LOCAL: Castle Hills, Shavano Park, North Central, 78213, 78230, 78248, 78249 April 2016 by San Antonio Local Community News

OPEN-CARRY LAW

PG.12 North Side cities, schools

approach new gun rules with different views and policies

LOCAL

PG. 04 LOCAL EDITORIAL

DEALS VALUE COUPONS

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

SEE PG. 27

Why aren't more people running for office?

PG. 03 SUSAN YERKES

COMMUNITY NEWS Find all digital editions at www.salocallowdown.com

Lone Star Rail goes off the tracks for now APR. 11 - MAY 9, 2016

VOL. 4, ISSUE 10

CASTLE HILLSS

FIGHTING OAK WILT

SHAVANO PARK

NORTH SIDE

78213 78230 78231 78248 78249

Coffee klatch with police popular in Shavano Park Residents and officers meet for Coffee with a Cop at neutral location to discuss wide range of topics PG.14

Nirenberg Castle Hills, measure would San Antonio ban coal-tar seal work to fend off coat on streets tree disease Industry proponents Suburb amends ordinance, Alamo City to launch awareness campaign PG.18

EAT LOCAL BUY LOCAL

counter that research hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t proven there is harm to humans, Edwards Aquifer PG.16

PG.24 FAT RACKS

SPORTS BAR AND BILLIARDS Offering libations and plenty of pool-table action at new venue

PG.22 PET'S BARN All-you-need supplies for a variety of critters, from dogs and cats to lizards

CASTLE HILLS

FLOODING Suburban city pins flooding woes on SA subdivision Officials say retention pond is not holding heavy rainfalls, which flow into neighborhood

PG.10

APRIL 11 - MAY 9, 2016

FROM THE EDITOR tedwards@localcommunitynews.com

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President Harold J. Lees Publisher Gregg Rosenfield Director of Operations Jaselle Luna

Assoc. Publisher Rick Upton EDITORIAL Executive Editor Thomas Edwards News Staff Collette Orquiz, Bain Serna and Will Wright Contributing Writers Olivier J. Bourgoin, Angela Hernandez, Joyce Hotchkiss, Noi Mahoney, Eric Moreno, Edmond Ortiz and Susan Yerkes ART Creative Director Florence D. Edwards Contributing Photographers Rudy B. Ornelas

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Zone 1: 78204, 78205, 78209, 78210, 78212, 78215 Zone 3: 78216, 78232, 78247 Zone 4/5: 78109, 78148, 78233, 78239 78108, 78132, 78154, 78266 Zone 6: 78258, 78259, 78260, 78261 Zone 7: 78015, 78023, 78255, 78256, 78257 For advertising, customer service or editorial, please call us at 210-338-8842 or write to us at: Local Community News 4204 Gardendale St., Ste. 201, San Antonio, TX 78229 Reproduction in whole or in part without our permission is prohibited, 2016 Helen Publishing LLC and Local Community News, LLC all rights reserved.

Fiesta memories

iesta is once again upon us, a time to join together in frolic, fun and frivolity. The celebrations create a moment to briefly shelve our cares and instead enjoy parades, decorations, tradition and even remember a little history. Some of my fondest memories of San Antonio involve Fiesta. When I was a boy many, many moons ago (during one of dad’s tours of duty at Fort Sam Houston), I always looked forward to the Battle of Flowers Parade. For one thing, I loved the colorful floats and the marching bands. But the fact schools were closed also had a lot to do with my enthusiasm. Early in the morning on the day of the parade, our family packed the station wagon with folding chairs, a cooler, provisions and blankets and headed south on Broadway to Maverick Park. We’d drive past Playland Park, the KFC and ButterKrust Bakery (to this day, I can still smell the delicious baking bread) until we arrived to stake our “claim” on the parade route. Back then, a locomotive engine was still on display in Maverick Park, giving us kids something to play on while the parents set up camp. Sometimes other Army families joined us. Then the parade would wind down Broadway. We quaffed enough Big Red to induce a sugar coma, stuffed ourselves with cotton candy and turkey legs, giggled at clowns, shouted at the musicians and waved at the pretty girls on the floats, until finally the spectacle ended. The chairs and blankets would be folded with military precision, the ice dumped from the cooler and the car reloaded, then we’d go chugging back up Broadway to our quarters on the post. By the time dad wheeled the station wagon past Kiddie Park, the kids — myself included — were falling fast asleep, spent by the day’s excitement. That’s my Fiesta memory. What’s yours?

THOMAS EDWARDS EXECUTIVE EDITOR ON THE COVER: Castle Hills is working with San Antonio to determine how to fix a retention pond just outside Castle Hills' city limits that floods Castle Hills during heavy rains. See story on page 10. Courtesy photo

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

LOCAL COMMENTARY

Derailed or on track? by SUSAN YERKES

he Lone Star Rail District plan for fast and frequent trains through the Interstate 35 corridor has had a derailment. Early this year, Union Pacific railroad folks announced they no longer wanted to be a part of the ambitious plan, which would reroute their freight traffic and use the existing tracks along the highway for passenger service. When I wrote about this effort in 2015, most readers responded positively. An alternative to the miserably congested San Antonio-to-Austin drive drew excitement. It seemed like a great idea. Lone Star Rail, since its creation by the state a decade

ago, has studied the prospect. Cities up and down the corridor have bought into the plan. Union Pacific was involved since 2010. Now, just as things really got rolling, the railroad company slammed on the brakes, nixing a move to new tracks and expressing concerns about how the change would affect its operations. Though the train definitely has been delayed, that doesn’t mean it isn’t coming, according to District 9 Councilman Joe Krier, a strong advocate of the railway project. We haven’t begun to experience the nightmare I-35 traffic will be without such an option, he added. “Under current conditions, by 2020 it will take longer to drive from San Antonio to Austin than it took before the interstate was built,” Krier said, “and we can’t pave our way to a solution.” Krier said there are already alternate route plans on the drawing board should Lone Star have to switch tracks. There’s also a chance Union Pacific will return to the table. “These projects never come without a thousand bumps and turns and starts and stops,” he said. “Austin, San Marcos, Round Rock, San Antonio and New Braunfels agree on this project, and that in itself is unheard of. We just have to keep calm and get back on track.”

So who knows? Maybe there’s still hope we can hop a train and skip the San Antonio-to-Austin traffic jam in the future. Maybe even in my lifetime ... but I’m not holding my breath. While intercity commuter rail has strong support, incorporating trains into VIA Metropolitan Transit’s plans has historically been unpopular with San Antonio voters. After the recent streetcar debacle, just the word “rail” makes many politicians break out in hives. On the other hand, if you’ve noticed local traffic seemingly getting more backed up every year, you’re right. People keep moving here, bringing their cars, too. Demographers predict we’ll add at least a million residents by 2040. By then, without sweeping improvements in public transit, planners estimate our commute times will increase by a whopping 75 percent. That’s worse than Austin! District 8 Councilman Ron Nirenberg, chairman of the city’s comprehensive planning committee, is deeply involved in local transportation challenges. He said a VIA survey last fall showed San Antonio drivers are sick of being stuck in traffic. “They don’t want more buses on already congested streets, or widening

the roads so you’re paving over your neighbor’s property and waiting for the next construction project … or a trolley that sits in traffic in an area where they’d rather walk,” he said. “They do want fixed-route transit that moves people from one high-density place to another.” An answer, which could include commuter-rail routes, VIA buses and shuttles, taxis, Uber and Lyft-style cars, B-Cycles, bike trails and more pedestrian connections are all part of an evolving Multimodal Transportation Plan for San Antonio’s next 25 years. You have to give Nirenberg credit. He wants to air the facts in time to include the transportation plan in the May 2017 bond issue. As our roads get more crowded, planning is not just prudent – it’s critical. However, Precinct 3 Bexar County Commissioner Kevin Wolff makes a good point, too. He suggests local drivers may have to reach a higher “threshold of pain” before they’re willing to get on board with commuter rail. Check out the planners’ ideas at satransportationplan.com. Then let me know if you’re along for the ride. syerkes@localcommunitynews.com

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APRIL 11 - MAY 9, 2016

OUR TURN Views and opinions about your community

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Candidates wanted

n examination of municipal and school board races for the May 7 elections indicates many slots are uncontested, apparently continuing a disturbing trend started a few years ago.

People just don’t want to run for office. Of course, this blanket statement doesn’t apply to all local cities and school districts, but there’s no denying some entities are considering or have already canceled local elections because of a lack of candidates. While interest in the presidential race rages at a fever pitch, it’s local elections that have the greatest impact on our daily lives, determining everything from school attendance zones to trash pickup. This isn’t to knock the office seekers running solo, but a diverse candidate pool provides a robust, vigorous democracy,

with individuals bringing different perspectives and experiences to the table. When only the same candidates run and run again, elected bodies tend to become inflexible and moribund. In many cases, politicos can even become insular and develop a bunker mentality when new ideas and new strategies are suggested. One has to wonder what has led to this reluctance to serve the public. Is it the cost in time and money, the fear of being drawn into a mud-slinging match, or has our 24/7, instant-access, always-on-thego society robbed us of the vitality needed to run for and hold office? Politics is rarely easy and can often take on a life of its own. The challenges are many, but the rewards of service to the populace can be great. Our Founding Fathers understood this concept. While many were loath to hold office, they did so believing a free society can only be maintained by citizens willing to serve. They saw this as the price of liberty. Variety is said to be the spice of life. The same holds true for locally elected officials.

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

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

HAPPENING LOCAL

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

OUR GUIDE TO YOUR MONTH

WILDFLOWERS OF PHIL HARDBERGER PARK Floyd 23 Waller of the Native Plant Society of Texas-San Antonio will lead this Nature Walk, pointing out and discussing the wide array of wildflowers growing in the park. The walk starts at 8 a.m. at the Urban Ecology Center, near Hardberger Park’s western entrance, 8400 N.W. Military Highway. It’s free, but donations are appreciated.

APRIL

HAPPENING KEY

ART

FITNESS

FIESTA CASTLE HILLS The city’s seventh annual 16 celebration will get going at 8 a.m. with a 5K Run/Walk, followed by a parade at 10 a.m. Food booths and vendors will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be children’s activities and music, too, and a Pooch Parade at 3:30 p.m. All activities are based at The Commons, next to City Hall at Lemonwood Drive and Honeysuckle Lane; admission and parking are free.

APRIL

STARGAZING The San Antonio APRIL Astronomical Association 16 will have telescopes set up in the mulched field of the savanna at Phil Hardberger Park from 7 to 9 p.m., offering a view of stars and planets. It’s free, though donations are appreciated. Park at the Urban Ecology Center at the park’s western entrance, 8400 N.W. Military Highway.

EVENT

OUTDOOR

MUSIC

FOOD

ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPING This Bexar County Master 21 Gardeners educational seminar will feature Mary Irish. She will address landscaping challenges – spots that are too wet, too dry, too hot – and offer ways to make them attractive. The session is free and runs from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Texas AgriLife Extension Office, 3355 Cherry Ridge Drive, Suite 208.

APRIL

LIBRARIES CLOSED All San Antonio Public 22 Library locations will be closed for Battle of Flowers Day.

APRIL

SCHOOL HOLIDAY Campuses of the North 22 East and Northside independent school districts are closed for Battle of Flowers Day.

APRIL

Best selection of Antique Roses in town

NISD TRUSTEES The Northside 26 Independent School District board meets at 7 p.m. in the boardroom at 5900 Evers Road.

APRIL

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER This community dinner at 27 Barshop Jewish Community Center is a relaxed, family-style gathering where you can celebrate Passover, which ends April 30. You have to reserve a seat; call 302-6820 or check out the link at www.jcc.org/seasons. The JCC is on the Campus of the San Antonio Jewish Community, 12500 N.W. Military Highway at Wurzbach Parkway.

APRIL

SAY HELLO! To mark Dia de los niños/Dia de los libros, Cody Branch Library

Delivery & planting services available

will help kids say “hello” to children around the world. The event, from 5 to 6 p.m., celebrates a day dedicated to literacy for all children everywhere. The fun happens in the meeting room of the library, 11441 Vance Jackson Road. “EVERYONE SAYS SHALOM” Leslie A. Kimmelman will 1 showcase her lively picture-book travelogue of Israel; the brightly colored illustrations and rhyming text make it appealing to young readers. The event at the Barshop Jewish Community Center runs from 1 to 3 p.m. and is open to the community. RSVPs are requested; call 3026820. The JCC is on the Campus of the San Antonio Jewish Community, 12500 N.W. Military Highway at Wurzbach Parkway.

MAY

SILVER CINEMA A film will be screened, for free, for senior 1 citizens at the Barshop Jewish Community Center at 1 p.m. Screenings are in Holzman Auditorium; the popcorn and coffee are free, too. Walk-ins are welcome. The JCC is on the Campus of the San Antonio Jewish Community, 12500 N.W. Military Highway at Wurzbach Parkway.

MAY

HAPPENING continues on pg. 06

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APRIL 11 - MAY 9, 2016

HAPPENING continues from pg. 05 JCC FORE! THE KIDS GOLF CLASSIC The Barshop Jewish 6 Community Center golf tournament will be at the Brackenridge Park Golf Course this year and, as always, will raise funds for youth and inclusion programs at the center. Registration starts at 11 a.m. and the shotgun start is at 1 p.m. The fee is $175 for an individual golfer, and sponsorships range from $250 to $2,500. For more, or to sign up, go to www.jccsanantonio.org/forethekids. You can also call Tracy Hungate at 302-6810.

MAY

SAWS: A JOURNEY FROM RAIN TO DRAIN In this 9 presentation from 9 to 11 a.m., the San Antonio Water System’s Education Department shows where the area’s drinking water comes from, how it’s treated and where it goes when we’re through with it. The session takes place at the Urban Ecology Center at Phil Hardberger Park, and it includes a child-friendly craft activity. It’s free, but donations are appreciated. The center is near the park’s western entrance, 8400 N.W. Military Highway.

MAY

NEISD TRUSTEES North East Independent School District trustees are scheduled

to meet at 5:30 p.m. in the NEISD board room, 8961 Tesoro Drive.

in the H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center next spring. Schools within a 75-mile radius of the Tobin can apply at http://www.yosa.org/invitational/; the deadline to apply is June 1. Eight middle school and eight high school ensembles will be invited to perform, free of charge, on May 15-16, 2017. Professional audio recording and photography are included.

GET TO KNOW YOUR JCC The Barshop Jewish 10 Community Center is holding an open house, with tours of the facilities, children’s activities, fitness assessments, membership specials and more. It takes place from 4 to 7 p.m., and a reservation is requested – go to www.jccsanantonio. org/openhouse, or call 302-6827. The JCC is on the Campus of the San Antonio Jewish Community, 12500 N.W. Military Highway at Wurzbach Parkway.

MAY

ELSEWHERE IN SAN ANTONIO

NORTH STAR MALL WALKERS This group of (mostly) seniors enjoys the mall’s pleasant temperatures and smooth flooring to exercise most mornings. Participants gather just before 8 a.m. at the food court, and set off singly or in pairs or groups – it’s unstructured. The activity is free and open to anyone who wants to walk. On Thursdays, the group gathers at the food court from 8 to 9 a.m. for coffee and a speaker discussing a topic of general interest.

ONGOING

STREET2FEET Impact Urgent Centers including those MAY 31 Care on the North Side are seeking old sneakers, tennis, running or athletic shoes that can be in any condition. Street2Feet takes the sneakers and grinds them into recyclable material, then sells it. Funds raised are donated to Haven for Hope to support programs for the homeless. Go to impacturgentcare. com to find a location close to you.

THROUGH

YOSA INVITATIONAL Youth Orchestras of San Antonio will give 16 area school bands and orchestras a chance to perform and record

ONGOING

“APRIL IN PARIS” This special edition of the Music for Your 14 Eyes tour starts at 6:30 p.m. and will include a look at the array of musicmaking machines in the collection of Villa Finale Museum & Gardens. But the grand finale will feature the biggest of the

APRIL

machines – the vintage Bechstein-Welte automated piano – playing American composer Vernon Duke’s “April in Paris.” There will be Champagne. Tickets, $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers, are available by calling 223-9800. Villa Finale is at 401 King William St. SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS, CAMP 153 Hood’s 19 Texas Brigade, Camp 153, meets at 7 p.m. at Grady’s Bar-B-Q, 6510 San Pedro Ave. Members and guests are welcome to eat beginning at 6 p.m.; no reservations are required. The Camp meets the third Tuesday of each month. For more, visit www.hoodstexasbde.com.

APRIL

RETIRED TEACHERS MEETING North San Antonio Retired 20 Teachers Association holds its monthly meeting at San Pedro Presbyterian Church, 14900 San Pedro Ave. A 9:45 a.m. “meet and greet” will precede the program, which begins at 10:15 a.m. The group meets the third Wednesday of each month during the school year. Members are encouraged to bring friends.

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APRIL

HAPPENING continues on pg. 07

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM Antonio chapter will start with a seed and native plant exchange at 6:30 p.m., followed by the program at 7 p.m., at Lions Field Adult Center, 2809 Broadway.

HAPPENING continues from pg. 06 SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION The San 20 Antonio Chapter of the national organization holds its monthly luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at the Petroleum Club, 8620 N. New Braunfels Ave. Lunch costs $25. RSVPs are required. Call David Brooks at 740-296-8782 or email reservations@sarsat.org by the Monday before the meeting. The chapter meets on the third Wednesday of each month, except July and August.

APRIL

FLAME OF HOPE GOLF TOURNAMENT This 28 fundraiser for Special Olympics Texas will help support more than 10,000 local athletes. Shotgun start is at 8 a.m. at Silverhorn Golf Club of Texas, 1100 Bitters Road. Check-in and registration begin at 7 a.m., and the cost is $125 per player or $450 per foursome. For more, or to register, go to www.specialolympicstexas.org and find the link under Fundraising Events.

APRIL

SAN ANTONIO CIVIL WAR ROUND TABLE 21 The group meets the third Thursday of each month at Grady’s Bar-B-Q, 6510 San Pedro Ave., for a 6 p.m. dinner and 7 p.m. meeting. Those interested in Civil War history are invited to share stories and ideas. No reservations are required. For more, contact Nancy Hodges at lyndz76@yahoo.com or Daniel Snell at surveyking@satx.rr.com.

APRIL

AUDUBON SOCIETY MEETING 5 The San Antonio Audubon Society holds its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. at The First Tee, 915 E. Mulberry Ave. For more, call 3086788 or go to saaudubon.org.

MAY

SUBMITTING EVENTS: Email all

the details along with your contact information two months in advance to tips@salocallowdown.com.

NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY OF TEXAS The monthly meeting of the organization’s San

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APRIL 11 - MAY 9, 2016

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. PET’S BARN, 2108 N.W. Military Highway, Suite B in Castle Hills, is billed as “your local choice for all of your pet-supply needs” from fish to furry and feathered friends. It also is the exclusive provider of Activa Premium pet foods. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more, call 994-9935 or visit www.petsbarn.com. (See story on page 22) 2. FAT RACKS SPORTS BAR AND BILLIARDS, 11813 West Ave., opened in

January and is the area’s newest hotspot for drinks and billiards, featuring a daily happy hour from noon to 7 p.m. Hours are noon to 2 a.m. seven days a week. For more, call 616-2144 or visit www. fatrackssportsbar.com. (See story on page 24)

3. DS CONCEPTS, 555 W. Bitters Road,

Suite 102, is a new shop in the Alley on Bitters offering a unique, all-around retail experience by featuring kitchen and

Address of local business Name of local business

restaurant supplies including cookware, decor items and gadgets. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and Mondays by appointment only. For more, call 776-7482 or visit facebook.com/ dsconceptsusa/. (See story on page 23)

4. PALENQUE GRILL, 15900 La Cantera

Parkway, Suite 25100 in The Shops at La Cantera, specializes in cuisine from Mexico’s northern Pacific region. The family-owned chain serves seafood, enchiladas, drinks and desserts. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. For more, call 592-9534 or visit www. palenquegrill.com. (See story on page 25)

IN OTHER NEWS

STUDENTS FROM HOBBY MIDDLE SCHOOL AND CLARK HIGH SCHOOL joined students from more than 100 San Antonioarea kindergarten through 12th-grade

schools to break a world record for the largest periodic table, with each periodic element pieced together on the football field at Gustafson Northside Stadium. The project was sponsored by the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and is part of San Antonio Science Fiesta. Graduate students from UTHSCSA worked with the students to make the 12-by-15-foot tarps of all 118 periodic elements. When completed, the table measured over 22,000 square feet. HOBBY MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH TEACHER ERIN MCKINNEY and Clark High School English teacher Kimberly Dill received honors as Northside Independent School District Teachers of the Year, with the veteran educators and other winners declared “Simply the Best” at the district’s Educator of the Year celebrations March 1 and 2. Both teachers received an engraved plaque and a $500 check. SARAH AGUIRRE, AN EDUCATOR AT COLONIES NORTH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, has been named a finalist in the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards for rising star-elementary. Finalists and their schools receive a cash prize of $1,000 to $2,500, depending on the

category. The statewide competition and awards banquet is May 12-13 at La Cantera Hill Country Resort, featuring keynote speaker Neil deGrasse Tyson, an astrophysicist and television personality. SHAVANO PARK IS CONSIDERING UPDATING ITS CURRENT ROADRUNNER LOGO with a more stylized version already being used by developers along Loop 1604. The city will conduct a survey of residents to see if the newer version of the logo should officially be adopted in place of the existing one. For decades, residents have also received a logo sticker for their vehicles. SHAVANO PARK MAYOR BOB WERNER WANTS TO FURTHER REDUCE traffic hazards in the city. In addition to the ongoing process of securing funding from government sources for improvements to Northwest Military Highway, the mayor said three other important traffic considerations include a light just south of Loop 1604 and Northwest Military, a turnaround lane on 1604 and acquiring a portable radar speed sign. Planning is critical to maintaining quality of life, Werner said in a column in a recent edition of the Roadrunner. The mayor noted that planning for a proposed light

LOWDOWN continues on pg. 09

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM LOWDOWN continues from pg. 08 at Northwest Military and Collins Circle/ Pond Hill Road started a decade ago. THE CASTLE HILLS FIRE DEPARTMENT IS HOLDING a Community Emergency Response Team class and is looking for volunteers. CERT members “assist others in their community following a disaster when professional responders are not immediately available to help,” according to fire officials. CERT volunteers can also help support emergency-response agencies by assuming a role in emergency preparedness projects, according to Fire Chief Gerald Riedel. The classes will be 6-10 p.m. every Wednesday from April 13 through May 10. The Castle Hills department will team up with the Leon Valley Fire Department; classes will alternate between the two. A minimum of 12 students are needed to organize a class. THE NATIONAL ART EDUCATION ASSOCIATION NAMED Linda Fleetwood, North East Independent School District director of visual arts, as the 2016 Texas Art Educator of the Year. According to officials, the recipient is determined through a peer review of nominations, and the award is meant to honor “an outstanding member from each state

or province association whose service and contribution to art education merits recognition and acclaim.” The award was presented to Fleetwood on March 18 at the NAEA National Convention in Chicago. DISTRICT 8 COUNCILMAN RON NIRENBERG HAS PLEDGED TO MAKE SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS to Woodstone Drive, a stretch of road running between the Interstate 10 frontage lanes and Vance Jackson Road. According to the San Antonio Police Department, officers have responded to 62 crashes on Woodstone since Jan. 1, 2015. Nirenberg said his office has received numerous calls from residents and business owners concerned about the high rate of vehicle wrecks. The councilman has allotted $20,000 to spend on improvements to Woodstone, such as more prominent pavement striping and more traffic signs, according to officials. NORTH EAST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT JROTC programs including Lee High School's were recognized in Orienteering and Air Rifle Marksmanship during the 2016 Bexar County JROTC Championships. The inaugural events were co-hosted by the NEISD JROTC Department and Northside ISD’s Clark High School Air Force JROTC.

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FLOODING continues from pg. 01

Homeowners unable to get flood insurance by BAIN SERNA

ASTLE HILLS — Citing drainage worries, Castle Hills officials say a problematic retention pond in a San Antonio subdivision just north of their city is causing flooding problems for homes during heavy rainfalls.

Castle Hills leaders have asked for help from San Antonio Councilman Joe Krier, whose District 9 contains the development by Meritage Homes known as The Preserve at Castle Hills, located near the Castle Hills city limits at West Avenue and Anchor Drive. “They did not correctly engineer the retention pond and so it does not retain the water,” said City Manager Diane Pfeil. “It’s supposed to fill it and let it out slowly. Their inlets will also not take in enough water

and so it floods down the streets. The water has nowhere to go beside Anchor and then sheets of water come down West Avenue, down Lockhill Selma (Road) and then it just floods Manton (Lane) all the way down.” Officials with Meritage Homes remained unavailable for comment. Castle Hills residents say not enough has been done to properly manage the rising waters that result from heavy rainfall. “This is a very serious drainage issue,” said Don Rochelle, a Castle Hills resident whose home has been affected by flooding. “The city of Castle Hills has been collecting some data because we have major drainage issues of water flooding in from San Antonio into Castle Hills. It’s becoming more and more of an issue because there’s more and more development going on in nearby San Antonio that’s pushing floodwater into Castle Hills.” According to Pfeil, the problem rests with a retention pond that developers built near Silver Oaks Drive. A San Antonio stormwater engineer who came out at her request to examine the inlets and retention pond confirmed that problems existed, she said. Pfeil said she has also recorded images of the retention pond to back

FLOODING continues on pg. 11

Floodwaters encroach upon a home on Manton Lane in Castle Hills earlier this year, a situation officials claim is caused by a retention pond just outside the city limits in San Antonio that is not properly handling flows during heavy rains. Photo courtesy of Castle Hills

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You're a mom you deserve it! Heavy rains last fall turn a section of Anchor Drive in Castle Hills into a river. Castle Hills officials are working with San Antonio leaders to prevent future flooding, which is being attributed to a retention pond in a San Antonio subdivision. Photo courtesy of Castle Hills

FLOODING continues from pg. 10 up her claim that it is not functioning properly, and she has received many photos and videos from residents showing damage caused by flooding. “There is a Texas water code that states that you cannot divert water to somewhere else and cause a problem in-between,” she said. “If the retention pond worked, then we shouldn’t see this, as it should be full after a hard rain.” Rochelle said a contributing factor to the flooding is impervious cover, a term for surfaces such as concrete and asphalt that keep water from being naturally absorbed into the ground. “Water that would usually be absorbed into the ground gets pushed off immediately to elsewhere,” Rochelle said. A solution would be effective retention ponds, road inlets and storm drains to channel great volumes of water resulting from heavy rains, Rochelle added. “Any new development that comes

up, one of the things they must address is that the water they are going to displace is no longer going to be on the property that’s going to be developed,” he said. Concern has been heightened by the fact his home and his neighbors’ homes are not part of a designated Federal Emergency Management Agency flood plain map, making it more difficult to get flood insurance. In addition to reaching out to Krier and additional San Antonio officials, Rochelle and others have attended San Antonio zoning meetings to explain their concerns. They also have voiced their opposition to further development in the area until flooding and drainage issues are fixed. “Castle Hills has had some meetings with San Antonio and Joe Krier in order to make them very aware of development that is increasing flooding in our area, and that is not allowed by TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality),” Rochelle said. “You can’t just push water elsewhere and let others deal with it.”

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THE DISTRICT WANTS TO HAVE ABSOLUTE CONSISTENCY WHEN IT COMES TO SCHOOL ACTIVITIES AT ALL CAMPUSES AND LAY OUT SPECIFIC PARAMETERS ABOUT HOW WE ARE GOING TO FOLLOW THE LAW.

OPEN-CARRY continues from pg. 01

School districts considering approaches to open carry by EDMOND ORTIZ

hough Texas now allows licensed residents to openly carry a handgun, North Side governments and campuses are grappling with how to adapt when it comes to public meetings and public workplaces.

BRYAN GOTTARDY NORTH EAST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT

The law, which went into effect Jan. 1, allows licensed handgun holders to carry their weapon in visible holsters on their shoulder or hip. Previously, residents had to obtain a concealed handgun license. Senate Bill 273, which the Legislature passed last year, has had more of a direct impact on municipalities. Open and

concealed carrying of firearms can be prohibited at any meeting that follows the Texas Open Meetings Act, including city council and school board sessions. The city of San Antonio has modified existing rules for its facilities. Licensed handgun owners can enter public areas of city properties and walk

along city streets and sidewalks or any area that is open to any other member of the public. For example, a licensed holder can enter a public lobby or customer service area of a city building. “You can pull a permit, go to the library, go do something with the City Clerk’s Office,” said John Peterek,

assistant to the city manager. A licensed handgun holder can be prohibited from bringing a handgun into secure or non-public areas of San Antonio city buildings, according to posted signage. Also, anyone with a firearm, including handgun-license holders, is prohibited by state law from carrying the weapon into facilities where court proceedings, school activities and sporting events take place. In the case of City Hall, the city set up a city clerk kiosk on the first floor. Gun holders can do their business at the kiosk instead of going into the full City Clerk’s Office on a higher floor. The entryways to City Hall and the annex across the street have metal detectors and security personnel during business hours. “The state law was pretty clear about what we can and cannot do,” said Jeff Coyle, San Antonio’s intergovernmental relations director. For some leaders of suburban cities, the issue of implementing an open-carry policy comes down to making residents feel safe in a small space in a public facility. The municipal complexes in Castle Hills and Shavano Park are more compact than San Antonio’s, and provide various functions for residents to come and do city business,

OPEN-CARRY continues on pg. 13

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM OPEN-CARRY continues from pg. 12 such as pay a fee, pull a permit or personally see a city official. Council chambers often also serve as the municipal court. Castle Hills officials, following advice from the Police Department, posted signs prohibiting open carry from inside the municipal complex. “Safety of our citizens is the biggest thing,” Mayor Tim Howell said. “I’m a concealedcarry handgun permit holder, but I didn’t have a strong feeling on the issue either way.” Shavano Park is following state law, prohibiting firearms on the premises of a government court or offices used by a court, as well in the City Hall area where election polling takes place during early and regular voting. But the City Council has not officially prohibited licensed carriers from entering the chamber during a council or other local government meeting. School districts also are addressing open carry. The North East Independent School District is still developing a policy. “The district wants to have absolute consistency when it comes to school activities at all campuses and lay out specific parameters about how we are going to follow the law,” said Superintendent Brian Gottardy. “Developing a policy to address open carry will help create a calm environment so that all schools know how to handle any situation should it arise.” Pascual Gonzalez, a spokesman for the Northside Independent School District, said NISD is upholding state law that regulates open and concealed carry in school district facilities and at district events. “State law already states that one can’t carry while a school event is being conducted or when a meeting of a governmental body is in progress,” Gonzalez said. Castle Hills resident Chris Bird, a former reporter who has written books on concealed carry and offers training for handgun owners, said municipalities should be aware of the open carry signs they post. Because SB 273 “puts teeth” into the open carry law, people who feel a government

entity is posting open carry signage erroneously can challenge it by writing a letter to that governmental body, Bird said. If that local government does not respond, the complainant can seek action from the state Attorney General’s Office. For a first offense, the entity can be fined $1,000 and $10,000 for subsequent offenses. Bird said he does not recommend open carry, especially in an urban setting. “You’re basically pasting a target on your back,” he added. However, he supports the principle of open carry as a deterrent. “If we want to cut down on (mass shootings), we need to get rid of gun-free zones. They only exclude law-abiding citizens,” he added. Richard Briscoe, legislative director for Open Carry Texas, said the gunrights advocacy organization has heard no problems concerning the overall implementation of open-carry policy. Briscoe said cities have a right to use SB 273 to their advantage to prohibit guns in certain areas of a local government facility. But, he added, if the state Capitol can allow open carry, so could city, county and school district buildings and meeting venues. Briscoe said licensed handgun holders are not just concerned about the possibility of violence in a public meeting or venue, but also after a meeting. “Sometimes, those council meetings run long. You have to get back to your car. You want to be prepared,” he added. State Rep. Diego Bernal, D-San Antonio, who voted against open carry, said the law forces a “culture change” on environments, such as major urban centers, that have not had to deal with people openly carrying guns in public. “One of the unfortunate parts is that both laws acting together actually make things less flexible for cities,” Bernal said. He also is worried about a lack of uniformity in how cities implement open-carry policy, because the interpretation may finally be up to a district attorney who could exercise his or her political opinion on the issue.

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COFFEE continues from pg. 01

Sessions improve communication, residents say by BAIN SERNA

HAVANO PARK — Sharing a cup of joe goes a long way when making friends, which is one reason why the new Coffee with a Cop program seems to be getting popular with residents and police, said Chief David Creed.

Coffee with a Cop is a friendly, easygoing, monthly get-together where everyday people sit down to ask questions and chat over a mug of java with Police Department officers. Creed said he started the sit-downs four months ago to foster unity, openness and transparency between police and residents. “We try to stay in tune with the citizens and the people that work here and visit here,” Creed said. “We want to get a grasp

Those gathering at Starbucks for a recent Coffee with a Cop in Shavano Park are Sgt. Blanca DeLeon (front, left), Sgt. Robert Casares and Etta Fanning; and Marilyn Berrier (back, left), Robert Cathey, A.D. Smoot, M.J. Smoot, Richard Schoenert and his mother, Mrs B. Schoenert. Courtesy photo

as to what they want, need and as to what they are thinking. We want to be responsive to the public’s needs and the only true way to do that is to listen to them.” He added, “One of the best ways to listen to them in my opinion is a one-on-one or

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM COFFEE continues from pg. 14 though it usually takes place during the third week of the month. So far the sessions have taken place at a nearby Starbucks and a Whataburger, usually with about a dozen residents attending. “This gives them an occasion where it’s completely on neutral footing,” Creed said. “We’ll pick a location that has a place where we can sit face-to-face and talk to each other. People love to approach the police. They may not always be comfortable doing it, but we set it in such a neutral environment that there is no problem with it. People are at ease.” Neighbors get to know their men and women in blue while conversing on everything from sports to crime prevention. “We discussed many items,” said M.J. Smoot, a long-time resident who recently participated in one of the coffee klatches. “Traffic and the number of car accidents on Northwest Military was one topic. We talked about the recent breakins, as well as recent related arrests. We expressed our admiration for Chief Creed and our policemen and women and the exemplary job they do for us all.” The sessions also give residents a better understanding of the officers’ jobs, while police learn more about what concerns the people they protect.

“I really liked how the event was citizendriven,” Smoot said. “Every question that any resident had was answered with complete transparency. I loved the location. Starbucks was neutral ground and really felt like neighbors coming together to help the community.” Maintaining positive, two-way communication with the city’s public safety personnel is beneficial to the entire community, she added. “In an emergency, they will usually be our first point of contact,” Smoot said. “Developing a one-on-one working relationship builds confidence and, in this case, makes us feel safer when we meet friendly faces known to us.” According to Creed, the idea was to build a bridge between residents and police. “Chief Creed’s plan of Coffee with a Cop is a great idea for the community,” said Etta Fanning, coordinator of the

Neighborhood Watch program and a participant in the gatherings. “It’s like gathering around the morning breakfast table for coffee and conversation.” According to Fanning, questions at a recent Coffee with a Cop included: How many officers do we have? How many officers are out patrolling? Why are there police vehicles sitting at City Hall? What can discourage burglaries? What vehicle works best for the officers and why? How effective are security cameras on homes? “They are willing to take the time to show kindness, understanding and consideration when interacting with others,” she said. “Coffee with a Cop provides a friendly, non-political, nonthreatening environment for citizens to gather informally and talk about whatever they want to talk about with the officers.” Visit the city’s website at www. shavanopark.org to learn more.

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SEALANT continues from pg. 01

WHAT ARE PAHS, COAL TAR, AND SEALCOAT?

Austin rules have prohibited refined tar-based sealants

POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS (OR PAHS) are a group of organic contaminants that form from the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons, such as coal and gasoline. PAHs are an environmental concern because they are toxic to aquatic life and because several are suspected human carcinogens.

by NOI MAHONEY

COAL TAR is a byproduct of the coking of coal, and can contain 50 percent or more PAHs by weight.

istrict 8 Councilman Ron Nirenberg wants to make it illegal to coat driveways and parking lots in San Antonio with coal-tar products some scientists say pose health and water-pollution risks.

Courtesy photo

Nirenberg said a ban would protect the underground Edwards Aquifer from possible contamination by runoff from paved surfaces using coal-tar sealants. However, industry representatives dispute the view, saying research is inconclusive. “Water security is the top economic concern for our community,” the councilman said. “It begins and ends with how we manage and protect our main source of drinking

water — the Edwards Aquifer.” Nirenberg drafted a councilconsideration request on prohibiting coal-tar sealants in November 2014. A City Council vote could come this spring. If passed, enforcement would begin in November. At issue are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, contained in coal tar. “PAHs are a leading cause of contamination of groundwater and

SEALCOAT is a black liquid that is sprayed or painted on asphalt pavement in an effort to protect and beautify the asphalt. Most sealcoat products are coal-tar or asphalt based. Source: U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey

stormwater runoff and coal-tar sealants are the major source,” Nirenberg said. “Many communities locally and around the world have taken steps to protect their groundwater, so what I’m proposing isn’t revolutionary, but rather a proactive step in ensuring that we’re taking care of our most precious resource.” A study recently released by the U.S. Geological Survey contends the coal-tar seal-coating process has a negative impact on the health of

humans and the environment. However, the manufacturers, through the Pavement Coatings Technology Council, responded to criticism of coaltar sealants or refined tar-based pavement seal coats, known in the industry as RTS. They contend there are flaws in the USGS methods of research and that definite proof of harmful effects to humans is not there. Anne LeHuray, executive director

SEALANT continues on pg. 17

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM SEALANT continues from pg. 16 of the PCTC, also said it’s uncertain if RTS used on driveways and parking lots could infiltrate the Edwards Aquifer. “The theory advanced by the USGS and others is that particles of RTS can be transported by water flowing through the open spaces in the Edwards Aquifer,” LeHuray said. “Filtration, in this case, would limit particles being transported through surface soils and rock formations above the Edwards Aquifer to get to the theoretical open, freely and vigorously flowing underground rivers that the underground transport hypothesis claims could happen.” She added, “There is absolutely no evidence that such transport ever has happened, or is happening now, or is likely to happen in the future.” Douglas Melnick, the city’s chief sustainability officer, said San Antonio doesn’t have proof of PAH pollution detected in the Edwards Aquifer. However, he said a 2007-09 study from the USGS did find coal-tar based seal-coat pollution in the Leon Creek watersheds. The Leon Creek watershed originates in northwestern Bexar County and runs south-southeast for about 57 miles to its confluence with the Medina River, which flows into the San Antonio River.

While San Antonio hasn’t conducted its own research on coal-tar sealants, Austin banned them in 2006 after an analysis. Sitting over a portion of the Edwards Aquifer, Austin experienced a reduction in PAHs after its elimination, according to studies. “It should also be noted that the Edwards Aquifer Authority banned the use of coaltar sealants in environmentally sensitive portions of Hays (San Marcos) and Comal (New Braunfels) counties,” Nirenberg said. The councilman added substitutes to coal-tar sealants are now accessible. “Coal-tar alternatives are widely available and already in use,” he said. Melnick said San Antonio uses asphalt emulsion-based sealants and Tire Rubber Modified Surface Sealer for its existing, or aged, asphalt pavement surface. LeHuray said asphalt-based alternatives have similar characteristics with coaltar seal coating, but are weaker at protecting asphalt from weathering, petroleum spills or chemicals. “The bigger problem in the long term for the business in the case of bans is that, given the less-effective performance of some of the asphalt-based products and the need to apply it more often, some property managers seem to decide to just forgo seal coating altogether,” she said.

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OAK WILT continues from pg. 01

Fungal ailment is usually fatal for infected trees by NOI MAHONEY

fficials in Castle Hills and San Antonio have announced new initiatives to keep deadly oak-wilt disease from spreading across the North Side.

In Castle Hills, city leaders are hoping a modified ordinance will prevent future cases of the fungal disease, which usually can’t be cured once it sets in. On March 8, Castle Hills made changes to its tree-care ordinance by banning the planting of red oaks, as well as a prohibition on bringing red oak firewood into the city. “We have tons of live oaks in the city and we want an ordinance that deals with the situation,” Mayor Tim Howell said. Other modifications to the Castle Hills ordinance include:

According to experts, one method to prevent the spread of oak wilt to other trees is a complete trim, with the possibility of cutting the infected tree down at a later time. Several North Side cities including Castle Hills are developing strategies to control the disease. Photo by Rudy B. Ornelas

n Adding language that the owner of the property will pay for and initiate the state forestry service recommended control and prevention measures. n Removing the requirement for residents to obtain a permit to trim their own trees. n Adding the stipulation that diseased or dead red oak plant matter shall not

OAK WILT continues on pg. 19

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM OAK WILT continues from pg. 18 be stored for firewood or mulch. n Adding that planting red oaks is prohibited and defining more clearly what constitutes a “red oak.” “We want to use common sense when it comes to this disease affecting oak trees,” Howell said. San Antonio City Councilman Joe Krier, who represents District 9, has also been working on a multi-pronged ordinance to combat the spread of oak wilt. “As part of the measure, we’ll consider discontinuing city brush collection from Feb. 1 through July 1 in neighborhoods affected by the oak-wilt fungus,” Krier said. “Springtime is the period when fungal mats are most likely to form on oaks and sap beetles are most active. Experts agree: Avoid tree trimming in that time period.” Krier added San Antonio will “launch a strong public-awareness campaign on the dangers of oak wilt and treatment methods. This information, for example, could be included in monthly CPS Energy and SAWS bills.” Oak wilt is killing oak trees in South Central Texas at epidemic proportions, said Mark Duff, a San Antonio-based forester with the Texas A&M Forest Service.

19 “There are 70 active spots of oak wilt infection, more or less, in Bexar County right now,” Duff said. Most are in the north and northwestern parts of the county, with Hollywood Park, Helotes and an area along Morey Peak Drive just north of Castle Hills having major problems with the fungus, Duff said. An infection starts when sap-feeding beetles pick up spores from infected red oaks and carry them to fresh wounds on other oaks, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service website. Once an oak tree becomes infected, this disease can be transmitted to adjacent oaks through root connections. All oak species are susceptible. Symptoms of oak wilt include discolored, dead or falling leaves. “If a red oak gets oak wilt, there is no chance for recovery,” Duff said. “If a live oak gets it, it can be treated. Live oaks have about an 80 percent fatality rate when they get oak wilt.” In addition to the modified ordinance, Castle Hills wants to steer people to the city website, where there is extensive information about oak wilt and what to do. “We are a city of oak trees, and we don’t want our residents to have to spend thousands to remedy

OAK WILT continues on pg. 20

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LEFT: Mark Duff, a San Antonio-based forester with the Texas A&M Forest Service, monitors a treatment area to curb the spread of oak wilt in Castle Hills. ABOVE: Duff (right) speaks with concerned resident Eric Elwell about the disease. Photos by Rudy B. Ornelas

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The Castle Hills website includes tips on pruning at the proper time, methods of trenching and proper painting of tree wounds. Duff said infected live oaks can be treated with a fungicide. Another method of treatment is trenching. “Putting trenches in urban areas is difficult, but it can be done,” Duff said. “But it is not very effective.”

OAK WILT continues from pg. 19 the situation,” Howell said. Castle Hills had a case of oak wilt about 10 years ago on a property off of Prinz Drive. “Oak wilt raised its head, jumped over from a property in San Antonio to Castle Hills,” Howell said. “They immediately addressed the situation.”

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Duff said it’s hard to calculate the cost of losing trees to oak wilt. “If the tree is infected, you will have to have it removed. You also have to calculate the added cost of air conditioning on your house, since that tree will no longer be providing shade,” Duff said. “Losing that tree will also probably affect the value of your property, since big, beautiful, healthy trees usually make homes more valuable.”

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SB1168: New laws working for HOAs by EDMOND ORTIZ

orth Side homeowners and property owners associations are having generally favorable reactions to several bills passed by the Legislature in 2015 governing their organizations. While lawmakers had relatively little impact upon HOAs and POAs following their 2013 session, last year’s Legislature ratified 39 specific laws with wider ramifications for POAs, HOAs and condominium associations. Now with nearly five months passing since the laws were enacted, neighborhood leaders have few complaints. “The last legislative session was generally positive,” said Art Downey, a North Side resident and board president of Texas Neighborhoods Together, an alliance of communities. Downey also serves with the Stone Oak Property Owners Association, an umbrella group, and with his subdivision’s HOA. He

also has led the District 9 Neighborhood Alliance, a consortium of 30 organizations. Arguably, Senate Bill 1168 carried the most significant weight with HOAs and POAs. The bill amended numerous provisions in state property code which governs condominium and subdivision associations. It went into effect Sept. 1. SB 1168 was meant to clarify and correct some legal provisions adopted during the 2011 legislative session. One of the more comprehensive amendments changed the procedures and requirements for HOA voting and elections. For example, HOAs only need to provide one method of voting to owners, but must make balloting available by absentee or proxy. Also, recount demands should follow a specific timeline. In addition, written ballots are no longer required for every vote, but are needed in elections to fill a board position. These are just some changes in rules affecting HOA voting and elections. Dallasarea state Sen. Royce West, a Democrat, authored SB 1168. Rep. Jason Villalba, R-Dallas was the House sponsor. “Senate Bill 1168 made it easier to understand a lot of requirements,” Downey said. “Senator West has been following

SB 1168 continues on pg. 26

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Pet’s Barn caters to needs of four-legged friends by ERIC MORENO

ASTLE HILLS — The recently opened Pet’s Barn wants to be the cat’s meow, catering to all of the special four-legged members of your family.

Billed as “your local choice for all your pet-supply needs,” the Texas chain

debuted its newest location, 2108 N.W. Military Highway, Suite B in the Castle Hills Plaza, in December. “We’re your typical pet store, and we specialize mainly in dog food and things like that,” said store manager Melissa Bellamy. “We also carry pet supplies, though, for cats, reptiles and other small animals. We also do offer small animals for sale as pets.” She added, “We’ve got a couple of small reptile cases right now for viewing. We want to be the neighborhood pet store for people in the area.” The Pet’s Barn business model, which helps set it apart from similar stores, is to sell a wide selection of higher-end pet food, according to employees. It is the exclusive provider of Activa Premium brand pet foods; the store also carries Fromm, Orijen,

Primal and Taste of the Wild. “I think we’re really a blend of what would be a typical feed store and another large chain-type pet store,” Bellamy said. “We do have the exclusive brands like Activa and Apetito — they’re quite popular considering the price and that they’re made from local products. But, we also have more of what you would call common brands like Science Diet, Blue Buffalo and Nutro. These are products that are familiar and popular with a lot of people.” The store also features once-amonth vaccination drives, usually toward the middle of the month. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Pet’s Barn is known for its variety of dog food, as well as plentiful supplies for cats, rodents, fish and even reptiles. Photos by Collette Orquiz

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Creating the ultimate kitchen at DS Concepts by ERIC MORENO

he kitchen is the literal and metaphorical heart of many homes.

When managing partner J.D. Scelza opened his store, DS Concepts, in November, he wanted to create a place that brought even more importance and reverence to the room where meals are made. “We like to offer a lot of upscale kitchen products and brands that aren’t familiar to many U.S. customers,” he said. “We offer them to provide a better cooking and dining experience for our customers.” The shop is at 555 W. Bitters Road, Suite 102, in the Alley on Bitters. Many of the products are imported from Europe, particularly Italy and

Spain. The store’s line of porcelain tableware is proving popular, with many pieces new to the market such as Italesse, an Italian maker of glassware. Other in-demand products include elegant tableware from Pordamsa and wine accessories from Pulltex. Both are based in Spain. Small-size kitchen appliances are also part of DS Concepts’ inventory. The main goal for Scelza is to make his products not only accessible to high-end kitchens, such as restaurants, but also to family homes. “We want to cater to both the end consumer and restaurants,” he said. “We want to work with both. Our concept was that everyone would benefit and be enriched from having these products in their kitchens and dining rooms.” Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and Mondays by appointment only.

DS Concepts (above) in the Alley on Bitters wants to create an upscale dining experience for both homes and restaurants. Wares include plates, salt and pepper shakers, olive oil bottles and more. Much of the inventory is imported from Spain and Italy. Photos by Collette Orquiz

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APRIL 11 - MAY 9, 2016

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

Setting up for a good time at Fat Racks Sports Bar & Billiards by ANGELA HERNANDEZ

wner Daniel Tarpley wanted to change the stereotypical image of billiard halls with Fat Racks Sports Bar & Billiards. “Pool halls have a reputation of being shady and dirty, but I wanted Fat Racks to be a place where anyone can play and not worry about getting hustled,” Tarpley said. Fat Racks is at 11813 West Ave. Tarpley, a billiard player for 21 years, and his wife, Alice, aimed to own a place that was not just a bar with pool tables — they wanted to own a true pool hall. When Fat Racks opened Jan. 9,

the couple received positive reviews from patrons, most of whom are experienced billiard players. “Players from leagues really like the bar because of how clean and wellmaintained we are,” Tarpley said. Fat Racks features seven 8-footlong Diamond Billiard Tables for a flat rate of $7.50 per play, three Phoenix dartboards and several televisions. “As a former pool-hall manager, I knew which pool tables provide the best quality for experienced players,” Tarpley said. Food and a menu will be offered soon, thanks to the recent purchase of a fryer. “We don’t have a menu yet. Finger foods like fries and jalapeño poppers are our best bet. Simple and quick food

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Alice Tarpley (photo, left) is the co-owner of Fat Racks Sports Bar & Billiards (above) with husband Daniel. They wanted to create a true pool hall, not just a bar with pool tables. Customer reviews have been positive, the couple says. Photos by Collette Orquiz

to liven things up,” the owner said. Tarpley’s goal is to eventually open other Fat Racks locations. Hours are noon to 2 a.m. seven days a week.

is what will work,” Tarpley said. Happy hour is noon to 7 p.m. daily from the full service bar, which has eight beers on tap, including Bud Light, Angry Orchard, Guinness and Shiner Bock. Some activities include Monday Trivia Nights, and sportingevent ticket giveaways. “Some nights were slow when the leagues weren’t meeting, and a waitress suggested having trivia night

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Seafood from ‘a little corner of Mexico’ by OLIVIER J. BOURGOIN

n January, Palenque Grill opened a new location at 15900 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 25100 in The Shops at La Cantera, featuring northern Pacific Mexican cuisine.

Neither your routine Mexican restaurant nor Tex-Mex fare, the menu boasts seafood selections, various specialties, plus perennial crowd-pleasers such as flautas and enchiladas verdes. Recipes, derived from Sinaloa, Sonora and Baja California, inspire the eatery’s motto: “a little corner of Mexico.” “We also have other Palenque Grill restaurants in McAllen and Laredo, but I moved here and I love San Antonio,”

said manager José Camacho, a nineyear employee. “I brought my family, even the dog, so I’m staying.” Offerings begin with complimentary house-made chips and assorted salsas. Then, diners might opt for ceviche de camarones, including a choice with shrimp ceviche marinated in lime juice and served in aguachile with tomato, onion and cucumber slivers, cilantro, serrano peppers and guacamole. “This is a typical dish from Nayarit,” Camacho said. There’s also surf and turf — prime rib-eye steak with two extra-large, Laredo-style jumbo shrimp stuffed with Muenster cheese and bacon-wrapped. Grilled onions and bell peppers, guacamole, traditional white rice and charro beans accompany the dish. Another favorite is garritas de Leon,

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SB 1168 continues from pg. 21 this issue closely. His office and ours found ambiguities in the statute,” said Connie Heyer of Niemann & Heyer, an Austin firm specializing in property-owner association law. Niemann said, for the most part, SB 1168 helped to define HOA voting rules and “tighten up the intent of the statute.” The bill affects other aspects of governing by HOA directors, such as expanding the list of topics requiring a 72-hour notice prior to a board meeting. The added subjects include lending or borrowing money, filling a board vacancy and capital improvements. Also, SB 1168 revamped HOA procedures for acting on violations. Heyer said the bill better defines the two types of infringements — fixable and “incurable.” Examples of curable transgressions include parking or maintenance infractions, failure to construct improvements according to approved plans, and ongoing noise issues such as a barking dog. Some instances of offenses considered not curable involve shooting fireworks, loud parties, property damage or changing a landscape. “Everybody should be able to have a chance to cure their issue before there are consequences,” Heyer said.

However, if violators don’t, notices sent to owners no longer have to give people a chance to fix them — a fine or damage assessment can be issued immediately. “We closed loopholes in the statute there,” she added. Downey said better definitions of violations help, but more improvement is needed. “There’s kind of a fine line,” he said. “There has to be a way to enforce it.” Heyer said her firm has received mostly positive reviews so far from HOAs and POAs statewide about the new regulations. She and Downey agreed, though, the level of any new law’s effectiveness depends on a point of view. “Board members are trying to enforce deed restrictions, and property managers are trying to do their jobs,” Heyer said. “It helps when your association is professionally managed. It’s getting more difficult for associations that aren’t managed professionally because laws are becoming more intricate.” Understanding new rules is the key, Downey added. “We have a lot more resources than smaller neighborhood groups,” Downey said, referring to his Stone Oak POA board. “A lot of boards generally want to understand how they should function under the law.”

SB 1168 AT A GLANCE BIPARTISAN BILL RELATING TO THE OPERATION OF CERTAIN PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATIONS, CONDOMINIUM UNIT OWNERS ASSOCIATIONS AND COUNCILS OF OWNERS. AUTHOR

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THIS NEW BILL ... Clarified and corrected some legal provisions adopted during the 2011 legislative session, including the procedures and requirements for HOA voting and elections Expanded the list of topics requiring a 72-hour notice prior to a board meeting, i.e. lending or borrowing money, filling a board vacancy and capital improvements

Sen. Royce West (D)

Rep. Jason Villalba (R)

Revamped HOA procedures for acting on violations by dividing infringements into two categories: fixable and "incurable."

SENATOR WEST HAS BEEN FOLLOWING THIS ISSUE CLOSELY. HIS OFFICE AND OURS FOUND AMBIGUITIES IN THE STATUTE... EVERYBODY SHOULD BE ABLE TO HAVE A CHANCE TO CURE THEIR ISSUE BEFORE THERE ARE CONSEQUENCES. CONNIE HEYER OF NIEMANN & HEYER

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