INSIDE
EAT LOCAL PG. 27 THE PIGPEN
— PG 12 - 15
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Family-friendly watering hole in Mahncke Park offers amenities for young and old alike
BE WELL IN 2016
Elections
PG. 17
May 7 elections will likely be canceled PG. 05 COMMENTARY SUSAN YERKES
March is Women's History Month, and heroes are needed on the homefront
PG. 06 LOCAL EDITORIAL School choice gives parents options to educate their children
COMMUNITY NEWS
PAGE 18 VOL. 4, ISSUE 9
LOCAL SOCIETY
ALAMO HEIGHTS
KING WILLIAM
on the scene of the latest parties
MONTE VISTA
Downtown: Public stalls for when nature calls
OLMOS PARK
TERRELL HILLS
MAR. 7 - APR. 4, 2016
PG. 23 City looks at stand-alone outdoor bathroom project for central San Antonio
INSPIRING
LIFE PG. 19 Weeks after suicide of Alamo Heights
teen David Molak, anti-bullying efforts are at the forefront of a movement to create compassion and understanding
DAVID'S LAW GAINING MOMENTUM PG. 21 Proposed bill would create more tools to combat cyberbullying
Monte Vista man, 71, holds world record for marathons PG. 25 Attorney Larry Macon says
running helps focus his mind
BUY LOCAL THE HONEY TREE PG. 26 Southtown store selling the sweet stuff wants to create buzz with customers
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FROM THE EDITOR tedwards@localcommunitynews.com
President Harold J. Lees Publisher Gregg Rosenfield Assoc. Publisher Rick Upton Director of Operations Jaselle Luna EDITORIAL Executive Editor Thomas Edwards News Staff Collette Orquiz, Bain Serna and Will Wright Contributing Writers Olivier J. Bourgoin, Rose Mary Budge, Joyce Hotchkiss, Noi Mahoney, Carole Miller, Edmond Ortiz, Eileen Pace and Susan Yerkes ART Creative Director Florence D. Edwards Contributing Photographer Mary Oakes and Rudy B. Ornelas
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Objectivity is a must
I
do not believe in advocacy journalism disguised as news coverage, especially politics. Reporters covering elections should always check their personal baggage at the door. I have always enjoyed and encouraged newsroom discussions about the political process, but I become uncomfortable when fellow journalists openly voice their support for this or that candidate. The problem is compounded when reporters post private views on relatively open social media. Neutrality and objective reporting should be the hallmarks of our daily work. In this day when opinion polls rate the trustworthiness of the press as lower than dirt, our profession must go the extra mile to rebuild credibility with the public. That is not to say journalists shouldn’t privately support a candidate. Just like any other citizen, they have the right to free expression. But considering today’s scrutiny of the press, they should keep those views to themselves and exercise them in the privacy of a voting booth. Otherwise, how can a reporter’s articles be trusted when folks know he or she is partial to one office-seeker over another? Quick point here — none of what I’ve written so far applies to opinion journalists, who are expected to publicly voice their support of a candidate, party or principles to spur a community dialogue. I am discussing reporters. Reporters are, in effect, historians. As professional and unbiased recorders of the day’s events, their own opinions, likes and dislikes need to stay out of their stories. I want to assure readers that here at LOCAL Community News, we strive for impartiality.
THOMAS EDWARDS EXECUTIVE EDITOR ON THE COVER: Joseph "Joe" Blake, 15, and Faith Miller, 16, pay their respects at the gravesite of their friend David Molak, a 16-year-Alamo Heights student who took his own life after being cyberbullied. The death has spurred a growing awareness campaign to stop physical and online harassment. See story on page 19. Photo by Carole Miller
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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM
LOCAL COMMENTARY
Heroes needed on the homefront by SUSAN YERKES
M
arch is a big month for remembering heroes in these parts. The 13-day “siege of glory” at the Alamo, and the bloody battle on March 6, 1836, has become one of America’s most beloved heroic stories. Women’s History Month is also commemorated in March, and I’ve been thinking about how our culture tends to frame traditional “heroes” as rough-andready warriors for a good cause, rather than quiet volunteers on the front lines of hidden, desperate struggles, such as the one to end domestic violence. Every nine seconds a woman in the United States is assaulted or beaten, according to the National Coalition Against
Domestic Violence. The statistic may just be the tip of the iceberg, as an estimated 70 percent of such cases never get reported. Further, more than 30 percent of female homicides come by the hands of an intimate partner. While men can be victims, too, the overwhelming majority are ladies, children or the elderly – the traditionally powerless. Jane Shafer, program director for the San Antonio Police Department’s Family Assistance Crisis Team, or F.A.C.T., has seen the dark side for many years. In 1990, Shafer and her Putting an End to Abuse Through Community Efforts, or P.E.A.C.E., Initiative co-founder Patricia Castillo launched F.A.C.T., a volunteer program to help deal with domestic abuse. Since then, F.A.C.T. has trained thousands of volunteers to team with professional social workers in domestic-abuse cases. “This violence goes on day and night, throughout the city,” Shafer told me. “It happens in every part of town.” Unfortunately, there’s still a lot of shame associated with asking for help, she added. There’s also the danger of escalating violence if a woman or elderly person reports an abuser. Shafer urged everyone in the community to reach out to people they think may be experiencing domestic abuse. Even if they don’t talk about it, if you notice bruises or injuries, just ask if they’re OK.
It’s not always easy to leave an abusive situation; without support from nearby friends or family, it can be difficult to make the break. Some get help through the Bexar County Family Justice Center. Others find refuge at Family Violence Prevention Services Inc.’s Battered Women and Children’s Shelter, where more than a dozen different programs help victims recover their inner strength and prepare for independent lives. Last year, FVPS helped nearly 55,000 women and children, and sadly, the number continues to rise. To me, women such as Shafer, Castillo, FVPS Executive Director Marta Peláez and the many, many mostly unsung advocates who work to unshackle the abused are genuine heroes. Their dedication may not be spotlighted in battlefield glory, but it’s a powerful, often life-and-death struggle … and it’s not getting easier. I remember a moving interview I had two years ago with Maria Falcon, supervisor of counseling at the Family Justice Center.
After 28 years as a licensed professional counselor, Falcon called abuse against women the worst hate crime in our society — one seemingly uncontrollable. “We say it’s a women’s issue, and we work to empower women,” she said, “but it’s happening more than ever.” Falcon said she believes things will begin to change when the struggle against domestic violence is not framed only as an issue for women, but when it becomes one for men, too. “Instead of putting all the focus on empowering the victims of abuse, what about putting the focus on the perpetrators? What about society teaching men not to be perpetrators? Men need to stand up and challenge other men – in politics, in the media, in business, the schools, everywhere in society, to declare that abuse is not acceptable,” she said. Who will join the heroes on the homefront? Share your thoughts at syerkes@ localcommunitynews.com.
IT’S NOT ALWAYS EASY TO LEAVE AN ABUSIVE SITUATION ... IT CAN BE DIFFICULT TO MAKE THE BREAK.
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MARCH 7 - APRIL 4, 2016 school, or educate them at home. The topic of school choice recently came to the forefront during National School Choice Week; according to one spokesman with the grassroots effort, 64 percent of Americans would like to have a greater education menu for their kids. During School Choice Week, Gov. Greg Abbott urged Texans to explore the kind of learning system that fits their families, even if it’s not public schools. The issue could take on more prominence during the next legislative session. In 2013, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, then a state senator, and former Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst pushed for legislation which would’ve used taxpayer money to send youngsters to private facilities. The battle over school vouchers resurfaced in 2015, but again made little headway. Though public school officials railed against the proposal, it likely hasn’t disappeared. No matter what, parents uncomfortable with the level of education their child is receiving should have the opportunity to switch to a campus or system they feel is more appropriate.
OUR TURN Views and opinions about your community
School choice now
A
ll parents should have the option to pick schooling best suiting the needs of their children. From kindergarten to 12th grade, school choice should be important for all families, whether the learner is collegebound or better oriented for a vocation. Children learn differently from each other; a campus more accommodating for one may not fit the needs of another. There are plenty of possibilities available. In general, the school-choice arena offers traditional public campuses, magnet institutions, publicly supported charter schools and online academic venues. Parents, especially those desiring tailored education for their child or prayer in the classroom, can enroll their offspring in a private or parochial
-The Local Community News editorial board includes Harry Lees, Gregg Rosenfield and Thomas Edwards.
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HAPPENING LOCAL
Plan your month with our calendar of upcoming events in the community.
OUR GUIDE TO YOUR MONTH
HAPPENING KEY
FITNESS
MOCKINGBIRD FEST A celebration of Texas food, 5 brews, fun and history will take place 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Hemisfair’s Yanaguana Garden. Music, stories and kid-oriented activities will round out the day’s offerings. There’s no admission charge, and parking should be available in the lots across Cesar Chavez Boulevard from Hemisfair. Yanaguana Garden, the park’s fanciful children’s play area, is at the corner of Chavez and South Alamo Street.
MARCH
MONTE VISTA The Monte Vista Historical Association board 8 meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Landa Branch Library annex, 233 Bushnell Place. For more, call 737-8212 or go to http://www.montevista-sa.org/.
MARCH
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VADYMN KHOLODENKO The gold-medal winner at the 8 2013 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, Kholodenko will perform at Trinity University’s Ruth Taylor Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m. in a concert jointly presented by Trinity and ARTS San Antonio. Tickets, $29-$110, are available through ArtsSA.org and Ticketmaster.com. Trinity is off Stadium Drive at 1 Trinity Place.
MARCH
CAN WE TALK? The focus MARCH of discussion is “Aging and 8 Engaging,” led by Veronica Galvan of the Barshop Institute for Longevity & Aging Studies. Events start at 5:30 p.m. and dinner is at 7 p.m., at SAWS Headquarters, 2800 U.S. 281 North. Tickets are $35 at the door; mailin deadline is March 1 and reservations
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HAPPENING continues from pg. 07 after March 1 may be made by calling 422-2245. Find more information at www.facebook.com/CanWeTalkSA. MELODIE AND OPERA ARIAS As part of its celebration 10 of French Cultures Month, Villa Finale Museum & Gardens hosts University of Texas at San Antonio students performing, in French, arias from the Melodie era and French operas. The program is 7 to 8 p.m. in the Napoleon Parlors. Wine and appetizers also will be served. Tickets, $30 or $27 for members, are available by calling 223-9800. Villa Finale is at 401 King William St.
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BEGINNERS BIRD WALK The San Antonio Audubon 12 Society outing begins at 8 a.m. at the Judson Nature Trails start point, 246 Viesca St. in Alamo Heights. It will be led by Georgina Schwartz. Nonmembers are welcome and binoculars can be provided. The walk is held the second Saturday of the month.
MARCH
MARCH
12,13,17
ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATIONS The Murphy’s St. Patrick’s Day River Parade
& Festival, March 12-13, features music, an art show and a 14-float parade along a river dyed a rich green. The festival runs from noon to 6 p.m. each day and is centered at the Arneson River Theatre in La Villita. On March 17, a wreath will be laid at the Alamo at noon, commemorating the Irish natives and Irish descendants who died there.
MARCH
14
TERRELL HILLS The City Council meets at 5 p.m. at City Hall, 5100 N. New Braunfels Ave.
NO SCHOOL Students teachers in the Alamo 14-18, 25 and Heights, San Antonio and North East independent school districts are off a week for Spring Break and on March 25 for Good Friday.
MARCH
ALAMO HEIGHTS The Council meets at 14, 28 City 5:30 p.m. both days at the municipal complex, 6116 Broadway.
MARCH
MAGIK SPRING BREAK MARCH Magik Theatre, partnering 17-20 The with the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre, will present a show especially for Spring Break: “The Jungle Book: A New Telling of an Old Favorite.” Rudyard Kipling’s classic characters, from
Mowgli to Shere Khan, are all there in David Morgan’s stage adaptation. Shows are at 2 and 6:30 p.m. each day at the Empire, 226 N. St. Mary’s St.; tickets, $17.50 and $27.50, are available at www.magiktheatre.org.
MARCH
17
OLMOS PARK The City Council meets at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 120 W. El Prado Drive.
HARP & SHAMROCK IRISH FESTIVAL An opening parade 19 will be followed by Gaelic football, plenty of Irish food and drink, art and craft vendors, music, dance and even genealogy assistance. The fun runs from noon to 8 p.m. at the University of the Incarnate Word, 4301 Broadway. Admission costs $5 at the gate but there’s no charge for active-duty military with ID, UIW students and children 12 and younger. Parking on the UIW campus is free. For more, go to harpandshamrock.org.
MARCH
NOCHE DE AZUL Singer Azul Barrientos is back 19 at the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center with concerts blending music and storytelling. This month’s program is Cantoras del Sur, featuring
MARCH
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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM HAPPENING continues from pg. 08 the music of South American singeractivists Mercedes Sosa, Violeta Parra and Soledad Bravo. Azul will be accompanied by Aaron Prado, George Prado and Nina Rodriguez. Admission is $5, and doors open at 7:15 p.m. for the 8 p.m. show. Esperanza is at 922 San Pedro Ave. SAISD The San Antonio School District 21, 28 Independent board has its monthly A Meeting on March 21 and the B Meeting on March 28. The sessions take place at the David G. Burnett Center, 406 Barrera St., at 5:30 p.m. To see meeting agendas, go to www. saisd.net and click on the Board tab.
MARCH
NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY OF TEXAS The monthly meeting of 22 the organization’s San Antonio chapter will start with a seed and native plant exchange at 6:30 p.m., followed by the program at 7. The meeting site is Lions Field Adult Center, 2809 Broadway.
MARCH
GEN. MARTIN DEMPSEY Dempsey, who stepped down 23 as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in September, will deliver Trinity University’s 2016 Flora Cameron Lecture on Politics and Public Affairs. The retired Army general’s talk starts at 7:30 p.m. at Laurie Auditorium; it’s free and open to the public. The university is at 1 Trinity Place. For more, go to www.trinity.edu.
MARCH
AHISD The Alamo Heights Independent School District 24 board meets at 7 p.m. at the Central Office, 7101 Broadway.
MARCH
BOOK CELEBRATION Cherrie Moraga, one of the editors 26 of “This Bridge Called My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color,” will discuss the book’s continuing relevance in a talk at Esperanza Peace and Justice Center. The talk starts at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public. The Esperanza is at 922 San Pedro Ave.
MARCH
MINI MAKER FAIRE The San Antonio Public Library again 26 hosts the gathering of creative types – from knitters and writers to engineers and techies – to show off and discuss their work. Blending elements of a science fair and county fair, the event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Central Library, 600 Soledad St. It also will offer a cosplay showcase and an exhibit of creations by young makers (18 and under). There’s no admission charge.
MARCH
LIBRARIES CLOSED MARCH All San Antonio Public 27 Library facilities will be closed in observance of Easter.
NATIVE FILM SERIES A 2001 Native American film, 29 “Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner,” will be shown at 6:30 p.m. at the Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St. The R-rated film is a retelling of an Inuit legend about a warrior who is pitted against an evil spirit. It will be shown in the Clingman Education Gallery on the first floor, and there’s no admission charge.
MARCH
PAID SUMMER INTERNSHIPS San Antonio’s Department of 31 Human Services is accepting applications from college students for paid, 11-week Ambassador Program internships with local companies, nonprofits and government offices. Applicants must have at least two semesters of school and a 2.5 grade-point average. For more, go to sanantonio.gov/humanservices.aspx and click on the item under the News tab. A printable application form is available at http://bit.ly/Ambassador2016.
MARCH
RIVERTINI The San Antonio River Foundation and the local 31 chapter of the U.S. Bartenders’ Guild present the eighth annual edition of this cocktail competition at the Wyndham Garden Riverwalk Hotel, 103 Ninth St. Running from 6 to 8:30 p.m., it will feature music and hors d’oeuvres along with top local bartenders’ inspired libations. Admission is $75; VIP admission is $125. Tickets can be purchased at www. rivertini.org, where you can also purchase a duckie for the Lucky Duck Drawing.
MARCH
SAN ANTONIO VISIONWALK The eighth annual San Antonio 2 VisionWalk will kick off at 8:30 a.m. at the San Antonio Gun Club, 928 E. Contour Drive. Individuals and teams wanting to participate in the 5K walk can register online – search online for San Antonio VisionWalk 2016 – or simply show up at the event and present their donations then. Proceeds benefit research into treatments for retinal diseases.
APRIL
SAN ANTONIO BOOK FESTIVAL APRIL Even more books and a lot of 2 literary-oriented activities take over San Antonio Central Library and the adjacent Southwest School of Art from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – discussions, signings, sales, cookbook-based cooking demonstrations and much more. There will be several activities for children, too, and it’s all free. Cap off the day with the Literary Death Match at the Charline McCombs Empire Theater, 226 N. St. Mary’s St., at 5:30 p.m. For more, and to purchase tickets for the Death Match, go to saplf.org/festival. The Central Library is at 600 Soledad St.
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HAPPENING continues from pg. 09 RUN & WALK FOR AIDS The San Antonio AIDS 3 Foundation’s 25th annual fundraiser starts at 7 a.m. at the Blue Star Arts Complex, and participants follow a route along the San Antonio River’s Mission Reach. Registration, through www. RunWalkAIDS.org, is $25-$30 through March 21. Between then and race day, the fee is $30 for walkers and $35 for runners. Music and refreshments will be part of the fun, too. Blue Star is at 1400 S. Alamo St.
APRIL
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DOVER STRING QUARTET APRIL The award-winning young 3 American quartet has been applauded for its refined tone and the maturity of its interpretations. The group’s San Antonio Chamber Music Society concert, which will offer works by Dvorak, Berg and Shostakovich, starts at 3:15 p.m. at Temple Beth-El, 211 Belknap Place. Tickets, $25, are available through a link at www.sacms.org. MOONLIGHT AT VILLA FINALE A special announcement 5 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Villa Finale Advisory Council will highlight Moonlight at Villa Finale: Gala in the Gardens. A
APRIL
6 p.m. VIP reception and dinner will precede the gala at 7 p.m., and the evening will include a silent auction and tours of the house and gardens. Tickets are $250 a person, or $300 for VIP admission; tables are also available. Purchase them by calling 223-9800. Villa Finale is at 401 King William St. ALAMO HEIGHTS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Chamber 6 holds luncheon meetings the first Wednesday of the month in a private room at Paesanos Lincoln Heights, 555 E. Basse Road. Guests are asked to arrive by 11:30 a.m. for a meet and greet; the guest speaker is featured at noon. The cost is $20 for members, $25 for nonmembers. For more, call 822-7027 or go to http://alamoheightschamber.org/.
APRIL
NUTRITION DISCUSSION Live With Nature, a nutrition/ 7 discussion group, meets from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at EcoCentro, 1802 N. Main Ave. The group’s sessions look at nutrition’s role in dealing with health challenges. They take place the first Thursday of the month, are free and open to the public, and may include health tips, recipes and plant exchanges. For more, call 492-4620.
APRIL
AUDUBON SOCIETY MEETING 7 The San Antonio Audubon Society and the Bexar Audubon Society will meet jointly to hear a presentation by Richard Heilbrun of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. Heilbrun will give a State of Nature update concerning species-conservation efforts around the state. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at The First Tee, 915 E. Mulberry Ave.; nonmembers are welcome. For more, call 308-6788 or go to saaudubon.org.
APRIL
FESTIVAL OF ORCHIDS Fiesta, the Alamo 15-17 During Orchid Society presents dazzling displays, sales, how-to seminars, original art and more. Located at The San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels Ave., admission is free. Times are Friday noon to 4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more, call Ken Levi at 7340112 or contact levik@grandecom.net.
APRIL
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LOCAL LOWDOWN
A Family Practice Focused on Comfortable, Comprehensive Dental Care
Take a quick look at what’s new in the community from opening and closings to news tidbits.
Open and Opening Soon 1. THE PIGPEN NEIGHBORHOOD BAR,
106 Pershing Ave., is a neighborhood watering hole that recently opened behind the Smoke Shack. It features indoor and outdoor seating, live music, a variety of drinks and barbecue. Hours are 3 p.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday and noon to midnight Friday through Sunday. For more, call 267-9136 or visit www.thepigpensa.com or facebook.com/ thepigpensa. (See story on page 27)
2. THE HONEY TREE, 628 S. Presa St., is a
new business in Southtown that specializes in numerous varieties of honey, including at least 12 different kinds that are Texasproduced from bee to bottle. Additional honey and honey products come from other states and Latin America. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4:30 to 7 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; closed on Sunday and Monday. For more, call 347-0151 or email thehoneytree628@ gmail.com. (See story on page 26)
3. SPACETONE MUSIC, 416 Austin Highway in Alamo Heights, has been 10 years at its present location, but just finished an expansion that doubled retail space to 2,300 square feet. “We had merchandise we couldn’t put on the sales floor because we had outgrown our show room,” owner Jason Rinn said in a prepared release. “I’ve been ready to expand for some time but really wanted to stay in our same location. The opportunity finally came when the tenant next door moved out.” Spacetone added 1,200 square feet, with 600 dedicated to a new acoustic room. Also in the new area are two lesson studios and storage. The store is carrying new Gibson and Alvarez
Address of local business Name of local business
acoustic guitars, in addition to pre-owned acoustics. According to Rinn, Spacetone got its start 15 years ago in a smaller shop at 5100 Broadway before moving to its current location in 2006. Spacetone buys used musical instruments and offers guitar repairs. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more, call 930-3662 or visit http://spacetonemusic.com/.
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ST. LUKE’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL EIGHTHGRADER Katharine Stevens was named a Top 10 Finalist in the San Antonio Book Festival Fiction Contest. Katharine’s story, “The Lonely, Little, Old Lady,” was chosen out of 175 submissions from 40 schools. Her story prompt was “Not all heroes wear capes.” Her story and top placement marks the first time a student at the Alamo Heights school has participated in the fiction contest. “I didn’t want to write about doctors who save lives or policemen who keep people safe,” Katharine said about her story. “My hero was a Girl Scout that saved someone by bringing happiness into the home of an elderly woman. The story encourages you to be kind to everyone, because you never know what people are feeling or hiding behind.”
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THE ALUMNI COUNCIL OF SAN ANTONIO ACADEMY OF TEXAS presented former Bexar County Probate Judge Polly Jackson Spencer with the 2016 Col. W.T. Bondurant Sr. Distinguished Humanitarian Award during a luncheon Feb. 9. Spencer retired in 2014 after serving 24 years as a Bexar County probate judge. Proceeds from the award luncheon benefit the Col.
LOWDOWN continues on pg. 16
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COSMETIC PROCEDURES
Fountains of youth and beauty by SUSAN YERKES
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ant to perk up a tired face or body? You’re not alone. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, U.S. physicians performed 15.6 million cosmetic-surgery procedures in 2014. As Americans live longer and retire later, many are taking medical-oriented actions to help turn back the clock. Most of the 15.6 million procedures listed in the latest ASPS survey were deemed
“minimally invasive” — such as Botox and injectable fillers; chemical peels and microdermabrasion, and laser hair removal. The remaining 1.7 million were surgical, with breast augmentation the most popular, followed by nose reshaping, liposuction, eyelid lifts and full face-lifts. Nearly 6 million more reconstructive, as opposed to cosmetic, plastic surgeries were done to correct the effects of disease or injury. San Antonio is in tune with the general proliferation in cosmetic procedures, according to Richard Levine, a boardcertified plastic surgeon who opened his private practice here in 1981.
“Cosmetic surgery is not just the domain of the rich and famous anymore,” Levine said. Fat grafts and injectable fillers can change the contours of faces and bodies; liposuction can remove unwanted fat deposits, and neurotoxins such as Botox can ease frown lines and wrinkles. However, the fountain of youth isn’t cheap. In 2013, Americans spent more than $12 billion on physician fees and materials for cosmetic enhancements – not to mention
hospital costs. The numbers aren’t likely to lessen, although procedure expenses have stabilized or slightly decreased. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, in 2013, the average national cost of a Botox treatment was around $390, and injectable fillers such as Juvederm or Restylane ranged from $500$600, and usually required repeating two to three times yearly for effectiveness. Laser skin resurfacing was about a $2,200 hit, with
COSMETIC continues on pg. 12
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Several medical providers in San Antonio offer cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, including UT Medicine, the clinical practice of the School of Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Courtesy photo
ww w. b r i t t o n o r t h o . c o m COSMETIC continues from pg. 12 liposuction averaging $2,800. Physician fees alone for breast-augmentation surgeries averaged $5,000-$6,000, $4,800 for tummy tucks, and $4,300 for buttock augmentation, one of the fastest-growing U.S. trends. Face-lifts averaged $6,500. Hospitalization, anesthesia, and more can easily double the final price. Also, don’t expect insurance to cover cosmetic surgery, so choose a qualified practitioner for whatever you’re considering. Dr. Christie Bialowas cautions bargain-seekers to beware. “We see people who have had all sorts of things injected in their faces – some people even use silicone, which can be a real problem,” she said. “Injecting neurotoxins in the wrong facial area can even cause blindness. It’s serious business.” Bialowas, a board-certified plastic surgeon, is with UT Medicine, the clinical practice of the School of Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. “Most people don’t realize we offer cosmetic procedures here,” she said. At UT Medicine, Bialowas sees patients for both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. Silicone or saline implants once were standards for breast or buttock augmentations. Now, however, advances in transferring fat, via liposuction, from one area of a person’s body to another, resulted in an increased demand, she said. Facial areas, breasts, buttocks and even hands – where the age concealed by cosmetic procedures often shows up – have become popular areas for fat grafting.
High obesity rates in the San Antonio vicinity also lead quite a few men to seek breast-reduction surgery. Average national prices for male breast reductions are $200-$300 lower than females. Body lifts, a combination of liposuction and removal of sagging skin, displace cellulite and reshape the entire abdomen, rear end and thigh area. It’s important to remember, however, liposuction isn’t intended for dramatic weight loss. “People need to understand that obesity is not an indication for cosmetic surgery,” Levine said. “It’s much better to get a fitness routine, lose weight or see a bariatric surgeon for the weight loss.” Lifts and liposuction are more effective once a patient reaches a reasonable, stable weight. Today’s silicone implants are much safer than a couple of decades ago; some were susceptible to leaking into the body, Levine said. He uses “gummy bear” implants, made of silicone adhering to itself. “Most of the women I see for breast surgery want to have natural-looking breasts, so my average implant is smaller than some doctors use,” Levine said. While Levine offers nonsurgical treatments, he usually recommends face-lifts and/or eyelifts to folks older than 50. Levine, who has a well-established North Side practice, said most of his patients are well-informed. For guidance, the ASPS website at plasticsurgery.org has user-friendly descriptions, videos and a national directory of ASPS board-certified physicians. For recommendations, you can also consult your family doctor, or even friends who have experienced positive results.
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Exercise
101
Even Pooh Bear gets it by CAROLE MILLER
W
innie the Pooh once said, “A bear, however hard he tries, grows tubby without exercise.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention agrees, and adds humans to the workout regimen. A regular fitness routine
reduces cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and some cancers. Exercise also strengthens bones and muscles, improves mental health and protects injuries in elders due to falls. There are three types of exercise: aerobic, anaerobic and flexibility. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends healthy adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly, and some form of anaerobic exercise no less than twice a week. Aerobic exercise, aka “cardio,” includes heart-pumping behavior such as running, swimming, cycling and tennis. Frequent and regular aerobic exercise can prevent high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, insomnia and depression. “Rowing is the best new form of group cardio,” says Alison Smith, owner of Energy X Fitness, 5162 Broadway. “It’s a very low-impact, but high-energy workout.” In addition, Energy X Fitness offers group classes including ShockWave, cross-training, total-body resistance exercise, kettlebell workouts, Vinyasa yoga and personal training. Anaerobic exercise (more commonly
referred to as strength training) includes working out with free weights, weight machines or doing traditional strength exercises such as pushups, squats and chin-ups. Strength training increases bone, muscle, tendon and ligament potency, endurance and improves joint and cardiac function, reduces the potential for injury resulting from weak muscles, elevates levels of “good” cholesterol and lowers the risk of osteoporosis. The stereotypical picture of musclebound men lifting weights is antiquated. “A one-size-fits-all approach is outdated,” said Leslie Edwards, CEO of Heart of Texas Fitness and owner of Koko Fit Club in Alamo Heights and The Dominion. “People want more customization and individual attention. We provide personal training without the cost and without scheduling appointments.” Koko Fit Club, open 24/7, offers cyberfriendly strength training and cardio using a computer and a coach. Gym staffers program an individual, recommended 30-minute workout schedule on a flash drive, which tells a client exactly what to do and how much to lift. Then, results and progress are easily tracked on an efficient and manageable personal website. Flexibility training includes yoga,
Pilates and tai chi. The disciplines improve posture, make it easier to relax, alleviate soreness in overworked muscles, relieve stress and reduce chronic back pain. Flexibility generally deteriorates with age, often due to a sedentary lifestyle, with daily activities becoming difficult. This increases the risk of injury, especially in older adults. Smith recommends yoga for seniors (and everyone, really) as a great form of exercise. “Yoga provides strength, flexibility, balance, and most often forgotten, relaxation. Yoga can literally be for everybody,” she said. “Even if you can only exercise in a chair, it’s important to keep your core and leg muscles active versus sedentary,” said Andres B. Cruz, vice president of Pride PHC Services, a local company that works with the elderly and infirm providing personal attendants and daily-living necessities for customers’ security and self-sufficiency. “The trend that is universally recognized is that the baby boomer/elder population is increasing exponentially,” Cruz said. “Services like ours will continue to be helpful to many individuals as they see they have a need for support in their homes, to remain safe and independent.”
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Weight loss: Health experts discuss effective strategies by NOI MAHONEY
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f you want to slim down, diet and exercise are both important. However, many experts believe monitoring what you eat is essential for shedding pounds.
“Losing weight is 70 to 80 percent diet,” said Jan Tilley, a registered dietitian and president and CEO of JTA Wellness in San Antonio. “You can’t out-train a bad diet, but it still takes both dieting and exercise.” Tilley advises clients to follow six tips: eat every three hours, always ingest carbs with lean proteins and healthy fats, exercise every day, don’t let hunger get ahead of you (don’t overeat), avoid inflammatory foods (sugary, processed or high in saturated fats), and strategize. “Plan your meals; create a schedule,”
Tilley said. “The people who lose weight and who you see keeping it off, are the ones who exercise.” Others take a more holistic approach. Josh Bonine, owner of Generation Chiropractic and Dr. Josh’s Weight Loss Center, said he provides a protocol that does not require drugs, surgeries, shots, exercise or prepackaged foods. “We are leading the weight-loss revolution with our advanced technology scan. Finding out how to get each individual person into a fat-burning, weight-loss state is the key,” Bonine said. “The more specific and individualized you can make it, the better.” The health care specialist added he is able to lead clients through a rapid fat-loss and detoxification process, which can produce significant results in 40 days. As Americans live longer, many have a long list of intertwining health problems. Tilley said older people and seniors must understand unhealthy consumption can lead to Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and hypertension. “Choose healthy foods,” she said. “You don’t want to become overweight and suffer from arthritis, joint pain.”
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MARCH 7 - APRIL 4, 2016
LOWDOWN continues from pg. 11 W.T. Bondurant Jr. Scholarship Fund, which is a “need-based scholarship that helps fund the education of deserving boys who flourish at San Antonio Academy,” a release stated. DISTRICT 5 COUNCILWOMAN SHIRLEY GONZALEZ and representatives from Lincoln Property Co. and Transwestern Development Co. gathered Feb. 5 at La Tuna to commemorate the lighting of the new Southtown District sign on top of the nearly completed 229-unit Southtown Flats luxury apartment complex, 111 Probandt St. The apartment complex is “in close proximity to many of San Antonio’s popular art galleries, restaurants, entertainment and shopping destinations.” Transwestern broke ground on the project in January 2015, and as part of the Center City Housing Incentive Program, the project will receive $3,467,049 in incentives from the city of San Antonio for creating additional housing within the city’s center, according to officials. FORMER EDISON HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETE CHRISTI CANO was inducted into the San Antonio Independent
601LCN
School District Athletic Hall of Fame, along with six other prominent SAISD sports figures, at a ceremony Feb. 13 held at Sunset Station. Cano graduated from Edison in 1999 and was a two-time University Interscholastic League state golf champion. Cano was named the UIL’s 1999 Player of the Year. She then went on to have a successful collegiate career at Oklahoma State University, competed in the Ladies Professional Golf Association and qualified for the U.S. Women’s Open in 2005, 2010 and 2013. SPEAKER OF THE TEXAS HOUSE JOE STRAUS met with members of the Alamo Heights Neighborhood Association Jan. 17 in the community meeting room of H-E-B Central Market, 4821 Broadway. AHNA founder John Joseph posed questions for Straus gathered from audience members. The topics included cyberbullying and how to combat it more effectively, an issue brought to the forefront with the recent suicide of teenager David Molak, a former Alamo Heights Independent School District student said to have been a victim of cyberbullying. Straus, a Republican running at the time for re-election to his District 121 seat, also took time to shake hands and greet attendees after the meeting.
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OLMOS PARK RESIDENTS AND BUSINESS OWNERS ARE REMINDED TO KEEP ALLEYS CLEAR OF WEEDS and other vegetation, according to Public Works Director Gilbert DeLeon. City ordinance 18-67(2) states that “it shall be unlawful for both the owner and the tenant of any property in the city abutting upon a public alley or way to permit any weeds, grasses, or other vegetation to grow to the centerline to a height of greater than 5 inches.” BRUCE MACDOUGAL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE SAN ANTONIO CONSERVATION SOCIETY for more than 25 years, retired March 4. MacDougal joined the society in 1990. Over the past 25 years, he has helped lead the society in its mission to “preserve and to encourage the preservation of historic buildings, objects, places and customs relating to the history of Texas” and to educate the public about preservation, according to officials. SAINT MARY’S HALL SENIOR FARRAH LEE-ELABD WON a bronze medal at the Junior World Cup fencing championships in the epee event held in Burgos, Spain, on Feb. 3. Lee-Elabd defeated several top female epee
fencers in the world under 20 years of age to secure her spot on the award podium. Lee-Elabd plans on taking her fencing skills and winning ways to Princeton University after high school graduation, and she will be on the university’s fencing team. BROADWAY BANK, BILLED AS SAN ANTONIO’S LARGEST INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED BANK, is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year with activities for customers, employees and the community. The celebrations included a ceremony Feb. 23 in which a 2016 time capsule filled with various Broadway Bank items was buried, to be opened in 25 years. Broadway Bank will also make a $75,000 donation to three local military agencies, in honor of the financial institution’s military heritage and the military service of its founders. Broadway Bank was opened Feb. 15, 1941, at 5044 Broadway in Alamo Heights by Col. Charles E. Cheever Sr. and his wife Betty Cheever with just five employees and $60,000. It is still family-owned and locally operated, and has more than 630 employees and $3.2 billion in assets, with 39 banking centers in San Antonio, Austin and surrounding communities.
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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM
North Central races draw no opponents by BAIN SERNA
A
number of elections in the May 7 North Central municipal and school board races are likely to be canceled because all candidates are running unopposed. The deadline to file for a place on the ballot was Feb. 19 for contests in Terrell Hills, Olmos Park, Alamo Heights and the Alamo Heights and North East independent school districts. In the race for three council seats in Alamo Heights, incumbents Place 3 Councilman Fred Prassel, Place 4 Councilwoman Lynda
Billa Burke and Place 5 Councilman John Savage are the only ones seeking those slots. In Olmos Park, incumbent Mayor Kenneth Farrimond is running unopposed, and Place 4 Councilman Kenyon McDonald and Place 5 Councilman Casey Fry drew no opposition. In the contest for two City Council seats and the mayor’s slot in Terrell Hills, incumbent Mayor Anne Ballantyne is running unopposed, and Place 1 Councilman and Mayor Pro-Tem John Low and incumbent Place 2 Councilman Charles Parish also face no challengers. In the race for two seats on the AHISD board, Place 1 trustee Joe Dubrof will not seek re-election, but David Hornberger has filed to run and is unopposed. Place 2 incumbent board member John Tippit is running without a rival. In the election for NEISD Place 4, incumbent Jim Wheat is unopposed.
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3/11 DMX, 8 p.m., Alamo City Music Hall, $25/$30 3/12 Buttercup, Mitch Webb & The Swindles, Walter Salas Humara, 9 p.m., Limelight, $5 3/12 Urban Cowboy 35th Anniversary Tour: Mickey Gilley, Johnny Lee, 7 p.m., Majestic Theatre, $65/$85
Seeing With Eyes Of Your Heart Andy Anderson was going blind. So he began to prepare for the inevitable. And when blindness replaced his sight, Andy used his imagination. In his mind he retuned to near and far places that he had visited in person. From every special place he had selected a rock as a keepsake, and placed each rock in a treasure box. From other locations where he had hoped to go but never made it, he ordered representative rocks for his collection and studied photos of those places. So when blindness controlled his sight, Andy used these mental memories to travel wherever he
wanted to go without ever leaving his condo. He would select a rock from his box, turning it over and over in his hands, and travel by imagination to the rock’s original home. He was free to roam the world, seeing with eyes of his heart. Have you trained the “eyes of your heart” to see what your physical eyes cannot comprehend? The Apostle Paul wrote about this in Ephesians 1:18, and then had a prayer experience which forever changed him. He gasped, “For this reason I fall to my knees and see that God is Father of all... And I pray that you, being established and rooted in love, may live by this power.” Let heaven and earth open up to you by seeing with the eyes of your heart. Faith is the way. D. Leslie Hollon, Ph.D. Senior Pastor Trinity Baptist Church www.trinitybaptist.org
559 E. Huisache Ave. San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 828-0441
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Wednesday evenings we have a wonderful time at Trinity Baptist Church through our Faith Family Night (FFN). Everyone is welcome. We eat a delicious meal together which is served beginning at 5pm, before breaking out into programs offered for children, students, and adults. We encourage you take advantage of these great opportunities. Small Groups are offered on Wednesday nights at 6pm as part of our FFN activities for adults. These groups meet 8-12 weeks and cover a variety of topics that will allow you to dive deeper into scripture while developing new relationships and deepening existing ones. Some of the Small Groups offered this semester include: • The Cure, for men • Circle of Sisters, for women • Strengthening Your Marriage, for couples • Conversational ASL (American Sign Language) • Animate Practices, for young adults
Go to www.trinitybaptist.org/small-groups for a full list of groups available and to join a Small Group today!
18
MARCH 7 - APRIL 4, 2016
LOCAL SOCIETY
LAUGH 4 LYMPHOMA
Philanthropies profit as patricians party
Brigette West and Carrie Lane
by CAROLE MILLER
Carla Nelson, Holly Besing, Amy Garcia and Shannon Collins, Caroline Cain, Carla Nelson, Kitty Palmer, Mary Beth Mosbacher and Teresa Nunns Sheila Mayfield
SYMPHONY BELLE
C
owboys, comedians and classmates collected considerable coin for charitable causes as a chill cooled the air in February.
The Western and Heritage Art Show and Sale kicked off the rodeo season with a sale of exclusive, original pieces by artists from across the Southwest. The amazing artwork included oil paintings, watercolors, etchings and sculptures amid a casino party and live music. Sponsored by the Alamo Kiwanis Club Charities in San Antonio and chaired by Jon Daubert, the proceeds raised funds for causes benefiting local children. Laugh 4 Lymphoma served up some serious fun for a worthy mission that left guests rolling in the aisles. With
entertainment from some of Texas’ funniest comedians, dinner catered by Paloma Blanca and liberal libations, proceeds from the evening went to benefit Halo House Foundation, an organization that assists blood cancer patients by providing low-cost housing during treatment at the South Texas Medical Center. Amy Garcia, Sheila Mayfield and Carla Nelson served as chairwomen and Michael Crocker hosted this enthusiastic evening of chuckles and dining, toasting lymphoma survivor and honorary chairwoman Katie Russell, while also honoring the life of Dr. Karla Diaz Davalos. Going from funny to fashion, the beautiful Symphony Belles of the 2019 freshman class put the “style” in style show. The fashionistas gathered at Julian Gold and hit the runway to model the newest
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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM MOLAK continues from pg. 01
Concerns can be phoned to high school counselors by BAIN SERNA
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LAMO HEIGHTS — The suicide of 16-yearold David Molak has opened wounds that may never fully heal, but that isn’t keeping family members and friends from educating the community about the dangers of cyberbullying. In the wake of Molak’s death Jan. 4 after he was victimized by what relatives described as bullying that included online harassment, the Alamo Heights Independent School District launched a community-response initiative. Superintendent Kevin Brown also said that disciplinary action had been taken in an October incident involving bullying, with one student being taken off campus. A state senator is also proposing
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tougher laws to pursue online bullies, and an awareness campaign including yard signs in some neighborhoods is keeping Molak’s memory alive while decrying the systematic victimization of others. But more needs to be done, and community members must remain vigilant, say family and friends. Molak’s parents, Matt and Maurine Molak, are working to promote changes that would help lessen bullying, especially cyberbullying. According to various reports, their son was targeted online in November; that’s about the same time he transferred from Alamo Heights High School to San Antonio Christian School. “Take aggressive action on all fronts – school, parents, individuals,” Maurine Molak said. “Reassure your child that the instigators are cowards with serious character defects and that this is no reflection as to who they are.” “Public schools appear to be limited in their ability to police cyberbullying because it is often an anonymous, 24/7 ordeal,” added Matt Molak. “Success in dealing with this issue also depends on involvement by student peers and families.” He said schools should evaluate their current policies and determine whether they are really effective in protecting the children under their care.
“This issue should be taken as seriously as drug use or weapons on school campuses and much more seriously than the focus on average school SAT scores or cumulative college scholarship dollars earned,” he said. “A review should be made to determine the amount of time spent by high school counselors actually counseling students on their social and emotional well-being as opposed to monitoring the status of college application submissions,” the father added. “Although steps are now being taken to implement more specific laws to protect children from cyberassault, schools, families and communities need to use this as a wake-up call and take action now by adopting a proactive and consistent zero-tolerance approach in dealing with this type of misconduct.” Friends and family said David Molak was gone much too soon, but they are choosing to remember and celebrate his life. “Whatever David had a mind to do, he did well,” said Michael Molak, David’s uncle. “Whether it was hunting, fishing, cheering on the Spurs or fantasy football, he was all in. He was a loyal companion. I most often remember David as being with his dad. They were always hanging out, camping, dove hunting, cooking around the campfire, volunteering at Habitat for Humanity or throwing a football. He
was full of potential and enthusiasm.” David Molak had a passion for the outdoors, relatives said, and would often go fishing and duck hunting with his grandfather, Mike Sweeney. The 16-year-old also loved playing basketball. “He wanted to go Texas A&M (University) and be a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity, following in the footsteps of his two older brothers,” said Maurine Molak. “He wanted to have a career in sports management. He didn’t think he had the talent to play at a high level, but he wanted to be a general manager of a professional basketball team. He had a high sports IQ and understood team chemistry.” The sophomore’s life reflected a strong dedication to high ideals and service to others, according to his mother, as shown by the fact he was an Eagle Scout and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. “He was empathetic to the suffering of others,” said Rollin King, the teen’s godfather. David Molak loved to laugh and make others laugh, according to his friends. “He was just the goofiest guy you’d ever meet,” said close friend Joseph "Joe" Blake. “He was so fun-loving and he
MOLAK continues on pg. 20
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MOLAK continues from pg. 19 was the best to be around. We played basketball together, (we) played video games together. He was very kind-hearted. You hear the saying, ‘Treat people the way you want to be treated.’ Well, David did that. He treated people very nice.” “He was hilarious,” added Alec Crutchfield, another close friend. “He was so funny and good at making people laugh.” Family and friends want his death to be a catalyst for change and to raise awareness in the fight against bullying and teen suicide. “First and foremost, David’s passing has raised awareness for the great power and responsibility that has come with new technology and social media,” said cousin Sophie Molak. “My hope is that our community will carry in their hearts David’s compassion, not only lending a hand to victims of cyberbullying but to the troubled perpetrators as well. Bullying in any form is a vicious cycle only broken when addressed in its entirety by the whole community.” Words can wound, hurt and tear down a person, added Faith Miller, another friend from Alamo Heights High. “Think twice before you say something or put something online, especially teaming up on someone,” Miller said. “What people say can hurt you and
put you in a mode of feeling worthless. David definitely did not deserve that.” Brown, noting that AHISD has a zerotolerance policy toward bullying, outlined recent steps school officials have taken to curb harassment in a newsletter issued not long after David Molak’s death. “In October, there was a student issue brought to the district’s attention, one that occurred on campus and another that occurred off campus,” Brown wrote, noting that privacy laws prevented him from offering specifics. “It is possible that other incidences could have occurred, but these were the first and only incidences that were brought to our attention involving these students.” The situation was quickly investigated and disciplinary action taken, Brown said. “Parents were contacted, students were counseled, and consequences were given to some, including removal from campus.” When the letter came out in January, Brown noted there was an ongoing police investigation in the Molak case, and said the district would act accordingly if the probe produced any “factual information” regarding other bullying cases. Parents or others concerned about possible bullying or a victimized child can reach out to the Alamo Heights High counseling office at 832-5775 or 832-5759, the superintendent said.
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DAVID'S LAW continues from pg. 01
Parents should monitor children’s online behavior by EILEEN PACE
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state senator is pushing for tougher laws after an Alamo Heights teen took his own life in the wake of online harassment.
David Molak, 16, died Jan. 4 after his family said he suffered bullying, including harassment through social media. The grieving Molak family wants to make sure it doesn’t happen again. So does state Sen. José Menéndez, a San Antonio Democrat representing District 26, who is crafting David’s Law, a bill he hopes to file in the legislative session next January. The Senate Criminal Justice Committee has agreed to review cyberbullying during the interim. Building on another bullying law five years ago, Menéndez wants to make it easier for school districts and police to go after anonymous online harassers. He is naming the bill David’s Law to memorialize the teen whose life was cut short. It will allow police and school districts to collaborate more, and would also give investigators the power to issue subpoenas "in case of hateful, threatening and harassing rhetoric on social media," Menéndez said. “The law will be named after high school student David Molak, who tragically took his own life after repeated harassment and bullying predominantly through social media,” according to a statement from Menéndez. The senator said the previous law, House Bill 1942, doesn’t have any teeth because it has no legal mechanism to go after an online perpetrator. “As long as the cyberbully can remain anonymous, you can’t catch them, you can’t prosecute them,” he said. The proposed bill also honors another youth targeted by online harassment. Bullying has been around for ages, but social media now gives perpetrators a means to spew their vitriol on a constant basis while remaining anonymous, according to experts. The legislation passed in 2011 called on school districts to develop their own policies to deal with bullying and electronic bullying; the worst cases are referred by the district
DAVID'S LAW continues on pg. 22
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DAVID'S LAW continues from pg. 21 to law enforcement officials to determine whether criminal activity occurred. Dr. Steven Pliszka, chairman of psychiatry at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, supports the Menéndez bill. According to him, surveys of adolescents indicate at least 20 percent have been bullied, with 2 percent to 3 percent either attempting suicide or considering it. “When they look at those numbers more
deeply, there is an association between having been cyberbullied and having made a suicide attempt,” Pliszka said. The psychiatrist presented the figures at a January town hall meeting hosted by Menéndez that drew a crowd of more than 100. It was the second such meeting in a month. In addition to a panel of experts, Matt Molak — David Molak’s father — attended. “Mr. Molak came on his own because he wants to continue the conversation on how we keep cyberbullying from occurring,” Menéndez said. “And a parent brought
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Experts offer these tips to help protect children online: n Watch what sites your children sign up for n Talk to your child about what he or she is doing online n Ask to see what is going on n Don’t be afraid to take the phone away n Set a good example by not staying on your phone all the time
his teenage child, and the teenager added a lot to the conversation.” In addition to statements from students about schools doing more to curb cyberbullying, Pliszka believes there are also things parents can do. “I think it’s a real wake-up call for parents about how their kids behave on social media, and that they need to be very careful about what sites their kids sign up for, keep in touch with them about what’s going on on those sites, ask to see what’s going on,” he said. “And if necessary, they need to take the phone away if the child is getting too deeply into this sort of thing.” He said parents also need
to set a good example. “Stop living on the phone,” Pliszka said. “If you’re always on your phone and they see that, your children are going to do what you do.” Menéndez heard from other constituents who are concerned about the level of cyberbullying going on in schools. Also there to listen were a number of judges who hear cases in Bexar County courtrooms. Menéndez said despite no arrest in the Molak case at press time, District Attorney Nico LaHood has taken up the investigation. Pliszka said he is ready to go to Austin to testify in support of David’s Law. He said cyberbullying should be a criminal offense if people directly spur the suicide of another person. “I think we also need to hold social media companies more responsible in terms of unmasking the people who are doing this and playing more of a role in shutting down that kind of thing when it’s occurring on their networks,” Pliszka said. Menéndez, who was running for re-election, continues to solicit information from community members and parents on the bill. “The best legislation always comes from the community,” he said.
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BATHROOM continues from pg. 01
Existing public restrooms not enough, officials say by EDMOND ORTIZ
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t’s a challenge that many tourists and even locals encounter while visiting downtown San Antonio: When nature calls, there are few options on where to go. Most restaurants and other businesses do not provide bathroom facilities except for customers and clients, compounding the situation for visitors. Homeless people are often forced to relieve themselves outside. District 1 Councilman Roberto Treviño wants to remedy the situation, and he and the city are looking for help from a company in Portland, Oregon, that manufactures stand-alone bathrooms for public spaces. The structure’s usefulness will be tested in a pilot program downtown.
“It’s getting ordered now. We hope to have it installed by late May or early June,” Trevińo said in mid-February of the pilot program. “We’ve identified a couple of sites. We’re looking for sites that are very public with lots of people. We’ve looked at a couple of parks, a major intersection or two.” Madden Fabrication manufactures the Portland Loos, and describes them as basic yet sturdy flush toilet kiosks that can be located on sidewalks. The stainless steel “loos” are free to use day or night. While no specific location has been determined, Treviño said a stand-alone bathroom of this kind could benefit downtown tourists, residents, merchants and the homeless population. A few public bathroom facilities in the central business district currently exist — Main Plaza, La Villita, the parking garage at Travis and St. Mary’s streets, Yanaguana Garden in Hemisfair, Market Square and Centro Info on Commerce Street. But Trevińo said the lack of public bathrooms is an issue that needs to be addressed, not just downtown but across all of San Antonio. Centro San Antonio, a nonprofit that facilitates and advocates for downtown improvements and development, is just
BATHROOM continues on pg. 24
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BATHROOM continues from pg. 23 one organization that applauds the effort to provide more stand-alone public bathrooms in the main business district. “For us at Centro, it’s about the overall downtown experience,” said organization President and CEO Pat DiGiovanni. “There are some public bathrooms downtown, but frankly not enough to accommodate all of our visitors.” Madden Fabrication officials say the Portland Loo is environmentally friendly, easily maintained and tested at their factory. A blue light automatically turns on when a person enters the loo, indicating to others that it is occupied. Louvers at the top and bottom of the wall help to offer privacy and yet keep the user from having a sense of complete isolation from the outside world. The lower louvers are angled to enable police to keep close watch if they are tipped off to suspicious activity inside the loo. A hand-washing station is attached and timed to promote short-durations uses. The bathroom can be powered by electricity, solar or a hybrid of both. At night, a soft light bathes the exterior of the loo until someone enters the unit. Then the exterior lights dim, and an interior light comes on. All exposed plumbing and the toilet
The city of San Antonio will soon begin a pilot project involving a Portland Loo, a stand-alone public bathroom for downtown residents and visitors. Courtesy photo
bowl are wrapped in heated wire for protection against freezing. The exterior also is coated with a substance that makes it easy to remove graffiti. A Portland Loo costs about $90,000, which does not include the price of connecting the toilet to sewer and water lines. Cleaning and maintenance each month will run about $1,000. In addition to several locations in Portland itself, the Portland Loo models
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can be found in California, Alaska, British Columbia, Colorado, Massachusetts, Ohio, Utah and Washington state. The loo has been removed only from one place — one of two locations in San Diego, where businesses complained it attracted suspicious activity, which caused a drop in commercial traffic. In spite of such reports, having more stand-alone public bathrooms in downtown San Antonio not only would
help visitors and residents in a quick, safe manner, it would also convey a positive message about the city, DiGiovanni said. It is unfair to expect downtown businesses to let everyone use their bathrooms, he added. “It’s kind of a welcome mat for a majority of people coming to enjoy our parks, open spaces and landmarks,” he said. “The message has to be, we want you to have a great experience.” DiGiovanni also said he likes the notion of more public bathrooms helping the area homeless. “The homeless are part of our society. They need to be dealt with with dignity and respect,” he added. DiGiovanni added he is optimistic the city can help minimize privacy and safety concerns for potential users. “It’s inconspicuous and customizable. It’s a great option, but of course not the only the solution,” Trevińo said. The councilman said the $90,000 is a solid investment for a pilot project to help the city determine whether the Portland Loo, or something like it, is worth pursuing for the long term. “The $90,000 is a fraction of what people could spend on something bigger. I’m confident this will work. It’s proven in other communities,” he added.
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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM MARATHONS continues from pg. 01
Age is no barrier to achievement, runner says by BAIN SERNA
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Race director Parvenah Moayedi (left) runs with her friend Larry Macon, a 71-year-old Monte Vista resident who holds several world records for the most marathons. Photo by Mary Oakes
The longtime attorney has run more than 1,605 marathons in his lifetime, quite a feat considering he didn’t start until the age of 52. A regular marathon race measures 26.2 miles. Macon established his Guinness record in 2008, and then reestablished it in 2013 by running 239 official marathon events all over the country that year alone, breaking his own world record. “It all began during a regular Monday morning bull session with several of my friends where we always lied to each
other about our athletic accomplishments over the weekend. I was asked what I had done that weekend,” recalled Macon about how his running exploits began. “The truth was that I had worked all weekend and had not produced one single drop of sweat,” he added. “However, to admit that would have been un-macho. I glanced at a newspaper that was lying near, and bragged that ‘I am training for a marathon.’ No sooner were those words out of my mouth when someone said, ‘Great, we will have a party immediately after the marathon.’” A San Antonio marathon was three weeks later.
ge is merely a number, and 71-year-old Monte Vista resident Larry Macon is proving that adage true as a holder of the Guinness Book of World Records’ title for running the most marathons in a year.
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“I was trapped and the rest is history,” he said. “The moral to that story is, don’t lie.” Macon also is a great example to others, said veteran marathoner Parvaneh Moayedi. “He is a real sportsman and competitive in his field. Every year when someone challenges to break his record, he will raise the bar higher,” she added. “He inspires runners of all ages to do their best and most certainly is an inspiration for me.” Macon and his wife, former City Attorney Jane Macon, have been Monte Vista Historic District residents for 44 years. Macon has built a career as a trial lawyer, primarily litigating commercial cases and patent infringement lawsuits. Macon said his career sometimes interferes with his athletic pursuit, but added it often helps his job because his mind is very focused when he runs by himself for five or more hours. “My shining moment of combining career and running was at the Boston Marathon several years ago, when I conducted a telephone conference with clients while running the race,” he said. In 2015 Macon dashed through 185 marathons. With his current total of completed marathons, Macon also holds the record for the most lifetime marathons in the United States and the Western Hemisphere, and ranks sixth in the entire world in lifetime marathons.
“Since I have no athletic ability, this record shows that anyone can accomplish their goals if they will persevere,” Macon said. His dedication to his sport is reflected in his extensive travels criss-crossing the country; he has run marathons in all 50 states, and at least 20 times in each state. Macon said meeting interesting people and being outdoors are among the factors that drive him. “It’s the wonderful upbeat people who run marathons, the joy of being outside and the feeling of accomplishment of being able to start and finish something monumental in a few hours,” he said. “That, and I am a little bit competitive. When you love doing something, you don’t have to plan or force yourself to do it. You look forward to doing the thing that you love. That’s how I feel about marathons.” Moayedi is a prolific race director who puts on dozens of marathon events annually in San Antonio; Macon takes part in most. In 2013, Moayedi was awarded the Guinness World Record for the category of “Most Marathons Run by a Woman in One Year” by completing 168 races. Moayedi also holds the Guinness record for most consecutive marathons run by a female. Moayedi and Macon have taken part in about 200 of the same marathon events.
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New honey store invites you to dip in by ROSE MARY BUDGE
F
or more than a year, Joe Hernandez sold honey on weekends from a vendor’s stand at the Traders Village flea market. He was as busy as the proverbial bee and learned a lot about the business.
But it wasn’t the ultimate career answer. What he really wanted was his own permanent, freestanding store featuring the sweet product. He recently realized that goal with the opening of The Honey Tree at 628 S. Presa St. in Southtown. And the concept is catching on as folks discover the surprisingly wide world represented by the entrepreneur’s specialty wares. “I take pride in finding the most
interesting and different honey available; everything’s quality—pure and natural,” Hernandez said. Customers will find different varieties and flavors of honey from 12 Texas sources including Local Wildflower and Tallow Tree. Also on the shelves are jars from the North Carolina mountains and the Florida Everglades, plus spreads that combine honey with berries and other taste-tempters. His love for honey began early in life; he enjoys some every day. “Nothing like it on breakfast toast,” he said. Teas and other complementary items will soon join his stock and honey tastings will be held. Southtown is the ideal location because residents appreciate its history and the environs encourage gourmet
The Honey Tree recently opened in Southtown at 928 S. Presa St., offering plenty of varieties of the sweet stuff to keep customers buzzing and swarming back for more. The store also has jams and other goods. Photos by Collette Orquiz
and fitness-based businesses, he said, adding that his product fits right in. “Honey has been savored for eating pleasure and health since ancient times,” Hernandez said. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4:30 to 7 p.m.
Complimentary Exam NEW CLIENTS ONLY (COMPLIMENTARY EXAM FOR ONE PET PER HOUSEHOLD)
Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; and closed on Sunday and Monday.
THE HONEY TREE 928 S. Presa St. For more, call 347-0151 or email thehoneytree628@gmail.com
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EAT LOCAL Learn about the newest neighborhood places for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks
Families invited to dig in at The Pigpen Neighborhood Bar by EILEEN PACE
W
hen you’re the owner of a familyoriented bar, details are important. That’s why Chris Conger spent a recent afternoon hand-spreading bags of shredded rubber mulch in the biergarten at his new establishment, The Pigpen Neighborhood Bar in Mahncke Park. Chris and wife Kate Conger opened the bar behind their barbecue restaurant, the Smoke Shack, Dec. 29, and had a low-key celebration for New Year’s Eve. It is at 106 Pershing Ave.
“We opened the Smoke Shack in 2014 and we just needed more parking,” Chris Conger said. When the bar behind the restaurant went up for sale, the couple went for it. “The bar was a secondary thought that turned out really well,” he said. “We decided to do something different where people could hang out and drink and eat at the same time.” The interior is reminiscent of an ice house, with large windows open to the front, a long bar, lots of picnic tables and a stage for the bands that play Wednesday through Saturday nights. But out back is where the magic happens for families. There’s an outdoor bar with televisions, a playscape for the kids, a fire pit and lots of seating. Conger installed the rubber mulch to help protect children and said Mahncke Park
The Pigpen Neighborhood Bar offers a family-friendly spot outside with a playscape, and widescreen televisions and a long bar inside. Photos by Collette Orquiz
neighbors have been supportive. In fact, that might just be the best part of the story. Resident Jess Garza organized a fundraising effort to help with the kids’ area. “When I heard that the playscape might be pushed to a later phase due to budget constraints, I simply sent out a text to five other families and within a few hours we raised the money,” Garza said. “I knew that it wouldn’t be hard given the large number of young families with children,” she added “After meeting and making friends with Chris and Kate Conger, the effort felt less like supporting a new business in the neighborhood, which is awesome, but instead felt like supporting friends.” A biergarten snack shack with a casual walk-up menu caters to families. It features loaded nachos; brisket,
pulled pork and shrimp tacos; smoked and fried wings; chicken-salad sliders; and quesadillas for the kids. “This is just what we wanted – a real, neighborhood family kind of place,” Conger said, crediting his wife. “All of this is because of Kate. She’s the organized one. She keeps it all functioning smoothly.” The hours have been changing as the Pigpen gets busier, but Conger said for now, they are 3 p.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday and noon to midnight Friday through Sunday.
THE PIGPEN NEIGHBORHOOD BAR 106 Pershing Ave. For more, call 267-9136 or www.thepigpenusa.com or facebook.com/thepigpensa
WE SUPPORT LOCAL. $1 FRIES
WITH PURCHASE OF BURGER + DRINK.
*Coupon required at time of purchase.
210-267-9136
106 Pershing, San Antonio, TXX 788209 Email: thepigpensa@gmail.com m
HOURS OF OPERA RATION A Monday-Thursday 3pm-122am Frriday-Sunday 12pm-10ppm 1907 NACOGDOCHES RD SAN ANTONIO, TX 78209
*REGULAR FRIES ONLY. VALID AT THIS LOCATION ONLY. COUPON REQUIRED AT TIME OF PURCHASE. LIMIT ONE COUPON PER CUSTOMER. NOT TO BE USED WITH ANY OTHER COUPONS OR OFFERS. OFFER NOT VALID WITH GIFT CARD PURCHASE. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. STATE SALES TAX APPLICABLE. CASH VALUE 1/100¢. OFFER EXPIRES 12.31.15
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