LOCAL: Metrocom December 2015

PG.11 JISD high

school name challenged

Petition urges trustees to reconsider naming facility after former superintendent

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

PG.18 CISD middle

school planning underway

Design shaping up for 2 new campuses including Garden Ridge

Live Oak trout fishing hooking anglers PG.16 State will stock city lake with coldwater fish Dec. 18, Jan. 15 and Feb. 12

COMMUNITY NEWS

BRACKEN CIBOLO CONVERSE GARDEN RIDGE LIVE OAK SCHERTZ SELMA UNIVERSAL CITY WINDCREST

VOL. 3, ISSUE 6

DEC. 14, 2015 - JAN. 11, 2016

METROCOM BONDS Converse planning upgrades PG.21 Cibolo, Schertz and

INSIDE YOUR COMMUNITY

GETTING TACTICAL

Plenty of holiday cheer across Metrocom PG.13

Several events are being held through early January

PG.23 Alamo

Area Council of Governments recently debuted new campus to train police

BUY LOCAL

PG.26 AIM HIGH GYMNASTICS, FITNESS, HEALTH

Programs offered for youth, adults that promote good health and athletics

PG. 04 LOCAL COMMENTARY SUSAN YERKES Holidays bring plenty of good reads about Alamo and Texas

PG.27 EAT LOCAL

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PG. 05 EDITORIAL

San Antonio should follow Metrocom practice of November city elections

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

FROM THE EDITOR

BEFOR

E

wwright@localcommunitynews.com

Mobility planning begins anew

D

uring December and January, the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization will begin scheduling a process to update the region’s transportation plan.

In July the MPO, which distributes state and federal funds for area projects, solicited ideas from local governments and agencies to submit as part of the next four-year Transportation Improvement Program covering fiscal years 2017-20.

The short-range TIP is part of the longterm vision outlined in Mobility 2040, the blueprint for future transportation in the Metrocom and beyond, including Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe and Kendall counties.

The MPO will schedule forums seeking suggestions from residents. In 2014, six were held leading to the 201518 TIP, which distributed more than $215 million for dozens of regional mobility projects contained in its Surface Transportation Program.

“They are the most flexible funding source that we have,” MPO Director Isidro Martinez said. “They can be used for bike lanes to sidewalks to transit and highway projects.”

All Metrocom communities benefit from this biennial program. In June, cities and counties began compiling project wish lists for $100 million in available funding, which later will be bolstered by state and federal dollars.

This time – thanks to the passage of Proposition 7 in November – there’ll be more money available. The MPO bases its decisions on a combination of factors, but is heavily influenced by public involvement.

Martinez said the process takes a year and should begin in February. The MPO Transportation Policy Board will consider the projects during March before recommending finalists in April.

All residents should make their voices heard to ensure every community gets a fair share of transportation funding.

WILL WRIGHT MANAGING EDITOR

President Harold J. Lees

Publisher Gregg Rosenfield

Assoc. Publisher Rick Upton EDITORIAL Executive Editor Thomas Edwards Managing Editor Will Wright News Staff Collette Orquiz and Bain Serna Contributing Writers Ron Aaron Eisenberg, J.E. Jordan, Peter Moralez, Edmond Ortiz, Arthur Schechter and Susan Yerkes ART Creative Director Florence Edwards Contributing Photographers Rudy B. Ornelas

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DEC. 14, 2015 - JAN. 11, 2016

LOCAL COMMENTARY

The gift of reading, San Antonio style

by SUSAN YERKES

W

hen I think of holiday

gifts, my thoughts turn to books. Blame my upbringing — I grew up in a bookstore. When we moved to San Antonio in the 1960s, my parents opened H. R. Higgins Books, named after my stepfather.

(It later became The Twig.)

I love to read, and I had permission to take most books home and peruse them, as long as they came back spotless. (Even today, a peanut butter and jelly stain on a book page sends me into a momentary panic.) For years after my folks sold the

shop I couldn’t walk into a good bookstore without buying half a dozen titles. And despite occasional Amazon buying binges, I still feel fiercely loyal to independent bookstores, where the proprietors read voraciously and recommend skillfully.

In fact, I’d like to give all my readers the gift of a book this Christmas. But since that’s not in the budget, I’ll settle for recommending a few San Antonioflavored books I’ve enjoyed this year.

“San Antonio’s Spanish Missions: A Portrait,” by Lewis Fisher, with beautiful photos by Mike Osborne and a foreword by the Rev. David Garcia, celebrates the beautifully preserved missions, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Another of Fisher’s books, “American Venice: The Epic Story of San Antonio’s River,” tells the history of the River Walk in photographs and text. “San Antonio: The Saga” is another magnificent tome full of images from the fantastic soundand-light show in Main Plaza.

With big changes coming for the Alamo, Paul Walker’s “Remember the Alamo: Texians, Tejanos and Mexicans Tell their Stories” brings a new perspective to the mission’s tale. There’s also the new biography by Ron J. Jackson Jr. and

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Lee Spencer White, “Joe, The Slave Who Became an Alamo Legend.” And rock star Phil Collins’ “The Alamo and Beyond: A Collector’s Journey” is a sumptuous book on the Briton’s huge collection of Alamo artifacts, which he subsequently donated to the state. It features many of the historical pieces that will someday be on display in an Alamo museum downtown.

Classic film fans will enjoy “Not Thinkin’…

Just Rememberin’…The Making of John Wayne’s ‘The Alamo.’” Paula Allen’s fascinating “San Antonio Then and Now” pairs stories of the city with past and present photographs.

Most recent of all is “San Antonio: Our Story of 150 Years in the Alamo City,” from Trinity University Press – a big, impressive coffee-table book with a sesquicentennial’s worth of stories and pictures.

Foodies will love restaurateur Cappy Lawton’s “Enchiladas: Aztec to Tex-Mex” or “San Antonio Beer,” an account of the city’s brewing biz from the 19th century to today

by LOCAL Community News contributor Travis E. Poling and Jeremy Banas.

Sandra Cisneros’ new memoir “A House of My Own” is high on my hot list of fiction books. Jan Jarboe Russell’s “The Train to Crystal City” is an important, eye-opening account of the long-secret internment

camp in Crystal City, where thousands of Japanese and German families were imprisoned during World War II. Cynthia Leal Massey’s “Death of a Texas Ranger: A True Story of Murder and Vengeance on the Texas Frontier” is a great Wild West read.

Bryce Milligan’s Wings Press is a San Antonio treasure, and you’ll find some great books on the website wingspress.com.

Notables are the new anthology of Texas women’s work, “Her Texas: Story, Image, Poem & Song”; poet Naomi Shihab Nye’s new offering “Famous”; and Joe Holley’s rollicking story “The Purse Bearer: A Novel of Love, Lust and Texas Politics.” Also new is a book that brought back many memories for me: Mary Carolyn Hollers George’s “Rosengren’s Books: An Oasis for Mind and Spirit.” The beloved downtown bookstore was my parents’ biggest competitor.

And finally, here’s a great tip for all readers – a free app called OverDrive that gives you access to e-books, audio books and more from hundreds of libraries, including the San Antonio Public Library. In return, the best gift you could give me is to recommend the books you have enjoyed this year.

Happy holidays, and read on! syerkes@localcommunitynews.com

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

OUR TURN Views and opinions about your community

Move city elections to November

V

oter participation in local elections continues to drop, but San Antonio District 8 Councilman Ron Nirenberg has an idea to stop the decline that is worth supporting — move the balloting from May to November.

Nirenberg touts the example of Austin, which saw a 40 percent rise in electorate turnout when municipal elections switched from the spring to mid-fall, to coincide with state and national balloting.

Another advantage to changing election dates is the savings passed on to taxpayers by combining one election season managed by the Bexar County Elections Department.

Analysts know that more voters turn out during a countrywide contest, such as the one to select a president, so why not build on that momentum by adding municipal balloting? If not, voter apathy could worsen,

with participation continuing to fall.

During the key race for San Antonio mayor in May, in which 14 candidates sought the position, only 14 percent of registered voters even showed up at the polls.

When fewer voters cast ballots, then special-interest groups and those with very narrow agendas control the balloting and the ultimate fate of a city.

Nirenberg’s idea deserves consideration.

So far, most of his colleagues on City Council have not exactly given the notion a ringing endorsement. San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor even worries that partisanship could enter the local races if they are held the same time as state and national contests.

Truthfully, local elections for City Council rarely have split along party lines and have a lot more to do with money, demographics, neighborhoods and geography.

Plenty of cities in the area already hold November elections with nary a whiff of partisanship or problems — Converse, Cibolo and Windcrest come to mind.

This idea has merit and could boost local democracy. San Antonio officials would be wise to follow the Metrocom’s example and move elections to November.

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DEC. 14, 2015 - JAN. 11, 2016

HAPPENING LOCAL

website. The Schertz Chamber Toastmasters convene 6:45 p.m. each Monday at the Comfort Inn & Suites meeting room, 5571 Interstate 35 North in Selma.

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

OUR GUIDE TO YOUR MONTH

HAPPENING KEY

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FOOD

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SCHERTZ CHAMBER EVENTS The Schertz Chamber of Commerce has the following activities. For more, including updated January events, call 619-1950 or visit www.schertzchamber.org. Offices will be closed for holiday observances Dec. 24-25 (Christmas) and Dec. 31-Jan. 1 (New Year’s). On Dec. 15, the Chamber hosts a ribbon cutting at 4 p.m. for The Quenstedt Law Firm, 17323 Interstate 35 North, Suite 105 in Schertz. The Chamber’s fourth annual Health and Wholeness Fair is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 30 at the Schertz Civic Center, 1400 Schertz Parkway in Schertz. Baptist Emergency Hospital is among several sponsors for the free event, which covers all aspects of well-being: nutritional, physical, mental and spiritual.

Vendors will offer health screenings, with

DEC./JAN. /FEB.

SCUCISD BOARD MEETING The Schertz-Cibolo-Universal 15 City trustees regularly convene the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the boardroom at 1060 Elbel Road in Schertz. The public is invited to participate.

For more, visit www.scuc.txed.net.

DECEMBER

additional information available from area medical, dental, therapeutic, nutritional, vision, wellness and health-assistance providers. The Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee hosts its second annual “SC MAC Yourself Into Shape” workshop and job fair for veterans, transitioning military members and their spouses on Feb. 17 at Wayland Baptist University, 11550 Interstate 35 North in San Antonio. Topics at the free event include résumé preparation, educational opportunities, personal branding and communication skills, and dressing for success at employment interviews. A job fair, featuring local area businesses seeking employees, follows at 2 p.m. Registration commences at 7:30 a.m.; workshops begin at 8:30 a.m. For more, contact Kathleen Kiernan at 5905607 or visit the MAC link at the Chamber

Windcrest Presents

The 57th Annual Light-Up

RANDOLPH METROCOM ROTARY club regularly meets 16, 30 The Wednesdays for lunch (except Dec. 23) from noon to 1 p.m. On Dec. 16, the Olympia Hills Golf & Event Center, 12900 Mount Olympus St. in Universal City will host the $15 per person meal where the Wiederstein Choir performs.

On, Dec. 30, the group will assemble at Legacy at Forest Ridge, 5001 Schertz Parkway in Schertz, to tour the assistedliving facility and nosh. Please RSVP to David Sippel at David@DavidSippel.com or Liane Garrett at Liane@madwomen. biz or call 683-1169 by noon the Monday before the luncheons. Everyone is welcome.

For more, visit www. randolphmetrocomrotary.org.

DECEMBER

SANTA SIGHTING Catch Santa Claus at the 17 Cibolo Fire Station 2, 3864 Cibolo Valley Drive in Cibolo, from 6:30-8 p.m. For more, visit cibolotx.gov.

DECEMBER

JISD MEETING The Judson Independent School 17 District Board meets at 7 p.m. in the ERC Board Room, 8205 Palisades Drive, Live Oak. For more, visit www.judsonisd.org.

DECEMBER

ST. NICK AND A MOVIE Come to Live Oak Main Park, 18 18001 Park Drive in Live Oak, at 6 p.m. for a wintry good time. “Holiday Family Fun Night” with hot chocolate and reindeer food includes a visit from Santa Claus until 9 p.m. and a showing of the film “The Polar Express” at 8:15 p.m. For more, visit www.liveoaktx.net.

DECEMBER

UNIQUE CHRISTMAS Natural Bridge 18-23 CELEBRATION Caverns, 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Road, just off FM 3009, is all decked out for the holidays. “Christmas at the Caverns” transforms the park into

DECEMBER

HAPPENING continues on pg. 07

“Sleigh bells and Cowboy Boots”

Join us for the Windcrest Parade of Lights December 12-31

7

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM HAPPENING continues from pg. 06 a nighttime wonderland. Enjoy two underground shows, carols, light shows, hayrides, campfires, zip lines, a maze and much more. Cost varies. For more including exact show times, visit www. naturalbridgecaverns.com or call 651-6101.

HO, HO, HO – SCHOOL’S OUT DEC. 21 Campuses in the Metrocom - JAN. 1 area are closed in observance of Christmas and New Year’s Day. SANTA CLAUS ART Currently on exhibit at the Schertz Civic DEC. 30 Center, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Building 5 in Schertz, is a collection of paintings by Schertz resident and renowned artist Billy Keen. His artwork, titled “Visions of Santa,” is available for free, public viewing. For more, visit www.schertz.com.

THROUGH

WINDCREST LIGHT-UP It isn’t Christmas in Windcrest without DEC. 31 this annual tradition. The 57th edition of decorating homes with holiday lights carries the theme “Sleigh Bells & Cowboy Boots.” Everyone is invited to drive through the illuminated neighborhoods.

For more, visit www.windcrest-tx.gov.

THROUGH

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NEW YEAR’S EVE RHYTHMS Say goodbye to 2015 and 31 ring in 2016 at Resurrection Baptist Church, 1002 Live Oak Road in Schertz, with a performance by Kurt Carr and the Kurt Carr Singers at 9:30 p.m. For more, visit www. myRBConline.org or call 658-0459.

DECEMBER

ST. PAUL CHURCH FREE JANUARY SUPPER During the first 6 Wednesday of each month, St. Paul Evangelical Church, 108 S. Main St. in Cibolo, hosts a free supper from 6-7:30 p.m. For more, call 658-5874.

COFFEE WITH COPS The Live JANUARY Oak Police Department offers 13 an opportunity for the public to meet neighborhood patrolmen from 8:30-10 a.m. at Starbucks, 8151 Pat Booker Road in Live Oak. There will be no agendas or guest speakers, just a chance to sit and talk with the officers. Menu prices apply. For more, call the department at 945-1700.

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CIBOLO GRANGE MARKETPLACE The WEEKLY nonprofit agricultural and civic organization hosts Farmers and Artisans Markets every Thursday from 2-6 p.m. at Grange Hall, 413 N. Main St. in Cibolo. Homegrown produce and handcrafted items will be available from local vendors. For more, visit facebook. com/CiboloGrangeFarmersMarket or call 307-0599.

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

CONVERSE HOLIDAY ONGOING COLLECTION The Blue Santa program through the Converse Police Department and others purchases gifts each year at holiday time for distribution to needy children and families. For more, call 658-2322.

ON THE HORIZON READY, SET, GO! Be at the starting line at 8 a.m. for 30 The Deer Chase 5K Run at The Club at Garden Ridge, 21320 Water Wood Drive in Garden Ridge. There will also be a 2-mile Senior Strut and Kids’ Mile. Food trucks, awards and prizes follow the race, which benefits the Garden Ridge Elementary School PTA. For more, visit www.RunInTexas.com.

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ELSEWHERE IN SAN ANTONIO FORD HOLIDAY BOAT CAROLING DEC. 20 Performers on five floats singing Christmas carols from 6:15-8:15 p.m will serenade visitors at the River Walk in downtown San Antonio. For more, visit www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com.

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FORD FIESTA DE LAS LUMINARIAS Experience at 18-20 dusk, weather permitting, the San Antonio River by strolling along its lush banks illuminated for Christmas. Guided by more than

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3,000 luminarias, a traditional Mexican Christmas lantern, the River Walk will glow in holiday serenity. For more, visit www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com.

CHEERS! The fifth annual San Antonio Cocktail Conference 14-17 takes place on the city’s downtown streets for four consecutive days. Join top bartenders, international experts and national cocktail enthusiasts as they imbibe, eat and play for charity.

There will be guided tastings, parties, educational seminars, dinners and more benefiting Houston Street Charities and children’s causes. For more including ticket purchasing and specific event times, visit http://www.sanantoniococktailconference. com or https://www.facebook. com/SACocktailConference.

JANUARY

MONSTER TRUCKS UNDER A 23-24 DOME The Alamodome, 100 Montana St. in San Antonio, hosts two performances in the Monster Jam truck series. The first night revs up at 7 p.m.; with the following day at 2 p.m. Seats start at $10. Tickets are available at the Alamodome box office and www.ticketmaster.com.

For more, visit www.alamodome.com.

JANUARY

BASKETBALL FOR A CAUSE 26 & 28 As part of their 2016 tour, the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters will bring their unrivaled family show to the AT&T Center, 1 AT&T Center Parkway in San Antonio, for two 7 p.m. exhibitions. As a precursor to displaying basketball skills, trickery and tomfoolery, the Ambassadors of Goodwill are introducing a program entitled “The Great Assist.” The players will leave a mark on the community by encouraging fans to visit GreatAssist. com to nominate a worthwhile cause or deserving family. Game tickets start at $13. For more, go to harlemglobetrotters. com, ticketmaster.com, the AT&T Center box office, or call 800-745-3000.

JANUARY

DRAW AND WIN Beat the 5 p.m. deadline for the Tejano 29 Conjunto Festival en San Antonio poster contest. Create an entry depicting the May 2016 event. Winners will receive cash prizes. Send artwork online to the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, or deliver to the association’s 723 Brazos St. headquarters. For more information including a list of rules and guidelines, call 271-3151 or visit guadalupeculturalarts. org/tejano-conjunto-poster-contest.

JANUARY

SUBMITTING EVENTS: Email all

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

9

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

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

Open and Opening Soon 1. AIM HIGH GYMNASTICS, FITNESS, HEALTH, 1420 Schertz Parkway, Suite

150 in Schertz, offers gymnastic tutoring for youngsters 18 months to 13 years old, group, personal fitness and athletic training for youths in soccer, baseball, basketball and football, as well as adult general fitness, health and wellness, and gymnastic-training programs. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, 9-11 a.m. Saturday, and by appointment only 1-7 p.m. on weekends. For more, call 793-8217. (See story on page 26)

2. WINGIT, 1645 Pat Booker Road, Suite

101 in Universal City, offers wings and casual dining. The eatery offers 14 flavors to season wings ranging from mango habanero to garlic Parmesan. Wings can even be ordered unseasoned. Delivery options are also available. Hours are 11

Address of local business Name of local business

a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. For more, call 538-5680 or visit facebook.com/ WingItSA. (See story on page 27)

3. 5050 PHOTOGRAPHY, based in northeast San Antonio, has provided on-location professional photography services since 2013. The business focuses on strong client relationships, attention to detail and teamwork in capturing timeless moments. The company specializes in photos for portraits, weddings and other events, as well as photo-booth rentals.

Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. For more, call 243-4767 or visit www.5050photos. com or facebook.com/5050Photos.

IN OTHER NEWS THE SCHERTZ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HONORED SEVERAL BUSINESSES and individuals during its annual Member

Place 3 and Amy Driesbach in Place 7.

Driesbach replaces George Ricks, who retired with two years left in his term. Board President Edward Finley and Assistant Secretary Scott Harrod also retired.

Appreciation and Awards Banquet Nov. 13 at the Schertz Civic Center. Farelle Woodard of Doss Audiology received the Chamber’s Spirit Award; Jan Haynie of Schertz Bank & Trust was Ambassador of the Year and Ambassador’s Choice; Young Professional of the Year went to Anita Lafferty of AMM Collision. Mr. Congeniality was Ivory Freeman of New York Life; Ms. Congeniality was Jana Volitis of the Schertz Chamber; Wendy Griffin of Schertz Bank & Trust was Board Director of the Year; Mixer of the Year was awarded to Pauline Richardson of SurePoint Self Storage-FM 1103; Small Business of the Year and Member’s Choice Award went to Matthew and Hengam Stanfield of Mattenga’s Pizzeria; and Tyler and Katee Haile of Chick-fil-A in Schertz received the award for Corporate Business of the Year.

WINDCREST OPTIMIST CLUB MEMBERS WERE JOINED BY FAMILY, educators and students from the Roosevelt High School cluster campuses during a Nov. 10 ceremony honoring the pupils. Club President Jeanie Weidenbach presented plaques naming each child a Windcrest Optimist Student of the Month. Selections were based on academic achievement, leadership, perseverance and kindness. Elementary students recognized included Jacelyn Clinkscales, Windcrest; Francisco Castenada, Walzem; Trent Coil, Royal Ridge; Luis Gonzales Hernandez, East Terrell Hills and Maya Cooper, Montgomery; middle school recipients were Moeen Razzque, Krueger and Collin Gallagher, White; and Edgar Garcia of Roosevelt.

THREE NEW MEMBERS OF THE SCHERTZCIBOLO-UNIVERSAL CITY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT’S board of trustees joined incumbent Robert Westbrook Nov. 12 during swearing-in ceremonies at a special meeting. Outgoing board members canvassed votes from the Nov. 3 election and certified the victories of Gerald “Jerry” Perkins in Place 1, Westbrook in Place 2, John C. Correu in

LIVE OAK, SELMA AND UNIVERSAL CITY POLICE DEPARTMENTS have teamed with AVR Realty Co. in the holiday effort against crime at The Forum at Olympia

LOWDOWN continues on pg. 10

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LOWDOWN continues from pg. 09 Parkway shopping center. Officers and city representatives staged a Nov. 25 event to beef up the police and security presence in the area – declared a “No Grinch Zone.” All three cities pledged additional uniformed and plainclothes officers in a sharp lookout for shoplifters, pickpockets and car burglars in the area through the New Year’s holiday.

THE AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION’S ASTHMA-FRIENDLY SCHOOLS INITIATIVE recognized eight North East Independent School District campuses for asthmamanagement efforts: White Middle School; and Jackson-Keller, Montgomery, Oak Grove, Ridgeview, Serna, Windcrest and Woodstone elementaries. The association credited the schools for creating healthy environments for students, faculty and staff.

The Asthma-Friendly Schools Initiative’s Champion Awards recognize facilities bettering pupils’ health by developing comprehensive plans to improve asthma management. The association encourages educational institutions to improve asthma management by establishing a plan maximizing school-health services, providing asthma education and ensuring

DEC. 14, 2015 - JAN. 11, 2016 all students can participate in physical education and activities when they are able.

COMAL COUNTY TRANSITIONED TO A NEW EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM Nov. 2. All county residents are encouraged to sign up and receive text messages, emails and voice alerts based on their home addresses. Comal County is part of the 911 system overseen

by Bexar Metro 911, which is also advancing to newer notification techniques. Although phone numbers formerly listed were transferred into the new system, participants are urged to verify their information is correct and updated. Anyone who previously registered can do so again by visiting www.mycomalcounty.com/reverse911.

COMAL INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT ANDREW KIM was recently appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott to the newly created Texas Commission on Next Generation Assessments and Accountability, tasked with developing and recommending new systems of student assessment and public school accountability before Sept. 1, 2016.

“I’m honored to represent my colleagues in this endeavor … I’m proud to represent Comal ISD,” said Kim. Commissioners will meet several times in Austin during

the next 10 months. CISD Board President Stephen Smith said it’s quite an honor for Kim. “The fact Gov. Abbott appointed Andrew Kim to this committee shows the statewide level of respect he has earned,” Smith said. “I think the fact Andrew is on the committee will ensure a fair system of accountability, one that measures the value a school district adds to a student’s progress.”

SAN ANTONIO CITY COUNCIL RECENTLY APPROVED AN ORDINANCE TO IMPLEMENT Safe Exchange Zones at six police substations across San Antonio, including the San Antonio Police Department North Substation at 13030 Jones Maltsberger Road serving the Northeast Side. District 10 Councilman Mike Gallagher said SAPD helped spearhead the effort, designed to reduce the likelihood of criminal activity during online marketplace exchanges. Safe Exchange sites will offer designated parking lot spaces and inside lobbies at SAPD substations for residents to use in completing transactions, as well as monitoring by security cameras, said officials. The new program will not incur additional costs to taxpayers. For more, visit a link at the SAPD website, www.sanantonio.gov/sapd.

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM MACKEY continues from pg. 01

Board considered rescinding decision Dec. 9

by EDMOND ORTIZ AND WILL WRIGHT

L

IVE OAK — The naming of a new high school after a controversial ex-superintendent divided the community and forced the Judson Independent School District board to reconsider the decision.

The public outcry picked up steam in the last few weeks, with trustees calling a special meeting Dec. 9 to weigh an earlier decision to name the campus after Willis Mackey, who served from late December 2007 until last year.

The board originally voted 5-2 on Sept. 16 to title the district’s third high school, being built on Evans Road near Nacogdoches Road, Willis Mackey High School.

Upset parents, former students and

|| e s n

other district residents circulated a petition seeking a new name. Retired JISD educator Suzanne Kenoyer claimed Mackey was an uninspiring leader who didn’t support district employees and doesn’t deserve recognition.

In early December, board members remained split over rescinding naming the school after Mackey, who is still on the district payroll. Mackey, who has remained unavailable for comment, will receive more than $200,000 in his separation agreement with the district – which angers many residents.

District officials maintain such agreements are commonplace.

Early on, the district sought community input via its website for names for the new school and received more than 400 suggestions.

According to district policy, a facility’s name should reflect the community or geographic area it serves, or honor an outstanding person.

Officials said district staff reviewed all possibilities to ensure they met policy criteria. The former superintendent merited consideration based on JISD’s

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MACKEY continues from pg. 11 financial and academic accomplishments during Mackey’s tenure, officials said.

Yet, many residents posted angry comments on JISD’s Facebook and Twitter sites saying the school should be named for someone more deserving.

“However one feels about the choice, Dr. Mackey did have a significant impact on the district in a number of positive ways and that’s the reason why the board made its choice,” read the district’s response on its Facebook page.

Trustee Jose Macias said he offered alternatives prior to the September vote, but said the board had already formed a consensus in favor of naming the school after Mackey.

“I knew I didn’t have the numbers to change (the majority’s) mind, so I decided to support the name so we could move on,” said Macias, who changed his mind after residents displayed an overwhelming show of opposition.

“I knew we had to put the issue back on the agenda and try and have it rescinded,” he said.

Macias and board member Arnoldo Salinas, one of two initial dissenters,

requested to place the matter on the Nov. 19 board-meeting agenda, but Board President Steve Salyer refused – which further added fuel to the fire.

Judson ISD spokesman Steve Linscomb said dozens spoke during the meeting’s “Citizens to be Heard” segment, which lasted more than 1½ hours. They cited public support reflected in Change.org petition with nearly 2,500 signatures that urged the school board to reverse its decision.

Salyer, who did not attend the Nov. 19 meeting, didn’t respond to a request for comment. However, Macias expressed concerns the district’s nomination review process is flawed and said the fight polarizes the community.

“I said in open session and I’ll say it again: I don’t want to spend so much time on one issue. We have other district issues to tend to,” Macias said.

Macias and Arnoldo Salinas are joined by trustee Melinda Salinas, who in September cast the other nay vote against Mackey High School.

“When we were given the names and numbers of possible high school names submitted by the community, the top five were ranked in order from highest to

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school after Mackey,” said Meyer, who also criticized Salyer’s move excluding the issue on the Nov. 19 agenda.

“Mr. Salyer blatantly denied a formal request by two fellow board members to place this item on (the November) agenda. This denial is in direct violation of the school-board policy.”

Other residents want more details surrounding Mackey’s departure.

“The resignation agreement negotiated between Mackey and the district prohibits the parties from discussing the reasons. ... This makes naming the school after Mackey even more questionable,” Kenoyer said.

Because LOCAL Community News went to press before the Dec. 9 meeting, check back next issue for the latest developments.

HOWEVER ONE FEELS ABOUT THE CHOICE, DR. MACKEY DID HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THE DISTRICT IN A NUMBER OF POSITIVE WAYS. JISD RESPONSE ON DISTRICT’S FACEBOOK PAGE

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lowest. Dr. Mackey was No. 5,” she said, adding names such as Christopher Baltazar, a Judson graduate killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan, ranked higher. “Also, many community members and employees had shared that they did not support naming the school after Dr. Mackey.”

Mackey is set to receive $218,000 as part of his settlement with the district, keeping him on the payroll until June 2016.

“I think the community has made it clear that giving only seven years to JISD and getting paid to stay home the last year, is not a reason to name a high school after anyone,” Salinas said.

Resident Christy Meyer said JISD misled residents by implying Mackey retired.

“JISD paid him $218,000 to go away, then voted to name the new high

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

Don’t keep staring at your growing cavities.

other holiday treats – will be available. A special showing of “The Polar Express,” will be on the outdoor jumbo screen at 8:15 p.m.

HOLIDAY continues from pg. 01

Slate of familyfriendly seasonal events in San Antonio as well

GARDEN RIDGE

by WILL WRIGHT

H

oliday jingles are echoing across the Metrocom as cities celebrate with recent tree lightings, plus additional events slated through December and into early 2016.

Several seasonal festivities already occurred, including Windcrest’s annual Light-Up and Schertz’s Festival of Angels, but plenty more are on tap; visit websites for additional information.

LIVE OAK Santa Claus visits the city’s annual “Holiday Family Fun Night,” 6-9 p.m. Dec. 18 at Live Oak Main Park, 18001 Park Drive.

Professional photos can be purchased; refreshments – including hot chocolate and

Natural Bridge Caverns is hosting 15 nights of holiday fun. It began Nov. 27-29 and additional dates include 5:30-10 p.m. Dec. 18-23.

Among the features at the site, 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Road a few miles outside of Garden Ridge, are “Caroling in the Caverns,” with favorite Christmas songs performed live in the underground chambers; “Hidden Passages Tour and Journey to Bethlehem Show,” which narrates the nativity story through video, sound and light inside the caverns; and “The AMAZEn’ Reindeer Roundup,” with a Christmas maze leading to a fun and challenging search for Santa’s lost reindeer.

Another feature, “Christmas Village,” provides a musical light show, shopping, refreshments and family photo opportunities before a 30-foot tall Christmas tree.

Shows and attractions are limited; advance online ticket

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HOLIDAY continues from pg. 13 purchases are encouraged.

During “Christmas at the Caverns,” the park will give $2 to the San Antonio Food Bank for each guest. Visitors who bring two cans of food receive a $2 gift card to redeem for food, beverages or retail items.

For more, call 651-6101 or visit www.naturalbridgecaverns.com.

SELMA While the city’s tree lighting was Dec. 4 at the Selma Stage Shop Visitor’s Center, Santa Claus will take time out from a busy night Dec. 24 and visit the fire station, 9375 Corporate Drive, from 6-9 p.m.

The sixth annual Salute to Service Members 5K and Kid’s Freedom Fun Run is Jan. 23. It begins and ends at Blue Bonnet Palace, 17630 Lookout Road, with prizes awarded in several categories. Registration is 6:30 a.m.; races for kids and adults are 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m., respectively.

NEW BRAUNFELS Gruene Historic District, the site of additional holiday events through Jan. 3, has many shops open until 9 p.m. or later during the season, including Cotton Eyed Joe’s, The Grapevine, Gruene Antique Co., Gruene General Store and The Company Store.

Cowboy Kringle – Gruene’s own brand of Santa Claus – will appear Dec. 19-20 for photos with the kids in the breezeway between Gruene General Store and The Grapevine, 1610 and 1612 Hunter Road.

Photo packages are available, along with Christmas cards and other special orders.

Texas’ oldest dancehall, Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Road, features live music during the holidays. Advance tickets are recommended for New Year’s Eve.

One of the most beloved holiday traditions in the Metrocom is the annual Windcrest Light-Up, where properties are decked out with ornate displays to celebrate the season. A contest is also held with themed awards.

Motorists are invited to view the festive scenes through Dec. 31. File photo

There will be free, live shows through New Year’s Day. For more, visit www.

GrueneHall.com or call 830-606-1601 or 830-629-5077. For a complete event list, visit www.gruenetexas.com/holidays.

SCHERTZ The city’s official holiday-season kickoff, Festival of Angels, was Dec. 4 at the Hal Baldwin Municipal Complex featuring a

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The decades-old tradition finds residents decorating their homes with holiday trimmings, with the most elaborate receiving top awards in several categories in the event staged by the Windcrest Economic Development Corp. and Windcrest Women’s Club. The official contest was Dec. 8, but the awards will be presented Jan. 9.

Residences and businesses will retain their displays during the season,

lighted night parade, music from SchertzCibolo-Universal City Independent School District choirs and bands, warm food and beverages, and manufactured snow for its winter wonderland.

Also, the Randolph Area Christian Assistance Program is continuing to accept donations for area families needing help this time of year. Contributions may be dropped off at the RACAP office or

HOLIDAY continues on pg. 15

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM HOLIDAY continues from pg. 14 with everyone invited to drive by and observe through New Year’s Eve.

IN THE AREA Santa’s Ranch, 9561 Interstate 35 North in New Braunfels on the southbound I-35 frontage between Posey and York Creek roads, is a drive-thru venue featuring more than 1 million lights and 100 holiday displays through Jan. 2. Cost is $28 per car; season tickets are $56. Refreshments, including hot chocolate, kettle corn and flavored peanuts, are available. No trailers, buses or RVs are allowed; visitors are asked to stay in vehicles.

The park is open 6-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 6-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

For more, visit www.santasranch.net.

IN SAN ANTONIO MORGAN’S WONDERLAND Another winter wonderland filled with sparkling lights will shine at the 25-acre theme park, 5223 David Edwards Drive, where popular rides and attractions are always accessible to people of all abilities.

The venue’s holiday celebrations, titled “A Wonderland Christmas,” began Nov. 27 and will continue from 5-9 p.m. Dec. 18-23.

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San Antonio’s Museum for Kids, 2800 Broadway, has been transformed into a magical winter wonderland. It began Dec. 5 with a Santa’s engineering workshop and a multicultural holiday celebration, and continues through Dec. 31 with specialized activities, Santa Claus appearances and an interactive snowscape in the Special Exhibits Gallery.

Enjoy the park’s array of familyfriendly holiday shows during daily and nightly performances, most 2-9 p.m., until Dec. 31 at the venue, 10500 SeaWorld Drive. Themes include “Shamu Christmas: Miracles,” “A Dolphin Christmas” and “Elmo’s Christmas Wish.” The site features Christmas lights, candy canes, hot chocolate and more.

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The 23rd annual Valero Alamo Bowl on Jan. 2 will feature college-football teams from the Big 12 and Pac-12 conferences.

The game at 100 Montana St. begins at 5:45 p.m. and will be televised live on ESPN. The Alamodome will also continue a football tradition hosting the 16th annual U.S. Army All-American Bowl Jan. 9 at noon. NBC will air the nation’s premier high school matchup. Steele defensive lineman Mark Jackson will be playing.

On the same day and site is the annual San Antonio Sports All-Star Football Game. The 5 p.m. contest enables top area players to perform before college scouts. Last year’s tilt featured 100 athletes from 52 area schools, resulting in 40 scholarships.

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Through Jan. 3, the amusement venue pitches thrilling rides, exciting family entertainment, tasty treats and iceless skating at 17000 Interstate 10 West. Attractions include “Majesty of Christmas” holiday spectacular and Looney Tunes cartoon characters meeting with Santa Claus.

SAN ANTONIO ZOO Wild colors, exotic decorations and intricate animal patterns twinkling in the night are part of “Zoo Lights – Holiday Nights” at 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. from 6-10 p.m. through Jan. 3 (except Dec. 24-25). Thousands of lights give spectators an illuminating experience in a journey of iconic visuals and other displays.

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DEC. 14, 2015 - JAN. 11, 2016

FISHING continues from pg. 01

Program stresses the fun of winter outdoor activities

by J. E. JORDAN

L

IVE OAK — The city’s reservoir is becoming a home for some winter Texans — but these have fins and scales, not recreational vehicles and camper trailers. encouraging anglers young and old to enjoy the outdoors during winter.

“People just love to fish,” said Wayne Trammel, the city park supervisor.

To foil predatory water birds, the total number of fish — about 1,000 — isn’t released at once. In addition to the December date, the city posts the others — Jan. 15 and Feb. 12 — on marquees around town to ensure a good turnout. The entrance to the lake area in Live Oak Main Park is

Call it a Christmas stocking when, on Dec. 18, the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department releases the first batch of rainbow trout into Live Oak Pond, with the city paying for 300 of the game fish and an additional 250 donated by the state.

Rainbow trout in these parts may sound fishy because the species isn’t native to Texas. However, TPWD stocks ponds and lakes in December, January and February as part of a program

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They are easy to catch on inexpensive tackle. However, wildlife biologists say rainbow trout, which are related to salmon, are wary and put up enough of a fight to make them fun to catch. Be mindful they’ll only be around for the winter months.

In fact, because the fish struggle to

FISHING continues on pg. 17

The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department is planning to stock Live Oak Pond in the city park with rainbow trout, as seen in these file photos. The non-native species is adapted to colder weather, and officials hope the program will encourage residents to enjoy angling and other outside activities during the winter. Photos courtesy city of Live Oak

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM FISHING continues from pg. 16 outlast the South Texas super-heated summers, all of the 250,000 trout released statewide are intended for catching and keeping. Some rainbows can survive the summertime below large dams, but the only self-sustaining population in Texas exists in McKittrick Canyon in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

The trout-release program has been continuing for at least 10 years, said Randy Myers, a state Inland Fisheries biologist. TPWD buys the fish from Missouri hatcheries, he added.

Myers indicated the annual event complements the mission of TPWD: “To manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.”

“We take advantage of (the trout’s) liking for cold weather and the fact they’re easy to catch to get people out and get them hooked on fishing,” Myers said.

Local fishermen can’t wait to take the bait.

Pete Delgado, owner of a San Antonio tackle shop and president of the Alamo

City Anglers Association, said the program “has gotten very popular here with area pro anglers and family outings.”

Delgado said after hearing about the release from several customers, he stocked up on trout-fishing tackle.

He said trout rigs and pellet baits are big sellers right now, evidently in anticipation of fishing conquests.

TPWD maintains online listings of wintertime release locations and dates. The agency also posts detailed and fully illustrated instructions on the proper tackle to use (light and simple), preferred bait (everything from canned corn or cheese balls to lures and flies), fishing techniques, and even how to clean the catch.

Anyone over 17 years old, resident or nonresident, needs a valid Texas fishing license and, for trout fishing, a freshwater stamp. There’s no size limit on rainbows.

Anglers may keep up to five fish per day.

The TPWD website also lists information regarding licenses and other requirements for Texas waterways. A license isn’t necessary if fishing from the bank in a state park or in waters completely enclosed by a state park.

For more, visit https://tpwd.texas.gov.

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DEC. 14, 2015 - JAN. 11, 2016

CISD continues from pg. 01

Bond money destined for districtwide improvements

by WILL WRIGHT

N

EW BRAUNFELS – Comal Independent School District officials are well on the way to implementing 2015 bond projects that will fund two new middle schools, including one off Hubertus Road in Garden Ridge.

The Middle School Visioning Committee of the Comal Independent School District met with architects in October to discuss designs for new schools slated to open in 2018, including one in Garden Ridge. They include Andrew Perez (left), Tony Plascencia and Carr Hornbuckle of Pfluger Architects, Spring Branch Middle School Principal Chris Smith and CISD Fine Arts Director Carla Schumann. Courtesy photo/CISD

The $147.4 million measure calls for the construction of the new campuses, as well as capital improvements at existing facilities, technology and safety/security upgrades at all CISD schools, and land acquisitions for future learning sites.

Improvements are also scheduled at Garden Ridge, Indian Springs, Johnson Ranch and Morningside elementary

schools; Canyon Middle School, and Canyon and Smithson Valley high schools.

The Hubertus Road location west of Interstate 35 in Garden Ridge is the district’s sixth middle school site; its seventh is planned near Borgfeld Road and Kinder Ranch Boulevard in far north Bexar County.

The need for both helped propel voters

to approve the overall bond last May. Together, they will cost $94.25 million and relieve enrollment capacities at Smithson Valley and Canyon middle schools. The Kinder Ranch-area campus, projected to accommodate 1,150 students, will cost $50.2 million; the Garden Ridge facility (1,050

students) is $44 million. Both are scheduled to open in August 2018.

“Most of our capacity is at our elementary and high school campuses, which is why we are focused on building middle schools only, and only for those that are exceeding their capacity,” Superintendent Andrew Kim said.

The district formed a Middle School Visioning Committee, which met several times before completing work in early November. More than 40 Comal ISD administrators, parents and students participated in formulating plans slated for both schools.

“We’re excited to include our staff, students and community members involved in the middle school design process,” Terry Morawski, CISD deputy superintendent, said midway through the committee’s work. “I believe the more ideas and open discussion we have will always benefit us in the long run on any project we’re undertaking.”

CISD Communications Director Steve Stanford said the committee’s input on both facilities would be incorporated in the district’s construction plans.

CISD continues on pg. 19

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM CISD continues from pg. 18 He said the pair of institutions should be similar in design and structure, with only minor differences.

“Right now we’re in the early stages of the design process,” he said. “The process (involved input into) what they would like to see in the two middle schools – what works, what doesn’t work, what improvements need to be made as far as functionality, and things of value and importance to the community.”

Also making contributions was CISD’s Student Advisory Committee, which Kim formed shortly after becoming superintendent in 2012.

“I believe this is an important forum where our future leaders get a chance to team up and work together on whatever important issues they may be facing as part of Comal ISD’s student body,” Kim said. “In this instance, they are of great assistance to us in coming up with innovative ideas for our newest schools. We want to have as many design concepts as possible available to us when we ultimately decide the blueprints for our new middle schools.”

Architects have been selected for

CISD NEW MIDDLE SCHOOLS CISD MIDDLE SCHOOL NO. 6 Location: Hubertus Road, west of Interstate 35 Architect: O’Connell Robertson Timeline: Dates for final architectural designs, construction start are to be determined; project completion in August 2018.

Summary: The school will relieve overcrowding at Canyon Middle School.

CISD MIDDLE SCHOOL NO. 7 Location: In the Kinder Ranch development on Kinder Ranch Boulevard, west of U.S. 281 Architect: Pfluger Architects Timeline: Dates for final architectural designs, construction start are to be determined; project completion in August 2018.

Summary: The school will relieve overcrowding at Smithson Valley Middle School.

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CISD continues on pg. 20

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DEC. 14, 2015 - JAN. 11, 2016

CISD continues from pg. 19 committees should be reflected in their designs, which trustees will consider after the holidays, Stanford added.

Other CISD bond projects designate $20.2 million for capital improvements at existing facilities; $21.3 million for technology upgrades; $5.4 million to address student safety and security; and $6.1 million for land purchases in high-growth areas along U.S. 281 North and Interstate 35.

The district’s timetable includes four phases. The first, launched this fall, began technology upgrades and safety improvements at elementary schools.

The final phase involves districtwide capital enrichments, technology and added security by August 2019.

Shortly after voters rejected a $451 million bond request in November 2013, audits indicated services by architectural and construction corporations overcharged CISD by millions in connection with its 2008 and 2005 bonds. After approving a repayment settlement with those companies, trustees executed measures to increase oversight over subsequent dealings.

“We will work to ensure that the process of implementing these bond projects is transparent, so that we can be held accountable by our community,” Kim said.

The 2015 iteration is being scrutinized

by CISD’s Bond Advisory Committee, which will provide input and evaluation on all bond projects and review expenditures, scheduling and timelines.

“Our overall goal is to inform our local leaders of progress on the bond as well as on demographic and growth trends in our district,” Morawski said.

“We also welcome any feedback our community leaders might have.”

Comprised of local government and community figures, the committee first met on Sept. 29 and plans future quarterly meetings until 2015 bond projects are completed. After assembling in mid-November, it will again convene in March 2016.

“As we move forward on implementing each of these bond projects, our focus is to ensure the projects will be delivered on time and on budget,” Kim said. “To that end, we are spending a considerable amount of time on processes and procedures to help us successfully accomplish that goal.”

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Comal Independent School District Student Advisory Committee members Edgar BorjasJuarez (left), Abbi Grathwohl, Trinity Pera, Paula Ortiz, Duncan Wood, Maike Morrison and Kelsey Kistner discuss plans for the district’s two new middle schools slated to open in 2018, including one in Garden Ridge. Courtesy photo/CISD

CISD BOND PROJECTS TIMETABLE PHASE 1

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n Middle school designs completed; construction begins n First phase of campus capital improvements n Safety and security upgrades begin at elementary schools n Technology improvements begin at all schools

n Middle school construction continues n Second phase of campus capital improvements n Safety and security upgrades begin at middle and high schools n Technology improvements continue at all schools

n Middle school construction completed n Third phase of campus capital improvements n Safety and security upgrades continue at all campuses n Technology improvements completed for middle and high schools

n Final phase of campus capital improvements n Safety and security upgrades completed at all campuses n Technology improvements completed at elementary schools

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM BOND continues from pg. 01

Converse lays out three-year construction timetable

by WILL WRIGHT

C

onverse, Cibolo and Schertz are moving ahead with bond projects approved by voters in November and designed to benefit their respective communities.

Cibolo will allocate $3.5 million to improve Borgfeld Road and other city streets; Schertz is spending $15 million to widen thoroughfares and better publicsafety facilities; Converse is designating $19.6 million for citywide upgrades.

Officials from each are setting up processes to implement their plans.

CIBOLO

the City Council will soon consider plans and a timetable for the measure enhancing the town’s infrastructure.

“We will most likely place on our December council agenda an item to discuss the timing of issuing general obligation bonds, not to exceed $3.5 million for streets, bridges and sidewalk improvements,” Herrera said. “We anticipate the bonds to be issued in the spring of 2016.”

He added, “Also in December, we anticipate executing an agreement for the final engineering and design portion of the project, which will then go out for bids for the construction phase in early spring 2016.”

CONVERSE The electorate passed citywide measures to improve and repair city streets; acquire land for a new fire station; enhance technology for public-safety facilities; enlarge and renovate the City Hall complex; create a new animalcontrol facility; improve and broaden existing city parks and create new park facilities; and expand the city library.

City Manager Lanny Lambert said general obligation bonds would

City Manager Bob Herrera said

BOND continues on pg. 22

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BOND continues from pg. 21 fund the projects, already slated to follow a preliminary timetable.

“We are issuing requests for qualifications for engineers, architects and contractors.

We then plan to award contracts for designs and builders in January,” he said. “We expect the project designs to come in between January and May before going to bid in June or July. There will probably be a 12-month construction period lasting until June 2017.”

Lambert said all undertakings should occur simultaneously.

“We’re trying to do all the projects at once,” he added. “If there is a priority, it would be the streets.”

Converse plans to repair and reconstruct 15 miles of roadways.

“We’ve not designated the (individual) streets, only the neighborhoods because we can’t guarantee getting to all of (them),” Lambert said. “We’re going to do as many as we can, but $11 million sounds like it’s a lot of money, but it doesn’t go far when you’re doing streets.”

The bonds will fund each project during a three-year period.

“Our desire is to implement these bonds in a timely manner and being totally

DEC. 14, 2015 - JAN. 11, 2016 transparent with the public,” said Mayor Al Suarez, who pledges accountability through council sessions and online postings.

“We’ll be keeping people up-to-date with an agenda item providing real-time updates at each council meeting. It will update detailed progress on each individual item, including what we’ve spent,” he said. “We’re also going to establish a website for those who can’t attend the (council) meetings to get information.”

Suarez said bond suggestions were compiled after feedback from a citizens’ committee, which followed outlines contained in the city’s strategic plan.

“This is a team sport, involving input from the council members, city staffers and the citizens,” he said. “We (established) a timeline in our first meeting after the bond. We’re going to have oversight and additional meetings during the process.

We’ll be giving people more information than they need because it’s their money.”

The city needs the improvements, but in the past, couldn’t afford them all at once, Suarez said.

“That’s why it was easy to sell, and we received overwhelming support,” he added. “(The bond) will put our city 10 years ahead and in line with all the other (neighboring)

BOND VALUES AT A GLANCE CONVERSE — $19.6 Million

SCHERTZ­ — $15 Million

Purpose: Street repair and building renovation, land purchase, technology, new animal-control facility, park repair and improvements and llibrary expansion

Purpose: Street improvements, fire station and public-safety facility renovation

CIBOLO — $3.5 Million

Purpose: Street, bridges and sidewalk improvements

cities – especially with the economic development we have coming here.”

SCHERTZ City officials said issuing general obligation bonds could start as soon as the spring, depending on how and where funds would be dispensed for each project.

Voters OK’d $7 million for street improvements, primarily along FM 1103 and FM 1518, and $8 million for a new firehouse and additional public-safety facility renovations.

“It is our hope that we will break ground on the fire station in about a year and a half, and have it staffed and operational in three years,” City Manager John Kessel said. “We have already hired two of three firefighter positions approved in this

fiscal year’s budget, and will continue to phase in more hires for the new station over the next couple of years.”

A road-upgrade schedule will accompany construction calendars by the Texas Department of Transportation.

“The roadway improvements still have a number of details which need to be ironed out before we will have set timetables,” Kessel added. “FM 1103 will start in 2016, while the FM 1518 project is longer term and still in negotiation with TxDOT. Both projects will be managed by TxDOT.” Kessel said the initiatives “received overwhelming support from the voters, with each proposition receiving over 72 percent of the votes.” The issuance of the bonds won’t increase tax rates.

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM AACOG continues from pg. 01

Simulated apartment’s ‘address’ is fallen SAPD officer’s badge number

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state-of-the-art police academy that recently opened in north San Antonio is training officers from across the region including the Metrocom, offering courses ranging from traffic stops and “shoot/don’t shoot” scenarios to crowd control.

The Alamo Area Council of Governments, which represents Bexar and 12 other counties, opened the 20,700-square-foot Public Safety Division facility in April at 12625 Wetmore Road.

It is housed in the site of a former private

9:00 AM Traditional Service 10:15 AM Sunday School- all ages 11:30 AM Contemporary Service Children’s Church Both Services The Alamo Area Council of Governments, which represents 13 counties including Bexar, has moved its Alamo Area Regional Law Enforcement Academy to 12625 Wetmore Road in San Antonio, where cadets from various agencies including in the Metrocom are trained. Photo by Rudy B. Ornelas

security-training campus, which meant little retrofitting was needed to create the Alamo Area Regional Law Enforcement Academy.

“The beauty of this new facility is we can do most of our training on-site,” said academy supervisor Mike Davis.

The academy offers basic peace-officer and correction-officer programs for individuals obtaining their license through

the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education. Training for dispatchers, 911 operators, armed school marshals and Department of Homeland Security agents is also provided.

In addition, the academy provides continuing education for licensed law-

AACOG continues on pg. 24

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AACOG continues from pg. 23 enforcement professionals — annual in-service training — which is required for all peace officers in the state.

Police, deputies, corrections officers and dispatchers can also earn proficiency certifications through the intermediate, advanced- and master-level courses available through the academy.

Several classes are offered during the year – with about 30 cadets per class. The cost is $2,400 for the 1,000hour peace- officer course.

“A majority of cadets in most classes are self-pay. Some are sponsored by a law-enforcement agency where they may already be employed,” Davis said.

Among recent graduates are Bexar County Sheriff Susan L. Pamerleau and San Antonio Police Chief William McManus, both of whom required certification as Texas peace officers. Pamerleau is a retired Air Force major general and McManus came from Minneapolis.

They went through training at AACOG’s previous public-safety facility.

Davis is proud of the enhancements built into the new facility. For example, there are two separate spaces that provide

DEC. 14, 2015 - JAN. 11, 2016 real-world, virtual-reality training including “shoot/don’t shoot” simulations.

The structure also includes a fullyequipped apartment to train cadets on entry and interdiction. Special Weapons and Tactics units, the FBI and other federal agencies also use the apartment for training The apartment’s “address” is 1168 — the badge number of slain San Antonio Police Department Officer John “Rocky” Riojas, an 11-year veteran fatally shot during a foot chase through an apartment complex Feb. 2, 2001.

Physical fitness is a major focus at the training facility, Davis said.

There is a special fitness room equipped to help rehabilitate injured students.

The main physical fitness center is in a large garage at the rear of the complex designed in the style of a CrossFit box.

“We have found CrossFit training to be the very best ‘real-world’ preparation and conditioning for cadets and others in law enforcement,” Davis said. “CrossFit strengthens the muscles they’ll need in hand-to-hand combat, which is too often the reality of police work these days.”

The rear garage space is also

AACOG continues on pg. 25

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Come in and take advantage of our huge Fitness Gym for FREE while your kids are having a blast at C3 Club!

For Registration contact: Connie Ramirez 210-486-5310 cramirez387@alamo.edu For program Information Contact: Moses Thompson 210-486-5784 mthompson153@alamo.edu

Everything they Don’t Get In School!!!

WHEN: 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month except holidays and official college closure days.

8:30 am -12:00 pm Where:1201 Kitty Hawk Rd. Building 800, CATE 210 Universal City, Texas 78148

January 23, 2016-May 28, 2016 Only $189

Ooey Gooey Chemistry Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/NLC.workforce Visit us on our website at

alamo.edu/nlc Click on Youth Programs

The Alamo colleges are an EOE. For any special accommodations issues or an alternate format, contact Title IX Coordinator, (210)485-0200

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Daily Happy Hour!

AACOG continues from pg. 24 used to train cadets on day and night auto stops and arrests.

“What happens when it is dark is so different from daylight stops.

Having the ability to train for both works great for us,” Davis said.

He added, “We use all the space in this complex and more. Our rear parking lot, for example, is a perfect setting for crowd-control simulations.”

During the past year, the academy’s public safety programs have delivered more than 100,000 hours of training for the 13 AACOG counties. All of the academy’s trainers are certified as master peace officers.

“While the state of Texas requires approximately 650 hours for peace-officer certification, AACOG’s program is 1,000 hours,” Davis said. “But, the real advantage is our graduates have all of the certifications they will need to step out onto the streets day one – they are ‘patrol-ready.’”

Davis said he and his colleagues are proud of their graduates. That’s why they do everything they can to train cadets for the real world of policing.

“It’s what we do because we know it can save their lives,” the academy supervisor said.

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In the photo above, Alamo Area Regional Law Enforcement Academy supervisor Mike Davis (left) and instructor Jim McGregor are in the VirTra V-300 simulator room, where the skills of police in training are tested in various scenarios. The simulator is part of the academy’s new digs, which include modern classrooms. Photos by Rudy B. Ornelas

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DEC. 14, 2015 - JAN. 11, 2016

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

Raising the bar at Aim High Gymnastics, Fitness, Health

by PETER MORALEZ

S

CHERTZ — The sky’s the limit at Aim High Gymnastics, Fitness, Health training center, which recently opened.

“We are offering our members a wide range of opportunities to further their athletic skills, improve their overall health and create a fitness program tapered to fit their specific needs,” said owner Ozlem Beckman, a state-certified fitness-training instructor and licensed nutritionist. “We ensure that this can be achieved in a safe, fun and quality manner.”

Beckman added, “I was a competing gymnast until the age of 13 in my home country, Turkey.” After a debilitating

injury, however, she moved to Romania to pursue a career in athletic training.

Today, she welcomes patrons to Aim High. The center is at 1420 Schertz Parkway, Suite 150.

“I want to find out what a person’s fitness goals are and work with them to devise a program that will help them achieve those goals in a safe and efficient manner,” Beckman said.

The center instructs youngsters 18 months to 13 years old, plus older teens, adults and seniors.

“We can assist in fitness, group, athletic, strength and personal training, as well as dietary and nutritional training that will serve to improve one’s physical and mental condition,” Beckman said.

Even with children less than 2,

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teaching is possible, Beckman noted. “(It) serves to help them begin to grasp the concept of following instruction, which I feel is an essential tool to any learning concept,” she said.

Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Monday and Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, 9-11 a.m. Saturday, and weekend appointments 1-7 p.m.

Ozlem Beckman (left), owner of Aim High Gymnastics, Fitness, Health center, coaches a class in which young girls exercise to achieve their full potential, including using hands only to perfect their balance. Photo by Collette Orquiz

AIM HIGH GYMNASTICS, FITNESS, HEALTH 1420 Schertz Parkway, Suite 150 in Schertz For more, call 793-8217

Live Oak Allergy & Asthma Clinic Raiqua S. Arastu, MD & Lisa Whelchel, FNP-C www.arastuallergyasthma.com We specialize in the diagnosis & management of allergies, asthma, and we are currently seeking volunteers for an Asthma Study and for a Chronic Idiopathic Uticari (Hives) Study.

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS & MOST INSURANCES

Live Oak Medical Complex 11515 Toepperwein Rd #202, Live Oak, Texas 78233 P (210)646-6978 Our Research Department Offers Opportunities to Participate in Clinical Trials of Promising New Treatments.

Qualifying participants may be compensated for time & travel. If interested in possible screening to any of these studies you may contact us at our Live Oak Location for further details.

FOR STUDY INFO: Contact Eleanor or Neelam at 210-646-6978 ext 28

Full Service Family Salon!

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Senior Citizens Discount Day 15% On Services

Matrix Perm & Matrix Color - $5 OFF Men’s & Ladies Shampoo & Cut - $2 OFF Brazilian Conditioner - $25 2935 Pat Booker Rd. Universal City, TX 78148

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Tue-Thu: 9-7 Wed, Fri, Sat: 9-6 Walk-Ins Welcome

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

WingIT taking off with diners, co-owner says

by PETER MORALEZ

U

NIVERSAL CITY — The proprietors behind WingIT in Kirby have opened a second location at 1645 Pat Booker Road, where they say diners will find great food at great prices.

“What we are doing is bringing an excellent product at an affordable price and backing it up with incredible service,” said Daryl Smith, one of the owners.

He and business partner Bernardo Baxter met while driving food trucks and collaborated to debut the first WingIT about 18 months ago. Now, with the new Universal City store, the shops are

really taking flight, Smith added.

“We see great things on the horizon,” he said. “We know this is a competitive market, but we’re up for the challenge by providing our customers with a wide selection of flavorful choices, our excellent home-style natural fries and our signature pineapple lemonade.”

The latest WingIT offers delivery within a 5-mile radius for orders over $20.

The restaurant lists 14 chicken wing-seasoning flavors, ranging from mango habanero to garlic Parmesan.

Unseasoned wings also are available.

“Those are our naked wings that we call Free Bird,” said store manager Josh Boone.

Smith said armed services members have proven loyal customers.

“We’re fortunate to enjoy support from

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our local military troops,” said Smith, a former Air Force reservist. “So, we repay them by offering a 10 percent discount.”

WingIT offers combination plates of five wings, home-style fries and a drink for $5.99, 10 wings for $10.99 and 20 for $20.50.

“Big orders don’t intimidate us,” Boone said. “If you want 100 wings with 10 different sauces, we’re the place that can

do it and get it just the way you want it.”

Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

WINGIT 1645 Pat Booker Road in Universal City For more, call 538-5680 or visit facebook.com/WingItSA

San Antonio’s Biggest and Best Family Owned Toy Store is now open inside Rolling Oaks Mall!

Restaurant & Wedding Venue

A Texas bistro with rustic elegance

With 14 different flavors for its chicken wings, ranging from hot lemon pepper (above) to garlic Parmesan, WingIT has something for everyone. Photo by Collette Orquiz

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Crosspoint Fellowship Church

James Doty

Salon Syzygy San Antonio Board of REALTORS

4204 GARDENDALE STE. 201 SAN ANTONIO, TX 78229

Connections Individual & Family Services, Inc.

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Ryan Grammer