LOCAL: Castle Hills, Shavano Park, North Central, 78213, 78230, 78248, 78249 August 2014

Page 1

SHAVANO PARK OFFICIALS PROBE CLAIMS OF HOME USED AS HOTEL pg.12 City manager says homeowner has been cited for violations, court case pending NORTH EAST ISD

pg.20 New principal

named for Churchill High School

COMMUNITY NEWS Vol. 3, Issue 2

castle hills

shavano park

Justin Oxley’s appointment greeted by parents’ approval north central

78213 78230 78231 78248 78249

AUGUST 2014

What's

INSIDE your community

pg.14 New leaders

chosen for North Side synagogue, Protestant church

Agudas Achim and Castle Hills First Baptist Church hope youthful ministers will attract younger congregants

fantastic deals

coupons INSIDE Discover the city through LOCAL deals from restaurants, retailers and services in your community, and save money while you do it! pg. 35 www.salocallowdown.com

pg.18 Castle Hills government regrouping Interim City Manager Diane Pfeil Photo by Rudy Ornelas

City moving forward after resignations of mayor, city manager, councilwoman

pg. 30 BUY LOCAL

BBQ OUTFITTERS Innovative barbecue store finds new ideas to amaze grilling enthusiasts.

pg. 03 local commentary SUSAN YERKES

pg. 32 EAT LOCAL

ROMELIA'S BAKERY & SPECIALTIES Head on over to Huebner Road on the North Side for some local edible treasures.


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AUGUST 2014

From the editor tedwards@salocallowdown.com

President Harold J. Lees Publisher Gregg Rosenfield

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Editorial Executive Editor Thomas Edwards News Staff Collette Orquiz, Bain Serna and Will Wright Contributing Writers Olivier J. Bourgoin, Ron Aaron Eisenberg, Joyce Hotchkiss, Eric Moreno, Eileen Pace, Arthur Schechter, Travis E. Poling, Lucille Sims Thomas and Susan Yerkes ART Creative Director Florence D. Edwards Production Designer Pete Morales Contributing Photographers Aiessa Ammeter and Rudy B. Ornelas Contributing Illustrator Jeremiah Teutsch Advertising Advertising Director Jaselle Luna Zone Manager Marc Olson Account Manager Anne Elizabeth Chacon Controller Keith Sanders READER SERVICE Mailing Address 4204 Gardendale Ste. 201 SA, TX 78229 Phone Fax (210) 338.8842 (210) 616.9677

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Make us part of conversation

I

have lived in San Antonio since 1964, often moving away but always lured back. On each return, I am amazed by how much the city has changed — and yet stayed the same. Change is inevitable, and hopefully the ones San Antonio is seeing are all for the good. Some would argue otherwise, of course; toll roads, anyone? The topic of change invariably sparks a neighborhood conversation. At LOCAL Community News, we want to be a part of that conversation. The growth of the Internet has created a host of online forums letting folks chime in on developments in their neighborhoods. Some observations are right on target, but others veer into speculation and rumor. Comments are rarely filtered for accuracy. That’s where these screeds differ from journalism, which is based on solid reporting, verification of facts and multiple points of view. LOCAL embodies impartial, unbiased reporting. That’s why we want to be a part of your neighborhood conversation. We offer news, not diatribes. Keep us in mind when you know of a hot topic. Drop me a line at tedwards@salocallowdown.com or email tips@salocallowdown.com.

Thomas Edwards executive Editor

CORRECTION: Susan Yerkes’ column

on “Shrinking Blue Hole Reflects Water Woes” in the June edition should have stated the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word borrowed money and paid George Brackenridge for land, rather than being given the acreage that became part of the University of the Incarnate Word. facebook.com/salocalcommunitynews


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local commentary

Castro’s move up, and what lies ahead by susan yerkes

B

y the time you read this, Julián Castro could be picking art for his office as head of the Department of Housing and Urban Development in Washington, D.C., and San Antonio will have a new mayor. Castro’s easy confirmation was no surprise, nor was the fact President Barack Obama tapped him for the position. Our Julián is, after all, widely touted as one of the brightest rising stars in Democratic politics. Slightly more of a surprise was that his confirmation was not unanimous, as was that of one of Castro’s avowed role models, Henry Cisneros, to the same Cabinet post back in 1993. Twenty-six out of 45 Republican

senators, including Texan Ted Cruz (but not John Cornyn), voted against Castro. Castro follows Cisneros as the second San Antonio mayor named to a president’s Cabinet, and the fact that both were asked to helm HUD has generated comments about stereotyping. However, Castro could have made the leap to D.C. a couple of years back, when Obama offered him secretary of transportation. But with the SA2020 push for downtown housing just gaining serious traction, and the citywide vote on Pre-K 4 SA looming, he chose to stay in town to wrap up those “legacy” projects. Anyway, Castro is headed for D.C. with wife Erica, daughter Carina and their new baby-in-waiting. Most pundits agree it’s a smart move. The fact is that no matter how hard Dems wish, most agree the Lone Star State isn’t turning blue. The new role allows Castro to travel the country and solidify his D.C. and national connections. Some observers also suggest the HUD job is a better transitional position should the Democratic presidential nominee (read: Hillary Clinton) pick Castro as a vice-presidential running mate. But that decision rests on too many other factors, including who ends up on the GOP ticket. Cruz and retiring Gov. Rick Perry both are said to be

jockeying for that role. If the GOP goes with Cruz, Castro would make for great balance on a ticket with Clinton. For now, it’s most likely Castro has no definite plans, except to do the best job he can at HUD. A Cabinet job is a good place for an upwardly mobile public servant to make a difference. It’s also a much better jumping-off place for higher office than another mayoral term. He’ll also be closer to brother Joaquín, now a well-liked and established congressman, and that will likely bring them even more attention in D.C. While family dynasties are nothing new in politics, it’s the first time twin brothers have simultaneously held such visible positions in U.S. government. Meanwhile, Castro’s departure has really ramped up local politics. Candidates who want to be the next full-term mayor — including any City Council members — should be ready to face state Rep. Mike Villarreal, a

bright, popular Democrat who has indicated he will resign his seat in the Legislature to campaign next spring. County Commissioner Tommy Adkisson, who lost his bitter run against incumbent County Judge Nelson Wolff, has also expressed interest in the seat. And a few pundits have suggested that if state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, another Democrat, isn’t serving as Texas’ lieutenant governor next spring, she, too, might decide to seek the office. However, with so many folks apparently positioning themselves to become S.A.’s head honcho, who knows? Here’s a wild thought: Maybe if things don’t work out for Cruz, Perry or even Clinton, we could see them running for S.A. mayor. Just kidding! What do you think? Send your thoughts to syerkes@salocallowdown.com

The fact is that no matter how hard Dems wish, most agree the Lone Star State isn’t turning blue.


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OUR TURN Views and opinions about your community

Keep minors from buying e-cigarettes

T

he city is moving in the right direction to prohibit minors from purchasing liquid nicotine and electronic cigarettes. A proposal recently floated by San Antonio District 7 Councilman Cris Medina only regulates the sale of such products to children under 18, just as minors are barred from purchasing alcohol and tobacco until they are old enough to make responsible decisions on their own. Far too often government oversteps its boundaries and indulges in too much regulation, but in this case the proposed ordinance makes sense. Medina’s suggestion does not alter the city’s existing smoking ordinance, only targets the sales of liquid nicotine and electronic cigarettes to minors. The city is not saying retailers cannot sell e-cigarettes and flavored liquids, only that minors cannot buy these items.

Research cited by Medina notes that many of the flavors correspond to bubblegum, chocolate, cola and cherry, which makes them appealing to children. Let the kids buy bubblegum, not bubblegum-flavored nicotine. While it is true e-cigarettes use lower levels of nicotine than traditional cigarettes, nicotine is still considered by the medical community as a habit-forming substance, and no more appropriate for a 10-yearold than a whiskey sour or a cigar. Our Founding Fathers correctly supported the values of a free-market economy, with consumers’ purchasing powers deciding which merchants rose and which ones fell. But there are times when some oversight is needed to protect our youth. However, now that Medina is taking temporary leave from the council for military duty, the fate of the proposal is uncertain. We applaud and champion the right of e-cig businesses to sell these products and make a profit, because it is the adult consumer — not the government — who will decide the fate of such enterprises. But from a moral and health standpoint, sales to children of these items must be prohibited. -the Local Community News editorial board includes Harry Lees, Gregg Rosenfield and Thomas Edwards.

local Letters Get the real costs on streetcars Editor: There has been a lot of emotional discussion about streetcars in San Antonio, but very little in the way of facts to consider. Here is something to think about: The American Public Transportation Association’s publication “What Does it Cost?” reports that a streetcar line should cost no more than $10 million per mile unless there are extraordinary obstacles, such as tunneling. So why will VIA Metropolitan Transit’s project cost nearly five times that amount — $280 million for 5.9 miles equals $47.5 million per mile? Some examples of actual costs cited by APTA in other cities: Tampa, Florida, $13.7 million per mile; Portland, Oregon, $12.4 mil/mile; Little Rock, Arkansas, $7.1 mil/mile; San Pedro, California, $4 mil/mile; and Kenosha, Wisconsin, $2 mil/mi. Several of those costs included both the building and the acquisition of the cars. To my knowledge, none of this kind of information has yet appeared in local news accounts, and I believe many would like to learn of it. — Tom Bayha

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Happening LOCAL

NISD PUBLIC MEETING Northside Independent School District trustees meet at 7 p.m. in the board room, 5900 Evers Road, to discuss the budget and proposed tax rate for 2014-15.

AUG 19

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

OUR GUIDE TO YOUR MONTH

ha p p ening key

fitness

ART

TALK

outdoor

Music

FOOD

SAREADS SUMMER BOOK DRIVE This annual drive seeks donations of new or lightly used books for children and young adults. The Book Bank shares space with the San Antonio Food Bank, which helps distribute the books to nonprofits and schools. Donations can be made at all San Antonio Public Library locations, The Twig Book Shop and all Firstmark Credit Union offices.

parksandrec/music_classes.aspx. Live auditions will determine who is selected for the award-winning musical group, which performs around the city.

JOIN THE BAND Teens age 13 to 18 who are interested in sharpening their skills in music and stage performance can apply to be a member of the Parks and Recreation Department’s Take Note youth band. A CD or DVD of the teen showcasing his or her instrumental or vocal talent must accompany applications, which are due by Sept. 26; a full list of requirements can be found at www.sanantonio.gov/

CASTLE HILLS The City Council is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. in council chambers at City Hall, 209 Lemonwood Drive.

THROUGH AUG 22

THROUGH SEPt 26

NEISD SCHOOL BOARD Trustees of the North East Independent School District are scheduled to meet 6:30 p.m. at 8961 Tesoro Drive. To confirm dates and times, call 407-0553.

AUG 11

AUG 12

MOVIE NIGHTS IN CASTLE HILLS This event starts at dusk on The Commons, which is on Lemonwood Drive between the municipal building and the fire station. For more, call 342-2341.

AUG 15

RAMBLIN’ REPTILES As part of its Wildlife Wednesdays series, Phil Hardberger Park offers a program for children 5 to 10 years old that explains reptiles’ characteristics and how they’ve adapted to droughts. It runs from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Salado Classroom near the eastern entrance to the park, 13203 Blanco Road, and includes a craft and a nature walk. To enroll a child, call 207-3280 or email Susan.Campbell@sanantonio.gov.

AUG 20

LIVING WITH ALZHEIMER’S FOR CAREGIVERS-EARLY STAGE SERIES features a free workshop 6-7:30 p.m. at Arden Courts of San Antonio, 15290 Huebner Road. This session of the continuing series looks at how to work with the health care team, disclosing the diagnosis to others and community resources. For more or to RSVP, call 408-9100 or email sanantonio@ arden-courts.com. Another session Sept. 3, same time and location, involves a panel discussion exploring legal, financial and

aug 20 sept 3

safety plans. Adult day care is provided. VEXLER THEATER SEASON The Sheldon Vexler Theater at Barshop Jewish Community Center has announced the lineup for its 16th season. The opening production is “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”; “The Trojan Women,” “Talley’s Folly” and “Rumors” follow. Season tickets are on sale now: $68 for general admission, $65 for seniors (65 and over) and military, and $60 for JCC members. They can be purchased online through a link at www.jccsanantonio.org.

aug 22 - may 30

CLASSES RESUME Campuses are open again for the regular school year in the North East and Northside independent school districts.

AUG 25

SHAVANO PARK The City Council is scheduled to meet at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall, 900 Saddletree Court.

AUG 25

WHAT MAKES US CONSCIOUS? Suhail Aratsu of the Mind Science Foundation discusses the brain, including recent scientific

AUG 26

Happening continues on pg. 06

Play Get Fit Earn Prizes Join us for the next installment of San Antonio’s City-Wide fitness and wellness adventure. Challenge yourself to live healthier, stay fit, and get to know your City! Fit Pass 2.0 is an interactive fitness scavenger hunt taking place from June 14th through September 2014. Earn points for completing challenges and participating in wellness activities throughout San Antonio for a chance to win big prizes! For more information visit www.sanantonio.gov/parksandrec

#FitPass2.0 @SAParksFitness 210.207.3000


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AUGUST 2014

HAPPENING continues from pg. 05 discoveries, and the history of the mind/ brain debate. His presentation starts at 6:30 p.m. in the meeting room of the Cody Branch Library, 11441 Vance Jackson Road. The free lecture is geared to adults. NISD SCHOOL BOARD Trustees of the Northside Independent School District hold their regular meeting at 7 p.m. in the board room, 5900 Evers Road.

AUG 26

CASTLE HILLS/SHAVANO PARK BUSINESS ALLIANCE This organization representing businesses and shared interests meets the fourth Thursday of every month from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. for networking, refreshments and a speaker. Visit the website at http://www. castlehillsshavanoparkba.org/ for the latest meeting location, or call Marc Olson at 669-3973.

AUG 28

ROCKS AND FOSSILS OF TEXAS Rock and fossil formations found in the state will be explained in a kid-friendly way by David Turner of St. Mary’s University. A craft will be included in the program, which

sept 6

runs from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Urban Ecology Center of Phil Hardberger Park, 8400 N.W. Military Highway. The session is free but a donation to the Hardberger Park Conservancy is appreciated. ST. GEORGE EPISCOPAL CHURCH MENTAL HEALTH FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP This gathering takes place the second Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. in the meeting room of the Parish Building (near the nursery). Patients and their family members, friends and providers are all welcome. St. George is at 6904 West Ave.

sept 10

Elsewhere in San Antonio “THE WHO’S TOMMY” The THROUGH rock opera released by The Who AUG 24 in 1969 gets a staging at The Playhouse to close out its 2013-14 season in the Russell Hill Rogers Theater. The music – by Pete Townshend, John Entwistle and Keith Moon – includes “Pinball Wizard” and other classics, and tells the story of a boy’s journey from hardship to fame. Shows are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets, which range from $10 to $25, can be ordered online through a link at www.theplayhousesa.org. The Playhouse is at 800 W. Ashby Place.

VENDOR APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE Anyone interested in selling handmade items at the annual Esperanza Peace Market can pick up an application at the Esperanza Peace & Justice Center, 922 San Pedro Ave., or download it from the website, www.esperanzacenter.org. Applications are due by Oct. 1; the holiday market typically takes place the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving.

THROUGH OCT 1

THE WEST 1:01 DROP-IN TOURS The Briscoe Western Art Museum’s Thursday tours – which start promptly at 1:01 p.m. – offer insight on a revolving selection of popular art and artifacts in its collection. No reservations are needed, and the tours are free with admission. The Briscoe is at 210 W. Market St.

THROUGH dec 18

TEXAS TOUCH LANDSCAPESFALL PREP The San Antonio Botanical Garden class provides resources and information for getting WaterSaver Gardens ready for fall’s changes in daylight and weather conditions. The class runs from 9 to 11 a.m. and costs $9 for garden members, $10 for nonmembers. To register, go to www.sabot.org and click on Education/Adult Programs/

aug 16

Classes. The garden is at 555 Funston Place near North New Braunfels Avenue. SAN ANTONIO URBAN PET MARKET Vendors of pet products and services; adoptions; dog agility demonstrations; and food trucks for the humans are all part of this free monthly event at Travis Park, East Travis and Navarro streets downtown. It runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and offers plenty of pet information as well as shopping, and all proceeds go to animal rescue groups. It takes place the third Saturday of the month except for September, when it’s on the second Saturday. For more, go to http://sa-urbanpetmarket.com/.

aug 16

TEXAS AVIATION EXPO The San Antonio Chamber of Commerce is offering small businesses an opportunity to promote their products and services to big aviation and aerospace manufacturing and overhaul companies. Booths will be available, and information sessions will cover a range of topics that include new technology, military MRO contracting, security and avionics. The expo runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Marriott Rivercenter Hotel, 101 Bowie St. There’s no registration charge for individuals; booths

aug 28

Happening continues on pg. 07

Skin Specialists of San Antonio welcomes Dr. Eric Greeson Dr. Greeson is a board certified dermatologist. He is a Distinguished Graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and earned his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. He grew up farming in Oklahoma, and served 21 years in the United States Air Force, where he was a Flight Surgeon and Staff Dermatologist. He also held the position of Associate Professor of Dermatology at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences while directing laser surgery services at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center in San Antonio, Texas. In addition to general dermatology, his areas of expertise include treatment of leg veins and laser therapy.

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salocallowdown.com HAPPENING continues from pg. 06 are $400 for chamber members and $500 for nonmembers. For more, and to find a link to register, go to sachamber.org and click on the expo link under Upcoming Events. BIG STEPS FOR HOPE 5K RUN/ aug WALK to benefit the Heidi 30 Search Center starts at 8 a.m. in LBJ Park, 10700 Nacogdoches Road, with registration open at 7:15 a.m. Children 10 and under race for free. Cost for early registration is $25; after Aug. 1, $30; and race day — cash or check only — it is $35. To register online, visit http://solerssports. com/big-steps-hope. For more, call 6500428 or visit www.heidisearchcenter.com. The search center provides resources and education to help find missing people. INTIMATE IMPRESSIONISM sept 3 FROM THE NATIONAL GALLERY - jan 4 OF ART The McNay Art Museum is one of only five sites in the world to host this traveling exhibition of nearly 70 smaller-scale works by impressionist and post-impressionist masters. The intimacy of the works’ size and setting is enhanced by the subjects, which include people and places well-known to the artists. The museum has scheduled a wide range of

activities in conjunction with the exhibit; more details are at www.mcnayart.org. Hours will be extended for the duration of the show, and there will be a $10 surcharge for entry to the touring exhibit. UNITE TO FIGHT PKD The annual San Antonio Walk for PKD, polycystic kidney disease, will take place at O.P. Schnabel Park, 9606 Bandera Road, starting with registration at the Graff Pavilion at 7:30 a.m. Participants are asked to raise funds for PKD research; those who raise at least $100 get a T-shirt and prizes are awarded to those raising $250 or more. The money can be turned over at registration. For more information on the various walks, or to register, go to walkforpkd.org/sanantonio.

sept 13

RANCH CHIC FASHION SHOW The American Cancer Society will present a show – with the help of Wrangler, Cavender’s and jeweler Kendra Scott – featuring Westernthemed clothing modeled by cancer survivors. The event is from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Rosenberg Sky Room, 847 E. Hildebrand Ave., on the University of the Incarnate Word campus. Individual

sept 18

Happening continues on pg. 08

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THE Answer for Cancer The very best cancer care saves the life you’re living today. Hope for the right diagnosis, personalized treatment, and compassionate support lies in the hands of our team of cancer specialists at the CTRC, the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Cancer Center in Central and South Texas. Here, the highest level of excellence in cancer research and quality of care is the standard of care. At CTRC, we work hard every day to help you and your family find the answer for cancer.

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8

AUGUST 2014

LOCAL LOWDOWN

HAPPENING continues from pg. 07 Rocks and fossils found in Texas are the topic of a talk 9 to 11 a.m. Sept. 6 in the Urban Ecology Center at Hardberger Park, 8400 N.W. Military Highway. File photo

tickets are $75; a row of 10 seats is $800. To reserve a seat, contact Renee Silber at 595-0249 or renee.silber@cancer.org. WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S This fundraiser, which targets a prominent form of dementia, starts with registration at 7 a.m. at the AT&T Center, AT&T Center Parkway at East Houston Street. A 5K race starts at 8:30 a.m. and a 2-mile walk sets out at 9:40 a.m. Participants are asked to make a personal donation to the cause and also raise money from others. Registration is required; to register, go to www.alz.org and enter a San Antonio ZIP code under Find a Walk to get to the page with a registration link.

sept 20

TASTE OF THE HEIGHTS The annual fundraiser, presented by 26 the Alamo Heights Chamber of Commerce, runs from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway. Silent auctions for various goods and services will supplement the main entertainment: food from an array of San Antonio restaurants. Part of the proceeds will benefit the Witte and Morgan’s Wonderland. Advance tickets cost $50, which includes valet parking. They can be purchased through a link at www.tasteoftheheights.com.

JULY

Submitting events: Email all the details along with your contact information two months in advance (for print consideration) to tips@salocallowdown.com.

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

Open and Opening Soon 1. ROMELIA’S BAKERY & SPECIALTIES,

11255 Huebner Road, Suite 110, recently opened in The Strand in Huebner Oaks, and is owned by Eduardo Valenzuela and his wife, Romelia. The couple moved here from Monterrey, Mexico. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and closed Sunday. For more, call 437-1073 or visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ RomeliasBakery. (See story on page 33)

2. ABUELA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT, 2313 N.W. Military Highway, Suite 105, just opened under owners Jesus and Elena Calderon. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. For more, call 290-9350. (See story on page 32)

3. BBQ OUTFITTERS, 4519 N. Loop 1604 West, offers outdoor kitchens,

Address of local business Name of local business

grilling supplies, Big Green Egg grills and other merchandise to help to make that barbecue party perfect. The store features grilling demonstrations every Saturday from opening until closing. Anyone can visit and sample what is being prepared; don’t forget to ask questions of the grilling specialists. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. For more, call 437-2999 or visit www. bbqoutfitters.com. (See story on page 30)

4. SAN ANTONIO SYSTEMA, 2334

Jackson Keller Road, teaches a form of Russian self-defense that is open to all ages, with lessons connected to three core principles — combat skill, combat spirit and a healthy body. Classes are from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays and 11 a.m. to

LOWDOWN continues on pg. 09


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deserve this pay increase,” Gottardy said. “We must continue to recruit and retain the most highly qualified staff in order to sustain the district’s tradition of excellence. Our employees are the reason our students are so successful.” NEISD, with close to 70,000 students, is the secondlargest school district in San Antonio.

LOWDOWN continues from pg. 08 1 p.m. Saturdays. For more, call 7893009, or visit www.sanantoniosystema. com. (See story on page 31)

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5. GENERATIONS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, 9900 Wurzbach Road at

Interstate 10 West, has recently opened this new branch inside H-E-B. The debut, which officials said is geared to “making banking as easy and convenient as possible,” brings to seven the number of GFCU branches at San Antonio H-E-B locations. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

PASCUAL GONZALEZ, executive director of communications for Northside Independent School District, is a recipient of the 2014 Texas Key Communicator Award from the Texas School Public Relations Association. It will be presented in Dallas in September at the Texas Association of School Administrators-Texas Association of School Boards convention.

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6. FAIRY TAILS PREMIER PET SERVICES, on the North Side, provides

2 4

professional dog sitting and dog walking “with expert loving care right in the secure, familiar comfort of your own home,” according to owner Zindy Infante, a certified pet sitter. Services can cover a few hours to a few days. “Call today to schedule your no-obligation free in-home consultation. Overnight sitting and pettaxi services also available,” Infante said. For more, call 620-1867, email zindy@ fairytales.com or visit www.fairytals.com.

IN OTHER NEWS

NORTH EAST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT TRUSTEES approved raises for NEISD workers, effective for the 2014-15 school year, during the board’s June 16 meeting. School-board members followed the recommendation of Superintendent Brian Gottardy, approving the following

ACADEMIC SKILLS/SAT & ACT Prep/Subject Tutoring

measures: Increasing salaries for teachers and librarians with up to five years of experience to $49,288 per year; a 3 percent hike for professional/administrative staffers; and a 4 percent increase for classified employees. The district will spend more than $9 million providing raises, officials said. “There is no doubt that our employees

THOUGH DISTRICT 8 COUNCILMAN RON NIRENBERG submitted his name as a possible candidate for acting mayor of San Antonio, the position July 22 went to District 2 Councilwoman Ivy Taylor, making her San Antonio’s first black mayor. Council members voted on a new mayor to fill the spot vacated by Julian Castro’s departure to serve as the new secretary of Housing and Urban Development in Washington, D.C. The acting mayor’s term ends May

LOWDOWN continues on pg. 10

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LOWDOWN continues from pg. 09 31, 2015. Other contenders included District 6 Councilman Ray Lopez and District 5 Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales. Nirenberg is a first-term councilman. DISTRICT 9 COUNCILMAN JOE KRIER chose not to seek the acting mayor’s position with the departure of Julian Castro because “having just been elected on May 10, I have made a commitment to the residents of District 9 to serve out the remainder of former Councilwoman Elisa Chan’s term,” he said in a news release. The deadline to file for the slot was July 16. Castro’s nomination by President Barack Obama to head the Department of Housing and Urban Development was confirmed by the Senate in July, opening a vacancy for the mayor’s seat on City Council. Krier was appointed last fall when Chan stepped down from District 9 for a failed bid to seek the GOP nomination for state Senate District 25, which went to incumbent Dr. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels. Krier then ran in a special election May 10 to fill the remainder of Chan’s term, which expires in May 2015. “Between now and then, I intend to work hard to meet the needs of District 9,” Krier said. “Specifically, from now until mid-

AUGUST 2014 September, I am working on a basic-services budget that provides for the best police and fire we can afford, and also supports improved streets and drainage, parks and libraries.” He is a member of the council’s Economic Development, Quality of Life and Education committees. He also serves on the Committee of Six, which oversees workforce development efforts in the region. THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION has launched a pilot program to test a variable speed-limit system, including sections of Loop 1604. Modifying speed limits may improve safety, and could serve as a forerunner for other state roadways, officials said. Using sensors and electronic signage, maximum speed is altered to fit road conditions, traffic congestion, construction and weather. “We know other states have benefited from variable speed-limit systems and we would like to mirror that success here in Texas in an effort to reduce crashes,” TxDOT Executive Director Joe Weber said. “This advanced technology has been shown to lessen stop-and-go driving and help reduce rear-end collisions as drivers approach slower-moving traffic.” TxDOT began adjusting speed limits along westbound

LOWDOWN continues on pg. 11


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LOWDOWN continues from pg. 10 1604 between U.S. 281 and Interstate 10 on June 25. Varying speed limits, posted on portable signs, are automatically reduced in small increments to gradually lessen the speed of traffic approaching congested areas. TxDOT said the tests would be assessed after at least three months, and a decision made whether to expand the technology. U.S. REP. PETE GALLEGO, a Democrat representing the 23rd Congressional District of Texas, recognized District 8 Councilman Ron Nirenberg’s Community Academy during a recent ceremony at City Hall. According to Nirenberg, the academy is an “initiative that promotes civic engagement and volunteerism.” Some of the academy’s programs include Citizen Advisory Councils to inform Nirenberg on pertinent issues, a Graffiti Abatement Task Force, and various community meetings including monthly town hall meetings, biannual homeowner association consortiums and “regular conversations with various members of the faith community in District 8,” according to a release. To get involved, volunteer or learn more about the academy, contact District 8 Community Academy directors Noah Howe or Drew Galloway at 207-0941 or email academy@CouncilmanRon8.com.

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OUTRAGE continues from pg. 01

Safety, lower property values are worries of neighbors

100 block of Turkey Creek Rd

SHAVANO PARK

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HAVANO PARK — A case unfolding in Municipal Court is pitting a homeowner renting out his property to guests against city officials and neighbors claiming the man is running a residential hotel.

The overall effect is also that our property values are affected by this rental operation.

According to city officials, Ricardo Valdez — who owns a home in the 100 block of Turkey Creek Road — is renting his residence as a temporary vacation rental home in violation of city ordinances. Valdez, however, wrote a letter to the city saying he isn't doing anything wrong. The five-bedroom, three-bathroom home is listed on www.VRBO.com, a website that lists more than 620,000 vacation rental properties across the planet. Valdez could not be reached for comment. His neighbors,

LARRY LYONS, SHAVANO PARK RESIDENT

however, had plenty to say. “We were not aware of the rental operation until early in 2014, but when I looked at his website, I can see a review that was posted from September 2013, so he must have been doing it before we became aware of it,” said Larry Lyons, a resident on Turkey Creek since 1970 and one of many expressing opposition to the rentals. Neighbors have raised questions about safety, saying they worry about strangers frequently coming and going at the property. They also expressed concerns that any possible use of the home as a kind of neighborhood hotel could lower surrounding property values. “We have no idea who is renting that residence,” Lyons said. “Cars are always coming and going into the driveway and on one occasion there were 8 Kia vans parked in front of the house.” He added, “We see strangers walking down our street and want to be alert to what is happening in our neighborhood ... It is difficult when there is a new influx of strangers every few days.” In addition, Lyons said the vacation home’s constant state of flux could scare off potential homebuyers when neighbors are trying to sell. “The overall effect is also that our

OUTRAGE continues on pg. 13

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salocallowdown.com OUTRAGE continues from pg. 12 property values are affected by this rental operation,” Lyons said. “If we attempted to sell our residence and prospective buyers heard of the rental operation, our property may be very difficult to sell.” City officials claim Valdez is violating a city ordinance for single-family residences, which states “no land shall be used and no building shall be erected for or converted to any use other than a single-family residence.” According to city officials, the home on Turkey Creek can be rented to a single individual or family on a long-term basis, but not to multiple people every week. The city has initiated legal proceedings, said City Manager William Hill. “It is our position that what he is doing violates the law in our city ordinances,” Hill said. “We have been dealing with this since March, when we informed him of the violation. He wrote us a letter saying that he disagreed that what he is doing is illegal. We wrote him a formal letter of notice of violation and we have cited him for violations numerous times. It’s a big problem and I can tell you that I’ve had 40 different residents complain to me about this.” According to city records, Valdez was summoned to Municipal Court in June regarding the issue, but deferred and then

appeared in court on July 16 with his lawyer. Valdez made a “motion for discovery,” meaning he asked the city to produce and disclose information to himself and his attorney regarding the case, according to Hill. “There will be discovery and the city will have to provide him with certain information and then there will be a trial set after that,” said Hill. As of press time, no date for the court case had been announced. Neighbors said they hope the case is resolved soon. “There’s a city ordinance that says you can’t run a business in a residential area,” said Ruby Wilson, another resident of Turkey Creek. “We’ve been living in this house 44 years. Circumstances could arise that we would need to put our house on the market at any time and I don’t think we would be able to sell a house with that business of

a hotel running across the street.” Another neighbor said residences are not meant to be used as hotels. “We’ve been living here 45 years now,” said John Krawczynski, a homeowner on Turkey Creek who opposes the vacation rental. “It’s a single-family residential neighborhood and it’s always been zoned that way. This whole subdivision is residential and not commercial.” Residents contending Valdez is violating city laws said they are staying abreast of the legal proceedings while helping keep city officials aware of the situation. “The Police Department has been very responsive and has investigated every time one of my neighbors or myself has complained,” Lyons said. “The owner had been cited for code violations and appeared with his attorney and requested an evidentiary hearing and a trial without jury. The city is supposed to inform us of the date of the trial.”

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NEW LEADERS continues from pg. 01

The Rev. Matt Surber, though relatively young at 41, brings a wealth of experience to his new job as senior pastor at Castle Hills First Baptist Church, officials said. Photo by Rudy B. Ornelas

Spiritual shepherds, families wanted to come to the Alamo City by RON AARON EISENBERG

T

wo large North Side religious institutions recently picked relatively young spiritual leaders in the hope they can attract equally young congregants to their respective houses of worship. San Antonio’s Conservative synagogue, Agudas Achim, founded in 1889, selected Jeffrey Abraham, 31, as its new senior rabbi. And Castle Hills First Baptist Church, founded in 1953, has called on Matt Surber, 41, to serve as senior pastor. Representatives of search committees at both assemblies said they were delighted to have found young spiritual leaders. Both men took to their pulpits in July. Both have a history of increasing the ranks of their previous congregations and attracting younger families to the pews. Each of them said the opportunity to live in San Antonio played a major role in their decision.

And both pledged “to become Spurs fans.” The Rev. Matt Surber Surber comes to Castle Hills First Baptist Church with more than 20 years of ministry and pastoral experience. He served at churches in Texas, Tennessee and Louisiana. Most recently he was the lead pastor at Central Church in Memphis, Tennessee, where he oversaw tremendous

NEW LEADERS continues on pg. 15

We have a mission to take the Gospel to the city and the world and as we do that I’d like to see the congregation grow REV. MATT SURBER, CASTLE HILLS FIRST BAPTIST


15

salocallowdown.com NEW LEADERS continues from pg. 14 growth in membership and funding. Surber earned a master’s degree in biblical studies from Trinity Theological Seminary in Newburgh, Indiana, where he also completed postgraduate work on a doctorate. In addition, he earned a master of divinity degree from Baptist Southwestern Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. His undergraduate degree is from East Texas Baptist University, where he earned a bachelor of arts in biblical studies and communications. He is a native Texan, born and raised in Bryan/College Station. He remains a diehard Aggie fan. He and his wife, Becky, who helps with his ministry, have two sons, Caleb, 11, and Josh, 8. Though the church he left is twice the size of Castle Hills, he accepted his present position because “Castle Hills First Baptist Church has a great reputation. And my wife and I love San Antonio,” he said. “Even when we lived in Dallas, we always visited San Antonio every chance we had. So we already have a love for the community and it is special to be able to come to a place we love,” he added. The senior pastor’s spot had been vacant for about a year, church officials said. Records with the Southern Baptist

Convention indicate that attendance at First Baptist Church averages about 970, with a total membership of 3,672. The church also reports annual revenues of about $5 million, according to an SBC report. It has established six mission churches in San Antonio. According to Surber’s bio sheet, the average attendance at his previous church was about 2,500 with a $6 million budget. Surber also embraced the challenge of increasing the membership by attracting younger families that will represent the future of the church. “We – my wife and I — have a mission to take the Gospel to the city and the world and as we do that I’d like to see the congregation grow,” the new senior pastor said. Garry Richie, who headed the church’s search committee, echoed Surber’s comments. “We want to grow,” Richie said. “We wanted someone who was much more than a caretaker. Our congregation is older rather than younger. To grow, we need to infuse young people.” Castle Hills began the search for a new leader in August 2013. No candidate had jumped to the head of the pack

NEW LEADERS continues on pg. 16

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AUGUST 2014

NEW LEADERS continues from pg. 15 until the committee met Surber. “We were quite a ways downstream before we got Matt’s name submitted to us,” Richie said. “When we got his name, it was clear he had what we were looking for. Plus, he came highly recommended by Ronnie Floyd, the new president of the Southern Baptist Convention.” Surber plans to spend a great deal of time in the community meeting with as many residents as possible. And when he’s not ministering to his flock, Surber enjoys physical activity. He played soccer in college but prefers basketball these days. He has already checked out the church gymnasium. “I usually play after the boys are asleep and all the work is done for the day, so that’s like 9 p.m. or later,” he says. So, what does he think of his new job? “I think it is a good fit for us. We love the city and love the community,” Surber said. “Hopefully we can spend the rest of our lives here.” Senior Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham Abraham comes to Agudas Achim from Nyack, New York, right outside of Manhattan, where he served as senior rabbi at Congregation Sons of

Israel. He had enormous success raising money for the synagogue and received dozens of awards for his work there. The congregation wanted him to stay, offering him a new five-year contract. He had only been there for three years, literally fresh out of rabbinical school. Abraham earned his rabbinic ordination at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City. His master’s degree in Jewish education as well as a double bachelor’s degree in Jewish studies and Hebrew letters with a minor in political science are from the University of Judaism (now known as American Jewish University) in Los Angeles. Abraham was also a contestant in 2013 on “The American Bible Challenge” game show with Jeff Foxworthy. He grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His dad, a physician, and his mother moved there long before he was born. “The weather there is not that different from the heat we experience in San Antonio,” he said with a laugh. He decided he wanted to become a rabbi at age 14, in part because he experienced a great deal of anti-Semitism in school and

NEW LEADERS continues on pg. 17

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I took the anger and hate targeted at Jews as a challenge to stand up and let people know how proud I was to be Jewish. SENIOR RABBI JEFFREY ABRAHAM, AGUDAS ACHIM


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salocallowdown.com NEW LEADERS continues from pg. 16 the community. Perhaps because the Jewish population in Albuquerque was very small – some 5,000 Jews – anti-Semitism flourished there when he was growing up, he said. “I took the anger and hate targeted at Jews as a challenge to stand up and let people know how proud I was to be Jewish,” he said. When asked why he wanted to come to San Antonio and Agudas Achim, he said both he and his wife, Lauren — a native Texan — love San Antonio. He also welcomed the challenge of becoming senior rabbi at a much larger synagogue than Congregation Sons of Israel. In addition, the couple see San Antonio as a much better environment in which to raise their two young boys, ages 2 and 4. Rachel Stern, who served on the search committee, said, “Our congregation is looking to continue to grow. We think we have a lot to offer and would like to attract new members. The fact is our congregation, like many others in San Antonio, is older.” She added, “Rabbis today have a lot of business skills…working with the board and strategies for recruiting new members. But we still wanted someone who is spiritually motivating, and can bring different worship innovations that appeal to younger families.”

But Abraham also appealed to older congregants, she said. “What struck the search committee about Rabbi Abraham is that he connected well with our senior population. We knew he would be attractive to younger families, but his ability and affinity to connect with older congregants as well was impressive.” Being a “young man with a young family” could make Abraham “attractive to other young families,” Stern said. “There’s a real skill set to him. He’s just a real ball of energy. You get the sense he will be very visible in the community. He grew a small congregation in Nyack, helped raise money as well. And he wanted this job. He wanted to come to Texas.” Since his arrival in early July, Abraham has launched several programs to connect with young families, including “Watermelon Wednesday and Summer Story Time.” The event features stories and songs capped by watermelon for all the kids and their parents. He and his wife have also scheduled a “Popsicle Play Date” in August in Hardberger Park for young families featuring swings, slides and schmoozing. To attract more families to Sabbath services, Lauren Abraham will host a “Tot Shabbat” every Saturday morning geared to youngsters up to 5 years old. It will feature songs, dancing, crafts and prayer.

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AUGUST 2014

CASTLE HILLS continues from pg. 01

Fate of VIA moving toward public vote by LUCILLE SIMS THOMAS

C

ASTLE HILLS — In spite of the recent political tumult that saw the resignations of the mayor, city manager and a councilwoman, the city’s new top leader says the worst seems to be over.

Still unresolved — but likely to go before voters in November — is whether to kick out bus service provided by VIA Metropolitan Transit, which requires a tax subsidy from the city that some council members feel is better spent on local infrastructure. Meanwhile, interim Mayor Tim Howell believes City Hall is now picking up the pieces from a leadership crisis that rocked the suburban municipality of more than 4,000 residents not long after the voting booths closed May 10. Howell said the city now has a full seated council and an interim city manager in

The Castle Hills City Council held several meetings in late July in the wake of political upheaval, but interim Mayor Tim Howell (second from right, above) said things are back on track. Diane Pfeil (top, right) is the interim city manager after Rita Hoyl, a 20-year veteran, stepped down. Photos by Rudy B. Ornelas

place, which should help calm down things. “No, I’m not concerned (about the town’s future) because our department heads are extremely strong,” Howell said. “Most of these guys have been here for a number of years — some of them in excess of 15 years —and they’re all good, strong employees and department heads.” After former Mayor Bruce Smiley-

Kaliff abruptly resigned June 10, Howell, who was mayor pro tem, stepped into the role of acting mayor. The council affirmed that decision by officially naming him interim mayor, with the term to expire in May 2015. His Place 4 position was filled by Frank Paul.

So far she’s doing a good job of pulling things together with the department heads and of course taking on the budgetary process TIM HOWELL, CASTLE HILLS INTERIM MAYOR

CASTLE HILLS continues on pg. 19

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salocallowdown.com CASTLE HILLS continues from pg. 18 Councilman John Squire is now mayor pro tem. Former City Manager Rita Hoyl, who found herself on the hot seat at the first City Council meeting after the May elections but expressed interest at that time in keeping her job, instead decided to resign by July 31. During that initial discussion, some council members said Hoyl — with more than 20 years of municipal service — would be reevaluated in October to decide whether she kept her job. It was during that meeting Smiley-Kaliff stepped down. Hoyl’s lack of a college degree played a part in those discussions. Hoyl has since been replaced by interim City Manager Diane Pfeil, a longtime Castle Hills resident who once worked for the now-defunct Bexar Metropolitan Water District. The council scheduled a meeting July 29 to discuss a settlement with Hoyl during a week that also included special-called sessions to review the budget, appoint a new city engineer and city attorney. Also in July, Place 2 Councilwoman Stacia Spridgen tendered her resignation with a letter critical of the actions of her fellow council members. She has been replaced by Matt Daggett. Newly elected Councilwoman Lesley Wenger said she was shocked by all of the changes that have occurred so rapidly in Castle Hills, but is ready to focus on her main goal when she ran for office — fixing the city’s streets. “That’s going to be a big job and we want to start focusing on that,” said Wenger, one of the council members who has indicated that tax subsidies to VIA would be better spent on the city’s needs. “I never think it’s a good idea for people who run for elective office to resign. I think they should fulfill their commitment,” Wenger added. Wenger, the wife of former Mayor Bob Anderson, thinks the new council will be able to work well together and move the city forward. “We’re already working very well together. And Tim Howell is doing an outstanding job — a lot of people didn’t expect that — but he’s really stepped up and has just amazed everybody with what a fantastic job he’s doing. He’s really been able to bring all kinds of people together,” Wenger said. Pfeil was among four finalists for the interim city manager job and can apply to become the town’s permanent city manager. “So far she’s doing a good job of pulling things together with the department heads and of course taking on the budgetary process,” Howell said.

19 The town’s other big issue is whether to keep VIA buses rolling in and out, or use the sales tax money it would save from getting rid of VIA to help fix deteriorating streets. City officials noted that voters in 2012 and 2013 turned down proposed referendums that would have paid the estimated $48 million needed for road and drainage work. During a recent emotional public hearing on the subject of VIA, some residents told the council they rely on the transit authority to get them to and from work and doctor’s appointments, as well as help transport their children. They argued the city should maintain the service. Castle Hills is one of a dozen suburban cities paying a half-cent sales tax to fund VIA bus services. According to past figures from both the city and VIA, Castle Hills in 2013 took in nearly $450,000 in sales-tax revenue for public bus service, while transit authority expenditures exceeded more than $1 million for transportation in Castle Hills. VIA said there are 84 bus stops in the city, with more than 900 passengers getting on board buses there and nearly 870 disembarking. At one point, nearly 60 passengers used VIA Trans services for the elderly and physically challenged. During recent weeks, several council members have pushed for a referendum on the VIA issue to be decided by voters during the November general election. Meanwhile, Wenger and Squire recently met with an official from the state Comptroller’s Office to figure out how the city would use the halfcent sales tax if voters oust VIA, and what limitations might exist. “We concluded that the best way to go was a Municipal Development District, which allows you to do a lot of infrastructure. If we simply follow those instructions (from a report that the streets and drainage committee put out), we can use that money for 10 years without any problem at all,” Wenger said. City leaders must also come up with a replacement for VIA Trans if bus service is eliminated. “We will not take away VIA Trans from our elderly and the people who need to go to the doctor’s office,” Howell said. Wenger cited Windcrest as an example of a city that eliminated VIA bus service and is using a nonprofit agency to transport former VIA Trans riders. She said Castle Hills officials have talked to the nonprofit used by Windcrest, adding they are also looking at several other options. “The hope is that if we do that, we’ll actually have a better service for people who qualify,” Wenger said. A decision by the council on whether to put the VIA issue on the November ballot is expected soon.


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Justin Oxley, the new principal at Churchill High School, wears many hats in addition to being a wellrespected educator. The married father of three is also a baritone in the barbershop group Sterling Quartet. Photo by Collette Orquiz

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CASTLE HILLS continues on pg. 21

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salocallowdown.com CHURCHILL continues from pg. 20 Also during his watch, the Mills Spring Cabin — a living history project at Bradley that resembles an Old West town — was repaired with an outpouring of funds from the community after vandals damaged it. Oxley is a good fit for Churchill, parents said. Maria Wade, president of the Bradley PTA from 2012-14, has three children who attended the middle school when Oxley was principal, and now he will be their principal again at Churchill. “Mr. Oxley is an exceptional leader in education. We are so happy for him,” Wade said. “He displayed a sense of excellence among his students (and it) created a positive atmosphere for the (Bradley) campus.” Oxley wants to continue building ties with parents from Bradley and other cluster schools that feed into Churchill, he said. His background involves extensive studies in education. Oxley received a bachelor’s degree in music from Bowling Green University in Ohio, his home state, in 1994. He came to San Antonio to seek a master’s degree in school administration from Our Lady of the Lake University, which he received in 2000. A father living in the Alamo City had tipped off Oxley that education jobs were available in San Antonio. Oxley and his wife, Amy, made the trek south from Ohio. The couple worked at St. Martin’s Hall, a private elementary school across from OLLU, at the same time Oxley pursued his master’s degree. Oxley referred to himself as a “rare bird” at St. Martin’s Hall because while he was a music educator, he ultimately became a coach after being certified in physical education. His next post landed him at Garner Middle School in NEISD, where he worked as a choir teacher and coach. According to Oxley, he had the “biggest and baddest boys’ choir in the district” — a lot of the music students also played football. His training in both music and fitness have shaped his outlook on education, he said. “I think because I come from a fine arts-athletic background, I want to make sure our students at Churchill have every opportunity to explore alternative types of activities that help create their personality and also academically,” Oxley

21 said. “It’s made me very flexible and you need that as an administrator, because I would like to say that I attack the day but sometimes the day attacks me.” Before becoming principal at Bradley, Oxley also worked at Lee High School as the curriculum assistant principal. He encouraged his students there to follow their passion and succeed. Their triumphs paved the way for Oxley’s doctoral dissertation, which examines how intervention can help at-risk pupils perform at their highest level, especially those who sometimes have personal challenges. “(I) worked with a tremendously wonderful population over there, highly at risk, but those students have a special place in my heart,” Oxley said. The principal is seeking a doctoral degree through the educational studies program at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Churchill’s mission is “Every kid, every day,” and Oxley is confident his team at the campus will foster a creative and productive atmosphere. Though much of a principal’s work is administrative, he wants to be in the classroom and serve as a quality instructional leader for teachers. “Above all, it’s trying to be personal and building that relationship, that one-on-one relationship, getting yourself out of the office away from the paperwork so you can meet those students, get to know them — that’s primarily my goal,” Oxley said. Wade said Oxley has always had an open-door policy. Any time she had questions or just felt like dropping in to say hello, she received a warm welcome. “With a strong volunteer PTA base and parent support, I can only speculate that Mr. Oxley will continue to persevere with success and lead our Churchill family into an auspicious future,” Wade said. Oxley’s spare time is spent with his wife and their three children. Brandon, a sophomore in engineering, attends Texas A&M University in College Station, where sibling Taylor is enrolled as an incoming freshman in business. The youngest child, Samantha, is a freshman at Johnson High School. His wife is a choir teacher at Tejeda Middle School. Oxley is also a baritone in a barbershop group called the Sterling Quartet, and performs with the San Antonio Chamber Choir.

Mr. Oxley is an exceptional leader in education. [...] He displayed a sense of excellence among his students MARIA WADE, 2012-14 BRADLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL PTA PRESIDENT


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SWIM continues from pg. 01

Cygnets team celebrating a golden anniversary by ARTHUR SCHECHTER

T

esting the waters for social interaction six years ago, a preteen Halle Neisen joined the Cygnets of San Antonio — a synchronized swim team — and created lasting friendships while improving her athleticism.

San Antonio Sports Hall of Famer Margaret Swan in 1964 founded the Cygnets, which draws girls from all across San Antonio. “I knew nothing, but I figured it out pretty quickly and just stayed for a really long time,” said Neisen, a 15-year-old Reagan High School sophomore. Teammate Megan Brasfield, 17, first dipped her toe in the Cygnets’ pool at age 10, via a coach’s invitation. “She asked me if I wanted to go to one

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of their annual water shows … I went that night and fell in love,” said the Churchill High School senior. “I got to go backstage and meet all the swimmers, so I instantly connected with some of the girls.” The current clutch of Cygnets (another name for young swans), 30-plus girls, ages 5-19, considers everyone sisters. “We see each other all the time and we tell each other everything,” Neisen said. “It’s not friendship; it’s family,” Brasfield added. Neisen said she has enjoyed a sense of sisterhood against the backdrop of training and competition, creating special moments. Cygnets head coach Melodie Wallace has been the mother swan since the last century. “I don’t think kids at that age realize the life lessons that it does teach,” Wallace said. “They can carry these aspects on with them through life.” While Alamo City denizens lounged poolside Fourth of July weekend, more than a dozen Cygnets headed to a Seattle natatorium for nationals, after qualifying for the meet with high marks at spring regionals. The Cygnets executed figure elements and routines accompanied by music – lasting typically 3 1/2-4 1/2 minutes – as a part of a team (four to eight members),

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Members of the Cygnets synchronized swim team say their training not only improves athletic prowess but also forms lasting friendships that make the girls feel like a family. The North Side-based organization is celebrating a golden anniversary this year. Courtesy photo

SWIM continues from pg. 22 trio, duet or solo. Synchronized swimmers performing individually equates to musically supported figure skating or gymnastics’ women’s floor exercises. It marked the third time to attend nationals for Neisen and Brasfield; Cygnets’ teams received mostly middle scores. However, Brasfield, who qualified with her duet partner for her first international meet — in Las Vegas, also in July — termed the opportunity “exhilarating.”

If things go well, she could eventually win a collegiate athletic scholarship. “It’s those little feelings you get along the way of how proud you are of yourself for accomplishing something that you’ve worked so hard for all these years,” Brasfield said. “When you’re in competition, you just want to think about having the best swim to your ability. You just want to focus on having the time of your life and doing what you do best, and that’s swimming your heart out.”

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SWIM continues from pg. 23 “Our coach is really set on us just having a good time,” Neisen added. “I guess that’s all you really can think about in a sport like this, because either way, if you had a good time you’re basically winning.” Just what is synchronized swimming? “It’s like cheerleading in the water,” Neisen said. Brasfield added, “Olympic athletes have compared it to running a marathon underwater.” The Cygnets meld physical attributes associated with several sports and recreation. “The perfect synchronized swimmer would obviously be someone who is flexible and strong like a gymnast, but also graceful like a ballerina. Long, skinny legs help … and the endurance of a speed swimmer,” Wallace said. “It’s very much more of a complex sport than what people normally assume,” Brasfield said. “If you were a dancer, it would be very easy for you to transition into synchro.” Some older residents might recall Esther Williams personifying synchronized swimming in movies. “The generation of Esther Williams thought it was more for fun and

exercise and just entertainment. It was amusement; it was light,” Brasfield said. Neisen said few understand the true athletic nature of synchronized swimming. “They don’t actually know the strenuous activity that we do,” she said. Even athletes in other swimming sports are amazed, the coach noted. “My daughter did speed swimming and synchronized swimming, and a lot of her friends on her speed team were like, ‘How did you do that?’” Wallace said. “They tried to go upside down and they couldn’t figure any of that out.” Neisen said young swimmers make perfect candidates for future Cygnets. “I would recommend this sport to little children,” Neisen said. “You have a sort of building block you have to set the foundation for, the basics, before you can move on to higher level kind of stuff you put in your routines.” While Cygnets operate year-round, they realign for new seasons in August to prepare for their annual fall water show, where they anticipate celebrating the club’s 50 years. Schedules vary seasonally, but expect a total of 10 hours of practices, four times a week, usually at the pools of Alamo Heights High School or the University of Incarnate Word. For more information, visit the team’s website at cygnetssa.org.

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Leadership part of Venturing by COLLETTE ORQUIZ

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North Side Boy Scout program called Venturing open to both male and female young adults interested in high adventure and community service is seeking more members.

Venturing Crew 285 meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 7 p.m. at the McAlister Scout Lodge on the grounds of Coker United Methodist Church, 281 E. North Loop Road. Many members attend private schools, but others are drawn from Churchill High School. “(We) do a lot of camping, hiking, backpacking (and) go to high-adventure bases,” said Sofia Miranda-Fred, programs vice president. “(We) make sure everyone develops as a leader and gets a good outdoor experience.” Venturing Crew 285 is an offshoot of Boy Scout Troop 285, but unlike many other Scouting activities, it is coed.

25 Sofia, 16 and a student at TMI-The Episcopal School, remembers grumbling a few years ago that she wanted to share fun Scouting activities with her younger brothers, only to learn from her father that she could. A handful of Boy and Girl Scouts came together four years ago with common ideas and goals to create Venturing Crew 285. Originally called Explorers, Venturing Crews trace their goals and philosophies to the early days of Scouting. The program is open to males and females 14 to 21 years old, or boys and girls 13 years old who have completed the eighth grade. The purpose, according to Scouting officials, is to provide positive experiences that help members mature and to prepare them for a life as responsible and caring adults. Venturing — Scouting’s fastest growing program, officials said — was officially created by the Boy Scouts of America’s executive board on Feb. 9, 1998. Venturing Crew 285 is aiming for an influx of new members, said J.B. Marshall, a 16-year-old Saint Mary’s Hall student in charge of membership. John Thomas, a physician and the adviser for the crew, said members chose the group’s focus. Venturing Crew 285 reached a consensus to concentrate on

SCOUTS continues on pg. 26

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Venturing Crew 285 is a coed branch of the Boy Scouts of America, with members focused on community service and high adventure including travel, camping, hiking and more. Courtesy photo

head of what Scouting is. I know when I was younger I had an idea of what Scouting was,” Sofia said. “Now I look at Scouting and I’m like Scouting is what I see in the mirror. I am Scouting.” Each year the group attends a highadventure base, as well as plans the trip for the next year. At the end of July the crew visited Colorado, where they went whitewater rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, camping and more. For more, check out http://www. drjohnthomas.com/crew_285.htm.

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311 app for smartphones helps upkeep by BAIN SERNA

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fficials are urging District 9 residents to report code violations so neighborhoods can find solutions for broken fences, unsecured pools, vacant homes in disrepair and any other area hazards.

Though code-compliance transgressions are few in the subdivisions packed into the North Side, maintaining properties helps avoid fines and even prevents accidents, according to city leaders. “We have 180,000 people represented in District 9,” City Councilman Joe Krier said. “We rely on neighborhood associations to contact us, and tell us, if there is a problem. If there is, usually we can do something about it.” One such organization is the North Central Thousand Oaks Neighborhood Association, encompassing about 2,000 homes. Larry Lamborn, NCTONA president,

conducted a recent walk-through of a neighborhood with District 9 Constituents Chief Adam Trevino and officials from the city’s Development Services Division to emphasize some codecompliance issues, including dwellings no longer occupied by their owners. These are classified as homes without current owners living in them, officials said. “We have three within a pretty large area,” Trevino said. “They are few and far between, and usually it’s a homeowner that’s living out of state or someone who has a different residence and their vacant home falls into disrepair.” Some become public-safety concerns because they start to deteriorate and can be infested with rodents and other animals, creating a health hazard, officials said. “The vacant homes are an issue,” Trevino said. “At one of the vacant homes the fence was down and there was an empty swimming pool in the back. We’re making them put the fence back up. It was a security and safety issue.” In addition, the shabby, unoccupied homes can turn into a problem for neighbors who keep their own homes and yards neat; they also may be trying

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Weout are enrolling volunteers now find if are you qualify for a clinical research study of an investigational We enrolling adult oral volunteers now e 2 diabetes, and between 18 adult and 75 years of age,are diabetes medication. qualify for a clinical research study of an investigational oral If you have type 2 diabetes, and are between and 75 years of age, and are between 18 and 75 years of age, If you18have type 2 diabetes, cation. find out You if youmay qualify a clinical research study of an investigational oral research befor eligible if your blood sugar is not well-controlled and youstudy are of an investigational oral findvolunteers out if you qualify for a clinical We are enrolling adult now diabetes medication. gible if your blood sugar is not well-controlled and you are being treated with metformin and sitagliptin. diabetes medication. Weand are enrolling adult volunteers now with metformin sitagliptin. If you have type 2 diabetes, andsugar are between 18well-controlled and 75 years of age,and you are You may be eligible if your blood is not Iffind eligible toqualify participate, you will be byofaage, study receive outhave if you for a clinical research study ofseen an investigational You may be eligible iforal your bloodand sugar is not well-controlled and you are If you type 2 diabetes, and are between 18 and 75 years find outdoctor being treated metformin sitagliptin. diabetes medication. rticipate, you with will be seen byand a and study doctor and receive study-related testing medication at no cost. being treated with metformin and sitagliptin. if you qualify for a clinical research study of an investigational oral diabetes esting and at no cost. You may be eligibleyou if your blood sugar is notawell-controlled and youreceive are If eligible to medication participate, will be seen by study doctor and medication. treated with metformin and sitagliptin. Ifbeing enrolled, you may be reimbursed parking and expenses. If eligible to participate, youtravel will be seen by a study doctor and receive study-related testing and medication at no cost. for u may beIfreimbursed for parking andby travel study-related testing eligible to participate, you will be seen a study expenses. doctor and receive and medication at no cost.

DoYou You Have Have Type Type 22 Diabetes? Diabetes? Do

You maymay be eligible ifand your blood sugar not well-controlled and you are If enrolled, you be reimbursed for parking and travel expenses. study-related testing medication at is no cost.

For more contact:you may be reimbursed for parking and travel expenses. being treatedinformation, with metformin and please sitagliptin. If enrolled, rmation, Ifplease enrolled,contact: you may be reimbursed for parking and travel expenses.

For more information, please contact: CONSANO CLINICAL RESEARCH, LLC INICAL RESEARCH, LLC code-compliance transgressions such as vacant homes falling into disrepair are rare in District 9, If eligible to participate, you willcontact: be seen by a study doctor and receive For more information, please For more information, please Although contact: CONSANO CLINICAL RESEARCH, LLC officials said calling the city or using the 311 app on a smartphone to report problems is the first step in keeping 210-545-4900 study-related testing and medicationLLC at no cost. CONSANO CLINICAL RESEARCH, 0 neighborhoods safe and tidy. Photo by Aiessa Ammeter CONSANO CLINICAL RESEARCH, LLC 210-545-4900 210-545-4900 Consano.Research@gmail.com earch@gmail.com If enrolled, you may be reimbursed for parking and travel expenses. vehicles and other rules. Breaking these Consano.Research@gmail.com Consano.Research@gmail.com 210-545-4900 VIOLATIONS continues from pg. 27 bylaws can lead to thorny legal disputes, Thank you.critical Volunteers critical to diabetes research. Thank you. Volunteers are critical to diabetes research. Consano.Research@gmail.com k you. Volunteers toarediabetes to sell their residence and don’t want though the Legislature in the last few years Thank you.are Volunteers are critical toresearch. diabetes research. property values to suffer, officials said.

has given homeowners more protection.

by letter and told what needs to be fixed or corrected to comply with city codes. Without matters addressed, heavy fines, court action or other penalties may ensue, according to the city. Many neighborhood associations also have mandatory covenants governing a home’s appearance, the types of grass permissible for planting, where to park

issues involve vehicles and yard maintenance, according to Ken Brodeen, the NCTONA neighborhood appearance and code enforcement official. “I would say the two biggest issues are overgrown lawns to the extent of over 12 inches for grass and weeds,”

homeowners notified Other District 9 code-compliance Thank you. VolunteersAbsentee are critical toarediabetes research.

Janssen Research & Development, LLC For more information, please contact: Development, LLC& Development, CONSANO CLINICAL&RESEARCH, LLC LLC Janssen Research LLC Janssen Research Development, 210-545-4900 28431754DIA4004-ENG24 INT-1 Version 1.0 Janssen Research & Development, LLC Consano.Research@gmail.com 09JAN2014

28431754DIA4004-ENG24 INT-1 24 INT-1

Version 1.0 28431754DIA4004-ENG24 INT-1 09JAN2014 Version 1.0

09JAN2014

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Brodeen said. “The second thing would be illegally parked vehicles.” Homeowners with untidy yards receive a notice and can also have a small, red flag placed on the lawn to catch their attention, Brodeen said. If notices go unheeded, code-enforcement officers may issue fines. “We bend over backwards to help notify people, but some people still don’t comply,” he added. Examples of illegally parked vehicles include recreational vehicles stopped in front of a residence for more than one day, as well as boats and trailers parked in driveways and at the curb. “If it’s parked illegally they’re given a warning and they have to move it within 24 hours,” Brodeen said. “Unfortunately a lot of people don’t move it, really. They back it up three or four feet and leave it at that.” NCTONA is different from a homeowners association. A traditional HOA has its own rules and standards, in addition to the city’s regulations; NCTONA only follows municipal codes. “It’s not a neighborhood-association rule,” said Brodeen of the code-enforcement standards. “Actually, we don’t have any rules. All we have is the communication and standards of the city-code enforcement.”

As a whole, code violations in District 9 are not a big problem, according to Krier’s staff. Simply, neighbors helping each other instead of getting the city involved can handle many of the infractions, according to Trevino. He cited the example of an elderly person who may have difficulty mowing a lawn or taking out trash. In such cases, neighborhood associations can be notified and volunteers can offer assistance. “It doesn’t have to reach the point that the city has to send somebody out there to fine a person,” Trevino said. “We want to know about that so we can offer assistance. I think of it as a good-neighbor policy.” Residents who wish to report a code violation can dial 311. Also available is a 311 app for smartphones, which helps residents communicate code compliance and other issues to city officials. “The 311 app on smartphones are the best tools for us to use because they create work orders, they help city staff track what’s going on; be it a pothole, a vacant home, a loose dog,” Trevino said. “The only way the city can find out what our needs are, and where those needs are, and making sure that city staff is going out there and addressing them in a timely manner, is when those work orders are created.”

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t is no secret that Texans, especially San Antonians, love to barbecue. So, after 16 years of operating in Austin, BBQ Outfitters decided to heat things up by recently opening a new store on the North Side. “We are all about grilling,” said manager Nikki Lindner. “We know San Antonio is expanding and we wanted to bring our brand of outdoor living to the area. We felt it would be a perfect fit.” The store at 4519 N. Loop 1604 West offers a cornucopia of supplies and products for outdoor-cooking enthusiasts — grills and smokers, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces and fire pits — plus outdoor furniture and accessories. “Our favorite product is the Big Green Egg grill,” Lindner said. “That’s

BBQ Outfitters specializes in all things grilling, with staples such as the Big Green Egg grill (left) and outdoor kitchens (above). Photos by Collette Orquiz

kind of our staple. We would love to convert everyone into using one. It’s an all-natural charcoal grill. We have an EggFest each year to celebrate it and all the Eggheads, as we call our fans, come out.” Aside from the Big Green Egg, BBQ Outfitters offers products from Weber, Luxor, Blaze and other brands. Also, BBQ Outfitters offers grilling demonstrations every Saturday from opening until closing. Anyone can visit

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Russian martial-arts classes starting for kids by ERIC MORENO

N

ew classes for children start in September at a North Side studio teaching an ancient system of Russian martial arts called systema. San Antonio Systema — said by its instructors to have the only authorized teachers of the art form in the city — is housed inside Roots Fitness, 2334 Jackson-Keller Road. All classes cover three core principles of systema: combat skill, combat spirit and a healthy body, instructors said. Unlike some martial arts, systema is not based on competition. “Systema, basically, is a non-competitive self-defense and fitness system,” said Millie Gonzales, director of development. “Kids all the way to adults in their 70s can learn systema and excel in it. We also offer private

lessons for people that are interested in that.” Beginning Sept. 1, San Antonio Systema is offering classes for children 6 to 12 years old. The sessions are for beginner-level students and take place from 4 to 5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. “These classes will be open for all kids, no matter their skill level,” Gonzales said. “The cost for the kids classes will be the same as for the adult classes, which is $140 per month. But the kids will benefit from the extra class per week and there will be additional practice time with the instructors.” Other classes meet twice a week, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Systema dates to 10th-century Russia. “In systema, there are no belts to achieve or rankings,” Gonzales said. “There aren’t

Roberto Treviño (standing) pretends to attack Chris Kish in a self-defense exercise at San Antonio Systema that helps the body move with blows or when thrown on the ground. Photo by Collette Orquiz

any stances to memorize, either. Systema is all about the movement of the body.” Also on tap for San Antonio Systema is a martial-arts seminar Aug. 30-31 featuring Brazilian systema instructor Nelson Wagner. It is open to those age 13 and up. “It will be a really neat event,” Gonzales said. “We will have systema students and teachers from all across

the state come in to attend and give lessons and demonstrations. People can sign up at our website.”

san antonio systema 2334 Jackson-Keller Road For more, call 789-3009 or visit www.sanantoniosystema.com

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AUGUST 2014 Abuela’s Mexican Restaurant serves breakfast all day such as the chilaquiles taco (far left), but is also open for lunch and offers choices such as an enchilada plate with fajitas (left). Photos by Collette Orquiz

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

Abuela’s Mexican Restaurant dream come true for owners by EILEEN PACE

A

nyone who thinks San Antonio doesn’t need another Mexican restaurant may just reconsider after trying Abuela’s at the north end of Castle Hills. It’s a testament to his commitment that Jesus Calderon started the restaurant in whatever spare time remained after his full-time job in the produce department at H-E-B. But Calderon wanted to make his wife’s dreams come true, and Elena Calderon had dreamed of owning a restaurant her whole life. Abuela’s is located at 2313 N.W. Military Highway at Lockhill-Selma Road in the Hunters Hill shopping center. The restaurant seats 48 and offers phone-in orders to go. The couple, from different states in Mexico, met in San Antonio in 1989 and married the same year. They

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both bring original recipes from the interior of Mexico to Abuela’s, but Elena’s favorite is the chicken mole. It’s made with fresh chile anchos the Calderons buy from a man who brings them from Mexico. Restaurant manager Patsy Langley said the owners enjoy making friends with their new customers. “Elena and I worked together in another restaurant for a long time before she opened this one, and I’m just glad to help out,” Langley said. “They opened about a month ago just for breakfast and lunch, and they wanted to see how well the customers like it before they open for dinner. But they’re doing very, very well.” The Calderons’ three sons, who are attending college and working at H-E-B,

also help out in the restaurant. Abuela’s features a full Mexican-food menu ranging from tacos and fajitas to steak a la Mexicana and chicharon. Besides the mole that Elena Calderon favors, the restaurant offers different lunch specials every day and breakfast anytime. But Langley loves the tortillas. “The corn and flour tortillas made by the lady here, they’re so soft, they melt in your mouth just like cotton candy,” she said. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

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Owners say pay a visit to Romelia’s bakery for treasures by OLIVIER J. BOURGOIN

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duardo and Romelia Valenzuela recently opened Romelia’s Bakery & Specialties, offering to-go service and The Treasures, their trademarked brand of baked goods. The shop is at 11255 Huebner Road, Suite 110, in the Strand at Huebner Oaks. The couple, who moved to San Antonio from Monterrey, Mexico, a few years ago, are working to develop a business dear to Romelia Valenzuela’s heart. “My wife has been baking since she was 2 years old,” her husband said. “Even though at the time, she was only ‘pretend baking’ mud cakes made out of clay and water, it’s in her blood.” His wife agreed. “In Mexico, I had a business that was already dealing with food,” she said. “It was

different. I had a business where I made frozen burritos and I also made gourmet cupcakes and some chocolate products.” She also came up with the name The Treasures, confections that include the Banana-Cajeta-Coconut Treasure, the Mango-Kiwi Treasure and the Berry Treasure, which is a pecan-meringue base with cream cheese, topped with a filling of fresh strawberries, blackberries and raspberries. Some of the more traditional favorites on the menu are pan au chocolat (it’s the bilingual name but the French treat), Danish pastries, almond and lemon bars, tarts, pan dulce, specialty cupcakes, carrot cakes, cookies and muffins including apple-crumb, blueberry-banana and carrot-zucchini. The 1,000-square-foot store is based on a to-go concept, so by design

there are no chairs or tables. “We wanted to concentrate our efforts on efficient production and quality control,” Eduardo Valenzuela said. “That’s why we’re set up for to-go only. Also, the requirements are less — no wait staff, no dishes to clean and no need for public restrooms. It’s a better business model for what we want to do.” The store employs two full-time and two part-time employees. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and closed Sunday.

romelia's bakery & specialties 11255 Huebner Road, Suite 110 For more, call 437-1073 or visit www.facebook.com/RomeliasBakery

Romelia’s Bakery & Specialties features The Treasures, including a pecan meringue topped with cream cheese and fruits such as kiwi and mango (top left), and other baked goods such as pan au chocolat (above) at The Strand at Huebner Oaks. Photos by Collette Orquiz

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Mon-Sat 7:00am - 3:00pm

• Private Party Rooms Available • Contemporary, Family-Dining Experience

210-259-8359


BUSINESS ALLIANCE MEETING AUGUST 28TH

The Castle Hills/Shavano Park Business Alliance believes the benefits of the Alliance are a direct relation to the amount of effort, interest and participation given by the members of the group.

FOOD AND DRINKS PROVIDED

THAI TOPAZ 2177 N.W. Military Hwy., San Antonio, TX 78213 (N.W. Military near West Ave.) 11:30-11:50 Networking • 11:50-1:15 Lunch and Presentation TOPIC:

Presentation on Retail and Commercial Property in San Antonio

$10 MEMBER RSVP $12 MEMBER NO RSVP $12 NON-MEMBERS RSVP $15 NON-MEMBER NO RSVP

PRESENTED BY:

Transwestern – The Performance Advantage in Real Estate

TO RSVP OR FOR MORE INFO CALL:

BROOKE CRAIG (210) 884-1525 or MARC OLSON (210) 669-3973 www.castlehillsshavanoparkba.org

AUGUST 2014

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

Real Estate LOCAL Trends ZIP Code

78213

78230

78231

78248

78249

JUN-13

$111,000

$202,000

$275,000

$287,000

$147,000

JUN-14

110,000

232,500

283,500

281,800

191,250

New listings

JUN-13

36

57

17

31

85

JUN-14

33

65

7

36

94

Average days on market

JUN-13

65

108

121

72

75

JUN-14

78

81

46

90

56

JUN-13

29

46

18

29

54

JUN-14

31

36

13

30

54

JUN-13

32

38

17

27

77

JUN-14

23

27

17

27

58

JUN-13

3.5

3.3

21

2.7

3.4

JUN-14

2.5

4.2

3.2

2.6

2.5

Median sold price

Conveniently located in your neighborhood • Classes meet one night a week

34

Closed sales

Under contract

Concordia

Months supply of inventory

• Affordable tuition • One block north of Loop 410 between Nacogdoches and Broadway - 8626 Tesoro Drive

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

concordia.edu/satxaugust

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*Offer can only be used during dinner hours. Multiple certificates will not be accepted. Offers valid for dine-in only. Not valid with/or at Happy Hour and with any other offers. No cash value. Does not include tax or gratuity. Certificate is void if altered, defaced, copied, transferred or sold through any online auction. expires September 30, 2014 , must present this offer

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(COMPLIMENTARY EXAM FOR ONE PET PER HOUSEHOLD)

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