LOCAL: Hollywood Park, Hill Country Village, 78247, 78232, 78216 March 2016 by San Antonio Local Community News

Website debut at MacArthur showcases career paths PG.16

INSIDE

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; PG 16 - 19

HEALTH & WELLNESS

BE WELL IN 2016

COMMUNITY NEWS VOL. 4, ISSUE 4

HILL COUNTRY VILLAGE

HOLLYWOOD PARK

NORTH CENTRAL

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION

78216 78232 78247

PG.17

FEB. 29 - MARCH 28, 2016

Cruising Kitchens gets TV show, expands North Side business

GREEN SPACES

Changes coming to Friesenhahn Park

BUY LOCAL ALAMO CITY COMICS PG. 18 A gateway to worlds of fantasy, heroes and villains awaits

PG.14 Small Northeast Side rec area only has a few amenities

EAT LOCAL SMOOTHIE KING PG. 19 Offering healthy drinks with a purpose at new outlet

PG. 08 LOCAL LOWDOWN What's open and opening soon in your neighborhood, plus the latest news

PG. 03 LOCAL COMMENTARY SUSAN YERKES March is Women's History Month, and heroes are needed on the homefront

PG. 04 LOCAL EDITORIAL School choice gives parents the option to select best education

FEB. 29 - MAR 26, 2016

FROM THE EDITOR

THE CENTER OF ATTENTION

tedwards@localcommunitynews.com

President Harold J. Lees Publisher Gregg Rosenfield Director of Operations Jaselle Luna Assoc. Publisher Rick Upton EDITORIAL Executive Editor Thomas Edwards News Staff Collette Orquiz, Bain Serna and Will Wright Contributing Writers Olivier J. Bourgoin, Joyce Hotchkiss, Neven Jones, Noi Mahoney, Carole Miller, Eric Moreno, Edmond Ortiz and Susan Yerkes

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ART Creative Director Florence D. Edwards Contributing Photographers Alejandra Casas and Rudy B. Ornelas Contributing Illustrator Jeremiah Teutsch ADVERTISING Zone Manager 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@localcommunitynews.com Story Ideas tips@localcommunitynews.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 Zone 7: 78015, 78023, 78255, 78256, 78257 For advertising, customer service or editorial, please call us at 210-338-8842 or write to us at: Local Community News 4204 Gardendale Ste. 201 San Antonio, TX 78229

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parknorthsa.com

Objectivity is a must

do not believe in advocacy journalism disguised as news coverage, especially politics. Reporters covering elections should always check their personal baggage at the door. I have always enjoyed and encouraged newsroom discussions about the political process, but I become uncomfortable when fellow journalists openly voice their support for this or that candidate. The problem is compounded when reporters post private views on relatively open social media. Neutrality and objective reporting should be the hallmarks of our daily work. In this day when opinion polls rate the trustworthiness of the press as lower than dirt, our profession must go the extra mile to rebuild credibility with the public. That is not to say journalists shouldn’t privately support a candidate. Just like any other citizen, they have the right to free expression. But considering today’s scrutiny of the press, they should keep those views to themselves and exercise them in the privacy of a voting booth. Otherwise, how can a reporter’s articles be trusted when folks know he or she is partial to one office-seeker over another? Quick point here — none of what I’ve written so far applies to opinion journalists, who are expected to publicly voice their support of a candidate, party or principles to spur a community dialogue. I am discussing reporters. Reporters are, in effect, historians. As professional and unbiased recorders of the day’s events, their own opinions, likes and dislikes need to stay out of their stories. I want to assure readers that here at LOCAL Community News, we strive for impartiality.

THOMAS EDWARDS EXECUTIVE EDITOR ON THE COVER: San Antonio is acquiring 26 acres from the Longs Creek Homeowners Association to help expand Friesenhahn Park between Classen and O'Connor roads. Neighbors said the park needs more improvements. See story on page 14. Photo by Edmond Ortiz

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LOCAL COMMENTARY

Heroes needed on the homefront by SUSAN YERKES

arch is a big month for remembering heroes in these parts. The 13-day “siege of glory” at the Alamo, and the bloody battle on March 6, 1836, has become one of America’s most beloved heroic stories. Women’s History Month is also commemorated in March, and I’ve been thinking about how our culture tends to frame traditional “heroes” as rough-andready warriors for a good cause, rather than quiet volunteers on the front lines of hidden, desperate struggles, such as the one to end domestic violence. Every nine seconds a woman in the United States is assaulted or beaten, according to the National Coalition Against

Domestic Violence. The statistic may just be the tip of the iceberg, as an estimated 70 percent of such cases never get reported. Further, more than 30 percent of female homicides come by the hands of an intimate partner. While men can be victims, too, the overwhelming majority are ladies, children or the elderly – the traditionally powerless. Jane Shafer, program director for the San Antonio Police Department’s Family Assistance Crisis Team, or F.A.C.T., has seen the dark side for many years. In 1990, Shafer and her Putting an End to Abuse Through Community Efforts, or P.E.A.C.E., Initiative co-founder Patricia Castillo launched F.A.C.T., a volunteer program to help deal with domestic abuse. Since then, F.A.C.T. has trained thousands of volunteers to team with professional social workers in domestic-abuse cases. “This violence goes on day and night, throughout the city,” Shafer told me. “It happens in every part of town.” Unfortunately, there’s still a lot of shame associated with asking for help, she added. There’s also the danger of escalating violence if a woman or elderly person reports an abuser. Shafer urged everyone in the community to reach out to people they think may be experiencing domestic abuse. Even if they don’t talk about it, if you notice bruises or injuries, just ask if they’re OK.

It’s not always easy to leave an abusive situation without support from nearby friends or family it can be difficult to make the break. Some get help through the Bexar County Family Justice Center. Others find refuge at Family Violence Prevention Services Inc.’s Battered Women and Children’s Shelter, where more than a dozen different programs help victims recover their inner strength and prepare for independent lives. Last year, FVPS helped nearly 55,000 women and children, and sadly, the number continues to rise. To me, women such as Shafer, Castillo, FVPS Executive Director Marta Peláez and the many, many mostly unsung advocates who work to unshackle the abused are genuine heroes. Their dedication may not be spotlighted in battlefield glory, but it’s a powerful, often life-and-death struggle … and it’s not getting easier. I remember a moving interview I had two years ago with Maria Falcon, supervisor of counseling at the Family Justice Center.

After 28 years as a licensed professional counselor, Falcon called abuse against women the worst hate crime in our society — one seemingly uncontrollable. “We say it’s a women’s issue, and we work to empower women,” she said, “but it’s happening more than ever.” Falcon said she believes things will begin to change when the struggle against domestic violence is not framed only as an issue for women, but when it becomes one for men, too. “Instead of putting all the focus on empowering the victims of abuse, what about putting the focus on the perpetrators? What about society teaching men not to be perpetrators? Men need to stand up and challenge other men – in politics, in the media, in business, the schools, everywhere in society, to declare that abuse is not acceptable,” she said. Who will join the heroes on the homefront? Share your thoughts at syerkes@ localcommunitynews.com.

IT’S NOT ALWAYS EASY TO LEAVE AN ABUSIVE SITUATION ... IT CAN BE DIFFICULT TO MAKE THE BREAK.

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OUR TURN Views and opinions about your community

School choice now

ll parents should have the option to pick schooling best suiting the needs of their children.

We offer COMPETITIVE PAY and GREAT BENEFITS! Health Plans • Cafeteria Plan • Hospital Indemnity Tax Sheltered Accounts • Sick Leave Bank AETNA Disability Ins. • Dental Plan • Employee Assistance Program All applicants must be able to pass a Fingerprint Background Check, Pre-Employment Agility Assessment and Drug Screen prior to employment with North East ISD. North East Independent School District is an equal opportunity employer.

From kindergarten to 12th grade, school choice should be important for all families, whether the learner is collegebound or better oriented for a vocation. Children learn differently from each other; a campus more accommodating for one may not fit the needs of another. There are plenty of possibilities available. In general, the school-choice arena offers traditional public campuses, magnet institutions, publicly supported charter schools and online academic venues. Parents, especially those desiring tailored education for their child or prayer in the classroom, can enroll their offspring in a private or parochial

FEB. 29 - MAR 26, 2016 school, or educate them at home. The topic of school choice recently came to the forefront during National School Choice Week; according to one spokesman with the grassroots effort, 64 percent of Americans would like to have a greater education menu for their kids. During School Choice Week, Gov. Greg Abbott urged Texans to explore the kind of learning system that fits their families, even if it’s not public schools. The issue could take on more prominence during the next legislative session. In 2013, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, then a state senator, and former Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst pushed for legislation which would’ve used taxpayer money to send youngsters to private facilities. The battle over school vouchers resurfaced in 2015, but again made little headway. Though public school officials railed against the proposal, it likely hasn’t disappeared. No matter what, parents uncomfortable with the level of education their child is receiving should have the opportunity to switch to a campus or system they feel is more appropriate.

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

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HAPPENING LOCAL

and they run from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Registration takes place at each site; call Hamilton Community Center at 6547749 for more information and hours for registering. Information also is available at www.sanantonio.gov/parksandrec.

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

OUR GUIDE TO YOUR MONTH

FITNESS

ART

FREE TAX-FILING HELP Four to five days a week all month, free tax-preparation assistance will be offered by Volunteer Income Tax Assistance participants, helping anyone earning $60,000 a year or less. The sessions in the Thousand Oaks Branch Library Meeting Room take place at 4 or 6 p.m.; check the Events Calendar at www. mysapl.org to find specific days and times. The library is at 4618 Thousand Oaks Drive.

MARCH

A CAPELLA PERFORMANCE Madison High School’s a 3 cappella group, Madison Avenue, opens for Vocalosity at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle. According to a release from the North East Independent School District, “Vocalosity is the all-new live concert event from the creative mind of artistic producer Deke Sharon (“Pitch

MARCH

TALK

OUTDOOR

MUSIC

FOOD

Perfect,” “The Sing-Off ”) that takes a cappella to a whole new level.” The group was chosen through an online video contest judged by Sharon. The performance starts at 7:30 p.m.; for more including tickets and discount prices for NEISD patrons, visit https://www.tobincenter.org/. NO SCHOOL Students teachers in the North 14-18, 25 and East Independent School District are off a week for Spring Break and on March 25 for Good Friday.

MARCH

SPRING BREAK CAMP MARCH The Lou Hamilton Community 14-18 Center, 10700 Nacogdoches Road, is one of 17 San Antonio Parks & Recreation Department sites that will offer Spring Break Camps for children age 6-14. The camps cost $3 per day per child, which includes lunch and a snack,

HOLLYWOOD PARK The regular City Council 15 meeting is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. at Town Hall, 2 Mecca Drive.

MARCH

RETIRED TEACHERS MEETING North San Antonio Retired 16 Teachers Association holds its monthly meeting at San Pedro Presbyterian Church, 14900 San Pedro Ave. A 9:45 a.m. “meet and greet” will precede the program, which begins at 10:15 a.m. The group meets the third Wednesday of each month during the school year. Members are encouraged to bring friends.

MARCH

CHRONIC PAIN SUPPORT GROUP Meetings are from 4 to 6 p.m. 16 the third Wednesday of each month at Baptist HealthLink, 288 W. Bitters Road. One main topic per hour is covered in group discussions, which may be large or small. A syllabus and more information are available at http:// chronicpainsupportsa.wix.com/cpsgsa.

MARCH

EVENING AGLOW MEETING 17 San Antonio Evening Aglow International, a Christian “transformational kingdom” group, meets the third Thursday of each month for fellowship, song and an inspirational message. The gathering starts at 7 p.m. at Anne Marie’s Catering, 12475 Starcrest Drive (at Bitters Road). Everyone is welcome. For more, visit www.aglow.com.

MARCH

SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION The San 16 Antonio Chapter of the national organization holds its monthly luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at the Petroleum Club, 8620 N. New Braunfels Ave. Lunch costs $25. RSVPs are required. Call David Brooks at 740-296-8782 or email reservations@sarsat.org by the Monday before the meeting.

MARCH

HILL COUNTRY VILLAGE The regular City Council 17 meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at City Hall, 116 Aspen Lane.

MARCH

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HAPPENING continues from pg. 05 EDEN SPRING MARKETPLACE Vendors will be offering 19 decorative pieces, jewelry and other accessories, garden décor and items for Easter and Fiesta from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Eden Duck Pond, Thousand Oaks Drive at Tavern Oaks. Children and pets are welcome, and the event is alcoholand smoke-free. There will be a food truck too. The rain date will be March 26.

MARCH

LIBRARIES CLOSED All San Antonio Public 27 Library facilities will be closed in observance of Easter.

MARCH

NEISD TRUSTEES North East Independent 28 School District trustees are scheduled to meet at 5:30 p.m. in the NEISD board room, 8961 Tesoro Drive.

MARCH

HOLLYWOOD PARK PLAY GROUP Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m., Hollywood Park moms and their small children can get together for playtime and snacks; meet at the swimming pool. For more information, call Janet Ruiz, 313-6098.

TUESDAYS

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

ONGOING

FELINE FRIDAYS The Animal Defense League will focus on reducing overpopulation by spaying or neutering 30 owned cats and 50 feral cats every Friday. Animals can be brought in from 7 to 9 a.m., and it’s first come, first served until the slots are filled. Fees range from $35 to $70, and owned cats must have proof of rabies vaccination. The cats will be ready for pickup from 4 to 5 p.m. the same day. The surgeries are performed at ADL’s hospital, 11215 Iota Drive, just off Nacogdoches Road. For more, go to adltexas.org and click on Spay/Neuter Services under Programs & Services.

ONGOING

ELSEWHERE IN SAN ANTONIO

SONS OF CONFEDERATE MARCH VETERANS, CAMP 1325 3 The Alamo City Guards, Camp 1325, holds its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. at Grady’s Bar-B-Q, 6510 San Pedro Ave. Members and guests are welcome to eat beginning at 6 p.m.; no reservations are required. Speaker Egon Tausch will discuss “Secession and the Constitution.” The Camp meets the first Thursday of each month. For more, visit www.alamocityguards.com. AUDUBON SOCIETY MEETING The monthly meeting of the San 3 Antonio Audubon Society starts at 7 p.m. at The First Tee, 915 E. Mulberry Ave. For more, call 308-6788 or go to saaudubon.org.

MARCH

SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS, CAMP 153 15 Hood’s Texas Brigade, Camp 153, meets at 7 p.m. at Grady’s Bar-B-Q, 6510 San Pedro Ave. Members and guests are welcome to eat beginning at 6 p.m.; no reservations are required. The Camp meets the third Tuesday of each month. For more, visit www.hoodstexasbde.com.

MARCH

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Thursday of each month at Grady’s Bar-B-Q, 6510 San Pedro Ave., for a 6 p.m. dinner and 7 p.m. meeting. Those interested in Civil War history are invited to share stories and ideas. No reservations are required. For more, contact Nancy Hodges at lyndz76@yahoo.com or Daniel Snell at surveyking@satx.rr.com CULINARIA 5K WINE & BEER RUN This annual run 19 presented by Culinaria starts at 8 a.m. at the Shops at La Cantera, 15900 La Cantera Parkway. Entry costs $45 for an individual runner or $40 per person for teams, which must have at least 10 runners. The chip-timed race sets off right at 8 from the Residences at La Cantera, and parking is available throughout the shops. Race Reception tickets, $20, will be available at the March 18 Race Expo, at the Gold’s Gym at 2323 Lockhill-Selma Road. Proceeds benefit The Farm, a Culinaria planned food-education center. For more, or to register for the race, go to culinariasa.org/san-antonio/events.

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Children’s Dentists & Orthodontists

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. SMOOTHIE KING, 17910 Bulverde Road, Suite 107, has opened this third location in San Antonio to offer what the owner said are not only tasty treats but healthy ones. Staffers added the business is a “nutritional life center” that features supplements and snacks that help customers lose, gain or maintain a healthy weight. Hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. For more, call 882-7560 or visit smoothieking.com. (See story on page 19) 2. ALAMO CITY COMICS, 15681 U.S.

281 North in the Village Pointe shopping center, opened a few months ago and offers comic books, graphic novels, hardcover and softcover books, action figures and toys. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. For more, call 988-2339 or visit www.alamocitycomics. com. (See story on page 18)

3. DS CONCEPTS, 555 W. Bitters Road,

Suite 102, has wares to help create a “better all-around dining experience,” according to owner J.D. Scelza. The store offers products from Spain and Italy, including tableware, kitchenware, glassware, stemware, cutlery, wine accessories, furniture, cooking implements, wedding registries, linens and contemporary dining sets. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and closed Sunday and Monday. For more, call 776-7482.

IN OTHER NEWS

SIGNS ARE BEING INSTALLED IN DISTRICT 10 to mark El Camino Real, the royal road or king’s highway used by early Spanish settlers in Texas in the 1600s to travel between various missions and other destinations. District 10 Councilman Mike Gallagher said he is pleased to see the district receive the historical distinction. THE RESIDENTS OF LEELAND TERRACE HAVE FORMED A NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION, according to District 10 Councilman Mike Gallagher. “Neighborhood associations are vital in shaping city policy and development,” Gallagher said. “I commend the neighbors joining together as a group, and encourage others to join or start their own organization.” Those wishing to start a neighborhood group can call the District 10 office at 207-0999 or 207-7276.

Smiles by CDO

Address of local business Name of local business

A MAJOR CLEANUP FEB. 11 BY THE NORTHEAST BUSINESS ALLIANCE AT THE TRIANGLE FORMED BY PERRIN-BEITEL ROAD, Nacogdoches Road and Thousand Oaks Drive is being hailed as a success, officials said. According to a city press release, “Armed with trash grabbers, rakes, mowers and weed-eaters, they quickly picked up trash, pulled bandit signs and returned lost carts to neighboring stores.” The alliance, which includes local businesses operating on Perrin Beitel and Nacogdoches, is dedicated to maintaining the area as part of a goal for corridor beautification. District 10 City Councilman Mike Gallagher, the NEC Steering Committee and employees from Academy, All Seeing Optical, Broadway Bank, Fast Signs, Hill Electric, ITT Technical Institute and Spider Man Pest Control worked quickly to clean up the area in record time, officials said. Jefferson Bank provided the official NEC Improvement Partnership T-shirts for the event. “This was the second time we have met to clean this area up, and also the quickest clean-up to date,” Gallagher said in a prepared release. “I couldn’t believe the amount of people who showed up today. It’s important for folks to see us out here. It’s easy to spot problems, but we wanted to do more than that. We’re out here to show the community that we care and that they should, too.” Added Michael Taylor, a member of the steering committee, “It’s really great to see so many people out here. The number of businesses out here since our last cleanup has dramatically increased. It just goes to show that people want to get involved, and we appreciate each and every business committed to revitalizing the commercial corridor.” COUNCILMAN JOE KRIER SAID SCHOOL ZONES became safer in 2015 across City Council District 9, which he represents. “We made solid progress in 2015 in our efforts to protect children from traffic as they walk to and from school,” Krier said in a recent online newsletter. Accomplishments include 1.6 miles of sidewalks installed near schools; 53 school crosswalks restriped; comprehensive maintenance on all school flashers; and 731 signs updated to current standards. The district is home to 39 schools — 21 public, 16 private and two charter.

LOWDOWN continues on pg. 09

When husband and wife dental team Dr. Jarod and Cele Oliver met in dental school, they found they had a common passion to create beautiful, healthy smiles in children and adults alike. What they did not anticipate was finding a shared desire to ensure these healthy smiles start in infancy. As a mom to almost 2 year old twins herself, Dr. Cele understands the demands placed on parents to find dental professionals they can really trust. “When I first graduated from dental school, my friends and family came to me saying they didn’t understand a treatment recommendation from their family dentist, or they didn’t know if suggested treatment is really necessary for their child”. The sheer numbers of parents she talked to demonstrated the demand for open dialogue with parents and the environment to foster conversation to educate parents in preventative measures. Smiles by CDO has evolved to be one of the only offices in Texas that staffs only Board-Certified dental specialists, meaning all dentists and orthodontists on staff have completed a 2-3 year residency after dental school. What truly sets Smiles by CDO apart from any other dental office is that we have assembled a dental team that is excellent in skills and service! Each and every individual has been selected with great care for their exceptional personality, and the entire team works together impeccably with kids and their parents to ensure everyone has a clear roadmap of their dental future. “We are very conservative in our recommendations”, states Dr. Jarod. “We follow AAPD guidelines advising every child to have the first dental check up by age 1. When you start early and provide a safe, nurturing environment for the little ones, you earn their trust. Our goal is to ensure our patients and future generations do not have a fear of the dental office”. Helping children form healthy oral habits and making their visits to the dentist a fun experience will be the foundation of a lifetime of dental health according to Drs. Jarod and Cele Oliver. Some of the services we offer include • Cosmetic dentistry for kids • Digital X-rays • Treatment of special needs and medically compromised children • Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) • Oral Sedation • IV Sedation • Orthodontics for ALL Ages • Over the top Customer Service

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM LOWDOWN continues from pg. 08 THE NORTH EAST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT HOSTED ITS THIRD ANNUAL cafeteria taste test in January, which involved more than 150 students from the Peer Assistance & Leadership program, JROTC, Student Council and pupils involved in wellness activities. Students tested smoothies, hot sandwiches, Asian dishes and tamales and filled out surveys. Approved items could be added to the menu for the 2016-17 school year. HUNDREDS OF NORTH EAST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT PARENTS and more than 30 NEISD family specialists from three high schools, seven middle schools and 33 elementary schools met in February for a parent training conference to improve parenting skills. The session touched on student behavior and strategies for teaching at home. There was also an informational fair with a variety of community agencies and organizations, and special guest speaker Luis Cruz, a former California public schools principal. MACARTHUR HIGH SCHOOL’S ELECTRICAL Systems Technology students helped wire new homes by volunteering with

Habitat for Humanity. For the eighth year, 40 students enrolled in the apprenticeship program and their sponsor used their electrical knowledge from the classroom and applied it to the real world, officials said. THE TOBIN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS and the North East Independent School District are collaborating in the 14th Partners in Education Institute at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., April 27-30. The intensive training program will feature 10 teams from across the country. Each team chosen to participate features both a school district and a performing arts organization, officials said. According to a press release, the teams will spend their time at the Kennedy Center developing “a plan customized to their community for the partners to establish or expand arts-based professional development programs for teachers.” AREA PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS WILL REMAIN IN THEIR CURRENT COMPETITIVE DISTRICTS, according to the University Interscholastic League, which Feb. 1 announced its statewide biennial district realignments for the 2016-17 and 2017-18 school years. In December the UIL, the state’s governing body for extracurricular

public school activities, announced enrollment cutoff numbers based on average daily membership figures submitted by district superintendents in October. There was little change in the statewide picture, which added only 50 students to the state’s highest classification. Schools with enrollments above 2,150 students are assigned in Class 6A, followed by 5A (1,100-2,149); 4A (480-1,099), 3A (221-479), 2A (105-220) and Class A (104 and below). North East Independent School District’s seven high schools will remain alone in District 26-6A for football and basketball competition. AS OF JAN. 1, HOMES USING ALLEYWAYS LONGER than 10 lots in length with access to a rear garage, carport or driveway are required to post address numbers in the back of the property along the alleyway. All alleys must be kept cut, clean and unobstructed at all times, according to the Municipal Code. SAN ANTONIO’S NEW PRO SOCCER CLUB HAS been named San Antonio FC. According to a news release, the title “solidifies San Antonio’s hometown roots, and proudly represents the city among the growing soccer culture in

the country.” FC is a recognized term the world over for football club. THE HOLLYWOOD PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT HONORED two officers at the City Council meeting Jan. 19. Officer Robert Hernandez was recognized as the 2015 Officer of the Year and Officer Jennifer Pineda was promoted to sergeant. LA GLORIA IN THE SAN ANTONIO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT has been nominated as part of USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Travel Awards for Best Airport Local/Regional Dining. Voters had until Feb. 10 to vote, and winners will be announced on March 10 at www.10best.com SPURS SPORT & ENTERTAINMENT, BEXAR COUNTY and San Antonio finalized the sale of Toyota Field on the Northeast Side. No general-fund dollars were allocated from the city’s purchase, which instead originated with the Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund. Having the stadium may land San Antonio a Major League Soccer team in the future, while Spurs Sports & Entertainment also plans to operate a United Soccer League club this year, officials said.

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COSMETIC PROCEDURES

Fountains of youth and beauty by SUSAN YERKES

ant to perk up a tired face or body? You’re not alone. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, U.S. physicians performed 15.6 million cosmetic-surgery procedures in 2014. As Americans live longer and retire later, many are taking medical-oriented actions to help turn back the clock. Most of the 15.6 million procedures listed in the latest ASPS survey were deemed

“minimally invasive” — such as Botox and injectable fillers; chemical peels and microdermabrasion, and laser hair removal. The remaining 1.7 million were surgical, with breast augmentation the most popular, followed by nose reshaping, liposuction, eyelid lifts and full face-lifts. Nearly 6 million more reconstructive, as opposed to cosmetic, plastic surgeries were done to correct the effects of disease or injury. San Antonio is in tune with the general proliferation in cosmetic procedures, according to Richard Levine, a boardcertified plastic surgeon who opened his private practice here in 1981.

“Cosmetic surgery is not just the domain of the rich and famous anymore,” Levine said. Fat grafts and injectable fillers can change the contours of faces and bodies; liposuction can remove unwanted fat deposits, and neurotoxins such as Botox can ease frown lines and wrinkles. However, the fountain of youth isn’t cheap. In 2013, Americans spent more than $12 billion on physician fees and materials for cosmetic enhancements – not to mention

hospital costs. The numbers aren’t likely to lessen, although procedure expenses have stabilized or slightly decreased. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, in 2013, the average national cost of a Botox treatment was around $390, and injectable fillers such as Juvederm or Restylane ranged from $500$600, and usually required repeating two to three times yearly for effectiveness. Laser skin resurfacing was about a $2,200 hit, with

COSMETIC continues on pg. 11

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COSMETIC continues from pg. 10 liposuction averaging $2,800. Physician fees alone for breast-augmentation surgeries averaged $5,000-$6,000, $4,800 for tummy tucks, and $4,300 for buttock augmentation, one of the fastest-growing U.S. trends. Face-lifts averaged $6,500. Hospitalization, anesthesia, and more can easily double the final price. Also, don’t expect insurance to cover cosmetic surgery, so choose a qualified practitioner for whatever you’re considering. Dr. Christie Bialowas cautions bargain-seekers to beware. “We see people who have had all sorts of things injected in their faces – some people even use silicone, which can be a real problem,” she said. “Injecting neurotoxins in the wrong facial area can even cause blindness. It’s serious business.” Bialowas, a board-certified plastic surgeon, is with UT Medicine, the clinical practice of the School of Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. “Most people don’t realize we offer cosmetic procedures here,” she said. At UT Medicine, Bialowas sees patients for both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. Silicone or saline implants once were standards for breast or buttock augmentations. Now, however, advances in transferring fat, via liposuction, from one area of a person’s body to another, resulted in an increased demand, she said. Facial areas, breasts, buttocks and even hands – where the age concealed by cosmetic procedures often shows up – have become popular areas for fat grafting.

High obesity rates in the San Antonio vicinity also lead quite a few men to seek breast-reduction surgery. Average national prices for male breast reductions are $200-$300 lower than females. Body lifts, a combination of liposuction and removal of sagging skin, displace cellulite and reshape the entire abdomen, rear end and thigh area. It’s important to remember, however, liposuction isn’t intended for dramatic weight loss. “People need to understand that obesity is not an indication for cosmetic surgery,” Levine said. “It’s much better to get a fitness routine, lose weight or see a bariatric surgeon for the weight loss.” Lifts and liposuction are more effective once a patient reaches a reasonable, stable weight. Today’s silicone implants are much safer than a couple of decades ago; some were susceptible to leaking into the body, Levine said. He uses “gummy bear” implants, made of silicone adhering to itself. “Most of the women I see for breast surgery want to have natural-looking breasts, so my average implant is smaller than some doctors use,” Levine said. While Levine offers nonsurgical treatments, he usually recommends face-lifts and/or eyelifts to folks older than 50. Levine, who has a well-established North Side practice, said most of his patients are well-informed. For guidance, the ASPS website at plasticsurgery.org has user-friendly descriptions, videos and a national directory of ASPS board-certified physicians. For recommendations, you can also consult your family doctor, or even friends who have experienced positive results.

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Exercise

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innie the Pooh once said, “A bear, however hard he tries, grows tubby without exercise.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention agrees, and adds humans to the workout regimen. A regular fitness routine

reduces cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and some cancers. Exercise also strengthens bones and muscles, improves mental health and protects injuries in elders due to falls. There are three types of exercise: aerobic, anaerobic and flexibility. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends healthy adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly, and some form of anaerobic exercise no less than twice a week. Aerobic exercise, aka “cardio,” includes heart-pumping behavior such as running, swimming, cycling and tennis. Frequent and regular aerobic exercise can prevent high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, insomnia and depression. “Rowing is the best new form of group cardio,” says Alison Smith, owner of Energy X Fitness, 5162 Broadway. “It’s a very low-impact, but high-energy workout.” In addition, Energy X Fitness offers group classes including ShockWave, cross-training, total-body resistance exercise, kettlebell workouts, Vinyasa yoga and personal training. Anaerobic exercise (more commonly

referred to as strength training) includes working out with free weights, weight machines or doing traditional strength exercises such as pushups, squats and chin-ups. Strength training increases bone, muscle, tendon and ligament potency, endurance and improves joint and cardiac function, reduces the potential for injury resulting from weak muscles, elevates levels of “good” cholesterol and lowers the risk of osteoporosis. The stereotypical picture of musclebound men lifting weights is antiquated. “A one-size-fits-all approach is outdated,” said Leslie Edwards, CEO of Heart of Texas Fitness and owner of Koko Fit Club in Alamo Heights and The Dominion. “People want more customization and individual attention. We provide personal training without the cost and without scheduling appointments.” Koko Fit Club, open 24/7, offers cyberfriendly strength training and cardio using a computer and a coach. Gym staffers program an individual, recommended 30-minute workout schedule on a flash drive, which tells a client exactly what to do and how much to lift. Then, results and progress are easily tracked on an efficient and manageable personal website. Flexibility training includes yoga,

Pilates and tai chi. The disciplines improve posture, make it easier to relax, alleviate soreness in overworked muscles, relieve stress and reduce chronic back pain. Flexibility generally deteriorates with age, often due to a sedentary lifestyle, with daily activities becoming difficult. This increases the risk of injury, especially in older adults. Smith recommends yoga for seniors (and everyone, really) as a great form of exercise. “Yoga provides strength, flexibility, balance, and most often forgotten, relaxation. Yoga can literally be for everybody,” she said. “Even if you can only exercise in a chair, it’s important to keep your core and leg muscles active versus sedentary,” said Andres B. Cruz, vice president of Pride PHC Services, a local company that works with the elderly and infirm providing personal attendants and daily-living necessities for customers’ security and self-sufficiency. “The trend that is universally recognized is that the baby boomer/elder population is increasing exponentially,” Cruz said. “Services like ours will continue to be helpful to many individuals as they see they have a need for support in their homes, to remain safe and independent.”

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f you want to slim down, diet and exercise are both important. However, many experts believe monitoring what you eat is essential for shedding pounds. “Losing weight is 70 to 80 percent diet,” said Jan Tilley, a registered dietitian and president and CEO of JTA Wellness in San Antonio. “You can’t out-train a bad diet, but it still takes both dieting and exercise.” Tilley advises clients to follow six tips: eat every three hours, always ingest carbs with lean proteins and healthy fats, exercise every day, don’t let hunger get ahead of you (don’t overeat), avoid inflammatory foods (sugary, processed or high in saturated fats), and strategize. “Plan your meals; create a schedule,” Tilley said. “The people who lose weight and who you see keeping it off, are the ones who exercise.” Others take a more holistic approach.

Josh Bonine, owner of Generation Chiropractic and Dr. Josh’s Weight Loss Center, said he provides a protocol, which does not require drugs, surgeries, shots, exercise or prepackaged foods. “We are leading the weight-loss revolution with our advanced technology scan. Finding out how to get each individual person into a fat-burning, weight-loss state is the key,” Bonine said. “The more specific and individualized you can make it, the better.” The health care specialist added he is able to lead clients through a rapid fat-loss and detoxification process, which can produce significant results in 40 days. As Americans live longer, many have a long list of intertwining health problems. Tilley said older people and seniors must understand unhealthy consumption can lead to Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and hypertension. “Choose healthy foods,” she said. “You don’t want to become overweight and suffer from arthritis, joint pain.”

THE PEOPLE WHO LOSE WEIGHT AND WHO YOU SEE KEEPING IT OFF, ARE THE ONES WHO EXERCISE. JAN TILLEY, PRESIDENT AND CEO JTA WELLNESS SAN ANTONIO

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FRIESENHAHN continues from pg. 01

No playground at park for now by EDMOND ORTIZ

pocket park located across from Madison High School will soon see expansion and improvements, much to the delight of its neighbors. The city of San Antonio is in the process of acquiring 26 acres between Classen and O’Connor roads from the Longs Creek Homeowners Association, to accommodate the growth of Friesenhahn Park. If all goes well, the park at 15701 O’Connor Road will extend to 38 acres. The city Planning Commission signed off on a recommendation from the Parks & Recreation Department in late January. The City Council expects to see final consideration of the land acquisition in March. “The strategic goals of Parks & Recreation have always been connecting

The City Council is expected to finalize plans in March to add more acreage to Friesenhahn Park on the Northeast Side with a $100,000 purchase. Photo by Edmond Ortiz

people to city parks and nature,” District 10 Councilman Mike Gallagher said. “When we increase the size and functionality of a park, we increase the opportunities for recreation, fitness and quality of life for surrounding neighborhoods.” The city’s fiscal year 2016 budget would allocate $100,000 toward the land purchase.

Friesenhahn Park is small compared with older city parks such as Lady Bird Johnson, Comanche Lookout and even McClain Park – the latter is a disc golf course across O’Connor from Friesenhahn Park. Friesenhahn Park has basic amenities: a small pavilion, a few picnic tables and benches, water fountains

and a compact parking lot. There’s only one portable bathroom. A concrete walkway loops around the front side of the park, near O’Connor, then tracks in a nearly straight fashion toward the back of the park. While visitors can jog or walk the track, the walkway is not even long enough to include distance markers. There is no playground or any other element that invites children’s activities save for youngsters who ride bicycles or scooters on the track from time to time. But Gallagher and Longs Creek residents say there is plenty of room for improvement. “It is a cute little park. During the spring, it can get very crowded with lots of groups,” said Robin Williamson, vice president of the Longs Creek HOA board. “We’d love to see the track expanded, and the land acquisition means they should be able to expand parking.” In the back of the park lies a tiny pond that some residents consider less than picturesque even when it is filled. Many times, the park has just a few visitors, but at other times, the parking lot easily can fill up. Neighbor Peggy Schmuekle said she

FRIESENHAHN continues on pg. 15

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An aerial photo shows a nature area cared for by the Longs Creek Homeowners Association including Friesenhahn Park, which the city plans to improve with future developments. Plans for additional amenities are pending. Courtesy photo

FRIESENHAHN continues from pg. 14 would visit Friesenhahn Park more often, but feels discouraged by its diminutive size and lack of amenities. She said when the parking lot gets packed, motorists visiting Friesenhahn Park try to park on the grass near the entrance to McClain Park. The situation is exacerbated when an event is taking place at McClain. Talks about how to improve Friesenhahn Park started between the Longs Creek HOA and the city in 2015. Those discussions paved the way for a land deal between the city and the HOA, as many residents feel enlarging the park’s boundaries would be a win-win for the community. “Right now, the land is underutilized,” Schmuekle said. Longs Creek residents have had to maintain the currently vacant tract, which is part of the overall Longs Creek development. Neighbors have also cleaned up after squatters set up camp on the tract, which is heavily wooded in spots. Schmuekle suspects some squatters arrived there along the train track that runs parallel to the park’s southern boundary.

Visitors can traverse an informal, unmarked path that curves from the back end of the park toward the wooded tract of land. Residents say it’s these aspects that can make Friesenhahn Park more alluring. She has a long-term vision of community parks and recreation. “Let’s get in a walking trail and hope it goes the entire way around the park,” she said. “In the long run, I think the city has an opportunity to make trails here and connect them to other parks and greenways around the city.” Presently, no plans indicate what amenities would fill out an expanded Friesenhahn Park. Gallagher said that could be best addressed by a bond issue the city proposes floating in 2017. He said the city will talk further with residents about how best to keep improving Friesenhahn Park. The councilman does agree with Schmuekle’s sentiment. “With Friesenhahn Park, we have the opportunity in the future to develop a more robust park that will provide more amenities and be a bigger draw to get neighbors outdoors and active,” Gallagher added. “According to the parks department, should funding become available, public meetings will be scheduled to include the community to be part of the planning.”

MACARTHUR continues from pg. 01

Real-world experience outcome of program by NEVEN JONES

The successful launch of the San Antonio Works website at MacArthur High School is helping pair students with business internships to better prepare for a career, sponsors said. Summer internships through SA Works will begin in June; in the meantime, the website, which debuted Dec. 9, has résumé writing and careerreadiness tools available now. About 15 students chosen from a variety of endorsements, or career paths, such as law enforcement, business and health science, tested the website by setting up accounts and learning about the internships. Internships are a good way for students to try out a career, said Russell Hanz, career and technical education department chairman. “They may go into it thinking they want to be an architect and then as they do their architecture internship they’ll see what’s all entailed in that job and they may decide they love it or it’s not for them,” Hanz said. The San Antonio Chamber of Commerce started SA Works last March with funding from H-E-B, said Priscilla Camacho, vice president of education and workforce development for the chamber. SA Works debuted its website at a high school because chamber officials wanted to introduce the program to juniors, even though the website is open to middle school students as well, said Michelle Hendrick, program director of education engagement and curriculum. “What we are trying to do is

FEB. 29 - MAR 26, 2016 have students gain marketable skills as well as industry skills in the classroom and then go apply them in the workplace,” Hendrick said. MacArthur’s central location was also factor, she added. “It’s kind of a buy-in from the business industry and the schools trying to get these kids to be able to come in and see the different career fields that are out there— they may be wondering what to do in life,” Hanz said. Hanz was contacted by SA Works to choose students for the launch. He asked teachers from the career and technical education department to choose a few students from each class. Criminal justice teacher Frank Filippone picked Richard Martinez, a 16-year-old junior, to attend the website launch. Martinez likes the idea of SA Works because it gives students a way to see what they want to do in the future by offering them an internship. “Not a lot of companies want to let kids into their organization and see how it works. So I was pretty shocked by it,” he added. Martinez wants to major in business in college and is interested in working for a bank, he said. In order to apply for an internship, students are required to complete at least one technical education class in the field they are pursuing an internship in and must be at least 16, Hendrick said. The city’s SA2020 initiative, which includes a vision for San Antonio’s future in several areas including workforce and educational attainment, is being used as a guide by SA Works, Camacho said. “The chamber is serving as one of the backbones to this effort, but this is really a collective-impact model,” Camacho said. “So we are talking about the colleges, our four-year universities and our (independent school district) partners really playing pivotal roles in ensuring that all of these things happen.” The desire is that 50 percent of the

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Vincent Tompkins (left) is discussing the San Antonio Works website with Evan Upton at MacArthur High School. The site, coordinated by the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, helps pair students with businesses for internships which could determine future careers. Photo by Rudy B. Ornelas

population earns a post-secondary degree. This includes industry certification, associate degrees and four-year degrees and above, Camacho added. “What we have been challenging our schools and our employers to do is to really come together to provide more opportunity where students can get more than just a high school (diploma) when they graduate from high school,” she added. SA Works started with an aim of building a bridge between education and employers because of state House Bill 5, Camacho said. “House Bill 5 was passed in the 2013 legislative session and it asks for a stronger connection between businesses and the education system, particularly the (kindergarten) through 12 system,” she added. On Feb. 2, SA Works held its first job-shadow day, and 1,700 students from across Bexar County visited 59 employers to get hands-on experience.

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Job-shadow days are important because younger students who are not eligible for internships can participate in them and get exposure at an actual job site, Camacho said. Two groups of MacArthur students participated in job-shadow day; one of the employers they visited was Broadway Bank, Hendrick said. The website could prove to be the proverbial first step to a rewarding future, officials said. “The SA Works website is eventually going to be a one-stop shop for students who are wanting those additional internships or summer jobs in the field that they are studying in high school,” Hendrick said. “It’s getting them that real-world experience before they go off to college or actually go work full time. There’s a lot of experience to be gained from the opportunities that are going to come from the summer jobs and the SA Works program.” For more, visit http:// sanantonioworks.org.

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Company just built world’s largest mobile kitchen by COLLETTE ORQUIZ

hile food-truck fans may miss the Boardwalk on Bulverde’s eats now that it’s closed, soon they can get a different taste of Cruising Kitchens, the company behind the trucks, with a new reality show premiering in May.

Cruising Kitchens, billed as the world’s largest mobile business fabricator, just signed for a show on Discovery Channel and is in the design phase of building a new facility. The company also just finished constructing what’s described as the world’s largest food truck. With a motto of “the future of mobile vending,” Cruising Kitchens constructs “extravagant” trucks, trailers, carts and kiosks. “The only reason we’re here today is because of the support we’ve received from San Antonio, on the Boardwalk side and Cruising Kitchens,” said owner Cameron Davies. Cameras started rolling in February and will feature his business, as well as the ins and outs of the lives of Davies and his wife, Kaycee, and their two children, Kenadee and Cayson. Davies got his start converting cargo airplanes to VIP models, then later moved on to custom cars. In 2010 he taught himself how to put everything and the kitchen sink into food trucks, and created Cruising Kitchens.

LEFT: Cruising Kitchens on the North Side built the Traveling Restaurant Ultimate Culinary Kitchen, which is said to be the world's largest food truck at nearly 94 feet long. Courtesy photo ABOVE: A crew at Cruising Kitchens works on the window of a food truck. The manufacturer, billed as the world's largest mobile business fabricator, is expanding its facilities and getting a reality TV show. Photo by Collette Orquiz

The Boardwalk on Bulverde launched in December 2011 as a place to showcase the autos while also serving up openair grub for diners. It was modified in January to make room for the new construction, a 40,000 square-foot shop to fabricate and construct the trucks. Cruising Kitchens is at 14732 Bulverde Road and shares space with its sister company, Print-it Custom Wraps and Graphics. The latter creates all the designs for the trucks, but also produces business cards and banners. “It’s a one-stop shop,” said Arthur Mayo, owner of Flamingo Rey’s Island Ice, who recently purchased a food truck from Cruising Kitchens. “They’re really known worldwide and their craftsmanship is so good.” The new business will be built from reclaimed shipping containers. Davies hopes to break ground soon because the business is so “choked up” that work is spilling into the parking lot. “When we actually signed on the TV show, we knew it was time to get pretty aggressive with it, so we’re working with engineers and architects,” Davies said. Flat Creek Builders out of Austin

is helping lead the project. Josh Davies, who is the lead graphic artist and audio-visual engineer but is not related to Cameron Davies, and multimedia marketing manager Haley Rose Alvarez are excited about the show, which they said has been a long time coming. “There’s things that happen on a daily basis that you think would be scripted, like they add it to the TV show, but nope, that happened in real life,” Josh Davies said. Cruising Kitchens recently built the world’s largest mobile kitchen, Traveling Restaurant Ultimate Culinary Kitchen, or T.R.U.C.K., for Culinary Performance Media, based in Florida. The truck is 94 feet long, has keg systems, 17 55-inch televisions and cameras that can project what is happening in the truck. “Nobody thought that that was built in Texas, but then when we tell people, they say now we see why it’s so big,” Cameron Davies said. Josh Davies said they put in 80to 90-hour weeks with many late nights. Alvarez added they finished

in 12 weeks, and were working on 10 other projects at the same time. T.R.U.C.K. debuted at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas in December. The super food truck will be used for marketing purposes for major companies, and possibly sporting events such as the Super Bowl. The NFL is trying to work out a contract for 2016. “We spent a lot of time on it. Everybody had some piece that went into that thing,” Josh Davies said. Over the years, Cruising Kitchens has grown to 27 employees, and has constructed more than 100 trucks and kiosks. From Annex by Trinita’s mobile leasing office to Flamingo Rey’s Island Ice, Cruising Kitchens gives opportunities to mom-and-pop businesses as well as corporate chefs, the team said. “If you look at some of the first builds, and then you look at the builds today, you can literally see the growth,” Alvarez said. The company has constructed food trucks in the United States and across the globe, including places such as Dubai. For more on Cruising Kitchens, call 402-2829 or visit cruisingkitchens.com.

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FEB. 29 - MAR 26, 2016

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

Up, up and away at Alamo City Comics by ERIC MORENO

ace it, true believers, there really has never been a better time to be a fan of comic books or pop culture. Superheroes are bonafide Hollywood stars and genre-style TV shows are ratings blockbusters.

Fans are now blessed with one more place to gather, discuss and purchase the items they love best: Alamo City Comics, 15681 U.S. 281 North in the Village Pointe shopping center. Since opening a few months ago, the store has developed a diehard following. “We have pretty much everything a comic book fan would want at our store,” said Solomon White, general manager. “We have comic books, graphic novels, hardcover

and soft-cover books. We’ve got new comics, back issues, a lot of action figures and toys as well. Things are really going well for us.” White, a veteran of the comic-book store industry, had a vision for the shop. He wanted a place that offered an open, inviting and friendly environment for everyone, from those new to the experience to longtime comic book fans. “I kind of learned the do’s and don’ts of what makes a good shop and what people like,” he said. “Now that I’m running this store, I want our employees to be friendly and accepting. Comic book shops really have a clubhouse type of feel. It can be intimidating if you don’t know a lot about comics. We make an extra effort to welcome everyone.” Batman, The Amazing Spider-Man and “The Walking Dead” continue to be some of the store’s top titles. White encourages visitors,

Alamo City comics offers the latest in graphic novels, action figures and books, but employees also want to make the store a place where novice to diehard fan alike feel at home. Photo of action figures by Alejandra Casas, all others by Collette Orquiz

Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

especially those looking to dip their toes into the waters of comic fandom, to ask him and fellow employees for recommendations. He hopes to broaden horizons and create lifelong comic book fans in the process. “There’s a lot of different writers and artists doing a lot of great work right now,” White said. “It’s a really good time to be a comics fan right now. We want everyone to come by and see what it is all about.”

ALAMO CITY COMICS 15681 U.S. 281 North For more, call 988-2339 or visit www.alamocitycomics.com

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interview. “We are a nutritional life center. We offer supplements and healthy snacks and we have a product for every situation, whether you want to lose weight or gain weight or just maintain a healthy weight.” Since the opening of its first outlet in New Orleans in 1973, Smoothie King has been growing. There are more than 650 stores across three continents including Korea, as well as Singapore and Grand Cayman Island. “I opened my first store in January 2008 at 1604 and Bandera and in May of 2013 I took over an existing location at 1604 and 281,” Heausler said. “It’s a brand I believe in. I’m from New Orleans and I grew up with it.” The 1,400-square-foot store serves more than 40 flavors. Her favorite smoothie is “Strawberry Lean 1, add Mango.”

ew Orleans-based Smoothie King — “Smoothies With a Purpose” — is continuing its San Antonio expansion by offering more than healthy drinks. With two existing stores under her belt already, owner Sharon Repka Heausler opened a third Smoothie King franchise, 17910 Bulverde Road, Suite 107, in early February. The Smoothie King at the intersection with Loop 1604 is poised to make a difference in customers’ lives by providing tasty treats that also are healthy, Heausler said. “We are more than a smoothie shop,” Heausler said during a recent telephone

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