LOCAL: Alamo Heights, Monte Vista, Olmos Park, Downtown, King William, Terrell Hills, March 2017

SPECIAL HEALTH CARE UPDATE INSIDE n NEUROLOGY — PG. 10

STROKE PREVENTION & TREATMENT New advances made in fighting them n MEDICAL INSURANCE UPDATE — PG. 12-13

AFTER THE ELECTION, WHAT DOES FUTURE HOLD FOR HEALTH PLANS?

MARCH 6 - APRIL 3, 2017

PG. 04 SUSAN YERKES

VOL. 5, ISSUE 9

WOMEN’S HISTORY, WOMEN’S CHOICE Grandmother’s journal creates new appreciation for equal rights

PG.23 EAT LOCAL LOWCOUNTRY

COMMUNITY NEWS

Friendly watering hole brings soul to Southtown

PAGE 17

PG. 05 OUR TURN School districts should have a say on standardized testing

ONLINE AT WWW.LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

LOCAL SOCIETY

ALAMO HEIGHTS

KING WILLIAM

on the scene of the latest parties

MONTE VISTA

OLMOS PARK

TERRELL HILLS

ELECTIONS 2017 PG.15 San Antonio council

INFRASTRUCTURE

Terrell Hills street repairs could start this summer

PG.18 City Council

hears report from engineering firm

races draw much interest; Alamo Heights to have new mayor THE FIGHT AGAINST CYBERBULLYING

TORNADO REPORT Get the lowdown on area damage and more news from your neighborhood — PG 09

PG.21 Reforms after Alamo Heights teen’s suicide in January 2016 could help other victims CONTEMPORARY ART MONTH

PG.19

More serious approach to event is planned for this year

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114 Camp Street, #101 Camp Street Residences

FROM THE EDITOR tedwards@localcommunitynews.com

Let’s keep calm

T

he violent protests on the day of President Donald Trump’s inauguration, and afterwards, went well beyond peaceful dissent.

Just as egregious were cries declaring Jan. 20 one of America’s darkest days.

April 12, 1861, when the Civil War started, was a sad time for the United States. So was Oct. 29, 1929, which culminated in the crash of the stock market. The same goes for Dec. 7, 1941, when imperial Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. And who will ever forget the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001?

Jan. 20 represented nothing more than a civil transition of power.

Tanks didn’t roll into the cities; no leader was hauled to a guillotine.

Folks, let’s keep things in perspective by exercising self-control and maintaining polite discourse, not dividing the country and rioting.

Exercise reason and dismiss the hyperbole.

Sure, Trump isn’t popular with everybody, and many of his policies bear scrutiny. Nor is this column an endorsement of Trump.

It’s merely a plea to assemble peacefully when disagreeing — or agreeing — with his actions.

When President Barack Obama took office, supporters urged calm and tolerance, and rightly so. Doesn’t the new administration deserve the same, or are we a nation of hypocrites?

THOMAS EDWARDS EXECUTIVE EDITOR ON THE COVER Five tornadoes touched down in the San Antonio area Feb. 19, including one just north of Alamo Heights. Though no injuries were reported, repairs and cleanup will last several weeks. See LOCAL Lowdown on page 9. Photos

by Susan Yerkes

President Harold J. Lees Assoc. Publisher Rick Upton

Publisher Gregg Rosenfield Dir. of Operations Jaselle Luna

EDITORIAL Executive Editor Thomas Edwards News Staff Collette Orquiz and Bain Serna Contributing Writers Ron Aaron Eisenberg, Dan R. Goddard, Noi Mahoney, Carole Miller, Edmond Ortiz, Arthur Schechter and Susan Yerkes ART Creative Director Florence D. Edwards ADVERTISING Zone Manager Kelly Jean Garza Controller Gracie Cortinez READER SERVICE Mailing Address 4204 Gardendale St., Ste. 201 SA, TX 78229 Phone Fax (210) 338.8842 (210) 616.9677 Advertising Inquiries kgarza@localcommunitynews.com Recruiting: kgarza@localcommunitynews.com Story Ideas: tips@localcommunitynews.com Website: www.localcommunitynews.com

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MARCH 6 - APRIL 3 , 2017

LOCAL COMMENTARY

Women’s history, women’s choices

by SUSAN YERKES

M

arch is Women’s History Month, a time to illuminate the roles strong women have played in our national story. This month seems like a good time to point out a few aspects of women’s history – both public and personal.

First, the personal. My mother’s mother, Bess Moore Campbell (“Mimi” to me), was the only grandparent I ever knew, and she was the best one I can imagine. She read me Charles

Dickens, John Steinbeck and American folktales. She died in 1972, and remains one of the most important people in my life. A couple of years ago, I found her journal among some personal papers. It shocked and surprised me.

I never knew my grandfather. He left Mimi while their fourth and youngest child, my mother, was still in high school. I never knew why she lived with us and had little money of her own to speak of. Her journals told the story.

Mimi was born to a third-generation Scots-American farm family in the little town of Commerce, Missouri, in 1880.

A good student, she had ambitions to teach and write. But family came first, and in her 20s she married. They had three sons and then a daughter— my mom— who developed polio and required extensive care. Mimi didn’t want more children. But the Comstock Law, passed in 1873, outlawed contraception. In order to keep from getting pregnant, she gave up sex — and her husband left her, she confided in the journal.

Still his wife (she never divorced),

Mimi had no ownership rights. She could not get a bank loan or credit without her husband’s signature, so she lost her house as well as the farm.

Without financial support or a house, Mimi went to St. Louis to find a teaching job. She sent the money back to Commerce for the care of my uncles and my mom, who were being looked after by friends while they finished high school.

Mimi came to stay with my mother and father when I was young, and my mom cared for her until she died.

She never told me her story. Reading her journal, so long after her death, illuminated women’s history for me in a new way. Today, the word “choice” has been unfortunately politicized, but many different, hard-won choices have changed women’s history in the past 100 years.

Today, as a woman, I enjoy choices my grandmother never had, thanks to many strong women who came before me.

Susan B. Anthony and other suffragettes fought for women’s right to vote. Finally, in 1920, when my grandmother was halfway through

her life, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution gave us that right.

Margaret Sanger, a trained nurse, believed women needed to make healthy, informed choices about when to have children. She opened the first birth-control clinic in America in 1916, and was arrested and jailed for it. About a half-century later, birth control gradually became legal through a series of court battles.

Texan Louise Raggio, born in 1919, was the only woman in her Southern Methodist University law class in 1952.

In the ’60s, she devoted years to writing and lobbying for a Marital Property Act to give Texas women access to banking, real estate, credit, divorce and more. That law was passed in 1967, five years before my grandmother died.

This Women’s History Month, I’m enormously grateful as I reflect on the choices I enjoy in so many aspects of my life.

I never want to forget women like my grandmother, who never had those choices — or those who still don’t have them. syerkes@localcommunitynews.com

SAN ANTONIO HEALTH EXPERTS SINCE 1970 Ophthalmology Associates of San Antonio (OASA) has been serving the medical and surgical eye care needs of the community since the early 1970’s with Dr. Thomas F. Hogan, Dr. Joe R. McFarlane, Jr., and Dr. David M. Hunter. Doctors Arlo C. Terry, Robert P. Green, Jr., John A. Campagna, Mark J. Trevino and Cooper M. Clark joined the practice over the subsequent years. Offices were opened in outlying communities for the convenience of our patients. Our services include state of the art cataract surgery and lens implantation, sub-specialty cornea (Dr. Terry), sub-specialty glaucoma (Dr. Campagna), and sub-specialty retina (Dr. Clark). Dr. Green and Dr. Trevino also perform oculoplastic procedures.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our loyal patients. The entire staff is looking forward to serving you and all of your eye care needs. For new appointments: 210-223-5561

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LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

OUR TURN Views and opinions about your community

Standardized tests need to go

L

awmakers are realizing what parents, students and educators learned a long time ago — standardized tests are failing as the best option for gauging educational preparedness.

It’s time Washington and Austin got out of the classroom, and allowed local communities to set testing standards. Regulatory burdens placed on school districts need reduction.

Rep. Jason Isaac, R-Dripping Springs, is pushing for reforms seeking alternatives to the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness,

such as using other evaluators, which meet national norms. He also wants to decrease the frequency of examinations.

Local school boards should be the ones deciding on benchmarks — and how many — during the academic year for measuring how students are faring.

Federal and state mandates ranging from the No Child Left Behind Act to Common Core State Standards Initiative have missed the mark. Not only did STAAR testing encounter glitches in its last cycle, but also hours spent girding for the exams could be better utilized.

Wouldn’t it be better to channel the millions of dollars spent on standardized testing to more worthy enterprises benefiting a school district and its patrons?

No one denies schoolchildren’s progress requires assessing, but don’t let the tail wag the dog. The pursuit of knowledge should be the goal of the education system, not teaching to the test.

-The Local Community News editorial board includes Harry Lees, Gregg Rosenfield and Thomas Edwards.

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May 2017 Bond Proposal The Alamo Colleges District is planning to hold a May 2017 bond election for $450 million in order to fund projects at its Northeast Lakeview, Northwest Vista, Palo Alto, San Antonio and St. Philip’s Colleges, and across Bexar County.

At current property value assessment levels, the issuance of the bond will not cause an increase in the District’s tax rate for debt service from the present rate.

1) Renovations More than 33% of the Alamo Colleges District’s facilities, constituting more than 2 million square feet, are more than 25 years old, many more than 50 years old. The bond will provide funds to upgrade infrastructure, redevelop interiors and exteriors and repurpose many of these facilities.

2) New Facilities The bond will also fund new facilities including Centers of Excellence to address anticipated population growth and the community’s educational priorities, which include: • Expanding training for high demand, high growth business and industry occupations in the region; • Increasing emphasis on education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields; • Enhancing our programs with smart classrooms and labs, as well as specialized program spaces; and • Serving a growing number of students as population growth in our area is anticipated to increase by 1 million residents by 2035.

3) Geographical Needs The bond also will provide funding for Regional Centers and expansion of current college facilities to continue to provide educational services to all the communities in our service area. The population in our service area continues to grow, particularly in the north, south and west areas of the city and county. The bond will fund the acquisition of additional land to expand geographic distribution of our Regional Centers in order to make our education and training programs more accessible.

4) Technology Infrastructure The bond will address the rapid expansion of IT and Technology demand in the learning and student support enrollment area by funding ongoing infrastructure development.

54 - Year Old Bowden Building St. Philip’s College, MLK Campus

Land Acquisition for Regional Center Expansion

Technology Infrastructure for Enhanced Learning

Metropolitan Service Area Growth Projection + 1 Million People by 2035

San Antonio/New Braunfels MSASources Sources: https ://www.census.gov Texas Demographic Center http://txsdc. utsa.edu/Data/TPEPP/Projections/

6

Apply Online Online by Apply by MARCH 10, 10, 2017 2017 MARCH CASTschools.com CASTschools.com

MARCH 6 - APRIL 3 , 2017

HAPPENING LOCAL

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

OUR GUIDE TO YOUR MONTH

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FOOD

HERBAL LIFE The San Antonio Herb Society meets 9 on the second Thursday of the month featuring speakers and programs at San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels Ave. Refreshments and social time starts at 6:30 p.m.; program is at 7 p.m. For more, visit www.sanantonioherbs.org.

SCHOOL’S OUT Campuses in Alamo Heights, North East 13-17 the and San Antonio independent school districts will be closed for Spring Break. For more, visit www.ahisd.net, www.neisd.net or www.saisd.net.

OPEN-AIR MOVIES At Cinema, free 11, 25 Southtown flicks are shown the second and fourth Saturdays of the month in Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair Park, 434 S. Alamo St. Films begin after dark.

The first picture is “Back to the Future,” followed in two weeks by “Nacho Libre.”

For more including a list of upcoming films, visit www.slabcinema.com.

MARCH

5K, 10K Competitive Walking 10K

MUSIC

For more and to confirm dates and times, visit http://www.alamoheightstx.gov/.

MARCH

@CASTtechschool 210-554-2700 CASTtech@saisd.net CASTschools.com

OUTDOOR

COME ON DOWN! Attend “The Price is Right Live,” 8 an interactive stage show in the H-E-B Performance Hall at Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, at 7:30 p.m. Win prizes just like on TV. For more including purchasing $26.50, $36.50 or $46.50 tickets, visit www.tobincenter.org, call 223-8624 or go to the box office.

MARCH

IS YOUR KID INTO TECH?

EVENT

BEGINNERS’ BIRD WALK Led by Georgina Schwartz, 11 the San Antonio Audubon Society outing begins at 8 a.m. at the Judson Nature Trails start point, 246 Viesca St. in Alamo Heights.

Nonmembers are welcome; binoculars can be provided. The free walk is held the second Saturday of each month. For more, call 342- 2073 or visit saaudubon. org or www.facebook.com/saaudubon/.

MARCH

ALAMO HEIGHTS COUNCIL MARCH The City Council meets at 5:30 13, 27 p.m. in the municipal complex, 6116 Broadway, on the second and fourth Monday of the month, except holidays.

TERRELL HILLS MEETING City Council meets at 5 p.m.

13 at City Hall, 5100 N. New Braunfels Ave., on the second Monday of each month. Sessions are open to the public. For more and to confirm dates and times, visit www.terrell-hills.com.

MARCH

MARCH

OUTDOOR MOVIE Beginning at sundown, the San Antonio 14 Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave., shows films on selected dates. Bring lawn chairs and blankets to view “The Sapphire.” For more including an updated lineup of flicks, visit www.slabcinema.com.

MARCH

PRESERVING HISTORY The Monte Vista Historical 14 Association board meets the second Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8 p.m. in Landa Branch Library’s annex, 233 Bushnell Ave. For more, call 737-8212 or visit http://www.montevista-sa.org/.

MARCH

ART: IT’S MORE THAN A NAME Artpace, 445 N. Main Ave., hosts its artist-in-residence program, where out-of-town talent comes to the Alamo City. This spring, view works by Houston’s Robert Hodge, Nicholas Frank from Milwaukee and Kate Newby from Auckland, New Zealand. For more, visit artpace.org.

MARCH 16 - MAY 7

OLMOS PARK GOVERNMENT On the third Thursday of 16 each month, City Council meets at 6 p.m. in City Hall, 120 W. El

MARCH

HAPPENING continues on pg. 07

7

LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM HAPPENING continues from pg. 06 Prado Drive. For more and to confirm dates and times, visit olmospark.org.

IRISH PRIDE Downtown St. s Day festivities include an 17-18 Patrick’ Alamo wreath-laying ceremony at 300 Alamo Plaza March 17 at noon, followed at 1 p.m. by dyeing the San Antonio River green. Murphy’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival, with various activities from La Villita and the Arneson River Theatre, 418 Villita St., and more, is March 17 from 2-9 p.m. and March 18 from noon to 9 p.m. Also, don’t miss the river parade at 4 p.m. March 18. For more, visit www.harpandshamrock.org.stpats.php.

MARCH

MUSICAL PERFORMANCE Azul Spring Concert 18-19 Noche Series, presented by Esperanza Peace & Justice Center, 922 San Pedro Ave., continues at 8 p.m. March 18 and 4 p.m. March 19 with “Dos Gardenias.” Hear musicians pay homage to Cuban songs.

Admission is $7. For more, call 228-0201 or visit www.esperanzacenter.org.

MARCH

OFF AND RUNNING “Alamo 13.1,” the original springtime 19 half-marathon racing event in San Antonio, starts at 7:30 a.m., 300 Alamo Plaza. For more, including registration costs, visit www.athleteguild.com.

MARCH

RIVERTINI The ninth annual MARCH Rivertini cocktail contest is 23 at the Wyndham Garden San Antonio Riverwalk/Museum Reach, 103 9th St., from 6-8:30 p.m. Sample drinks from top bartenders while enjoying food and live music. Admission is $75.

For tickets, visit www.rivertini.org.

AHISD BOARD SESSION Alamo Heights Independent 23 School District trustees hold a 7 p.m. meeting in the Central Office, 7101 Broadway. For more and to confirm dates and times, visit ahisd.net.

MARCH

AUTHOR LUNCHEON The San Antonio Conservation Society 24 will honor 12 Texas authors at its biannual Publication Awards, a 10:30

MARCH

a.m. luncheon and award presentation at The Argyle, 934 Patterson Ave. in Alamo Heights. Guests can mingle with the writers. Reservations are $55 per person; seating is limited. Reservations and payment must be received by March 17 by registering online at www.saconservation. org/awards.aspx or mailing a check to the society at 107 King William St., San Antonio, TX 78205. For more, call 2246163 or visit www.saconservation.org.

READY, SET, GO! The fifth annual “Viva! SA Race” 25 running event takes place at 9 a.m. (packet pickup 8 a.m.) at Hemisfair Park, 434 S. Alamo St. There will be a 5K, 10K, kids’ race and competitive walk.

Prizes for best Fiesta attire, too. For more including registration costs, visit jlsa.org.

MARCH

NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY OF TEXAS The monthly meeting 28 of the San Antonio chapter will start with a seed and native-plant exchange at 6:30 p.m., followed by a 7 p.m. program in the Lions Field Adult

MARCH

Don’t Let a Small Leak Turn Into Thousands of Dollars in Damage

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Center, 2809 Broadway. The group gathers on the fourth Tuesday of the month, except August, November and December. For more, visit https:// sanantoniochapter.wordpress.com.

I’M ALL EARS The Tuesday Musical Club Artist Series 24 concludes its 94th season at 2 p.m. with a performance by pianist Roman Rabinovich at Laurel Heights United Methodist Church, 227 W. Woodlawn Ave. Cost is $25; handicapped seating available. Park free in the church’s lot. For more and to make purchases, visit www.satmc.org or www.facebook. com/SATMC or call 364-1992.

MARCH

COMEDY PERFORMANCE H-E-B Performance Hall at 30 Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, hosts comedian Jim Jefferies at 8 p.m. For ticket costs and more, visit www.tobincenter. org, call 223-8624 or go to the box office.

MARCH

HAPPENING continues on pg. 08

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HAPPENING continues from pg. 07 WE’RE OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD San Antonio College students will perform “The Wizard of Oz” at the McAllister Fine Arts Auditorium, 1300 San Pedro Ave. All shows start at 7:30 p.m., except 2:30 p.m. Sundays. For more including ticket costs, call 486-0255.

MARCH 30 - APRIL 2, APRIL 6-9

CAMBRIDGE BALLOONFEST Cambridge Elementary 31 School, 1001 Townsend Ave. in Alamo Heights, hosts the funfilled community event from 3:30-6:30 p.m. For more, visit www.ahisd.net.

MARCH

Kitchens That Inspire Your Inner Chef Enjoy an in-home chef experience with purchase of an appliance package. See store for details.

DANCING FOR A CAUSE Trilogy Dance Center, 1242 31 Austin Highway, conducts a program from 6:30-7:30 p.m. combining dancing and social awareness. The last Friday of each month, adults can take a free dance class, enjoy a cocktail and hear about, and possibly contribute to, a nonprofit organization. For updates, call 479-1551 or visit www.trilogydancecenter.com.

MARCH

RELIGIOUS ART DISPLAY Texas’ missions and AUG. 20 View churches like you’ve never seen them before, with works by wood sculptor Roberto Cardinale. Come to the Institute of Texan Cultures, 801 E. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m.

Sundays. Ticket costs vary. For more, call 458-2300 or visit TexanCultures.com.

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ROTARY CLUB The Alamo TUESDAYS Heights Rotary Club meets at noon in the Petroleum Club on the seventh floor of the north building in Energy Plaza, 8620 N. New Braunfels Ave. Visitors are welcome. For more, visit http://www.ahrotary.org/.

ALAMO HEIGHTS WEDNESDAYS TOASTMASTERS The chapter meets at 7 p.m. in Room 365 of the Administration Building at the University of the Incarnate Word, 4301 Broadway. RSVP is appreciated, but not required. For more, visit alamoheights.toastmastersclubs.org.

SUBMITTING EVENTS: Email info to tips@localcommunitynews.com.

9

LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

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

Open and Opening Soon 1. THE FLATS AT BIG TEX, 423 Blue Star St., is a “progressive apartment and townhome neighborhood located in Southtown, alongside the San Antonio River.” Leasing hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. For more, call 844-388-8478 or visit www. bigtexflats.com/. (See story on page 22) 2. LOWCOUNTRY, 318 Martinez St., is a new cocktail bar in Southtown that features a classical and comfortable interior as well as an outdoor patio.

Lowcountry offers live music and other special events. Hours are 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily. For more, call 560-2224 or visit www.lowcountrysa.com or facebook.com/ lowcountrysa. (See story on page 23)

Address of local business Name of local business

IN OTHER NEWS TORNADO STRIKES ‘09 A tornado with winds up to 120 mph passed through the Dijon Heights neighborhood in North Central shortly after 10:30 p.m. Feb. 19, causing severe damage to area homes and offices, as well as many condos in Chateau Dijon Townhomes and the adjacent Dijon North complex, between 7707 and 7731 Broadway. Reports of adverse winds also came in from Linda Drive. The Oak Park-Northwood neighborhoods, as well as Northern Hills on the North Side, also sustained damage, according to District 10 Councilman Mike Gallagher. A total of five tornadoes — including the one that touched down near the 6100 block of San Pedro Avenue and moved east past the Alamo Quarry Market, carving a swathe

of destruction over 4 miles — touched down in the greater San Antonio area during a major thunderstorm, damaging 117 structures but causing no serious injuries, according to authorities. A day after the downpour, nearly 1,600 homes in the Alamo Heights area remained without electricity, according to reports. Woodridge Elementary School also was closed for a day due to a lack of power. For more on this story, pick up next month’s LOCAL Community News. For a photo gallery, visit www.localcommunitynews.com.

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FOLLOWING A NATIONAL SEARCH, TRINITY UNIVERSITY HAS SELECTED HUGH DASCHBACH as senior director of alumni relations, according to officials. Daschbach, Trinity Class of 1995, started work in late February and succeeds Carol Mansen, who had served as interim director since October .

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MARCH 6 - APRIL 3 , 2017

HEALTH CARE

STROKE PREVENTION & TREATMENT

SA medicine works to treat, end strokes

by RON AARON EISENBERG

S

trokes are a serious medical emergency.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 800,000 Americans annually suffer a stroke, with about threequarters classified as first-time occurrences.

It’s the fifth-leading U.S. killer at nearly 130,000 people a year, or one out of 20 deaths.

ISCHEMIC STROKES

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OF STROKES ARE THE RESULT OF BLOOD CLOTS IN THE BRAIN

Every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke, defined as blood flow to the brain interrupted by a blockage (clot), or a rupture (tear) in an artery, depriving the brain of oxygen. Strokes caused by blood clots are called ischemic (87 percent); others resulting from bleeding in the brain, or the surrounding area, are termed hemorrhagic.

While everyone is susceptible, San Antonio is on the forefront of research and development for treatment and prevention, health care workers said.

“Pre-2009, things were not good in San Antonio for stroke care. Patients were even being transferred to Austin where treatment was much better than here,” said Dr. Lee Birnbaum, director of the Stroke Center at University Health System and associate professor of neurology and neurosurgery at UT Health San Antonio (formerly the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio), “but that’s no longer the case. We are now a world-class center for stroke care.”

According to Birnbaum, University Hospital is one of only three comprehensive stroke centers in Bexar County and is the only American Heart Association/American Stroke Association facility certified by the nonprofit the Joint Commission as a comprehensive stroke center in South Texas. That means the hospital has met the more stringent certification measures

HEMORRHAGIC STROKES

13

%

OF STROKES ARE THE RESULT OF BLEEDING IN THE BRAIN

demanded by The Joint Commission, which accredits health care operations.

On its website, University Hospital notes it is in an elite group of only three hospitals statewide and slightly more than 100 hospitals across the country to be so recognized by The Joint Commission.

“With that certification, University Hospital is said to excel in all aspects of stroke care – from prevention, to treatment of even the most complex patients, to recovery and rehabilitation, to research into new and better therapies,” Birnbaum said.

In addition, San Antonio MDNews recounted the hospital launched a communitywide education campaign

ISCHEMIC STROKES

AN OBSTRUCTION WITHIN A BLOOD VESSEL SUPPLYING BLOOD TO THE BRAIN.

HEMORRHAGIC STROKES OCCURS WHEN A WEAKENED BLOOD VESSEL RUPTURES.

TRANSIENT ISCHEMIC ATTACK CAUSED BY A TEMPORARY CLOT. OFTEN CALLED A “MINI STROKE”.

to generate broad public understanding of stroke symptoms and the need to get patients to the hospital as quickly as possible if a stroke is suspected. The campaign uses F.A.S.T., or the major warning signs of stroke, as its focal point – facial droop, arm weakness, slurred speech and time critical.

Coupled with the outreach effort, University Hospital also initiated an internal stroke-education campaign.

Every University Health System employee, from clinical staff to administrators, has a card attached to their identification badge listing the F.A.S.T. symptoms and the internal phone number to trigger a stroke alert.

Stroke centers in Bexar County can diagnose the type of stroke, and administer clot-busting drugs if it’s ischemic. Patients with hemorrhagic strokes often need surgery to relieve the brain bleed and can be treated at the comprehensive stroke centers.

The centers include University Hospital, St Luke’s Baptist Hospital and at Methodist Healthcare System.

Stroke risk can be reduced by embracing a healthier lifestyle, including a balanced diet, increased exercise and lowering high blood pressure. On ways to reach these goals, visit www.strokeassociation.org.

Stroke-prevention tips offered by Harvard Health at www.health.harvard. edu include lowering blood pressure, losing weight, exercising more, drinking in moderation, treating atrial fibrillation and diabetes, and quitting smoking.

Corinthia “Cori” Nash, regional stroke program coordinator at Christus Santa Rosa Health System, notes females are in greater danger.

“More women die from stroke and heart attack each year than from all forms of cancer combined,” Nash said.

“Women are more likely to die of stroke and heart attack than men. Pregnant women have a higher risk for stroke as do women after menopause.”

The CDC reports AfricanAmericans and Hispanics also are more prone to strokes than Anglos.

High blood pressure is by far the leading cause, but age also plays a factor.

HOW TO SPOT A STROKE

F.A.S.T. FACE DROOPING

ARM

WEAKNESS

SPEEECH DIFFICULTY

TIME

CALL 911

SOURCE: STROKEASSOCIATION.ORG

The American Stroke Association warns people who are physically inactive, eat too much salt and overindulge with alcohol are at higher risk for elevated blood pressure.

Although rare, youngsters can also have strokes.

“Two in 100,000 children suffer a stroke every year, but children with sickle cell anemia have a much greater chance of stroke,” said Dr. Gary Bobele, a pediatric neurologist at The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio.

The Internet Stroke Center, www. strokecenter.org, reports an estimated 17 percent of kids under 14 with sickle cell disease have silent strokes; the rate increases to 23 percent by 18. Silent strokes occur without obvious outward symptoms such as movement difficulties.

Getting victims help rapidly is critical, doctors said.

“For every 15 minutes you delay stroke care, four out of 1,000 people will die,” said Dr. Adam Blanchette, a neurologist and stroke and telemedicine director for Methodist Healthcare System. “Therefore, if you think you are having a stroke, call 911. You want to get to a hospital as quickly as possible.”

With modern medical advancements, often strokes don’t translate to dying.

“Stroke used to be considered a death sentence,” said Dr. Mark Ogden, regional stroke program medical director for Christus Santa Rosa, “but no longer. There is more hope today.”

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“Yes, all that is still in place,” said Eddy King, owner of Partners Insurance Advisors. “It would be extremely difficult to repeal 100 percent and cause people to lose coverage. Everything will remain the same for the following year.”

Also known as the Affordable Care Act, the law created a marketplace for people

without health insurance to purchase plans. It offers tax credits, depending on income, to help pay premiums.

The act also mandates everyone must obtain insurance or pay a penalty.

Critics say the law is dysfunctional, bringing huge losses for insurers and big premium hikes for consumers. Across Texas, Blue Cross Blue Shield raised its rates from 40 to almost 60 percent for 2017, according to documents filed with the federal government at healthcare.gov.

Meanwhile, proponents assert the number of insured Texans skyrocketed dramatically because of President

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LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM INSURANCE continues from pg. 12 Barack Obama’s health care law. Data shows from 2010 to 2015, the amount of uninsured people in the state declined by 1.7 million, according to a Department of Health and Human Services report published in December 2016.

On Jan. 20, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing government agencies to “ease the burdens” of “Obamacare,” while the new administration and Congress work toward repealing and replacing the current law.

“A lot of individuals are concerned about subsidies, if subsidies (go) away, if the individual mandates (go) away, individuals might leave the marketplace, causing insurance premiums to rise,” King said.

King said PIA, founded in 2006, focuses on small businesses, and can add employers and start a plan at any time.

“Most individuals need an employerbased system for health insurance,” he added. “I’m hoping for changes — more tax credits, U.S. deductions for small business owners to give their employees health care insurance — that would be beneficial for everyone.”

In Bexar County for 2017, there are four providers offering 38 individual and family health insurance plans on the exchanges: Oscar Insurance Co. of Texas, AmBetter, Humana Health Plan of Texas Inc. and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. The only plans available for purchase in Texas for next year are a health maintenance organization (HMO) or an exclusive provider organization (EPO).

Humana customers recently learned a dispute between their provider and the Tenet Healthcare chain of hospitals has limited their access to medical services since Oct. 1.

Tenet operates five Baptist Health System hospitals in San Antonio, including Baptist Medical Center, Northeast

Baptist Hospital, North Central Baptist Hospital, Mission Trail Baptist Hospital and St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital.

“In the interest of our plan members, Humana has tried for many months to keep Tenet as a preferred medical care provider in the Humana network,” said Ross McLerran, a Humana spokesman.

“Tenet unilaterally terminated its agreement with Humana for Medicare Advantage, commercial, Medicaid, individual major medical plans offered through the public exchange and Tricare product offerings as of Sept. 30, 2016.”

Baptist spokeswoman Patti Tanner offered a slightly differing view, stating they “will continue to be open to reaching an agreement that would restore in-network access to our health care providers for patients with Humana insurance.”

She added, “We have reached out to Humana and are waiting on them to respond to us and show interest in starting negotiations again.”

One issue some local Humana insurance holders face is they haven’t been able to access Baptist hospitals in-network since Oct. 1, meaning they’ll have to pay higher out-of-pocket costs if they want to continue using Baptist’s hospitals, doctors, urgent-care centers and other services.

McLerran said Humana has provided regular communications to its members affected by the Tenet network contract termination, sharing information with these folks on alternative hospitals, primary-care doctors and specialists in its health care provider network.

Tanner noted Tenet and Humana’s contract negotiations don’t affect emergency care at Baptist hospitals.

“It’s important to remember the following: emergency care access is not impacted,” she said. “You can continue to receive emergency care at our emergency rooms, regardless of our network status with Humana.”

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LOWDOWN continues from pg. 09 SCHOOL, CAST Tech, unveiled design plans Feb. 14 for what officials are calling “an innovative environment designed to encourage a radically different high school experience.” CAST Tech is an in-district charter school of SAISD, and will be housed in two former vocational buildings on the downtown campus of Fox Tech High School. Officials also announced $150,000 in donations from AT&T and Frost Bank to help build the facility, “a first-of-its-kind model that will work hand-in-hand with the local tech industry to train students in coding, gaming, cyber-security, business entrepreneurship and more,” according to a spokeswoman. CAST Tech was made possible by a lead gift from Charles Butt of $2.6 million and an additional $1 million from H-E-B. Butt is chairman and CEO of the grocery chain.

In addition, Graham Weston’s 80/20 Foundation put up a $600,000 challenge grant to spur contributions from the tech and business sector. SAISD officials and

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THE TERRELL HILLS CITY COUNCIL APPROVED A CONTRACT with Texas Towing for wrecker services for city-owned vehicles, as well as non-consent towing of vehicles as determined by the Police Department.

The contact was approved Feb. 13.

IN AN EFFORT TO IMPROVE ELECTRICAL SERVICE RELIABILITY IN ALAMO HEIGHTS, CPS Energy is trimming trees, according to officials. CPS has identified specific areas in and around the city that are “prone to create electric outages due to tree limbs being in contact with main primary or secondary electric service lines.” CPS has contracted with McCoy Tree Service to complete the project. The work began on Jan. 9 and is expected to take three months, officials say.

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DISTRICT 1 COUNCILMAN ROBERTO TREVIÑO to file a Council Consideration Request asking for a staff review of the city’s First Amendment policies relating to free speech and peaceful gatherings, according to reports. Residents have told his office they were informed they could not hold peaceful demonstrations because they lacked proper permits, which may also require a fee, the councilman said. Trevino and other council members support creating policies they view as less restrictive, according to officials. Council members Rey Saldana, Ron Nirenberg, Alan Warrick and Shirley Gonzalez joined Trevino in signing the request.

SAN PEDRO AVENUE BETWEEN QUINCY AND MAIN AVENUES will remain closed until summer, followed by other lane closures on Main and Navarro Street, due to the construction of the Main, Navarro & San Pedro Roundabout project. The roundabout is part of the 2012-17 Bond Program Downtown Streets Reconstruction Project, according

to officials. The closure began Jan. 30.

THE SAN ANTONIO ZOO RECENTLY RECOGNIZED the Valero Energy Foundation and Lowry Mays and the Mays Family Foundation as recipients of the San Antonio Zoological Society’s 2016 Wildlife Conservation Award. The new, annual award is “bestowed upon those in the San Antonio community who exemplify a strong commitment to conservation leadership.”

ARCHBISHOP GUSTAVO GARCIASILLER ON JAN. 24 VISITED THE BEXAR COUNTY REENTRY SERVICES CENTER, a near-downtown facility that provides help and services to those released from jail or prison. The center opened in June 2016 and is the only county-run facility of its kind in Texas, according to officials. GarciaSiller’s visit highlighted the recent implementation at the center of a “faith-based component” now available to formerly incarcerated people.

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LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ELECTIONS continues from pg. 01

Elections, bond issues are May 6

by EDMOND ORTIZ

T

here is no shortage of options in the elections May 6 for San Antonio’s City Council and North Central suburbs, while the Alamo Heights Independent School District plans to float a $135 million bond issue.

San Antonio voters also will consider separate propositions in an $850 million bond referendum to fund infrastructure improvements and quality-of-life issues; it does not call for a tax hike.

Alamo Heights has no contested races, but it will have a notable change.

Longtime Councilman Bobby Rosenthal looks to succeed Louis Cooper, who is not seeking re-election as mayor.

Early voting takes place April 24-May 2.

SAN ANTONIO San Antonio Council District 10, which stretches from the Oak Park/Northwood neighborhood to the Northeast Side, has 10 candidates. It’s an open contest as incumbent Mike Gallagher is not seeking re-election.

District 10 candidates include: Army retiree Andrew Padilla; retired Air Force civil engineer Clayton Perry; Jonathan Delmer, Oak Park/ Northwood Neighborhood Association president; and attorney Ezra Johnson.

Also: real estate investor Reinette King; Army retiree Lon Jett IV; school psychologist/business owner Diana Kenny; therapist John Alvarez; private care attendant Celeste Montez-Tidwell; and Eric Morse, an instructional developer at USAA. Delmer and other Oak Park/ Northwood residents have pressed Google Fiber to remove from Haskin Park a structure facilitating the company’s fiber-optic network deployment.

Kenny said she has the right career skills to represent District 10 on the council: “I act on my ideas and create success through good communication, strong problem-solving skills and hard work.”

Attorney Lauro Bustamante, organizer

15

Robert Feria, consultant Adrian Flores, attorney Michael Montano and association manager Ross Trevino are challenging incumbent Roberto C. Treviño, an architect, in District 1.

In District 2, incumbent and business owner Alan Warrick is being challenged

by Dori Brown, an office manager/tax preparer; attorney William “Cruz” Shaw; and school liaison officer Keith Toney.

Businesswoman Cynthia Cavazos, attorney David Yanez, business recruiter Richard Montez, businessman Daniel Lopez, and office coordinator Dolores Sotomayor are challenging incumbent and business owner Shirley Gonzales in District 5.

San Antonio’s mayoral candidates are incumbent and city planner Ivy Taylor; District 8 incumbent and consultant Ron Nirenberg; Bexar County Democratic Chair Manuel Medina; contractor Antonio Diaz; paramedic Keven Roles; consultant Gerald Ponce; clinical psychologist John Velasquez; and Rhett Smith, retired private security operative.

Also, Navy retiree Michael Idrogo; security expert Will McLeod; Gardopia Gardens founder Stephen Lucke; Napoleon Madrid, Felicio Flores and Julie “Mama Bexar” Oldham.

San Antonio’s 2017-22 bond consists of six separate propositions for improvements citywide: streets, bridges and sidewalks; drainage and flood control; parks, recreation and open space; library and cultural facilities; public safety facilities; and neighborhoods/affordable housing.

Details are at www.sanantonio. gov/2017bond. Savings in the city’s debt service property tax rate are expected to support the bond without any increases.

ALAMO HEIGHTS Mayor Cooper said it was time to move on, clearing the way for Councilman Rosenthal, an attorney, to run for the top spot. Cooper, president of Calling Solutions, served 16 years in office, including a prior stint as a council member.

“All good things must come to an end,” Cooper added. “(Rosenthal) has every quality you’d want in a mayor.”

Attorney Weston Sharples filed to replace Rosenthal, who has been the Place 2 representative since 2005. Incumbent Lawson Jessee is

ELECTIONS continues on pg. 16

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ELECTIONS continues from pg. 15 running unopposed for Place 1.

Meanwhile, voters will consider raising the city’s sales-tax rate from 8 percent to 8.25 percent to help boost its street maintenance and repair program.

OLMOS PARK, TERRELL HILLS Incumbent council members William Ochse and Marilyn Eldridge have no challengers in Terrell Hills. But local voters will consider revising some of the city’s charter, mainly to clean up outdated language in the document.

Incumbents Sharon Plant and Juliana Dusek filed for Olmos Park’s two of three at-large council seats. But the council will have to fill a vacancy as incumbent Deb Prost declined to file. All council terms last two years.

SCHOOLS In AHISD, incumbent Barbara Judson, a public policy professional, drew opposition from Aimee Voorhies for Place 4.

James Nittoli, golf director at the

San Antonio Country Club, and attorney Ryan Anderson filed to succeed Place 3 incumbent Lynn Thompson, who declined a re-election bid. AHISD terms last three years.

Meanwhile, trustees also approved putting a $135 million all-in-one bond before voters. If approved, it would support renovations to existing classrooms, and space reconfiguration at some schools to provide more lab and learning space.

A 5.5-cent increase on the debt service tax rate is to fund the bond.

In the San Antonio Independent School District, retired teacher Sandra Medina is challenging incumbent Steve Lecholop, an attorney, for District 1. SAISD terms last four years.

Alamo Colleges is proposing a $450 million bond May 6 to build new facilities, renovate existing buildings and secure land.

The district’s oldest campuses, St. Philip’s and San Antonio colleges, would each receive more than $80 million from an approved bond. District officials said the bond would not raise property tax rates.

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augh for Lymphoma was held at the Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club and chaired

by Amy Garcia, Sheila Mayfield and Carla Nelson. This hilarious evening featured Texas comedians Vic Henley and Jason Cheny, a delicious dinner catered by Paloma Blanca, dessert by Cookie Cab and a toast to honorary chairwoman and lymphoma survivor Katie Russell.

The Alamo Kiwanis Charity Art Show invested in art and the children of the community during a recent evening with artists, their work and the theme “Great Art for a Great Cause.”

Participating artists displayed and sold their works with a portion of each sale being donated to the club’s charities. The artwork included oil paintings, watercolors, etchings, sculptures and other works.

Since the first charity art show in 1963, the Kiwanis Club has donated more than

$2.8 million to local children’s charities.

The San Antonio Symphony League hosted the 47th Annual Symphony Ball, “Crown Jewels of Vienna,” highlighting the 2017 Symphony Belles.

They are Katherine Paige Adelman, Kathleen Anne Ballantyne, Juliana Patricia Bathie, Margaret Mary Booke, Margaret Leigh Calvert, Sophie Paulina Cantu, Tatiana Pierce Cervera, Kaitlyn Nicole Dubrof, Abbie Taylor Farrimond, Caroline Elizabeth Finney, Marbella Gaona, Jacqueline Demar Gunter, Madeline Anne Guy, Micaela Alexandra Hogan, Katherine Chappell Hollingshead, Abigayle Suzanne Hughes, Peggy Paige Autenrieth Johnson, Caroline Swan Kelleher, Georgia Patton Kinsel, Abigail Seawillow Kirby, Andrea Michelle Magoon, Hannah Brittany Mann, Ellen Amelia McFarland, Eden Sarah Miller, Helena Oseguera, Lauren Elizabeth Prichard, Eliza Marie Rosenbloom, Aubrey Elise Rosenthal, Blake Anne Shetler, Madeleine Victoria Shetler, Margaret Eleanor Shetler, Georgia Estelle Steves, Alexandra Tate Sugg, Alissa Anne Tolin, Mia Margaret Tolin and Carson Elizabeth Wolff.

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TERRELL HILLS continues from pg. 01

Engineer says most streets in good shape

by BAIN SERNA

T

ERRELL HILLS — After receiving an engineering update, city leaders are eyeing plans for comprehensive street repairs that could begin this summer.

The estimated cost for the project is $1.14 million.

Pape-Dawson Engineers Inc. representative Dan Thoma gave a short presentation regarding the proposed work during the Feb. 13 regular City Council meeting.

“The street presentation was brief,”

Dan Thoma, a representative of Pape-Dawson Engineers Inc., recently gave a presentation to the Terrell Hills City Council on street upgrades. Photo

by Bain Serna

said Mayor Anne Ballantyne after the meeting. “I hope that when the bids come in, we are pleasantly surprised and can fit everything into our budget, which is a little over a million dollars. We would obviously like to get as much done as possible.”

Pape-Dawson is about 95 percent finished with the plan for street

upgrades, the mayor added.

The work is slated to go out for bids in May, with a target date for construction to begin in August and be completed by February 2018.

“This is our first street project with Pape Dawson as our new city engineers, so we are excited to get this one in the works,” Ballantyne said. “We will continue to look at how we want to go forward with the rest of the streets; our infrastructure is a very high priority.”

The lanes slated for rehabilitation work are Elizabeth Road (from New Braunfels Avenue to Eldon Road), Marion Road (from Terrell Road to Charles Road), and Grandview Place.

Elizabeth will receive partial reconstruction and some curb replacements; Marion will be fully reconstructed, including the curbs; and Grandview gets pavement rehabilitation and some curb replacement.

The estimated cost is $870,000, according to officials.

Additional streets targeted for improvements are Cross Lane (from Terrell Road to Charles), Oak Lane (from Terrell to Elizabeth), Charles (from the 90-degree bend in the 400 block to Eldon Road) and Valley View Avenue (from Lilac Lane to Grandview).

All four streets will receive a partial rehabilitation and spot-curb replacement; the projected cost is $270,000, officials said.

“The city did a five-year management plan about six years ago now,” said Thoma after the meeting. “We kind of dusted that off and they wanted to get the most for where they were at with their budget. Most of the streets are actually in good shape, though Marion definitely needs work.”

He added, “We looked at the history of the streets and saw what we needed to get to and here we are and here’s what we want to do.”

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LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ART MONTH continues from pg. 01

Photo montage to feature 1986 Blue Star show

by DAN R. GODDARD

N

ow entering its fourth decade, Contemporary Art Month — the annual celebration of all things new — plans to take a more serious approach, especially the CAMMIE Awards.

'Funnel Cakes' by Ana Fernandez is representative of the artworks that will be on display during Contemporary Art Month. This year, CAM is partnering with the Southwest School of Art to present 2017 CAM Perennial: Reflections of Landscape and Memory, curated by Chris Ingalls of Miami. Courtesy photo

nonprofit institutions, galleries and artist-run spaces all over the city.

“The CAMMIES have been kind of a joke, but this year we’ve invited the city’s major institutions to present awards, so we hope this will be a better way of rewarding the good work the artists are doing,” Sauter said. “We’ll still have the

people’s choice award, but the institutions will be sending out representatives looking for the best exhibits and artists they want to recognize.”

The San Antonio Museum of Art, McNay Art Museum, Southwest School

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MARCH 6 - APRIL 3 , 2017

ART MONTH continues from pg. 19 of Art, Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum, Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, Carver Community Cultural Center and Artpace have been invited to be judges for the CAMMIES, which will be presented March 30 at the Linda Pace Foundation’s CHRISPark, 111 Camp St. Also, CAM co-chairwoman Roberta Hassele noted one of the most controversial CAMMIE awards won’t be making a comeback.

“CAM 2016 saw the last year of Miss CAM San Antonio,” Hassele said.

But the biggest flap last year occurred when the Guadalupe abruptly canceled the “CAM Perennial 2016” exhibit because no Latino artists were included. When no other venue could be found at the last minute, the exhibit did not happen.

This year, “CAM Perennial 2017: Reflections of Landscape and Memory” will run March 10 to April 30 in the Russell Hill Rogers Galleries of the Santikos Building

at the Southwest School of Art, at Augusta and Navarro streets.

“In the future, the CAM Perennial will rotate around to different institutions and venues each year,” Sauter said. “We still think it’s important for the curator to have an outside point of view and to be independent to provide a fresh perspective on the local art scene.

This year we decided to focus on Miami, which has become an important center of contemporary art because of its art fairs. We also think the scale of the Miami art scene is comparable to a lot of things happening in San Antonio.”

Chris Ingalls of Miami-based Ingalls & Associates served as this year’s curator for the CAM Perennial.

She’s an accredited member of the International Society of Appraisers — specializing in the valuation of modern and contemporary sculpture, painting and works on paper — and a member of ArtTable, a national organization for professional women in the visual arts.

After numerous local studio visits, she selected a diverse mix of 15 San

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And CAM is sponsoring an exhibit exchange with Miami’s Laundromat Art Space. “CAMx 2017” is set for March 11-25 in Rubio Gallery-South operated by San Antonio artist Alex Rubio in the Southtown Flats, 111 Probandt St., across the street from the Blue Star Arts Complex.

“Each year, CAM selects a different city to dialogue with and this year it’s Miami,” Rubio said. “David McCauley, a founder of the Laundromat, selected eight Miami artists to show their work in San Antonio. Next fall, I’ll be curating a show of San Antonio artists for the Laundromat in Miami. I think it’s a great way for us to learn about Miami’s art scene and for Miami artists to see what’s happening in San Antonio.”

Blue Star Contemporary is

celebrating its 30th anniversary by having San Antonio artists respond to the original “Blue Star Exhibition” in 1986 that kicked off CAM. For “Homage,” on view through May 7, eight artists were asked to create new works inspired by pieces in the original show. You can see what the Blue Star circa 1986 looked like in a photo montage, and the works range from Michele Monseau’s setting-sun video to David Almaguer’s wall mural based on his childhood movie recollections.

“We wanted to try something different and have artists riff off the work being done in the 1980s,” said Mary Heathcott, Blue Star director.

“CAM has been great for getting the word out and encouraging people to discover the contemporary art being made in San Antonio.”

Artists around the city will be opening their studios to the public during CAM Open Studios on March 19. For a map and a complete calendar of CAM 2017 exhibits and events, visit the website at contemporaryartmonth.com.

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LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM MOLAK continues from pg. 01

Proposed law gives schools, police more tools

by BAIN SERNA

A

LAMO HEIGHTS — More than a year after teen David Molak took his own life in the wake of cyberbullying, friends and family say the tragedy has created a wave of positive reforms.

His parents have founded a nonprofit offering resources to victims of bullying, and state lawmakers are busy pushing for legislative actions such as David’s Law, to give police and school districts more leeway when investigating bullying allegations.

Molak, 16, an Eagle Scout and former Alamo Heights High School student, was found dead in his backyard Jan. 4, 2016.

The death was ruled a suicide by the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office; the teen’s family said he had faced months of bullying, including online harassment.

David’s Law was filed in both the Texas House and Senate on Nov. 14, the first day of filing.

“Senators José Menéndez (D-San Antonio) and Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo) authored the bills in the Senate and Ina Minjarez (D-San Antonio) filed the companion bills in the House,” said Matt Molak, the teen’s father.

“In the Senate, the bills have been assigned to the State Affairs and Public Education committees for consideration.

The House announced committee assignments … so we are waiting to see which committee gets the bills.”

Online attacks directed at David Molak and another San Antonio teen, Matt Vasquez, who was battling leukemia, prompted the initiative.

The law would require school districts to create a phone hotline to anonymously report cyberbullying, in turn notifying parents whether their child is a victim or abuser; it also clears the way for law enforcement officials to subpoena the online address where the attacks originate

so officers can speak to a perpetrator; requires school districts to develop a bullying policy and allows education officials to investigate allegations offcampus; allows for alternative schooling or even expulsion of bullies; and calls on campuses to provide additional counseling services to both victim and aggressor.

The law, if approved, also creates a criminal charge — in this case, a misdemeanor — for those who electronically harass or bully “anyone under the age of 18 through text messages, social media, websites, apps, or other means,” according to Menéndez’s office.

“We’re seeing cyberbullying all over the state, in every socioeconomic demographic,” Menéndez said. “I’m tired of the state not responding enough and I want to see what we can do as a state, working hand-in-hand with our school districts and law enforcement to curtail the level of cyberbullying, and hopefully prevent teens from committing suicide.”

Menéndez wants to empower schools, whether bullying happens on or off campus.

“I want schools to be able to know that they can help law enforcement engage in appropriate action that protects their students and the environment of their schools,” the senator said. “I think we all need to work together and not just wash our hands of any responsibility when bullying happens off campus.”

The legislative session opened Jan. 10 and is scheduled to end May 29.

Supporters agree the proposed legislation isn’t a complete cure for a problem as old as schools, but say it’s a step in the right direction.

“We are certain that a framework is necessary and that this needs to come from lawmakers,” Matt Molak said.

“Technology has outpaced the laws and those that are currently on the books are antiquated and off point.”

Researching what other states have done helped Texas advocates craft the proposed law.

“There are thousands of our youth that are being victimized. Most are suffering silently,” he said.

The Alamo Heights Independent School District instituted reforms not long after David Molak’s death, including forming a task force to solicit community input.

“Unfortunately, there are still schools that are either denying that the

KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE • Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves • Looking for a way to kill themselves • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain • Talking about being a burden to others • Increasing use of alcohol or drugs • Acting anxious or agitated, behaving recklessly • Sleeping too little or too much • Withdrawing or isolating themselves • Showing rage or talking about revenge • Extreme mood swings Source: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Watched by presenter Amanda Weber (right), Matt Molak speaks at the 7th Annual San Antonio Youth Film Festival Contest 'Can't Beat Love' about his son David, who committed suicide last year after being cyber-bullied. The film entries dealt with bullying. Courtesy photo

problem exists or are taking the posture that since the incidents are happening online, that they have no responsibility to intervene,” the elder Molak said.

In addition to the legislation, Molak and his wife, Maurine, started David’s Legacy Foundation last year to create resources in the struggle against cyberbullying.

An offshoot, the Don’t Bully Me Project, includes attorneys who offer free legal education to the community.

“David’s Legacy has been very active in funding programs and raising awareness,” Matt Molak said. “We have a great group of board members that have spoken about this issue at schools, civic groups and parents groups. Since the legislative session opened and since the session is very short, we are very focused on raising awareness among lawmakers and other groups that influence the Legislature.”

In addition, a website recognizes youths with character who stand up to bullying; the endeavor has also “created dialogue with the tech community to

look at ways to address the issue from a technology perspective,” Molak said.

He also believes the Federal Communications Commission can do more to protect young people from adverse influences on the web, but ultimately any real change starts at the most basic level.

“A change of heart is necessary, primarily among the peers,” Molak said.

“As parents, we can do better as role models by watching our own dialogue and communications. The goal is to get to the point where this type of abuse is not accepted by anyone and is along the lines of drinking or texting and driving.”

Molak said the darkness and cruelty that led to his son’s suicide can be turned into a beacon of hope for others.

“We can all learn something from the way David looked at life,” the father said.

“While he wasn’t perfect, David had a sensitive side and he had compassion for others … If we all shared that outlook, the world would be a better place.”

For more, visit http://davidslegacy.org/.

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MARCH 6 - APRIL 3 , 2017

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The Flats at Big Tex, a new apartment complex in Southtown, incorporates design elements of the former Big Tex Granary where the apartments are located.

Modern amenities include a pool. Photos by Collette Orquiz

Southtown apartments on SA River blend past, present

by COLLETTE ORQUIZ

N

ew apartments in Southtown pay homage to the property’s former tenant, Big Tex Granary, by keeping several of the structures from the early 1900s in the design.

Developed by The NRP Group, The Flats at Big Tex is a 336-unit, pet-friendly apartment community with studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom options and several different floor plans.

The Flats at Big Tex celebrated a grand opening in late November at 423 Blue Star St., built along a half mile of the San Antonio River.

“The community and units are modern and inviting with tall ceilings and large windows for a very open feeling. The community was designed to highlight the beauty of the river and city views,” said Diane Tidewell, NRP Group regional property manager.

“The NRP Group has a long history of developing in San Antonio, and was

pioneering in Southtown, specifically with the opening of Cevallos Lofts in 2011,” she added. “After the success of that project, our company has continued to look for ways to add density and vibrancy to that community.”

Tidewell added Southtown is the perfect place for apartments because it is convenient to offices, cultural centers and dining.

“The Flats at Big Tex offers excellent access to the San Antonio River Walk, superior amenities at the community, and beautiful finishes within each apartment,” Tidewell said.

The complex includes a fitness center, two dog parks, a resort-style pool, bicycle storage with a repair station and more.

There are 40 floor plans. Rent is competitive with similar communities in the area, company officials said.

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THE FLATS AT BIG TEX 423 Blue Star St. For more, call 844-388-8478 or visit www.bigtexflats.com

23

LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

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

Lowcountry wants to keep patrons in high spirits

by COLLETTE ORQUIZ

The ladies behind Crossroads Kitchen are adding soul to Southtown with Lowcountry, offering handcrafted cocktails and house-made snacks.

The operators say Lowcountry, located at 318 Martinez St., is the kind of place you’d feel comfortable bringing your friends or your parents.

“It’s affordable and approachable to everybody. That’s mainly what we were trying to do,” said co-owner Roberta Marques. “It’s really chill, but you can come in and get a fancy cocktail or a good glass of wine.”

Marques and co-owner Drew Morros wanted to transfer their Southern comfortfood concept at Crossroads to the cocktail scene. They partnered with Danny Delgado and Andrea Vince — who’ve opened Hi-Tones, La Botanica and several other joints — to create Lowcountry.

Patrons have described the atmosphere in the old, renovated house as homey, but Marques also thinks it’s “fancy” and “weird.”

Lowcountry is the area along South Carolina’s coast, where Morros grew up.

“You can come a little dressed up or after work, whatever. You could be fancy about it, but also be super down-to-earth at the same time, which I’m a fan of,” Marques added.

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Cocktails created by Denise De Clopper, formerly of Barbaro, feature regional liquors such as sugar-cane rum and whiskey; the lounge puts a spin on the classics. Saint Cece’s Punch is a popular drink, made with rum, and port wine and topped with Austin Eastciders’ pineapple cider.

The staff tries to make everything — from grenadine syrup to jellies— on-site.

“We come from a kitchen, so we want to get our hands in whatever parts of it we can,” Morros said.

“It doesn’t make sense to buy that, let’s just make it,” Marques added.

Snacks include boiled peanuts and cheese straws.

Lowcountry has live music at least once on the weekend, and features Back Yonder, a singer-songwriter’s night organized by musicians Garrett T. Capps and Torin Metz.

Happy hour is 4-7 p.m. daily with discounts ranging from beer to house cocktails.

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LOWCOUNTRY 318 Martinez St. For more, call 560-2224 or visit lowcountrysa.com or facebook.com/lowcountrysa

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Denise De Clopper (picture, right) creates a range of flavorful cocktails at Lowcountry, a new watering hole in Southtown. Pictured libations (photo, left) include Night Before (left), Winter Cobbler and Fly South.

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