LOCAL: Metrocom September 2015

IT’S PARTY TIME IN CIBOLO

will celebrate city’s 50th anniversary

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

VOL. 3, ISSUE 3

PG.19 Cibolo Fest 2015

Schertz named Purple Heart City

PG. 05 LOCAL COMMENTARY SUSAN YERKES Lone Star Rail is on the right track

SEPT. 21 - OCT. 19 , 2015

INSIDE YOUR COMMUNITY

PG.17 Plans for new

Universal City library turning the next page

Architect selected, contract bidding underway

PG.26 EAT LOCAL

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Restaurant near Windcrest blends food for the soul with soulful music

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SEPT. 21 - OCT. 19, 2015

FROM THE EDITOR wwright@localcommunitynews.com

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 J.E. Jordan, Lakendra Lewis, Eric Moreno, Edmond Ortiz, Ruben Renteria, Arthur Schechter and Susan Yerkes ART

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For advertising, customer service or editorial, please call us at 210-338-8842 or write to us at: Local Community News 4204 Gardendale St., Ste. 201, San Antonio, TX 78229

ON THE COVER: Christina Clark is set to take the helm of Judson Independent School District’s third and newest high school.Although it won’t open until August 2016, she and her team are already hard at work. See story on page 20. Photo by Leland A. Outz

Helping to steer Metrocom growth

O

n Oct. 10, Cibolo will celebrate its 50th anniversary as an incorporated city. Its growth the last few years has been staggering. The city is expanding faster than other municipalities in the Metrocom, a region that is flourishing.

The U.S. Census Bureau reports Cibolo’s 2000 population of 3,035 skyrocketed to 15,349 in 2010. The bureau’s latest estimate, released in May, shows 25,280 for 2014 – an increase of 9,931 residents (64.7 percent) already this decade.

Population projections for other Metrocom towns can’t match Cibolo’s rise. The closest is Selma, which added 2,943 inhabitants to jump 53 percent from 2010 to 2014, but totals only 8,483 residents, according to census estimates.

Metrocom cities Schertz (17.3 percent growth from 2010-14), Converse (15.7 percent), Live Oak (15.1 percent) and Garden Ridge (14.8 percent) are also among the state’s fastest expansion areas. Nearby New Braunfels reports 15 percent growth.

The Metrocom cities are formulating ways to balance business development to fit responsible growth. Now is the time residents can help shape those decisions.

The next five years will be critical.

Roadway expansions will continue for Interstate 35, as well as improvements to east-west routes, including Loop 1604, FM 78, FM 3009 and Loop 337.

New schools are coming to the Judson, Comal, Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City and North East independent school districts, along with additional stores, restaurants and other venues to satisfy consumer appetites.

Upcoming school district, county and city bond elections will serve as a springboard for development, but after the polls close residents must get involved to help steer the future courses of their communities.

WILL WRIGHT MANAGING EDITOR

5

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

LOCAL COMMENTARY

Lone Star Rail: the right track?

by SUSAN YERKES

H

ave you driven Interstate 35 to Austin recently?

It’s not a pleasant trip.

From the traffic jam getting out of San Antonio to the traffic jam that usually starts around Kyle and continues into Austin, the 75-mile drive can take three to four hours – and it’s getting worse.

San Antonio and Austin are among the five fastest-growing cities in the country, and the towns along the I-35 corridor are growing, too. With more people come more cars, and more congestion. That’s bad not only in terms of travel time and costs, but in terms of air quality.

Among Texas cities, San Antonio recently ranked second only to Dallas-Fort Worth for high ozone readings. It’s near the tipping point into “nonattainment” under Environmental Protection Agency clean-air standards. If the trend isn’t reversed, folks may face annual vehicleemissions tests, more EPA regulations on some businesses and, ironically, less federal money for highway construction.

There’s no quick fix. However, San Antonio leaders have decided to invest in one potential solution – Lone Star Rail.

Lone Star is a proposed regional commuter-rail line to connect key cities along the booming I-35 corridor, from Georgetown in the north to San Antonio in the south. Running along existing Union Pacific Corp. tracks, up to 32 commuter trains would travel the line daily, with daytime and evening services. The trip from downtown Austin to downtown San Antonio would take about 75 minutes, according to current projections. Lone Star’s website notes that fares in similar commuter rail districts run from $3 to $13 for a oneway trip, depending on how far you go.

There are 16 planned stations along the way so far. San Antonio-area stops are planned at Schertz, Loop 1604, the San Antonio International Airport,

downtown, Port San Antonio and Texas A&M University-San Antonio at the end of the line. With 17 colleges and universities near the route, Lone Star would be a big plus for some 250,000 San Antonio higher-education students.

This has been planned for some years.

Back in 1997, the Legislature approved a rail district from Bexar County to Travis County.

Since then, the Lone Star Rail District has been gathering funds. San Antonio, Georgetown, San Marcos, Williamson County, Hays County, the cities of Schertz and New Braunfels and several metroplanning groups have joined the rail district.

The project got a big boost when Union Pacific agreed to consider building a new, upgraded freight-rail line on San Antonio’s outskirts. That would free up their current line – the one that goes through the heart of San Antonio, currently causing more traffic tie-ups with the long, lumbering freight trains — for Lone Star’s planned commuter service.

There is, of course, a price tag. The rail district already has state and federal funds, but San Antonio, VIA Metropolitan Transit and Bexar County will be responsible for the cost of maintenance and stations in our area. Austin and San Marcos have already committed their share, and New Braunfels is close to an agreement.

D

San Antonio’s City Council has allocated funds for Lone Star Rail in the new city budget, which takes effect Oct. 1. For the next three years or so the commitment is relatively small – about $500,000 a year, according to rail interim Executive Director Ross Milloy.

Then it would “stair-step” up as the railroad gathered steam. The challenge now is to figure out how the city will fund its part, whether it’s from tax-increment zones around the new stations, general revenue or other sources.

It seems telling that District 9 Councilman Joe Krier, the former 20year president and CEO of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, has been a champion of Lone Star Rail.

Krier opposed the downtown streetcar project.

“People in my district-neighborhood meetings were firmly against streetcar, but they are firmly in favor of Lone Star Rail,” Krier said. “It’s not streetcar, it’s not light rail, and I’m passionate about the potential economic growth, the reduction in traffic jams and the reduction in pollution.”

I love the idea of hopping a WiFi-equipped commuter train to Austin and points between.

What do you think?

Drop a line at syerkes@ localcommunitynews.com.

6

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The measure is a step in the right direction, recognizing that not every social ill can be corrected simply by declaring something illegal.

A closer examination of most truancy violations shows that absenteeism arises from hardship, often in low-income families hit by economic or health issues.

Criminalizing truancy only creates more obstacles for struggling students, an issue recognized by the San Antonio model.

The old system didn’t work, even with the prospect of facing fines up to $500 and going to jail.

According to state figures, in 2014 nearly 100,000 Class C failure-to-attendschool misdemeanors were filed.

The previous law also seems draconian.

Kids no older than 12 could face a court appearance for three unexcused absences in four weeks. The statute called for campuses to file misdemeanor charges against pupils who logged more than 10 unexcused absences in six months.

Students with unpaid fines could be hauled off to jail when they reached 17, and parents also could face penalties.

The new law heralds a better approach to address student absences.

The statute replaces criminal prosecutions for truancy with civil hearings. In addition, before educators file charges, school districts are called to help identify and alleviate the underlying causes of truancy, which can include homelessness, chronic illness or other needs.

School districts still have the option of sending students with 10 unexcused absences over six months to civil court, where a judge can assess treatment and community service.

Truancy laws shouldn’t penalize kids who want to go to school but can’t when confronted by challenges in life or at home.

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

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

HAPPENING LOCAL

library fund. For more, email Lou Ann Shircliffe at lashircliffe@satx.rr.com.

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

OUR GUIDE TO YOUR MONTH

HAPPENING KEY

FITNESS

ART

TALK

OUTDOOR

MUSIC

FOOD

BARGAIN HUNTING? Cibolo Grange Hall hosts Home Towne Shoppe the third Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 413 N. Main St. Besides door prizes, the event features a variety of local businesses offering jewelry, cosmetics, spa products and clothing. For more, visit https://www.facebook.com/ CiboloGrangeHomeTowneShoppe.

LIVE OAK SHINDIG The Live Oak Parks and Recreation Department’s citywide celebration, rained out May 16, is rescheduled for 4-10 p.m. at Live Oak Park, 8001 Shin Oak Drive. The event will feature live music, food, vendor booths and a wide variety of outdoor, family activities. For more, visit a link at the city’s website, www.liveoaktx.net.

MORGAN’S WONDERLAND HOSTS SENIORS From April through December, let age work in your favor during “Senior Fridays” at Morgan’s Wonderland, 5223 David Edwards Drive in San Antonio. For $8, folks above age 62 can enjoy fun activities on selected dates. For more, call 495-5888 or visit www.morganswonderland.com.

LOVE READING? The Universal City Public Library’s temporary SEPT. 26 home, 401 W. Byrd Blvd., will host a book sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Books of all genres from Westerns to children’s stories, paperbacks and hardbacks can be purchased. Sponsored

by Friends of the Universal City Public Library, all proceeds go to the new-

SEPT. 19, OCT. 17

SEPT. 25, OCT. 9

SEPT. 26

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KEEPING CONVERSE CLEAN SEPT. 26, The monthly bulky waste dropOCT. 24 off program called “Converse Community Clean-Up!” is 8 a.m. to noon at St. Monica Catholic Church’s parking lot, 501 North St. in Converse. No electronics, batteries, paint and/or accessories will be accepted, along with hazardous-waste items, motor vehicles, concrete, bricks and other construction debris. Converse denizens are required to show proof of residence and current water bills. For more, call 658-8285 or visit www.conversetx.net.

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LIVE OAK NATIONAL NIGHT OUT KICKOFF EVENT SEPT. 27 The Live Oak Police Department is hosting a “Sign-Up and Kickoff ” event for the citywide National Night Out on Oct. 6, from 1-4 p.m. at the Target department store at The Forum at Olympia Parkway shopping center, 8234 Agora Parkway in Selma. The city is registering neighborhoods and residential groups for block parties in conjunction with Oct.

HAPPENING continues on pg. 08

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SEPT. 21 - OCT. 19, 2015

upcoming activities. For more, call 619-1950 or visit www.schertzchamber. org. The Sept. 23 Biz Ed class, from 6 NNO observances. Call 945-1700.

FOUNDATION REPAIR 7:30-9SYSTEMS a.m. at the Chamber offices, San Antonio • New Braunfels • Austin 1730 Schertz Parkway, will feature a HOLIDAY MEAL BASKETS BEGINNING The Randolph Area Christian tutorial on QuickBooks basics from SEPT. 28 of Barrett Cooper & Assistance Program will start ) 471- 9710 office (210) 651-1444 • Shirley cell (210Bennett Associates, P.C. Seating is limited to the accepting applications for8345 Thanksgiving/ Ventura Blvd. • Selma, TX 78154 www.TexanRepairSystems.com first 12 responders. General admission Christmas assistance. Local families with is $10; free for Chamber members. income under federal poverty guidelines Though the sixth annual Schertz may apply. Applicants must reside in one Chamber/Caterpillar Golf Classic on of the following ZIP codes: 78108, 78109, 78132, 78148, 78154, 78247, 78266 or 78233 Oct. 9 at The Bandit Golf Club, 6019 FM 725 in New Braunfels is sold out, (Live Oak only). Want to contribute to silent-auction items and raffle donations the cause? RACAP welcomes donations, benefiting DECA programs at Clemens plus other means of support. RACAP and Steele high schools are still being invites organizations, businesses, groups accepted. Contact the Chamber offices or individuals to participate by “adopting” (210) 651-1444 ) 471- 9710 • cell to donate funds(210 or material.

The SCOC families, or by donating office food or money.

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• Selma, TX 78154 October mixer is 5:30-7 p.m. Oct. 15 at Those interested in sponsoring families www.TexanRepairSystems.com SurePoint Self Storage, 17305 Interstate for either holiday program should submit 35 North in Schertz. Admission, featuring sponsorship applications no later than networking, refreshments and Chamber Oct. 30. For donators or those in need Cash Drawing, is $10; free for Chamber seeking more information, visit RACAP members. October’s monthly luncheon, offices weekdays 1-3 p.m. at 307 Pfeil St. in 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 20 at the Schertz Schertz, or call 658-1613 from 1-3 p.m.

Civic Center, 1400 Schertz Parkway, will feature “Management Development in SCHERTZ CHAMBER EVENTS The Schertz Chamber of SEPT./OCT. HAPPENING continues on pg. 09 Commerce has the following

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM HAPPENING continues from pg. 08 Your Business,” presented by Lora Schafer of GrowStrong Consulting. General admission is $28, $18 for Chamber members who register by Oct. 13. The Schertz Chamber Toastmasters convene each Monday at 6:45 p.m. at the Comfort Inn & Suites meeting room, 5571 Interstate 35 North in Selma.

NIGHT IN OLE CONVERSE Enjoy the weekend at Converse City Park, 305 School St., Friday 5 p.m. to midnight, Saturday 11 a.m. to midnight and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. The annual event, begun in 1974, features carnival rides, food, arts and crafts, music and a Saturday parade beginning at 10 a.m. The $5 cost is free for children under 12 accompanied by an adult; also, gate admission is only $1 when presenting a Judson High School football ticket stub after Friday’s game. Proceeds help the community. For more, email Kathy Bellamy at kathybellamy123@hotmail.com.

OCT. 2-4

COFFEE WITH COPS The Live Oak Police Department offers an opportunity for citizens to meet neighborhood patrolmen from

OCT. 3

8:30-10 a.m. at Williams Confectionery, 12107 Toepperwein 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 Live Oak police at 945-1700.

PET BLESSINGS Visit the OCT. Universal City Animal Shelter, 3 134 Athenian Drive, at 9:30 a.m. to have a pet blessed during an event sponsored by Homes for the Homeless.

It is open to the public, but pets must be restrained by leash or in a carrier.

SCHERTZ CIBOLO VALLEY AREA GENEALOGISTS WORKSHOP The group will celebrate National Family History Month, 1-4 p.m. at the Schertz Public Library, 798 Schertz Parkway, with a seminar to aid families seeking to preserve their histories through demonstrations of genealogy programs, databases, photos, DNA and other methods. Through October, the association is accepting nonperishable food items for the Randolph Area Christian Assistance Program. Admission is free; door prizes will be awarded. For more, call Donna Peterson at 830-609-9006 or

OCT. 4

email donna.jane.peterson@gmail.com.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT – CONVERSE Hosted by the Converse Lions Club, the Converse Police Department and police alumni, come to the station, 402 S. Seguin St. at 6 p.m. for food, kids’ games and information to keep neighborhoods safe.

For more, visit www.converselions.org.

OCT. 6

CIBOLO VALLEY BAPTIST CHURCH 5500 FM 1103 - Cibolo, TX (210) 658-0525

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ST. PAUL’S CHURCH FREE OCT. SUPPER During the first 7 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 the church at 658-5874.

Come Worship With Us SUNDAY MORNING

9:00 AM Traditional Service 10:15 AM Sunday School- all ages 11:30 AM Contemporary Service Children’s Church Both Services

TUESDAY ACTIVITIES

“FORE” GOLFERS The ninth annual Andre Booker Memorial Golf Tournament takes place at Northcliffe Golf Club, 5301 Country Club Drive in Cibolo.

Registration begins at noon, and the tourney tees off at 1 p.m. Entry fee is $90 per player and $360 per team. Cost includes dinner, golf cart and raffle. For more, email info@the34foundation.org.

8:45 AM Kids Day Out More info on website: Children’s Ministry – Kids Day out

OCT. 9

WEDNESDAY SERVICE

9:00 AM Prayer Team - all are welcome 6:30 PM Prayer Meeting/ Worship Service 6:30 PM Youth Bible Study 6:30 PM Wacky Wednesdays (3yr. potty trained to 6th grade) -nursery always provided / no charge

HAPPENING continues on pg. 09

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SEPT. 21 - OCT. 19, 2015

HAPPENING continues from pg. 08

BARK IN THE PARK The Humane Society of Live Oak will conduct its second annual Pet-PawLooza from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Live Oak Park, 8001 Shin Oak Drive. Among the family- and animal-friendly events will be pet-themed vendors, rescue groups offering pet adoptions, pet costumes, K-9 demonstration, kids’ fingerprinting and face painting. For more, call Julie Peters at 8465700 or email peters-julie@sbcglobal.net.

OCT. 17

CALLING ALL SHOPPERS Find one-of-a-kind items as the Garden Ridge Women’s Club holds its annual Holiday Marketplace at the Garden Ridge Community Center, 9500 Municipal Parkway from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fundraiser, in its 11th year, will feature arts and crafts from 50-plus exhibitors.

Proceeds will service local charities and scholarships. Admission is $2 for 17 and older, with free parking. For more, call Pat Stokes at 274-5594.

OCT. 10

GALA AND CASINO NIGHT FUNDRAISER The Circle of Cancer Care sponsors a fun event to support female cancer patients in Schertz, Cibolo and surrounding areas from 6-10 p.m. at the Schertz Civic Center ballroom, 1400 Schertz Parkway. The festivities include craps, blackjack, roulette, poker, hors d’oeuvres, live music by PM Soul and a silent auction. Cost is $150 for two tickets and can be purchased at eventbrite.com. For more, call 802-1740 or email circleofcancercare@gmail.com.

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CONVERSE LIBRARY CHILDREN’S STORY TIMES WEEKLY Readings are 10:30-11:30 a.m. each Wednesday at the Converse Public Library, 601 S. Seguin St. The free event gives toddlers an early start to literacy through books, music and arts and crafts. Parents are urged to arrive promptly; youngsters must be supervised. For more, call 659-4160.

RANDOLPH METROCOM ROTARY The club meets WEEKLY Wednesdays at noon at the Olympia Hills Golf & Event Center, 12900 Mount Olympus St. in Universal City. For more, visit www. randolphmetrocomrotary.org.

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

NEVER TOO OLD TO LEARN Kids don’t have to be the only ones returning to school this fall. The North East Independent School District Community Education department presents a multitude of enriching programs for adults, including mastering new languages and much more. Many classes are taught at NEISD classrooms or the district’s Community Learning Center, 8750 Tesoro Drive in San Antonio. For more, visit https://communityed.neisd.net or call Carrie Smith, NEISD Community Education Coordinator, at 401-0140.

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Open and Opening Soon 1. INSIGHT EYECARE, 791 FM 1103, Suite 115 in Cibolo, offers eye examinations and treatments for dry eye, glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts and LASIK surgery evaluations. The business also sells eyeglasses. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and by appointment only on Sunday. For more, call 659-3937 or visit www. insightcibolo.com. (See story on page 25)

2. SOUTHERN GIRLS, 6060 Montgomery

Drive, Suite 101 just outside of Windcrest, serves “delicious food and music for your soul,” including nightly entertainment. Menu selections include shrimp po’boy sandwiches, waffles and wings, barbecue-rib sandwiches, a fried shrimp basket, hamburgers and more. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Sunday. Call 530-1105 or visit www. southerngirlsfoodandmusicforyoursoul. com. (See story on page 26)

Address of local business Name of local business

3. REJUVENATION TRANSFORMATIONS MEDICAL SPA, 5016 FM 1518 in Selma,

is located inside the Total Health Primary Care building. It offers Botox, hair removal, skin tightening, body contouring and exclusive skin products. Consultations are free at the spa, which aims to help patrons reach their “skin-care and weightloss goals.” Hours are 1-5 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and by appointment only on weekends and evenings. For more, call 635-0411 or visit www.rejuvurskin.com or Facebook.com/ rejuvenatingtransformationsmedicalspa.

IN OTHER NEWS THE 2015 SCHERTZ IDOL COMPETITION culminated Aug. 15 with the selection of Rylee Krkosa as the winner. Krkosa, a 20-year-old junior attending the University of the Incarnate Word, is a musical therapist

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major whose goal is to work with children and adults with disabilities. Angelina Cintron placed second and Jakob Stobaugh third in the monthslong competition sponsored by the Schertz Chamber of Commerce’s hYPer Young Professional group.

RECENTLY, THE CONVERSE CITY COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED the Converse Economic Development Corp.’s plan to provide a $50,000 incentive for Conversebased T.J. Elite Properties, which is improving access to Lott’s Landing, a shopping center located near Crestway Drive and FM 78. The work includes a way across property owned by Chase Bank at 8380 FM 78, creating an easement for a driveway so customers can reach the shopping center.

The entire cost of the project is estimated at $75,000. In addition, the EDC will relocate its offices from City Hall to 110 W. Legion Drive later this year. The new site is one block from City Hall. City officials said EDC operations pose a “minimal impact” to a nearby neighborhood, and the agency will continue to hold board meetings at City Hall. “Economic development corporations often operate successfully in separate locations from city hall,” EDC Executive Director Kate Silvas said.

“Businesses and entrepreneurs seeking

ALAMO COLLEGES’ NORTHEAST LAKEVIEW COLLEGE kicked off its Adopt-A-School Initiative for 2015-16 on Aug. 27 by “adopting” Corbett Junior High School and Schertz and Rose Garden elementary schools in the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District. The program brings the college experience to students ranging from prekindergarten through high school. NLC will mentor pupils at each of the schools during the school year, providing tutorials on academic success skills, service learning, campus visits to NLC and other activities.

“The initiative will directly impact more than 2,500 students and help develop an understanding of college and the importance of setting goals,” NLC President Craig Follins said. “Getting students interested, informed and engaged in college as early as possible is our main goal here

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WINDCREST CELEBRATED WHATABURGER UNIVERSITY’S GRAND OPENING with a ribbon cutting Aug. 14. The 40,000-squarefoot facility, located at 8680 Fourwinds Drive in the Windcrest Park Centre, trains employees for management and other leadership positions in the company. “We take a lot of pride in what we do at Whataburger, and we’re proud to offer employees, who we call family members, opportunities for leadership and development within our company,” Whataburger Senior Vice President of Restaurants Rob Rodriguez said. During the ceremony, Whataburger donated $500 to the North East Independent School District’s Educational Foundation.

Also attending the event were Windcrest Mayor Alan Baxter and Windcrest Economic Development Corp. Executive Director Robert Colunga. “The addition of Whataburger University to

our city landscape is another positive step in sync with Windcrest’s master plan for continued economic growth and development,” Baxter said.

JUDSON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT’S Judson Early College Academy was recently ranked as one of the nation’s top high schools by Newsweek magazine.

The Newsweek survey considered more than 16,000 public and charter high schools across the country. JECA ranked No. 152 in the country and 11th in the state of Texas.

COMAL COUNTY BROKE GROUND ON A NEW SATELLITE OFFICE IN BULVERDE on Aug. 19. The 9,000-square-foot facility will replace the current satellite building that houses the tax office at 30470 Cougar Bend and is expected to open in early 2016.

When finished, it will house branch offices for county clerk and tax assessor-collector, and new justice of the peace and constable offices for Precinct 2. “This building will be a tremendous asset for Bulverde and western Comal County,” Precinct 2 Commissioner Scott Haag said. “It will improve the level of service we are able to offer the increasing number of county residents for whom traveling to New Braunfels is more difficult.”

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REPORT CARDS continues from pg. 01

Focus remains on enhancing curriculum guidelines

by WILL WRIGHT

M

etrocom-area school districts met state standards this past academic year, according to assessments released by the Texas Education Agency in August.

Several individual institutions merited distinctions by the TEA, which monitored 8,646 public schools’ 2014-15 academic performance.

However, area districts are closely focused on principles outlined in House Bill 5, passed by the Legislature and signed into law in 2013. The measure substantially enhanced curriculum and graduation requirements and reformed TEA’s assessment and accountability regulations.

The law called for less reliance on state-mandated tests and appraisals while requiring public school districts to improve “career-path” readiness programs for university-bound students, and create vocational curriculum for those shunning college.

TEA assessments largely depend on test scores. However, while proud of their TEA ratings, officials with Judson, North East, Comal and Schertz-CiboloUniversal City independent school districts said their focus remains on augmenting pupils’ career-path opportunities.

“The 2014-15 school year was very successful, academically, in Judson ISD,” said Tori Austin, the district’s new executive director of curriculum and instruction. “The data shows gains in student performance in several (other) areas (in which) JISD outperformed the state and region.”

Though happy with SCUCISD’s numbers, Superintendent Greg Gibson said test results reflect only part of a school district’s success.

“We’ll use this data to help us learn and grow,” Gibson said. “It’s difficult to make meaningful use of it, because the rules have changed so much (within) the

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number of distinctions rose (in the past year) from 29 to 45, we know that we still have a lot of work to do, as our goal is to continuously improve,” Kim said.

“Certainly our performance on the STAAR test is important; by no means is it the only measuring stick we use to assess whether or not a student is prepared for the real world. That is why we will continue to emphasize the importance of instilling qualities in our students that make them resilient, engaged, active and lifelong learners,” he added.

Preliminary assessments, issued Aug. 6, will be final after TEA reviews appeals by school districts in November.

Each area district passed, garnering “Met Standard” ratings for overall performance.

Of 296 local schools: 273 received “Met Standard” designations; 19 were not rated; and four NEISD elementaries were given an “Improvement Required” tag for at least one year – those being East Terrell Hills, Camelot, Montgomery and West Avenue. Last time, only the district’s Olmos Elementary was listed as needing improvement, but not now.

“For the four campuses, it was a matter

REPORT CARDS continues from pg. 14 accountability system. We believe measures of our success go beyond standardized (tests). … We believe public education is defined by the local community, with limited state involvement.”

TEA’s latest report cards for overall district and individual school performance were based on an indexed point system judging four categories: student achievement, student progress, closing performance gaps and postsecondary readiness.

Reviews were primarily based on State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness testing; data indicating student improvement in various subjects – especially among minority and low-income children; and school districts creating career-path programs for all pupils – college-bound or not.

CISD Superintendent Andrew Kim said although it was important his district celebrates the latest TEA ratings, he remains steadfast in guiding his students’ long-term goals.

“While we are pleased with the fact that 100 percent of our campuses met state standards, and that the (total)

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Superintendent Andrew Kim says he is proud of the Comal Independent School District’s latest Texas Education Agency assessments, but adds that CISD educators focus on more than just standardized tests, including instilling qualities in students to prepare them for the ‘real world.’ File photo

REPORT CARDS continues from pg. 15 of missing the state’s target score by just one to three points,” said Pauline Dow, NEISD’s associate superintendent for curriculum and technology. “This may have been a difference of one or two students passing a test, but not scoring high enough to meet the advanced passing standard.”

NEISD spokeswoman Aubrey Chancellor said her district’s campuses are engaged in the Texas Accountability Intervention System, which helps develop targeted improvement plans for students. NEISD also has created support teams to work with principals and campus instructional groups.

In terms of HB 5 compliance, NEISD has developed a computer program to guide pupils through high school academic outlines, or endorsements, which Chancellor cited as the only program of its kind in Texas.

“It’s now available for staff, students and parents,” she said. “This major initiative was piloted last spring.

Computer-science students in the Design and Technology Academy at Roosevelt High School tested and refined it.”

Meanwhile, area schools passed educational criteria with flying colors, as each district graded well above state standards in TEA’s assessment based on overall academic performance, student participation and graduation rates, and meeting federal benchmarks.

Randolph Field ISD met all 37 of its requirements for a perfect mark. It was followed by NEISD and New Braunfels

THIS MAJOR INITIATIVE WAS PILOTED LAST SPRING. AUBREY CHANCELLOR NEISD

ISD (both 96 percent); Fort Sam Houston ISD (95 percent); Comal ISD (94 percent); Alamo Heights ISD (93 percent); Northside ISD (91 percent); Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD (90 percent); Judson ISD (88 percent); and Boerne ISD (84 percent).

In addition, dozens of schools earned distinctions in English Language Arts/ reading; math; science; social studies; student progress; closing performance gaps; and postsecondary readiness.

High schools and middle schools were graded on achieving seven standards, five for elementary schools.

Meeting all requirements, were Comal ISD’s Alamo Colleges-Memorial Early College High School and Church Hill Middle School (seven of seven standards met); Judson ISD’s Crestview and Salinas elementaries (five of five); and New Braunfels ISD’s Lone Star Elementary (five of five).

Other top performers included North East ISD’s Northwood, Huebner and Roan Forest elementaries (five of five).

17

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM UC LIBRARY continues from pg. 01

Officials project facility to open in summer 2016

by WILL WRIGHT

U

NIVERSAL CITY – Officials say plans for a new city library are on schedule, one year after City Council approved funds for the multimillion-dollar project.

A fresh structure, updated with modern technology, should be ready next summer at the site of the old library, razed earlier this spring at 100 Northview Drive.

The outdated building, constructed in 1960, first served as City Hall and was later a fire-station branch before being booked to become the Universal City Public Library during the 1980s.

Last year, Library Director Toni Davenport said the old facility “had lived its life,” as Universal City’s growing population demanded a new venue with more technology and improved

Mayor John Williams of Universal City stands on an empty lot that will be the grounds of a newly built public library. Officials said the facility could be operational by August. Photo by Rudy B. Ornelas

safety standards, plus ample space for the library’s expanding repertoire of children and adult programs.

Kim Turner, assistant city manager and development services director, said last year’s $3.2 million appropriation covers asbestos removal and demolition of the antiquated structure, and providing

architectural and construction services for the new facility, which will include furniture and technological upgrades.

“I feel things are going very well,” she said of the project, which has a general construction budget of more than $2.5 million.

Turner said the city began bidding

for general contractors on Sept. 10.

San Antonio-based Marmon Mok Architecture is the primary architect of the 10,178-square-foot edifice.

“The interior will be an open floor plan, but we don’t yet have a specific scheme or style for the exterior,” Turner said.

Some patrons expressed concern about the lengthy process, which Turner estimated is “about 30 days off ” schedule.

“What might’ve thrown some people off was that once they saw the old library being torn down, we would automatically start building a new one,” she said, “but at that point we were still working with the architect on the design. Actually, we’re pretty close to being on target.”

Turner added, “We spent a little bit more time on the interior layout, and we also wanted to look at making sure some of the exterior materials were consistent with those matching (existing) structures in the neighborhood.”

City officials said construction would be completed next June or July, with interior work – such as furnishings and technology – finished by August.

“We’ll cull through the (submitted)

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UC LIBRARY continues on pg. 18

T�� A���� U��������� C����� What is the Alamo University Center?

The Alamo University Center offers junior, senior and graduate level classes through partnerships with 4 universi�es. Students who enroll with one of our partner universi�es are able to complete a bachelor's or master's degree (or teaching cer�cate) at the Alamo Colleges-University Center without traveling to the university campuses.

Where is the University Center located?

The Alamo University Center is conveniently located at I35 and 1604, with easy access parking.

Located 1.55 miles from Northeast Lakeview College, the University Center is easily accessible for gradua�ng Alamo Colleges-Northeast Lakeview Students comple�ng their associates.

Who should a�end the Alamo University Center?    

Associate Degree Graduates Students with lower level coursework, in pursuit of comple�ng a Bachelor’s Degree Bachelor’s Degree graduates pursuing a Master’s Degree Students interested in pursuing a Nursing Degree or Teaching Cer�cate

When do I take Classes?

Most classes are offered in the evening and weekends. The Wayland Bap�st's Nursing School is primarily a day�me program.

F�� M��� I���������� C���: 210-486-5555 E����: CENTER@alamo.edu

Alamo University Center

18

SEPT. 21 - OCT. 19, 2015

UC LIBRARY continues from pg. 17

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bids, do background checks and then submit the (selected) contractor for City Council approval in October,” Turner said.

“We don’t expect construction to begin until late October or early November.”

Meantime, Universal City hasn’t gone without library services, currently housed temporarily at 401 W. Byrd Blvd., the site of the former Northview Elementary School and located about a block from the old/new library site.

Turner said some programs are still featured at the short-term quarters, including those for seniors and children.

Many books are available for checkout; those not on the stacks can be ordered and picked up on the next visit.

It’s open from 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday and Friday; and closed Saturday through Monday.

“We’re doing business as usual here,” said Cindy Patterson, library clerk. “We’re still checking items out, providing computer access and all the things we did at the old library. It’s been pared down, but we’re doing the same things we did over there.”

The nonprofit Friends of the Universal City Public Library, supporting and

aiding library operations for more than 30 years, still serves in that role today.

For years, the organization helped provide for the library’s needs while situated in a used-book store adjacent to the old building.

Proceeds from Saturday book sales and periodic fundraisers benefit the library.

“Those monies have always gone into a special fund for the library,” said Lou Ann Shircliffe, Friends chairwoman. She urged all to attend the next fundraiser, set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 26 at the temporary address.

The new library will include an area for the Friends group.

“We’re elated,” Shircliffe said. “We were in an old building for a long time and the new one will be a terrific addition for Universal City. It will have a community room and outdoor space – all in all, we’re going to get a nice facility.”

Plus, it will feature expanded and increased opportunities for readers.

“When the library is done, I think it will enhance and revitalize that area of the city,” Turner said. “I am confident the citizens will find the new library will be beyond their expectations.”

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

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM CIBOLO continues from pg. 01

Area settled centuries ago

by LAKENDRA LEWIS

C

IBOLO —Visitors will travel back in time for an oldfashioned neighborhood social Oct. 10 as the city hosts Cibolo Fest 2015, an annual community festival celebrating the town’s heritage and history.

capsule including historical documents, such as the 1965 ordinance declaring Cibolo a city; a special coin created in honor of the town’s half-century; old photos; and a city-employee hat that boasts the town’s old emblem.

City officials said Cibolo residents are welcome to contribute their own memorabilia to the time capsule, which will be buried in front of City Hall near the flagpole.

Mayor Pro Tem Jay Hogue, who has attended Cibolo Fest since he moved to the

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This year’s event commemorates the 50th anniversary of Cibolo’s incorporation, when it was officially established as a municipality Oct. 9, 1965.

The family festival, free and open to the public, is 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on the grounds of City Hall, 200 S. Main St. “We expect the weather to be nice this year,” said City Secretary Peggy Cimics, who is coordinating Cibolo Fest.

“But we plan to go on rain or shine.”

To mark the milestone, officials during the festival will place items into a time

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SEPT. 21 - OCT. 19, 2015

CIBOLO continues from pg. 19 city in 1995, thought it would be great to include an aerial photo of Cibolo.

“I have a good friend who has an aerial picture of Cibolo from 1983, and how the city has grown since then is amazing to see,” Hogue said. “I think it would be great for a (City Council) member to open that time capsule 25 years from now, when the city will probably have grown from 27,000 people to maybe 70,000, and see how it was then.”

Cimics said a decorative plaque will be placed at the time capsule’s site at a later date.

A jam-packed schedule boasts a full day of live music from bands including Matt Begley & Bitter Whiskey; entertainment from the choirs of Wiederstein, Rose Garden and Watts elementary schools; and the Cibolo City Ballet.

Also on hand will be food vendors, arts and crafts, pony rides, inflatables, a petting zoo, games for the children, a silent auction and a

Main Street car show and carnival.

Wristbands for the rides will be sold for $1 and are good all day, said Cimics, a festival organizer for the past 11 years, going back to when the event was held at Niemietz Park.

The annual celebration moved to City Hall in 2006 and has been held faithfully since its inception more than 20 years ago, with the exception of last year when it was cancelled because of bad weather.

Cibolo Fest usually attracts 80 to 90 vendors and is attended by several thousand people each year.

Cibolo is a Native American term for buffalo, and the town was named after the creek that runs through the area.

The Comanche and many other Native American tribes lived in Cibolo before the first European settlers arrived.

Its beginnings as a township date to 1876, when Southern Pacific Railroad built a route through the settlement to connect with larger Texas cities such as Houston and San Antonio.

The city was known for many decades as a thriving agricultural hub that produced corn, wheat, oats and cotton.

LOCAL IS WHERE YOU ARE - LOCAL IS WHAT WE DO

JISD continues from pg. 01

Campus under construction on Evans Road

by EDMOND ORTIZ

T

he principal of the newest high school in the Judson Independent School District is bringing a global perspective to the job of fostering local educational excellence.

“We’re meeting or exceeding state standards in all areas,” said Christina Clark, who was born in South Korea and grew up in an orphanage there. “To be able to do that in a brand-new high school in our district was an opportunity for which I was excited to put my name in the hat and apply for it.”

She will be the first principal at JISD’s third high school, yet to be named. The campus is under construction on Evans Road near Nacogdoches Road, and is set to

welcome ninth- and 10th-graders in August 2016.

“She’s proven herself as a strong leader with enthusiasm and I feel she has a great mindset to starting a new school with a whole new tradition,” said JISD Superintendent Carl Montoya.

Clark’s path to San Antonio began when a family from Missouri adopted her and brought her home to St. Louis.

Years later, she came to San Antonio, graduating from St. Mary’s University as an English major. The language — and influential educators — proved invaluable in her formative days, Clark said.

“I grew up in a time when English-asa-second-language instruction was not a thing. I didn’t speak English and the school system wasn’t prepared for children like me, where I grew up,” she said.

“They took time to get to know me as a child and they made an impact on me,” she added. “I’ve loved English, literature, writing, so I thought that was a great way for me to give back, to be able to provide the same level of support and caring for every student that I meet.”

A 20-year educator, Clark said

JISD continues on pg. 21

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM JISD continues from pg. 20 she is looking forward to this next stage in her career.

“I always valued education coming from a country where, especially as a woman, you wouldn’t have always gotten that opportunity,” Clark said.

Clark began her educational journey teaching English in the Edgewood Independent School District at Truman Middle School — now a closed campus — and at Kennedy High School.

She called teaching English and English as a second language, especially to students from low-income neighborhoods, an “eye-opening experience.” But forming bonds with those students and their parents proved key to educational success.

“Those kids want to achieve something greater,” she said. “I’ve dedicated my life to other people’s kids.

I realize how important relationships are with the students. The kids won’t learn what you’re teaching them unless you have a strong relationship with them and with their parents.”

As she climbed the career ladder into administrative duties, Clark emphasized

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the importance of leadership from the top down, and how it can have an impact on the school and surrounding community.

“When I accepted the job as academic dean at Sam Houston (High School), I got an idea of the sheer

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amount of responsibility you have,” she said. “But when you’re actually in it, you find yourself responsible for a large group of teachers and students, along with their students’ programs, events, being part of that community. The years

CHRISTINA CLARK, PRINCIPAL OF NEWEST JISD HIGH SCHOOL I spent at Sam Houston laid the base for who I am as an administrator.”

Clark said helping to start educational traditions at the new high

JISD continues on pg. 24

22

SEPT. 21 - OCT. 19, 2015

Schertz designated Purple Heart City

by J.E. JORDAN

S

CHERTZ — The city has always had strong ties to its veterans and the military, but an official designation as a Purple Heart City by a national group only strengthens the bond, Mayor Michael Carpenter said.

“It increases ties by expanding our relationship to a particular segment of our military,” Carpenter said. “Any time we can expand our relationship, it’s a benefit to our city and our citizens.”

After being invited, the city received the designation from the Military Order of the Purple Heart, a national organization recognizing veterans who were wounded in combat and have received the Purple Heart Medal.

Schertz resident Narciso Pulido, a member of MOPH Alamo 1836 Chapter, helped get the ball rolling. He is a Vietnam War veteran and a Purple Heart recipient.

Serving Businesses in Schertz, Selma, Cibolo and Beyond schertzchamber.org

TOP: In this courtesy photo from the city of Schertz, Mayor Michael Carpenter (center), dressed in Revolutionary War garb during a July 4 observance, accepts a proclamation from members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart naming Schertz a Purple Heart City.

BELOW: The Schertz Veterans Memorial Plaza lists names of those who served. Photo by Rudy B. Ornelas

As a result of Pulido’s request to the Alamo chapter, Gilbert Brown, commander of the Combat Wounded Veterans of Texas, MOPH, invited Schertz to become a Purple Heart City.

The Purple Heart is the oldest military award still given to U.S. Armed Forces,

PURPLE HEART continues on pg. 23

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM PURPLE HEART continues from pg. 22 and recognizes those wounded or killed while serving. Its forerunner, the Badge of Military Merit, was first awarded

by Gen. George Washington Aug. 7, 1782, to Revolutionary War soldiers.

According to its website, “the mission of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, an organization chartered by the Congress of the United States, is to foster an environment of goodwill among the combat-wounded veterans and their families, promote patriotism, support legislative initiatives that pursue those same ends, and, most importantly, ensure we never forget any of our veterans.”

After receiving the invitation, Carpenter said, “We followed the directions for fulfilling the requirements, which were very simple. The City Council needed to pass a resolution to accept the invitation.”

Carpenter, who accepted the Purple Heart City plaque at a July 4 ceremony, said, “We have a long, successful and pleasant relationship with the military. Schertz has an indelible mark on it that is the U.S. military.

It was an honor to be invited.”

There is also a responsibility

attached to the honor.

“We agreed to continue to support the military as well as to support veterans in our community,” Carpenter said.

At the presentation during Schertz Jubilee Ceremonies in Pickrell Park, Carpenter read the proclamation naming Schertz a “Purple Heart City in the State of Texas.” The ceremony was conducted next to a traveling exhibit that lists the names and photos of Texas service members who have fallen in battle.

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and appropriately honoring their service.”

Carpenter does not have a tally of the number of Purple Heart recipients in Schertz, but said there are many.

According to MOPH, Texas has the largest number of Purple Heart recipients in the country, and the Alamo Chapter has the largest number of members in Texas.

The chapter renders charitable services to veterans and their families.

Every year the chapter holds fundraisers to purchase bicycles for children whose parents are deployed.

Pulido, who participates in the fundraisers and also volunteers at the Schertz Area Senior Center, said he remembered one Christmas when the organization was able to help a grandmother caring for two children while their parents served overseas.

“Her daughter was in Kuwait and her son-in-law was in Afghanistan,” Pulido said. “She couldn’t afford Christmas presents for her granddaughters. We were able to buy them two girls’ bicycles.

You should have seen their faces.”

The Alamo chapter meets at 9 a.m. the first Saturday of each month at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8541, 2222 Austin Highway in San Antonio.

Joe Alvarez (left), Narciso Pulido and Lorenzo Rodriguez are looking at the names of other veterans etched in bricks at the Schertz Veterans Memorial Plaza. Rodriguez is commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Alamo Chapter 1836, which helped Schertz earn the designation of a Purple Heart City.

Photo by Rudy B. Ornelas

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school was one reason she applied for the principal’s position.

“The idea of getting back into high school is very exciting for me. It’s about the years I worked in high school as a teacher, cheer coach, department chair and administrator — but I did have to think about this position,” Clark said.

“But then I felt this was the only opportunity where I felt yes I’m ready, the ability to work with the district and help open a brand-new high school and continue a tradition of education excellence,” she added.

Along with forming her leadership team and teaching staff at the new high school during the next year, Clark is helping district leaders pick the school’s name and mascot. Community members indicated their preferences in a recent survey.

The JISD board has already chosen red, white and blue as the school’s colors.

Montoya, who has been serving as the superintendent since March, called Clark “a fantastic choice” to lead the new high school.

“Even though she’s coming from one of our elementary schools, she has extensive experience at the high school level in teaching and administration,” Montoya said.

Clark’s last post was principal at Spring Meadows Elementary School.

An $83 million bond passed by voters in May 2013 is funding construction of the new school. The campus will accommodate 1,600 students, alleviating enrollment at Judson High School. Student capacity will be 2,500 in succeeding years.

“The new high school is something that the school board and the voters saw was needed because of the growth that we are currently seeing and what we anticipate in the next several years in that end of the district footprint,” Montoya said.

“It will help balance out enrollment at the high school level, and give us a good head start to housing developments that are likely coming out there,” he added.

25

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

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IBOLO — InSight EyeCare is a comprehensive optometry clinic offering wide-ranging services including eye exams, LASIK evaluations and treatments for visual difficulties.

The facility debuted in July at 791 FM 1103, Suite 115 in the Cibolo Marketplace shopping center.

“I am a therapeutic optometrist and my husband Brandon and I opened this office,” said Jennifer Barondes. “I love being in Cibolo. It is such a tight-knit community. Everyone who has come in has been so nice and amazing.”

Barondes said she and her staff treat

every patient during an exam, even those undergoing the most routine procedure, with the utmost care.

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SEPT. 21 - OCT. 19, 2015

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

Food for the soul at Southern Girls

by RUBEN RENTERIA

S

outhern Girls restaurant, which promises “food and music for your soul,” has opened its doors at 6060 Montgomery Drive, Suite 101.

The restaurant aims to bring soul food and music inspired by Houston’s heartbeat to San Antonio.

Co-founder Lynne Allen, 53, originally

went into business with best friend Laura Alexis, working as partners for many years.

The restaurant’s concept was motivated

by Allen’s relocation to San Antonio. She tried finding a local soul-food eatery only to realize the culinary culture she relished in Houston wasn’t available in the Alamo City.

“I Googled soul food and could not find it, so I figured that it’s got to be a niche,” Allen said.

Diners visiting Southern Girls have a variety of options. The menu offers beef,

I GOOGLED SOUL FOOD AND COULD NOT FIND IT, SO I FIGURED THAT IT’S GOT TO BE A NICHE. LYNNE ALLEN, SOUTHERN GIRLS CO-FOUNDER

chicken, seafood and turkey, with lighter fare during nighttime service hours. Some staples include shrimp po’boys, waffle and wings, barbecue-rib sandwiches, shrimp baskets and hamburgers.

Customers may bring their own alcoholic beverages since Southern Girls doesn’t have a liquor license.

At night, the restaurant features live music, a DJ or karaoke. Patrons can enhance their meal with well-known jazz, rhythm-and-blues, and neo-soul beats.

“It’s feel-good music,” Allen said.

“The food and groove go together.”

Allen hopes the menu-and-vibes combination gives guests the same satisfaction she felt as a child.

A native of Shreveport, Louisiana, Allen moved to Houston where she grew up appreciating soul food and its associations with music.

Restaurant hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

SOUTHERN GIRLS 6060 Montgomery Drive, Suite 101 For more, call 530-1105 or visit www. southerngirlsfoodandmusicforyoursoul.com

Southern Girls at 6060 Montgomery Drive aims to bring meals and music inspired by Houston’s soulfood culture to the Alamo City. Courtesy photos

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