LOCAL: Stone Oak, Encino Park, North Central, 78258, 78259, 78260, 78261 June 2014

PG.16 DISTRICT 9 ELECTIONS

FOCUS TURNS TO BASIC CITY SERVICES Councilman Joe Krier wants to build on infrastructure, public safety, fire and police

NOW IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Improving school safety for NEISD campuses City representatives, superintendent, police chief meet with parents to discuss crosswalks and traffic

PG.20

COMMUNITY NEWS VOL. 1, ISSUE 1

STONE OAK

ENCINO PARK

NORTH CENTRAL

78258 78259 78260 78261

JUNE 2014

PG.24 Officials unveil

more upgrades for Stone Oak Park Trail to Bush Middle School, meditation labyrinth among new features

PG.18 East Evans Road

library shaped by 21st century needs Former restaurant being converted to new branch, drive-through window for book pickup part of design

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PG.14 Traffic

lights at Hardy Oak/Wilderness Oak to put brakes on congestion Concerns raised about increase in number of vehicles as new businesses open at high-volume intersection PG. 28 BUY LOCAL:

PG.22 More to come at Vineyard Ranch Elementary School

LOVE-TO-SWIM SCHOOL

Principal praises 'great community' for participation in new campus

New Stone Oak business makes a big splash with focus on water safety and fun

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FROM THE EDITOR tedwards@salocallowdown.com

President Harold J. Lees Publisher Gregg Rosenfield

Assoc. Publisher Rick Upton

EDITORIAL Executive Editor Thomas Edwards News Staff Collette Orquiz and Will Wright Contributing Writers Olivier J. Bourgoin, Miranda Koerner, Lakendra Lewis, Eric Moreno, Eileen Pace, Travis E. Poling, Gianna Rendon, Arthur Schechter, Lucille Sims Thomas and Susan Yerkes ART Creative Director Florence D. Edwards Production Designer Pete Morales Contributing Photographers Aiessa Ammeter and Joshua Michael.

Contributing Illustrator Jeremiah Teutsch ADVERTISING Advertising Director Jaselle Luna Account Managers Kelly Jean Garza and Amber Montemayor Controller Keith Sanders READER SERVICE Mailing Address 4204 Gardendale Ste. 201 SA, TX 78229 Phone Fax (210) 338.8842 (210) 616.9677 Advertising Inquiries jluna@salocallowdown.com Story Ideas tips@salocallowdown.com Website www.salocallowdown.com

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For advertising, customer service or editorial, please call us at 210-338-8842 or write to us at: Local Community News 4204 Gardendale Ste. 201 San Antonio, TX 78229 Reproduction in whole or in part without our permission is prohibited, 2014 Helen Publishing, LLC and Local Community News, LLC, all rights reserved.

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A big welcome to new readers

W

ith great pleasure, I’d like to welcome our new readers north of Loop 1604 to LOCAL Community News.

This month the LOCAL edition serving the greater Stone Oak and Encino Park communities debuts. The launch of our newest paper marks another milestone for our 2-year-old company.

During that short time, a vision to offer hyperlocal news content to readers in targeted zones through direct mail has grown from two initial newspapers to six, boasting a press run of more than 200,000 copies.

LOCAL is not like any other publication. The readers holding the new Stone Oak edition are going to learn what fellow residents across the greater San Antonio area already know — LOCAL delivers in-depth coverage of neighborhood news, ranging from new restaurants and businesses to school activities and government.

We hope readers living in ZIP codes 78258, 78259, 78260 and 78261 will find LOCAL as informative and enjoyable as established audiences from Shavano Park to Cibolo.

In addition to great stories, other features offered each month include insightful commentary from veteran journalist Susan Yerkes, the Happening LOCAL calendar, synopsis of major stories and business items in LOCAL Lowdown, and stories about new dining spots and services under the EAT and BUY sections.

We look forward to hearing your suggestions and comments. As always, I invite our readers to contact us at tips@salocallowdown.com.

THOMAS EDWARDS EXECUTIVE EDITOR FACEBOOK.COM/SALOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS

6

JUNE 2014

LOCAL COMMENTARY

Shrinking Blue Hole reflects water woes

by SUSAN YERKES

I

t’s going to be a long, hot summer, and here in droughtstricken South Texas, that has once again brought water issues

to the forefront.

My musings about water got jumpstarted recently when my friend Rhon Bayes made a short film about the Blue Hole — the headwaters of the San Antonio River.

I first visited the spot on what was then Incarnate Word College in the mid-1980s with the late Amy Freeman Lee, president of the college board at the time. She recalled swimming and boating in the clear blue waters flowing from the artesian spring, but during our trip, the deep stone well was far from full.

The most recent visit with Bayes’ film crew was a sad surprise. The stone well was dry as a bone, the parched bottom in disrepair. Where green space once surrounded the area, now parking lots, a retirement center and nursing home loom over the dry creek bed and the Blue Hole itself. Traffic noise from Broadway drowns out nature.

Yet something sacred still remains — and some people have begun to reclaim, in some measure, the gift of water.

Back in 2008, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word took a big step to preserve the last remaining undeveloped property they owned – 53 acres, including the Blue Hole, in the Olmos Creek Basin. They created the Headwaters at Incarnate Word, a nonprofit to protect and preserve the legacy of the springs.

Long-time conservationist Helen Ballew, Headwaters’ executive director, is leading the restoration effort. Volunteers are cleaning trails, removing invasive brush, replanting native vegetation and creating footpaths. Students on field trips learn about the once-flowing streams that sustained humans here more than 10,000 years ago.

The group is even in discussions with the National Park Service about expanding the Missions National Historical Park

to include the Headwaters Sanctuary.

“You look at it (springs) now and it’s sad,” Ballew said. “In a way, it symbolizes the disconnect between humans and the natural world we depend on for survival; the way we draw water from the Edwards Aquifer like it’s going to last forever.”

Civic leader George Brackenridge gave the Sisters of Charity more than 500 acres in the area. In the late 1800s he built a home (now the restored Brackenridge Villa), near the Blue Hole. Brackenridge owned the municipal water supply company, and his engineers suggested drilling wells to tap the aquifer’s clean, fresh water.

“In 1891, when (Brackenridge) drilled the first big Edwards well, the springs went dry. He knew what was causing it.

But he made the choice to supply clean water to a city where people were dying of dysentery for lack of it. To me, that is a symbol of the trade-offs we make,” said Gregg Eckhardt, an environmental scientist with the San Antonio Water System.

Eckhardt cited the sad state of Medina Lake as a metaphor for the most pressing water issues South Texas faces today.

“It’s not just the drought. The whole Hill Country is being gentrified; big ranches cut into smaller parcels, and everyone drilling their own well, putting in dam

structures to hold water, “ he said.

The Trinity Aquifer, which adjoins the Edwards, is being pumped faster than it can recharge.

“Everybody loves the Hill Country, and we’re loving it to death,” said Annalisa Peace, director of the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance, a coalition concerned with water issues. “Comal, Bandera, Kendall, Bexar, Williamson, Travis and Medina counties have among the fastest-growing populations in the country now, and the practices we have of development are just unsustainable.”

San Antonio itself is in good shape.

With conservation and recycling, SAWS is pumping the same amount of water from the Edwards that it did 30 years ago, when the city’s population was smaller.

And as Eckhardt noted, the springs supplying the Blue Hole will almost surely flow again – when we get enough rain.

But with a forecast of progressively hotter and drier years, it’s critical to remember how important the ecosystem of land and aquifers all around us is to our daily lives.

Isn’t it time to restore the sanctity of the Blue Hole, the legendary source of the water sustaining this city for centuries? What do you think?

Email comments to syerkes@ salocallowdown.com.

7

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

OUR TURN Views and opinions about your community

Educate, don't teach the test

T

exas lawmakers must continue efforts to reduce a reliance on one-size-fits-all standardized tests in public schools.

Not only are all the exams unnecessary, they also create a culture where educators are teaching the test instead of giving students a broad education.

Schools should continue to promote vocational training to better serve those students who don’t want to go to college.

Our leaders must ignore the siren’s lure of the so-called testing lobby, which is guided by profit motives and not the educational needs of students.

Parents and educators should have a say-so in how high-stakes tests such as the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness are handled, putting the issue back in the hands of the community.

To bring out the best in our youth, the education process needs to stay with local school boards and parents.

These standardized tests, when used, should not be the basis for deciding whether a child moves on to the next grade. Instead,

LOCAL LETTERS MONEY FOR STREETCARS BETTER SPENT ON JOBS, EDUCATION EDITOR: My husband and I are

in total agreement with the antistreetcar editorial published in the April LOCAL Community News.

We think the streetcar initiative is a bad idea that doesn't benefit the people of San Antonio. As taxpayers, we would rather see that kind of investment put to better use, such as education or technical training programs to improve the caliber of talent or the workforce in San Antonio. That in turn would attract more companies to the city and, consequently, fuel our city's economy.

As residents of the city, we want to make sure politicos aren't pushing their own agenda, but are doing what is best for San Antonio and its people.

Ayon Wen-Waldron

PRE-K PROGRAMS CREATE BETTER STUDENTS EDITOR: In response to Susan

Yerkes' recent column on the Pre-K 4 SA program, I say "yes" to effective pre-kindergarten programs.

Research shows that caring teachers and

the exams are better utilized as one of many indicators to determine how much a child has learned and plan the curriculum accordingly.

And families shouldn’t be kept in fear of the tests. Many parents, for instance, don’t realize the law allows them to opt their child out of the STAAR test based on religious or moral beliefs. The child still has to satisfy grade-level or graduation requirements.

Gov. Rick Perry during the last legislative session signed a new law that rolls back testing requirements, reducing the number of end-of-course exams required of Texas students.

The Legislature has listened to parents and made some necessary changes. But elected leaders mustn’t stop there.

Already in place as of last summer are greater flexibility for school districts and pupils, additional control at the local level and a decrease in state-mandated tests.

This year, educators are also looking at a system that asks students to start thinking early on about a career and pick the appropriate courses through high school.

Nobody wants Texas students to fall behind their peers in other states or countries. But leaders also have to realize that education is not a cookie-cutter process.

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The editorial board is Harry Lees, Gregg Rosenfield and Thomas Edwards

involved parents are the greatest factors, by far, that influence student learning.

Pre-K can help students who have needs to be school-ready, better than anything else.

Michael J. Brown

TOLL ROADS USEFUL EDITOR: Regarding the recent editorial

about toll roads: I like toll roads. Not that I have more money but the fact is, if it will save me time and grief, I'll be happy to pay the toll. I take Texas 130 anytime I'm driving north from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Interstate 35 is packed with 18-wheelers in the corridor between San Antonio and Austin. I'm happy driving to Seguin and cut up through 130.

My other gripe is the amount of personal pickups. This is Texas, so the truck is the vehicle of choice. However, the mega-land yachts are becoming ridiculous. Road dimensions have not changed since they were first designed, yet the trucks have become bigger. Drivers are not getting any better. They buy larger and larger vehicles, yet they drive worse. Driving through a parking lot holds little joy due to the size of the trucks and their numbers.

I would love to tax the vehicle based on size. I have a truck, but it is midsize and I only drive it when I need to haul stuff.

Rob Lee

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JUNE 2014

HAPPENING LOCAL

for ages 13-17 are at the same location 7:30-8:30 p.m. Cost is $99. For each class, parents will be required to drop off and pick up students promptly at the classroom door. For more and to register, call 407-0140 or visit https://communityed.neisd.net.

Plan your month with our calendar of upcoming events in the community.

OUR GUIDE TO YOUR MONTH

HAPPENING KEY

FITNESS

TEEN TIME Every Tuesday 6-7:30 p.m. the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak St., hosts cooking, crafting, gaming and more for teenagers ages 13-18. Have fun, chill out and make new friends. For more, call Marisa DeBow at 207-2703 or email marisa.debow@sanantonio.gov.

MAY 27

GUITAR INSTRUCTION Learn guitar techniques, chords, scales, song structure, timing and more. Instructor Giovanni Reyes has been teaching guitar in San Antonio for 12 years. Sessions take place 3-4 p.m., the first four Sundays in June at Learning Rx, 109 Gallery Circle, Suite 119. Cost is $109. For more and to register, call 407-0140 or visit https://communityed.neisd.net.

JUNE 1, 8, 15 & 22

ART

TALK

OUTDOOR

MUSIC

FOOD

PARMAN CHESS CLUB Whether you’re just learning or are a grand master, the Parman Pawn Stars want you. All ages and skill levels are welcome. The chess club meets every other Tuesday of the month 6-7:30 p.m. in Meeting Room B at the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak St. For more, contact Tim Johnson at 207-2703.

JUNE 3 & 17

ACOUSTIC GUITAR FOR TEENS AND PRETEEN BEGINNERS Learn to play the guitar in four sessions, including music rotation, basic timing, posture and technique, and culminating with a performance at a Spurs game. Children must bring their guitar to class. Ages 6-12 meet Wednesdays 6:307:30 p.m. in Room CA 106 at Reagan High School, 19000 Ronald Reagan St. Seminars

JUNE 4, 11, 18 & 25

LAST DAY Classes end for the North East Independent School District’s 2013-14 academic year. For graduation dates, visit the district’s website at http://www.neisd. net/ and click on District Calendars.

JUNE 5

agility, speed and increased calorie burn included. A total of six sessions begins Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-6:45 p.m. at GFit Studio, 23132 U.S. 281 North. Cost is $60. For more and to register, call 407-0140 or visit https://communityed.neisd.net.

REDLAND ROAD A public meeting to discuss improvements from the 2012 bond project for the busy roadway is at 6 p.m. at the Thousand Oaks Bible Church, 15801Jones Maltsberger Road. It is hosted

by District 10 Councilman Mike Gallagher.

DANCE-FITNESS CLASSES Participants will experience high/ low impact dance-based cardiofitness exercises with weight training for strength and toning incorporated into the workout using popular dance moves such as Latin, jazz and hip-hop choreographed to today’s hottest music. A total of six sessions begins Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:45-7:30 p.m. at GFit Studio, 23132 U.S. 281 North. Cost is $36. For more and to register, call 407-0140 or visit https://communityed.neisd.net.

CROSS-TRAINING CLASSES Workouts are offered for beginners, using several forms of exercise to develop functional fitness.

Learn multi-joint and muscle-movement conditioning such as burpee, dead lifts and pull/pushups via kettle bells, barbells and medicine balls. Cardio drills to develop

AUTHOR VISIT The Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak St., at 6:30-8 p.m. features a visit by author Frederick Steiner, dean of the School of Architecture and Henry M. Rockwell Chair in Architecture at The University of Texas at Austin. Steiner is one of the authors

JUNE 9 & 10

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM of a lavishly illustrated book, “Lake/ Flato Houses: Embracing the Landscape,” being released in June, which presents an extensive selection of landmark homes built since 1999 by the San Antonio firm Lake/Flato Architects, an award-winning leader in sustainable architecture. There will be a book sale and signing after the presentation. Lake/Flato Architects will host a reception for the author. For more, contact Tim Johnson at 207-2703.

POWER STEP-AEROBICS CLASSES Get into shape with easy-to-follow step-aerobics seminars, without the complicated choreography of a cardio workout. Strength training using body bars and dumbbells also will be included. The six sessions take place 6:45-7:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, at GFit Studio, 23132 U.S. 281 North. Cost is $51. For more and to register, call 407-0140 or visit https://communityed.neisd.net.

JUNE 10

MANAGING YOUR FINANCES The Rev. Gerry Lawrence of Cornerstone Church will teach financial management based on religious principles at 7 p.m. on the second floor of 18410 Sonterra Place. Learn to assess your

JUNE 16

financial health, reduce debt, establish and maintain a budget, and plan for retirement.

Registration runs through June 16 and is encouraged. Child care is available. Cost is $20 for Cornerstone Church members (per individual/family), $25 for nonmembers (per individual/family). For more, contact Cornerstone Church at 490-1600.

TRUSTEES of the North East Independent School District meet at 6:30 p.m., 8961 Tesoro Drive at the district’s headquarters building.

JUNE 16

COMMUNITY MEETING Residents of City Council District 10 are invited to catch up on the latest developments affecting their neighborhoods at 7 p.m. at the Northeast Service Center, 10303 Tool Yard.

JUNE 16

KIDS’ CUPCAKES PROWESS Using secret ingredients, children, ages 7-14, can show off their skills 6-8 p.m. at Young Chef ’s Academy, 20330 Huebner Road, Suite 110.

Kitchens will turn into competition zones, as contestants, divided into two teams, will create from scratch one cupcake recipe and one frosting recipe. Then, they will bake

JUNE 20

and decorate their creations. Pizza and punch will be provided. Space is limited.

Parents will be required to drop off and pick up students promptly. Cost is $29.

For more and to register, call 407-0140 or visit https://communityed.neisd.net.

COMAL COUNTY SO JUNIOR DEPUTY PROGRAM The Comal County Sheriff ’s Office is currently signing up children ages 9-11 to participate in its Junior Deputy Academy Program, designed to teach children about the jobs of deputies, area firefighters and emergency-services personnel. Participants will receive T-shirts and graduation certificates. Camps, 8 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday, are scheduled June 16-20 at Church Hill Middle School; July 14-18 at Mountain Valley Middle School; and July 28-Aug. 1 at Smithson Valley Middle School. Additional details and applications are available at the county’s website, www.co.comal. tx.us. For more, call 830-643-5840.

ONGOING

ELSEWHERE IN SAN ANTONIO ONGOING

TOBIN CENTER TICKETS The inaugural season’s schedule of entertainment at the Tobin

Center for the Performing Arts has been released and ticket sales have begun. Some of the acts during the 2014-15 season: Bill Cosby, Garrison Keillor, the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, and “50 Shades! The Musical.” Tickets are available at www.tobincenter.org. The center is at 100 Auditorium Circle.

FIGHTING HUNGER TexasMobilePack and Feed My Starving Children are seeking volunteers to help pack 4 million meals for hungry children overseas during a six-day event Sept. 25-30. The goal is to line up 20,000 volunteers to work two-hour shifts at two local sites.

More on the organizations and their goals can be found at http://texasmobilepack. org/ and at http://www.fmsc.org/.

ONGOING

FIGHTING DIABETES The YMCA and San Antonio Metropolitan Health District are offering a pair of free programs geared to preventing diabetes. The YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program is open to adults 18 and older with a body mass index greater than 25; it is a

ONGOING

HAPPENING continues on pg. 10

ACUTE CARE SERVICES FOR THE MEDICALLY COMPLEX PATIENT LifeCare Hospitals of San Antonio is a free standing facility serving patients who require intensive, 24 hour medical attention for an extended period of time. The state-of-the-art facility includes a 10 bed ICU. Our patients have access to a wide range of treatment plans and services including: • ACLS-certified nurses and therapists offering physical, occupational and speech therapies • Aggressive ventilator weaning • Full-service multi-therapy gym • On-site pharmacy services • Specialized bariatric care • On-site laboratory • Wound care services • Acute and chronic dialysis • On-site special procedure room • On-site diagnostic services with state-of-the-art CT scanner 8902 Floyd Curl Dr. | San Antonio, TX 78240 210.690.7000 Main | 877.263.2715 Toll Free 210.690.7012 Intake Coordinator

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JUNE 2014

HAPPENING continues from pg. 09 supportive 12-month mix of classes and monthly maintenance sessions. The Y Living Program, for families, offers information in a 12-week series of holistic wellness classes.

Both are offered at the Walzem YMCA, 5538 Walzem Road. Call 924-8858 for more.

SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS The international organization’s Alamo City Guards Camp 1325 will hold its monthly first-Thursday meeting starting at 6 p.m. at the Grady’s Bar-B-Q at 6510 San Pedro Ave. The meetings, which begin with a meal and include a speaker, are open to anyone interested in Civil War history; no reservations are needed. More on the SCV is available at www.alamocityguards.com.

JUNE 5

TAP ACADEMY Third Coast Rhythm Project will start a new six-week series of adult tap-dance classes for absolute beginners in early June.

Mini-camps for young dancers also will be offered this summer: Rhythm & Rhyme for ages 5-7 and Tap Kids for those 8-12. More on all the classes is available by calling 348-8005 or going to www.thirdcoastrhythm.com. The organization’s studio is at 8055 West Ave., Suite 111, in Castle Oaks Village center.

JUNE 5 JULY 12

YOGA DAY IN THE PARK This event is a fundraiser for Yoga JUNE 8 Day, a nonprofit with a mission to teach hatha yoga to lowerincome segments of the population. It runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Brackenridge Park, between the San Antonio Zoo parking lot and the Tony Martinez Softball Field. For more, go to http://www.yogadayus.com/.

FARM DINNER The Quarry Farmers and Ranchers Market JUNE 8 has teamed up with the Tuk Tuk Taproom, 1702 Broadway, for a three-course dinner. The meal will feature fresh, locally produced ingredients, but the dishes will reflect the cooking of Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar. Courses will be paired with craft beers. Tickets are $95 for adults and $50 for children under 12, and seating is limited. For reservations, call 722-5077, email quarryfarmersmarket@ gmail.com or visit the Cowgirl Granola tent at the market on Sundays.

FOURTH ANNUAL ART IN THE DARK Celebrate San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind’s “The Touch…The Sense…The Feel…” of Art 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway, for a fundraiser that benefits

JUNE 12

that include both concert and party cost $150 and can be purchased through a link at www.sasymphony.org or by calling the symphony box office at 223-8624.

JCC PRESENTS RICK RECHT The Barshop Jewish Community Center’s free summer concert series features a performance by Rick Recht, a star of Jewish rock. His popular concerts are family-friendly, and he’s a summer camp favorite. Downbeat is 6 p.m. The JCC is at 12500 N.W. Military Highway.

JUNE 26

education programs for sight-challenged children. Meet the artists, potters and sculptors donating their art to this event.

Each piece will be draped and the artist will discuss the piece and show their other works. Guests can touch the art, but no peeking. Tickets are $25 in advance, $35 at the door. For more, call Nancy Lipton at 531-1533, email nlipton@salighthouse.org or visit http://www.salighthouse.org/events.

SYMPHONY’S 75th The San Antonio Symphony will celebrate its 75th anniversary with a classical concert followed by a festive reception. The concert, at the Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St., will include works performed during that first concert in June 1939, among them selections by Wagner and Strauss. Afterward, there will be dessert, Champagne, jazz and a full bar at the St. Anthony Hotel. VIP tickets

JUNE 14

CAMP BROADWAY IN SAN ANTONIO Registration is already under way for the 100 spots in this summer camp, which offers youngsters ages 10 to 17 a chance to learn from Broadway professionals. Las Casas Foundation is the local sponsor, and it is offering 20 need-based scholarships for the camp. More details and a registration link are at www.campbroadway.com; click on the specific Camp Broadway item, then on the San Antonio camp link.

AUG 4 - AUG 8

SUBMITTING EVENTS: Email all

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LOCAL LOWDOWN

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JUNE 2014

Take a quick look at what’s new in the community from opening and closings to news tidbits.

Open and Opening Soon 1. JET’S PIZZA, 20079 Stone Oak

Parkway, offers pizza, wings, salads, Jetzee subs, soft drinks and cinnamon stix.

The store has both takeout and delivery.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Friday and Saturday and noon to 10 p.m.

Sunday. For more, call 497-1900 or visit jetspizza.com. (See story on page 29)

2. LOVE TO SWIM AND TUMBLE SCHOOL, 20210 Stone Oak Parkway,

provides swim lessons in a state-of-the-art facility for students starting at 6 months old to adults. The school also offers swim parties to celebrate children’s birthdays, achievements or other occasions. This is the third location for the company in the San Antonio area. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and closed Fridays and Sundays. It is available for parties 1:15-7 p.m. Saturdays. For more, call 702-3444 or visit www.love-to-swim.com or www. facebook.com/lovetoswimandtumbleschool.

(See story on page 28)

3. TRIPLE R MERCANTILE, 1150 E.

Borgfeld Drive, specializes in “unusual antique furniture,” original art, gift items, European wares, artwork, pottery, and fixed-up and painted rejuvenated furniture. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday or by appointment. The store motto is “refurbished, re-purposed and reinvented home furnishings and gifts.” For more, call 913-1502 or visit www.triplermercantile.com or facebook.com/rrrmercantile.com.

IN OTHER NEWS

VOTERS ON MAY 10 ELECTED JOE KRIER to fill an unexpired term on the District 9 City Council seat with 57 percent of the ballots, defeating four other contenders.

Krier, the former Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, was appointed to the seat in November after Councilwoman Elisa Chan stepped down to run — unsuccessfully — in the March Republican primary for state Senate District 25. Krier will hold the seat until next spring’s citywide elections. Officials said turnout for the District 9 special election was low.

IN THE ONLY CONTESTED RACE facing North East Independent School District voters May 10, Place 2 incumbent Edd White won election to a sixth term, defeating challenger Bob Coster. Running unopposed were Sandi Wolff, wife of Bexar County Precinct 3 Commissioner Kevin Wolff, for the Place 3 slot, and Place 7 incumbent Brigitte Perkins.

FINAL CONSTRUCTION on the entryway to the Rogers Ranch subdivision started in April, according to officials with the City Council District 9 field office. The final pavement markings and signage were completed on April 19, according to Councilman Joe Krier. In addition, “there will be enhanced police coverage at Rogers Ranch with increased patrols of the area to verify compliance with the newly installed signs and markings as visitors and residents get accustomed to all of the changes,” Krier said in a release. He also indicated there would be two officers stationed at the Montessori School of San Antonio entrance until May 30 from 7- 9 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.

A NEW H-E-B could open by July at 23635 Wilderness Oak, on a site that includes a

water-quality pond and room for other businesses. According to Stone Oak officials, the store will be similar to a Central Market.

BARBARA MCCAIN, a fine-arts teacher at Johnson High School, has been named by the National Speech & Debate Association as its newest diamond coach, an award that “reflects excellence and longevity in the activity.” McCain received her third Diamond Award after earning 6,001 points on March 22. On June 19, she will receive a special recognition at the National Speech & Debate Tournament in Overland Park, Kan., according to a release from school officials. Each year, the tournament attracts more than 5,000 students, coaches and parents from across the country.

THE REAGAN HIGH SCHOOL basketball team is being recognized for donations made by each student to Team Bzzzkill, a fundraising effort in a campaign to stop the spread of malaria in Africa by distributing mosquito-killing nets for people to sleep under. The nonprofit organization, Nothing But Nets, honored the players by making them official Team Bzzzkill members, which included T-shirts, according to the North East Independent School District.

The team is wearing the new T-shirts to publicize and support the cause of

stamping out malaria. The donations made in their honor paid for nearly 110 nets for 109 children and families, according to NEISD. ESPN’s Rick Reilly matched the donation as part of World Malaria Day on April 25. Thanks to these combined efforts, 219 lifesaving nets went to Africa, “which means 219 families’ children are better protected against the mosquitoborne disease,” district officials said.

ELIZABETH FAUDOA OF Reagan High School was one of the North East Independent School District students recently appearing on NBC’s “Today” show to represent Girls Inc. on a national level, as part of the show’s “Love Your Selfie, Reclaiming Beauty Week,” officials said. Faudoa is a member of Girls Inc., an organization inspiring all girls to be “strong, smart and bold,” according to a release.

STONE OAK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL recently celebrated Nurses’ Week and School Nutrition Employee Week. Nurse Esther Im and clinic assistant Kellie Banks received flowers, treats through the week and accolades on the morning announcements.

JOHNSON HIGH SCHOOL SOPHOMORE percussionist Evan Jose won multiple events at the recent Texas State University

13

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM percussion competition, according to the North East Independent School District.

He competed against 21 percussionists from across the state, and placed first in the marimba solo category. After placing first in marimba, he advanced to the next round competing against the top soloists from each instrument class. He placed first overall, winning the event.

Jose is a member of the wind ensemble and jazz band, and performs in the front ensemble of the marching band.

was selected by Alamo Toyota for the “Driving Education to the Top” award.

Tiller was honored during a ceremony April 28, where she received a $1,000 check, a plaque and a paid class field trip to Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch and the Alamo Toyota dealership. She was chosen as the winner of the contest after students, parents and educators submitted testimonials and letters that painted Tiller as a “deserving nominee,” according to a release.

TEACHERS OF THE YEAR recently selected by the North East Independent School District include Suellen Foxhall, Reagan High School; Skye Fowler, Lopez Middle; Pete O’Connor, Bush Middle; Ernesto Guerra, Tejeda Middle; Andrea Daigle, Vineyard Ranch Elementary; Jaclyn Doyal, Wilderness Oak Elementary; Bridgett Dunlap, Hardy Oak Elementary; Theresa James, Encino Park Elementary; Paul Salazar, Stone Oak Elementary; Ashley Shirley, Canyon Ridge Elementary; Stephanie Green, Bulverde Creek Elementary; Matt Schmidt, Cibolo Green Elementary; and Kim Young, Tuscany Heights Elementary.

THE JUDSON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT recently commissioned San Antonio-based Bartlett Cocke General Contractors to build the district’s third comprehensive high school. The yet-tobe named school will be located near the intersection of Nacogdoches Road and Evans Road, and will join Wagner High School, Judson High School, Judson Early College Academy and Judson Learning Academy as the district’s high schools.

District officials said preliminary work is currently under way on the property, with construction starting this summer.

When the school opens in August 2016, it will accommodate about 1,600 students, with plans to gradually expand to 2,500.

The facility is part of the $83 million bond program approved by voters in 2013.

ANNIE TILLER, a first-grade teacher at Hardy Oak Elementary School,

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raffic lights that just went in at Hardy Oak Boulevard and Wilderness Oak Street to replace a four-way stop should help reduce vehicular congestion after neighbors raised concerns, city officials said.

A study by the city estimates more than 13,000 vehicles travel the intersection each day, with that figure likely to increase in the rapidly growing

area of City Council District 9.

The intersection soon will be home to several new businesses including grocery giant H-E-B. “District 9 is the fastest growing out of all 10 districts in the city,” said Councilman Joe Krier, whose office is overseeing the project. “Between 2000 and 2014, we picked up 43,000 new residents and that has put a lot of new traffic in these neighborhoods. The residents came to the council before I was on-board and said they needed some help out there.”

The project received a green light as construction began in mid-April, and is scheduled to finish near the end of May. The existing all-way stop signs will be replaced with the new traffic lights.

“They are building an H-E-B on one

HARDY OAK continues on pg. 15

DISTRICT 9 IS THE FASTEST GROWING OUT OF ALL 10 DISTRICTS IN THE CITY.

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A new H-E-B that could open by the summer, a Broadway Bank and the potential for more growth led city officials to add signal lights at Hardy Oak Boulevard and Wilderness Oak Street to help control traffic (top photo by Joshua Michael).

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HARDY OAK continues from pg. 14 corner and catty-corner to it we have a CVS (pharmacy) coming in,” said Wilderness Oak Alliance President John Kent. “There is also a Broadway Bank coming in, and another small retail center is being built as well, so there is going to be a lot more commercial traffic in the area in addition to what we already have.”

The intersection also is a major access point to Hardy Oak Elementary School and Jose Lopez Middle School.

With more children in the area, many walking to and from school every day, controlling the traffic situation became an even greater concern for residents, Kent said.

“Both schools are within half a mile of that particular intersection,” he added.

“Because of all the increased traffic and the increased amount of kids, and you have four lanes going east and west on Hardy Oak, and there is no left-hand turn lane, you can imagine how confusing it can get when it is congested.”

WHEN THEY BUILT THE ROADS OUT HERE, I THINK THEY ANTICIPATED THE GROWTH. JOHN KENT, WILDERNESS OAK ALLIANCE PRESIDENT

Krier’s predecessor, Councilwoman Elisa Chan, toured the area and allocated the money for construction from District 9 discretionary funds to get the project rolling. She stepped down in November to run for the state Senate in March’s Republican primary, which she lost.

“When that light is operational, I think we will see less accidents and a more steady traffic flow,” Krier said. “For residents who use that area on a daily basis, I think they will find a more predictable traffic flow when they’re coming up to that intersection with the light added.”

Barring any weather delays, the traffic light should be installed, tested and completed by May 28, city officials said.

“When they built the roads out here (in Stone Oak), I think they anticipated the growth — it was just a matter of when were they going to put in a (traffic) light,” Kent said. “The way things develop is, you have to put a stop sign in before a traffic light. There has to be shown a need before the city, or any city, really, will put in an investment like an expensive traffic-light system in an area.

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16 ELECTIONS continues from pg. 01

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New term gives councilman more time to finish projects

by LUCILLE SIMS THOMAS

E

merging victorious from the May 10 municipal election, Joe Krier said he plans to use his term as the San Antonio District 9 councilman to focus on drainage issues, street repairs, library services, fire and police protection and enhancing area parks.

He also is pushing for a referendum on a controversial, multimilliondollar downtown streetcar project.

Meanwhile, Hollywood Park also elected a new mayor and two council members.

Krier defeated four other candidates for the seat and said he is ready to move ahead quickly on what he contends are key issues for the North Side district,

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which includes one of the fastest growing areas in the city — Stone Oak. “I am grateful that the voters in District 9 shared my belief that the primary issue was getting back to supporting basic city services — and by that I mean adequate funding for streets and drainage, making sure we have the best police and fire that we can afford, taking care of our libraries and making sure that we are taking care of and expanding our parks,” Krier said.

Krier, the president of the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce (now the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce) from 1987-2007, was appointed to the council Nov. 7, with then-District 10 Councilman Carlton Soules and District 2 Councilwoman Ivy Taylor casting the dissenting votes in an 8-2 decision. The District 9 seat came open when Elisa Chan stepped down to run for the Texas Senate District 25 seat in the Republican primary, which she lost March 4.

Four opponents squared off against Krier in the special election to fill the unexpired, one-year term for District 9: Corey Clark, Weston Martinez, Bert Cecconi and Donald Oroian.

Krier, who is married to former state Senator and Bexar County Judge Cyndi Taylor Krier, won with 57 percent of the vote in the balloting. He holds the seat

17

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM until the term expires in May 2015.

The councilman said he doesn’t think the city currently spends enough on streets and drainage. He was constantly being told by his constituents that maintaining and improving basic city services should be a priority, he added.

“I view the election as a mandate for the issues that I talked about,” the councilman said.

He also believes residents deserve to vote on the proposed downtown streetcar project, which is projected to cost about $280 million, and said he intends to keep working to put the issue before voters.

Streetcars have not existed in San Antonio since the 1930s. Proponents argue they will help spur downtown growth and attract tourists; critics say they are impractical, old-fashioned and too expensive.

When he was first appointed, Krier said he did not intend to run in the special

election. But a few months after being on the job, Krier realized that not only did he really enjoy being a councilman, he also decided most of the projects he was starting would require a lot more than four or five months to finish.

“It was really rewarding to me to be able to help fix these problems in neighborhoods and to be at City Hall on the big-picture issues. And, residents in subdivisions who asked for my help repeatedly said to me, ‘We’d like a councilman who will be here to see these projects through,’” Krier said.

The “big-picture issues” at City Hall include the city’s budget for next year, the police and fire contract and the matter of impact fees, which involves detailed discussions with San Antonio Water System.

The city budget process starts next month. Krier said he is ready to jump right in, but he also wants to hear opinions from District 9 residents.

“My first effort will be to get into the middle of that (budget process) to learn as much as I can about it and to argue that we spend next year’s budget on basic city services,” Krier said.

The councilman has open-door hours in a session called Java with Joe 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays at his district field office, 16500 U.S. 281 North at Thousand Oaks Drive, Suite 290.

HOLLYWOOD PARK Voters in Hollywood Park decided to reauthorize the town’s ¼-cent sales tax for street repairs with 94 percent of the voters giving it their approval.

In addition, incumbent Sudie Sartor defeated Dan O’Brien for the Place 2 seat while Chris Murphy defeated Andrew Moon for the Place 4 seat.

Councilman Chris Fails ran unopposed in his bid to become mayor.

“I AM GRATEFUL THAT THE VOTERS IN DISTRICT 9 SHARED MY BELIEF THAT THE PRIMARY ISSUE WAS GETTING BACK TO SUPPORTING BASIC CITY SERVICES JOE KRIER, DISTRICT 9 COUNCILMAN

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JUNE 2014

EVANS ROAD continues from pg. 01

Process to name library begins soon

by COLLETTE ORQUIZ

C

onvenience for patrons and input from residents are the driving forces behind the design of the newest branch of the San Antonio Public Library.

One of the more unique features will be a drive-through pickup window, where patrons can grab their books or other materials after reserving copies online. There also will be an interactive conference room, according to officials.

“The intention is to create a branch where convenient access to information drives the design,” said Joel Bangilan, the branch services coordinator.

The new branch library at 2515 E. Evans Road is being converted from the former Adobe Café to a cutting-edge 21st century facility filled with information in both print and digital formats, officials said.

The money allocated to the branch

The former Adobe Café at 2515 E. Evans Road east of U.S. 281 is being transformed into San Antonio's newest library, which could be completed next summer at a cost of $7.1 million. The library will offer print and digital materials. Photo by Collette Orquiz

was approved by voters as a part of the May 2012 city of San Antonio bond package. The budget is set at $7.1 million, which includes $100,000 for public art.

The city chose the property after an extensive evaluation process, which included comments from residents, according to officials. Transforming the restaurant saves money, creates less of an environmental impact and shortens the

construction timeline, officials said.

Another library in District 9 is greatly needed based on the robust use of the Parman Branch Library in Stone Oak, the far North Side’s other main library at 20735 Wilderness Oak St. Residents have helped shaped several facets of the Evans Road project during discussions at three public meetings, Bangilan said.

Design elements and other details include: n A minimal façade that helps the library focus on providing services and collections. n A printed-book collection remains a must. n The facility will have technology integrated into its features, but that will not be the key focus. n Expansion to the north is preferred. n Teens should have a designated space for activities. n A playground and a walking trail could be built later.

Officials said they plan to use the restaurant’s drive-through window to create a convenient pickup service for commuters and families on the go.

“It’s the first time we are doing a pickup-window service, and we anticipate a large number of checkouts will occur through that service point,” Bangilan said.

Materials can be reserved online and delivered to the branch, and then patrons can walk in or go through the drive-through to pick up their “holds” or return items.

The new facility will also have a digital conference room equipped with Internet and telephone connections, which can be used by work groups that communicate remotely with co-workers.

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India A unique feature at the new city library, 2515 E. Evans Road, will be a drive-through window where patrons can pick up reading materials they reserved online. Photo by Collette Orquiz

The room will include the equipment needed for meetings or projects. Participants can plug in their devices and share content on large screens, and even communicate via the Web to hold a conference.

“We think this will be a very useful service for students working on projects, business people and customers who want to communicate with family members who live far away,” Bangilan said.

Another innovation is how the 10,000-square-foot space can be used for other purposes when there is not a meeting in the digital conference area.

If no one has scheduled the room, it can be opened up to the main reading and study area of the library.

Bangilan said officials want to use every square foot of space efficiently.

The design increases the amount of Wi-Fi lounge/reading/study space that can be used by patrons.

Also, integrated technology in the new library will provide better customer service, as well as a more efficient and comfortable environment for library-goers.

“No one likes to work or use technology in a ‘lab’ environment,” Bangilan said.

“Technology is being used as a tool to provide services and information, but the design of the spaces and technology equipment avoids the coldness that a technology lab can sometimes have.”

Bangilan said the library system is moving away from having rows of desktop computers, but the Evans Road location will still have an ample number in several areas of the building.

Some will be in the children’s section, including both early literacy computers for younger kids and computers with Internet access for school-age students.

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SERVICES: Digital and print formats, WiFi, a drive-through window, integrated conference room OFFICIAL NAME: To be announced SOURCE: San Antonio Public Library system The computer furniture will allow independent and collaborative use with two people able to sit side by side.

In addition, the new library will have 25 laptop computers available for checkout to take advantage of the Wi-Fi in the multiple lounge areas. No other branch library has that many, officials said.

“We are planning an environment where the computer will be invited to a sort of ‘Library Wi-Fi Happy Hour’ — bring your own laptop or use one of ours!” Bangilan said.

Library officials hope the community will feel their own personal computing devices will be enhanced by library services, subscriptions and activities, he said.

The library board will begin the naming process soon, with opportunities for public input. The facility should be finished by summer 2015.

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NEISD continues from pg. 01

Hundreds of motorists break bus-passing law

by EILEEN PACE

C

oncerns about making crosswalks and traffic areas safer for students at North East Independent School District campuses took center stage during a recent brainstorming session with police, city leaders, educators and parents.

Audience members shared ideas with District 9 Councilman Joe Krier, NEISD Superintendent Brian Gottardy and Police Chief William McManus ranging from more emphasis on chaperoning students as they walk to school, to educating motorists about proper driving in school zones and around buses, more enforcement of anti-texting laws and additional collaboration.

Much of the discussion was prompted by the death of Tatyana Babineaux, 9, who was struck and killed by a hit-and-

A recent community meeting on improving pedestrian safety for students at North East Independent School District campuses highlighted the need for greater awareness among pupils and drivers. Photo by Aiessa Ammeter

run driver while she was walking to Larkspur Elementary School in January.

Krier during the meeting May 5 said Tatyana’s death near Braesview Street and Larkspur Drive made schoolzone safety very personal to him.

“We met with neighborhood associations and streets people and the Police Department and came up with a lot of changes that make that (Larkspur) school zone safer,” Krier said. “What we

wanted to do tonight is to say to the rest of District 9 … tell us about your schools, tell us about your school-safety issues.”

Mike Frisbie, director of the city's Transportation & Capital Improvements Department, told residents at the meeting in the Piper-Bass Community Student Center the city has begun replacing, repairing or adding signage and flashing lights, and in some cases, overhead flashing beacons to warn drivers to slow

down once they hit a school zone.

However, it’s going to take time to work through the 1,100 school zones in San Antonio and the city can only proceed as the budget allows.

Gottardy said the district has about 68,000 students, and only 60 percent are eligible to ride the bus.

“So 40 percent of students are being driven to school by mom or dad or they’re driving themselves, or ride their bikes or walk to school,” he said.

Gottardy said the district has a program to train teachers and administrators in some schools to help kids cross the street.

“Our (NEISD) Police Department offers a variety of pedestrian- and driversafety programs to schools including a school crossing-guard training program.

(NEISD) police officers are out early in the morning and late in the afternoon to help with traffic flow and help students who are crossing the street,” Gottardy said.

He said the district is particularly proud of a new program called the Walking School Bus, which recruits parent chaperones to walk students to and from school in the morning and afternoon.

“We encourage parents in the neighborhood that don’t have

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM transportation to get together," Gottardy said. “Obviously when you have 5-, 6-, 7- and 8-year-olds, 9-, 10-, 11-year olds walking, you really need an adult presence around.”

FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY

Frisbie said although the city is enhancing warning systems, safety does not depend solely on motorists.

“What we see with pedestrians a lot is that false sense of security,” he said.

"They think that driver sees them and think they’re going to stop, when a lot of times (that pedestrian) is not seen.

So they really need to pay attention and continuously watch where they’re at.”

McManus told the group that safety in school zones involves cooperation between police, the city, educators and the parents.

“One thing we must remember is that we cannot ticket or arrest the safety issue away,” McManus said. “When we’re present, when people see us, they’re going to slow down and do right. But there are 1,100 school zones throughout the city and we can’t be at all of them.”

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SEVERAL SUGGESTIONS

Residents called attention to several locations where school-zone signage has been damaged or working improperly, with lights flashing at incorrect times.

Others expressed concern that children are walking to school while talking on phones or texting, and wondered if it was possible to regulate their phone use.

Jill Rudik, a resident of a Coker Elementary School neighborhood off Bitters Road, showed the group signs she created using pictures instead of words to clarify the notexting phone law in school zones.

“We had noticed last year that too many people were driving by while talking or texting on a cellphone,” Rudik said. “The signage that we have out there is written in English, so I’m suggesting a sign in universal language with a visual representation.”

McManus said before City Council passed an ordinance in 2010 banning texting in school zones, he recommended prohibiting talking on handheld cellphones as well.

“It was not well-received. So we kind of settled for the no texting,” he said.

But the chief said the ordinance is difficult to enforce.

“The driver is always going to say, ‘I wasn’t texting, I was looking up a phone number,’ or ‘I was answering my phone.’”

Rudik also suggested a more durable paint for crosswalks around schools.

“I’ve noticed they paint them at the beginning of the school year. And it actually fades in the first couple of months, so I wondered if there was

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some other kind of paint that stays or some kind of rubberized, more durable striping system," she said.

Frisbie said the city is is considering different products that last longer and offer the best reflectivity.

Rudik also emphasized parent and child education. She sees parents parking across the street to avoid long lines in the school drop-off lanes, and children often run between cars to get across the street.

“Whenever humans mix with tons of metal in the same space, it’s a cause for concern,” Frisbie said. “We need to encourage pedestrians of all ages to cross at the right spot.”

SCHOOL-BUS SAFETY

Gottardy said traffic violations around school buses are also serious.

Students are not supposed to wait at the curb, he said.

“Students are supposed to wait at least six feet away from the curb and 10 feet in front of where the bus is going to stop, but that’s hard to get kids to do,” he said.

He said NEISD is part of a state pilot program using a camera system that takes video of cars that illegally pass a school bus.

A gasp rose from the crowd when he described the number of vehicles illegally going around a stopped school bus while loading or unloading children.

“It was 750 times in one day – twice on the right side of the bus,” Gottardy said. “And we were one of many districts across the state that piloted this program.”

The fine for illegally passing a school bus is $1,250.

“There’s no excuse for it,” Krier said. “I mean, think about that — we’ve got 13 school districts in this larger city area. So if it’s 700 times in one day in one school district, there are thousands of people violating the law around school buses in Bexar County.”

CONTINUED COLLABORATION

The concerned groups must continue working together, the chief said. “We can’t arrest it away. We can’t ticket it away. We can’t awareness it away. It’s got to be a continued collaboration and a continued effort among all of us,” McManus said.

“We can’t assume that people are going to obey the traffic regulations. We can’t assume kids are going to cross where they’re supposed to cross. But they’re kids, so we’ve got to make the effort.”

Now that the 2015 city budget is under review, Krier asked constituents to continue to provide input regarding safety.

In the meantime, Krier has asked parents to talk to their children about pedestrian awareness just as they would the dangers of talking to strangers or using drugs and alcohol.

22

JUNE 2014

VINEYARD continues from pg. 01

More parent volunteers needed at new campus

by GIANNA RENDON

V

ineyard Ranch Elementary School will celebrate its second anniversary in August as one of the newest campuses in the North East Independent School District, with more developments to come.

Vineyard Ranch Elementary School, 16818 Huebner Road, is one of the two newest elementary campuses in the North East Independent School District (left). Principal Tammy Van Cleave (above) says technology, language immersion and teaching effective habits are helping students prepare for the future. Photos by Joshua Michael

The school opened in January 2013 at 16818 Huebner Road, Principal Tammy Van Cleave said. The field is the only thing left unfinished, but should be open by the end of May. “The children are very excited and eager to play on the field,” Van Cleave said.

The school was not ready for students during its anticipated opening date in August 2012. It was one of two new NEISD campuses in Stone Oak that faced some much-publicized construction delays, forcing students in the attendance zones to

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At Vineyard Ranch Elementary School, parents are urged to become volunteers for the many activities as the new campus builds traditions. Photo by Joshua Michael

temporarily enroll at other nearby schools.

The other affected school was Las Lomas Elementary at 20303 Hardy Oak Blvd. It also opened in January.

The two schools, budgeted at $27 million apiece, are designed to hold a total of 1,200 students and are part of a 2007 bond issue approved by voters.

Vineyard Ranch, although relatively new, offers a variety of curriculums such as prekindergarten and a dual-language program.

In addition, there is the KIN program.

According to NEISD officials, “The Kids’ Involvement Network and KIN Challenge programs provide after-school enrichment activities and supervision for elementary and middle school students in a way that will improve their attitudes, grades and behavior.”

Van Cleave said Vineyard Ranch’s dual-language program is growing every year, and next year thirdgraders will join the curriculum.

In addition to academics, Vineyard Ranch offers activities such as a chorus, strings, safety patrol and a robotics club, which participated in competitions this school year, the principal said.

“Everything has been going as planned this past year,” Van Cleave said.

The school also incorporates Stephen Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” every day in the classroom through the “Leader in Me” program.

“It’s important for (students) because it teaches them different character traits from a young age that they’ll use as they grow up, and a lot of the leadership traits that they learn are also reinforced in middle school and high school and even as they try to get out of college and get a job,” the principal said.

Vineyard Ranch is also a Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, or LEED, certified school, which means the building

was constructed using green materials.

Technology is also part of the classroom experience at Vineyard Ranch.

“We are very fortunate and we know that with all of the technology that we have here, and just promoting 21st-century skills along with leadership skills,” Van Cleave said.

Although teachers are the ones educating students in the classroom, parents are also part of the learning community.

“We have a great community with supportive parents and everyone really wants to be involved with their child’s education, and that’s always a big plus for our staff because they can work hand in hand with our parents as well,” Van Cleave said.

One way parents can get involved is by joining the PTA, which helps organize various activities for the students such as Red Ribbon Week to fight drug use. Other events organizers hope will become traditions are the bike rodeo and Teacher Appreciation Week.

The PTA is looking for WATCH D.O.G.S., or Dads of Great Students, to volunteer at least one day a year. The men can be fathers, uncles, grandfathers or other father figures who want to get involved in the campus and provide positive role models for students.

The PTA is also looking for more parent volunteers, but applicants must pass a criminal-background check.

For more about the PTA and how to join, visit vineyardranchpta.org. Parents can also call the school at 356-7200.

NEISD has another far North Side school opening in the next academic cycle.

David Lee “Tex” Hill Middle School, 21314 Bulverde Road, is projected to debut for the 2014-15 school year, said Jeff Kurth, NEISD director of research and information technologies.

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JUNE 2014

STONE OAK continues from pg. 01

Work on the park should finish by 2016

by LAKENDRA LEWIS

R

esidents eager for more opportunities to commune with nature received an update on the redesign for Stone Oak Park after city officials unveiled plans to extend and improve trails in the green space.

One of the proposals involves upgrading the trail connected to Barbara Bush Middle School, as well as enhancing and expanding the use of Stone Oak Park in areas that have not been developed.

Another project is a meditation labyrinth.

The city’s Transportation & Capital Improvements Department and District 9 Councilman Joe Krier co-hosted the recent meeting.

“This is the last uncompleted portion of the master plan so far,” said Art Downey, chairman of the Stone Oak

Improvements announced to Stone Oak Park will include a walking trail to Bush Middle School and a meditation labyrinth. Photo by Joshua Michael

Property Owners Association and a longtime Stone Oak resident. “It’s going to open up a new area, which I think is very exciting. Anytime you have improvements like this, it gives people more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.”

Downey, who attended the meeting, said it was the latest in a series of public forums to inform residents of plans to

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A total of $570,000 has been designated for the improvements, $400,000 of which comes from the May 2012 bond. The additional $170,000 was contributed by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department and from Krier’s office.

According to city officials, one of

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The project also includes plans to construct a parking extension at the trailhead south of Stone Oak Parkway large enough to accommodate 10 to

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of the park is in a floodplain.

On May 10 during the municipal elections, Krier won a bid for his City Council seat, earning 57 percent of the vote in a field of five candidates and avoiding a runoff election. The city appointed Krier as interim councilman in November after former Councilwoman Elisa Chan resigned to pursue an unsuccessful run for the Texas Senate. Krier’s term expires in May 2015.

“One of the reasons I wanted to stay on City Council was to see projects like (Stone Oak Park) through,” Krier said. “People want more outdoor parks space and they want more walking and running paths within their parks. We want places for our kids to see Mother Nature the way Mother Nature really is.”

According to Melissa Sparks, a TCI spokeswoman, the 2012 Bond allotted $596 million for general improvements across the city. Sixty-eight of those improvements are park projects that will cost about $87 million.

“We’ve based our design off residents’ feedback,” Sparks said of the Stone Oak Park project. “We had a lot of park projects that were part of the bond, so we’re trying to be as efficient as we can to get as much bang for our buck. Unless there’s strong opposition, this design is what we’ll go with.”

Construction is slated to begin in early 2015 and finish by early 2016.

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District 9 Councilman Joe Krier said Stone Oak Park gives children a place to see 'Mother Nature the way Mother Nature really is.' Photo by Joshua Michael

12 spaces; an outdoor classroom with boulder seating; and a shade canopy over the existing playground, all designed with the middle school students in mind.

TCI officials said the trail connection to the school is meant for Bush pupils, but the outdoor classroom will be accessible to the public.

A unique feature of the new design is a meditation labyrinth that will be located at the trailhead south of Stone Oak Parkway. The labyrinth will be 45 feet in diameter, with 11 “circuits” or paths that lead to the middle. Benches will be placed near the labyrinth for park patrons to sit on and better connect with nature.

The labyrinth’s design is based on the famous Chartes Cathedral labyrinth in France, constructed inside the church in the early half of the 13th century.

“I think that labyrinth will be fun,” Krier said, adding that he is looking forward to partnering with Bush on some activities.

“We’ve been talking with the school about using some of the area to hold some outdoor events for the neighborhood, as well as the school. I’ve always thought that outdoor learning is some of the most unique learning we can offer and we’re excited about that possibility.”

Krier said the park’s trails would be constructed of concrete to withstand rain and floods, as some

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JUNE 2014

More to 'breastaurants' than meets the eye, managers say

by MIRANDA KOERNER

W

hile so-called breastaurants are proving popular across the North Side using beer, sports, food and waitresses in skimpy attire to attract patrons, the managers say their businesses' sexualized images have been blown out of proportion.

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Instead, they counter these local watering holes — Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery, Twin Peaks and Bikinis Sports Bar & Grill among them — should be considered PG-13 restaurants perfect for the hardworking masses (mostly male, but plenty of women go, too), as well as a venue for business meetings, team-building events and happy hour.

In addition, many of the amped-up sports bars also give back to the community with fund drives and other events, they say.

“We actually have a lot of customers compliment us on the girls’ uniforms,” said John Boehm, the manager of Twin Peaks, 12790 Interstate 10 off De Zavala Road. “We don’t overtly sexualize everything. It’s more PG-13, like a girl next door. When the women do come in, we pay extra attention to them.

We want them to feel comfortable so they feel comfortable with their men coming in.”

Boehm added that not only do women visit with husbands, boyfriends or co-workers, they also often hang out with other females.

“For what you may consider a guy’s bar, 20 to 30 percent of customers are women,” he added. “At lunch, you’ll find guys bringing their wives and kids. Coming from a finedining background, I was surprised. We even had a group of Red Hat ladies come in once!”

Kristen Colby, the senior director of marketing for Twin Peaks Restaurants, said the waitress' revealing clothes may bring customers in the door, but the food and beer keep them coming back.

“We don’t consider ourselves a ‘breastaurant,’ but a high-quality, fast, casual restaurant,” Colby said. “Our Twin Peaks girls are our signature assets, but if the girls were removed, we would still have a successful concept that guests would love because all of the details fall into place."

Colby cited a menu with good food, high-definition televisions and a "mountainlodge" theme as selling points for Twin Peaks. The formula, of course, isn't new — consider the success over the years of pioneers such as the Hooters national chain.

But guys looking for sports and suds after work aren't the only patrons.

Boehm said a dental group recently held a large party at Twin Peaks, and other

customers include workers from USAA, the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, employees from across the South Texas Medical Center and Valero.

Many of the visitors toil in the maledominated science and technology fields, and opinions about these establishments from female co-workers who accompany their male colleagues vary.

Some take a laid-back approach.

“When I was in law school, I would end up going to sports bars," said lawyer Laura Price. "After a while, the guys got comfortable with me and realized that I wouldn’t freak out if they cussed. If a group is 80 percent men, they forget women are there."

However, she added women might feel more comfortable if the males in the office picked a gender-neutral environment offering more than beer, sports and waitresses in shorts and tops.

Other women, however, wouldn’t be happy if they or their spouse had to attend a happy hour or work event in these places.

“I would feel awkward if I had to go myself,” local blogger and mother Ashley Wilkerson said. “As far as my husband, I would feel irritated with his company or clients if it was a regular choice, not because I distrust my husband but because I don't think it is professional at all.”

Blogger Julie Silver agreed. Although she visited these restaurants in the past, she and her husband agreed not to attend after they had children.

Colby, however, said that in some cases, what you see is what you get.

“We don’t try to hide who we are, so everyone who comes through our doors has a clear expectation of what they’re walking into,” Colby said. “Although our target customer is a sports-minded male, the smart ladies know where to find the guys and we see them come in all the time.”

Some believe breastaurants provide affordable fun — as Boehm noted, a PG13 neighborhood hangout rather than a strip club. But others believe the trend is catching on because an onslaught of permissive advertising and entertainment has helped desensitize society to businesses with an underlying sexual theme.

“Men go there for the scenery, not the food because, let's be honest, the food and service isn't all that great,” said Cathleen Wright, a corporate information technology engineer.

“The women are treated like objects … Sex appeal sells and this environment allows a common and socially awkward customer to engage in conversation with a woman they may not usually meet at other places.”

27

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM Wright said although her co-workers go to such places, she does not and she prefers that her husband, who works in the same industry, steers clear of them, too.

“While I am not offended by it, I would be uncomfortable if my coworkers (especially male) made inappropriate statements or comments regarding the servers. If I am with (my husband), then I am OK with him going.

However, I would not like it if he went regularly with friends or coworkers.”

Greg Smith, the manager of the Tilted Kilt at 2070 N. Loop 1604 East, said there is more to his restaurant than just women in short skirts and revealing blouses. For many regular customers, the women offer a more "authentic" connection than they would get with servers at a chain restaurant.

“The stigma people have is dirty old men staring at girls and that's not true,” Smith said. “The girls make a connection with our guests. It's more entertainment and an inviting, exciting atmosphere.

Anyone can come here and have a great time, great food and great service.”

Boehm echoed that sentiment. “We’re more than just a bar," he said. "We have more than 100 items on our menu, 36 beers on tap and you can see three to four televisions from every seat. We

guarantee you can find something you like to eat and watch—and if all else fails, you can talk to the pretty girls.”

In addition, Tilted Kilt and Twin Peaks both make efforts to give back to the community.

Tilted Kilt raised more than $10,000 for Folds of Honor, a nonprofit that helps families of disabled military veterans by selling paper tags on which guests write their names and pledge a donation.

In October, Twin Peaks will host a national charity event called Bratacular. The servers will decorate bras with different themes for an auction; all proceeds go to charities researching a cure for breast cancer.

The servers at Tilted Kilt love fundraising, Smith said.

“Being in San Antonio, we have groups of wounded vets come out and we love to take care of our military,” Smith said.

Still, the average woman in the office may be less impressed with charity work than spending her work lunches or after-office events staring at a server in a low-cut top and short bottoms.

However, many of the women will also agree that if one agrees to go, you just have to accept the old adage that "boys will be boys."

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A swimming coach teaches a child proper water-safety techniques during a class at the newest Love to Swim and Tumble School, now open in Stone Oak. Photo by Joshua Michael

Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-1pm

(210) 348-9000

UST IN TIME FOR SUMMER, LOVE TO SWIM AND TUMBLE SCHOOL has opened a third location, this one in Stone Oak at 20210 Stone Oak Parkway.

With two other spots in the San Antonio area — one at Churchill Estates and one in Schertz — the newest school introduces children to the joys of being in the water and safely swimming.

The schools also offer tumbling classes for children ages 2 to 8.

Safety and drowning prevention are major components of the program, and the swimming coaches have extensive training, including 20 hours of in-water training and 12 hours of classroom instruction, the staff said.

Owner Mary Reilly-Magee has been involved in swimming sports and training for years.

“I have known Mary since she was an undergrad at (the University of Texas at San Antonio),” said former San Antonio Sports Chairman and co-founder George Block. “She worked her way up from part-time lifeguard in college to becoming a teacher and a coach for the Northside Independent School District until she went out on her own.”

Block, a swimming coach for 36 years before retiring, said Reilly-Magee first rented space at health clubs, then opened her own swimming school in 2006.

“I couldn’t be more proud of her.

Mary’s schools provide the ideal teaching environment for a fun learning experience with excellent parent-child interaction,” Block said. “Parents can expect a great experience and it’s also a good preparation for the next step, if the kids want to continue onto competitive swimming.”

Reilly-Magee was a competitive swimmer in high school and remains active in a number of organizations; she also is a past president of the U.S. Swim School Association. She was not available for comment due to a speaking engagement in Australia.

Debbie Walton, sales and marketing manager, said the school offers “a free ‘babysplash’ session with a parent in the water.”

If there are no construction delays, a grand opening is set for June 7, but lessons are available now.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and closed Fridays and Sundays. It is available for parties 1:15-7 p.m. Saturdays.

LOVE TO SWIM AND TUMBLE SCHOOL 20210 Stone Oak Parkway For more, call 702-3444 or visit love-to-swim.com or www.facebook.com/ lovetoswimandtumbleschool

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EAT LOCAL Learn about the newest neighborhood places for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks

Sky’s the limit for Jet’s Pizza in Stone Oak

by OLIVIER J. BOURGOIN

J

ET’S PIZZA IN STONE OAK WANTS TO SOAR above the competition.

With 350 locations in the United States, the Michigan-based franchise utilizes a carryout and deliveries-only concept without tables, chairs and waiters.

Opened last November, the Stone Oak locale — 20079 Stone Oak Parkway — is currently the eighth Jet’s Pizza in Texas and the first in San Antonio.

Owner Britt Higby said he has a fiveyear option to open more stores in San Antonio, New Braunfels and Boerne.

Jet’s signature pie is a Sicilian deepdish pizza. Also, Jet’s features traditional wings and boneless chicken in five different flavors – plain, mild, hot, barbecue and honey barbecue – as well as its “Jet Bread” available in four different styles – pepperoni, bacon, original and triple cheese

(cheddar, Romano and mozzarella).

“Our dough is made fresh in-house every day, as are all our sauces,” Higby said. “We also shred all our cheeses inhouse, using the most expensive brand of mozzarella available in the U.S.” And while Higby said the pizzas are out of this world, he noted Jet’s has other dishes.

“Another thing we’re known for are great sandwiches we call ‘Jetzees.’ Up north we call them ‘grinders,’ but south of the Mason-Dixon line Jet gives them a different name for marketing purposes,” Higby said.

In addition, delivery drivers go far and wide to connect with customers.

“We deliver within a five-mile radius and we even go as far as Timberwood, because most other pizza-delivery companies don’t want to deliver there,” Higby said. “We can also cater

parties for up to 400 or 500 people.”

And a great dessert is the perfect way to end the meal, he added. “(If) you have a sweet tooth, you’ve got to try our cinnamon stix, which I think are head and shoulder(s) above the other ones from our competitors,” Higby said.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon-10 p.m. Sunday.

The first Jet's Pizza in San Antonio has opened, offering deep-dish Sicilian pies and deliveries from Stone Oak all the way to Timberwood. Photo by Collette Orquiz

JET'S PIZZA

20079 Stone Oak Parkway For more and to place an order, call 497-1900.

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www.jetspizza.com 20079 Stone Oak Parkway

308-9866

146 W. Rhapsody, Suite A, San Antonio, TX 78216

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30

L U X U R Y

S E N I O R

A P A R T M E N T S

One Month Free!

JUNE 2014

LIVE LOCAL From real estate trends and neighborhood listings to home improvement, we’ve got you covered.

Real Estate LOCAL Trends ZIP CODE MEDIAN SOLD PRICE

NEW LISTINGS

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET Wedgwood Senior Apartments is a community where you can have it all. Now more than ever, you deserve an engaging lifestyle. Live where opportunities abound and friendships flourish. Do the things you love, and discover new interests and new friendships. At Wedgwood, you’ll have every opportunity to learn, to laugh and to grow.

From computer classes to concerts, creative arts, to neighborly get-togethers, every day can be a special occasion. Stroll the lovely grounds or sit in for a hand of cards. We also offer worship services, movie nights, discussion groups and numerous other exciting activities.

Your special four legged friend is welcome in our community. You can leisurely walk them on our beautifully landscaped walking trail in the garden.

Call today for more Information!

(855) 829-9070

WedgwoodApartments018@myLTSMail.com

18708 Hardy Oak Blvd. Suite 230

(210) 494-9000

Make Your Appointment Today!

www.WedgwoodTexas.com

Institute for omen’s Health A Division of Consultants in Women’s Health

6701 Blanco Road San Antonio, Texas 78216

CLOSED SALES

UNDER CONTRACT

MONTHS SUPPLY OF INVENTORY

78258

78259

78260

78261

APR-13

287,500

203,000

$256,000

$244,000

APR-14

292,250

214,000

281,450

259,500

APR-13

108

55

115

72

APR-14

140

51

118

90

APR-13

119

95

133

127

APR-14

128

79

110

93

APR-13

81

34

56

29

APR-14

90

32

64

42

APR-13

105

53

102

63

APR-14

88

36

57

63

APR-13

3.9

4

5.2

6.6

APR-14

3.3

2.9

4.6

5.5

SOURCE: San Antonio Board of Realtors: Texas Market Trends report The properties are new listings put on the market from early April 2014. The properties may no longer be on the market by publication date or prices may have changed. Local Community News assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions.

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