LOCAL: Hollywood Park, Hill Country Village, 78247, 78232, 78216 February 2015

PG.12 Coker student

bound for National Spanish Spelling Bee

Practice, background and determination paid off in wins at school, regional qualifying HILL COUNTRY VILLAGE

VOL. 3, ISSUE 3

HOLLYWOOD PARK

COMMUNITY NEWS

NORTH CENTRAL

78216 78232 78247

JAN. 26 - FEB. 23, 2015

WHAT'S

ROAD PROJECTS

YOUR COMMUNITY

Wurzbach Parkway could be finished by mid-year

INSIDE

PG.11

Two major segments left in North Central

PG.10 Walmart

Neighborhood Market debuts on Northeast Side

Officials and residents welcome the store as economic shot in the arm

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. 15 pg. 19 WWW.SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

PG.13 BUY LOCAL

WAXING THE CITY New hairremoval studio on Loop 1604 puts customers' comfort first

EAT LOCAL

PG.14 TARKA INDIAN

KITCHEN

New restaurant brings tasty treats of the subcontinent to North Side

PG. 06 LOCAL COMMENTARY SUSAN YERKES

Questions about traffic citation lead to revelation

2

JAN. 26 - FEB. 23, 2015

Make Your Current Dentures Act Like the Real Thing!

FROM THE EDITOR tedwards@salocallowdown.com

“Now I can pick up an apple and take a big bite. I love it.”

President Harold J. Lees Publisher Gregg Rosenfield

•

Talk, laugh, sing and eat with confidence again.

Assoc. Publisher Rick Upton

•

No messy pastes or adhesives.

•

No major surgery or long recovery.

•

A fraction of the cost of conventional implants.

EDITORIAL Executive Editor Thomas Edwards News Staff Collette Orquiz, Bain Serna and Will Wright Contributing Writers Joyce Hotchkiss, Miranda Koerner, Eric Moreno and Susan Yerkes

Complimentary Consultations & 2nd Opinions Dr. Bernard Rust and Dr. Joseph Perry have partnered up to bring you the absolute best in Dentistry.

Advanced Technology, Friendly & Caring Atmosphere, and Experience You Can Count On

5 STAR CUSTOMER RATING

•

Invisalign

•

Cosmetic Dentistry

•

Implants

•

Dentures

•

Full Mouth Rehabilitation

Angie’s List and Health Grades. Read more reviews on Facebook

www.bernardrust.com www.sanantoniodenturesolutions.com CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT

(210) 499-4746

13341 San Pedro Ave. at Bitters, San Antonio, TX 78216

ART Creative Director Florence D. Edwards Production Designer Pete Morales Contributing Photographer Rudy B. Ornelas Contributing Illustrator Jeremiah Teutsch ADVERTISING Advertising Director Marc Olson Controller Keith Sanders READER SERVICE Mailing Address 4204 Gardendale Ste. 201 SA, TX 78229 Phone Fax (210) 338.8842 (210) 616.9677 Advertising Inquiries molson@salocallowdown.com Story Ideas tips@salocallowdown.com Website www.salocallowdown.com LOCAL Community News publications Zone 1: 78204, 78205, 78209, 78210, 78212, 78215 Zone 2: 78213, 78230, 78231, 78248, 78249 Zone 4/5: 78109, 78148, 78233, 78239 78108, 78132, 78154, 78266 Zone 6: 78258, 78259, 78260, 78261 For advertising, customer service or editorial, please call us at 210-338-8842 or write to us at: Local Community News 4204 Gardendale Ste. 201 San Antonio, TX 78229 Reproduction in whole or in part without our permission is prohibited, 2015 Helen Publishing, LLC and Local Community News, LLC, all rights reserved.

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

3

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.

I KNOW A LOT MORE ABOUT THE BUSINESS OF TRAFFIC TICKETS NOW, INCLUDING THAT THE AVERAGE TRAFFIC COP GENERATES ABOUT $300,000 IN REVENUE.

Ready.

Set. Get Fit. Fitness in the Park offers a wide-range of fitness and exercise classes at a park near you. Best of all, it’s 100% free. No fees… no registration…no excuses. Just come exercise with us and enjoy a healthier you!

Visit www.sanantonio.gov/parksandrec

4

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.

JAN. 26 - FEB. 23, 2015 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

OUR TURN continues on pg. 05

5

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM OUR TURN continues from pg. 04 Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff 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.

LOCAL LETTERS POLICE MUST HELP EXPUNGE ‘BAD APPLES’ EDITOR: Regarding the “From the Editor: Every group has a few bad apples” about allegations of police misconduct: Policing has become more militarized, and I’ll speculate that many new recruits cut their military police teeth in Kabul and Kandahar, Afghanistan.

That’s not OK in modern America.

It is clear that many police today cannot follow department guidelines and simply do not have the required temperament to be officers. Better vetting and supervision is surely needed.

Police are frequently thrust into situations that are dangerous and chaotic. That’s the job. That is why they are generally well-compensated and supposedly well trained.

But, it is gratuitous to trot out the “bad apple in the barrel” straw man, unless the police themselves are willing to expunge the bad apple. Sadly, that is a rarity.

Norm Schultze 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 our police forces. 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 claim that the choice we face is between a police force doing its duty and anarchy is a false one. The protesters want accountability for those officers involved in the killings of Eric Garner, Tamir Rice and others.

Stephen Amberg OUR POLICE ARE DOING A GREAT JOB EDITOR: Thanks for the From the Editor column about our police force. 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 Christmas 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.

I’m appreciative of those who put their lives on the line for us. Thanks for

telling it like it is, and keep up the good work in reporting our local news.

Margery Beitzel WE ARE BLESSED TO HAVE SAPD EDITOR: The From the Editor opinion piece supporting police officers in the January LOCAL Community News is a very wellwritten article and I could not agree more.

I spent 10 years with the San Antonio Fire Department’s EMS division and had many experiences with the San Antonio Police Department. Not once in the 10 years did I observe an abuse of force.

We are blessed to have the men and women in the SAPD. Thank you for your column.

Ed Dietz NFL DREAMS BLIND POLITICIANS EDITOR: I want to roundly congratulate opinion writer Susan Yerkes for her January column regarding NFL football and San Antonio. What is it that infects the brains of our otherwise somewhat intelligent city leaders that makes them think it’s a good deal to tax the rest of us to spend millions of dollars to build playpens for billionaires?

I wish more writers and publications

LETTERS continues on pg. 06

Experience and Enjoy!

28th Annual Asian Festival  AUTHENTIC ASIAN FOODS  TRADITIONAL ASIAN PERFORMANCES  LECTURES ON A VARIETY OF TOPICS  SHOPPING FOR UNIQUE ASIAN PRODUCTS  CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES  PARADES AND SO MUCH MORE!

“The Year of the Ram”

Saturday, February 21, 2015–10 am–5 pm

6

JAN. 26 - FEB. 23, 2015

LETTERS continues from pg. 05 would have the integrity to ask the question, but Yerkes was refreshing and insightful. It was also courageous, given the fascination for sports that is so prevalent these days.

Thank you so much. Do some more like this one, please.

Stanley Kuenstler DON’T FORGET IMPACT OF SOCCER EDITOR: I liked Susan Yerkes’ Local Commentary “San Antonio a world-class city without NFL” in Local Community News. I am one who feels the city should be rolling out the red carpet for Major League Soccer, as that is far more feasible, and MLS teams are a better investment in terms of cost and the loyalty these teams have to their homes. Oakland and other

teams in the NFL carry a sense of arrogance about their value and enjoy holding cities hostage for taxpayer-paid stadiums.

I am frustrated seeing local business leaders going all-out for an NFL pipe dream and little effort for MLS. That being said, Yerkes failed to mention our NASL team the San Antonio Scorpions.

They are a top-notch organization like the Spurs and have a large fan base in the city. Gordon Hartman has put together a business model providing funding for Morgan’s Wonderland, and puts a highquality product on the pitch week after week. In three short years they have built a soccer-specific stadium and won the NASL title. Our SA Scorpions deserve to be promoted with our other high-quality professional sports teams at every chance.

Blaine Adams

Send letters to the editor to tedwards@salocallowdown.com or snail mail them to Local Community News, 4204 Gardendale, Suite 201, San Antonio, TX 78229. We reserve the right to edit for taste, grammar and length.

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

HAPPENING LOCAL

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

OUR GUIDE TO YOUR MONTH

HAPPENING KEY

ART

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, including the pool at Lady Bird Johnson Park, 10700 Nacogdoches Road. Apply online at www. sanantonio.gov/hr/; click on Career Center.

TALK

OUTDOOR

MUSIC

FOOD

Military Highway; it is recommended for adults or families with older children.

It’s free but donations are accepted.

ONGOING

DRIVER’S ED The North East Independent School District Driver Education program has been teaching teens for more than 35 years. Successful completion of the NEISD seminar can result in a 15 percent discount in auto insurance. The full program includes 32 hours of classroom instruction, a minimum of 14 hours in-car training and requires 30 hours of driving documented by a parent or adult. Classes are 5-7 p.m. at Reagan High School, 19000 Ronald Reagan Drive, or 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Johnson High School, 23023 Bulverde Road. For additional

FEB 9 - MAR 5

GROWING GREEN WITH NEW EARTH AND LADYBUGS Mark Manning, with New Earth Soils & Compost, will discuss costeffective composting as well as biosolids and ladybugs’ importance in the garden.

The session runs from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Urban Ecology Center at Phil Hardberger Park’s western entrance, 8400 N.W.

MAR 7

HAPPENING continues on pg. 06

REAL. LOCAL. SAVINGS. See how much you could save on car insurance today.

J.R. WIlliams | 210-658-6268 | 3126 Pat Booker Road | Universal City

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Homeowners coverage is written through non-affiliated insurance companies and is secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Boat and PWC coverages are written through Seaworthy Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and through other non-affiliated insurance companies, and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency. Motorcycle and ATV coverages are underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2014. © 2014 GEICO.

I n - H o m e C a re S e r v i c e s

Dentures in one day. Guaranteed 10% less.

Full Replacement Dentures *

Love At Comfort Keepers, we provide in-home care that helps seniors and others live safe, happy, and independent lives in the comfort of their own homes.

Companion Care Light Housekeeping Personal Care

Starting at

395 Per Set

$

comfortkeepers.com

210.399.0202

1,400 Per Implant

$

Comes With Warranty Expires in 90 Days * Not Valid With Any Other Offer, No Cash Value. New Patients Only.

* Restoration Not Included.

844-968-7337 dentalservice.net

your smile!

Starting at

*

Make Your Appointment Today!

Expires in 90 Days

In-Home Safety Solutions

Most offices independently owned and operated.

Dental Implants

Thomas John Kennedy of Texas, DDS, PLLC · General Dentistry

Jake Duong, DMD Te r r y L e e , D D S 6 0 5 1 F. M . 3 0 0 9 S u i t e 2 5 0 Schertz, TX 78154 210-599-8700 schertzdentures.com Randolph Ibarra, DDS 4522 Fredericksburg Rd,ste. A-29 San Antonio, TX 78201 210-660-8444 sanantoniodentures.net

Locations in Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas

7

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM HAPPENING continues from pg. 06 information and online registration, visit www.neisd.net/drive or call 407-0170.

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING FEB Trustees of the North 9 East Independent School District regularly meet 5:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at 8961 Tesoro Drive. To confirm dates and times, call 407-0533.

GAMING FOR ADULTS Learn to play card and board games such as Red Dragon Inn, Fluxx and Munchkin starting at 6 p.m. at Thousand Oaks Branch Library, 4618 Thousand Oaks Drive. For more, go to www.meetup.com/GeekGamersSA.

FEB 9

CUPID’S CHASE The 5K run will raise funds for Community Options, a nationwide group that helps provide employment and housing for people with disabilities. The local race is at McAllister Park, Pavilion 2. Registration starts at 8 a.m. and the race begins at 10 a.m. The event is open to walkers and joggers, too, and welcomes “rollers,” whether they’re strollers or wheelchairs. The fee is $30 before Feb. 13 or $50 on race day. Register online at www.comop.org/cupidschase/ — on the list of race sites, click on San Antonio to bring up a registration link. McAllister Park is at 13102 Jones Maltsberger Road.

FEB 14

LA TERTULIA SPANISH LANGUAGE BOOK GROUP This group, which is for adults, meets from 10 a.m. to noon in the Meeting Room at Brook Hollow Branch Library, 530 Heimer Road. Books in Spanish are read and discussed at the monthly gathering.

FEB 14

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

FEB 17

HOLLYWOOD PARK The City Council meets at 7 p.m. in City Hall, 2 Mecca Drive.

EVENING AGLOW MEETING Aglow, a Christian “transformational kingdom” group, meets the third Tuesday of the month for fellowship, song and an inspirational message. The gathering starts at 7 p.m. at Anne Marie’s Catering, 12475

FEB 17

Starcrest Drive (at Bitters Road). Everyone is welcome to attend. For more on Aglow International, go to www.aglow.com.

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 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.

The group meets the third Wednesday of the month during the school year, and members are encouraged to bring a friend.

FEB 18

40 Conquering Cancer Years of

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, 4020871, or reservations@sarsat.org, by the Monday prior to the meeting. The chapter meets on the third Wednesday of the month except for July and August.

FEB 18

CHRONIC PAIN SUPPORT GROUP Meetings take place the third Wednesday of the month at Baptist HealthLink, 288 W. Bitters Road, from 4 to 6 p.m. One main topic per hour is covered in the group discussions, which may be large or small. A syllabus and more information are available at http:// chronicpainsupportsa.wix.com/cpsgsa.

FEB 18

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.

FEB 28

ELSEWHERE IN SAN ANTONIO

ST. GEORGE EPISCOPAL CHURCH MENTAL HEALTH 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.

FEB 11

SUBMITTING EVENTS: Email all

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

THE Answer for Cancer The Cancer Therapy & Research Center lives right here in San Antonio. For four decades our team of experts has pursued one mission – conquering cancer.

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.

Call (210) 450-1000 www.CTRC.net

8

JAN. 26 - FEB. 23, 2015

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

Open and Opening Soon 1. WAXING THE CITY, 427 N. Loop 1604 West, Suite 207 in Sonterra Village, just opened in early December to offer customers facial and body waxing. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and closed Sunday. For more, call 494-2026 or visit http://www.waxingthecity.com/ stoneoak/. (See story on page 13)

Address of local business Name of local business

1 &2

3

2. TARKA INDIAN KITCHEN, 427 N. Loop

1604 West, Suite 101, in Sonterra Village, 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 499-0982 or check out tarkaindiankitchen. com. (See story on page 14)

3. MEDPOST URGENT CARE, 2951

Thousand Oaks Drive, offers a comprehensive range of urgent-care services with on-site X-ray and lab testing.

Other locations are at Deerfield Crossing, 16601 Huebner Road, and 20210 Stone Oak Parkway. Hours for the Thousand Oaks location are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday

through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more, visit medpost.com.

IN OTHER NEWS

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

SAN ANTONIO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT for a second time has received its highest rating in an airport survey measuring customer satisfaction. The results are based on a questionnaire given to passengers that requests their views on 36 key service indicators. Officials said the airport rated among the top five in 19 of 36 categories.

In addition, the airport recently completed a $35 million project that upgraded Terminal A. More than 8 million passengers pass through the airport annually.

RESIDENT SUSAN BLACKWOOD was praised in a recent post by District 9 Councilman Joe Krier for her participation on the Mayors Commission on the Status of Women. She earned an education doctorate from the University of Nebraska, and is an executive director at TEAMSA Endowment and an adjunct professor at the University of the Incarnate Word and the University of Texas at Austin. “It

St. Mark’s Preschool ENROLLING FOR 2015-2016

is a privilege to serve with Councilman Joe Krier to make our district a superior place to live as our constituents are better represented,” Blackwood said in a District 9 newsletter. “I will aggressively work with him and his office to ensure women’s issues are addressed and the women in our district that are making a difference are recognized and encouraged to do more.”

A TEAM OF STUDENTS AND THEIR COACH FROM MACARTHUR HIGH SCHOOL recently finished strong in the Gold Tier of the CyberPatriot VII State Round. According to the North East Independent School District, the core program of CyberPatriot – the National Youth Cyber Defense Competition – challenges teams of two to six students across the United States, Canada and from Department of Defense schools abroad to find and resolve cyber security vulnerabilities in simulated environments.

The MacArthur team is led by coaches Amy King, Samuel Burgess and Corey King.

ANY BABY CAN BENEFITED DURING THE HOLIDAYS from the MacArthur High School cheer team, which for the fourth year sponsored the nonprofit’s Christmas party for hundreds of chronically ill and

LOWDOWN continues on pg. 09

Changing Lives One Smile At A Time!

SINCE 1980

Bernard Rust, DDS, MAGD

• Ages 18 months – 5 years • 9am – 2pm Mon – Thurs • 9am – Noon Friday · Cosmetic Dentistry

Interest Free Financing 18-24 Months (w.a.c.)

· Invisalign® · Sedation Dentistry · Cleanings · Non-Surgical Gum Treatment · Crown & Bridge · Implant Placement & Restoration · Full Mouth Rehabilitation

90.00 New Patient Special

$

Offer includes comprehensive examination, oral cancer screening, x-rays, intra-oral diagnostic photos, routine cleaning and consultation. ($325.00 value) Only new dental patients are eligible for these offers. Coupons can only be used for non-insured procedures due to insurance regulations. Coupons have no cash value and must be used at time of service only.

A dental practice devoted to RESTORING and ENHANCING the natural beauty of your smile.

www.bernardrust.com

Call Today To Schedule Your Appointment St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church 1602 Thousand Oaks @ Hwy 281

Call To Visit Our Classrooms

210-494-9282

(210) 499-4746

13341 San Pedro Ave. at Bitters, San Antonio, TX 78216

VIA14-1078 FYI Budget Handout - Northside_7.3x11.5

Rev.1.7.15

9 LOWDOWN continues from pg. 08 disabled children. Holding the party at the Menger Hotel, the cheerleaders collected gifts, decorated the ballroom, helped serve families, and performed and acted as Santa’s helpers by handing out gifts.

FIRST-GRADERS AT THOUSAND OAKS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL recently collected donations for the Animal Defense League. As part of the Leader in Me program, students donated food, blankets, toys, collars and leashes, among other items, listed on an ADL wish list.

MORE THAN HALF OF THE AWARDS GIVEN AT THE REGIONAL SCHOLASTIC ART COMPETITION went to North East Independent School District campuses, including several on the North Side.

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 from Harris, Eisenhower, Tejeda, Jackson, Krueger and Lopez middle schools; and Churchill, Design and Technology Academy, Engineering & Technologies Academy, International School of the Americas, Madison, Johnson, Lee, MacArthur, North East School of the Arts, Reagan and Roosevelt high schools.

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 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 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-, seventhand eighth-graders for its inaugural launch in the 2015-16 school year, including applicants outside NEISD boundaries. For more, visit www.neisd.net/whitemsdata.

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.

This facility will have major connections to other activity centers such as the South Texas Medical Center, UTSA, the central business district, and the greater airport area.

viAinFo.net

10

JAN. 26 - FEB. 23, 2015

WALMART continues from pg. 01

More than 90 employed at store in District 10

by ERIC MORENO

W

almart, the multibilliondollar Bentonville, Arkansas-based retail chain, is significantly expanding its presence in San Antonio with the opening of a new Neighborhood Market on Nacogdoches Road at MacArthur View.

Unlike the protests that faced other Walmart outlets recently opening on the North Side, this Walmart was encouraged to locate close to the Northeast Revitalization Corridor, an area of City Council District 10 where officials are trying to jump-start a flagging economy by encouraging new businesses to move in.

The Nacogdoches store, which is the fifth of its kind in San Antonio, opened in mid-January. The concept of the Walmart

A new Walmart Neighborhood Market on the site of a grocery store that closed 10 years ago at Nacogdoches Road and MacArthur View is bringing about 90 jobs to the area and more convenience for residents, officials said. Photo by Rudy B. Ornelas

Neighborhood Markets differs from the superstores because they are smaller and focus on grocery and pharmacy items.

According to Walmart, the Neighborhood Markets offer a “convenient shopping experience” to residents and “access to healthy and affordable food options.”

BELLY DANCING EVERY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

$1 OFF Lunch Offer expires 2/28/2015

$2 OFF Dinner Offer expires 2/28/2015

JOHN THE GREEK R E S TA U R A N T

16602 San Pedro @ Thousand Oaks Mon. - Thurs. 11-8 Fri. and Sat. 11-9 Closed Sunday

Specializing in Traditional Greek cuisine made fresh everyday.

(210) 403-0565

8 Offices

30+ Physicians Priority:

you

For expert care, at your convenience, the Institute for Women’s Health is the: • only member group in the region in the US Women’s Health Alliance, and one of three in Texas • largest OB/GYN practice in San Antonio region

Visit us at The Shops at Lincoln Heights 999 E. Basse Rd. Suite 100

(210) 960-2758

www.ifwh.org

The new store is on land previously the home of a vacant shopping center.

The project is near the revitalization effort in the area of Nacogdoches and Perrin Beitel roads started by former District 10 Councilman Carlton Soules and continued by his successor, Mike Gallagher. “(City representatives) had the opportunity to meet with the leadership team from Walmart about this project (in 2013),” Gallagher said. “While the project is not part of the Northeast Corridor Revitalization initiative, it is in the same spirit as that. They are re-purposing vacant properties and addressing community needs.”

The project includes the addition of a Walmart-branded gas station. Replacing the vacated gas station on the premises was part of the discussions the city had with Walmart during the planning of the store.

“The city was not involved very much in selecting the actual site for the new store,” Gallagher said. “That was really an example of free enterprise in effect. We have had nothing but good and positive feedback from all parties about this project.”

For the most part, residents have supported the store.

Some of that support is attributed to the fact the vacant shopping center was formerly home to a grocery store, which closed a decade ago. Since that time, neighbors have traveled several miles for their shopping needs.

“I think it is fantastic that the store is opening,” said Maria Tisdale, a 20year resident. “I know that homeowners associations in the area lobbied to keep (the grocery store) that used to be in that shopping center there and we have had to do without one for a long time.”

Neighbors will benefit from the new Walmart, she added.

“There are a lot of elderly residents and a lot of people in apartments here

that can’t drive that far and not having a grocery store close by has been hard to deal with,” Tisdale said. “I think most people here are really excited about having (a store) close by again.”

According to Gallagher, residents have supported the project from the start and their response has been overwhelmingly positive. This is in large part due to the need for such a business in the area, he said.

“When the store that was in that shopping center previously closed, that caused a lot of problems for the residents of that area,” Gallagher said. “Aside from meeting a need, we think this can only serve to further economic growth in the area. Having a business like a Walmart invest in the area we believe will encourage other businesses to look at moving in.

This will hopefully continue the renewed growth that we are seeing there.”

Other such stores by Walmart have not been as widely received.

A similar outlet under consideration in the Shavano Park area last year at 4226 De Zavala Road met with disapproval from residents during early meetings hosted by Walmart.

Some neighbors at the time felt the store wasn’t needed, especially since there was a new Walmart Supercenter located at 12639 Blanco Road at Wurzbach Parkway, near Hardberger Park.

But the criticism — which included worries about traffic congestion and crime — has died down.

“Since it has opened, my office hasn’t received any feedback on it either positively or negatively,” Shavano Park City Manager Bill Hill said.

Also, a Walmart Supercenter is on Interstate 10 north of De Zavala Road.

Meanwhile, officials on the Northeast Side say the new Walmart Neighborhood Market promises to give a boost to the economy.

The store at Nacogdoches and MacArthur View is 41,000 square feet and has created jobs for more than 90 full and part-time employees.

According to city and Walmart representatives, increased traffic in the area should not be a concern based on the traffic patterns of the grocery that was there before.

Additional Walmart Neighborhood Markets are located at 1515 S. Ellison Drive on the Southwest Side and 9006 Guilbeau Road on the Northwest Side.

11

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM WURZBACH continues from pg. 01

Roadway gives motorists another option for commute

by BAIN SERNA

T

he decades-long Wurzbach Parkway project is moving toward completion, with the final segments at a cost of more than $146 million expected to be open by mid-year, highway officials said.

When complete, the parkway will link Interstate 35 on the Northeast Side to Interstate 10 near the South Texas Medical Center, giving San Antonio’s growing number of motorists another option to get from here to there.

“The Wurzbach Parkway project will be a great asset for the city,” said District 10 Councilman Mike Gallagher. “It will provide access from I-35 to the Medical Center and Hardberger Park. I am excited that this non-tolled project will finish in 2015.”

When completed, the parkway will

State highway officials say Wurzbach Parkway, which has been under construction for two decades, could be finished by mid-year. Three stretches of roadway still need to be finished, including a span bridging U.S. 281, at a cost of $146.2 million. Photos by Rudy B. Ornelas

accommodate an estimated 40,000 vehicles daily, as well as increasing and expanding traffic flow by giving drivers a third eastwest route in addition to Loop 1604 and Loop 410, according to officials with the Texas Department of Transportation.

“This will provide an alternate east-

west connector between I-10 and I-35 on the city’s North Side, helping relieve congestion along Loop 1604 and 410,” said Josh Donat, a TxDOT spokesman.

“We have three projects to complete this work,” he added. “The first, between Blanco Road and West Avenue, is $42.9 million. The

second, between West Avenue and JonesMaltsberger (Road), is $70.5 million. The third, between Jones-Maltsberger and Wetmore (Road), is $32.8 million. Total for the three segments is $146.2 million.”

The first of the three Wurzbach Parkway projects has been completed and the final two segments are expected to be finished by the middle of the year.

The idea for the parkway was conceived in the mid-1980s as an east-west parkway extension of Wurzbach Road.

Construction of the parkway officially began in 1994 after approval by the Texas Transportation Commission in 1988.

In July 1996 the section of the parkway between Wetmore and Nacogdoches Road opened, and in 1999 the eastern part of the roadway debuted.

In July 2002, traffic began traveling on the west portion.

Some sections of Wurzbach Parkway include four continuous lanes connecting Blanco Road and Wetmore Road, with overpasses at Blanco, West Avenue, U.S. 281, JonesMaltsberger and Starcrest Drive.

For now, some of the parkway is a limited-access roadway, and only features frontage roads between West Avenue and 281, according to Donat.

H e llo

N E I GH BO R N e e ds o me o neth at s pe ak sflue nt M e dic are ?

Understanding your personalneedscanhelpmefind a Medicarehealthplanthatmay berightf or you.

S an A nto nio ,T XR E S I D E N T

The three parts of Wurzbach Parkway needed to finish the project linking the North and Northwest sides include Blanco Road to West Avenue, West Avenue to JonesMaltsberger Road and JonesMaltsberger to Wetmore Road.

U N I T E D H E A L T H C A R ES A L E S A GE N TS I N C E2 0 0 7

C all no wfo r a pe rs o nal c o ns ultatio n.

Therearea number of reasonsthatallow f or enrollmentina MedicareAdvantage planthroughouttheyear.Callmetoday tofind outif you qualif y.

S eH abl aE s pano l

888635 2 7 0 1 ,T T Y7 1 1 C o ntrac te d, i nde pe nde nt l i c e ns e d age nt auth o ri z e d tos e l l ® M e di c areS o l uti o nspo rtfo l i o . pro duc tsw i th i n th eU ni te dH e al th c are

Plansareinsured throughUnitedHealthcareInsuranceCompany and itsaf filiated companies,a MedicareAdvantageorganizationwitha Medicarecontract.Enrollmentintheplandependsontheplan’scontractrenewalwithMedicare.

Y0066_131206_162246Accepted

SPRJ9530 818BB8FD

12

JAN. 26 - FEB. 23, 2015

SPELLING continues from pg. 01

ONE OF THE BIGGEST THINGS (FOR US) WAS THAT WHEN HE WON, WAS ALL THE SCHOOLTEACHERS WERE ALL EXCITED.

Multiculturalism important in student’s family

by MIRANDA KOERNER

C

oker Elementary School fifth-grader Jbyr Reynoso Hidrogo isn’t only a whiz at spelling tricky English words; his proficiency in another language landed him a spot in this year’s National Spanish Spelling Bee.

Not one to be stumped by brainteasers such as “mapamundi” or “largometraje,” Jbyr (pronounced “ha-bear”) won the Spanish spellers’ contest at Coker before capturing the North East Independent School District’s inaugural competition in October. Then, on Nov. 8, the pupil finished first in the Region 20 Spanish Spelling Bee to qualify for the national meet destined for Albuquerque, New Mexico, in May. “I was really excited when everyone screamed for me,” Jbyr said. “I appreciate

LIBORIO R. RODRIGUEZ, FATHER

Spelling champion Jbyr Reynoso Hidrogo (front left) is surrounded by members of his family, including his mom Rocio Hidrogo Chavez, father Liborio R. Rodriguez, and little sister Keytt. Photo by Rudy B. Ornelas

it because I feel like God helped me win.

I was thanking him for helping me.”

Coker teacher Virginia Alvarez said she believes Jbyr’s bilingual abilities played a big role in his preparation for the competitions, as his parents hail from Mexico and Spanish is his first tongue.

“He was thrilled – you could see a sense of satisfaction in his face,” said Alvarez, who

Quit Smoking Now! ELECTRONIC

CIGARETTES

Come Visit Your Neighborhood Vape Shop Providing Top Quality ...

FBRotEtleE ofSTJOuRiEcFOeR SE E

DETAILS

15139 Bulverde Rd, Suite 101 San Antonio, TX 78247

• Starter Kits • Tanks • Vape Pens and Mods • Accessories • Premium e-Liquids • Batteries

10% OFF Merchandise WITH THIS AD.

210-413-5555 Mon-Fri 11:00-8:00 Saturday 12:00-5:00

was quick to point out her student spent countless hours boning up for the events.

The 20-round regional spelling bee required Jbyr to become familiar with and memorize several pages of vocabulary representing various stages of difficulty.

“The credit is Jbyr’s,” Alvarez said.

“He had the intrinsic motivation to practice at home. I gave him key points and reviewed spelling patterns that would help him with harder words and words with written accents.

“He had worked very hard studying at home and at school. I am very proud of him. I was glad that other students could see that hard work does pay off.”

Jbyr’s parents, father Liborio R. Rodriguez and mother Rocio Hidrogo Chavez, are prideful their son is honoring his heritage.

“My wife and I are from Mexico, and we want Jbyr to be able to speak the right Spanish when he goes over to visit (our) family,” Rodriguez said. “It’s very important for my wife and I that our kids speak Spanish correctly for all their lives – proper Spanish, not ‘Spanglish,’ like we call it. We don’t want

them to forget about their culture. Being multicultural is very important nowadays.”

The father said the aid and instruction from Alvarez and the other Coker teachers helped build his son’s confidence.

“One of the biggest things (for us) was that when he won, was all the schoolteachers were all excited and that makes me feel so happy,” Rodriguez said. “That was nice to see.”

Studying is a family affair, Jbyr’s dad added. His son pores over the lists, getting help from his mother and teachers on the finer points of grammatical issues, such as capital letters and accents.

“One of the words he wasn’t sure about, but because his mom had explained every situation, he could get the hard words,” Rodriguez said, adding his son will be just as ready in time for nationals later this spring.

“We’re prepared. We’re ready,” he said. “Jbyr knows (the national spelling bee) is going to be hard, but he’s confident. He feels ready for it. We’re going to see if we can (win) it again.”

In the meantime, the young lover of words will continue to spell and practice leading up to the big competition.

What is Jbyr’s favorite word in English and Spanish?

“Pterodactyl,” he said, adding, “I like dinosaurs.”

13

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

BUY LOCAL Learn more about newest purveyors of goods and services in your area

Comfort, friendliness offered at Waxing the City

by COLLETTE ORQUIZ

A

t Waxing the City, a new hair-removal studio, razors are jettisoned as customers experience services that put comfort first.

“We want to be the best waxers, not the fastest waxers, so we take our time,” said Lorrie Baggs, who co-owns the franchise with her brother. “We’re results-driven.”

Appointments can last from 15 to 60 minutes.

The duo opened the studio Dec. 4 in the Sonterra Village shopping center, 427 N. Loop 1604 West, Suite 207.

The first location debuted in Dallas in 2010. Another is planned for Alamo Heights, plus two Austin locations.

Removing hair from eyebrows, legs,

arms and more, the salon provides headto-toe services including facial and body waxing for both sexes. Baggs said her studio is one of the few in San Antonio offering male Brazilian waxing.

Waxers are called cerologists, or wax experts; “cera” means wax in Latin. In addition to being aestheticians or cosmetologists, each cerologist undergoes extra training, about 50 to 60 hours, Baggs said.

“We really are the best waxers in the city and education is a big piece of what we do — educating our clients and also internally educating ourselves,” she said.

Waxing pulls hair from the root.

Done consistently, hair returns finer, sparser and more slowly, Baggs said.

Cerologist Leslie Asher said waxing makes people feel good about themselves.

Staffers try maximizing comfort while building relationships and recommend

WORK

in your backyard someone

to develop

business in

stone Oak

CALL Jaselle LUna 325-1905

Yahaira Dillon (left) and Ellen Ball, coordinators for new hair-removal service Waxing the City, are part of a team that puts customers and their comfort first, said co-owner Lorrie Baggs. Photo by Collette Orquiz

clients exfoliate skin before arriving.

There’s no tipping at the salon. Baggs said if customers insist on tipping, the money is transformed into gift cards.

“Everything that Waxing the City does is about the experience, from the moment they walk in the door, through the waxing, through the educational pieces, through the checkout process,” Baggs said.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

WAXING THE CITY 427 N. Loop 1604 West, Suite 207 For more, call 494-2026, or visit waxingthecity/stoneoak

14

JAN. 26 - FEB. 23, 2015

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

New restaurant brings foods of India to Stone Oak

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.

Buy a dozen donuts receive half dozen glazed donuts FREE.

1218 W. Bitters Road San Antonio, TX 78216

Not to be combined with any other offer. Not valid for specialty do-nuts, rolls, do-nut holes or kolaches. Expires FEBRUARY 28, 2015.

RD

HUEBNE

R RD

1604

281

NCO

F R E E GLAZED DONUTS

210-492-7900 BLA

SWEETHEART SPECIAL

BITTER

S RD

Tarka Indian Kitchen brings together flavors from all over India, exemplified by dishes such as kabobs paired with drink specialities 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

Buy One Single Food Item, Get One Half Price With this coupon. Not valid with any other offer.

Offer expires February 28, 2015.

DO-NUTS KOLACHES CAKES HOT COFFEE ICED/BLENDED COFFEE CORPORATE EVENTS

Like us and get a FREE donut

MON-SUN 5:00AM-6:00PM

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

shipleydonutsbitters/blanco

11888 Starcrest, 496-7092 www.Charlie-Browns.com

we are on instagram.com/localcommunitynews

Museums, birding, fishing, history, nature walks, art, biking, aquarium, shops…and more. visitrockportfulton

10% OFF PURCHASE

LIQUOR 1 210-758-5825

Photo by Brian Tumlinson

Gran Open d ing

WINE • SPIRIT • BEER Come See Our HUGE SELECTION! If we don’t have it, We will get it!

Mon.-Sat. 10am - 9pm

www.rockport-fulton.org 1-800-242-0071

*Must Present Ad

2235 Thousand Oaks #105 San Antonio, TX 78232

We’re Hiring!

We’re Growing &

OUT BOUND TELEMARKETERS NEEDED • Full Time Position • Great Growth Opportunities • Fantastic Insurance and Vacation Send Resume to: • Must Have Reliable Adavis@Salocallowdown.com Transportation

One Of The Fastest Growing Media Companies In San Antonio

LOCAL DEALS

Unpack.

Find more LOCAL deals online at salocallowdown.com

15

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

FREE Estimates HASSLE-FREE Claims Handling LIFE-TIME Paint Performance Guarantee Convenient Drop-off and Pick-up

*****ECR WSS Postal Customer

MISSION COLLISION CENTER

Prsrt Std US Postage Paid Permit 6450 San Antonio TX

We Take Pride in Our Work!

We repair all makes & models. We are a direct facility for most insurance companies and handle the whole collision repair process including towing and car rental.

A Green Collision Center

Our facility uses an evironmentally safe waterborne automotive paint system — because we care!

$100 OFF

YOUR INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE *

9800 N. San Pedro North of Loop 410

ALL MAKES & MODELS ¡Hablamos Español!

LET US SERVE YOU TODAY! CALL: (210) 424-4950 FAX: (210) 424-4983

* With any repair of $1,500 or more. Valid only at Mission Mitsubishi. May not be combined with any other offer. Please present coupon when service order is written. Expires 3/31/15.

FREE TEETH WHITENING FOR LIFE Valid for new patients only and with exam, necessary cleaning and xrays. Limited time offer. Call for details!

OUR PRAC TICE OFFERS: Family-Oriented Dental Care Kid Friendly Setting Flexible Financing Options Same Day Emergency Appointment

Dentist/Owner

W W W. Z A M D E N TA L . CO M

T W O CO N V E N I E N T LO C AT I O N S : North Location 300 W. Bitters Suite #210 San Antonio, TX 78216 210-494-2206

Southeast Location 4242 E, Southcross Suite #9 San Antonio, Tx 78222 210-333-4421

COMMUNITY NEWS

M. ZAMORA DMD

4204 GARDENDALE STE. 201 SAN ANTONIO, TX 78229

On-Time Scheduling