LOCAL: Castle Hills, Shavano Park, North Central, 78213, 78230, 78248, 78249 February 2015

BATTLING OAK WILT IN SHAVANO PARK CITY ON TRACK TO CONTAIN ISOLATED CASE Action is required to protect trees and maintain property values — SEE PAGE 22

The Eagles have landed Castle Hills First Baptist School’s 6-man football team celebrates championship season PG.17 VOL. 3, ISSUE 8

CASTLE HILLS

COMMUNITY NEWS SHAVANO PARK

NORTH SIDE

78213 78230 78231 78248 78249

FEB. 9 - MARCH 16, 2015

INSIDE YOUR COMMUNITY

PG.20 Lessons

learned yearround at Castle Hills Elementary School

Parents, teachers like schedule of nearly continuous classes

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COUPONS INSIDE Discover the city through LOCAL deals from restaurants, retailers and services in your community, and save money while you do it! pg. 31

PG.13

WEDGWOOD After the smoke clears

Fire at Castle Hills senior-living complex sparks legal action; residents wonder what’s next for them PG.13 PG. 28 EAT LOCAL:

ZAYTUNE MEDITERRANEAN GRILL New restaurant offers Persian dishes and delicacies on Interstate 10 West

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FEB. 9 - MARCH 16, 2015

FROM THE EDITOR

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President Harold J. Lees Publisher Gregg Rosenfield Assoc. Publisher Rick Upton 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, Travis E. Poling, Arthur Schechter and Susan Yerkes

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Here’s to 2015

W

e have been busy here at LOCAL Community News as the new year gets started.

But as we face the challenges of 2015, the staff is more determined than ever to serve the information needs of our readers.

For starters, LOCAL has embarked on its third year of delivering free, monthly community newspapers filled with hyperlocal information. That’s no easy task, considering all the competition.

Since the spring of 2012, we have increased our newsroom staff, added some truly excellent freelance writers and photographers and launched five zoned editions across the greater San Antonio area, reaching an audience of more than 200,000.

Readers have embraced our coverage philosophy, which is not to compete with other media but to bring street-bystreet news to our audience — filling the news gap no one else is tackling.

This strategy seems to be working, because 2014 was LOCAL’s most successful year yet. But we’re not sitting on our laurels.

Our plans call for the creation of another edition of LOCAL sometime this year, bringing to six the number of papers we publish. Likes for our Facebook page continue to grow, and our revamped website will be up soon.

In the days ahead, Will Wright — the managing editor of LOCAL’s Metrocom paper — will take over editing duties for the edition that serves the U.S. 281 corridor from Loop 410 to Loop 1604. Meanwhile, I will be turning my attention to our new ventures while still editing the other publications.

So, as 2015 gets underway, I want to thank our readers and advertisers for their continued support. Don’t forget to drop me a line at tedwards@ salocallowdown.com when you have a suggestion, observation or story idea.

THOMAS EDWARDS EXECUTIVE EDITOR FACEBOOK.COM/SALOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

LOCAL COMMENTARY

Warning! This could happen to you

by SUSAN YERKES

E

very year, one in six drivers in the United States gets a ticket. About the same number

get a warning.

It happened to me recently, late one evening — a time I have always suspected traffic police stop folks for little things like changing lanes without a turn signal, on the off chance it produces a DWI arrest.

Over time I’ve been stopped and given warnings, and in each case, the officer began by asking, “Where are you coming from?” or “Have you been partying?”

Since I don’t drink, I have nothing to hide.

In this instance, I politely answered

the officer’s questions, waited patiently and felt sweet relief when the officer said the word “warning.” I took my little computer-generated warning slip and wished him a hearty good night.

My relief lasted about a week. That’s when letters from various lawyers arrived, advising me they’d be happy to help resolve the traffic violation they found recorded in the Bexar County Integrated Justice System. Traffic violation? Wait – it was a warning!

I reached a nice clerk in the Bexar County Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace office, who told me I had gotten a speeding ticket, and I was scheduled to pay the fine or appear before a judge.

“But I got a turn-signal warning, not any kind of ticket!” I said.

“In our records, it’s a speeding ticket,” she said. “It happens. Come in and talk to the prosecutor.”

First, I was appalled. Next, I was grateful for the lawyer letters. Without them, I wouldn’t have known I had a court appearance scheduled. If I had failed to show, a warrant could have been issued for my arrest.

Fortunately, I found the discarded warning in the recycling bin. I emailed the helpful clerk a copy, and a few days after Christmas the case was “dismissed.”

What happened? Precinct 3 Place 2 Justice of the Peace Jeff Wentworth, who would have heard the case, looked into my records. He explained that somehow my name, address and accompanying data was recorded on the warning, but had also somehow migrated to a speeding ticket received that same night by a woman we’ll call Ms. X. So the computer recorded it as my ticket.

“It’s weird, but it does happen,” said Capt.

James Roberts, operations supervisor for Precinct 3 Constable Mark Vojvodich. “It’s a glitch. The officer enters information on the computer in his car and his handheld.

The information auto-populates directly to the system and is synced to the court.

Somehow it attached your data to the next ticket. The input field on it does not auto-erase. So say the officer writes 30 tickets one night; if he doesn’t erase the input field, or move the mouse far enough on the screen, it can flip like that. It’s even harder for motorcycle cops, since they’re working off an inch-and-a-half screen.”

“I think sometimes it worked better handwritten,” Roberts added. “But the good thing about this system is, you can go look it up and see exactly what happened.”

I wasn’t completely reassured. I wondered if the Department of Public Safety might have received the erroneous ticket and put it on my driving history.

But after calling Austin I learned traffic tickets don’t go on your driving record unless you're convicted.

I know a lot more about the business of traffic tickets now, including that the average traffic cop generates about $300,000 in revenue, when you add in court costs and various fees. I started the new year with renewed determination not to do anything that would give an officer any excuse to pull me over, and to save every single piece of paper I receive from any officer or court.

Now, readers, I’d like to hear about your encounters with traffic officers.

Email comments to syerkes@ salocallowdown.com.

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FEB. 9 - MARCH 16, 2015

OUR TURN Views and opinions about your community

Why won’t politicians stay on the job?

A

recent series of decisions — or in some cases, defections — among elected officials to seek another office while still holding their current position should concern voters.

This political game of musical chairs undermines public trust, often adds to the taxpayers’ burden of paying for unnecessary special elections to fill sudden vacancies, and interrupts the continuity of government operations.

Simply put, once a candidate is in office, he or she should stay for the full term — barring illness or tragedy, of course. In other words, finish the job.

Instead, voters in the greater San Antonio area since 2013 have been treated to a merry-go-round of midterm and new-term officeholders turning into office seekers.

Didn’t win an election for a higher office? Don’t like your current elected position? Then just throw your hat into the ring again, even if you haven’t finished your current term.

That seems to be the message broadcast by some candidates.

In the latest postings, state Rep. Mike Villarreal has stepped down to run for mayor of San Antonio, even though he won a Nov. 4 re-election bid. State Sen. Leticia van de Putte, smarting from her loss in the run for lieutenant governor on the Wendy Davis gubernatorial ticket, is also seeking the San Antonio mayor’s spot against fellow Democrat Villarreal.

Meanwhile, Villarreal’s bid for the mayor’s office prompted City Council District 1 representative Diego Bernal to tell voters he was leaving City Hall to run for Villarreal’s House District 123 seat, which also led to a special election Jan. 6 — with the costs paid by voters. That was followed by a runoff. Voters returned Bernal to the council in May 2013.

Plus, there was District 10 Councilman Carlton Soules, who left office after his successful re-election in May 2013 in a fruitless bid to unseat Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff

OUR TURN continues on pg. 05

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM OUR TURN continues from pg. 05 during the November balloting.

Not to be outdone, District 9 Councilwoman Elisa Chan also left office to run against state Sen. Donna Campbell, who beat Chan during the March 2014 Republican primary.

San Antonio City Hall has seen plenty of other arrivals and departures, too, prompted by re-elected Mayor Julian Castro’s decision to pick up stakes and take over as head of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. A domino effect followed, led by District 2 Councilwoman Ivy Taylor’s ascension to the mayor’s spot, which prompted not only a special election, but also a runoff election for her old seat.

Whew! One almost needs a scorecard to keep the campaigns and hopefuls straight.

More than likely most of these folks have the best intentions, but their comings and goings from the halls of power can only make voters’ heads spin. That hardly seems fair to the electorate.

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

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LOCAL LETTERS OUR POLICE ARE DOING A GREAT JOB EDITOR: We live in a neighborhood where our local police force is appreciated, and we like the feeling of being protected by those who serve. Every Christmas our neighbors provide a meal for our police officers and firefighters to show our appreciation.

Sure, there are those who abuse their position, but they are in the minority.

Margery Beitzel DON’T GENERALIZE ABOUT POLICE CONDUCT EDITOR: I agree with the general point of the recent From the Editor column that “every group has a few bad apples” — including police. But when you write that critics shouldn’t “tar and feather all police” and that protesters “want anarchy,” I submit that you are way off base.

I don’t think you could cite one spokesperson at any of the protests who says that “all police” are killers of black men.

On the contrary, these are specific cases that are being protested. The protesters want accountability for those officers involved in the killings of Eric Garner, Tamir Rice and others.

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FEB. 9 - MARCH 16, 2015

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HAPPENING LOCAL

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

teachers in a wholesome and

OUR GUIDE TO YOUR MONTH

supportive atmosphere.

• Summer Programs Available • Children through Adults

FITNESS

PARKS AND REC JOBS Almost 600 summer jobs are available with the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department, which is accepting applications now. The jobs will involve work in the Summer Youth Program, at more than 60 sites around town, and at the city’s 23 outdoor pools. Apply online at www. sanantonio.gov/hr/; click on Career Center.

ONGOING

• Beginner through Advanced • Classes for special needs

HAPPENING KEY

Now Registering Spring Classes

The Performing Arts School of Classical Ballet 8055 west ave. suite #106

210 349-2154 www.pascb.com

POETRY MONTH EVENTS The city’s Department for Culture & Creative Development is accepting submissions of events for Poetry Month – which is April – from institutions, organizations and individuals.

Listings submitted by Feb. 23 will automatically be included in printed calendars distributed to libraries, colleges, bookstores and other sites; those submitted later will be online. All events should be

ONGOING

ART

TALK

OUTDOOR

MUSIC

submitted online at www.npmsa.com.

“TALLEY’s FOLLY” The Sheldon Vexler Theatre is staging Lanford Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning romantic comedy about two people who find love when they’ve nearly given up looking for it. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays; tickets range from $15 to $21. Go to www.vexler.org for seating information and call 302-6835 to reserve your seats. The Vex is at the Barshop Jewish Community Center, 12500 N.W. Military Highway at Wurzbach Parkway.

THROUGH MAR 1

BOYS’ SCHOOL ENROLLMENT The San Antonio Independent School District is accepting

THROUGH MAR 16

HAPPENING continues on pg. 07

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM HAPPENING continues from pg. 06

City Hall, 900 Saddletree Court.

applications for its new Young Men’s Leadership Academy for classes starting in August. The school is open – at no cost – to boys across Bexar County who are entering fourth, fifth or sixth grade this fall. It will stress character, leadership and discipline along with high academic expectations.

For more information and an application form, go to www.saisd.net/schools/ymla.

SUNRISE BIRD WALK The Phil Hardberger Park Nature Walk series brings in Alan Kuentz, Patsy Kuentz and Lora Reynolds to help participants spot and identify the park’s most common birds. The walk, which takes place from 8 to 10 a.m., sets off from the Urban Ecology Center near the park’s western entrance, 8400 N.W. Military Highway. It’s free, but donations are appreciated.

SCHOOL BOARD The trustees of the North East Independent School District meet at 5:30 p.m. at 8961 Tesoro Drive.

FEB 9

FEB 10

CASTLE HILLS The City Council meets at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall, 209 Lemonwood Drive.

NORTHSIDE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Trustees meet Feb. 10 and Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. in the board room, 5900 Evers Road.

FEB 10, 24

SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS Hood’s Texas Brigade, Camp No. 153, will hold its monthly meeting starting at 7 p.m. at Grady’s Bar-B-Que, 6510 San Pedro Ave. Members and guests come early and eat, and no reservations are required. The Camp meets the third Tuesday of the month. For more, go to www.hoodstexasbde.com/.

FEB 17

GARDENERS’ MEETING The Bexar County Master Gardeners will meet from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Office, 3355 Cherry Ridge Drive, Suite 208. The afternoon meeting offers educational opportunities and two continuing education units.

FEB 19

VICTORIA AARONS The Jewish FEB Community Center Author Series 19 presents local writer Aarons and her book “The New Diaspora” at 7 p.m.

Tickets cost $10; purchase them online at www.jccsanantonio.org/author or by phone at 302-6820. The JCC is at 12500 N.W. Military Highway at Wurzbach Parkway.

STAR PARTY Members of the San Antonio Astronomical Association will set up telescopes in the open mulched field of the savanna at Phil Hardberger Park West for stargazing from 6 to 8 p.m. Park near the Urban Ecology Center; participants will meet at the center’s Gathering Hall if the weather is bad. The party is free but donations are accepted. The park’s western entrance is at 8400 N.W. Military Highway.

FEB 21

FEB 23

SHAVANO PARK The City Council will hold its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. in

FEB 28

THIRD ANNUAL WINSTON EAGLE RUN A kids’ fun run and a 5K run start off at 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., respectively, at Shavano Park City Hall, 900 Saddletree Court, to raise funds for classroom and technology enhancements, programs for students and special programs or projects in support of The Winston School. The mission of the school is serving students with high potential, yet who learn differently. For registration or details about the event, go to at http://register.iaapweb.com/ search/event.aspx?id=31116. Sign-ups are also available the morning of the event. Participants receive a T-shirt.

For more, call Angie Cronin at 8893570 or email angiecronin@me.com.

40 Conquering Cancer Years of

FEB 28

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS The annual fundraiser will benefit the CIELO Gardens program, which allows local refugees to grow their own food and work with others who are starting a new life in the United States. The $25 tickets cover dinner and entry to a silent auction featuring jewelry, ceramics, scarves and other creations from around the world. The event begins at 6 p.m. at House of Prayer Lutheran Church, 10226 Ironside Drive. For more information or to buy tickets, call Arisa Rice at 281-690-3458.

FEB 28

PURIM CELEBRATION Barshop Jewish Community Center offers a literacy-themed event for families from 2 to 4 p.m. on the JCC soccer field. It will include touring author Tracy Newman, The Twig Book Store’s Miss Anastasia and a book sale, plus games, crafts and even kite-flying. The event is free and open to all, but reservations are requested; go to www.jccsanantonio.org/seasons to make them. The JCC is at 12500 N.W. Military Highway, at Wurzbach Parkway.

MAR 1

SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS Alamo City Guards, Camp 1325, will hold its monthly meeting starting at 7 p.m. at Grady’s Bar-B-Que, 6510 San Pedro Ave. This month’s speaker is Dale Schultz, on Brass Bands During the War Between the States.

MAR 5

HAPPENING continues on pg. 08

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CTRC has a world-class team of physicians focused on helping you and your loved ones find their answer for cancer.

CTRC’s oncologists, surgeons, radiologists and many others work in collaboration to review each diagnosis and make decisions as a team - for every patient.

If you or a loved one is facing cancer, let CTRC be the answer.

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FEB. 9 - MARCH 16, 2015

HAPPENING continues from pg. 07 Members and guests come at 6 p.m. and eat, and no reservations are required. The Camp meets the first Thursday of the month.

SPRING BREAK J-CAMP The MAR Barship Jewish Community 9-13 Center’s camp offers full-day sessions with early arrival and latestay options. Activity choices include sports, field trips and more. Call 3026859 or go to www.jccsanantonio.org.

The center is at 12500 N.W. Military Highway, at Wurzbach Parkway.

ST. GEORGE EPISCOPAL MAR CHURCH MENTAL HEALTH 11 FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP The 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. SINGLE PROFESSIONALS MAR NETWORK This friendship 13 group for single, mature adults will gather at 5 p.m. for a happy hour at Tost Bistro, 14415 Blanco Road. SPN typically has events and outings several

times a week; for more on those and on the organization, go to www.spn-sa.org.

ELSEWHERE IN SAN ANTONIO

WORLD WAR II IN PHOTOGRAPHS: LOOKING BACK The McNay Art Museum exhibition marks this year’s 70th anniversary of the war’s end and celebrates San Antonio’s long history as a military town. The exhibit, which the McNay organized, includes famous images but also photos of San Antonians doing their part to help the war effort. Tickets for those 12 and older are $10, and $5 for seniors, students and military. The McNay is at 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave.

THROUGH MAY 10

SAN ANTONIO STOCK SHOW & RODEO The AT&T Center and Freeman Coliseum will house the rodeos, exhibits, competitions, rides, music and shops of the 66th annual celebration of farm and ranch life. Top acts – both on stage and in the rodeo arena – are on tap.

The grounds open at 8 a.m. daily; admission costs $10 for adults and $5 for those 65 and older or 3 to 12 years old. The $12 rodeo tickets include admission to the grounds, which are at AT&T Center Parkway and East Houston Street. For more, and to purchase tickets, go to www.sarodeo.com.

FEB 12 - MAR 1

FLORAL DESIGN CLASSES Hands-on instruction in creating floral arrangements will be provided by Melissa White in a threesession class on consecutive Tuesdays.

Flowers, greenery and a container for each session are covered in the $75 cost. The registration deadline is Feb. 13 and the classes take place at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels Ave. For more, go to www.sanantoniogardencenter. org or call 824-9981.

FEB 17, 24 MAR 3

SONS OF ITALY MEETING Pompeo Coppini Lodge 2712 of the Order Sons of Italy will meet at 6 p.m. at Little Italy Restaurant, 824 Afterglow St. at West Avenue. Dinner costs $22; for reservations, call Jan Nicolucci Zeppelin, 410-1191. The chapter meets the third Tuesday of the month at Italian restaurants and welcomes anyone with “an Italian connection.” For more on the group, visit www.italiantexans.com.

FEB 17

RETIRED TEACHERS The North San Antonio Retired Teachers Association will open its monthly meeting with a “meet and greet” at 9:45 a.m.; the meeting begins at 10:15 a.m. at San Pedro Presbyterian Church, 14900 San Pedro Ave. The guest

FEB 18

speaker will be Cesar Alvarado of the Better Business Bureau, who will discuss good buying practices as they relate to seniors and anyone on a fixed income.

SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION The San Antonio Chapter of the national organization will hold its monthly luncheon meeting at the Petroleum Club, 8620 N. New Braunfels Ave., at 11:30 a.m. Lunch costs $25.

Reservations are required and should be made with Bob Clark, 402-0871, or reservations@ sarsat.org, by the Monday prior to the meeting.

FEB 18

FETE DU CUVEE CELLAR PARTY Get a preview of the auction items and chef creations that will be featured at the Junior League of San Antonio Fete du Cuvee. Wine, food and music will be plentiful, and the party site – the penthouse of the Alteza Residences, atop the Grand Hyatt – will offer great views of downtown. The fun starts at 7 p.m.; tickets, $75 apiece, are available through a link at www.sanantoniowineauction.com.

The Grand Hyatt is at 600 E. Market St.

FEB 19

SUBMITTING EVENTS: Email all

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

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

Open and Opening Soon 7

Address of local business Name of local business

3

5

6

2

Laser Cataract

4 1

1. CASTLE HILLS COMPLETE URGENT CARE, 6999 Blanco Road in the Blanco

Junction shopping center, has opened just inside Loop 410. The motto is, “Revolutionizing the urgent-care experience…one patient at a time.” No appointments are necessary. Services include treating allergies, cholesterol screenings, dermatological problems, minor lacerations, physical exams, ear and eye pain, and more. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more, call 202-1333 or visit www.castlehillsurgentcare. com. (See story on page 25)

2. MODA MIA BOUTIQUE, 10003 N.W. Military Highway, Suite 2113, is a relocated women’s retail store featuring apparel, jewelry, shoes and handbags. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. For more, call 348-8339, or visit www.shopmodamia. com or Facebook at www.facebook.com/ modamiaSA. (See story on page 26) 3. TARKA INDIAN KITCHEN, 427 N. Loop

1604 West, Suite 101, in the Sonterra Village shopping center, is a fast-casual eatery with made-to-order traditional Indian cuisine and some modern interpretations, such as “naaninis,” or pressed hot sandwiches similar to Italian paninis. The restaurant offers freshly baked Indian flatbreads, and unique specialty drinks such as whipped fruit lassi or mango lemonade.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Friday and Saturday. For more, call 499-

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0982 or check out tarkaindiankitchen. com. (See story on page 27)

4. ZAYTUNE MEDITERRANEAN GRILL,

9955 Interstate 10 West, is a new eatery specializing in Persian dishes. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. For more, call 468-2700, visit zaytunegrillsa. com or like them at Facebook.com/ zaytunegrillsa. (See story on page 28)

5. BURGER KING, 2002 N. Loop 1604 West, is opening in March to offer flame-broiled beef, quality ingredients and great service, according to a spokeswoman with St. Juste Management Corp., an independently owned and operated franchise with 19 Burger King restaurants. According to the spokeswoman, more than 11 million diners visit Burger King restaurants in 76 countries and territories around the world every year, continuing a 50-year legacy of success that helped the eatery earn the title of the second-largest fast-food hamburger chain in the world. Hours will be 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. The eatery also is recruiting employees. For more, call 366-9900 or apply at www.work4bk.com.

6. CONCENTRA URGENT CARE, 12651 Vance Jackson Road, Suite 114, has opened in the Fiesta Trails shopping center and is the sixth in Bexar County. The care center provides treatment for a variety of common non-life threatening illnesses, injuries and LOWDOWN continues on pg. 10

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LOWDOWN continues from pg. 09 conditions as well as occupational, wellness, digital X-ray and health screening services. It also offers in-house physical therapy or post-operative rehabilitation, work-related and sports injuries, arthritis and age-related conditions and chronic physical disabilities. Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more, call 762-3780.

7. HOME CONSIGNMENT CENTER, 17603 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 130, has opened in The Rim and is billed as one of the “leading furniture and jewelry consignment businesses in the U.S., with 17 locations in California, Texas and Nevada.” According to a brochure from the company, “We do the work and you get 50 percent of the proceeds.” The store offers free previews in homes, or clients can stop by with their items or email a photo. The store will even pick up the item with no “up-front” costs — it’s deducted later from the client’s proceeds at sale. The store accepts consignments every day. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

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DISTRICT 9 COUNCILMAN JOE KRIER has been sworn in as mayor pro tem, meaning he acts in the absence of the mayor to oversee City Council meetings.

THE NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE has a new vice chairman — District 8 Councilman Ron Nirenberg. The committee develops federal policy positions on air quality, water quality, energy, national wetlands and waste management. “Harnessing growth while addressing challenges to natural resources is a balance that must be struck in every city across the country,” Nirenberg said. “Here locally, we’ve seen that our quality of life and economic competitiveness depend on sound policy on these issues.” Also, Alamo Area Council of Governments Chairman Jim Wolverton appointed Nirenberg as chairman of the Air Improvement Resources executive committee, a collaborative entity comprosed of regional leaders focused on improving local air quality.

SHAVANO PARK OFFICIALS SAY A FIRM HAS BEEN SELECTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL to conduct a survey of residents to

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM LOWDOWN continues from pg. 10 determine potential uses of the undeveloped municipal tract. The firm is mailing surveys to homes through February, and the results will help organizers develop a plan for the acreage that could include recreational spaces or natural habitat.

AN ENFORCEMENT EFFORT IN SHAVANO PARK TO KEEP OVERSIZED TRUCKS from driving on Lockhill Selma and De Zavala roads seems to be paying off, according to police. In October, officers began receiving complaints that large trucks were making deliveries to a new store just outside the city limits while using De Zavala to get there.

Residents became worried that both roads, which are weighted for 26,000 pounds, could be damaged, according to a city newsletter. It is also illegal for vehicles over that weight limit to use the roads in the city. Police increased education efforts by meeting with delivery managers and also stepped up enforcement by issuing tickets, officials said. Since that time, citations have dropped significantly, police said.

VETERAN CASTLE HILLS OFFICER LANCE BONNETTE, who served 20 years, retired from the city Dec. 31, officials announced.

COLONIAL HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL recently received a $1,000 grant from Walmart to help rev up its health and fitness program, according to the North East Independent School District. A group of fourth- and fifth-graders makes up the Kids School Health Advisory Council, which meets once or twice a month to develop ideas to promote health and wellness on campus.

MISSION MITSUBISHI RECENTLY HONORED LEE HIGH SCHOOL National Honor Society members Nadine Diaz Urrabas and Amir Osornio Ponce De Leon with scholarships. General Manager Islam Hindash and Marketing Director Olga Bernal Owens presented the two students with the scholarships.

MORE THAN HALF OF THE AWARDS GIVEN AT THE REGIONAL SCHOLASTIC ART COMPETITION went to North East Independent School District campuses.

According to an NEISD website, of the 626 awards given out from more than 1,300 entries, NEISD earned 51 percent, including half of the Gold Key Awards. The Gold Key winning artwork advances to nationals in New York City. Winners included students

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The Scholastic Art Awards recognize the vision of middle and high school students for their creative talents. SAY Si is the regional affiliate for the San Antonio Scholastic Art Awards, officials said.

A NEW MAGNET PROGRAM BEING INTRODUCED next academic year at White Middle School will offer the only specialized education of its kind to San Antonio middle school students. The new Design and Technology Academy will provide students focused instruction in computer programming and coding and information technology – some of the most sought-after skills in today’s workforce. Currently, DATA is a magnet school of choice for Roosevelt High School students. The middle school syllabus will provide a transition for pupils to move directly to the high school

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NORTHSIDE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT TRUSTEES have approved an allotment of $579,000 to subsidize Advanced Placement exams for high school students. The move supports the district’s goal to increase the number of students taking AP exams. The student contribution for each test will be $10 for economically disadvantaged students and $20 for non-economically disadvantaged students. District officials project that 12,500 tests will be administered.

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program without an additional application process, officials said. Through renovations made possible by the North East Independent School District’s 2011 bond program, White students will have the newest technology while pursuing opportunities to earn high school credit in some courses. Rackspace will participate in developing a syllabus to motivate students with multiple career prospects.

School administrators seek 340 sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders for its launch in the 2015-16 school year, including applicants outside NEISD boundaries. For more, visit www.neisd.net/whitemsdata.

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ASTLE HILLS — Weeks after flames and smoke spread through the 11-story Wedgewood Senior Living Apartments, a picture is emerging of heroism combined with terror — and claims from attorneys that basic safety measures would have prevented five to six deaths and multiple injuries.

The fire, which broke out about 6:30 a.m. Dec. 28, led to the evacuation of hundreds of senior residents and 18 injures in addition to the fatalities. Castle Hills, San Antonio, Olmos Park, Alamo Heights and other emergency departments responded; in the aftermath, local businesses and charities have rallied to aid the displaced residents, since the building at 6701 Blanco Road is closed for the foreseeable future.

At press time, investigators had not issued a ruling on the cause of

The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified those who died in the fire. n Karen Rae Betz, 74, apartment 701 n Jose O. Gonzales, 73, apartment 303 n Molly Urban, 75, apartment 302, where authorities believe the fire may have originated n Ramon Villarreal, 85, apartment 323 n Anita Marie Woodson, 75, apartment 709 The cause of death was listed as smoke inhalation for all of the residents except Urban, who died from burns, according to forensic reports.

The manner of death of another resident, Charlene Lowry, 71, apartment 924, is pending.

She was in the building at the time of the fire and died later at Northeast Baptist Hospital’s emergency room. At press time, a ruling was pending.

the blaze at the apartments, designed to house up to 450 residents.

Meanwhile, area attorneys representing dozens of clients in lawsuits say the worst of the fire could have been avoided if essential safety precautions — fire drills, sprinklers, an evacuation plan — had been in force.

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FEB. 9 - MARCH 16, 2015 was pulled down the stairs on a flattened cardboard box. One client told me an exit door was locked on her floor and she had to turn around and walk through smoke the length of the hallway to another exit.”

There were also serious issues involving smoke and heat detectors, as well as problems with warning sirens on a number of the floors, Shaw said.

“Our experts found that many of the smoke detectors, heat sensors, warning lights and sirens were taped over – covered with masking tape. Apparently there’d been a contract to paint the hallways prior to the fire and on certain floors tape covered sensors and alarm units, including sirens and lights, making them inoperable.

“If those devices had been operable during the fire, we strongly believe the number of casualties and injuries would have been significantly reduced. People would have had more time to evacuate.”

Wedgwood owners and management, their Houston-based law firm Bair Hilty and attorney Richard Griffin, and New York-based public relations firm Abernathy MacGregor Group had no comment for this story.

A letter from Entrada Management Services Inc., which operates Wedgewood,

WEDGWOOD continues from pg. 13 false fire alarms, have also been cited.

FIRE SAFETY “If the building had had management controls in place, unthinkable fire alarm operations would not have occurred on the morning of the fire and that alone would have greatly decreased the time it took to get firefighters on the scene,” said attorney James Shaw, whose firm Carabin & Shaw represents more than 50 residents. “And that would have saved lives and reduced the number of injuries to residents.”

Attorney Michelle Maloney, whose Marynell Maloney Law Firm also represents a number of residents, echoed Shaw’s concerns.

“We were told there were constant false alarms in the building,” Maloney said, “so many false alarms that on the morning of the fire, some folks delayed seeing if there was an actual fire. They ignored the alarms.”

No fire drills were conducted, Maloney said, adding, “And there was no evacuation plan for the building despite the fact that most of the residents were elderly.”

Maloney said, “I heard numerous stories about problems people had evacuating from the building, including a story about a woman who couldn’t walk who

WEDGWOOD continues on pg. 15

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM WEDGWOOD continues from pg. 14 says former residents can call 344-0261 or 877-304-5668 for more information.

The Castle Hills city website, http://www.cityofcastlehills.com/, also offers tips and resources.

FIRE SPRINKLERS Wedgwood Apartments did not have sprinklers, officials said. The building, built in 1964, was constructed before sprinklers were mandated by building codes. The building was “grandfathered in,” meaning the highrise was not retrofitted for sprinklers.

In the wake of the fire, both Castle Hills and San Antonio may mandate that all high-rise buildings (those over seven stories) have sprinkler systems.

“We are going to look at sprinklers very closely,” said Castle Hills City Manager Diane Pfeil. “We don’t know what the Wedgwood apartment owners have in mind for the building, so it is premature to say more. Wedgwood was our only high-rise residential building. We have one office building (1 Castle Hills) with sprinklers in hallways, but not in offices.”

San Antonio Fire Chief Charles Hood is exploring the possibility of advocating highrises be retrofitted with sprinkler systems,

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but such a decision is down the road, said Fire Department spokesman Christian Bove.

SURVIVORS’ STORIES Meanwhile, some residents say they are struggling with emotional problems in the wake of the fire. In addition, most escaped with only the clothes on their backs.

Tony Escamilla, 86, who lived in apartment 1013, said, “We heard many false alarms in the building nearly every day.”

He said on the day of the blaze, “I heard the alarm around 6:30 a.m.

I kept looking out the window to see if I could see anything. I saw nothing and I went back to bed.”

But his intuition prompted him to get up, open the door and gaze into the hallway.

“I saw black smoking coming toward me, toward my apartment and I knew it was time to get out. … I walked down 10 flights,” he said. “There were a lot of people who were kind of slow and I had to pass them. The further I got down, the more people there were … Some were panicking.

There were a whole bunch of fire trucks outside the building. We didn’t know what to do. A lot of people were screaming. All we wanted to do was to get away from the fire.”

He added, “I heard people yelling for

WEDGWOOD continues on pg. 16

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Depending on how the template interprets the layout, adjustments may be necessary for your ad size. These adjustments may involve lining up the white and green circles and adjusting the placement of the logo or text.

FEB. 9 - MARCH 16, 2015

To alter the disclaimer, double-click on it. This will open a text box for you to type the disclaimer. Note: for offers with “It hasinclude been very, very session length, the 15 statement "sessions time fordifficult WEDGWOODa continues from pg. because havelegal nothing from my consultation and dressing" is required byI the help up on thedepartment. third floor. Some were apartment including some important For headlines containing the words "best standing on their balconies. was horrible. ” claim papers, ” Prattonsaid. my life is in the massage" the It statement "Best" based Net“All Promoter He knew two of the dead, andvia since the apartment.

I wakeby upthe thinking scores from 2013 Listen360.com is required legal about fire, “I have been having some funny, funny what’s going on….what’s my next move.” department. dreams … I don’t know how to explain Pratt is also concerned because it. I see black smoke coming at me. I have she did not “hear a fire alarm and my The offer circle may be changed the same way as in any trouble sleeping.” He is staying with relatives. smoke detectors did not go off.” other template. Double click on it, select your offer by Roberta Pratt, an 80-year-old clicking on it, click "Apply" at the bottom and then click retired nurse who lived in apartment CONTINUING EFFORTS "OK" to close the inspector.

515, does not remember what woke Residents, lawyers and city officials her up the morning of the fire. have praised the response by firefighters Todoor, remove the address drag thepersonnel. contact “I ran to the opened it and for in-studio and use, otherjust emergency information boxes off the template onto the gray area. smoke poured into my apartment. I “I could not be any more pleased with couldn’t see anything,” she said. “My what our first responders did and with Thecame bluetoline the ad is thewhat bleed The default neighbor in 517 my around apartment. ourline. city continues to do to help bleed is set to .125".

If your ad has a different no“The city of She told me to stay in my apartment and in this situation,bleed, ” Pfeil or said. bleed, change or remove the bleed as follows: to open the window. I looked out and San Antonio and Bexar County had a saw the parking lot was full of fire trucks unified command to fight what turned 1) Double click the link atfire thewe top and ambulances and police cars. ” red "Document out Settings" to be the largest had in recent of came the page.

A firefighter to her apartment. memory. And they all did a great job.” “(He) told me I have to get out. I asked As for response times, Bove said, him how, and2) heWhen said, ‘Down the stairwell. talk with Hills the inspector box’ opens“We set will the bleed andCastle trim to 0. about a But I said, ‘I cannot do has steps.

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That will save time and could save lives.”

3) Click andby close the window.

There was a lot of blood on one landing. I He added, “In the case of the Wedgwood knew instantlyThese someone badly ” apartment fire,check we were the only fire ads was are on an hurt. approval loop so we can layouts.

Family members met her outside Please allow 24 hours after finishing yourWEDGWOOD ad for proof continues and on pg. 17 after she called them on Ads her cellphone. approval. submitted on Friday will be proofed and returned by end of day the following Monday.

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The Mighty Eagles at Castle Hills First Baptist School have made great strides, coaches say, including winning back-to-back state championships in the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools six-man playoffs.

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Open house set for school Feb. 22

by ARTHUR SCHECHTER

C

ASTLE HILLS — Castle Hills First Baptist School’s football program has rapidly made great strides, including a victory in December that marked backto-back state championships after only five full seasons for the six-man team.

Though the game does not feature the standard 11-man configuration at most Texas schools, the Eagles embrace their accomplishments.

“This is a football program, a school and a church that this community in Castle Hills

can be proudly associated with,” said James Criner, the athletic director and former head coach. “We would love nothing more than to have this community feel that sense of pride that comes with a state championship.”

Recently, Criner joined the head football coach and four All-State players around an imaginary campfire on a bone-chilling day to recount heartwarming memories, including the Eagles’ fledgling beginnings.

Head coach Jeremy Samplaski, who joined the team as assistant coach in 2009, spoke of “a whirlwind,” noting he’d never seen a six-man game before coaching in one.

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EAGLES continues on pg. 18

 CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES WEDGWOOD continues from pg. 16 department in the area with ladders tall enough to reach the roof of that building.”

San Antonio firefighters are credited with helping a number of residents safely down to the ground from their balconies and windows.

Groups in the community have responded to help residents who evacuated the apartment building with few — if any — possessions.

Among those pitching in is The WellMed Charitable Foundation, which has set up a $100,000 emergency fund to assist needy residents in danger of losing their temporary housing benefits.

The foundation has since received a $10,000 donation from radio station KAHL

for the emergency fund, and is accepting more donations to help residents with relocation expenses and other needs.

To make an online donation to help victims of the fire, visit www. wellmedgives.org/donate. Click on the In Memory or Honor box and type in “Wedgwood Seniors.”

Or call Charlene Lodge at 8777716 to arrange a donation.

Many Castle Hills businesses have also offered assistance, including free and reduced-fee services ranging from food help to complimentary hair care from Mims Classic Beauty College.

Note: Author Ron Aaron Eisenberg serves as a communication consultant to The WellMed Charitable Foundation.

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FEB. 9 - MARCH 16, 2015

EAGLES continues from pg. 17 institutions. That includes several dozen in the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools, home to Castle Hills FSB, a private, Christian academy serving pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

Texas public schools play in the University Interscholastic League with 11-man squads.

The six-man game is tackled with a somewhat different scoring system and on a smaller and narrower field. Modifications include scoring differences on the reduced 80-yard-long, 40-yard-wide field. Four points for field goals; touchdowns remain six; and kicked conversions are worth two (one for runs or passes). Fifteen yards achieves first downs and everyone is an eligible receiver.

“You just have to wrap your brain around the idea that giving up 40 points a game is acceptable,” Criner said.

Running back Dante Johnson, 17, concluded his Castle Hills career with impressive rushing and touchdown numbers, but discounts dissimilarities to 11-man.

“When you’re on the field, football is football,” the senior said.

Fellow senior Micah Allmond, 17, recalled scoring a touchdown during freshman season and said, “It was probably the happiest moment of my life at that time.”

Meanwhile, the sport’s smash-mouth

Members of the Castle Hills First Baptist School football team who helped secure the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools six-man football Division II championship include Nathan Mumme (left), Andrew Anderson, Elijah Loeffler, Dante Johnson, Jacob Sily, Luke Schmitt and Sy Birkey. Photo by Rudy B. Ornelas

appeal captivated 16-year-old Jacob Sily.

“I would definitely take sixman over 11-man,” said the junior.

“The hits are more violent.”

The coach chimed in, “He just likes to tackle people.”

Samplaski continued, “One of the biggest things to change for us two years ago was the emphasis on physical conditioning.”

By 2013, the Eagles soared to new heights, sporting an unblemished 14-0 record and

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a TAPPS Division I state championship.

“That season, to me, was kind of like a rocket ship taking off; just kept getting higher and higher and higher and ultimately ended up with the perfect season,” Criner said.

However, one erstwhile teammate missed the ride. Dillon Dorsett left Castle Hills his junior year and confessed shedding a tear.

“I found myself missing this place, not just because of the football aspect, but because of the social aspect. … We’re all really a

brotherhood on the football team, and that does definitely translate into school life.”

“We’re a deep-rooted team,” Criner said.

“These guys deeply care for one another.”

When Dorsett returned to the Eagles’ roost in 2014, the team wanted another championship.

“This year was incredible,” the senior said.

“I wouldn’t trade this football

EAGLES continues on pg. 19

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM EAGLES continues from pg. 18 season for anything,” Allmond said.

The players’ consensus was the second championship, in TAPPS Division II, proved harder because everyone wants to beat the previous year’s titleholder.

“It’s great to be able to put a ring on our finger and have a trophy, but,” Samplaski said, reiterating his lockerroom address after all the success, “(there are) better days coming.”

Criner added, “Your self-worth is not dependent upon your performance.

It’s not. You are more than just how you function on a court or a field.”

Samplaski said he’d remember 2014 for attaining another title, but also one unifying practice.

“Things weren’t going the way they needed to go, so I started to really get on the kids,” he began. “I had them running probably harder than they ever. … All of a sudden, one kid began to struggle.”

Consequently, a player displayed the type of leadership preached at Castle Hills.

The coach continued, “(Jacob) was done, (but) he got back down on his hands and knees and did it all again so that he could do it with this other kid who was struggling, and I knew at that point, that’s who we’re trying to be.”

According to Criner, other core values instilled at the school include integrity, personal responsibility, respect, sportsmanship and serving others.

The latter was embodied in a game last season against Giddings State School, a juvenile-correctional facility.

“On every corner of the field there were guards; they called them counselors,” Criner said. “All the boys on our team packed meals and served those boys when the game was over.”

“It was really one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever in my life been a part of,” Samplaski said.

Another unforgettable moment arose during a spiritual retreat when the Eagles welcomed to the team a classmate with social challenges.

“Dante … goes and sits next to this kid, and spends his time with this kid,” Criner said. “That same boy scored his first touchdown this year … and when he did, the rest of the boys … raced up and down the field screaming and excited for him.”

According to Susan Covarrubia, the director of admissions, there will be an open house for fall enrollment at 2 p.m.

Feb. 22 in the Victory Building, 2220 N.W. Military Highway. Families will receive a tour and meet faculty members. For more, call 377-8460 or visit www.chfbs.org.

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FEB. 9 - MARCH 16, 2015

CASTLE HILLS continues from pg. 01

Lottery to enroll required for some students

by COLLETTE ORQUIZ

C

ASTLE HILLS — At Castle Hills Elementary School, learning doesn’t stop when other campuses let out for traditional breaks.

we are on

The North East Independent School District campus has been operating as a year-round institution since Castle Hills Elementary, 200 Lemonwood Drive, became a magnet school during the 1992-93 academic year.

It is also the district’s oldest continuously operating school, opened in 1952, and the only one running all year. It is known for its high exam scores, educators said.

“The model works well for staff, students and families. They love it,” said Aubrey Chancellor, an NEISD spokeswoman.

Students at the year-round elementary school still take the same number of days as the traditional calendar calls for — 177. But the differences include an earlier start to the academic year, with two semesters and four sessions of instruction lasting 42 to 46 days each across the year-round schedule, with two-week breaks between each session.

School started July 22 for Castle Hills during the 2014-15 academic year, while other NEISD schools began Aug. 25.

During some of the breaks, the school offers enrichment or tutoring classes called intersessions. The frequent,

CASTLE HILLS continues on pg. 21

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21 CASTLE HILLS continues from pg. 20 shorter breaks also help prevent teacher burnout, educators said.

The calendar is voted on by both staff and parents every year, Chancellor said.

Anne Elizabeth Chacon enrolled her son Judah at Castle Hills Elementary for kindergarten, and he is now a first-grader.

She said from a parent’s perspective, it’s not easy to follow a schedule different from other schools, especially when she works full time, but it’s worth it.

“I like the idea that they’re not going to have these huge gaps in their education,” Chacon said.

Chacon sees it as “indicative of the way they approach education,” considering that her son is excited to attend school and is not particularly fond of breaks.

Enrollment is open to six school districts including NEISD, but students who live outside the attendance zone must enter a lottery. A small portion of Castle Hills’ population is restricted to the school.

Educators said there is a waiting list to get in the school.

“It is a diverse mix of cultures and backgrounds and creates a collaborative and rich environment,” Chancellor said.

I LIKE THE IDEA THAT THEY’RE NOT GOING TO HAVE THESE HUGE GAPS IN THEIR EDUCATION. [IT'S] INDICATIVE OF THE WAY THEY APPROACH EDUCATION. ANNE ELIZABETH CHACON, PARENT

Chacon entered her son’s name in the lottery so he could enroll for kindergarten in 2013. She heard about the school through her aunt, after contemplating homeschooling or a private education.

“I really like it so far,” the mother said. “Judah has really thrived and can’t wait to go to school.”

The school recently became the 2014 Asthma-Friendly School Initiative Champion Gold Award Winner and has been either a recognized or exemplary school since 1995.

The campus has been headed by Principal Betsy Asheim since 2013.

Transit Improvements in Your Community SyStem-wide improvementS – As part of the fiscal year 2015 budget, VIA Metropolitan Transit is bringing many improvements and enhancements to the entire service area. We are increasing bus service levels by 3.8 percent, helping our workers improve their skills and capabilities, introducing new technologies for fare payment, and coordinating with the City of San Antonio on the local comprehensive planning effort. pASSenGer AmenitieS – With the overall service increases coming, VIA’s passengers will also see tangible improvements to their riding experiences. We are initiating the purchase of new buses to replace more than half of our fleet over the next five years (with most of the new buses powered by compressed natural gas), and we are installing 900-1,000 new bus shelters over the next couple of years.

ServiCe CHAnGeS For tHe new yeAr – The increases in service levels started with the New Year. On January 5, 2015 the service frequencies improved on over a dozen of VIA’s busiest bus routes in all sectors of the service area. Most of these routes currently have buses coming by every 30 minutes during the busy times on weekdays, but after January 5 the frequencies improved to every 20 minutes, in most cases. Besides receiving increased service, route 534 has been modified to move to NW Military Drive. This change provides continuous service along NW Military and increases access and connectivity for business in Castle Hills. Routes on the North Side that are being improved include: • 2 Blanco • 5 McCullough • 534 Wurzbach • 550/551 Looper Skip

Capital improvements on the North Side U.S. 281 nortH pArK And ride – A new park-and-ride facility is being developed at the intersection of U.S. Highway 281 North and Stone Oak Parkway. The facility will have a ramp that will allow for direct access to the managed lanes being constructed with the expansion of U.S. 281 by the Regional Mobility Authority and the Texas Department of Transportation. iH-10 weSt pArK And ride – A proposed IH-10 West facility will serve as a collector for commuters coming in from outlying cities (such as Boerne and Fair Oaks Ranch) and counties north and west of Bexar County, including Kendall, Kerr, Gillespie, and possibly portions of Comal and Bandera counties.

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Cost of trenching operation estimated at $30,000

by BAIN SERNA

S

HAVANO PARK — Officials are working to contain and eradicate a solitary case of oak wilt — a degenerative fungal disease that attacks and kills certain species of oak trees — before it can spread to other properties.

The danger to trees from the beetle-borne affliction should not be underestimated, according to experts. “(Oak wilt) has been in the San Antonio area for at least 30 years,” said Mark Duff, a certified arborist and oakwilt specialist with the Texas A&M Forest Service. “Its acreage and number of oakwilt centers has doubled in Bexar County in the past 15 years. Helotes, Hollywood Park, Castle Hills (among about 40 spots in northwest Bexar County), and now Shavano park are infected.”

Shavano Park City Manager Bill Hill examines some healthy oak trees outside the municipal complex on a recent winter day. An isolated case of the disease, deadly to oaks, has been identified in the city and steps are being taken to contain it, Hill said. Photo by Leland A. Outz

The U.S. Forest Service says that widespread oak wilt, if left unchecked, kills trees and reduces property values.

City Manager Bill Hill said now is the time to nip the problem in the bud before it gets worse.

In late November, a few oak trees on a property on Bobcat Bend in Shavano Estates were diagnosed with oak wilt, prompting city leaders to take action.

“I wrote a letter to the 70 residents that surround that property, informing them of the oak wilt and invited them to a meeting at City Hall on Dec. 11,” Hill said. “Twenty-one residents attended the meeting, which lasted about two hours. The residents strongly encouraged the city to take

OAK WILT continues on pg. 23

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM OAK WILT continues from pg. 22 any mitigating action that we could.”

Oak wilt is spread by certain insects — often sap-feeding nitidulid beetles — that carry the fungus from a diseased tree to a healthy tree, as well as by root grafts of an infected tree with a healthy specimen. Oak wilt can quickly destroy a tree, and there is no cure once a tree is infected, though stopping the spread of oak wilt is possible by various methods.

On Dec. 15, the City Council asked Hill to consult with the Texas A&M Forest Service and to find a firm to contain the oak wilt by trenching.

With that method, a trench is dug to sever the root system of a diseased tree so the fungus doesn’t spread.

The city signed a contract with Wimberley-based We Love Trees to dig the trenches. The owner of We Love Trees is a certified arborist who has been excavating trenches since 1997, according to officials.

“We’ve selected a company that is going to do the trenching,” Hill said. “I’ve got permission from the landowners and the idea is that we would begin trenching the first week of February. The best shot at defeating this is to get the trench in as soon as possible, so that we will only have a small area to combat.”

Officials in Shavano Park are working with a homeowner and an arborist to control a solitary outbreak of oak-wilt disease which, if left unchecked, could spread to other oak trees and reduce property values. Photo by Leland A. Outz

Hill said he was pleased the resident and the city could agree so quickly on a course of action.

“It’s important to note that the City Council has approved the funding of

OAK WILT continues on pg. 24

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FEB. 9 - MARCH 16, 2015 Oak wilt has been an increasing problem on the North Side and the Hill Country in recent years, according to officials.

Duff, who has been working in a 12-county region area for the past 23 years, has watched the disease spread.

“Oak wilt was first identified in Texas in the 1970s, up in Dallas-Fort Worth area,” he said. “It’s probably been in Texas since the 1950s.”

He added, “There are thousands of spots as you move into the Hill Country around Medina, Bandera, Kerrville, Boerne and Fredericksburg.”

OAK WILT continues from pg. 22 this project out of the city’s oak-wilt fund,” he said. “A number of years ago, before we even had oak wilt, we created an oak-wilt fund which is funded by the tree-cutting permits. We’ve been saving money for years. We don’t have a lot of money in it, but we have enough to cover the cost of this trenching operation.”

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Top-notch medical services pledged at new urgent-care center

by ERIC MORENO

C

ASTLE HILLS — The motto at Castle Hills Complete Urgent Care— “Revolutionizing the urgent care experience … one patient at a time” — is one the staff says it strives to fulfill each day.

The locally owned urgent-care facility recently opened at 6999 Blanco Road in the Blanco Junction shopping center, just south of Loop 410.

“We provide everyone who comes here top-notch quality care,” said Office Manager Alex Tejeda. “The No. 1 complaint people have when they come in is that

they couldn’t get an appointment with their (primary-care physician). We offer prompt care and it is a lot more affordable than going to the emergency room.”

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The center offers a wide variety of services to patients, including treatment of allergies, dermatological problems, minor lacerations, ear and eye pain, and more.

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Personnel at Castle Hills Complete Urgent Care want to ensure each patient's visit to the clinic is prompt and offers affordable medical care. Photo by Collette Orquiz

Tejeda said. “We can also do short-term prescription fills to get patients through until they visit their primary doctor.”

There is also in-house lab testing, X-ray facilities, physical exams and cholesterol screenings. Castle Hills Complete Urgent Care also accepts most medical insurance, as well as Medicaid and Medicare.

“We also offer 10-day followups,” Tejeda said. “Sometimes there are additional problems with a condition or maybe something else happens, so the patients

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FEB. 9 - MARCH 16, 2015 Moda Mia boasts affordable prices on women's apparel and accessories, while keeping up with the latest trends from Los Angeles to New York City, said owner Glenda Alvarez. Photos by Collette Orquiz

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Moda Mia finding good fit at Alon Town Centre

by COLLETTE ORQUIZ

F

un prints, vibrant colors and the latest trends from the runways of New York City and Los Angeles line the shelves and racks at Moda Mia, a fashion boutique that moved to Alon Town Centre about a year ago.

Created by Glenda Alvarez, Moda Mia offers apparel and accessories for the contemporary woman, with modern, bohemian and chic styles.

“We do offer great prices and it’s all the latest trends,” Alvarez said.

She opened an online store in 2008 and a year later she debuted a brick-andmortar outlet at 6449 Blanco Road.

Realizing she needed a change of scenery, the owner made the move to 10003 N.W.

Military Highway, Suite 2113 in early 2014.

“This location is perfect for me. People are amazing right here, very friendly,” Alvarez said.

In December, she opened another store at 18720 Stone Oak Parkway, Suite 152, to serve residents on the far North Side.

Alvarez was born in Houston, lived in Mexico for 12 years and returned to the United States when she was 21 to begin teaching. She later decided to change careers.

Inspired by her mother’s boutique in Mexico, Alvarez decided to open one of her own.

Alvarez, the mother of two girls, said she thinks like a customer when it comes to pricing because she

understands that budgets can be tight.

Her goal is to help patrons find whatever they need, whether it’s matching colors to suit a person’s appearance or finding the right size and style.

“We don’t want it to be like when you go to the mall, you’re just another person,” Alvarez said. “We want it to be where you can get help and find what fits you best.”

Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and closed Sunday and Monday.

MODIA MIA 10003 N.W. Military Highway, Suite 2113 For more, call 348-8339, or visit www.shopmodamia.com

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27

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

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

New restaurant brings foods of India to North Side

by COLLETTE ORQUIZ

J

ourneying south from Austin to San Antonio, the “fresh, fast and flavorful” Tarka Indian Kitchen recently landed in the Stone Oak area with delicacies in tow.

“We have been blown away by the enthusiastic support for Tarka in Austin, and many of our guests have been asking us to open in San Antonio,” General Manager Rajina Pradhan said in a prepared release.

“We are looking forward to becoming a part of the community and sharing our love for Indian food with everyone in San Antonio.”

Pradhan and her husband, Project Manager Tinku Saini, opened their fourth Tarka Indian Kitchen on Dec. 17 at 427 N. Loop 1604 West, Suite 101, in the Sonterra Village shopping center.

NEW YEAR. NEW YOU.

They originally owned Clay Pit in Austin, but sold it to their head chef to enjoy parenting their two children. After a few years they partnered with Clay Pit’s current owners, creating a more casual version of the restaurant, Tarka Indian Kitchen. “(It’s) founded on the same principles of high-quality, fresh-made Indian food, stellar customer service and a modern vibe,” Saini said.

Tarka features made-to-order traditional Indian cuisine and some modern interpretations, such as naaninis, or pressed hot sandwiches similar to Italian paninis.

The restaurant offers freshly baked Indian flatbreads, and unique specialty drinks such as whipped fruit lassi or mango lemonade.

Though selections come from north and south India, the dishes primarily are northern Indian, or Punjabi-style.

Saini said the eatery serves classic

Tarka Indian Kitchen brings together flavors from all over India, exemplified by dishes such as kabobs paired with drink specialties like the mango lemonade (far left), garlic naan (center) or Shrimp Vindaloo (top right). Photos by Collette Orquiz

curries, kabobs, biryanis and more.

“The food is made with fresh, quality ingredients, bursting with flavor, and delivered to our guests quickly. It’s great for lunch and dinner, and great for takeout,” he said, adding pickup orders can be made online, and via an iPhone app.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

TARKA INDIAN KITCHEN 427 N. Loop 1604 West, Suite 101 For more, call 499-0982, or visit www.tarkaindiankitchen.com

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28

FEB. 9 - MARCH 16, 2015

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

Persian delicacies on menu at Zaytune

by OLIVIER J. BOURGOIN

Z

aytune Mediterranean Grill is a recently opened restaurant at 9955 Interstate West offering Persian fare.

The head cook at Zaytune is Nahid Vasseghi, who for many years was in charge of the kitchen at Shiraz in Olmos Park. The new restaurant, located in a 2,400-square-foot space at Colonnade III, is owned by Vasseghi’s daughter Parastoo “Pary” Gholi and her husband, Shahim “Shawn” Gholi.

Zaytune means olive in Farsi.

The young and enterprising couple owned and operated several other businesses prior to opening Zaytune, including two prepaid cell-phone stores on different sides of town.

…the best pizza we ever had came from a food truck…

“I used to help … at Shiraz when I was 15 years old,” Parastoo Gholi said. “But now that we own this restaurant, we have to really know how to prepare the food.”

The restaurant employs eight, including veteran server Vincent Herrera, who also used to work at Shiraz.

The grill offers delicacies such as naan bread and the savory kashk-e bademjan (a traditional Persian roasted eggplant dip, which includes onions and garlic).

Dessert selections include a light pistachio pastry roulade filled with fragrant ingredients, including rose water.

“It’s all made from scratch every day,” Gholi said. “We love food. If it looks good, if it tastes good and our customers are happy, then we’re happy.”

Other dishes include chicken shish tawook, or chicken breast marinated in garlic, olive oil and herbs and grilled over

WE CATER For A Occasiolnl s

Zaytune Mediterranean Grill serves up Persian favorites such as the chicken shish tawook, with garlic, herbs and olive-oil marinated chicken breasts grilled over an open flame. The dish is paired with hummus and a Greek salad. Photo by Collette Orquiz

an open flame; and the sultani kabob, a combination of seasoned ground beef and a moist, tender sirloin strip served with grilled tomatoes and rice. The rice choices include saffron, dill or zereshk.

All meat selections are certified halal.

The menu also features fall-off-thebone tender and aromatic lamb shank.

“We slow-cook it for at least five or six hours,” Shahim Gholi said.

Another dessert is the bastani, a

traditional ice cream made by hand with saffron, pistachios and rose water.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.

ZAYTUNE MEDITERRANEAN GRILL 9955 Insterstate 10 West For more, call 468-2700

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29

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30

FEB. 9 - MARCH 16, 2015

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

Real Estate LOCAL Trends

we are on ZIP CODE

78213

78230

78231

78248

78249

DEC-13

$109,950

$255,000

$250,000

$328,000

$160,000

DEC-14

120,500

224,000

230,000

337,500

176,000

NEW LISTINGS

DEC-13

26

25

11

14

27

DEC-14

24

33

5

3

27

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET

DEC-13

115

102

60

76

88

DEC-14

86

65

49

63

57

DEC-13

26

26

7

17

56

DEC-14

24

33

9

15

50

MEDIAN SOLD PRICE

CLOSED SALES

UNDER CONTRACT

MONTHS SUPPLY OF INVENTORY

DEC-13

15

23

10

16

29

DEC-14

22

31

3

10

42

DEC-13

3.4

4.4

5.9

4.3

2.1

DEC-14

2.3

3.6

3.8

3.5

2.2

SOURCE: San Antonio Board of Realtors: Texas Market Trends report

instagram.com/localcommunitynews The properties are new listings put on the market from early December 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.

make sure to us on facebook.com/salocalcommunitynews

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