LOCAL: Converse, Live Oak, Universal City, Windcrest, August 2014

BREAKING NEW GROUND JUDSON ISD EXPANDING

pg.17 High school under construction, elementary to open this month

pg. 03 local commentary

SCUCISD begins work on bond projects pg 18

SUSAN YERKES

pg. 11 CONTINUING EDUCATION

New elementary school, campus additions under way

COMMUNITY NEWS

Converse

Vol. 2, Issue 2

GET THE FULL JUDSON ISD CLASS SCHEDULE

live oak

universal city

windcrest

08/2014

What's

INSIDE your community

pg. 21 BUY LOCAL

MR. GOLD

Not just a place to buy gold. This Metrocom business specializes in precious stones, watches and jewelry repair

Plans for new UC Library going ahead pg 16

Facility slated for same site as current library

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. 23

www.salocallowdown.com

Air Force studying urban influence pg.08

Metrocom growth could affect military exercises

pg. 22 EAT LOCAL

ROCKET’S FEED

Converse restaurant offering Texas-sized burgers, deli items

2

august 2014

From the editor wwright@salocallowdown.com

President Harold J. Lees Publisher Gregg Rosenfield

Change on tap for area ISDs

Assoc. Publisher Rick Upton

t’s back-toschool time, and this month’s LOCAL Community News looks at the challenges awaiting the Judson, Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City and Comal independent school districts. Those districts – as well as North East ISD – are grappling with increasing student enrollment.

Editorial Executive Editor Thomas Edwards Managing Editor Will Wright News Staff Collette Orquiz and Bain Serna Contributing Writers Eileen Pace, Arthur Schechter Wynton Thomason and Susan Yerkes ART Creative Director Florence Edwards Advertising Design Pete Morales Contributing Photographer Joshua Michael Advertising Account Managers Dawn Radick and Joe Rieras Controller Keith Sanders READER SERVICE Mailing Address 4204 Gardendale Ste. 201 SA, TX 78229 Phone Fax (210) 338.8842 (210) 616.9677 Advertising Inquiries rupton@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 3: 78216, 78232, 78247 Zone 5: 78108, 78132, 78154, 78266 Zone 6: 78258, 78259, 78260, 78261 Reproduction in whole or in part without our permission is prohibited, 2014 Helen Publishing, LLC and Local Community News, LLC, all rights reserved.

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

I

We chose to highlight construction plans for some of those districts, and in the future LOCAL will look at their academic road maps.

Texas public schools have also been busy trying to improve standardized test scores and follow Texas Education Agency criteria for the implementation of House Bill 5, which substantially changed the state’s curriculum and graduation requirements and increased assessments and accountability.

The districts have several options to reset their graduation-program paths. Area superintendents seem optimistic about their district’s plans, but are wary of additional edicts coming from the next legislative session.

Millions of dollars worth of brickand-mortar projects have either launched or are slated to begin across the Metrocom. However, they are only part of the overall challenge for the districts, which must also cope with increased transportation and energy costs, safety and security, and ensuring infrastructure keeps up with growth.

Noticing that most ISDs annually grant pay raises for teachers, administrators and support personnel, taxpayers might assume the districts are doing just fine.

Staff retention usually translates to improved academic results, officials said.

Area educators must find ways to blend all of the above – and that’s become a year-round task.

Will Wright Managing Editor facebook.com/salocalcommunitynews

3

salocallowdown.com

local commentary

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

B

y the time you read this, Julián Castro could be picking art for his office as head of the Department of Housing and Urban Development in Washington, D.C., and San Antonio will have a new mayor.

Castro’s easy confirmation was no surprise, nor was the fact President Barack Obama tapped him for the position.

Our Julián is, after all, widely touted as one of the brightest rising stars in Democratic politics. Slightly more of a surprise was that his confirmation was not unanimous, as was that of one of Castro’s avowed role models, Henry Cisneros, to the same Cabinet post back in 1993.

Twenty-six out of 45 Republican

senators, including Texan Ted Cruz (but not John Cornyn), voted against Castro.

Castro follows Cisneros as the second San Antonio mayor named to a president’s Cabinet, and the fact that both were asked to helm HUD has generated comments about stereotyping. However, Castro could have made the leap to D.C. a couple of years back, when Obama offered to make him secretary of transportation. But with the SA2020 push for downtown housing just gaining serious traction, and the citywide vote on Pre-K 4 SA looming, he chose to stay in town to wrap up those “legacy” projects.

Anyway, Castro is headed for D.C. with wife Erica, daughter Carina and their new baby-in-waiting. Most pundits agree it’s a smart move. The fact is that no matter how hard Dems wish, most agree the Lone Star State isn’t turning blue. The new role allows Castro to travel the country and solidify his D.C. and national connections.

Some observers also suggest the HUD job is a better transitional position should the Democratic presidential nominee (read: Hillary Clinton) pick Castro as a vice-presidential running mate.

But that decision rests on too many other factors, including who ends up on the GOP ticket. Cruz and retiring Gov. Rick Perry both are said to be jockeying for that role. If

the GOP goes with Cruz, Castro would make for great balance on a ticket with Clinton.

For now, it’s most likely Castro has no definite plans, except to do the best job he can at HUD. A Cabinet job is a good place for an upwardly mobile public servant to make a difference. It’s also a much better jumping-off place for higher office than another mayoral term. He’ll also be closer to brother Joaquín, now a well-liked and established congressman, and that will likely bring them even more attention in D.C. While family dynasties are nothing new in politics, it’s the first time twin brothers have simultaneously held such visible positions in U.S. government.

Meanwhile, Castro’s departure has really ramped up local politics.

Candidates who want to be the next full-term mayor — including any City Council members — should be ready to face state Rep. Mike Villarreal, a bright,

popular Democrat who has indicated he will resign his seat in the Legislature to campaign for the position next spring.

Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Adkisson, who lost his bitter run against incumbent County Judge Nelson Wolff, has also expressed interest in the seat.

And a few pundits have suggested that if state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, another Democrat, isn’t serving as Texas’ lieutenant governor next spring, she, too, might decide to seek the office.

However, with so many folks apparently positioning themselves to become S.A.’s head honcho, who knows? Here’s a wild thought: Maybe if things don’t work out for Cruz, Perry or even Clinton, we could see them running for S.A. mayor. Just kidding!

What do you think?

Send your thoughts to syerkes@ salocallowdown.com

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

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august 2014

OUR TURN Views and opinions about your community

Keep minors from buying e-cigarettes

S

an Antonio is moving in the right direction to prohibit minors from purchasing liquid nicotine and electronic cigarettes.

A proposal recently floated by San Antonio Councilman Cris Medina only regulates the sale of such products to children under 18, just as minors are barred from purchasing alcohol and tobacco until they are old enough to make responsible decisions on their own.

Far too often government oversteps its boundaries and indulges in too much regulation, but in this case the proposed ordinance makes sense.

Medina’s suggestion does not alter the city’s existing smoking ordinance.

The city is not saying retailers cannot sell e-cigarettes and flavored liquids, only that minors cannot buy these items.

Research cited by Medina notes

that many of the flavors correspond to bubblegum, chocolate, cola and cherry, which makes them appealing to children.

Let the kids buy bubblegum, not bubblegum-flavored nicotine.

While it is true e-cigarettes use lower levels of nicotine than traditional cigarettes, nicotine is still considered by the medical community as a habit-forming substance, and no more appropriate for a 10-yearold than a whiskey sour or a cigar.

Our Founding Fathers correctly supported the values of a free-market economy, with consumers’ purchasing powers deciding which merchants rose and which ones fell. But there are times when some oversight is needed to protect our youth.

We applaud and champion the right of e-cig businesses to sell these products and make a profit, because it is the adult consumer — not the government — who will decide the fate of such enterprises.

But from a moral and health standpoint, sales to children of these items must be prohibited.

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

Happening LOCAL

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

OUR GUIDE TO YOUR MONTH

happening k ey

fitness

ART

UNIVERSAL CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY The following library events will be held in August and September at 100 Northview Drive; for more, call 659-7048: “Basic Internet Use,” free seminars on navigating the Internet, are 10-11 a.m. Aug. 16 and Sept. 20. Adults must accompany children under 12. Contact the library for registration details. A free afternoon movie will begin at noon Sept. 13. Bring a lunch or snack; call the library to find out which movie will be featured. Senior Social Days are held 2-4 p.m. each Monday. Book Club for Adults will meet at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 20.

A list of reading selections can be found at www.universalcitytexas.com/bookclub. The library reserves seven copies of each book for members, distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each Saturday from 9 a.m.

AUG - SEPT

TALK

outdoor

Music

to 1 p.m., Friends of the Universal City Library offers a used-book sale at their bookstore behind the library. It features a wide selection of books, nominally priced by the inch. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 6, the group will host a silent auction of painted chairs slated to go to local businesses. (See story on page 16) TRI-COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Chamber’s B2B Breakfasts take place on the first Friday of each month, with luncheons held on the second Tuesday of each month at Bluebonnet Palace, 17630 Lookout Road in Selma. Monthly Lunch & Learn events are held on the third Thursday, with mixers on the fourth Thursday. For

AUG - SEPT

Happening continues on pg. 05

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salocallowdown.com HAPPENING continues from pg. 04 more, including sites and times, call 6588322 or visit www.metrocomchamber.org.

RANDOLPH METROCOM ROTARY The club meets Mondays at noon at the Olympia Hills Golf and Conference Center, 12900 Mount Olympus Drive in Universal City. For more, visit www.randolphmetrocomrotary.org.

AUG - SEPT

FREE MOVIES IN THE PARK Universal City’s summer series ends with a showing of “The Lego Movie” at Universal City Park, 305 North Blvd. Activities for the kids start at 7 p.m. with the movie beginning at sunset. Guests may bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks; some concessions will be available for purchase. For more, including activity details and movie schedules, visit www. universalcitytexas.com or call 619-0721.

AUG 16

5K FAMILY RUN FOR LIFE The event, held in recognition of Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, will take place at Eberle

Sept 6

Park at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph.

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with the noncompetitive races commencing at 8 a.m. For more, call Gina Ramirez, psychology technician with Outreach/ Resiliency Joint Base San AntonioRandolph at 487-2448 or 652-2448; or email gina.ramirez.1@us.af.mil.

VETERANS PARK FLEA MARKET The Committee for Universal City Veterans Park will hold an 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. fundraiser at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4676, 202 West Aviation Blvd. Proceeds will benefit Veterans Park Universal City. There will be many items available at bargain prices; vendor spaces, starting at $20, are still available. Spaghetti dinners, $7, will be sold 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more, call 550-2645 or 658-7179.

SEPT 13

NORTHEAST ROTARY MEETINGS The San Antonio Northeast Rotary Club meets 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday at the Lion & Rose Pub in The Forum at Olympia Parkway shopping center, 8211 Agora Parkway, Suite 112 in Live Oak. For more, visit www.sanortheastrotary.com.

weekly

The City of San Antonio Metropolitan Health District and the YMCA of Greater San Antonio have teamed up to

Fight Diabetes!

Whether you are at risk for type 2 diabetes or are currently living with diabetes, we have a FREE program for you!

YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program Helping those at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to reduce their chances of developing the disease.

For more information call (210) 924-8858

Y Living Program This family-based program empowers the family to obtain total wellness through enriching the Spirit, Mind, and Body. For more information call (210) 924-8858

Diabetes Self-Management Program Through a series of six healthy living workshops, this FREE program empowers individuals to take control of their health and safely manage diabetes.

For more information call (210) 207-8802

CHILDREN’S STORY TIMES Converse Public Library, 601 S. Seguin St. holds free story times 10:30-11:30 a.m. each Wednesday, where toddlers can get an early start to literacy through book readings, music, and arts and crafts. Parents are urged to arrive on time; children must be supervised. For more, call 659-4160.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT – UNIVERSAL CITY Through Aug. 31, the Universal City Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association is scheduling police officer visits to neighborhoods and residential groups for block parties in conjunction with National Night Out observances.

For more, call 659-0333, ext. 526.

FIGHTING HUNGER TexasMobilePack and Feed My Starving Children are seeking volunteers to help pack 4 million meals for hungry children overseas during a six-day event Sept. 25-30. The goal is to line up 20,000 volunteers to work two-hour shifts at two local sites. More on the organizations and their goals can be found on links at texasmobilepack.org and www.fmsc.org.

RITA’S GIVE BACK GALA The event, sponsored by The OCt 18 Circle of Cancer Care, supports female cancer patients in northeast San Antonio, Schertz and Cibolo. It begins at 7 p.m. at the Schertz Civic Center ballroom, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Building 5. The gala will include dinner, live music and a silent auction. Cost is $75 per person. For more, call 802-1740 or email circleofcancercare@gmail.com.

weekly

ongoing

oct 7

ON THE HORIZON

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT – LIVE OAK The Live Oak Police Department is registering neighborhoods and residential groups for block parties in conjunction with National Night Out observances. For more, call 945-1700.

OCT 7

Submitting events: Email all

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

www.salocallowdown.com

facebook.com/salocalcommunitynews

Cibolo Fest 2014

Oct. 11th, 2014-Saturday 10:00 am to 10:00 pm 200 S. Main Street, Cibolo, TX

Carnival Rides, Petting Zoo, 5K Run Pony Rides, Silent Auction, Games, Car Show, Craft and Food Vendors Entertainment and more!

For Vendor information please call Peggy Cimics at 210-566-6111 or pcimics@cibolotx.gov

For more information about these programs please call today or visit us online at: www.DiabetesHelpSA.com

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6

august 2014

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. MR. GOLD FINE JEWELRY, 5524 Walzem Road, offers a wide variety of uniquely crafted jewelry and repair services.

Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more, call 590-3645 or visit www.mrgoldus.com. (See story on page 21) 2. ROCKET’S FEED, 9135 Schaeffer Road in Converse, offers an array of deli sandwiches, big burgers and side items.

Open 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. For more, call 263-9688 or visit RocketsFeed/ Facebook. (See story on page 22) 3. ALAMO MOBILITY INC., 16262

Interstate 35 North in Selma, offers wheelchair-accessible vehicles and vehicle conversions to fit the needs of the mobility-impaired. Open 9 a.m. to 6

Address of local business Name of local business

p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. For more, call 7180055 or visit www.alamomobility.com.

4. ALAMO CITY AUTOPLEX, 1717 Pat Booker Road in Universal City, offers high-quality luxury vehicles and sports cars.

Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

For more, call 945-9000 or 885-7933; or visit www.alamocityautoplex.com.

5. DAYS BAR-B-QUE & CATERING, 339

S. Seguin Road in Converse, specializes in brisket, pulled pork, sausage and side items, with catering services available.

Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. For more, call 290-8883.

7. DRE’VAWN’S HAIR SALON,

8275 FM 78 in Converse, is a 24hour women’s hair studio offering highlighting, sew-ins, quick weaves, color corrections, eyelash extensions and makeup. For more, call 661-6245.

poignant feature on Sweeney narrated by actor Gary Sinise. Sweeney’s goal led the U.S. Sled Hockey Team to a 1-0 victory in the gold-medal game at the Paralympics in Sochi, Russia, earlier this year.

IN OTHER NEWS

U.S. REP. HENRY CUELLAR, D-Laredo, said in a release he has spent much of the summer working on a policy to deal with thousands of unaccompanied immigrant minors flowing into the country. Cuellar and Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, sponsored the Helping Unaccompanied Minors and Alleviating National Emergency Act – legislation designed to help alleviate the ongoing humanitarian crisis on the southern U.S. border. Several provisions contained in the HUMANE Act include revisions to existing laws addressing human trafficking, and providing swift processing, medical treatment and expedited court proceedings leading to the safe repatriation of children illegally entering the U.S. Cuellar also sent letters to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, congressional leaders and others requesting financial assistance and reimbursement for

A SAN ANTONIO JURY acquitted real estate developer Gary Cain, who prosecutors had accused of bilking Rackspace Hosting Inc. out of $7 million in a 2007 deal to move the company’s headquarters to Windsor Park Mall. After a three-week trial, the July 21 verdict cleared Cain, 58, of two counts of theft and two counts of securing documents by deception. Rackspace still has a civil lawsuit pending against Cain, whose brother, former Windcrest City Manager Ronnie Cain, awaits a trial on similar charges filed in a 2010 criminal indictment.

U.S. SLED TEAM PARALYMPIAN JOSH SWEENEY received the inaugural Pat Tillman Award for Service during ESPN’s annual ESPY ceremony on July 16. Sweeney, a bilateral amputee and Purple Heart recipient who served in Afghanistan, said he was humbled and “grateful just to receive this award,” after accepting the honor, presented by actor Jeff Bridges following a

LOWDOWN continues on pg. 07

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of Garden Ridge, Edward Jones Investments’ Courtyard location, Fiesta Lanes, First Commercial Banks in New Braunfels, First United Methodist Church, Frost Bank (Landa Street location), GVTC Foundation, Harland Clarke, Hunter Industries, Litton Family Dental, McKenna Children’s Museum, New Braunfels Orthodontic, New Braunfels Regional Rehabilitation Hospital, the New Braunfels Family YMCA, Oakwood Baptist Church, Reliance Residential Realty and Treetop Pediatric Dentistry. School supplies and donations are still being accepted at the CIS offices, 161 S. Castell Ave. in New Braunfels. For more, contact Christine Watson at (830) 620-4247, ext. 11, or visit www.cis-sct.org.

LOWDOWN continues from pg. 06 communities affected by the crisis. He also met twice with Honduran officials.

Both houses of Congress entertained a $3.7 billion proposal by President Barack Obama, but remained divided along party lines. Before adjourning for summer recess on July 31, the Democraticcontrolled Senate took no action. On Aug. 1, House Republicans passed two bills – a $694 million appropriation for border enforcement, and a companion bill to deny immigration hearings and swiftly deport the migrant youths, as well as up to 500,000 more immigrants previously granted temporary work permits by the Obama administration.

ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL PLACED IN THE TOP TEN in several categories at the Technology Student Association’s national conference held June 27-July 1 in Washington, D.C. More than 6,500 students and educators from across the United States, Germany and Turkey attended, including 30 students from Roosevelt’s Engineering & Technologies Academy. The Roosevelt ETA, which ranked in the top three among 26 schools

Comal Independent School District board members on July 31 welcomed Joe Moczygemba as Canyon High School’s new head football coach and boys athletic coordinator. From left are CISD trustees Cody Mueller, Stephen Smith, David Drastata; coach Moczygemba and trustees Amy Freund and Denise Kern. Photo courtesy Comal ISD

competing at the Texas state event, finished eighth among 182 schools nationally.

PACK THE BUS, an annual school-supplies drive sponsored by Communities In Schools of South Central Texas, began in July and culminated in all-day events Aug. 9 at

H-E-B locations in New Braunfels, Schertz and Bulverde. CIS provides new education materials to thousands of students during the school year. During July, supplies were collected by the Broadway Bank in Spring Branch, Bulverde Area Republican Women, Canyon Lake Presbyterian Church, the city

GUADALUPE COUNTY CONSTABLES have entered into the enforcement stage of their warrant roundup, which began with an amnesty period for those with misdemeanor warrants July 15-Aug. 1.

On Aug. 2, constables began rounding up those with warrants issued through Guadalupe County justice of the peace courts. Offenders can make arrangements by calling 945-6685 (Precinct 3), 830372-4223 (Precinct 1), 830-379-2214 (Precinct 2) or 830-372-8916 (Precinct 4).

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august 2014

JLUS continues from pg. 01 35

Joint land use studies under way at JBSA-Randolph

SELMA

SCHERTZ

218

LIVE OAK

by EILEEN PACE

to JBSA seguin auxilary airfield

UNIVERSAL CITY

U

NIVERSAL CITY – Officials are drawing up recommendations to ensure future economic development in the Metrocom will be able to coexist with training missions at Randolph Air Force Base, as well as considering impending civilian-military partnerships.

Planners have been collecting data at public workshops to help develop the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Joint Land Use Study. Other groups involved in the coordinated effort include cities along the Loop 1604/Interstate 35 corridor, Bexar and surrounding counties, and the San Antonio River Authority.

The process is an outgrowth of Joint Land Use Studies sponsored by the Defense

Joint Base San Antonio -Randolph Joint Land Use Study Area

1604

BEXAR COUNTY

JLUS continues on pg. 09

The military is still in flux and consolidating, which is why they are moving more to the Joint Base concept.

CONVERSE

1604

Department’s Office of Economic Adjustment, which involve bases providing grants for communities to research compatibility issues with military installations. Studies were recently completed at Lackland Air Force Base, Joint Base San Antonio’s Camp Bullis, San Antonio and other areas.

The Randolph base study, headed by Robert Brach, Bexar County’s JLUS project manager, said the procedure is part of the DOD’s Base Realignment and Closure process, which began during the 1990s.

SCHERTZ

SAN ANTONIO

Public and private airfields immediately surrounding Randolph AFB

10

robert brach, bexar county JLUS project manager

St. John Neumann Catholic Church

St. John Neumann Catholic Church is beginning weekly sessions for anyone interested in the Catholic faith. These sessions are available for Catholics, who desire to receive all of the sacraments, or who have not married in the Catholic church.

Sessions Begin:

August 27, 2014 at 7:00 pm In the parish center.

6680 Crestway Drive, San antonio, texas 78239

To Register: Please call 210-654-1643

9

salocallowdown.com JLUS continues from pg. 08 “The military is still in flux and consolidating, which is why they are moving more to the Joint Base concept,” Brach said. “It’s a plan so that both the cities surrounding the base, and the base itself, can work together to allow for cities to continue to get the businesses and residential developments they need to ensure their economic growth and development without jeopardizing the mission of the base.”

“By just getting those folks together with that installation … (it will) send a positive signal to a future BRAC commission that we, the community, are very much interested in the installation’s mission, and the proof of that is the JLUS,” said retired Air Force Brig.

Gen. Robert Murdock, director of San Antonio’s Office of Military Affairs.

He added community growth sometimes conflicts with military missions, such as night training.

“If there is significant light pollution around the training area, it destroys the function of night-vision goggles,” Murdock said, citing bright lampposts from a parking lot as an example.

Other issues may include gunfire within installations, which many residents might find disconcerting. Another is dealing with endangered animal species, such as the problem Camp Bullis’ JLUS officials encountered.

“The JLUS identifies all those factors and then provides recommendations both for short term and long term,” Murdock said.

In the case of JBSA-Randolph, where the chief mission is flight training, nearby growing communities face obstacles.

“With as much residential development as we had back in 2007, and now with the economy rebounding, we’re starting to get into the commercial development that naturally follows,” Brach said.

Metrocom cities – including Live Oak, Universal City, Schertz, Cibolo, Garden Ridge, Selma and Converse – have addressed problems associated with noise reduction, light pollution, safety, wildlife hazards and more.

Now, JLUS officials utilize a “strategy toolbox” outlining those concerns.

“There are certain areas that have been identified through the AICUZ (Air Installation Compatible Use Zone), which is basically a noise study, but also identifies accident-potential zones – certain areas

outside the runways that have the highest potential for possible aircraft crashes,” Brach said. “You don’t want to have a dense residential neighborhood underneath that.”

Brach added, “There’s this conical, vertical-height-type thing that kind of looks like a football stadium. (A map) identifies certain height restrictions you need to have to ensure that there’s no conflict between the building and the aircraft that’s taking off.”

These designated “clear zones” can be problematic. Converse Economic Development Corp. Executive Director Kate Silvas said some of the city’s private landowners recently learned they wouldn’t be able to develop certain tracts.

“It’s akin to property-taking,” Silvas said.

“The federal government doesn’t have the money to buy it, but is basically saying we can’t develop this land. Therefore, economic development can’t happen on that property.”

Airborne wildlife presents another dilemma. The Federal Aviation Administration’s Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard program pinpoints travel and nesting patterns in order to minimize collisions.

“Apparently, it’s costing Randolph about a million dollars a year in aircraft repair with bird air strikes,”

Brach said, adding discussions for wildlife control include ordinances restricting certain types of vegetation, which in turn attract nesting birds.

Randolph’s JLUS is broad in its geographic scope. Brach said noise-contour maps include an airfield in Seguin and San Antonio’s Stinson Municipal Airport. “(One) particular map deals with the noise contours and you can see the different training pathways that occur.

This is where things are taking off and this is where they’re turning out to go off on flight paths, where they do their touch-and-go training,” he said.

Completion of Randolph’s JLUS strategy is expected by late summer or fall, when another public meeting will be held. Ultimately, officials believe it is in the Metrocom’s best interest to work within the process, especially if a base will be considered in a future BRAC. “Whoever the stakeholders are, whether they’re Realtors, developers, municipal governments or environmental folks, they will want to ensure that they have compatible use with the installation, because obviously that installation provides a significant economic impact to the community,” Murdock said.

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Judson ISD students on path to excellence

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I

hope this summer provided a muchdeserved break with a chance to refresh yourself and your family. As we return to the classrooms across the Judson Independent School District, I am excited about the academic success we’ve achieved over the past several years and look forward to building on that success with each and every student.

The latest released standardized test scores show noticeable and substantial gains across the district, especially in the middle schools’ reading and math results. Our elementary schools continue to show a positive academic direction, and at our high school level, both Judson and Wagner high schools showed good gains in both science and math scores.

At the same time, the district’s college and career-readiness efforts are impacting our students in a positive way. We’ve seen not only the expansion of career and technology programs and intern partnerships with our community business members, but the number of our graduates entering two- and four-year public colleges and universities continue to rise at a healthy pace. I can see while there is still a lot of room for improvement, we are making progress by taking good, steady steps, both measurable and encouraging.

You may have seen in the news some of the construction results from the 2013 bond, which authorized building a new

elementary and high school without a taxrate increase. I’m happy to report we are opening Copperfield Elementary School in August, and monthly expense reports show we are on budget. Meanwhile, we recently broke ground on the new high school on Evans Road, which will initially accommodate 1,600 students with the option of expansion in the coming years.

Opening in August 2016, it will be JISD’s third comprehensive high school, taking enrollment pressure off of Judson High School and serve the northern end of the district’s footprint, which will likely see significant development in years to come.

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UC LIBRARY continues from pg. 01

the things that the city does not pay for.”

The Friends supply books, furniture, computers, bookshelves, movie DVDs, craft items and many other resources and learning tools, and operate a used-book store next to the library from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday, with proceeds benefiting the library.

Funding the new facility took a leap on July 15, when City Council members unanimously approved issuing $3.2 million in certificates of obligation – bonds not requiring voter approval – towards construction.

The amount will cover “the demolition, construction and equipping of the library, as well as the adjacent park area,” said Assistant City Manager Kim Turner, also the city’s development services director.

“We are putting out bids for asbestos removal and demolition of the buildings,” she added. “Then we are looking for a location to store all of the books and possibly run a limited library service while the other one is being torn down and built up.”

The city is planning discussions with architects and setting up a tentative time frame for demolition of the old building – late fall or early winter, Turner said.

City and library officials insist the current library has served its purpose.

‘Friends’ to host giant fundraiser set for Sept. 6

by BAIN SERNA

U

NIVERSAL CITY – Fundraising efforts to help cover the costs of a new city public library are under way, as construction and design plans for a more modern facility – to be built on the site of the current building at 100 Northview Drive – are in the development and discussion phase.

Leading the way is Friends of the Universal City Public Library, a nonprofit group launched 29 years ago with the vision of aiding and supporting the library inside the community.

“The Friends of the Universal City Library is an organization that does fundraising and promotes the library in many different ways,” said Lou Ann Shircliffe, Friends chairwoman.

“We supplement the library budget for

“Our library building is currently very old and very outdated,” added Turner.

“Library use has transitioned over the last 10 years or so. It’s no longer a place just for books; it’s also a place to access technology and (be) a community meeting place.

That’s what the new library will do.”

Built in the 1960s, the current structure first served as City Hall and an extension of the city’s Fire Station before being transformed into the public library during the ‘80s.

“This library in this building has lived its life,” said Toni Davenport, library director.

“This building, itself, is very disjointed.

You can tell it’s an older building.”

The new library will contain new technology, improved safety standards and additional space for the program’s expanding children’s and adults’ programs, Davenport said.

The current facility still provides a place for learning, research, fun and bringing the community together, with a year-round schedule chock-full of interesting activities for all to learn and enjoy, Davenport said.

“For me, libraries have always been about connecting people to the information they need, and traditionally that has always been through books,” she said. “But it is also for

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(those) who’ve never before used a computer and have to apply for a job online. We can sit with them and show them how to create an email address or create a resume.

“As libraries are moving forward into the future, we want to have the books and traditional resources, but we are also focused on the people we serve and how we can best connect them to whatever they need.”

The Friends will host a fundraising extravaganza 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 6 at the library. Featured will be a silent auction of more than 20 uniquely handpainted chairs with designs created by Universal City artists. Jewelry, a Spursthemed Christmas tree and other exclusive items will also be auctioned at the event, which will include free refreshments.

Purchases and donations – all going towards the new library – will be tax deductible.

“When you go to the library, everyone is treated the same,” Shircliffe said. “They can use the facility, use the computers and check out books. It’s a gathering place where everyone is respected. I think the library gives people a sense of community.”

For more, call the library at 6597048 or Friends of the Universal City Library at 658-5941.

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JISD approves pay raises, looks to select new superintendent

by WILL WRIGHT

L

IVE OAK – Like other school districts in the Metrocom, the Judson Independent School District is experiencing growing pains.

JISD debuts an elementary school this fall and earlier this summer broke ground for a new high school, projects approved by voters in an $83 million bond election in 2013. However, the district must also eye ways to address future growth and find a successor for outgoing Superintendent Willis Mackey, whose leadership helped bolster academic performance at the high school and junior high school levels.

Copperfield Elementary, located at the corner of Coppergate Road and Loop 1604 in Live Oak, is a $19.4 million facility designed to relieve overcrowding at Salinas, Converse and Coronado Village elementary schools.

“Those schools have seen enrollments rise to between 800 and 900 students,” said Steve Linscomb, JISD communications director. “We would like all of our elementary campuses to get back down to 650 or 700 students, and this new school will definitely help.”

Copperfield’s design was modeled after 3-year-old Rolling Meadows Elementary.

“That project was contained in the 2006 bond, and was built on time and under budget,” Linscomb said. “It was a priority for us to replicate that.”

The new high school, located near the intersection of Nacogdoches and Evans roads, will be the district’s third such comprehensive facility. Projected to cost $50 million, community members and JISD officials celebrated its July 15 groundbreaking.

Slated to initially accommodate up to 1,600 students in the Kitty Hawk Middle School feeder pattern, the 262,000-square-foot facility will reduce enrollment at Judson High School when it opens in August 2016, with eventual capacity nearing 2,400 students.

Dan Kershner, the district’s executive director of operations, said there would be community discussions this year to select the school’s colors, to be incorporated into design plans. Deciding the official name and mascot will happen in 2015,

after receiving input from junior high students and community members.

Linscomb assured there is now increased oversight on the newest bond projects, approved three years after voters soundly rejected a $198 million bond proposal in 2010, which called for two new elementary schools, a new high school, a new transportation center and other items.

Linscomb blamed the 2010 loss on perceptions formed by taxpayers angry about cost overruns in several projects contained in the district’s $236 million bond four years earlier. Among them, renovations to Rutledge Stadium – slated to cost $10 million, but finished at $14 million – and transforming Judson High School to accommodate students from two campuses, which ran way past the completion deadline and slightly over budget.

Those and other issues eroded public trust, which Linscomb said the district has taken steps to re-establish.

“As far as construction measures for this bond, the administration is now completely different,” Kershner said, adding there were more bidders for the current projects instead of asking for bids for projects in the 2006 bond.

Not only have construction costs

declined since then, but the district in 2011 formed an advisory board, comprised of community members and the mayors of Live Oak, Converse, Selma and Universal City to assist in oversight and bolster confidence in district operations.

This fall, more than 3,400 students are projected to enter Judson High School, with at least 2,300 slated to attend Wagner High School. However, even with the addition of a new high school, enrollment projections remain the largest in the Judson High area, Linscomb said, meaning prior to the new school’s opening, the district’s secondary school boundary lines will be refigured for the first time since 2012.

In June, the JISD board approved a $219.2 million budget for 2014-15, which included pay raises for employees and additional contributions to employee insurance. The board must soon consider a method to replace Mackey, superintendent since 2007.

“The next superintendent will have some big shoes to fill,” Linscomb said.

“During his tenure, he produced positive results. Some of his academic programs helped raise the performances of AfricanAmerican and Hispanic students and raised the standards at all of our campuses.”

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SCUCISD continues from pg. 01

Despite commercial growth, officials forecast possible bond in 2016

by WILL WRIGHT

S

CHERTZ – Work on construction projects will abound this coming school year in the Schertz-CiboloUniversal City Independent School District, which is carrying out plans approved by voters in 2013 along with other capital-outlay items.

SCUCISD voters approved $92 million for implementation of an eighth elementary school, additions to Steele High School and Dobie Junior High, technology upgrades, land acquisitions and transportation needs.

In addition, SCUCISD trustees approved $4 million for a wing addition to Wilder Intermediate School and later this month will consider spending $2.7 million for

Workers have poured concrete and framed the first floor for Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD’s newest elementary school in Cibolo. Photo by Josh Michael

improvements to Lehnhoff Stadium.

All of these projects, designed to keep pace with rapid district growth, have either begun or are slated to launch during the 2014-15 school year.

Wayne Pruski, the district’s executive director for facilities planning and development, said Wilder Intermediate’s $4 million wing addition would bring student capacity on par with the other three district schools for fifth- and sixth-graders.

“Wilder’s (capacity) is roughly 630 (students),” he said. “We’re trying to equalize that to about (900 students).”

SCUCISD’s $34 million elementary school is being constructed in the Turning Stone subdivision near Green Valley Road and FM 1103 in Cibolo.

The project broke ground in April and will open in August 2015.

“We’re pouring the slab for the first floor and erecting steel on (the site),” Pruski

said of the 153,000-square-foot facility, which will welcome 900 to 1,200 students in kindergarten through fourth grades.

District demographer, School District Strategies, issues quarterly report cards on commercial and residential development growth. Its latest report calls for the district’s enrollment – set at 14,058 in 2013-14 – to grow 3.9 to 4.3 percent

SCUCISD continues on pg. 19

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salocallowdown.com SCUCISD continues from pg. 18 annually through 2018 and average 3 to 3.7 percent over the next decade.

District officials forged a 10-year scenario calling for additional projects; however, those long-term plans are based on current tax receipts, not projected future tax income.

SCUCISD Superintendent Greg Gibson insists desired betterments will go unrealized, until money begins rolling in from the explosive commercial growth in Schertz and Cibolo.

“Our approach is basing our budgets on the worst-case scenario,” Gibson said.

“We base it on zero commercial growth, but if more comes, then fine. This year, because of Amazon and a few others, we might have 5 to 6 percent growth from commercial. If that does happen, then it will give us more breathing room.

“While we’re thrilled to have the growth, we won’t build our budgets around it.”

Between 2017 and 2023, the district forecasts a need to construct a ninth, and plan a 10th, elementary school; build a third junior high; renovate Clemens High School and plan for a third high school, all the while maintaining infrastructure and transportation needs.

“Those are just projections,” Pruski said. “We’re just indicating projects that might be coming that haven’t (yet) been allocated bond dollars.”

While there will be income stemming from the Crossvine and Nor-Tex projects in Schertz, various commercial developments springing up in Cibolo and hundreds of additional residences throughout the district, Gibson said there aren’t imminent plans to press the electorate.

“If commercial values do go up, then we could consider moving some of those (forecasted) projects up on the schedule,” he said. “I do anticipate having to go to voters to talk about (funding other) projects in May 2016.”

Gibson said the district’s 2013 Bond Advisory Committee identified $270 million in possible projects over the next decade. He said it was decided smaller figures would be more palatable to voters, despite necessitating bond approvals every three years.

“Our community group said that by then we’ll have better information (regarding) commercial and residential values,” he noted. “That’s why, after much discussion, we agreed to do it in smaller chunks.”

Besides district construction, there’s also implementation of House Bill 5, instructing Texas schools to create a new graduation formula for all incoming freshmen beginning in 2014-15.

There are several different plans the district can follow, Gibson said.

“We’ve been granted some flexibility in doing it the way we want to do it and we just want to make sure we get it right,” he said. “We want to make sure that we can offer all the paths and make them available to our students.”

The district’s 2014-18 Strategic Plan outlines a gradual timeline for implementing standards set by the Texas Education Agency, as well as other academic goals.

Updated information regarding the strategic plan, bond projects and demographic forecasts can be accessed through links at the district’s website at www.scuc.txed.net.

While we’re thrilled to have the growth, we won’t build our budgets around it.

Greg gibson, SCUCISD superintendent

Comal Independent School District officials say they will ask taxpayers to approve a scaled-down bond measure to construct at least two middle schools and add other improvements across the district. Photo by Josh Michael

students this year, and for 12,000 more expected over the next nine years.

“We’re already seeing visible signs of the growth we predicted last summer in the Canyon and Smithson Valley (high school) feeder patterns,” said Andrew Kim, CISD superintendent.

Kim said explosive residential growth in those areas, as well as in the

by WILL WRIGHT FM 1101/Freiheit Elementary School and Canyon Middle School areas EW BRAUNFELS – The in New Braunfels, is under way. sight of portable buildings “It’s very visible,” he said. “We knew at two of its middle schools is a about these projections and now the public sign that growth is ramping up in the can see the bulldozers are there. We’re Comal Independent School District. not the only ones talking about it now – the parents are also talking about it.”

To keep pace, the school board in In November, voters rejected a September will consider reducing the $451 million bond issue many believed current tax rate, paying down on bond indebtedness and proposing a much smaller was too bloated and lacked specifics.

Then in February, after discovering bond covering the district’s necessities.

CISD overpaid contractors by over The upcoming school year, which $7.1 million for projects contained starts Aug. 26, will be pivotal for the in its 2008 bond, officials accepted a district, which covers 589 square miles in five counties. In the coming months, officials must make short-term decisions COMAL ISD continues on pg. 20 to accommodate at least 800 new

COMAL ISD continues from pg. 01

Board set to OK lower tax rate in September

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COMAL ISD continues from pg. 19 $5.9 million settlement. That didn’t sit well with taxpayers, who ousted two incumbents on the board in May. Now some board members want to float another bond issue, but this one will tackle only the priorities.

“Over the next several years the needs of the individual campuses, as they were spelled out last year, are going to be realized,” CISD board President David Drastata said. “That’s why in all probability that we will go back to the voters with a $150 million (bond) package next spring.

“All we’re going to do is identify our immediate needs – middle schools, transportation, infrastructure and safety.”

Demographic reports indicated the district’s four fastest-growing home starts occurred in the Kinder Ranch, Indian Springs, Hoffmann Lane and Garden Ridge areas, each with over 100 new-home starts in 2013.

The November bond would have added schools in those areas, including two in Garden Ridge, where students attend Canyon High and Canyon Middle schools. Garden Ridge Elementary School, which opened in 2010, is also

close to its 800-enrollment capacity.

The focus is on alleviating overcrowding at Canyon and Smithson Valley middle schools, which have projected student enrollment at 1,105 and 1,043 students, respectively. Both are expected to add at least 70 students in each of the next three years, thus the imported buildings from other campuses.

“Using portable classrooms is always a last resort,” Kim said, as both schools will be near or at capacity this fall.

If voters approve the $150 million bond, district officials hope to construct two new middle schools.

One, planned for Borgfeld Drive and Bulverde Road in the Kinder Ranch subdivision in the Smithson Valley/ Bulverde sector, would also reduce projected enrollment at Spring Branch Middle School. The other, near the intersection of Hubertus Road and FM 482 in Garden Ridge, is expected to also relieve forecasted overcrowding at Church Hill Middle School.

“If the next bond measure doesn’t pass, then you’re left with the option of running out of space on the campuses – such as putting them on the athletic fields,” Drastata said. “We

really don’t think parents will really be open to that, but that’s a possibility.”

Kim admitted adding quick-fix portables could be financially draining, “but going forward, because of the fact that we’re looking at a very short-term, needs-based bond, I predict portables will become part of the long-term repertoire throughout the district.”

If another measure fails, an alternative is redistricting. Students would shift from Smithson Valley and Canyon high school feeder patterns into Canyon Lake High’s pattern, resulting in one-way bus trips, which may total an hour-plus.

“Redrawing boundaries elicits much more push-back than anything that a district does,” Drastata said, “but if we don’t get schools built, then we’ll have to start shifting population to the areas of the district that are under capacity.”

That would also upset CISD’s current balance of students attending local schools, Kim added.

“We have to be very thoughtful about that,” he said. “While we have to take steps to manage our growth, we have to make sure we maintain the concept of the neighborhood schools.”

Drastata said the board has only

taken a cursory look at formulating a game plan to present to the community, as last year’s bond committee already determined the district’s needs, which will again be shared at area meetings in each feeder pattern this fall.

In June, the board unofficially adopted CISD’s 2014-15 budget, which allots $146.5 million for general fund expenses, with an additional $9.1 million for child nutrition, and $40 million toward debt service. The budget is based on a proposed tax rate of $1.39 per $100 assessed property valuation, a 4-cent per $100 decrease from last year.

The board will make a final decision before its fiscal year ends in September.

“In the past 10 years, through paying down debt early and refinancing existing bonds, the district has saved nearly $60 million in interest alone,” said Drastata, who added the board considered budgeting $9 million towards long-term debt relief, but opted for $5 million.

“The consensus on the board was to provide some tax relief,” he said.

“By bringing the (tax rate) down by four pennies, we could still reduce (indebtedness) by $5 million. We really felt we needed to do a combination of both.”

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

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by WYNTON THOMASON

W

INDCREST – Just east of Interstate 35 sits a gem of a store – Mr. Gold Fine Jewelry – offering a variety of precious

stones and a host of other services.

Whether it’s watch repair, stringing pearls or helping customers pick an engagement ring, Mr. Gold has met

Celebrating The Birthstone For September

customers’ needs since 1989.

Mr. Gold, 5524 Walzem Road, is owned by Wally Mae Lockhart, who is assisted by a team of jewelers and sales experts.

With a background in business administration and many years in sales, Lockhart said the decision to operate a jewelry store or a restaurant was a conundrum. Taking her daughter’s advice, Lockhart opted for earrings over onion rings.

Now enjoying its silver anniversary, Mr. Gold Fine Jewelry offers an abundance of watches and pearls, along with beaded necklaces and bracelets.

Jewels such as diamonds, colored precious gems, karat gold and sterling silver are its hottest attractions, Lockhart said.

The store also features custom designs, specially branded jewelry and jewelry repair – all performed under the close eye of Victor Madrigal, Mr. Gold’s master jeweler for more than nine years.

“I enjoy every minute of it,” Lockhart said. “I love the team I’m a part of, and I love helping our customers in very precious moments of their lives.”

Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday through Saturday.

Wally Mae Lockhart and her husband Moses are celebrating this year’s silver anniversary for Mr. Gold Fine Jewelry in Windcrest. Photos by Josh Michael

MR. GOLD FINE JEWELRY 5524 Walzem Road in Windcrest For more, call 590-3645 or visit www.mrgoldus.com

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august 2014

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

Rocket’s Feed blends deli with Texas-style burgers

by WYNTON THOMASON

C

ONVERSE – Just down the street from Judson High School is Rocket’s Feed, a local eatery meshing sandwich-shop and burgerjoint ambiance with affordable prices.

Located at 9135 Schaeffer Road, it features a range of menu items from hot gourmet sandwiches such as New York-style pastrami and sirloin ciabatta, to cold subs such as ham and cheese and the celebrated Rocket sandwich.

The Rocket is loaded with turkey, pastrami and lettuce, and served with mustard and mayonnaise on

whole grain or white bread.

While known for deli delights, Rocket’s Feed also sells hamburgers and chicken sandwiches. The managers said the most popular item is the Rocket Burger, a beef patty topped with chili and pastrami on a sourdough bun.

Owner Oswaldo Camarena said he’s a longtime food-industry veteran, learning the trade from his parents, who owned multiple restaurants in Illinois. Camarena noted he worked in distribution for many years in the San Antonio area before launching his

luncheonette and fulfilling his dreams.

“The reason I like the food industry is that you have to have so much dedication in order to have the slightest bit of success,” Camarena said. “You truly have to care.”

Rocket’s Feed is open 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

A Rocket’s Feed customer favorite is the ‘Rocket Burger,’ a beef patty topped with pastrami and chili on a sourdough bun. Photo by Josh Michael

ROCKET’S FEED 9135 Schaeffer Road in Converse For more, call 263-6988 or visit www.facebook.com/RocketsFeed

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