LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM VOL. 2, ISSUE 3 | MAY 4 - JUNE 1, 2021
HAPPENING | PG. 07 Yoga practice for all levels in Confluence Park
SOUTH SAN ANTONIO
SUSAN YERKES | PG. 06
TALK LOCAL | PG. 04
UNCLOGGING THE CORRIDOR
FIESTA FETE, FIGHT COVID
FIRE DOESN’T DETER DEVELOPERS FROM REVAMPING FORMER BREWERY
South Side park goes to the dogs — literally
A fourth dog park is coming to the South Side. File photo
by EDMOND ORTIZ
by EDMOND ORTIZ
DEVELOPERS WHO AIM TO REVITALIZE THE FORMER LONE STAR BREWERY are committed to their plan despite a fire that struck the iconic South Side site.
The proposed 32-acre Lone Star District is designed as an urban destination offering work, recreation, art, neighborhood history and BREWERY continues on pg. 12
apartments, according to plans announced in March by local firm GrayStreet Partners and Houston-based Midway. Public green spaces would line the San Antonio River. “Upon completion, we hope to be an extension of the surrounding neighborhoods, an extension of Lone Star, an extension of Lavaca, Roosevelt Park, Collins Garden, and King William,” said Peter French, GrayStreet’s
SOUTH SIDE DOG OWNERS now have a new place where their canines can be off the leash for fun and frolic.
The nearly 1-acre area is at Kingsborough Park, 350 Felps Blvd. There are two enclosed spaces; one section for all dogs and another BARK continues on pg. 14
OUR FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19 IS NOT OVER. Let’s continue to look out for each other.
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MAY 4 - JUNE 1, 2021 PUBLISHER Jaselle Luna EDITORIAL Editor
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ON THE COVER – An artist’s rendering of possible evening activities in the main part of the proposed Lone Star District redevelopment at the former Lone Star Brewery. A first phase includes constructing 250 multifamily units, as well as adding 150,000 square feet of office, dining and retail space across 12 acres. See the story on page 01. Courtesy illustration/Lake|Flato/OJB Landscape Architecture The LOCAL Community News editorial board includes Jaselle Luna and Thomas Edwards.
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LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
FIESTA MAY BE A SCALEDDOWN affair this year, but at least it’s still being held. Known as San Antonio’s biggest party, Fiesta originally launched decades ago to highlight Texas independence. Though smaller in 2021, perhaps we should look at the celebration as a way to honor humankind’s hopedfor independence from COVID-19. Last year, thanks to the novel coronavirus, the Alamo City’s revelry was canceled altogether to limit the pandemic’s outbreak, and with good reason. The scourge swept across the planet in 2020, causing death and tragedy everywhere. Nor are we out of the woods yet. However, due to unprecedented cooperation between scientists, governments and health care officials, revolutionary vaccines have been rolled out and the human race now has the potential to achieve herd immunity. Wearing masks and practicing physical distancing are also helping. Fiesta, normally in the spring, is June 17-27. Gone this time are most of the parades and Fiesta Oyster Bake. While we may miss the festive processions, chomping on turkey legs and cracking cascarones, it’s a small price to pay to ensure the defeat of this dreadful malady. While we honor those who broke the chains of tyranny to create the Lone Star State, Fiesta 2021 can also symbolize our struggle to be free of a tyrannical disease. Viva San Antonio! Viva vaccines!
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OPINION
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LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS MAY 4 - JUNE 1, 2021
New hope for I-35? by SUSAN YERKES
THE DRIVE ON INTERSTATE 35 between San Antonio and Austin always has been fraught with frustration. When lanes are added,
construction turns into bottlenecks. By the time new ones are finished, thousands more vehicles are on the road as the population soars. By 2050, demographers project there will be 2 million more cars in the region. For as long as I can remember, folks have been trumpeting exciting news about projects certain to ease the gridlock, only to have them turn into the dreaded POTS (bureaucratic-speak for Plans on the Shelf). Back in 1989, former Lt. Gov. Ben Barnes’ high-speed Texas train project raised more than $70 million — and then went
off the rails. In ’97, the Legislature created the Lone Star Rail District to ease Austin-to-SA traffic. Nearly twenty years, $25 million and a million dashed hopes later, LSRD went belly up, too. Meanwhile, traffic keeps getting more clogged.
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Recent reports of a new federal transportation plan, aiming to greatly expand America’s railroads, has given some travelers optimism. However, even an enhanced Amtrak San AntonioAustin schedule would make little difference. The trains don’t go any faster than the traffic – usually a little slower, sometimes a lot slower. Kevin Wolff, a former San Antonio councilman, Bexar County commissioner and past Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization chairman, downplays Amtrak’s role in relieving intercity congestion. “It’s nice if you want to take a leisurely train trip,” Wolff said. “But, Amtrak runs on mostly Union Pacific track, and UP doesn’t care about passengers. They care about freight.” Wolff once told me: “You can’t build enough roads to keep up with congestion.” However, building roads is a lot cheaper than building rails. Even so, Texas Central, an international railway consortium based in Dallas, has announced plans to start construction this year on a high-speed rail line connecting Houston and Dallas at speeds of up to 200 mph. If the plan succeeds – a big if – it could revive a San Antonio-to-Austin line.
Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, Kevin’s dad, is skeptical. “It would take God’s intervention for us to have highspeed rail,” he once said. Managed traffic lanes may be a better answer. As AAMPO chair, Kevin Wolff said he helped ensure options to allow future leaders to designate new I-35 lanes as “managed” exclusively for mass transit or freight – maybe even the autonomous trucks and cars of the not-so-distant future. Current plans are to add two new lanes in each direction on I-35 between Austin and San Antonio, with some of the work already underway. Commuter-bus traffic in designated high-occupancy-vehicle lanes could be one solution. Former Mayor Henry Cisneros also touted the idea when he worked on the ConnectSA initiative for VIA Metropolitan Transit. Currently, three private bus lines make the trip almost hourly. Dedicated mass-transit lanes for multiple-passenger transit or freight-carrying vehicles could be a positive step toward easing I-35 congestion. For commuters, there may be a light at the end of the tunnel. But, it probably isn’t a train. What do you think? 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.
HAPPENING
MAY
PLAN YOUR MONTH WITH OUR CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE COMMUNITY.
7
MAY 4, 18 & JUNE 1 ROTARY CLUB
The Rotary Club of San Antonio South normally meets at noon on the second floor of Stinson Municipal Airport, 8535 Mission Road. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, sessions may take place over Zoom. For updates, visit https://portal. clubrunner.ca/8149.
MAY 7
OUTDOOR CONCERT The Good Kind Southtown, 1127 S. St. Mary’s St., hosts Michael Martin & The Infidels from 8-11 p.m. as part of the First Friday music series. For updates, visit https://eatgoodkind.com/upcoming-events/.
MAY 8
CALLING ALL ART FANS Southtown Arts District First and Second Saturday Markets take place at The Artisan, 1103A S. Presa St., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. See drawings, handcrafted items, prints and more. For updates on the free event, email shop@theartisansatx.com or call 210-962-5560.
MAY 8
‘THE PEOPLE’S CLINIC’ The Estela Avery Education Center inside Confluence Park, 310 W. Mitchell St., is home to traditional healing practices from 1-5 p.m. For updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/ YanawanaHerbolarios/.
THROUGH MAY 9 BLUE STAR
Blue Star Contemporary, 116 Blue Star St., presents four exhibitions offering contemplation of today’s tumultuous times. For updates, visit https://bluestarcontemporary.org/. HAPPENING continues on pg. 08
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
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LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
HAPPENING
MAY 4 - JUNE 1, 2021
HAPPENING continues from pg. 07
MAY 22
ZUMBA, ANYONE?
MAY 10, 17
SAISD BOARD MEETING San Antonio Independent School District trustees meet at 5:30 p.m. at 406 Barrera St., or during the coronavirus pandemic, over Zoom. For updates, visit www.saisd.net.
MAY 13
SOUTH SAN ANTONIO CHAMBER The South San Antonio Chamber of Commerce holds a 7:30 a.m. networking breakfast at Don Pedro Mexican Restaurant, 1526 S.W. Military Drive. Cost is $15 for members, $20 for nonmembers. For updates, visit https://www.southsachamber. org/ or call 210-533-1600.
MAY 15
APERTURA DEL ESTATAL 2021 Presented by the Asociación de Charros de San Antonio, the rodeo tournament is 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Rancho El Charro, 6126 Padre Drive. Teams from across Texas will compete. Admission is $15, free for kids 12 and under. For updates, visit https://www. facebook.com/events/2380975138789864/.
MAY 15
YOGA AT THE MISSION Mission San José, 701 E. Pyron Ave., is the site of a free, one-hour community yoga session at 10 a.m. Meet in front of the church or inside the granary during inclement weather. For updates, call 210932-1001.
MAY 16
BOOK FAIR The first annual Southside San Antonio Book Fair is noon to 4 p.m. at Brooster’s Backyard Ice House, 815 Pleasanton Road. The free event showcases up to 20 authors for meet and greets, book signings and sales. For updates, visit https:// southsidesanantonio.com/southside-sanantonio/book-fair/.
The Greenline, 2532 Sidney Brooks Drive, normally is the site of free Zumba classes from 9-9:45 a.m. Bring a water bottle and towel; check for COVID-19 updates. For more, visit www.livebrooks. com.
THROUGH JUNE 1 FOOD GIVEAWAY
Kids ages 1-18 can receive free snacks and suppers from 4:30-6 p.m. weekdays at Southside Lions Community Center, 3100 Hiawatha St. For more on the program, visit https://www.sanantonio. gov/ParksAndRec/New s-Events/ Events/Event-Details/ArtMID/15385/ ArticleID/20085/Free-Supper-SnackDrive-Thru-Service?Park=&Facility=.
https://www.slabcinema.com or https:// www.facebook.com/goodkindsouthtown.
SUNDAYS
BRUNCH AND FITNESS The Good Kind Southtown, 1127 S. St. Mary’s St., offers brunch and musical entertainment from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Also, come at 10 a.m. for exercise. For updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/ GoodKindSouthtown/events/.
SUNDAYS
YOGA (WITH A TWIST) Confluence Park, 310 W. Mitchell St., is the place for free 10-11 a.m. virtual yoga sessions during the COVID-19 outbreak. Practice is designed for all levels. For more, visit https://sariverfound.org/confluencepark/park-events/.
THROUGH JUNE 13
ONGOING
Pabst Blue Ribbon Studios, 1112 S. St. Mary’s St., hosts a display of select beer-can designs by 25 emerging artists, as part of the brewing company’s annual competition. The gallery is open from 4-10 p.m. for First Friday events, and noon to 6 p.m. on weekends. Physicaldistancing protocols enforced. For updates or cancellations, visit https:// pabstblueribbon.com/blue-ribbonstudios.
Experience culture, art, education and more on the historic grounds of Mission Marquee Plaza, 3100 Roosevelt Ave. Also, until November, the seasonal, outdoor film series has returned. Movies begin 15 minutes after sundown. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. For times, plus updates or cancellations, visit https://www. missionmarquee.com/EVENTS/CulturalCommunity-Events.
MONDAYS
ADULT-EDUCATION CLASSES
BEER-CAN ART
VEGAN & SARA The Good Kind Southtown, 1127 S. St. Mary’s St., hosts a vegan-food concept, weekly from noon to 9 p.m. For updates, visit https://eatgoodkind.com.
WEDNESDAYS
OPEN-AIR CINEMA In concert with Slab Cinema, The Good Kind Southtown, 1127 S. St. Mary’s St., presents physically distanced, open-air cinema. Films start at 7 p.m. Cost is $8. For movies, updates or cancellations, visit
MISSION MARQUEE PLAZA
ONGOING
The San Antonio Independent School District offers free online classes through its Adult and Community Education Department. Sessions include courses in citizenship, basic computer skills in Spanish, plus certifications in customer service and information technology. For updates and to register, call 210-554-2453 or 210-554-2450 or visit www.saisd.net/ace.
ONGOING
FREE SCHOOL MEALS Harlandale Independent School District
is offering meals at no cost to enrolled students during the academic year. For updates or cancellations, call Marcos Rodriguez at 210-989-4252 or email Marcos.rodriguez@harlandale.net. Also, qualifying campuses in the San Antonio Independent School District serve breakfast and lunch to all children at no charge. For updates, call 210-554-2290.
ELSEWHERE IN SAN ANTONIO
MAY 6
HUNGRY FOR A CAUSE Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio will present “Taste of Home Benefit: A Toast for 45 Years” featuring local chefs, area celebrities, music, silent auction and more. While the 6:30-7:30 p.m. virtual event is free to view at https:// www.HabitatSA.org/TasteofHome, call Bethany Thomas at 210-223-5203, ext. 148 or email Partner@HabitatSA.org for updates, cancellations, sponsorship or crowdfunding opportunities.
MAY 8
‘CONTRA DANCE’ The International Folk Culture Center at Our Lady of the Lake University, 411 S.W. 24th St., hosts a “Contra Dance” from 7-10 p.m. Cost is $6. For updates, visit www.satxcontra.org.
ONGOING
KIDNEY SCREENING The Texas Kidney Foundation is offering free, drive-up testing in the parking lot at 4204 Gardendale St., Suite 106. To make an appointment, call 210-396-8440. To fill out a form in advance, visit https://bit.ly/ TKFScreening. For more about the Texas Kidney Foundation, visit www. tx.kidney.org.
SUBMITTING EVENTS: Email all the details along with your contact information two months in advance to tips@localcommunitynews.com.
MAY 4 - JUNE 1, 2021
9
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
City to extend South Side Salado Creek trail by EDMOND ORTIZ
WALKERS, JOGGERS AND BICYCLISTS visiting the Salado Creek greenway on the South Side soon will see an expanded trail.
Davila Construction plans to extend the existing hike and bike trail from Southside Lions Park to Southeast Military Drive. City Council voted March 4 to award a maximum $3.77 million contract to Davila to make the Salado Creek greenway more accessible from Southeast Military. The project includes construction of a 3.1-mile-long, 10-foot-wide concrete, multiuse trail, and a trailhead with parking, which allows rainwater to saturate
the soil. Also planned are three pedestrian bridges, several drainage culverts, retaining walls, rest areas, signs and other
This summer, the city plans to begin an extension of the Salado Creek hike and bike trail from Southside Lions Park (pictured) to Southeast Military Drive. Courtesy image/San Antonio
minor amenities. Construction is slated to begin this summer and end in late 2022. It’s one of the final neighborhood initiatives to get full backing from Rebecca Viagran, who’s finishing her fourth stint as the District 3
councilwoman, but unable to run again due to term-limit constraints. “This is a project we have been working on for a long time,” Viagran said. TRAIL continues on pg. 11
LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
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LOWDOWN
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS MAY 4 - JUNE 1, 2021
TAKE A QUICK LOOK AT WHAT’S NEW IN THE COMMUNITY FROM OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS TO NEWS TIDBITS.
Open and Opening Soon SHIFU NOODLE, 3850 S. New Braunfels Ave., Suite 109 in McCreless Market, offers Chinese fare including twicecooked pork belly, Dan Dan noodles, spicy and savory chicken, plus green beans. Hours are 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 3:30-8 p.m. Monday and Wednesday through Saturday, plus noon to 2:30 p.m. and 3:30-8 p.m. Sunday. For more, call 210-888-1228 or visit www.facebook.com/ shifunoodle/.
LA GLORIA MARGARITA TRUCK, 2532 Sidney Brooks Drive at Entrepreneur Chrystal Yi (right) is putting her restaurant know-how to work at Shifu Noodle (left), located in McCreless Market. Yi hails from Hunan, a southern Chinese province. After moving to Texas nine years ago, she earned a master’s degree. Photos by Olivier J. Bourgoin
The Greenline at Brooks, offers — in addition to libations — live music and a group workout or yoga session with MixFit SA. La Gloria will soon open a brick-and-mortar restaurant off Southeast Military and Kennedy Hill drives, too. For more, call 210-701-4743 or visit margaritatrucks. com/.
IN OTHER NEWS:
THE HARLANDALE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT RECENTLY INSTALLED SIX CELL TOWERS to provide students with improved internet service. HISD’s Connected Beyond the Classroom is designed to help close the digital divide, with families living closest to the towers getting a router.
SEVERAL HARLANDALE HIGH SCHOOL BANDS recently competed at the 2021 University Interscholastic League Concert & Sight-Reading Evaluation. Harlandale’s symphonic band (nonvarsity) and wind ensemble (varsity), received straight superior ratings resulting in sweepstakes for both groups. “All the directors are incredibly grateful to the Harlandale parents who entrusted their children to them, allowing preparation with in-person instruction for this competition,” district officials said in a statement. “The students’ hard work paid off, and the band now moves forward to prepare for their spring concerts.”
SOUTH SIDE LIONS SENIOR CENTER, 3303 Pecan Valley Drive, recently reopened for limited indoor and outdoor activities at 25% capacity. Transportation won’t be provided. The hours are 7-11 a.m. and 1-3:45 p.m. Online programming will continue. Recreation time is available through a reservation process. Meals
will still be provided via curbside pickup and home delivery for participants with transportation and mobility challenges. For more, call 210-207-5779.
BAPTIST HEALTH SYSTEM RECENTLY ANNOUNCED PLANS TO expand and enhance its women’s services at several of its hospital campuses, including Mission Trail Baptist Hospital, which will see the addition of labor and delivery services. “Continued growth on the South Side of San Antonio has resulted in a growing demand for a community-based women’s program that will allow women to deliver their baby closer to home,” Mission Trail Baptist Hospital CEO Michael Cline said in a prepared release. “Women are having to travel outside of their community to access prenatal and labor and delivery services. To serve our community, we are opening a women’s program dedicated to delivering a high-quality, patientfocused experience in the heart of the Brooks development.”
CITY COUNCIL MARCH 8 APPROVED A 10-year, 50% property-tax abatement and a Texas Enterprise Zone nomination for Navistar International Corp., which is developing a commercial truck and diesel-engine production facility near Mitchell Lake and U.S. 281 South. “The South Side has become an advance manufacturing hub with significant gains in (science, technology, engineering and math) occupations and over $1 billion invested in vehicle manufacturing in the last two years,” outgoing District 3 Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran LOWDOWN continues on pg. 15
MAY 4 - JUNE 1, 2021
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
TRAIL continues from pg. 09
The project includes $3.71 million from the city’s sales tax-supported venue fund, and is part of the city’s Fiscal Years 2021-2026 capital improvement program. San Antonio’s Tree Canopy Preservation and Mitigation Fund, which pays for tree plantings around the trailhead and irrigation, foots the remainder. The proposed endeavor is part of the Howard W. Peak Greenway Trails system, a growing network of linked hike and bike pathways. Also, many residents are anticipating
11
the opening this fall of a 1,200-foot-long trail expansion connecting The Greenline at Brooks to the San Antonio River Mission Reach. Construction launched last July features a 10-foot wide mixed-use pathway, a 43-foot long tunnel under the Union Pacific Railroad line and shaded gathering spots. “The Greenline extension will provide tens of thousands of South Side community members with a direct connection to downtown and beyond,” Brooks President/CEO Leo Gomez said. eortiz@localcommunitynews.com
A map of the planned Salado Creek trail extension on the Southeast Side. Courtesy image/San Antonio
LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
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LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
DEVELOPMENT
MAY 4 - JUNE 1, 2021
BREWERY continues from pg. 01
development director. But GrayStreet and Midway are reexamining their plans following a fire that damaged a multistory building on the vacant brewery property on April 24. No injuries were reported. At press time, the cause remained under investigation. French said GrayStreet and Midway would assess the damage after completion of the San Antonio Fire Department’s investigation. “We remain committed to moving forward with our plan to redevelop the property,” French said. A facility built at 600 Lone Star Blvd. in the mid-1930s brewed beer until
1996 when Stroh Brewery Co. bought the company behind Lone Star Beer. While the brand endures, the structure sat empty for years, hosting only a few events. A handful of proposed, but fruitless, redevelopments surfaced over time. However, GrayStreet, Midway and some city leaders say things are different now. “We are the right team to finally make this happen,” French said. “We hope to ‘under-promise and over-deliver,’ and make something that we all can find accessible, interesting and engaging, and turn something that’s been an eyesore for decades into a loved and cherished place again.” French joined Midway officials, outgoing District 5 Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales, and municipal staff in a virtual
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town hall March 16 to discuss the Lone Star District. Gonzales said neighbors are all too familiar with failed redevelopment ideas. “One thing that has never faded is the community’s enthusiasm for the area,” the councilwoman added. Midway and GrayStreet’s concept is more realistic than past proposals, Gonzales said, noting the project is “smaller in scale, but not small in vision.” She’s excited about how it could tie into the river’s Mission Reach, new residential developments and the South Side missions corridor, which along with the Alamo are a UNESCO World Heritage site. “One thing we’ve learned over the years is that if a project is too big, it tends not to be successful,” Gonzales added. Midway has led several mixed-use
FIRST PHASE INCLUDES CONSTRUCTING
250 MULTIFAMILY UNITS
150,000 SQUARE FEET
OF OFFICE, DINING, RETAIL SPACE ACROSS
12 BUILDING PHASE 1
WILL LAST FROM 2022-2025
MAY 4 - JUNE 1, 2021
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS DEVELOPMENT
13
NEW ADDITIONS TO THE SAN ANTONIO PUBLIC ART LANDSCAPE
“Bloom” by Leticia Huerta at the River Walk Public Art Garden
An artist’s rendering of Phase I development of the proposed Lone Star District. Courtesy illustration/Lake|Flato/OJB Landscape Architecture
developments, mainly in Houston. GrayStreet, a private equity firm, has been part of mixed-use and commercial developments, such as the former San Antonio Light building’s renovation. Midway Vice President Don Quigley said his company and GrayStreet will collaborate in a more measured approach, learning from other ventures. Preliminary Phase I plans call for $100 million in construction of 250 multifamily units, and 150,000 square feet of office, dining and retail across 12 acres fronting Lone Star Boulevard from 2022-2025. The structures surrounding the old brew house will be incorporated as a Phase I centerpiece, with the ground floor focused on culinary and retail. “Authenticity is already there, we just need to preserve and to showcase it,” Quigley said. Lone Star District will have ecofriendly, sustainable elements, such as rainwater catchments and “green” roofs. Midway wants to engage businesses,
groups, schools, and artists for weekly and special activities to preserve Lone Star’s heritage. To monitor the project and explore leasing options, businesses may visit lonestardistrictsa.com. The website can be used to share stories, photos, memorabilia and more about Lone Star’s history. The developers hope to leverage public money to rebuild Lone Star Boulevard and improve surrounding streets. A goal is making the district accessible by bus, car, bicycle, foot and even kayak, plus plans for improved parking. This summer, the city should unveil part of a public trail between Probandt and Nogalitos streets that cyclists and pedestrians may eventually use to reach the Lone Star District. eortiz@localcommunitynews.com Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com. LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
“Innature” by Ashley Mireles at Phil Hardberger Park
“Star of Texas” by Sebastián at the San Antonio International Airport
“Najo Jām” by Carlos Cortés and Doroteo Garza at Comanche Lookout Park
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LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
PETS
MAY 4 - JUNE 1, 2021
BARK continues from pg. 01
accommodating smaller breeds. Many residents applauded the latest dog-park opening. “I think it’s great. The South Side needs a new place that’s dog friendly to de-stress from all that’s going on,” Shell McCutchen said. This is the South Side’s fourth public dog park, joining two others at Pearsall and Southside Lions parks, and Brooks. According to city officials, pooch owners have for years requested a new dog park, closer to the center of the South Side. Proponents even launched a Facebook page, South Side Wants a Dog Park, Too at https://www.facebook.com/SSDogPark. “When I came onto the (City) Council in 2013, we did not have dog parks
A rendering of the new Kingsborough Dog Park, 350 Felps Blvd. Construction on the $335,000 project began in December 2020. Courtesy image/San Antonio
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MAY 4 - JUNE 1, 2021
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
in District 3 and now, I can proudly say we have built two in response to our community requests,” outgoing Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran said, referring to Kingsborough and Lions parks. “I have been an advocate for pets my entire term, and I insist on the need for more recreational parks such as this in the South Side for the safety of our residents and pets.” Construction at Kingsborough began in December 2020. The $335,000 project, funded by the District 3 budget allocation, complements park improvements supported by the city’s 2017 bond. The bark park includes a drinking fountain for humans and bowls for dogs, play boulders, dog-agility equipment and shaded canopies. It also features concrete walkways, Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible picnic units with benches, dual waste/ recycling receptacles, dog-waste collection bags, dispensers and signs, plus mulched terrain. The last phase of construction involved installing fencing, signage, dispensers, picnic tables and canopies, plus grass seeding. Kingsborough Park’s addition joins a dog park that recently debuted at Maverick Park off Broadway downtown. The Public Works Department hosted a virtual meeting and conducted a bilingual survey soliciting community input regarding the Kingsborough Park canine spot. Neighbors hope the project signals more amenities are on the way. Dana Hickman hopes the city will incorporate a walking trail to enhance Kingsborough Park, where the main features are a few picnic tables, a playground and a swimming pool. “Hopefully more owners will really socialize their pets there and build community by getting to know each other,” she added. eortiz@localcommunitynews.com
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said in a statement. “I believe growth in San Antonio’s southern sector will continue to thrive and we will need to work together to invest in the appropriate infrastructure needs in this area.” Officials said the project would create 60 jobs, with average wages starting at $56,875.
VERSATERRA, A LOCAL DEVELOPER, RECENTLY BROKE GROUND ON A South Side residential community, which will tie into the Mission Del Lago neighborhood off U.S. 281 South. The 160-single-family home development is to be built in two phases. City Council approved rezoning the undeveloped land from commercial to residential late last year, paving the way for additional housing options for a burgeoning commercial-growth area.
EARLIER THIS YEAR, CARABIN SHAW LAW FIRM DONATED HELATH CARE kits to all three Gonzaba Urgent Care sites for distribution to personnel caring for COVID-19-positive patients. They also were given to case managers visiting patients’ homes, and Gonzaba physicians treating COVID-positive cases at seven clinics.
ENTERTAINMENT PERSONALITY Henry “Pepsi” Peña recently joined Gonzaba Medical Group’s team, hosting Gonzaba Connection Wednesdays, featuring Gonzaba physicians sharing information on various health and wellness topics. Peña is now part of Gonzaba’s Total Approach, which includes hosting activities in the Gonzaba Event Center and venues citywide. Peña was the face of the “American Bandstand”-style program, “The Pepsi Peña Show,” on local KWEX-TV. He also emceed “Henry Peña y las Estrellas” in Houston, and produced “Patio Andaluz” reunions showcasing years of local music. Peña LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
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owns and executive produces the nationally syndicated “San Antonio Oldies Radio Show,” which runs locally and in 25 markets nationwide.
BEGUN APRIL 13, SEVERAL SAN ANTONIO LIBRARY BRANCHES, including on the South Side, reopened for “brisk browsing,” except Central Library, Forest Hills, McCreless, Memorial and San Pedro. The system has been closed since March 2020 at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The library’s new service allows one-way traffic for visitors to explore the shelves. Contact-free hours are noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. For more, call 210-207-2500 or visit https://ask.mysapl.org.
DISTRICT 3 COUNCILWOMAN REBECCA VIAGRAN AND HER TEAM helped distribute 200 meals and Fiesta medals recently at the South Side Lions Senior Center and Our Lady of Angels Senior Center. “Although Fiesta has been postponed (due to COVID-19), our seniors continue to celebrate the traditions that have been taking place in San Antonio for years,” Viagran said. Meanwhile, all older persons enrolled in the city’s senior nutrition program are currently receiving meal distributions at drive-thru events at senior centers. Those needing a meal may call 210-207-7172. A limited Fiesta is planned for June 17-27. Find LOCAL Lowdown at www. localcommunitynews.com.
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