor and if it’s one that
you recommend, one that is not only appreciated but approved by the rank and file such as the situation here, I think we can do nothing wrong by approving (Fox),” Powers said. “I think he is an ideal choice.” Fox already is working to ensure the department is reaccredited as a Texas Law Enforcement Best Practices agency. The reaccreditation process happens every four years, with the next opportunity in February 2022. “It’s a lengthy process, so we have to start a year in advance,” he added. “That’s the main priority right now. In order for us to do that, we have to review and update policies.” Dennis Kelley, who succeeds Fox as a police captain, will head the best practices program. Kelley last served with the Alamo Heights Police Department. “My main concern is to keep things moving along smoothly like they have been the last several years under Chief Lacy and focus on Texas best practices reaccreditation. After that, we can look at anything else we can enhance,” Fox said. He also looks forward to postpandemic activities where police can more directly engage residents in the local Neighborhood Watch, “Coffee with a Cop” and other community outreach programs. The new chief said the department will keep focusing on training officers: “How my officers react when (a crime) does happen is going to come down to their training and everything else.” Officials said latest figures indicate a moderate rise in offenses. By the end of October 2020, police handled 118 total criminal calls, 23 for theft. The city recorded 88 total criminal calls in 2019. eortiz@localcommunitynews.com Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com.
FEB. 9 - MARCH 9, 2021
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
CONSTRUCTION continues from pg. 01
Bulverde Road initiative overseen by Bexar County, has entered its last leg. This stage of construction begins at Marshall Road and extends north 1.2 miles, with betterments ultimately resulting in a four-lane roadway with 4-foot shoulders and curbs. “That whole expansion of Bulverde Road from 281 to Evans Road has been a long project that’s been done in multiple phases,” said Renee Green, director of public works for Bexar County. “The whole expansion of Bulverde Road started back in 2007. The city had a bond issue where they expanded from Loop 1604 north to Evans Road. (Bexar County) then expanded Evans to TPC Parkway.” According to Green, “That was about a three-year project and the total cost was $7.6 million. North East Independent School District was a very minor partner, as well as some in the private sector who were developing subdivisions in that area.” The expansion will have an impact on Bulverde Road’s intersections with Marshall Road, plus Valley Creek and Bulverde Oaks drives, by adding dedicated left- and right-turn lanes. Also the work involves installing traffic lights, including turn signals, at the Bulverde Road-Bulverde Oaks Drive intersection. To thwart flooding, an area stormsewer system will contain curb inlets and pipes, plus cross-drainage improvements and water-quality structures. “The Bulverde/Evans intersection was a federally funded portion of the project,” Green said. “We had to acquire right of way on that part of the project. The government paid 80% of that and the county paid the remainder. These are all high-dollar projects, which is why we have done these in segments.”
According to Green, the stage preceding this last portion of the improvements extended from Smithson Valley Road almost to Marshall Road, with work being done from 2013-2016. Officials said there have been many hurdles along the way before launching the final phase. Originally intended to finish earlier in construction, postponements consumed several years due to environmental approval needed from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. “What the U.S. Fish & Wildlife did from 2012 all the way until recently in 2020 was change not only personnel a couple of times during this process, but also change their policies and procedures,” Green said. “Every time a new person would come in, we would almost have to start all the way over from scratch in getting their approval. The eight-year process in getting environmental clearance from them is why this project has been delayed.” Houston-based firm Harper Brothers Construction will handle the roadwork; projections call for a Feb. 15 start, lasting some 1 1/2 years. “Weather permitting, we do not anticipate any further delays and I feel confident that 18 months from now, we will have this project completed,” Green said. “The timing is favorable, because we will complete the bulk of the construction during the warmer months when there isn’t much rain.” Green added, “But, we work with the contractors very closely and have a plan on how they’re to deliver the project. In this particular case, since there are federal guidelines we need to follow, there are a lot of eyes on it, so (it) incentivizes the contractor to stay on track.” Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com. LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
INFRASTRUCTURE/HAPPENING
HAPPENING continues from pg. 07
THURSDAYS
ROTARY CLUB MEETING The Northwest Rotary Club gathers at Outback Steakhouse, 12511 Interstate 10 West, at noon. For updates or cancellations, call 210-576-5475.
FRIDAYS
MARKET ASSOCIATION Drop by St. Matthew Sports Complex & Recreational Area, 11121 Wurzbach Road, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. as the San Antonio Farmer’s Market Association presents farm-fresh products. For updates, visit sanantoniofarmersmarket.org.
SUNDAYS
ENCINO FARMERS MARKET Village at Stone Oak, 22610 U.S. 281 North, is
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home to farm-fresh produce and more from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For a list of participating vendors each week, plus updates or cancellations, visit fourseasonsmarkets.com.
ONGOING
ACTIVITIES FOR OLDER ADULTS The Barshop Jewish Community Center hosts 1 p.m. virtual fun over Zoom. Tuesdays are reserved for chatting; bingo and more is every Wednesday; also, a movie on the first and third Thursday of the month. For links, updates or cancellations, call Isabel Resendez at 210-302-6860 or email resendezi@jcc-sa.org.
SUBMITTING EVENTS: Email all the details along with your contact information two months in advance to tips@ localcommunitynews.com.
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18
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
PUBLIC SAFETY
FEB. 9 - MARCH 9, 2021
Police: Dedicated traffic officer needed in Castle Hills FORMER CHIEF SAID CITY LACKS RESOURCES TO MANAGE ROAD VIOLATIONS IN REAL TIME by EDMOND ORTIZ
CASTLE HILLS — The City Council is resuming talks in February about creating a dedicated position on the Police Department to catch speeders and other traffic scofflaws.
On Dec. 8, then-Police Chief Johnny Siemens briefed the council about the traffic-enforcement concept — just weeks before he left to take over as Universal City’s top cop. Siemens said an increase in service calls means officers have more difficulty answering complaints about speeding motorists, drivers disregarding stop signs and red lights, and similar violations.
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“The greater concern is the lack of realtime response to complaints,” Siemens said. “The volume of policing calls has increased to the level that our current staff lacks the resources.” Officers currently volunteer for traffic shifts based on their work schedule, unlike larger departments such as San Antonio with dedicated, full-time traffic divisions. Siemens noted the coronavirus pandemic has meant less traffic overall as more people work from home and remotely attend classes. However, San Antonio’s population explosion has led additional motorists to cut through neighboring Castle Hills. Bustling Loop 410 also bisects the town. “We do receive and have received a lot of complaints about speeding, not only in the neighborhoods but on Northwest Military (Highway),” City Manager Ryan Rapelye said. More younger families and pedestrians, as well as numerous bus stops, add risks for the public, according to Siemens. “This issue has been arising slightly before (the pandemic) started and trending that way for years now, as long as (the area’s) growth rate continues,” Siemens added. The last few months, he received about 10 emailed traffic-related negative comments; in the past, the department heard only a handful over five or six years. “It doesn’t sound like much, but those specific individual complaints are often addressed by the next available officer,” Siemens said. He suggested the city could save money by converting an existing Chevrolet Tahoe in the police fleet into a dedicated trafficenforcement vehicle. The Tahoe wouldn’t be used or rotated as much, leading to longer life for the vehicle, he said. “I think with wear and tear, one officer rotating in and out, would allow it to be maintained in our fleet longer, at least allowing us to determine whether the program is going to be self-supporting, selfsufficient,” Siemens said. If a dedicated traffic-enforcement unit is
approved, periodic reviews would determine the program’s effectiveness, officers said. Alderman Joe Izbrand favors the proposal, but first needs more figures to support it, and answers on how the city would pay for the additional position. “I think it’d be compelling to the public if we had the data showing that officers are tied up with all these other calls, unable to respond to complaints like this,” Izbrand said. He added, “Before we act to create an employment position that brings all the expenses, short term and long term, with it, it’ll be helpful to look at the data and make sure whatever decision we make is in the best interests, short term and long term, of the city.” Alderman Douglas Gregory agreed more research is required, but expressed concern existing pay and benefits for a new, dedicated traffic officer over a decade would cost more than $700,000. “That’s a ton of money that goes for one police officer when we’re trying to find the money to fix streets,” he noted. Gregory said the department should first fill a current vacancy before adding a post. He also recommended Castle Hills police ask their San Antonio counterparts to more aggressively address traffic infractions adjacent to the suburb. Rapelye said San Antonio law officers often pull over a motorist on a Castle Hills street or visa versa. Castle Hills is working to renew an interlocal agreement with San Antonio on traffic-enforcement cooperation. Meanwhile, Castle Hills has begun the search to replace Siemens, who served with CHPD since 2013. The city advertised the job, and a panel will review applicants, but no timeline on a hire has been set. Bidding farewell to council Jan. 12, Siemens said, despite the COVID-19 outbreak, economy and past local political turmoil, he was “excited for Castle Hills’ future.” eortiz@localcommunitynews.com Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com.
FEB. 9 - MARCH 9, 2021
EAT
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
LEARN ABOUT THE NEWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLACES FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER.
HOURS ARE CURRENT AS OF PRESS TIME, BUT CHECK WITH THE BUSINESS FOR UPDATES.
North Side tea shop brews up flavor by OLIVIER J. BOURGOIN
THE VIETNAMESE FRANCHISE LUSTEA has opened its first U.S. venture in the Park North shopping center.
Twenty years ago, Aimy Van moved stateside from her native Saigon. First, she learned to speak English; then, she learned to speak business. Van recently opened the tearoom at 602 N.W. Loop 410, Suite 130. More than 30 franchises already operate in Vietnam. “The original ownership group is going to develop in Asia (Taiwan, Thailand) and I own the right to sell
Aimy Van has opened Lustea in the Park North shopping center. The tearoom serves a variety of beverages, many made with leaves grown in Taiwan. Guests can find selections including the honey lemon green tea (left) and the Hong Kong egg waffle (right). Photos by Olivier J. Bourgoin
LUSTEA
602 N.W. Loop 410, Suite 130 For more, call 210-598-0089 or visit https://lusteasa.shopsettings.com LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
franchises in the U.S,” Van said. A second shop is scheduled for an April or May debut in Abilene. Kim Beechner, owner of Embark Marketing, is Van’s spokeswoman. “The name Lustea is a clever combination of the words ‘lusty’ and ‘tea,’” Beechner said. “Unlike many other boba-tea purveyors, Lustea prides itself in using no tea powders. Only fresh local fruit and actual tea leaves grown and imported from Taiwan are used in Lustea’s boba-drink specialties.” By brewing tea every four hours, Van wants each sip as fresh as the first. Visitors can try the signature Cream Cheese Cap, a foamy layer of milk and cream cheese added to the traditional teas, which promises a sweet opening
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and savory finish. There are 50-plus beverage options, including Oolong Kumquat Tea and the Lustea Chocolate Cream Cheese, plus 16 finger foods and desserts and 15 additional toppings. In addition to original boba drinks and teas, in the spring Van will introduce assorted typical Vietnamese street foods featured from 8:30-11 p.m. “The menu will be fluid and will vary from week to week and some of the items you can expect to find on it will be barbecue pork chops and beef, banana with fried rice, as well as fried squid, to name a few,” said manager Linh Vu. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Find this EAT Local at www. localcommunitynews.com.
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