LOCAL: Stone Oak, Encino Park, Far North, 78258, 78259, 78260, 78261 April 2016

Annexation Update

EDUCATION

ALL ABOUT CONNECTING

Far North Side residents banding together against plan

PG.15

PG.19 Colleagues

Workforce housing gets push north of Loop 1604

PG.17

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VOL. 2, ISSUE 11

COMMUNITY NEWS STONE OAK

ENCINO PARK

FAR NORTH

Emerald Village apartments set tone for affordable rentals on far North Side

78258 78259 78260 78261

MARCH 28 - APRIL 25, 2016

MAKING A $16 million hotel expansion to JW Marriott Resort adds water slides, beach and more

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PG. 05 LOCAL EDITORIAL

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PG. 04 SUSAN YERKES Lone Star Rail goes off the tracks for now

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MARCH 28 - APRIL 25, 2016

FROM THE EDITOR wwright@localcommunitynews.com

Build Now In Time for Summer!

President Harold J. Lees Publisher Gregg Rosenfield Director of Operations Jaselle Luna Assoc. Publisher Rick Upton EDITORIAL Executive Editor Thomas Edwards Managing Editor Will Wright News Staff Collette Orquiz and Bain Serna Contributing Writers Olivier J. Bourgoin, Alejandra Casas, Angela Hernandez, Kate Hunger, Peter Moralez, Edmond Ortiz, Travis E. Poling, Arthur Schechter and Susan Yerkes ART Creative Director Florence D. Edwards Contributing Photographer Neven Jones ADVERTISING Account Manager Amber Montemayor Controller Keith Sanders

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READER SERVICE Mailing Address 4204 Gardendale St., Ste. 201, SA, TX 78229 Phone Fax (210) 338.8842 (210) 616.9677 Advertising Inquiries jluna@localcommunitynews.com Story Ideas: tips@salocallowdown.com Website: www.salocallowdown.com LOCAL Community News publications Zone 1: 78204, 78205, 78209, 78210, 78212, 78215 Zone 2: 78213, 78230, 78231, 78248, 78249 Zone 3: 78216, 78232, 78247 Zone 4/5: 78109, 78148, 78233, 78239, 78108, 78132, 78154, 78266 Zone 7: 78015, 78023, 78255, 78256, 78257 For advertising, customer service or editorial, please call us at 210-338-8842 or write to us at: Local Community News 4204 Gardendale St., Ste. 201 San Antonio, TX 78229 Reproduction in whole or in part without our permission is prohibited, 2016 Helen Publishing LLC and Local Community News LLC, all rights reserved.

Studies merit scrutiny

S

an Antonio’s intentions to annex parts of far north Bexar County and four other areas remain controversial.

The process, already delayed for months, faces more holdups as municipal staffers and City Council review two recent studies.

By adding the five tracts, planners initially estimated commercial and residential revenues could total $412 million over the next 20 years. However, both analyses advise figure revisions.

One report cautions against the city’s valuation for projected income from San Antonio Water System and CPS Energy; weighs annexation’s short- and long-term logistical and social impacts; and includes fiscal implications of annexing some or none of the zones.

The second urges the city – through more conservative financial forecasts and an increased focus on the future – to create annexation models more palatable to residents and businesses in the proposed regions.

San Antonio officials should carefully review everything based on merits, instead of worrying about political consequences.

Annexation has become a divisive issue, likely to become even worse in the days leading up to the council’s final decision.

The city sees annexation as a way to shape its future. However, many of the 120,000 residents in the proposed annexation territories have plenty of worries.

Affluent inhabitants fear their tax money will be spent on needs in the city’s less-prosperous sectors, and all residents are skeptical San Antonio can maintain the services and emergency response from the county they currently enjoy.

Finding a solution to satisfy everybody isn’t going to be easy.

WILL WRIGHT MANAGING EDITOR ON THE COVER: The recent multimillion-dollar renovations at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa are aimed at encouraging guests to return and to show locals the hotel has plenty of appealing amenities for nontourists. See story on page 21. Photo by Edmond Ortiz

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MARCH 28 - APRIL 25, 2016

LOCAL COMMENTARY

Derailed or on track?

by SUSAN YERKES

T

he Lone Star Rail District plan for fast and frequent trains through the Interstate 35 corridor has had a derailment.

Early this year, Union Pacific railroad folks announced they no longer wanted to be a part of the ambitious plan, which would reroute their freight traffic and use the existing tracks along the highway for passenger service.

When I wrote about this effort in 2015, most readers responded positively. An alternative to the miserably congested San Antonio-to-Austin drive drew excitement.

It seemed like a great idea. Lone Star Rail, since its creation by the state a decade

ago, has studied the prospect. Cities up and down the corridor have bought in to the plan. Union Pacific was involved since 2010. Now, just as things really got rolling, the railroad company slammed on the brakes, nixing a move to new tracks and expressing concerns about how the change would affect its operations.

Though the train definitely has been delayed, that doesn’t mean it isn’t coming, according to District 9 Councilman Joe Krier, a strong advocate of the railway project. We haven’t begun to experience the nightmare I-35 traffic will be without such an option, he added.

“Under current conditions, by 2020 it will take longer to drive from San Antonio to Austin than it took before the interstate was built,” Krier said, “and we can’t pave our way to a solution.”

Krier said there are already alternate route plans on the drawing board should Lone Star have to switch tracks. There’s also a chance Union Pacific will return to the table.

“These projects never come without a thousand bumps and turns and starts and stops,” he said. “Austin, San Marcos, Round Rock, San Antonio and New Braunfels agree on this project, and that in itself is unheard of. We just have to keep calm and get back on track.”

So who knows? Maybe there’s still hope we can hop a train and skip the San Antonio-to-Austin traffic jam in the future. Maybe even in my lifetime ... but I’m not holding my breath.

While intercity commuter rail has strong support, incorporating trains into VIA Metropolitan Transit’s plans has historically been unpopular with San Antonio voters. After the recent streetcar debacle, just the word “rail” makes many politicians break out in hives.

On the other hand, if you’ve noticed local traffic seemingly getting more backed up every year, you’re right.

People keep moving here, bringing their cars, too. Demographers predict we’ll add at least a million residents by 2040. By then, without sweeping improvements in public transit, planners estimate our commute times will increase by a whopping 75 percent. That’s worse than Austin!

District 8 Councilman Ron Nirenberg, chairman of the city’s comprehensive planning committee, is deeply involved in local transportation challenges. He said a VIA survey last fall showed San Antonio drivers are sick of being stuck in traffic.

“They don’t want more buses on already congested streets, or widening

the roads so you’re paving over your neighbor’s property and waiting for the next construction project … or a trolley that sits in traffic in an area where they’d rather walk,” he said. “They do want fixed-route transit that moves people from one high-density place to another.”

An answer, which could include commuter-rail routes, VIA buses and shuttles, taxis, Uber and Lyft-style cars, B-Cycles, bike trails and more pedestrian connections are all part of an evolving Multimodal Transportation Plan for San Antonio’s next 25 years.

You have to give Nirenberg credit. He wants to air the facts in time to include the transportation plan in the May 2017 bond issue.

As our roads get more crowded, planning is not just prudent – it’s critical. However, Precinct 3 Bexar County Commissioner Kevin Wolff makes a good point, too. He suggests local drivers may have to reach a higher “threshold of pain” before they’re willing to get on board with commuter rail.

Check out the planners’ ideas at satransportationplan.com. Then let me know if you’re along for the ride. syerkes@localcommunitynews.com

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OUR TURN Views and opinions about your community

Wanted: candidates

A

n examination of municipal and school board races for the May 7 elections indicates many slots are uncontested, apparently continuing a disturbing trend started a few years ago.

People just don’t want to run for office.

Of course, this blanket statement doesn’t apply to all local cities and school districts, but there’s no denying some entities are considering or have already canceled local elections because of a lack of candidates.

While interest in the presidential race rages at a fever pitch, it’s local elections that have the greatest impact on our daily lives, determining everything from school attendance zones to trash pickup.

This isn’t to knock the office seekers running solo, but a diverse candidate pool provides a robust, vigorous democracy,

with individuals bringing different perspectives and experiences to the table.

When only the same candidates run and run again, elected bodies tend to become inflexible and moribund. In many cases, politicos can even become insular and develop a bunker mentality when new ideas and new strategies are suggested.

One has to wonder what has led to this reluctance to serve the public. Is it the cost in time and money, the fear of being drawn into a mud-slinging match, or has our 24/7, instant-access, always-on-thego society robbed us of the vitality needed to run for and hold office?

Politics is rarely easy and can often take on a life of its own. The challenges are many, but the rewards of service to the populace can be great.

Our Founding Fathers understood this concept. While many were loath to hold office, they did so believing a free society can only be maintained by citizens willing to serve. They saw this as the price of liberty.

Variety is said to be the spice of life. The same holds true for locally elected officials.

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

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MARCH 28 - APRIL 25, 2016

HAPPENING LOCAL

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

From flu care to critical care, our experienced Board Certified Emergency Medicine Physicians and staff are available 24/7 to care for you.

OUR GUIDE TO YOUR MONTH

HAPPENING KEY

FITNESS

MUSIC

FOOD

PAPERCRAFTING AND SCRAPBOOK CLUB Visit the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, from 1-6 p.m. on the fourth Saturday of the month for an afternoon of paper therapy. Begin with a demonstration of a technique, layout idea or project, and then work on your own paper projects such as cardmaking or scrapbooking. All expertise levels welcome. Registration is required. For more, call 207-2703.

RUNNING AT REAGAN, KINDER RANCH The fifth annual Race at 2 the Ranch takes place at Kinder Ranch Elementary School, 2035 Kinder Parkway, at 8:30 a.m. Hosted by the Kinder Ranch PTA, the event includes a 1-mile fun run/wellness walk and a 5K race. Not far away, at the same time, the seventh annual Reagan Band 5K Run/Walk, 19000 Ronald Reagan Drive, begins. Come out and support the high school’s music program.

For more including registration costs for either event, visit www.athleteguild.com.

BE PREPARED The Encino Branch Library, 2515 E. 28 Evans Road, hosts a seminar on severe-weather and disasterpreparedness training from 4-5:30 p.m.

St. Bernard Project representatives will lead the discussion. For more, call Keri Moczygemba at 207-9250.

MARCH

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EGG-CELLENT TIME Celebrate Easter at Summit Christian 26-27 Center, 2575 Marshall Road.

Times for services and proceeding egg hunts are the following: Saturday 5 p.m. service with 6:45 p.m. egg hunt; Sunday 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services precede 10 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. egg hunts, respectively. There will be 20,000-plus eggs, in addition to inflatables, giveaways, food trucks, carousel rides and Easter Bunny photo ops. For more, visit summitsa.com.

MARCH

Comprehensive Care: • State of the art laboratory & radiology services • Inpatient observation suites • Experienced and compassionate staff • Pediatric Care

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NEISD BOARD The next meetings of North East Independent School District trustees will be 5:30 p.m. at 8961 Tesoro Drive. To confirm dates and times, call 407-0533.

MARCH 28 & APRIL 11

CISD MEETING Comal Independent School District 31 trustees gather at 6 p.m. in the Support Services Administrative Offices boardroom, 1404 Interstate 35 North in New Braunfels. For more, visit www.comalisd.org.

MARCH

BASKETBALL CLINIC FOR KIDS to Encino Park MARCH 30 Come Elementary School, 2550 Encino Rio St., on six consecutive Wednesdays for basketball instruction.

Those aged 5-9 will receive lessons from 6:15-7:15 p.m., 7:30-8:30 p.m. for children 9-12. John MacLaren will

BEGINNING

ARTIST AT WORK Instructor Maggie Morris teaches how 2 to create mesh wreaths from 6:30-9 p.m. in room FA 110 at Reagan High School, 19000 Ronald Reagan Drive.

Cost is $33. For more including a supply list, visit https://communityed.neisd.net.

APRIL

APRIL

ENCINO PARK OVER 50 CLUB 5 & 19 For folks a half-century old, come to the Encino Park Community Center, 1923 Encino Rio St., at 11:30 a.m. the first and third Tuesday of the month for fun activities including tours, dinner gatherings and events. For more, call Dyan Montesclaros at 481-7890.

APRIL

ENCINO PARK GAME DAY Come to the Encino Park 7 Community Center, 1923 Encino Rio St., at 1:30 p.m. on the month’s second Thursday for various game-related activities. Non-Encino Park residents are welcome, too. For more, contact Dyan Montesclaros at 481-7890.

APRIL

MILITARY WELCOME American Legion Post 10 9 holds a breakfast meeting 8-9:30 a.m. the second Saturday of every month between September and June, at The Egg & I, 700 E. Sonterra Blvd., Suite 314. All military, active-duty and veterans, as well as spouses and guests, are invited. For more, email Hector Cavazos, post commander, at hcavazospost10@ yahoo.com or call 325-5627.

APRIL

HAPPENING continues on pg. 08

{ Dreams Do Come True }

One in eight couples will struggle with infertility.

The Methodist Stone Oak Hospital Fertility Clinic can help.

Methodist Stone Oak Hospital Fertility Clinic is a private, comprehensive facility that offers a variety of procedures to meet your personal needs.

In the past year, the clinic has treated over 100 in vitro fertilization (IVF) cases and is currently 60% above the national average success rate of IVF.

There’s nothing quite as wonderful as when you find out you’re expecting, especially if conception was difficult. That’s why our expert teams of reproductive endocrinologists, registered nurses, and certified surgical technologists at the Methodist Stone Oak Hospital Fertility Clinic are passionate about what they do and work to support both your physical and emotional needs. They are fully dedicated to helping you navigate the very personal journey of conception. Because your dreams matter.

Easy access from Loop 1604 and Hwy 281.

Across Hardy Oak from Methodist Stone Oak Hospital.

Methodist Stone Oak Hospital has collaborated with experienced and highly trained physicians to offer fertility series unparalleled in South Texas. Meet our Medical Director, Summer James, MD. With more than a decade of experience in resolving infertility, Dr. Summer James is board-certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Reproductive Endocrinology/ Infertility. Dr. James brings her patients compassionate care coupled with innovative approaches to solving the most complex infertility cases.

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MARCH 28 - APRIL 25, 2016

HAPPENING continues from pg. 06

Sundays

8:30 - Traditional Worship 9:45 - Bible Study 11:00 - Contemporary Worship Pastor: Steve Graves

12615 San Pedro San Antonio, TX www.ShearerHills.org 210-545-2300

SEW BEE IT The sewing club meets on the second 12 Tuesday of the month at the Encino Park Community Center, 1923 Encino Rio St., from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Bring a power strip or extension cord. For more, email Sylvia Jolet at sjolet@earthlink.net or call 497-3383.

APRIL

PUTTING THE “HEAL” IN “HEALTH” Realize your own 13 healing potential from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road. Mastering and balancing your body’s energy and keeping it flowing smoothly may result in reducing pain, breathing easier, sleeping better and gaining vitality. Learn helpful information and practice Spring Forest Qigong exercises in a supportive environment. Group sessions magnify the training. No experience necessary. Dress comfortably in nonrestrictive clothes.

Workout can be modified for standing, sitting or lying. For more, call 207-2703.

APRIL

AGE IS JUST A NUMBER The Encino Older Adults 15 Club explores the Seven Wonders of the World on the month’s

APRIL

third Friday at 2 p.m. in the Encino Branch Library, 2515 E. Evans Road.

Admission is free. For more, call 2079250 or contact Barbara Kwiatkowski at barbara.kwiatkowski@sanantonio.gov.

SPRING CLEANING AND APRIL RAIN-BARREL WORKSHOP 16 The Stone Oak Property Owners Association, 19210 Huebner Road, Suite 100, hosts an Earth Day event. Free shredding and electronics disposal will take place in the parking lot from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. As well, from 9 a.m. to noon, learn how to collect rainwater. It’s all about preserving water with experts from Trinity Glen Rose Groundwater Conservation, plus San Antonio Water System. Instruction on making, and taking home, a rain barrel will be available for $25 paid to Trinity Glen Rose, with payment delivered to the Stone Oak POA by April 6. For more including acceptable and unacceptable items for discarding, visit www.stoneoakpoa.com.

HUNGRY FOR FIESTA? The 17th annual Taste of the 20 Northside takes place at The Club at Sonterra, 901 E. Sontera Blvd., from 5:30-10:30 p.m. Highlights include a country-club setting, food from more than 50 restaurants with 30-plus upscale

APRIL

wines and beers, and four live bands. Cost, prior to April 10, is $85; $100 afterwards.

For more and to purchase tickets, visit www.tasteofthenorthside.com.

SCHOOL’S OUT – BATTLE OF FLOWERS Schoolchildren receive 22 time off when campuses in the North East and Comal independent school districts will be closed for the festivities.

APRIL

DISTRICT 9 NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE Meetings are held 27 on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. in Stone Oak Methodist Hospital, 1139 E. Sonterra Blvd., classroom No.1. The hospital is just off U.S. 281 North. For more, call Art Downey, alliance president, at 497-8873.

APRIL

SHAPING UP FOR A NEW YOU While the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, usually exercises your mind, come work your body from 10-11 a.m.

A San Antonio Parks & Recreation Department instructor will lead a class in low-impact circuit training.

The session will focus on agility and flexibility. For more, call 207-2703.

MONDAYS

HAPPENING continues on pg. 09

9

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM HAPPENING continues from pg. 08 SO, YOU THINK YOU CAN SEW

WEDNESDAYS For an afternoon of advice and

conversation leaving you in stitches, the Encino Branch Library, 2515 E. Evans Road, hosts experienced needle enthusiasts from 12:30-3 p.m. The Hand Bee is a closeknit group of adults and seniors. If you’re sew-inclined and seek more, call 207-9250.

DOG-EARED BOOKS Come WEDNESDAYS to the Encino Branch Library, 2515 E. Evans Road, from 3-4 p.m. and read to a dog. Bring your favorite animal story or choose one off the shelves.

Even children who aren’t reading yet can come and narrate a story from one of the library’s wordless books. Recommended for ages 3 and up. For more, call 207-9250.

TABLE TENNIS ANYONE? Pingpong for adults is available at the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, meeting room B, from 1-3 p.m. (except Battle of Flowers, April 22). All skill levels are welcome. For more, call Tim Johnson at 207-2703.

FRIDAYS

JOIN THE FITNESS KICK The Encino Branch Library, 2515 E. Evans Road, tests

SATURDAYS

THANK YOU STONE OAK

THE NEIGHBORHOOD IS ABUZZ ABOUT OUR NEW CAMPUS!

your body at noon and 12:30 p.m. Learn martial arts from a third-degree black-belt instructor. This program teaches basics while improving strength, flexibility, conditioning and balance. Coordinated

by Fitness in the Park, sessions are free and families are encouraged to participate together. The 30-minute class is limited to 30 attendees. For more, call 207-9250.

CHECK THIS OUT Whether you’re just learning or a grand master, the Parman Pawn Stars invite you to play chess (except Easter Sunday, March 27). Kindergartners to high school seniors are welcome. The group meets at the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, from 2-4 p.m. For more, call 207-2703.

SUNDAYS

OOL & PRE- K OPENING H C S E S PR

ENCINO CINEMA PRESENTS: SUNDAY MATINEE The Encino Branch Library, 2515 E. Evans Road, will show a film suitable for the whole family at 2 p.m. (except Easter Sunday, March 27). For movie titles and more, call 207-9250 or contact Barbara Kwiatkowski at barbara.kwiatkowski@sanantonio.gov.

WEEKLY

SUBMITTING EVENTS: Email all

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

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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. KRISER’S NATURAL PET, 427 N. Loop 1604 West in Sonterra Village, opened its first San Antonio location in January, offering natural pet foods, treats, toys, vitamin supplements, “yappy hour” and grooming services and supplies. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more, call 490-2410 or visit www.krisers.com. (See story on page 24) 2. PRESTIGE EMERGENCY ROOM,

2810 N. Loop 1604 West, Suite 110, debuted in early December with a fully functioning emergency room, boardcertified emergency-medicine physicians, a high-speed lab and imaging equipment, and specializing in treating a variety of illnesses. The facility is open 24/7.

For more, call 504-4837 or visit www. prestigeer.com. (See story on page 25)

3. UMIX FROZEN YOGURT, 23522

Wilderness Oak Road, Suite 103, is one

Address of local business Name of local business

of three San Antonio-area sites offering self-serve frozen yogurt, fruit smoothies, fruit parfaits, cappuccinos, lattes, frozen coffees, crepes, waffles and more. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. For more, visit umixyogurt.com. (See story on page 26)

4. WOW CAFE KITCHEN AND TAP, 819

N. Loop 1604 East, recently opened near the Drury Inn & Suites, offering Cajuninfluenced dishes and a variety of craft beers on tap. Hours are 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.

For more, call 490-2256 or visit www. wowcafe.com. (See story on page 27)

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LOWDOWN continues from pg. 11 music provided. Hours are 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday; 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

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IN OTHER NEWS

THE TEXAS TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION RECENTLY approved $1.3 billion for 14 projects in the state’s metropolitan areas. Included is $81.3 million to expand U.S. 281 from Stone Oak Parkway to the Comal County line, which has already received funding through the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. The MPO on March 3 wrapped public forums and online comment on 41 additional proposals considered for $100 million in grants as part of the region’s 2017-20 Transportation Improvement Program.

Area TIP funding requests contain $14.7 million to expand Blanco Road from West Oak Estates Drive to Borgfeld Road; $5.4 million for intersection improvements at Loop 1604 and Blanco (FM 2696); and $10.1 million to reverse on/off ramps to Loop 1604

and install turnaround lanes at Bulverde Road. The MPO will weigh technical merit and public input before narrowing the list into final recommendations for the Texas Department of Transportation in May. A March 28 MPO meeting determined whether to include high-occupancy vehicle lanes in its plans for Interstate 10 West expansion, similar to an earlier decision to include the controversial lanes as part of the 281 extension.

A REAGAN HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR TOOK TOP HONORS IN THE SAN ANTONIO BOOK FESTIVAL. Niraja Surendran numbered among nine winners representing 40 Bexar County schools and 175 entries selected in the third annual fiction-writing contest. Seventh- through 12th-graders were asked to showcase their storytelling abilities on the theme “Not All Heroes Wear Capes.” In the 11th/12th Grade Division, Surendran won with her story, “Bear.”

Fiction contest co-chairwoman Shannon Stephens said, “The quality of the winning submissions this year was outstanding.

It’s a reflection on an entire community of teachers, librarians, educators and families who encourage these bright kids to work on and submit their stories.” First-place

LOWDOWN continues on pg. 13

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM LOWDOWN continues from pg. 12 winners received $250 cash prizes, with $500 going to their schools. The works were published in the Texas Cavaliers’ program and the students will appear on the Cavaliers’ float during Fiesta’s annual River Parade. Winners also received free Whataburger meals for a year and were surprised in classroom ceremonies, which included balloons and cookies provided by the Cavaliers and SABF volunteers.

Second- and third-place finishers got $150 and $100, respectively. All nine winners will be recognized during SABF’s special awards program at the Central Library and Southwest School of Art on April 2.

NORTH EAST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT elementary, middle and high school students unveiled a massive periodic table at Northside ISD’s Gustafson Stadium on March 2. About 100 San Antonio-area schools took part, officials said. NEISD pupils painted and designed individual displays of their assigned elements, and added to those created by students from other schools. Using all 118 elements, the schoolchildren assembled a table exceeding 22,000 square feet. Assisting organizations included San Antonio Science, the University of Texas Health

Science Center at San Antonio’s Graduate Student Association and Science Fiesta.

THROUGH A “TEENS FOR JEANS” CAMPAIGN, “TEX” HILL MIDDLE SCHOOL National Junior Honor Society members spearheaded a recent collection of more than 100 pairs of dungarees for homeless peers. Working via DoSomething.org, the school’s NJHS associates motivated other schoolchildren, faculty and staffers.

Donation boxes placed across school property filled up with gently used denims, as NJHS members encouraged support through campus advertising.

The 106 pairs of pants were given to Stand Up For Kids-San Antonio.

REAGAN HIGH SCHOOL ART TEACHER Jessica Jones Gonzales recently was selected as one of four Texas Art Education Association’s Leadership Scholars for 2016.

Leadership Scholars, chosen biennially, spend a year representing Texas at events sponsored by the National Art Education Association, attend TAEA meetings and more. Officials with the organization said past Leadership Scholars have served in the highest capacities at their campuses and at the district, region and state levels.

LOWDOWN continues on pg. 14

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JOHNSON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS recently won honors at the San Antonio Regional History Day competition at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Senior Lindsay Willson finished first in the Historical Paper category for her essay, “Freedom to Plunder: Early Modern Pirates and the World They Created.” Sophomore Haydn Rich placed second behind Willson by writing, “Hidden Encounters: Homosexuality in Victorian Britain.” Both students advanced to the state competition in Austin on April 30. History Day is a nationwide contest where pupils conduct original historical research presented in the form of a paper, documentary, website, exhibit or performance.

SMITHSON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS Ethan Howell, Colt Hermesch and Sheyenne Davis were among only 15,000 of 1.5 million 12th-graders from 22,000 high schools nationwide recently named as National Merit Finalists. They qualified due to Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test scores. Howell, the son of Douglas and Veronica Howell, will major in computer engineering at Brigham Young University.

Davis, the daughter of Shane and Kristine Davis, will major in civil engineering at Texas A&M University at College Station.

Hermesch, the son of Corey and Crystal Hermesch, will major in aerospace engineering at Texas A&M-College Station, the University of Texas at Austin or the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

“These students have set a great example for others in our district to follow,” said Andrew Kim, Comal Independent School District superintendent. “They have achieved one of the highest academic honors in the country.”

THE 48TH ANNUAL COMAL COUNTY JUNIOR LIVESTOCK SHOW included more than 700 third- through 12th-graders from Comal Independent School District campuses. Held March 2-5 at the Comal County Fairgrounds in New Braunfels, students exhibited chickens, turkeys, rabbits, lambs, goats, hogs, steers and heifers; others constructed trailers and barbecue pits. “These events have taught me so much about responsibility and time management,” said Kaylee Acosta, a Canyon Lake High School senior planning to major in agricultural business at Tarleton State University. “You learn how to take care of something other than yourself when you have to care for an animal on a daily basis.” Canyon Lake instructor Wade Albert said participation in Future Farmers of America; agricultural-science classes and contests could lead to bright futures.

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM ANNEXATION continues from pg. 01

Legislators will consider laws curbing land grabs

by WILL WRIGHT

A

nnexation might well be delayed until 2017, giving the city more time to consider reports on controversial plans for five Bexar County communities including north of affluent Stone Oak and Encino Park.

Two studies, commissioned after last fall’s public outcry, led to suspension of the city’s limited-purpose annexation process. It was a temporary victory for inhabitants of both areas, who have long resisted joining San Antonio.

“We held it up by a year, but we need to find a long-term solution,” said attorney Rob Killen, who is representing Stone Oak-area neighborhoods against annexation. “We want to work with the city, the county and the state to make sure they know where we stand – not just today or tomorrow, but 15 years from now.”

Killen and others vow to keep pressuring elected officials until the Legislature meets next January to once again consider curbs on what they deem as municipal land grabs by the city, which received results of both studies in January.

Consulting firm Public Financial Management Inc. completed a financial assessment. Also, TechBloc, a local technological advocacy group, commissioned New York-based HR&A Advisors Inc. for a review of annexation and other proposals in updating SA Tomorrow’s comprehensive plan.

Under City Manager Sheryl Sculley, the Annexation Technical Work Group is sifting through both analyses that address the financial and logistical implications of annexation during the next 20 years.

“She has asked her group to look at annexation in the five areas as part of the comprehensive plan. They will get back with City Council with recommendations – on when, where and what they should annex – in June,” said John Dugan, outgoing director of city

15 planning and community development.

The Planning Department’s Comprehensive Planning Group is examining the HR&A study to update SA Tomorrow, initiated in 1999 to forecast the city’s future needs through 2020. Those recommendations, which will also influence inclusion of potential projects for the city’s 2017 bond, will also be sent to council members in June.

“There are two separate things for the council to approve. The first is the comprehensive plan, and the second is the annexation program – whether they want to do all five areas, do some of them, or delay them until 2017,” Dugan said. “The council won’t probably decide all of that until after they return from their break in August.”

Dugan, in charge of city planning since 2012, has announced plans to resign April 15 to accept a similar position in Arlington. “(His) recent departure creates a lot of uncertainty with how we’ll proceed with the question of annexation,” District 9 Councilman Joe Krier said. “His replacement will have to evaluate steps the Planning Department has already taken, as well as the two studies’ findings. Then, he or she must recommend our next steps.

It’s unclear how much time that will take.”

In a Feb. 6 memo to Sculley, Deputy City Manager Peter Zanoni assessed both studies.

He said HR&A’s indicated San Antonio might not have accurately crunched the numbers used in projecting business and population growth and tax revenue from the proposed annexation tracts.

The evaluation, he said, “may moderately underestimate costs associated with annexation; may significantly overestimate revenues; and, does not sufficiently evaluate the risk of downside scenarios.”

According to PFM’s report, Zanoni said the city’s fiscal annexation plan “aligns with most national best-practice annexation models,” and commended its methodologies as “among the most robust of all models reviewed” by the company.

However, it suggested the city review previous financial analyses, encouraging revisions based on bestcase, worst-case scenarios involving future growth and tax projections.

“I’m currently evaluating the two studies,” Krier said, “however, I remain concerned about the city’s lack of preparation. As far as I can tell, the city doesn’t have a solid plan to provide services in the areas in question.”

ANNEXATION continues on pg. 16

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During a Feb. 25 gathering of more than 200 Stone Oak residents at Canyon Springs Golf Club, many questioned city projections they believe have underestimated personnel numbers that could lead to longer response times for emergency-services departments.

Ray Wilkinson, board president of Emergency Services District No. 3, insisted annexation would result in a major loss of tax funding for his ESD, which oversees Bexar-Bulverde Volunteer Fire Department.

“We operate two fire stations operated by volunteer men and women. Our job is to support them with the training and equipment they need,” he said. “Annexation is putting our operation in jeopardy – and we deal in life-and-death situations.”

Most Stone Oak-area residents are satisfied with current services provided by the Bexar County Sheriff ’s Office and road-maintenance departments, and fear their tax dollars might eventually fund needs in underprivileged city areas.

Attending the meeting, Precinct 3 Bexar County Commissioner Kevin Wolff, District 122 state Rep. Lyle Larson and District 25 state Sen. Donna Campbell

urged residents to pressure other elected officials in delaying annexation until legislation can be passed to curb municipalities’ annexation powers when lawmakers convene next year.

Both bills addressing the issue died during the 2015 session but will be reintroduced in 2017.

“We’re making it among our top priorities,” Campbell said. “The time is now to let them know there are groups of people who don’t want their freedoms taken away.”

Larson, a former city councilman and county commissioner, feels the city hasn’t effectively championed annexation.

“We need to go to the Legislature and seal it off,” he said. “We’ve got the momentum – there are people throughout the state that have the prospect of it happening in their areas. I feel strongly that we’ll get legislation passed.”

Meantime, Wolff advises residents to remain active.

“The only way to slow that down, and give the Legislature a chance to review these things, is folks like you,” he said. “Don’t let up. Keep the pressure on us (elected officials) – on me, on the City Council members and on the mayor. If you stop paying attention, (annexation) will happen – just like that.”

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The Emerald Village apartments at 3203 N. Loop 1604 East, near Redland Road, were built in part with state tax credits to offer affordable housing for professionals who couldn't otherwise pay the area's standard rents or mortgages, officials said. Photo by Alejandra Casas

EMERALD continues from pg. 01

Residents include young professionals

by TRAVIS E. POLING

A

n easy commute, good schools and pleasant surroundings are high on the wish lists of most apartment hunters, but they can be tough to find for workers on the far North Side without a fat paycheck.

Now, that reality could be changing with the Emerald Village apartments on North Loop 1604 West between Bulverde and Redland roads, city officials said. They add it has already made a difference for a few hundred tenants when it opened fully leased at the end of January.

The 144-unit development has 114 from one to four bedrooms dedicated to lower-income households, some paying as little as $200 monthly for a single bedroom normally priced at $790 in the highly sought-after area near numerous middle- and high-income neighborhoods in affluent Stone Oak and Encino Park.

Tax incentives from the state and some city allotments help make mixedincome projects possible, but scarcity of those funds, lack of affordable land and the restrictions near high-end neighborhoods in the city limits have hindered more projects such as Emerald Village from coming to pass in the area.

“There is a tremendous need for workforce housing in north San Antonio,” said Jason Arechiga, vice president of affordable development for NRP Group, developer of Emerald Village apartments

and other San Antonio projects.

Emerald Village residents include auto mechanics, police officers from San Antonio and nearby cities, other municipal employees, young teachers, supermarket workers and even a Wisconsin single mom returning to the Alamo City.

She wanted affordable quarters close to her nursing school and near good campuses for her kids.

Arechiga also said a large number of inhabitants work in retail locations including department stores, coffee shops and eateries. While the retail and restaurant industry is booming along the northern stretches of 1604, few of its lower-level employees can afford living where they labor.

“At Emerald Village, some of them have a five-minute commute to the retail locale,” Arechiga said. All the apartments, including those not devoted to lower-income residents, were leased before the official opening.

Depending on income, a one-bedroom apartment is $200 to $600 a month, while the market rate in the area is $790. A two-bedroom unit is $300 to $716 for those who qualify to get a discount off the $990 market rate. Even four-bedroom townhome-like units are a deal for a family of modest means, running $350 to about $800 monthly instead of $1,400.

What’s more, if workers’ wages increase, they still retain eligibility to stay at Emerald Village.

Through an affiliation with Community Housing Resource Partners Inc., NRP’s development includes an after-school program called Homework First, tutoring, mentoring and workforce development, and a program, which guides apartment

EMERALD continues on pg. 18

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EMERALD continues from pg. 17 dwellers through the process of becoming first-time homebuyers once establishing financial stability.

While there are affordable housing developments citywide including some upcoming mixed-income ventures, building more complexes like Emerald Village north of 1604 will be harder to accomplish due to so many barriers, officials said.

The need, laid out by the city and analysis from state demographers, is staggering.

San Antonio is adding about 40,000 newcomers a year, including people relocating from elsewhere for new employment, said John Dugan, the departing director of the city’s planning and community development. About 20,000 jobs have been created in the city yearly and many of those workers need affordable nearby abodes.

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs awarded $1.5 million in Housing Tax Credits to NRP in 2013.

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Support from the City Council and state House representatives also are needed to make the cut.

In 2015’s funding round, state Housing Tax Credits went to New Braunfels projects, bypassing proposed San Antonio developments, Dugan said.

The city projects 12,237 and 6,589 new houses and apartment units, respectively, will be needed annually through 2040 to meet demand. Such inventory also should be geographically diverse and affordable for those across the income spectrum.

Stated goals from a report at the 2015 San Antonio Housing Policy Summit included “to increase the number of mixed-income neighborhoods throughout the city,” and to “identify reliable, dedicated funding sources to increase the availability of affordable and workforce housing and to mitigate the costs of household displacement.”

The unmet demand for affordable San Antonio dwellings by households below 80 percent of the median is $153,672, according to the study. In the city, average-sized families earning $20,000 a year or less spend more than 50 percent of income on housing and transportation.

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councilman and chairman of the council’s Housing Committee, said more highquality projects along the lines of Emerald Village are necessary, but it’s difficult to find inexpensive land with enough buffering from established neighborhoods concerned about noise and traffic.

“We need to make sure there is good geographic distribution” of affordable housing, said Gallagher, who attended Emerald Village’s opening. “We have to be careful as a city to evaluate all of these projects.”

The councilman’s boundary ends only a few hundred feet before the apartments, which are in District 9.

“There is an infatuation with downtown (among young adults), which I understand, but then those families have young children” and often look outside the urban core for reasonable apartments, he said.

Gallagher encourages developers to consider other business corridors inside 1604 for tracts not too close to existing neighborhoods and with plenty of buffering properties, such as along Perrin Beitel Road up to Wurzbach Parkway.

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

Dual-Spanish Immersion Early Learning Center

Julie Shore, the new principal at 'Tex' Hill Middle School, wants to help create traditions at the fledgling campus, such as a first-day-of-school explanation about the Foucault pendulum in the lobby, which demonstrates the Earth's rotation. Photo by Neven Jones

SHORE continues from pg. 01

Middle school a special time for kids

by KATE HUNGER

T

he daughter and only child of an Air Force pilot, young Julie Shore moved a dozen times before high school, something the new “Tex” Hill Middle School principal credits with creating a close family bond.

Adapting to new situations, honed during childhood, also has proven valuable in her life and work.

“It forces you not to be shy,” she said.

Shore, previously the assistant principal in charge of curriculum and instruction at Johnson High School, started at Hill on Jan. 4.

The North East Independent School District’s latest middle school, Hill opened in August 2014.

Shore replaced former Principal Rudy Jimenez, now NEISD’s executive director of adult and community education.

Current and former colleagues describe Shore as friendly, supportive of staff and engaged with students. Shore hits the halls as classes change and makes rounds in the cafeteria during lunch, taking time to talk to pupils, said JoAna Kacher, Hill’s academic dean.

“She gets on the PA system frequently

to talk about good things (students) have done,” Kacher said. “She is constantly talking to kids, parents, teachers and just about everybody.”

A Judson High School and Texas State University graduate, Shore began her career at Marshall High School, where she was dance, drill and pep-squad director for nearly a decade. A promotion in 2008 to Tejeda Middle School assistant principal actually gave her more time for her husband and growing family, which now includes a 7-year-old daughter and son, 3.

“I don’t know how to do things halfway,” she said.

Hill, in the same NEISD cluster as Tejeda and Johnson, enabled Shore to build long-term connections with students and families.

“I got to see them from the time they were 10 years old until they walked across the stage at graduation,” she said.

Shore enjoys children of all ages, but said middle school is special because of the relative freedom students have to explore interests without the pressures of class rank associated with high school.

“They do get to feel out what’s going to be their niche,” she said.

Shore said her goals at Hill include encouraging and supporting teachers as they work with pupils, including State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness exam preparation. She also plans to establish a traditions committee made up of faculty, students and parents to find ways for selecting and nurturing campus customs.

She envisions a first-day-of-school

SHORE continues on pg. 20

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SHORE continues from pg. 19 lesson on the institution’s namesake, World War II fighter pilot David Lee “Tex” Hill, and on the large brass Foucault pendulum just inside the main entrance, so all schoolchildren will know the facility’s history and how the pendulum demonstrates the Earth’s rotation.

Starting meaningful practices and rituals is something Shore has done throughout her career, noted Johnson Principal John Mehlbrech.

He hired Shore twice — first at Tejeda and then at Johnson, in 2013. Mehlbrech praised her energy, commitment to boosting staff morale and positive outlook. At Johnson, Shore randomly gave staff pats on the back, T-shirts, hot cocoa and other tokens of appreciation, often in front of students, he said.

Such a fun commitment has continued at Hill, Kacher said, where the latest principal kicks off meetings with videos or music to lighten the mood.

“I think ‘Tex’ Hill has found a jewel that I think fits perfectly in that community,” Mehlbrech said.

Stephanie Trevino-Felan, now Johnson’s dance and drill team director, was a high school freshman when she met Shore through ShowMakers of America.

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Shore has worked for the dance company for more than 20 years judging competitions, choreographing for summer camps and serves as its media and technology director.

Trevino-Felan recalls how impressed she was with “(Shore’s) captivating choreography, her talent and her positivity” almost 20 years ago. The pair eventually became colleagues and TrevinoFelan considers Shore a role model.

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JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa has completed a $16 million expansion including two new water slides and an event pavilion in its water-park area. Photo by Edmond Ortiz

MARRIOTT continues from pg. 01

‘Dinosaur George,’ other events planned for this summer

by EDMOND ORTIZ

T

he JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa has finished a $16 million upgrade, which adds water slides and other amenities to attract both tourists and locals looking for a staycation.

Already boasting 36 holes of PGA Tour golf, a water park and upscale luxury suites, the multimillion-dollar project is the first major expansion for the far North Side hotel since opening early in 2010.

In addition to the two new water slides, other attractions include a pool, an artificial sand beach and an 18,000-square-

foot event pavilion and lawn.

Resort representatives said these and other additions and upgrades are designed to keep previous guests coming back for more.

They also said the enhancements should bolster JW Marriott’s local image as a place packed with opportunities for family fun, business and other forms of leisure.

The hotel is at 23808 Resort Parkway.

“It was Arthur’s idea to improve all this,” Steve McGuire, JW Marriott’s director of engineering, said about resort general manager Arthur Coulombe.

The hotel has been top ranked in roomrental revenue in Bexar County yearly since 2011, according to the Texas Comptroller’s Office. It already had 265,000 square feet of meeting space prior to the expansion.

Guests arriving over Spring Break were among the first to enjoy the expanded River Bluff Water Experience, which has grown from 6 to 8 acres. It now has two 47-foot-tall water slides.

Those visitors became the first to see the six cabanas and a beach-type entry next to an 80,000-gallon pool and a whirlpool spa. With expansion, there are now an

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The new water slide isn't the only attraction at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, which also has amenities for tourists and locals alike. Photo by Edmond Ortiz

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MARRIOTT continues from pg. 21 additional 230 poolside lounge chairs.

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MARRIOTT continues on pg. 23

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM MARRIOTT continues from pg. 22 the new pavilion has high ceilings, and can be used for major private events outside of the busy summer season and special holidays. The overall pavilion will offer multifunctional space.

The small stage can support live music or some other live performance for guests, who can sit or stand on a lawn of artificial grass embedded with painted sand.

The artificial lawn resembles the two golf courses’ greens, and has views of the golfers, bird sanctuary and beyond.

There’s also a new 6,000-gallon Jacuzzi, and a 2,000-pound outdoor grill customized by the resort’s culinary team. The bar serving the new pool area will specialize in rum.

Construction in much of the pavilion and pool area used materials consistent with the stone palette, which prevails throughout the resort’s existing interior and exterior areas.

Hotel officials want to emphasize new and improved programming for guests this spring and summer, including children’s night-out activities, youngsters’ agility boot camp and “Zoomagination,” where anyone can come and learn about a variety of animals up close and personal.

There’s also a craft zone for kids.

While they can take part in evening festivities such as organized stargazing

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Water activities are a large part of the fun at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, where guests also can enjoy other outdoor leisure activities from golf to exploring nature. Photo by Edmond Ortiz

on the resort grounds, guests are also encouraged to take walks and hikes on the adjacent 1,000-acre nature preserve.

This summer, “Dinosaur George” Blasing will lead educational sessions about prehistoric Texas for young and old, too.

“We have to make sure our guests are creatively stimulated and have options other than aquatics, and for all ages,” said Mary Jo Ferrazza, director of resort experience.

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MARCH 28 - APRIL 25, 2016

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

Make tracks to natural pet-food store in Stone Oak

by ANGELA HERNANDEZ

A

n advocate for animals, Brad Kriser wanted to share the rewards of a healthy and natural life for pets.

The founder and CEO of Kriser’s Natural Pet is doing just that with his first San Antonio store at 427 N. Loop 1604 West in Sonterra Village.

Other locations include Houston, Chicago, Colorado and California.

“Our staff are educators first,” Kriser said. “We are here to help pet owners give their pets the best life possible inside and out.”

Grooming services such as baths, haircuts, brushing, nail trimming and even blueberry facials are available.

“The cost of buying natural pet food (is worth) the benefits that it provides, like lowering the risk of health problems with pets, and adds years onto an animal’s life,” Kriser said.

Earthborn Holistic Pet Food, Acana, Grandma Lucy’s and The Honest Kitchen are some of the brands Kriser’s carries; customers can’t purchase the products online.

In addition to shopping and grooming, the store provides pets’ birthday parties, breed meet-ups, “yappy hour” and training sessions. Employees are encouraged to stay active in their community; the Stone Oak franchise partnered with Alamo City Pit Bull Rescue & Rehabilitation for a March adoption event and is scheduled to host a similar service for dachshunds April 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Kriser's Natural Pet features a variety of services for pets including grooming, as well as holistic food, dog treats and cat toys. Photos by Collette Orquiz

“I never wanted Kriser’s to feel like the average pet store. We wanted to have a fun environment where owners and pets are excited to shop,” Kriser said.

The business strictly specializes in products for dogs and cats, but not exotics.

“We have your pet’s best interest in mind and we are never going to do anything that is bad for your pet,” noted the storeowner.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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KRISER'S NATURAL PET 427 N. Loop 1604 West in Sonterra Village For more, call 490-2410 or visit www.krisers.com or facebook.com/kriserspets

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Emergency-care staffers promise to go the extra mile

by PETER MORALEZ

P

restige Emergency Room may not be one of those big hospitals, but patients still receive first-class care and get looked at as soon as possible, staffers said.

“This is not the big hospital emergencyroom care that we’ve all become accustomed to,” said Mark Dykes, a registered nurse and the office manager for Prestige Emergency Room. “When you walk into our care center, you are assured access to a bed, where you are evaluated and cared for by one of our doctors on staff immediately. That is our promise to you.”

Located at 2810 N. Loop 1604 West, Suite 110, Prestige Emergency Room is open around the clock

and all year long, Dykes said.

“And we can deal with any medical emergency affecting newborn infants to the elderly,” he added.

Three doctors, all board certified in emergency-room care, came together to create the facility on the North Side.

Luis Chapa, Adrian Reyes and Edward Wright are the staff physicians.

“We want our patients to know that not only will they receive exceptional medical care from our staff, but they can be assured of a timely follow-up within 24 to 48 hours, as well as an email address to contact the physician that cared for them, in the event they have any questions or concerns,” the nurse said.

The personnel at Prestige Emergency Room go the extra mile for those under their care, Dykes said.

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Prestige Emergency Room features a comfortable lobby (topmost photo) and up-to-date equipment such as X-ray computed tomography (above). Photos by Collette Orquiz

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MARCH 28 - APRIL 25, 2016

EAT LOCAL

An espresso machine for Lavazza coffee (left), yogurt dispensers (top, far left) and a mix of toppings ranging from almonds and walnuts to candy (bottom, far left) are all on the menu at Umix Frozen Yogurt. Photos by Collette Orquiz

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

Variety spice of life at Umix Frozen Yogurt

by ALEJANDRA CASAS

T

he idea behind Umix Frozen Yogurt is to offer so many choices that it’s never hard to please customers.

“Mothers can have a cappuccino and crepe, while their kids have frozen yogurt,” said founder Ernesto Escudero.

Umix opened its third San Antonio location at 23522 Wilderness Oak Road, Suite 103.

The colorful shop features a range of frozen yogurt recipes and a topping bar filled with healthy options including fresh fruit, nuts, granola and child-tempting treats such as candy and brownie bits.

To satisfy caffeine cravings, Umix provides espresso-based drinks made

with Lavazza coffee — cappuccinos, lattes and frappes. In addition to crepes, Umix serves natural fruit smoothies, fruit parfaits and waffles to tantalize the sweet tooth.

“There’s not one other yogurt shop in Texas that has that variety of products,” Escudero said.

What began as a coffee, deli and juice bar 17 years ago evolved into Umix after Escudero traveled to California and noticed an upsurge in establishments offering frozen yogurt.

At the time, there was nothing like it in the Rio Grande Valley, where Escudero and his wife started their first stores.

“It’s been a hit since day one,” Escudero said.

The couple eventually moved

north to San Antonio. They hope to someday launch more franchises in Austin, Houston and Dallas.

“I can say wonders about Umix,” Escudero said, “but if people don’t come and try it, they won’t know.”

Its other San Antonio venues are at the Dominion Ridge shopping center, 22211 Interstate 10 West, Suite 1110, and Park North Plaza, 754 N.W. Loop 410, Suite 107.

Hours at the Stone Oak eatery are 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

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

Wow restaurant promises bold tastes and treats

by OLIVIER J. BOURGOIN

C

hecking in at over 3,500 square feet, the recently opened Wow Cafe Kitchen and Tap, 819 N. Loop 1604 East, is the largest among the dozens of restaurants owned or operated by the Louisiana-based Ballard Brands wings chain.

The company took flight in the late 1990s, according to local manager Gabriel Orozco.

Near Drury Inn & Suites, the Alamo City eatery is a franchise owned by the hotel group.

“If this one goes well, the idea is to open more next to some of their other hotels. We’re trying to establish a partnership with them

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for other Drury Inn locations,” Orozco said.

“Out of 60-plus locations, the reason this one is the biggest one is because most of the others are (quick-service restaurants),” added Orozco, a native San Antonian who trained as a chef in Austin.

“Most of the others are located on college campuses, in hospitals or in airports.”

With 14 big-screen televisions, outdoor patio and full bar, Wow — standing for “World of Wings” — employs up to 30 employees serving assorted wings and ribs flavored with a Cajun influence.

“We call it a cafe, but this is bigger than a typical cafe. It’s more what I’d call an eatery,” Orozco said. “It’s not just wings.”

The restaurant has 52 beers on tap.

Currently also wowing patrons in Louisiana, California, Colorado, Ohio and New York, the eatery plans more expansion, partly due to some of its crowdpleasing specialties such as the Shanghai Po’boy — fried shrimp, lettuce, house rice, fries and sweet and spicy Shanghai sauce (one of 18 sauce recipes created by iconic Louisiana chef Paul Prudhomme).

“Our wings are top sellers.

Our wings even won a contest in Louisiana,” Orozco said.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.

Diners at Wow Cafe Kitchen and Tap can feast on the rib and wing combo (far left) or the Covington salad with grilled chicken (topmost photo) while also spending some time relaxing on the patio (above).

Photos by Collette Orquiz

WOW CAFE KITCHEN AND TAP 819 N. Loop 1604 East For more, call 490-2256 or visit www.wowcafe.com

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