LOCAL Northside San Antonio - March 2021

VOL. 9, ISSUE 7 | JAN. 5 - FEB. 9, 2021

LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM VOL. 9, ISSUE 9 | MARCH 9 - APRIL 13, 2021

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS CASTLE HILLS • HILL COUNTRY VILLAGE • HOLLYWOOD PARK • SHAVANO PARK • NORTH SA

FLEETWOOD DR

HOLLYWOOD PARK

SAN PED RO A VE

HILL COUNTRY VILL AGE

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HILL COUNTRY VILL AGE

ACTIVISM NOT SNOWSTORM DON'T FORGET A DIRTY WORD AFTERSHOCKS YOUR CHECKUPS TALK LOCAL | PG. 02

CHECK THIS OUT NEW BLOGS DEBUT ON LOCAL'S WEBSITE

HE IM ER

MENTORS DRAWN FROM THE RANKS OF PROFESSIONALS

by EDMOND ORTIZ

ELEVEN TEAMS OF REAGAN HIGH SCHOOL students are spending the academic year learning to build a business from the ground up.

by EDMOND ORTIZ

ORDINANCE continues on pg. 16

MEDICAL SECTION | PG. 12

Reagan style

Hill Country Village vows more golf-cart enforcement HILL COUNTRY VILLAGE — Though the city extended a law allowing residents to drive a registered golf cart on the streets, enforcement also will be stepped up.

SEVERE WEATHER | PG. 17

SHARK TANK

RD

W

SUSAN YERKES | PG. 04

POLITICS | PG. 14

LET THE RACES BEGIN CANDIDATES FILE FOR MAY 1 ELECTION

The curriculum even includes a pitch session with local funders, modeled after the popular ABC-TV show "Shark Tank."

Debuting last fall, the Reagan Business INCubator offers pupils a chance to collaborate and gain insight from industry professionals while developing a service or MENTORS continues on pg. 18

Allergists Warn: “Prepare for Oak Pollen Season NOW”

2

STAFF

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS MARCH 9 - APRIL 13, 2021

PUBLISHER Jaselle Luna EDITORIAL Editor

Thomas Edwards News Staff

Edmond Ortiz Contributing Writers

Olivier J. Bourgoin, Miranda Koerner, Noi Mahoney, Arthur Schechter and Susan Yerkes ART Designer

E. Fisher

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

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 Artist

Jeremiah Teutsch ADVERTISING Senior Media Representatives

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.

Dawn Radick and Joanne Torres

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.

READER SERVICE

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

Multimedia Account Representative

Michael Valdelamar Controller

Gracie Cortinez 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 Central SA: 78204, 78205, 78209, 78210, 78212, 78215 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 – The North East Educational Foundation awarded Reagan High School teachers Robyn Anderson (left) and Danya Martin (far right) a $5,123.80 grant to help support the school’s Business INCubator for hands-on business experiences.

Reagan Principal Brenda Shelton is also pictured. See the story on pg. 01. Courtesy photo/North East Independent School District The LOCAL Community News editorial board includes Jaselle Luna and Thomas Edwards.

TALK LOCAL

Bloggers debut LOCAL Community News is taking another exciting leap into the digital age by introducing a slate of bloggers offering unique insights on parenting, beer, wine and more.

We’re excited to present this diverse and talented group of writers to our growing online audience. The blogs are exclusive to the website and are not in our print products.

Fresh columns will post each week at www.localcommunitynews.com. Always feel free to share them and make comments.

Initial contributors include Olivier J. Bourgoin, alias “The Wine Guy,” sharing all he’s heard from the grapevine, plus food pairings, libations and more.

Former television reporter and public-relations specialist Gina Galaviz Eisenberg details the fun and challenges of raising young children.

Travis E. Poling, longtime business writer, beer expert and Texas-beerindustry author, serves up perspectives on what’s good to pour in a pint glass, happenings in the craft-beer market, and new laws affecting brewers.

Thomas Edwards will resurrect his award-winning column, “From the Editor.” He’ll be offering his perspective on local news and politics, as well as observations on the state of journalism.

In the coming weeks, we plan to introduce more blogs. They’ll be offering tips and comments on everything from great foods and making superb meals, to sports and even the best coffees and teas.

We predict with a lineup like this, visiting www.localcommunitynews. com will become part of your routine.

Prepare to be entertained, informed and enthralled.

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OPINION

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS MARCH 9 - APRIL 13, 2021

In praise of activists

by SUSAN YERKES

THE YEAR OF COVID-19 also has been a year of political activism, from sweeping Black Lives Matter protests to storming the U.S. Capitol.

In San Antonio, thank God, citizen engagement is almost exclusively nonviolent. In fact, the most widespread and effective movements of the past months involved petitions to reform three of the city’s most powerful institutions.

Only one — Fix SAPD — potentially succeeded. The group collected the 20,000 valid signatures required to get a proposal on the May 1 ballot limiting the San Antonio Police Officers Association’s collective bargaining rights.

With contract negotiations between the city and the police association just getting started, it’ll be interesting to see how San Antonians vote. Election success would certainly send a signal to SAPOA leaders, though not strip them of all power. Whatever the outcome, certainly thousands understand more about how public-safety unions work. They also know you can fight for change in a

peaceful and informed way.

The two other recent drives for reforms garnered much attention, although not enough signatures for ballot inclusion. Recall CPS, aimed at CPS Energy, and SAWS Accountability Act, targeting the San Antonio Water System, both sought major changes in the leadership of the city-owned utilities, rate structures and more.

Even with little funding, Recall CPS organizers made waves. Maybe it’s just coincidence their calls to reveal plans for the utility’s coalfired Spruce plants preceded an overdue public release of records.

Was it happenstance CPS leaders who previously pooh-poohed a citizen rate-advisory committee pivoted on their “flexible path” and established one? Or that CPS Energy President and CEO Paula Gold-Williams vowed to “expand the conversation,” and ensure the utility ramps up communication with ratepayers? Post “Snowvid,” better communication and resident involvement is critical.

SAWS leaders garnered a lot of support for their handling of the weather crisis, but SAWS Accountability Act political action committee leaders intend to continue pressing for a public audit of the controversial Vista Ridge pipeline project and more.

All three grassroots movements made some good points, and failures during the freeze that crippled

the area focused awareness on transparency and communication.

Clamming up when criticized is a lousy strategy, especially for publicly owned utilities.

Activism, after all, isn’t a bad word. I’m proud to tell friends in other cities about an incident last summer I believe says a lot about how people take action here. Soon after George Floyd’s death at the hands of Minneapolis police, previously peaceful protests turned violent one night in Alamo Plaza. Here’s the part I love: After hearing about the rioting and looting, hundreds of regular people converged on downtown to sweep up broken glass, clean graffiti and fix anything they could. Like the innumerable individual acts of kindness during the power and water failures of the snowstorm, that was positive community activism in the finest sense. That’s the heart of San Antonio.

The citizen groups petitioning for reforms at CPS Energy, SAWS and the San Antonio Police Department aren’t professional politicians or vandals. They’re showing up to help out on their own time, trying to improve situations they believe could and should be better. I don’t necessarily agree with all their ideas.

I do believe their hard work and the legal, peaceful activism they practice are essential to a healthy democracy. 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.

MARCH 9 - APRIL 13, 2021

MARCH

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

HAPPENING

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

City Councils/ School Districts Hollywood Park: 6 p.m. March 16; 2 Mecca Drive Hill Country Village: 5 p.m. March 18; 116 Aspen Lane Shavano Park: 6:30 p.m. March 22; 900 Saddletree Court Castle Hills: 6:30 p.m. March 9 & April 13; 209 Lemonwood Drive Northside ISD: 5 p.m. March 23; 7001 Culebra Road North East ISD: 5:30 p.m. April 12; 8961 Tesoro Drive

MARCH 9 & APRIL 13

MARCH 11 & APRIL 8

BEXAR COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 3355 Cherry Ridge Drive, Suite 208, holds its monthly board meeting from 1-3 p.m.

Email a day in advance to observe sessions over videoconferencing due to COVID-19.

For registration, contact president@bexarmg.org or https://bexarmg.org/.

THROUGH MARCH 12 & APRIL 2 SCHOOL’S OUT

5

pendent school districts get time off for Spring Break and Good Friday.

MARCH 13

SUPPORT GROUP Myasthenia gravis sufferers 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.

HAPPENING continues on pg. 06

Students in Northside and North East inde-

SEWING GROUP

A sewing club meets from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Encino Park Community Center, 1923 Encino Rio St. Bring a power strip or extension cord. For updates or cancellations, contact Sylvia Jolet at sjolet@ earthlink.net or call 210-497-3383.

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

www.antonian.org | 6245 West Avenue, San Antonio, Texas 78213 | 210.344.9265

Director of Admissions Lisa Rosenfeld lrosenfeld@antonian.org

JOIN US FOR A SPRING MUSICAL Antonian strives to develop the mind, body, spirit, and imagination of every student. Our theatre department will be producing an award winning musical, The Little Mermaid in April.

For more information on showtimes visit us at www.antonian.org.

WE ARE ANTONIAN

Learn more about Antonian

To fill out an application

Quick Facts About Antonian

ACADEMICS 100% graduation rate 100% college acceptance rate $19,541,392 in college scholarships (Class of 2020)

TECHNOLOGY 1:1 Chromebook use New classroom technology Upgraded internet infrastructure

EXTRACURRICULAR Committed campus ministry program Robust student life program Dynamic athletic program

Get Social With Us At: @antoniancollegeprep @antoniancollegepreparatoryhs

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LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

HAPPENING

MARCH 9 - APRIL 13, 2021

HAPPENING continues from pg. 05

MARCH 13

CAN’T WORM OUT OF THIS Hardberger Park’s Nature Play Area, 8400 N.W. Military Highway (and other park locations), will distribute “Grab-N-Go” bags from 9-11 a.m. with information about worms. For updates or cancellations, visit https://www.philhardbergerpark.org/calendar-events/grab-n-go-worms.

updates or cancellations, visit https://www. jccsanantonio.org/index.php?src=events&srctype=detail&category=Arts%20and%20 Culture&refno=6683.

MARCH 16

BECOME A BETTER LEADER Greene & Associates Inc., 1100 N.W. Loop 410, Suite 700, holds a complimentary business workshop on leadership from 9-10 a.m. For updates or cancellations, call 210366-8768.

MARCH 15

MARCH 17

Part of a series, the Barshop Jewish Community Center presents Jason B. Rosenthal, author of “My Wife Said You May Want to Marry Me,” in a virtual discussion from 7-8:30 p.m. Cost is $6. For registration,

The North San Antonio Retired Teachers Association holds a 10 a.m. to noon conference at San Pedro Presbyterian Church, 14900 San Pedro Ave. For updates or cancellations, visit https://localunits.org/NSARTA/.

AUTHOR SESSION

RETIRED TEACHERS

MARCH 17

MARCH 25-27

Meetings normally are 3:30 p.m. in the Property Owners Association offices, 19210 Huebner Road, Suite 100, but due to COVID-19 concerns, may be over Zoom. For updates or cancellations, call 210-858-8508 or visit http://www.stoneoakpoa.com.

The Men’s Garden Club of San Antonio from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. holds a Spring Plant Sale Event at 226 Yosemite Drive in Hollywood Park. Find a variety of garden-ready tomato plants and a selection of beautiful flowers. For updates or cancellations, visit www.mensgardenclubofsa.org.

STONE OAK POA

MARCH 20

ON YOUR MARK

MARCH 25

BASIS Shavano Boosters/DragonBackers 3rd Annual 5K/Fun Run/Walk begins at 9 a.m. at BASIS San Antonio Shavano, 4114 Lockhill-Selma Road. For registration, updates or cancellations, visit https:// www.athleteguild.com/running/san-antonio-tx/2021-basis-shavano-boostersdragonbackers-3rd-annual-5kfun-runwalk.

IT’S A ‘C’ THING This cancer support group for survivors ages 20-40 and their loved ones meets from 6:30-8 p.m. at La Madeleine, 722 N.W. Loop 410, Suite 201, in the Park North shopping center. For updates or cancellations, contact Chelsea Hart at Chelsea. hart@lls.org or call 210-998-5127.

MARCH 20

MARCH 27

Watch Catherine Sobieszczyk from 9-10 a.m. plan a native habitat in Hardberger Park with students and propagate native plants as part of Nectar Bar SA’s “Propagation Station.” For updates, cancellations and to participate via Facebook, visit https://www. philhardbergerpark.org/calendar-events/ blc-planning-native-garden.

Cornerstone Church, 18755 Stone Oak Parkway, hosts a Princess Ball for daughters (kindergarten through sixth grade) and the important male figures in their lives — dads, grandfathers or uncles — from 3-4:30 p.m. Cost is $10. Royal or casual dress is OK. For updates, cancellations and registration, visit https://www. sacornerstone.org/event/kids-events/3-2721-princess-ball.

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GREEN THUMBS

MARCH 20

CALLING ALL SENIOR SINGLES If you’re single, divorced, widowed and 50 or older, fellowship, games, fun and lunch await from noon to 4 p.m. at Cornerstone Church’s Bythel Hagee Life Center, 18755 Stone Oak Parkway. For registration costs, updates or cancellations, visit https://www. sacornerstone.org/singles-ministry.

MARCH 24

DISTRICT 9 NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE The group gathers at 7 p.m. in Stone Oak Methodist Hospital, 1139 E. Sonterra Blvd., classrooms No. 1 and No. 2. For updates or cancellations, call Art Downey, alliance president, at 210-497-8873.

PRINCESS BALL

MARCH 27

VIRTUAL NATURE WALK: ‘TREE-MENDOUS’ From the comfort of home, watch master naturalists Lissa Martinez and Stan Drezek discuss the trees of Hardberger Park. To participate via Facebook from 9-10 a.m., visit https://www.philhardbergerpark.org/ calendar-events/trees-hardberger-park.

MARCH 30

SINGLE AND READY TO MINGLE Bythel Hagee Life Center, 18755 Stone Oak Parkway, Cornerstone Church, is the HAPPENING continues on pg. 10

Water

we doing to help?

Suspending service cutoffs in this time of emergency.

Worrying about paying your water bill doesn’t need to be an added stressor during this time of uncertainty. Your neighbors at the San Antonio Water System want to make sure no family ever has to be disconnected because they can’t pay their bills. Our Uplift program eases the burden of paying your monthly water bill with 14 initiatives to assist customers who need a little help.

Learn how SAWS helps ensure your water stays connected during times of emergencies and financial hardship by calling 210-233-CARE(2273) or visiting saws.org/uplift.

LOWDOWN

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LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS MARCH 9 - APRIL 13, 2021

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

Open and Opening Soon WOW 1 DAY PAINTING, 13423 Blanco Road, Suite 761, offers patrons “a quality paint job in just one day,” according to co-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/. (See story on page 22) DOG HAUS BIERGARTEN STONE OAK, 20907 Stone Oak Parkway, offers gourmet hot dogs, handcrafted sausages, Black Angus beef burgers, fried chicken, sandwiches and wings, plus local craft beers.

Other amenities are a full bar with signature cocktails, and a dog-friendly patio. “We couldn’t be more excited to bring the absolute würst to

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San Antonio,” quipped franchisee Jason Rappaport. “At Dog Haus, we emphasize fun, personal connections and community engagement, not just for our guests, but for our team members, too. We look forward to becoming an integral part of the San Antonio community.” For more, visit doghaus.com.

SARI-SARI FILIPINO RESTAURANT, MARKET AND BAKERY, 18720 Stone Oak Parkway, Suite 115, has branched out from the Wurzbach Road site to this new location.

Being only a market, it still carries a few popular bakery items. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more, call 210-647-7274 or visit http://sarisari-satx.com/.

IN OTHER NEWS:

HOLLYWOOD PARK POLICE CHIEF SHAD PRICHARD recently was elected president of the Alamo Area Police Chief’s Association. He’s worked closely with AAPCA and the Legislature over the past several years and was instrumental in creating several criminal statutes, including making mail theft a state crime. “I am truly honored to be a part of this association and the faith in me by the members,” Prichard said in a statement. “It has been a challenging time for law enforcement and it is my desire that the AAPCA be on the front lines of maintaining trust and confidence of those who we have sworn to protect and serve.” The association’s goal is promoting and enhancing the professional development of law-enforcement executive and management personnel in the San Antonio area.

THE NORTHSIDE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT IS SETTING ASIDE June 4-11 for Class of 2021 graduation events.

Not finalized yet are specific details, nor have individual campuses received designated commencement dates. “NISD officials will continue to closely monitor local health metrics and work with campus administration on the safest and most appropriate way to recognize and celebrate 2021 graduates,” the district said in a statement. As matters solidify, information will be shared with NISD communities.

“We look forward to helping our graduates and their families celebrate all their hard work and accomplishments while doing so in a safe manner,” NISD officials said.

For more, call 210-397-8500.

THE REAGAN HIGH SCHOOL DIAMOND DANCERS placed first overall in the 2021 National Dance Team Championships’ game-day category Feb. 7. They won the South Spring Virtual Challenge competition held by the Universal Dance Association.

In addition, the team finished third overall in the hip-hop category. Also, the Reagan High School Silver Stars dance crew placed first overall in the game-day and hip-hop categories.

Both squads now advance to the UDA National competition this spring.

THE NORTH EAST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT MEDIA-PRODUCTION TEAM received accolades during a February school board meeting after creating a video spotlighting Johnson High School’s Smart Driving Club. The recording will be shown at the 2021 virtual Texas Association of School Boards Governance Camp. “You all do 602 N.W. Loop 410, Suite 130 such a fantastic job creating these

MARCH 9 - APRIL 13, 2021

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

video presentations,” said board President Shannon Grona. The team also received recognition for crafting the 2021 Founders’ Day virtual ceremony.

CONTRACTORS ARE NEARLY DONE with bond-funded improvements to De Zavala Road between Interstate 10 West and Lockhill-Selma Road. District 8 City Councilman Manny Peláez told constituents the contractor encountered some setbacks, but now was moving forward.

WORK CONTINUES IN Eisenhower Park to build an additional 1.8 miles of hiking and biking trails leading to The Rim. The new pathways will LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

LOWDOWN

finally connect the Salado Creek and Leon Creek trails, part of the Howard W. Peak Greenway Trails System, city officials said. The San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department anticipates completion by midyear.

officials said. All eligible part timers get one-half of the onetime payment paid to similarly situated full-time workers, according to a district statement.

NORTHSIDE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT TRUSTEES RECENTLY APPROVED a midyear pay

Interscholastic League Region VII-6A championships for a second straight year in February at Josh Davis Natatorium’s Bill Walker Pool. The Jaguars won eight events, outscoring secondplace Reagan High School, 389309. Johnson sophomore Jada Scott and Rattler senior Morgan Bartley tied for swimmer of the meet, with each collecting 289 points. For the boys, Clark High

adjustment for employees. Fulland part-time teachers, nurses, librarians and others not under a district midpoint salary scale will receive a one-time gross payment of $625. Remaining full- and parttime staff confined to the scale will get a one-time gross payment equal to 1% of their midpoint salary,

THE JOHNSON HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SWIM TEAM WON the University

9

School won two relays — the 200and 400-yard freestyle; its members advance to the 6A state meet.

Clark freshman Evan Croley also qualified by winning the 100-yard backstroke.

HANNAH GUAN, 14 AND A SOPHOMORE AT BASIS SAN ANTONIO SHAVANO, was recently named one of Texas’ top youth volunteers of 2021 by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a youth-recognition program based on volunteer service, officials said. She started a nonprofit organization offering free, online math tutoring and academic camps for students from LOWDOWN continues on pg. 19

10

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

HAPPENING

MARCH 9 - APRIL 13, 2021

HAPPENING continues from pg. 06

site of a 6:30 p.m. singles ministry for ages 30-50. For updates or cancellations, visit https://www.sacornerstone.org/singles-ministry.

APRIL 3

AMERICAN LEGION BREAKFAST Military and guests are invited to an 8-10 a.m. meal at Lupe Tortilla, 21103 U.S. 281 North. For updates or cancellations, contact www.post10.weebly.com.

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 cancellations, visit sachordsmen.org. Meanwhile, The Friends in Harmony Chorus also exercise vocal cords at 6:45 p.m. at University United Methodist Church, 5084 De Zavala Road. For updates or cancellations, contact Wendell Peters at wendellpeters@sbcglobal.net.

MONDAYS

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.

TUESDAYS AND SATURDAYS OLMOS BASIN FARMERS MARKET

BOY SCOUTS Boy Scout Troop 511, for ages 11-17, meets from 7:15-8:30 p.m. at Voigt Park, 700 El Portal Drive in Hollywood Park.

For updates or cancellations, call Buck Buchanan at 210-313-7006 or email buckbuchananusmc@gmail.com or D’Layne Kelly at 210-573-8694 or email dlaynekelly@gmail.com.

Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)

WHAT IS LDN AND HOW CAN IT BENEFIT YOU? Author: Mike Anderson, RPh

Let’s start with some history. It was Dr. Bernard Bihari, a neurologist, pioneered the use of Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) for autoimmune diseases. An autoimmune disease is a disease in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells. He found that LDN has immune system balancing and endorphin raising capabilities that can help patients with immunologically related disorders. Raising endorphin levels can halt further progression of patients’ diseases.

HIV/AIDS is a disease resulting from a compromised immune system. Dr. Bihari had success in treating HIV/AIDS with LDN, so he reasoned that it would probably treat autoimmune diseases as well, such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Lupus, and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Many of these patients also experienced no further disease progression.

Some MS patients have gone from being nearly bedbound to returning to a totally normal life. Patients taking LDN for other diseases including Crohn’s Disease, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia have also benefitted.

LDN essentially tricks the body by forcing it to double and triple its output of endorphins and opioid growth factor (OGF). These endorphins and OGF in turn cause the immune system to strengthen. This is so vital because studies have shown that autoimmune diseases are all marked by a weak dysfunctional immune system. When you have a weak immune system, you are often prone to getting these autoimmune diseases. LDN may stop the progression of disease by strengthening the immune system so it no longer attacks itself. The disease stops progressing because the immune system is now strengthened, so it no longer attacks itself. No further symptoms, no further attacks.

One of today’s best known champions of LDN is Dr. Gluck, MD. He believes that LDN is one of the most significant therapeutic discoveries in 50 years stating, “I believe that LDN is without a doubt one of the most important medical discoveries of the twentieth century and works for so many conditions. It’s nothing short of remarkable. It is a prescription medication that any compounding pharmacist can create.” Dr. Gluck manages the not-for-profit website www.ldninfo.org .

Patient surveys consistently point to 80-85% effectiveness of LDN in preventing worsening of their diseases. LDN appears to be most effective when taken early in disease progression.

For further info regarding Naltrexone (LDN), you may visit or call The Mix Pharmacy to speak with the Pharmacist.

14369 Blanco Road San Antonio, TX 78216 P: 210-226-1112 • F: 210-226-1119 pharmacist@mixingpharmacy.com Find us on facebook @ themixpharmacy

The 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 are featured from noon to 1 p.m. at The Club at Sonterra, 901 E. Sonterra Blvd, but during the COVD-19 outbreak, sessions are over Zoom. For speakers, updates or cancellations, visit www.stoneoaksarotary.org or call Erin Nevelow at 210-528-0377 or email erinnevelow.rotary@gmail.com.

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

LOCAL PRODUCE Drop by St. Matthew Sports Complex & Recreational Area, 11121 Wurzbach Road, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and support local growers as the San Antonio Farmer’s Market Association presents fresh foods. For updates or cancellations, visit sanantoniofarmersmarket.org.

SATURDAYS

FARMERS’ MARKETS Come to 16607 Huebner Road from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for local and organic produce, plus baked goods and handcraft-

ed products. For updates or cancellations, visit hillcountryfarmersmarket.org. Also, Four Seasons Market, 11602 Huebner Road in Huebner Oaks shopping center, sells goods from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For updates or cancellations, call 972-884-0680.

SUNDAYS

ENCINO FARMERS MARKET The Village at Stone Oak, 22610 U.S. 281 North, is 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 From a distance, 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.

ONGOING

NEVER TOO OLD TO LEARN The North East Independent School District Community Education and Northside Adult & Community Education present separate programs for all ages. For the former, most classes are taught in NEISD facilities or the district’s Community Learning Center, 8750 Tesoro Drive. For updates or cancellations, visit https:// communityed.neisd.net or call 210-4070140. For the latter, to get information on course registration, schedules, venues, costs, updates or cancellations, visit www. nisd.net/ace.

ONGOING

COMBATTING STUDENT HUNGER Forty-nine Northside Independent School District campuses serve free breakfast and lunch during the academic year. For more, visit https://www.nisd.net/news/thousandsnorthside-students-eat-free-school-year.

MARCH 9 - APRIL 13, 2021

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

HAPPENING

ONGOING

MARCH 15

ELSEWHERE

Goodwill Industries offers donation pickup services at Bexar County residences. For more, call 210-2718881 or fill out forms at https:// www.goodwillsa.org/donate/ home-pickup.

Garden Volunteers of South Texas, 1254 Austin Highway, holds free, open-to-the-public sessions over Zoom from noon to 1 p.m. throughout the coronavirus pandemic. For updates or cancellations, visit https://gardeningvolunteers.org/.

PARK PROMENADE

GOODWILL PICKUPS

MARCH 24

VIRTUAL GARDENING CLASSES

MARCH 11 & APRIL 8 ALTRUSA INTERNATIONAL

MARCH 17

At work in San Antonio since 1928, the international nonprofit — striving to make communities better through leadership, partnership, service and charity — holds 6:30 p.m. meetings at Mimi’s Cafe, 17315 Interstate 10 West. For updates or cancellations, visit https://districtnine.altrusa.org/san-antonio/.

UT Health San Antonio offers a group setting for women with gynecologic cancers. The meeting is from 6-8 p.m. at the Medical Arts & Research Center, 8300 Floyd Curl Drive (first-floor conference room B). Free parking. For updates or cancellations, visit uthealthcare.org/purple or call 210-450-9500.

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

Beginning in the parking lot of Tuesday Musical Club, 3755 N. St. Mary’s St., Brackenridge Park Conservancy presents a 5 p.m. physically distanced fundraiser, “A Promenade Through the Park.” The drive-thru excursion will have live entertainment and a gourmet, prepackaged picnic from The RK Group. Tickets, costing $350, include two meals, per couple. For updates or cancellations, visit brackenridgepark.org.

11

805. Learn skills in pneumatics, electrical components, gears, bearings, hydraulics, and more. Call 210-452-6959 or email info@ txfame.com.

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The San Antonio Book Festival will be a virtual event with three days of free, online programming. Join readers and writers from Texas, the U.S., and beyond. Depending on COVID-19 conditions, there could be last-second, socially distanced, in-person sessions. For updates or cancellations, plus a schedule, visit sabookfestival.org.

For those 18 and older, a curriculum called TXFAST, or Texas Fame Accelerated Skilled Training, is 8 a.m. to noon weekdays at 2665 Flight Nurse St., Building

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LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

HEALTH CARE SPECIAL SECTION

MARCH 9 – APRIL 13, 2021

Don’t let pandemic interrupt your routine medical care

by MIRANDA KOERNER

WHILE MANY TAKE EVERY PRECAUTION to limit COVID-19 exposure, experts say delaying standard medical visits such as dental appointments or annual checkups is unwise.

Medical professionals say they are witnessing patients putting health care on hold — from hearing tests to cancer screenings — often due to fears of contracting the novel coronavirus.

Richard Whittaker, senior medical director and practicing physician with WellMed at Ingram Park, said even avoiding getting flu shots or canceling regular appointments could jeopardize overall health, particularly for heart patients or those with chronic

conditions.

“Patients should always get their preventative care because it’s proven that preventative care helps improve longterm health,” Whittaker said. “Not getting lab work or exams to monitor and control

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chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure poses a significant risk of having to go to urgent care, the emergency room or the hospital for treatment. These sites can expose you to a greater chance of getting COVID than in your primary-care clinic.”

Hospital emergency rooms are for the critically ill or wounded, not routine medical maintenance, physicians said.

“This unnecessary care further increases the risk of overwhelming our hospital systems where they’re already struggling to care for patients with COVID. People need to know it’s safe to navigate our health care system,” Whittaker said.

Moreover, today’s technology enables visits without going into the doctor's office.

For those reluctant to travel to a medical building, many physicians and clinics offer telemedicine, such as CommuniCare Health Centers.

A health care provider makes the diagnosis and treatment using remote or virtual technology, like an online consultation. These can replace many — but not all — consults by a practitioner or a provider.

Dr. Carlos E. Moreno, vice president and chief clinical officer of CommuniCare Health Centers, said his company offers curbside and telemedicine visits ranging from family wellness to women’s health.

“In the current era of COVID-19, having an annual physical or going to your doctor for medical care can be seen as another potential route of COVID-19 exposure,” Moreno said.

“However, visiting with your physician for a routine checkup is a very important step in preventive care, and can help you improve your health. Your health care provider can sense physical or emotional changes in yourself that may signal a developing disease or a decline in health.”

For the hard of hearing, masks that cover mouths and inhibit lip reading or volume levels can be an extra challenge, which is why audiology appointments are paramount, health care providers said.

“We have a lot of patients that have been struggling to communicate due to universal

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MARCH 9 – APRIL 13, 2021

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

masking,” said Dr. Phallon Doss at Doss Audiology & Hearing Center. “They now realized they were not hearing well and relied on visual cues. Patients are very happy to be able to communicate again easily, even when others are wearing masks.”

She’s pleased folks realize the value of regular exams, even during a pandemic.

“We have also diagnosed several pediatric hearing losses that would have otherwise gone untreated if their parents had delayed care,” Doss said. “Untreated pediatric hearing loss has significant education implications and delays speech development.”

Although many clients deferred appointments last spring at the outbreak’s outset, Pearl Molina of Cambridge Family Dental said they’re returning.

“It’s important to keep up your regular,

routine checkups because the doctor can find problems before it’s an acute or emergency situation,” Molina said. Fearing infection, many folks are bypassing gyms and studio classes, but physical therapists are seeing problems when those suffering from health issues shirk fitness.

“Overall, people are generally moving less (and) working from home, (so they’re) less out in the community and that equals less exercise,” said Mike McTague, regional managing partner of Texas Physical Therapy Specialists. “Our biggest concern are the patients where movement and education are needed to reduce potential ‘chronicity,’ (like) low back pain, neck pain and generalextremity pain.”

Postponements now could lead to trouble later, added the doctor of physical therapy.

“Long-term health will be affected if

HEALTH CARE SPECIAL SECTION

conditions and pain that effect movement persist, such as chronic conditions of heart disease, (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), diabetes are all controlled with some form of consistent exercise. Physical therapy is designed to get patients back to moving,” he said.

February was National Cancer Prevention Month, but according to GenesisCare officials, any time is right to highlight the importance of screenings.

Reports indicate late-term cancer screenings have risen due to COVID-19, as patients wait until the last minute.

Late-term cases jumped 20% in the U.S., and 27% in the United Kingdom, with an increased mortality up to 3.2%, according to officials.

Dr. Trevor Lim with GenesisCare said he’s seen many people delay screenings,

13

only to receive an updated diagnosis of metastatic cancer, or spreading cancer. He said due to such inattention, it’s estimated that thousands more could die of breast and colorectal cancers.

But, Lim said, there’s still hope.

“There is an elderly woman I met recently who was a survivor of three different cancers over the past 20 years,” he said. “When a spot in her lung grew suddenly, she quickly underwent the appropriate evaluation and was found to have an early stage non-small cell lung cancer. Because of her diligence in following her doctors’ recommendations, her cancer was caught before it had spread and we hope to put her in remission a fourth time.”

Lim added, “Witnessing cancer success stories such as this one are especially encouraging during this pandemic.”

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14

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

POLITICS

MARCH 9 - APRIL 13, 2021

Familiar names on May 1 ballots

by EDMOND ORTIZ

VOTERS CASTING BALLOTS IN MAY 1 local elections will see many political leaders, past and present, vying for another stint in office.

In San Antonio, chasing a third term, Mayor Ron Nirenberg faces multiple challengers, most notably former District 6 Councilman Greg Brockhouse, whom Nirenberg beat in the 2019 mayoral runoff.

Nirenberg has weathered criticism for the city’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, while also weighing calls for more police accountability.

The former campus radio-station manager wants to continue initiatives

he’s overseen, including those designed to boost workforce training and affordable housing.

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we’ll come back from this even stronger than where we started,” Nirenberg said.

Employment creation and economic development are among Brockhouse’s campaign priorities.

“Recovery is all about jobs. We must take the approach that every job is important, both now and especially post-pandemic,” he said.

Other mayoral hopefuls are Ray Basaldua, Joshua Jones Galvan, Michael “Commander” Idrogo, J. Miller, Frank Adam Muniz, Tim Atwood, Denise Gutierrez-Homer, Gary Allen, Antonio “Tony” Diaz, Justin Macaluso, Dan Martinez and

John M. Velasquez.

Councilman Manny Peláez’s bid for a third term in District 8 drew opposition from Cesario Garcia, real estate broker Rob Rodriguez, Valero Energy Corp. pricing specialist Suzanne McCarty, and registered nurse Tammy K. Orta.

District 9 Councilman John Courage also seeks a third goround. His challengers are college student Antonio Salinas, attorney Erika Moe, business-operations executive Cory Dennington, and Patrick Von Dohlen, a financial planner and previous candidate.

Educator Alexander Svehla,

San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg applies at the City Clerk’s Office for reelection, accompanied by his wife, Erika Prosper, and their son, Jonah. He’s seeking a third term; voting is May 1. Courtesy photo/Ron Nirenberg

MARCH 9 - APRIL 13, 2021

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

grassroots activist Emily Norwood, Army reservist Gabrien Gregory, and Administrative Law Judge Ezra Johnson oppose District 10 Councilman Clayton Perry’s shot at a third term. Perry beat Johnson in a 2017 runoff.

San Antonio voters also will mull two City Charter amendments. One repeals police officers’ collective bargaining rights, a goal for reformers.

Some City Council members have questioned the second proposal, which would let the city issue bonds for permanent public improvements or others not prohibited by the Texas Constitution, including possibly building new homes or improving

POLITICS

existing ones.

In Castle Hills, Mayor JR Treviño seeks a second term running unopposed. But, Tyler Smith faces Place 2 Alderman Frank Paul.

Bernard Juettemeyer II, a previous mayoral candidate, opposes Place 3 Alderman Kurt May’s run for a second term.

In Hollywood Park, developer executive Sean Moore and registered nurse Delizia Gallivan seek the Place 1 seat. Councilman Michael Howe declined a reelection bid.

Physician assistant Michael Voorhies is challenging Place 3 Councilman Oscar Villarreal Jr., and homemaker Glenna Pearce opposes Place 5 Councilman Paul Homburg III.

In Hill Country Village, only incumbents Carl Register, Tom Doyle and Allison Francis filed for office.

For Shavano Park, Mayor Bob Werner’s fourth-term bid drew challenges from his predecessor, former Mayor David Marne, and previous council candidate Mary J. Smoot.

Alderwoman Michele Bunting Ross, Planning and Zoning Commissioner Albert Aleman, and Pete Miller filed for two available at-large council seats.

Ross seeks her sixth term in office. Alderman Mike Colemere declined another run.

In the Northside Independent School District, four residents vie

15

to succeed District 5 trustee Katie Reed, who’s retiring after serving 30-plus years on the school board.

The hopefuls are Irma Iris Duran de Rodriguez, senior housing policy coordinator for San Antonio, educator Jakub Kosiba, and two retired NISD administrators, Sharon Chumley and Corinne Saldaña.

Thomas Leger is challenging District 6 Trustee Carol Harle’s bid for a third term.

April 1 is the voter-registration deadline, with early voting April 19-27. eortiz@localcommunitynews. com Find this story and more at www.localcommunitynews.com.

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LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

GOVERNMENT

MARCH 9 - APRIL 13, 2021

ORDINANCE continues from pg. 01

The increased monitoring is to ensure cart drivers from neighboring cities and outside neighborhoods aren’t illegally coasting through Hill Country Village.

“You can’t prohibit (golf-cart drivers), but you can ticket them,” said Councilwoman Allison Francis.

In a related matter, the town also is nearing final designs of a long-anticipated, road-upgrade project.

The City Council Jan. 28 unanimously reauthorized for one year an ordinance covering the operation of motorized carts, or golf carts, on public streets or cart paths.

According to the order, a legal cart must have at least four wheels and not be able to exceed 25 mph. The edict doesn’t

apply to all-terrain vehicles or similar conveyances.

The permit fee is $50; the registrant must provide a driver’s license number and proof of auto insurance. Nonresidents also are allowed to obtain a golf-cart permit in Hill Country Village.

City Administrator/Police Chief Frank Morales said 10 Hill Country Village inhabitants and another eight from Hollywood Park registered in the past year.

The council originally approved the ordinance in January 2020. Officials had the option to renew the law through January 2024, or let it expire in early 2021.

Some council members worried about improper use of such transportation.

Councilman Neal Leonard wondered about folks from Hollywood Park or adjacent San Antonio neighborhoods such

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as Hidden Forest driving the carts through Hill Country Village without registering.

“We definitely need to do something about people encroaching on us,” Leonard said.

Francis asked city staff to be more proactive informing residents about the golf-cart rules, including erecting new signs.

Morales said various means will be used to remind Hill Country Village, and neighbors in Hidden Forest, about the ordinance.

“We’ll tell them if you’re in Hill Country Village and you’re not registered with us, you will be cited,” he added.

Leonard supported the extension so long as the town is more hawkish about enforcement.

“If you start ticketing people and

get more aggressive, word of that will spread,” he added.

Meanwhile, the council also got briefed on the city’s planned $8 million in road improvements.

Morales said M&S Engineering finished 90% of the designs for the upgrades.

Voters approved an $8.5 million bond package in 2019 to fund the endeavor,

MARCH 9 - APRIL 13, 2021

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

YOU CAN’T PROHIBIT (GOLF-CART DRIVERS), BUT YOU CAN TICKET THEM" ALLISON FRANCIS, CITY COUNCILWOMAN

GOVERNMENT/SEVERE WEATHER

Storm aftermath

by EDMOND ORTIZ

THE EFFECTS of a punishing winter storm that left thousands of San Antonio-area residents without power or water for days will be felt for a long time, say officials looking for answers into why infrastructure failed during the crisis.

Meanwhile, San Antonio officials have been setting up an emergency fund to help residents recovering from property damage; many other agencies have also done the

Hill Country Village Mayor Gabriel Durand-Hollis (center) addresses the golf-cart ordinance at the Jan. 28 City Council meeting. Council members Neal Leonard (left) and Allison Francis are seen flanking Durand-Hollis. Photo by Edmond Ortiz

which will provide infrastructure betterments to Hill Country, Cherokee, Aspen and Estate lanes; Cabin Path, Paso Del Norte, Hidden View and Blackhawk streets; Bison and Limestone Creek roads; Tomahawk Trail, Crest Trail, Winding Way and Treasure Trail drives; and parts of Powder Horn Trail, plus North and South Tower, Mint Trail and Sequoia

drives.

Mayor Gabriel Durand-Hollis said the city would advertise the project and secure a construction contractor this spring for roadwork during warmer months. eortiz@localcommunitynews.com Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com.

LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

17

same.

Municipal and state leaders are demanding accountability from state government and energy providers, saying utilities must do a better job ensuring customers stay safe during prolonged periods of harsh cold.

San Antonio achieved record low temperatures — all below freezing — Feb. 14-16, and two of the biggest snowfalls in at least 36 years.

Spurred by an unprecedented high demand on power, CPS Energy and other providers statewide were ordered by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the state’s grid operator, to implement rolling blackouts to stabilize Texas’ energy supply.

But rolling blackouts, coupled with damaged or frozen equipment, produced long-lasting SNOW continues on pg. 23

18

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

EDUCATION

MARCH 9 - APRIL 13, 2021

tuning their inspiration for their minimally viable product, or MVP. During the presentation, each group outlines its idea to the program’s board of advisers, then requests funding to reach the next step of development.

The students over the spring will refine their business plan for a “Shark Tank”-style finished pitch. Finalists will be awarded the money to bring their idea to life next academic year.

Most incubator participants are juniors, with some seniors. “(Seniors) may not continue this project; they now have the foundation to be able to do this on their own,” Martin said.

The pupils’ notions run the gamut. One team is offering a solution for busy moms who always want fresh food on hand for healthy meals and snacks.

MENTORS continues from pg. 01

product from concept to reality.

“The Reagan Business INCubator has taught me that starting a business is not an easy task, and that in order to be successful in growing your business you have to love what you do,” said junior David Vasquez.

Prospective teen entrepreneurs first brainstormed a problem or a challenge.

Then, the teenagers received mentorship from adult volunteers experienced in various career fields.

“The students have done a lot of learning about business, marketing and finance, and they’re applying that to their business idea,” instructor Danya Martin said.

By February, the thinkers were fine-

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A photo illustration showcases virtual lesson recaps between students and mentors as part of Reagan High School’s Business INCubator. Courtesy photo/ North East Independent School District

Another aids golfers with a portable box removing moisture from players’ gloves so they last longer.

Martin said the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in remote learning, has challenged the program.

But, participants’ spirits are unwavering.

Junior Jonathan Cuellar and senior Tyler Stevens are part of a group developing a portable product that crushes plastic bottles for recycling.

Stevens recalled a team meeting with their mentor, who provided tips on finances, connecting with manufacturers and ways to market their device. “(Bankers) told us all about getting

loans, how to get the best loan for what we have … how much we need to make to get a loan, and for them to work with us,” he said.

Cuellar said the real-world lessons are invaluable.

“Anyone who has the slightest interest in being an entrepreneur or developing their ideas into a business should take this class,” he added.

Martin spent last summer promoting the program to the Stone Oak Business Association and to any others interested in helping.

Many advisers are happy to share their professional expertise with the young minds.

Mentor Amy House, a business

MARCH 9 - APRIL 13, 2021

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

EDUCATION/LOWDOWN

19

will be named America’s top youth volunteers of the year. The school at 4114 Lockhill-Selma Road is part of a charter-school network with campuses nationwide.

LOWDOWN continues from pg. 09

underserved communities. The teen created “San Antonio Math Include” to provide greater access to science, technology, engineering and math education for learners from different backgrounds and cultures. She developed a model to teach live classes and summer camps online, which have now involved nearly 150 volunteers, 5,000-plus students, 322 schools, 28 states and four countries.

Honored by Prudential, Guan received a $2,500 scholarship, silver medallion and an invitation to the program’s virtual, national recognition celebration in April, where 10 of the 102 state awardees

U.S. REP. HENRY CUELLAR, D-LAREDO, RECENTLY ANNOUNCED $11.2 million in federal funding to San Antonio International Airport. The money provides economic relief to prevent, prepare and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, officials said. The Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Coronavirus Response Grant Program awarded financing.

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coach, was impressed when students realized the impact of their creations on others.

“It’s really critical we give our young people an opportunity to experience what different parts of our world actually look like on the outside of school,” House said.

Mentor Tiffany Johnson, president and founder of Principium Resources, which helps health care organizations retain patients, described the school-age planners as creative and innovative.

“Each (is) creating products that can help with eating healthier, reducing back pain, and so much more. They will change the world,” she added.

Retiree and adviser Jerry Jenko

said his role is to guide the youngsters through the process, mistakes and all.

“It is important to allow these students to learn from a mentor’s life experiences and to experience creative thinking rather than memorized learning,” he added.

The incubator, which welcomes more sponsors, has received support from the North East Educational Foundation.

Martin can’t wait until learners return to campus and enjoy further collaboration in the program’s new makerspace lab, she said.

For details, visit http://neisdstore. net/reaganinc. eortiz@localcommunitynews.com LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

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LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

PARKS

MARCH 9 - APRIL 13, 2021

After rocky past, climbers rediscover Medicine Wall GROUP ACQUIRES, PROTECTS AND PROMOTES CLIFF ON THE NORTH SIDE

by EDMOND ORTIZ

A ROCK-CLIMBING ORGANIZATION is scaling up efforts to further secure access and safety features on a towering North Side limestone wall that opened to the public last summer.

Rising 60 feet along the Salado Creek greenway, Medicine Wall can be found between Shavano Park and the Rogers Ranch neighborhood on a 5-acre parcel.

It’s the first sanctioned, public rockclimbing spot in San Antonio, thanks to a campaign by the Texas Climbers

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Texas Climbers Coalition continues efforts to maintain and improve access to Medicine Wall. The limestone bluff near Rogers Ranch officially opened to climbing in summer 2020, but had been popular with clandestine scalers for years. Courtesy photo/TCC

based climbing advocate.

“Part of our mission is to improve access to the wall, protect and sustain the landlocked property, and make it safe for climbing,” TCC Executive

Director Adam Mitchell said.

Medicine Wall, which debuted for public visits in June, was a longtime destination of climbing enthusiasts who previously essentially trespassed

MARCH 9 - APRIL 13, 2021

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

PARKS

21

also the overall vicinity.

TCC and the Access Fund also are stewards of Monster Rock, a climbing crag near Austin, and miles of undeveloped cliffside along the Pecos River within Continental Ranch, a family-owned tract in West Texas.

“The response has been amazingly positive,” Mitchell said about Medicine Wall. “Before all this, we just had a bunch of frustrated climbers. Things are better and the wall is protected forever.”

For more, visit https://www. texasclimberscoalition.org. eortiz@localcommunitynews.com Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com.

trailway.

It’s part of the Howard W. Peak Greenway Trail System.

District 9 City Councilman John Courage, who represents the area, called the sanctioned opening of Medicine Wall “a wonderful addition to our D9 trail system and a huge victory for San Antonio climbers.”

“Previously private property, we worked with the landowner and the Texas Climbers Coalition to make it publicly accessible. As we grow, diversity of outdoor activities like this make our city and district stand out,” Courage added.

In the months since reopening, thanks to TCC and the Access Fund, Medicine Wall scalers haven’t only enjoyed safer conditions there, but

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the wall,” Mitchell said.

Tragedy struck in February 2015 when two men rappelling down Medicine Wall accidentally fell to their deaths. Afterward, the property owner chopped off the illegally inserted bolts and closed access.

TCC and the Access Fund spent years trying to acquire the site to improve and officially secure the natural challenge for scaling.

Mitchell said the proprietors understood climbers had a high interest in visiting Medicine Wall, but they didn’t want the liability.

After acquiring the property in 2018, the association waited for San Antonio to finish developing the

L F OL

on private property to scale the rock face.

The climbing association recently bolstered ways members may support its initiatives, including a recurring donation feature on TCC’s website.

It was only last summer when the city completed construction of the Salado Creek trailway at Loop 1604, enabling an official opening of Medicine Wall to climbers.

Before then, the cliff was part of a conservation easement within 8,500 acres of land owned by a developer.

Still, climbers found a way to put in bolts and covertly enjoyed visits.

“The owners didn’t want people there, but they didn’t want to police

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LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS MARCH 9 - APRIL 13, 2021

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

Painting company puts customers first, owners say

by OLIVIER J. BOURGOIN

WOW 1 Day Painting offers efficiency and excellence, according to its owners.

David Martinez and business partner Marc Hildebrand launched the venture in December; the franchised painting contractor at 13423 Blanco Road, Suite 761, serves various San

Marc Hildebrand (left) and business partner David Martinez, seen here on the Hays Street Bridge, have opened WOW 1 Day Painting. They say their team works quickly to deliver a quality job. Courtesy photo

Antonio areas.

“The concept is simple: speed plus quality equals ‘wow,’” Martinez said.

“With WOW, what the customer gets is guaranteed quality in a guaranteed

short amount of time.”

Other painting companies often lack reliability, he said.

“We’ve all heard of horror stories (about) when a contractor starts

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MARCH 9 - APRIL 13, 2021

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS

BUY LOCAL/SEVERE WEATHER

to Martinez.

“We offer our customers a high level of protection,” he added.

“Not only are we insured, but we are also bonded within stringent requirements well above the basic industry standards. In addition, we are respectful of people’s private space; especially during these times of COVID when many people work from home. And, we guarantee to fix our errors — if any.”

The company’s goals include providing value to customers while helping transform living spaces with minimal disruptions, he added.

Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Find this BUY Local at www. localcommunitynews.com.

a job, but then you don’t see them again for several days. Unfortunately, many small contractors are forced to accept multiple jobs, in order to make ends meet,” Martinez said. “The result is that they are often spread thin and they jump from one job to the other, in order to maximize their time.”

WOW 1 Day Painting is different, he said.

“We are trying to change the industry. Anyone can paint, but WOW goes beyond the basics,” he said.

“Our employees show up on time, in uniforms, and they are trained to communicate effectively. Smoking and loud music are not allowed at the job site.”

Clients always come first, according

SNOW continues from pg. 17

power outages, exacerbating conditions and frustrating customers.

San Antonio and Castle Hills opened public facilities as temporary warming centers, while several churches did the same.

Because of power outages, water utilities such as the San Antonio Water System struggled to address low pressure or outages across many service areas, including Castle Hills, the North Side and Stone Oak. Mayor Ron Nirenberg promised San Antonio will help residents, many of whom now face the prospect of high utility bills and repairs to broken water pipes.

“There’s going to be an infrastructure issue that we need all hands on deck for,” he said.

The City Council has grilled leaders

23

of SAWS and CPS Energy, both city-owned utilities, saying the agencies should have been better prepared ahead of the storm, and must do better to communicate with customers in emergencies.

“Our residents expect and deserve better.

I think my colleagues agree that we intend to do all we can to ensure that we aren’t in this vulnerable situation the next time a cold wave hits our city,” Nirenberg said.

Nirenberg, his counterparts and Gov. Greg Abbott also slammed ERCOT for its response to the severe wintry weather. Abbott asked state lawmakers to order and fund winterizations of power plants and other equipment statewide.

“What happened is absolutely unacceptable and can never be replicated again,” Abbott said. eortiz@localcommunitynews.com Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com

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