LOCAL: Stone Oak, Encino Park, Far North, 78258, 78259, 78260, 78261 August 2015

500 MILLION

$

NEISD proposed bond issue

PG.16 New funding could go to improve existing facilities

Panther Springs Park offers public art Artist’s inspiration came from natural surroundings, native plants

PG.20

STONE OAK

VOL. 2, ISSUE 3

ENCINO PARK

COMMUNITY NEWS

FAR NORTH

78258 78259 78260 78261

JULY 27 - AUGUST 24, 2015

Bulverde Road seeing more commerce

‘Joe in the District’ PG.24

BUY LOCAL

New retail site will offer top shops, developer says

OAK TREE

ORTHODONTIST PG.27

Creating beautiful smiles is one of the goals at the Stone Oak clinic

PG.26 3 SASSY CHICKS BOUTIQUE Feather your nest with unique apparel

THAI HUT

EAT LOCAL

PG.18

From quarry blasting to neighborhood drainage woes, District 9 councilman makes personal visits to solve problems

BISTRO PG.28

Third restaurant opened by family continues authentic-cuisine tradition

PG.29 DUNKIN' DONUTS Eatery offers a lot more than just cofee and doughnuts

2

JULY 27 - AUGUST 24, 2015

FROM THE EDITOR wwright@localcommunitynews.com

Delivering Integrity Since 1954.

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 Olivier J. Bourgoin, Jacque Crouse, Eric Moreno, Edmond Ortiz, Eileen Pace, Travis E. Poling, Arthur Schechter and Susan Yerkes ART Creative Director Florence D. Edwards Contributing Photographer Rudy B. Ornelas

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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 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

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Court’s rulings carry local impact

T

he recent flurry of decisions issued by the U.S. Supreme Court will surely affect lives across San Antonio.

The court ruled against state chapters of Sons of Confederate Veterans, which sought to overturn Texas’ refusal to authorize a specialty license plate featuring a Confederate battle flag.

Justices upheld the legality of federal tax subsidies in the Affordable Care Act, known as “Obamacare,” in Texas and three-dozen other states, which chose not to run medical-insurance marketplaces.

The court then endorsed a farreaching interpretation of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, giving plaintiffs more leeway in housing-discrimination suits. Ruling in a Texas case, the court found state officials violated federal law in granting unequal tax credits to landlords in minority neighborhoods.

The Supreme Court remained busy, ruling 5-4 in two more landmark cases.

Justices granted same-sex couples the right to marry nationwide, and in another decision announced June 30, the court temporarily blocked Texas’ tough abortion law, which will allow nearly a dozen clinics to resume operations.

Those rulings haven’t been embraced by all. Local SCV chapters are outraged – same goes for opponents of “Obamacare.”

The gay-marriage ruling was almost immediately countered by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who said state county clerks could deny marriage licenses if doing so might go against their religious principles.

At the Bexar County Clerk’s Office, officials said hundreds of same-sex couples sought marriage licenses in the days following the court decision.

These recent decisions will have a local impact, and like them or not, for now, we’ll have to live with them.

WILL WRIGHT MANAGING EDITOR

CLARIFICATION: A story about Air2Recovery in the July edition of LOCAL referred to a staffer as a physician's assistant. The correct term is physician assistant.

4

JULY 27 - AUGUST 24, 2015

LOCAL COMMENTARY

Making World Heritage our mission

by SUSAN YERKES

I

n 1892, the celebrated journalist Richard Harding Davis wrote: “San Antonio is the oldest of Texan cities, and possesses historical and picturesque showplaces which in any other country but our own would be visited by innumerable American tourists prepared to fall down and worship.

“The citizens of San Antonio do not, as a rule, appreciate the historical values of their city; they are rather tired of them … But the missions which lie just outside of the city are what will bring the Eastern man or woman to San Antonio.”

Davis was ahead of his time.

Finally, we’re catching up.

The day after the United States celebrated the Fourth of July, San Antonio celebrated a landmark occasion when UNESCO named the Spanish missions — five including the Alamo — a World Heritage Site, putting us up there with the Statue of Liberty, Yellowstone National Park and only 20 more places in the country to earn such a designation.

How are we affected? Well, like a Spurs championship, it won’t change gas-pump prices or the cost of fajitas at your local H-E-B, but the immensely attractive effect of World Heritage status is projected to add up to another $125 million or so per year to the Alamo City’s tourist economy by 2025.

Moreover, for this All-American city, it’s a great point of pride.

Winning World Heritage status took the same kind of dedication and teamwork that makes the Spurs such superstars, and it’s not difficult to suggest some analogies.

The quest began back in 2006, with — no surprise — the San Antonio Conservation Society, the same group who championed River Walk visionary Robert Hugman’s dream of an “American Venice” downtown and kept the

waterway from being paved over.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Antonio and its foundation to support the old missions, known as Las Misiones and led by the Rev. David Garcia, emerged as our team’s center. The nearly $17 million Las Misiones has raised and spent on preserving missions Concepcion, San José, San Juan and Espada in recent years proved a powerful plus for the World Heritage drive. Ditto for Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, a oneman power forward in his passionate pursuit of greatness for the onceneglected Mission Reach of the river.

Stellar shooting guards include the San Antonio River Authority, the National Park Service, Los Compadres de San Antonio Missions, the Paseo del Rio Association and the city, plus so many others.

In the last couple of years, the Texas General Land Office has stepped into the role of Alamo conservator, a position long held by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.

The DRT also deserve some credit for saving the Alamo from being consigned to a gas station in the early 1900s and maintaining it as a national treasure for many years. However, with

bold new plans for remaking Alamo Plaza and conserving more of our great and diverse cultural history, the state’s deeper pockets and greater reach make it a strong point-guard assist man.

Plus, while the planners are busy envisioning a super-duper renovated Alamo area, here’s hoping reorganizers of nearby HemisFair Park will make ample room to connect to the city’s historic confluence of cultures, including a colonial-era acequia recently unearthed in the park, along with the fun, modern attractions and accommodations they’re bringing.

The victorious team that won us World Heritage status is planning a citywide celebration Oct. 16-18. That’s just before Founders Day, Oct. 24, an observance of this enchanting city’s remarkably diverse background begun 12 years ago by the late, fabulous Frank W. Jennings, a dedicated amateur historian and author of “San Antonio: Story of An Enchanted City.”

Kudos to our World Heritage players! Let’s all get out there and explore San Antonio’s world-class roots, and what they mean to our part of Texas, and the whole world.

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JULY 27 - AUGUST 24, 2015

OUR TURN Views and opinions about your community

City-county combo deserves a look

T

he time has come for San Antonio and Bexar County to unite as a metropolitan government, thereby eliminating duplicate services and creating more efficiency.

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San Antonio already is the second largest city in Texas, and with plans on the books to annex new territory, more and more of the county is disappearing.

Wouldn’t it be sensible to finally combine governments, law enforcement, fire departments, public works, libraries, trash collection and other municipal amenities to provide greater uniformity and productivity?

During the last legislative session, state Rep. Lyle Larson tried again to introduce a measure paving the way for a consolidation of city and county services.

It seems wasteful to have the city and

the county fund so many parallel jobs and functions, especially at taxpayers’ expense.

Larson, a Republican representing state House District 122, says taxpayers could save millions.

Though the measure was dropped from the Legislature’s agenda, it would have called for a constitutional amendment that could lead to city-county consolidation.

Local leaders, sadly, did not rush to Larson’s banner. As in years past, it seems some public servants worried more about keeping their turf than saving residents money and improving functions.

Indeed, city and county workers also have expressed fears about losing their government jobs.

However, the measure included a provision to protect the employees of political subdivisions integrated into any new city-county government.

Though a lot would still have to be worked out, including elections and representation, the time has come for San Antonio and Bexar County to embrace their destiny and create a single — and better — government for the people.

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

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LOCAL LETTERS STANCE ON PROTEST INSENSITIVE EDITOR: I was deeply disturbed by the June editorial, “Nuisance protests don’t inspire support,” regarding an April 29 protest on the Northeast Side.

While you correctly tied the assembly to those occurring in Baltimore (and elsewhere around the country) decrying police brutality against black Americans, you failed to identify the relevant local incident this group was also recognizing.

In that case, an off-duty officer at the restaurant where the April protest was held killed Marquise Jones, 23, in February 2014. Demonstrators chose that location to exhibit solidarity with those protesting the death of Freddie Gray in Baltimore, as well as recognize Jones’ case.

Accounts of the April 29 protest can be viewed online from several news sources showing demonstrators peacefully assembled on the side of the road, with several San Antonio Police Department officers looking on.

In an on-camera interview, an officer praises the protestors’ demeanor and verifies no citations were issued.

The editorial complains the interruption of traffic caused by the protest was a “nuisance” and “inconvenient.” The irony is disconcerting. Imagine how inconvenient it must be to live in a society that treats you unjustly due to the color of your skin, or the inconvenience of losing your life to racial prejudice.

Speaking out against excessive force and racial profiling by law enforcement should be everyone’s cause.

Further, it is irresponsible as a news publication to promote – even within an editorial – the intentional spread of misinformation or murky information.

The “us-versus-them” mentality advocated by the editorial is unfortunate and divisive.

Sarah Szuminski

Send letters to the editor to tedwards@salocallowdown.com or snail mail them to Local Community News, 4204 Gardendale St., Suite 201, San Antonio, TX 78229. We reserve the right to edit for taste, grammar and length.

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Starting August 23

8

JULY 27 - AUGUST 24, 2015

HAPPENING LOCAL

New Worship Times

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

OUR GUIDE TO YOUR MONTH

8:30

Traditional

11:00

Contemporary

itcloudforbusiness.com

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

HAPPENING KEY

FITNESS

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

JULY 25 AUG. 22

DIG IT The 2015 Reagan Volleyball Summer Camp is 8:30-11:30 a.m. for students entering grades seven or eight, and 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for incoming fourth-, fifth-, sixth- and ninth-graders. Campers will attend Bush Middle School, 1500 Evans Road, except seventh-graders

JULY 27-30

ART

TALK

OUTDOOR

MUSIC

FOOD

who’ll report to Lopez Middle School, 23103 Hardy Oak Blvd. Learn volleyball techniques from Reagan High School head coach Mike Carter and his assistants.

Enrollment fee is $50 in advance, $60 at the door. For more and to register, visit a link at rattlersports.com.

ENCINO CINEMA PRESENTS: MOVIES ON THE PATIO At dusk, the Encino Branch Library, 2515 E. Evans Road, shows films suitable for the whole family.

Bring lawn chairs for a carefree night of cost-free, wall-free cinema with no-cost popcorn. For more, call 2079250 or email Barbara Kwiatkowski at barbara.kwiatkowski@sanantonio.gov.

JULY 29 AUG. 5

HAPPENING continues on pg. 09

QUENEDIT BALLET SCHOOL FALL CLASSES BEGIN August 24, 2015

COME JOIN THE FUN!

Learn, Laugh and Learn, Laugh and Create at Magik Create at Magik Performing Performing Arts Center Arts Center Take Flight!

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Ages 3 - Adult Creative Movement, Pre-Ballet, Ballet, Pointe, Stretch & Strength, Ballet Training Program for Home Schoolers (advanced level), Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop, Adult Classes (Stretch & Strength, Ballet, Flamenco, Latin American Dances) Registration: August 17-21, 2015 4:00-7:00 p.m.

The Magik Theatre’s Camp Showbiz

Good Drama, Good Food Good Drink, and Good Times!

Free Admission!

The Magik Theatre’s Camp Showbiz June 8th through August 21st The Magik June 8thAges through AugustTheatre 21st presents 3 through 17 Ages 3 through 17

Shakespeare in the Park

Focusing on fun, learning, and creativity, Camp

Focusing fun, learning, and creativity, Camp in a Showbizonoffers age-targeted theatre classes Showbiz offers age-targeted theatre classes sessions. in a day-camp structure of 1-, 2and 4-week day-camp structure of 1-, 2- andalso 4-week sessions.

Extended-care options available.

Extended-care options also available.

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Food and Drink • Demonstrations by Now 2 Creative locations! the Society for Anachronism Downtown | The Magik Theatre • Falconry by Last Downtown | The Magik Theatre Chance Forever • Strolling Entertainers 420 S. Alamo 78205 | 210.227.2751 420 S. Alamo 78205 | 210.227.2751 Northside | Magik Performing Center FREE LIVE PERFORMANCES Northside | Magik Performing ArtsArts Center Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale - Nightly at 8:00 p.m.

5359 Casa Bella 78249 | 210.375.5458 5359 Casa Bella 78249 | 210.375.5458 The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged!)

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Now showing at The Magik Theatre Now showing at The Magik Theatre The Magic Treehouse: TheMOVIE MagicSCREENINGS Treehouse:Nightly at 8:00 p.m.

FREE The Tempest • Orleans Romeo and Juliet • Hamlet AANight in in New Night New Orleans

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Villita

Fri. September 4 • 5:00-11:00 p.m. • Sat. September 5 • 1:00-11:00 p.m.

Sun. September 6 • 1:00-11:00 p.m.

For Further Information, Contact:

QUENEDIT BALLET SCHOOL The Village at Stone Oak • 22610 US HWY.281 N - Suite 221 Phone: 210-535-4165 • Email: info@QBSdance.me www.Queneditdance.org

9

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM HAPPENING continues from pg. 08 AUG. 1

SUMMER FUN The 10th annual Summer Celebration at North Central Baptist Hospital will take place in the atrium lobby and north parking lot, 520 Madison Oak Drive, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free community event will be filled with fun activities, health and wellness vendors, kids’ cooking workshops and more. For details, email Jennifer Meachum at jmmeachu@ baptisthealthsystem.com or call 297-4910.

GET YOUR GROOVE ON Quenedit Ballet School, 22610 U.S. 281 North, Suite 221, in the Village at Stone Oak, is offering late-afternoon/ early evening summer dance classes. Try ballet, hip-hop, jazz, pre-ballet, creative movement, salsa, tap or the school’s newest addition – leaps, jumps and turns. Tuition varies based on the number of class hours taken per week. For more, call 535-4165.

THROUGH AUG. 1

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? Boys entering grades four through nine and wanting to excel in football are recommended to attend the 2015 Reagan Rattler Football Camp, 19000 Ronald Reagan Drive, conducted by Reagan High School head coach David Wetzel and crew. Incoming fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders take the field from 9-10:30 a.m. Cost is $40.

Campers entering seventh, eighth and ninth grade practice at 8:30-11:30 a.m. and cost is $60. All campers should wear cool clothing and cleats, plus bring a labeled water bottle and towel. For more and to register, visit a link at rattlersports.com.

AUG. 3-6

ENCINO PARK OVER 50 CLUB 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, contact Dyan Montesclaros at 481-7890.

AUG. 4, 18

MICROCHIP MANIA This month’s microchip clinic, hosted by Animal Care Services, runs from 2 to 6 p.m. at Panther Springs Park, 22635 Wilderness Oak Road; the clinic is near the dog park. Pets of San Antonio residents will be implanted – at no charge – with a microchip with basic lifetime registration that can be updated at any time. Animals must be leashed or in an appropriate carrier. For more, call Lisa Norwood at 207-6665 or email lisa.norwood@sanantonio.gov.

AUG. 7

AUG. 8

SCHOOL-SUPPLY DRIVE The culminating event in more than a monthlong collection

of learning tools will be held all day at H-E-B locations including Bulverde. The annual Communities In Schools of South Central Texas’ “Pack the Bus” campaign provides new supplies to thousands of students during the school year. Donations may also be left at CIS offices, 161 S. Castell Ave., in New Braunfels. For more, including updated drop-off places, visit www.cis-sct.org or call 830-620-4247.

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING Trustees of the North East Independent School District regularly meet the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the boardroom at 8961 Tesoro Drive. To confirm dates and times, call 407-0533.

AUG. 10

TEXAS’ ONLY

MASTER OF JURISPRUDENCE PROGRAM

NEISD SUMMER GRADUATION The ceremony for North East Independent School District summer graduates starts at 7 p.m. in the auditorium at Reagan High School, 19000 Ronald Reagan Drive.

Students will get information, including a reservation form, at their individual schools. For more, go to neisd.net and find the link under District Events.

AUG. 11

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

AUG. 13

MEET THE DUCK COMMANDER Phil Robertson, from “Duck Dynasty,” will visit Cornerstone Church, 18755 Stone Oak Parkway, as part of “Guys’ Night Out.” The realityTV special guest will be on hand at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary, followed by dinner on the grounds. Admission and meal is $15. Tickets may be purchased Sundays at the church lobby or Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Special Events office. For more, call 499-1669 or go to www.sacornerstone.org.

AUG. 14

CALLING ALL SINGLE SENIORS Are you 50 or over? If so, fellowship, games, fun and lunch await noon to 4 p.m. every third Saturday of the month at Cornerstone Church’s Life Center, 18755 Stone Oak Parkway. Cost is $3. Reservations must be made in advance by calling Jeannine Owens at 821-5073.

AUG. 15

TALKIN’ ‘BOUT MY GENERATION AUG. From 2-4 p.m. on the third 15 Saturday every month, the Encino Branch Library, 2515 E. Evans Road, affords an opportunity to learn more

HAPPENING continues on pg. 10

Our 30-credit-hour program will give you a career edge through a greater understanding of legal issues in your field.

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about your ancestors. “Generations,” the library’s genealogy club, welcomes anyone who wants to investigate their family history and make friends. For more, call 207-9250 or email Barbara Kwiatkowski at barbara.kwiatkowski@sanantonio.gov.

ART EXHIBIT The works of cartoonist Mike Fisher will be on display at the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, for an extended period. Fisher’s creations have appeared in magazines and videos. Plus, on Aug. 22, from 2-3 p.m., in Meeting Room A, the animator will conduct a presentation on Comic-Con art and culture.

For more, call Tim Johnson at 207-2703.

GED REGISTRATION North East Adult Education services of the North East Independent School District is offering registration for General Educational Development tests from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 107 W. Rampart Drive. For more, call 356-7550.

Located off of Stone Oak Parkway, just South of Huebner Rd.

www.brightsmilesa.com

HAPPENING continues from pg. 09

AUG. 17-18

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JULY 27 - AUGUST 24, 2015

AUG. 17 NOV. 6

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10

AUG. 18

the month at Cornerstone Church’s Life Center, 18755 Stone Oak Parkway. The evolving ministry, “Singles with Purpose,” is a get-together for adults ages 35-50. Cost is $3. Child care is provided. For more, call 490-1600 or visit www.sacornerstone.org.

SUMMERTIME FUN FOR KIDS The Club at Sonterra, 901 Sonterra Blvd., is the place to be this summer for kids ages 4-11.

Weekly-themed day camps are available Monday through Friday. A one-week tuition is $265 for sports camp (including tennis) for members; nonmember cost is $305. For more, call 496-1560.

THROUGH AUG. 21

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

SINGLES MIXER Companionship and dinner is on the menu at 7 p.m. every third Tuesday of

AUG. 26

THIS SUMMER

NEISD COMMUNITY EDUCATION The North East Independent School District is offering

HAPPENING continues on pg. 11

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM basics while improving strength, flexibility, conditioning and balance.

Coordinated by Fitness in the Park, the sessions are free and families are encouraged to participate together.

For more, contact 207-9250.

HAPPENING continues from pg. 10 a variety of adult and communityeducation classes, including instruction on home and garden techniques, summer camps, computer skills, health and wellness, and financial planning. Program costs vary. For more, call 407-0140, option 3, or visit links through the NEISD website at www.communityed.neisd.net.

SO, YOU THINK YOU CAN SEW For an afternoon of advice and conversation leaving you in stitches, the Encino Branch Library, 2515 E. Evans Road, hosts experienced needle enthusiasts on Wednesdays from 12:30-3 p.m. The “Encino Hand Bees” are a close-knit group of adults and seniors. If you’re sew-inclined and seek more, contact 207-9250.

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DOG-EARED BOOKS Come to the Encino Branch Library, 2515 E. Evans Road, every Wednesday 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, contact Keri Moczygemba at 207-9250.

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ENCINO KNIGHT CLUB Whether you’re just learning WEEKLY or a grand master, the Encino Knight Club invites you to play chess.

All ages are welcome. The group meets every Monday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Encino Branch Library, 2515 E. Evans Road. For more, call 2079250 or email Barbara Kwiatkowski at barbara.kwiatkowski@sanantonio.gov.

JOIN THE FITNESS KICK The Encino Branch Library, WEEKLY 2515 E. Evans Road, is usually a place to exercise your mind, but stop in 4-5 p.m. on Mondays and exercise your body. Learn martial arts from a third-degree black-belt instructor. This program will teach

HAPPENING continues on pg. 12

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HAPPENING continues from pg. 11

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SHAPING UP FOR A NEW YOU Come by Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, to exercise your body at 10 a.m. on Mondays. An instructor from the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department will lead a class in low-impact circuit training. Exercises will focus on agility and flexibility, resulting in a great workout. For more, contact 207-2703.

COMMUNITY CHORAL CONCERT Drop by the Bulverde United Methodist Church, 28300 U.S. 281 North, the last weekend in August to hear a medley of Broadway show tunes. The choir’s free performance will take place at 7 p.m. the first two nights, followed by a 3 p.m. Sunday matinee.

For more, call 830-980-7745.

TEEN TIME Every Tuesday, from 6-8 p.m., the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, hosts a potpourri of activities for teenagers, 13-18.

Everything from board games to crafting and cooking may be on the potluck agenda. Have fun, chill out and make new friends. For more, contact 207-2703.

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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. 3 SASSY CHICKS BOUTIQUE, 16350

Blanco Road, Suite 129, opened a few months ago and offers women’s apparel, accessories and gifts — including umbrellas that look like wine bottles. It also is “an independent dealer of Sarahjanes oilcloth bags,” according to its Facebook page. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more, call 408-1040 or visit Facebook. com/3sassychicks. (See story on page 26)

2. OAK TREE ORTHODONTIST, 23522 Wilderness Oak Road, Suite 109, recently debuted under Dr. Ray Melendez, whose clinic strives “to provide each of our patients with exceptional orthodontictreatment outcomes.” Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more, call 774-4144 or visit http:// oaktreeortho.com. (See story on page 27) 3. THAI HUT BISTRO, 3111 TPC Parkway,

Suite 120, is a family-owned eatery serving

Address of local business Name of local business

authentic, traditional Thai dishes and offers delivery. This is the family’s third San Antonio restaurant. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. For more, call 314-2267 or visit www.thethaihut.com. (See story on page 28)

4. DUNKIN’ DONUTS, 3107 TPC Parkway, opened about a year ago and is one of several San Antonio-area locations in the national chain. In addition to the famous coffee and doughnuts, the popular spot also offers grilled-cheese sandwiches, and sausage, egg and cheese on a croissant.

Hours are 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. For more, call 253-9544. (See story on page 29) IN OTHER NEWS

GERMAN-BASED CYTOCENTRICS INC. WILL SOON RELOCATE its corporate headquarters and operations to San Antonio, with offices temporarily at 18618 Tuscany Stone St., Suite 120. The City Council approved a

LOWDOWN continues on pg. 14

14

JULY 27 - AUGUST 24, 2015

LOWDOWN continues from pg. 13 $1 million incentive for the bioscience company to create 300 high-wage jobs and invest $15 million in the area. Cytocentrics will also enter into a research-development partnership with the Center for Innovative Drug Discovery, a joint venture sponsored by the University of Texas at San Antonio and the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, and a workforce-development partnership with the Alamo Colleges. In a release, District 9 Councilman Joe Krier said Cytocentrics specializes in manufacturing and analyzing data for medical devices, which evaluate environmental and pharmaceutical interactions with human cells. He said the company’s local relationships with UTSA and UTHSC are significant. “As co-chair of the San Antonio Medical Foundation’s strategic-planning task force, this announcement is dramatic support of our call for out-of-the-box cooperation and collaboration,” he said. “I am proud to welcome a great company like Cytocentrics to District 9. I know they will be a valuable new partner to the San Antonio community and our biomedical industry.”

DISTRICT 9 RESIDENTS JOINED COUNCILMAN JOE KRIER and then-

Andrew Kim, superintendent of the Comal Independent School District, said recent pay raises for employees that take effect in the 2015-16 academic year will keep CISD competitive with other districts in Texas. File photo

city Budget Director Maria Villagomez in a June 23 discussion of San Antonio’s upcoming budget process for the 2016 fiscal year. “(It was) well-attended,” Krier said. “Those present provided me with both thoughtful discussion and a number of good suggestions. What I heard was that the city needs to prioritize streets and drainage projects. Many of our residents who spoke up had issues with infrastructure needs being delayed or ignored. I also heard a number of comments stating that we need more parks spread across our district. Support for our libraries was also urged.” Krier promised to pursue

fulfilling the needs of residents and local businesses. “Armed with your comments and suggestions, I will work hard this budget season to make sure District 9’s voice is heard as we work to achieve a back-to-basics city budget and improve essential city services for everyone,” he said.

THE HILL MIDDLE SCHOOL HONORS BAND EARNED A BERTH at the State Honor Band Contest held in late July at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, after placing first in the Texas Music Educators Association Area E 2C Honor Band Contest at the end of June. Previously, the band

took first in the TMEA Region 12 Honor Band Contest June 11. According to a release from the North East Independent School District, “It is considered unheard of for a first-year band program to earn this high-level achievement.” The 2C Honor Band competition occurs every other year. Hill opened a year ago.

REAGAN HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR Danielle DeLaPaz has been named a sixth-year member of the Lone Star Youth Leadership Council. Education in Action, which sponsors the council, recognized “her dedication to developing leadership skills and getting involved in her community” including her 2014-15 project “Dancing Petals” where she visited the Coronado at Stone Oak assistedliving center and shared her love of dance. Ninety-eight Texas student leaders successfully completed the program.

ORTHOPEDIC PERFORMANCE INSTITUTE RECENTLY added Dr. Craig Glauser to its team of orthopedic specialists. Glauser is board-certified in orthopedic surgery and is a fellowship-trained foot and ankle specialist. Along with general orthopedic

LOWDOWN continues on pg. 15

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM LOWDOWN continues from pg. 14 services, Glauser specializes in foot and ankle surgical and nonsurgical conditions for adult and pediatric patients. Glauser joins doctors Christopher Phelps and Matthew Dwyer, both board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons and founding members of the Orthopedic Performance Institute, 1139 E. Sonterra Blvd., Suite 500. The Institute recently opened a New Braunfels location and soon plans another in Boerne. For more, visit www.orthopedicperformance.com.

IN A 5-4 DECISION JUNE 18, THE U.S. SUPREME COURT RULED TEXAS doesn’t have to include the battle flag of the Confederacy on state-sponsored vanity plates, determining the case involved government speech and not free speech.

The Texas Sons of Confederate Veterans, which has chapters on the North Side, had asked the court to overturn a decision by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to deny authorizing a specialty license plate featuring the flag to commemorate their heritage and Southern ancestors who fought 150 years ago. The state, meanwhile, cited concerns of AfricanAmericans and others who believe the insignia is offensive, glorifying the South’s

practice of enslavement leading up tp the Civil War, and a painful reminder of white supremacy. It also contended state instruments, such as license plates, shouldn’t carry such representation. In the case, styled as Walker v. Texas Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans Inc., the justices’ majority opinion said Texas acted as a public entity in disallowing the plates and not as an individual entitled to free-speech protections outlined in the Constitution.

TRUSTEES APPROVED ACROSS-THEBOARD PAY RAISES for Comal Independent School District employees June 11. The hike, which begins in the 2015-16 school year, will benefit eligible full-time employees, teachers, faculty and other staffers, as well as increases the starting wage for bus drivers and custodians. “We always wish we could do more. We value the work of all of our employees, and we will continue to address areas of need and give the district’s compensation task force the chance to expand these opportunities,” said David Drastata, board president. Added Superintendent Andrew Kim: “Although compensation isn’t the only reason people choose to work in Comal ISD, we know we have to be competitive with our surrounding districts. We want to be fair and continuously improve in this area.”

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NEISD continues from pg. 01

Officials say no immediate tax hike needed

by WILL WRIGHT

S

everal North East Independent School District campuses could benefit from improvements if voters in November approve a near-$500 million bond that does not call for an immediate tax hike, officials said.

What makes this request distinctive is residents will only be asked to fund present academic institutions, said Aubrey Chancellor, an NEISD spokeswoman.

“This is the first time NEISD has proposed a bond without a new school,” she said. “The focus of this bond is about equity – renovating and upgrading outof-date facilities at some of the older campuses and focusing on enhancements and renovations at other schools.”

Those areas include Reagan High School.

Adjusted for growth and inflation, the

2015 bond’s actual total – $499,950,000 – is in line with amounts contained in NEISD’s recent bond requests occurring in four-year increments. Voters approved bonds of $449 million, $498 million and $399 million in 2003, 2007 and 2011, respectively.

Unlike the previous three, present tax rates would remain unchanged if voters approve a bond referendum Nov. 3.

“There will be no new tax rate for at least five years,” Chancellor said.

A 36-member Facilities Steering Committee met for months and considered public input in rating a list of districtwide projects. If voters approve, facilities improvements will receive $225.8 million; extracurricular programs $89.8 million; and technology upgrades $72.4 million.

“The committee met five times and did a lot of homework outside of those meetings,” Chancellor said. “They really did a great job of coming up with the final draft, which considered and prioritized the needs of all students throughout the district. It’s really far-reaching.”

Other categories slated for 2015 bond money include: district operations, $60 million; safety and security, $20 million; bond-program management, $17 million; and a $15

NEISD continues on pg. 17

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM NEISD continues from pg. 16 million bond-contingency program.

If endorsed by the electorate, it will be the second bond election for Superintendent Brian Gottardy, whose first was in 2011.

“I am so proud of the process the district has taken over the past six months,” he said. “Our community has given great feedback and the Facilities Steering Committee has been dedicated to gathering all the information and putting together a great plan.”

The committee held meetings at Madison and Churchill high schools on March 30, April 28-29 and May 19-20 before its final meeting June 15 at the district’s Education Service Center, which culminated in a presentation to the school board.

“It’s about taking care of all of our schools – not just the newest schools,” committee member Ricki Ford said.

“This bond will address the older schools and bring them up to the current standards at the newest schools.”

Ford, whose children attend Churchill, said she has frequented school board meetings and served on NEISD committees during the past 26 years.

She noted that all principals were asked to assess their campuses’ requirements and seek community comments.

2015 PROPOSED BOND AT A GLANCE TOTAL BOND PACKAGE

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FACILITIES $225.8M UPGRADES EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAMS $89.8M TECHNOLOGY UPGRADES $72.4M Those wants amounted to nearly $2 billion, so paring it to $500 million would ensure residents wouldn’t see a tax increase for the rest of the decade, Ford said.

“We had a lot of information to consider,” she added. “We ranked it according to needs, and tried to address as many things as we could to help all areas throughout the district.”

Several proposed projects didn’t make the final cut. Among them, a new elementary school in Johnson High’s feeder pattern

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— $42.8 million; replacing portables at Madison High — $25 million; a districtwide consolidated activity and logistics center for JROTC programs — $18.8 million; and adding a baseball facility in the Heroes Stadium Complex — $11.7 million.

Several projects comprise the total earmarked to expand or enhance extracurricular programs – including $17 million to upgrade the district’s natatoriums; $10 million to add a new pool; and $12.5 million for work on Comalander Stadium.

Asked if those and other aspects might pose problems with voters, Chancellor said they’re all part of the district’s overall educational goals.

“NEISD ... always believes in providing a 360-degree education, which means classroom academics and also extracurricular activities,” she said. “We believe it makes for more well-rounded students, as studies have proven those who are more involved in extracurricular activities do better in the classroom. We have many parents who have come to expect (this) and they fully support it.”

Ford would like to see another aquatic facility.

“I think we do need another pool,” she said. “I don’t have a swimmer, but (adding a pool) has come up year after year. We have a lot of community classes and think it’s important to everybody in the community.”

Chancellor said NEISD retired $747 million in bond debt over the past three years, which amounted to $137 million in savings (on payments and interest).

The school board will meet on or before Aug. 24 to place the bond on the November ballot. Chancellor said it could amend the recommended plan before then.

“At the time, this is the proposal that’s being considered,” she said.

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CROSSING continues from pg. 01

Stores close to key neighborhoods, councilman notes

by EDMOND ORTIZ

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or months, a Chase bank branch has stood as a solitary business on a sizable tract of land at the northeast corner of Bulverde Road and Loop 1604.

Well, lonely no more. Several commercial enterprises, including a different financial establishment and a gym, are setting up shop at the Bulverde Crossing retail center, developers said.

It’s another sign the Bulverde Road area is experiencing rapid growth.

According to District 10 Councilman Mike Gallagher, new retail complexes such as Bulverde Crossing help meet basic residential needs in burgeoning areas, while also remaining within a relatively short drive, bike ride or walk.

“The point is to try and have near

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Bulverde Crossing is planned as a 50-acre tract with retail pad sites ranging from less than 1 acre to 2.17 acres. Short cross streets are being developed at the center, including one connecting a traffic-signal intersection at Bulverde Road to the 1604 frontage road.

Nearby residents and motorists who traverse 1604 on the North Central and Northeast sides of town can see more land being cleared to make way for further development.

Within the last two years, Bulverde Marketplace retail center has sprung up just inside 1604 where Bulverde Road veers into Classen and Jones-Maltsberger roads.

McDonald’s, Starbucks Coffee, Valero’s Corner Store, Subway, CVS pharmacy, Tiu Steppi’s Osteria and LA Fitness are among the notable tenants. Milberger’s Landscaping & Nursery was among a handful of small businesses at this intersection for years.

Birnbaum Property Co., which handles leasing and sales for Bulverde Crossing, pledges on its website the new retail center “…will feature merchants that are typically found in regional and super-regional malls throughout the United States.

“Additionally, the development will

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The Bulverde Crossing retail center planned for Bulverde Road near Loop 1604 is in response to rapid residential growth, said District 10 Councilman Mike Gallagher. Courtesy illustration

CROSSING continues from pg. 18 house many of the better local retailers and restaurants that are unique to the San Antonio area. This site offers highway exposure and great access to the ever-growing Bulverde Road corridor,” the company added.

As of mid-July, Birnbaum projects Security Service Federal Credit Union to sit next to Chase along 1604, with Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and Taco Bell on the other side of Chase on Bulverde Road, in addition to a Wendy’s restaurant.

Farther north on Bulverde Road, a Pirate’s Cove Car Wash is planned, along with Venetian Nails & Spa, Little Caesars, Smoothie King, Salons by Kaye, Lennys Subs, Total Nutrition and FastTrack Urgent Care.

Construction is already underway on Gold’s Gym, set further back from Bulverde Road.

According to Nielsen Co., which prepares demographics for Birnbaum, more than 188,100 people live within a five-mile radius of Bulverde Crossing and the population may increase to 203,500 around 2020. It’s an area filled with young families and where the average household income is $84,945.

The corridor has grown so much the city of San Antonio and Bexar County worked together to improve and expand Bulverde Road, where a handful of subdivisions

have risen. These developments include Emerald Forest across the street from Bulverde Crossing, Highland Homes and Roseheart, near where a new middle school — Hill — sits. One of San Antonio’s latest fire stations also is close to Bulverde Crossing.

Gallagher said his office has received no complaints concerning the retail center.

“We haven’t heard any issues with it,” he added. According to Gallagher, the increasing development along Bulverde Road is a natural response to the influx of residents to areas north of 1604, such as in Encino Park and Stone Oak. Having access to grocery and produce stores is also crucial to development, Gallagher noted.

“Being close to a food market is very important,” he said.

According to Birnbaum, H-E-B owns property at the northwest corner of 1604 and Bulverde Road. The company’s locations closest to the existing Bulverde Road/1604 neighborhoods are JonesMaltsberger and Thousand Oaks Drive, 1604 and U.S. 281, and Evans Road at 281.

Gallagher also said careful management of new retail and residential expansion from the planning phase is vital.

“You have to think about infrastructure, drainage, lighting and traffic with each new development. Without all that, you’ll have problems,” he added.

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JULY 27 - AUGUST 24, 2015

I HAVE HEARD MANY POSITIVE STATEMENTS ABOUT THIS NEW PARK.

PANTHER continues from pg. 01

Official: Most art projects funded through city bond money

JOE KRIER, DISTRICT 9 COUNCILMAN

by WILL WRIGHT

I

ntroducing expanded displays of artistic talent to the community is the main goal of Public Art San Antonio, which this spring unveiled a major contribution at Panther Springs Park.

Sotol Duet, a creation by commissioned artist Jon Isherwood, is made of two granite sculptures resembling a desert plant at the trailhead of the park, 22635 Wilderness Oak Road.

One red and one black, both resemble shapes of native Texas sotol plants inhabiting the wooded area.

Isherwood’s project is one of many in a series of public artworks planned for municipal parks and other facilities through

Sandy Jenkins, a manager with the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department, poses next to the two-part sculpture 'Sotol Duet' recently installed in Panther Springs Park. Photo by Rudy B. Ornelas

PASA, which is under the city’s Department for Culture & Creative Development.

“We work with all city departments and are kind of the clearinghouse for public-art responsibilities,” said Jimmy LeFlore, one of several DCCD public-art managers.

PASA is a division of DCCD, formerly titled Department of Art and

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Cultural Affairs. Both operate under a lengthy list of city guidelines, which whittle initial proposals into final selections of artists and their designs.

In Panther Springs Park, the two-part sculpture includes a red 7-foot likeness of a sotol plant standing above ground, while the black display emerges 4.25-

feet high and mimics the plant’s root beneath the surface, city officials said.

The creation is derived from Isherwood, a Hudson, N.Y.-based sculptor and artist, whose works are featured in several locations nationwide.

Isherwood came under the $80,000 budgeted for the project, funded through the city’s 2012-17 bond. The artwork was installed in April at the park entrance adjacent to the Wilderness Pointe and Stone Oak residential subdivisions.

The artist couldn’t be reached for comment. However, his website indicated his most recent sculptures “represent the further development of his ongoing dialogue with the associative sensations of form and surface.”

Isherwood’s forms do not imitate the body, but “the sensual aspect of

PANTHER continues on pg. 21

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21 PANTHER continues from pg. 20 the manipulative shape proposes physicality to the viewer even in the absence of figuration.”

His creations invite viewers to “investigate the visual grasp of intuitive perception.”

While those highbrow concepts sound esoteric to many untrained in art appreciation, Isherwood says his Panther Springs statues give folks the chance to interpret them through their own eyes. His creations, inspired by indigenous north Bexar County foliage, provide visitors a chance to reflect on natural environs.

The public art adds an extra dimension to the park, District 9 Councilman Joe Krier indicated in an online statement.

“I have heard many positive statements about this new park and hope (residents will) make a trip to visit it soon,” he said.

City officials are encouraging more works of art in public spaces across San Antonio.

LeFlore said DCCD coordinates with other city departments in a process to consider and eventually approve cityfunded artistic projects, from those supported through bond improvements at larger facilities such as San Antonio International Airport and the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, to others for smaller initiatives at local libraries, senior centers and parks.

According to the DCCD’s website, PASA and DCCD received $5.9 million of the $596 million in the 2012-17 bond.

Both were charged with linking together the city’s arts and cultural districts; connecting neighborhood residents with cultural and historic facilities; creating and/or enhancing the city’s iconic gateway destinations; and adding defining markers and other identifiers for services at city parks and facilities.

The 2012 bond funded “El Bosque,” the outdoor sculptural wall at Encino Branch Library at 2515 E. Evans Road.

The city’s 2007 bond paid for the hire of Peter Zubiate to fashion four outdoor park benches and interior decorative work at Stone Oak’s Parman Branch Library at 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, adjacent to Panther Springs Park.

From start to finish, final approval of Isherwood’s vision took more than a year. LeFlore said additional works are in the mix, though future bonds will fund most of them.

“Our projects mainly come through (approved city) bond projects, or those that come through donations,” LeFlore said, adding those seeking information on completed or ongoing public-art ventures should visit the DCCD website, www.getcreativesanantonio.com.

22

JULY 27 - AUGUST 24, 2015

Suburbs, Bexar County eye purchasing power

by EDMOND ORTIZ

H

ollywood Park’s mayor is encouraging all Bexar County suburbs to collaborate and to work through the county’s Purchasing Department in order to get more bang for their government bucks.

“The more we work together, the more efficient we can be,” Mayor Chris Fails said about the initiative to unite the county’s more than 30 smaller cities into a purchasing force.

Despite their size relative to San Antonio, suburbs working together could push Bexar County toward a pricing bracket that, ultimately, benefits taxpayers of the cities and the county, Fails and others said.

Currently, San Antonio’s suburban governments may individually work with vendors for services and equipment they buy on a regular basis. Municipalities,

Dwayne Robinson (center), constituent services director for Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, addresses representatives of more than 20 county suburbs June 25 at Hollywood Park City Hall. He’s flanked by county purchasing agent Daniel Garza (left) and Hollywood Park Mayor Chris Fails. Photo by Edmond Ortiz

counties and states often use the HGACBuy website to make various purchases, from infrastructure services to emergency equipment. HGACBuy stands for Helping Governments Across the Country Buy. Fails, who is helping spearhead the effort, said he felt there must be a better, local way for small cities such as his to get prices from vendors that benefit local taxpayers.

Periodically procuring even the simplest

of items, such as tires for city vehicles, can get expensive over time, he added.

“Just because we’re a small city doesn’t mean we get a discount,” Fails said.

Fails began discussions with county employee Daniel Garza and Dwayne Robinson, constituent services director for County Judge Nelson Wolff, to find a possible solution. Garza was a purchasing agent with Bexar County

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until July 1, when he was to become Dallas County’s purchasing director.

The solution is presently in the form of a proposed memorandum of understanding — or MOU — between the county and participating cities, which could take advantage of a centralized procurement process.

The county’s Purchasing Department works with cooperative purchasing networks. The idea is that by accessing a wider pool of vetted vendors, participating cities have a chance to receive volume discounts, rebates, maximum solicitation outreach/competition and transparency.

Fails asked his city staff to invite representatives of 35 cities to attend a meeting June 25 at Hollywood Park City Hall to look over the draft MOU and discuss additional issues.

More than 25 people showed up and expressed interest in the idea.

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM SUBURBS continues from pg. 22 Working through the Purchasing Department is voluntary; the MOU would not bind any participating city. If a city chooses not to go through the county’s program, it may still deal individually with a co-op via an interlocal agreement.

“This is to maximize competition,” Garza said, adding that through the county’s program, all a participating city need do is to provide the Purchasing Department with a purchase order and specifications.

According to Fails, working through the county’s procurement program would help suburban cities in another way. He explained that most suburbs do not have an employee dedicated to procurement.

The county’s Purchasing Department, by contrast, has a staff equipped and experienced in regularly talking with vendors, comparing prices and products.

“They’re going to make sure you get the best price,” Fails said. He added it would behoove most if not all Bexar County suburbs to act together as a consortium in working with the county program.

Other officials attending the June 25 gathering chimed in.

Alamo Heights City Manager Mark

Browne said he could see the value of going through the county program if it means saving money on certain things and services his city often buys.

“This could possibly lead to bids lower than those from HGAC,” Fails said. “This won’t be the solution for everything we purchase, but we hope this saves us money on a lot of things.”

Helotes Mayor Tom Schoolcraft suggested the term of any agreement between a participating suburb and the county follow a fiscal year, which typically starts Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30.

Robinson said Wolff backs the attempt at creating a purchasing consortium as a way for the suburbs and the county to work more closely together on issues of mutual interest.

“We’ve got to create more communication among the suburbs,” Robinson said. “Judge Wolff does need to advocate more for the suburban cities in the way only he can.”

The District Attorney’s Office has been reviewing the language in the draft MOU. Robinson said he did not yet know when Commissioners Court might consider the MOU for action.

If it is approved, individual city councils could consider a resolution to have their respective city enter into the agreement.

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JULY 27 - AUGUST 24, 2015

DISTRICT 9 continues from pg. 01

Mining operations are resuming at Beckmann Quarry west of Northwest Military Highway. Far North Side residents have expressed concerns to District 9 Councilman Joe Krier, but representatives of Martin Marietta — the owner of the quarry — have pledged to decrease blasting and volume levels that could affect nearby homes and apartments such as these. Photo by Rudy B. Ornelas

Walks and talks will resume in August

by EILEEN PACE

A

new program by District 9 Councilman Joe Krier — “Joe in the District” — is an offshoot of his blockwalking campaign days aimed at experiencing constituents’ problems firsthand and solving them.

“I decided to take two weeks a month and find somewhere or some neighborhood that has a problem and just go out there and walk through and see it,” Krier said.

“Joe in the District” is a spin-off of “Java with Joe,” where residents visit his office at U.S. 281 North and Thousand Oaks Drive for Wednesday conversations.

Now, Krier also goes to them.

“When I got into this job, I decided to offer ‘Java with Joe,’” Krier said.

“After the (May 9) election, I found out I could learn a lot more by going to see neighborhood problems.”

A recent face-to-face episode involved a far North Side quarry.

This summer, worried residents from the Presidio subdivision called Krier about the resumption of blasting on the west side of the 80-year-old Beckmann Quarry off Northwest Military Highway and north of Loop 1604.

“The issues are: When do you blast; how often do you blast; and how much longer is it going to last?” Krier said.

The nascent neighborhood is across from the quarry, where the Martin Marietta company mines for rock transformed into concrete products, mostly for local construction projects. Krier contacted Martin Marietta and asked to see the operations.

“We spent an hour driving through this giant quarry – it’s a stunning operation –

and they did a blast for us,” Krier said.

Chance Allen, regional vice president of Martin Marietta – Central Texas Aggregates, said the company hears complaints whenever residents move into a new subdivision.

“This quarry operation was started in the 1930s when this was in the middle of nowhere. We find ourselves in some of the hottest real estate markets in San Antonio, and when these neighborhoods such as Presidio grow around us, sometimes people move in and request that we change what we’re doing,” he said.

Allen said the company has developed a program to coexist with neighborhoods.

Teams of employees have been talking with homeowners in Presidio, Shavano Park, Rogers Ranch and other areas to

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provide education about the business and its blasting procedures.

Krier was appreciative of the goodneighbor efforts, Allen said, adding, “He got his arms wrapped around how much we put into the process and I think he was encouraged.”

“There’s a difference between feeling the blast and damage to structures,” Allen noted. “Martin Marietta will always blast in a manner that is safe and will not cause damage to a home. We can say that because we use monitors that register the seismic activity to make sure we are under the limits that can create damage.”

The councilman said his outing satisfied him the homes were safe.

Krier was appointed in November 2013 to the district seat when Elisa Chan, campaigning for state office, resigned. The “Joe in the District” idea arose from the following months’ election campaigning and walking through neighborhoods including Blossom Park south of McAllister Park, where he saw items that needed addressing.

“It has a huge drainage channel through the middle of it. The (homeowners association) asked us to get it cleared out and we did,” he said.

His first errand after starting “Joe in

DISTRICT 9 continues on pg. 25

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ABOVE: District 9 Councilman Joe Krier, city officials and members of a neighborhood organization examine a creek bed in Greater Harmony Hills in response to a resident's complaint as part of the 'Joe in the District' initiative. Courtesy photo LEFT: Krier toured the Beckmann Quarry on the far North Side after residents expressed concerns about renewed blasting. Photo by Rudy B. Ornelas

DISTRICT 9 continues from pg. 24 the District” this spring involved helping a Greater Harmony Hills homeowner whose land backs up to a creek greenway.

Krier said the area is beautiful — so long as it didn’t rain.

“As the rains started getting heavy, these gigantic pieces of concrete from the culvert up the street began washing down behind her house, and they would stop there and erode the walls of the creek, and it was slowly eating away this lady’s backyard,” he said.

The resident made several requests to the city seeking assistance.

“They’d come out and tell her she needed to put in a new retaining wall on her property, and this woman is retired and on a fixed income,” Krier said.

The councilman walked the creek with the neighborhood association president and city staffers.

“Sure enough, there are things they (city workers) can do,” he said, “like getting down into that creek and removing all that concrete, and then stabilizing the bank so the water flows down the middle of the creek like it’s supposed to.”

The work done by the city has since ensured the woman’s property is protected, he added.

“She’s happy, the neighborhood

association is happy, I’m happy,” he said, “and I never would have really understood it if I hadn’t clambered down into that creek and walked up it to see the damage.”

Later, Krier personally helped another Greater Harmony Hills resident whose rear alley had been clogged with construction fragments from a city street project. When the materials deteriorated, the area was impassable. Krier’s staff got busy, the mess got cleaned, and the councilman dropped by to eyeball the results.

“You just have to see stuff to understand it,” he said.

Elsewhere, Krier is working with constituents to reopen Lorence Creek Park, situated in a busy, upscale neighborhood with an entrance on Henderson Pass.

“Evidently, it’s closed because it has no amenities or open areas for recreation,” he said. “So, we’re going to get with the city’s parks department … and walk it. I think it has potential.” Lorence Creek Park might serve as another area dog park, Krier added.

Meanwhile, he took a break from visits during the July 4 holiday, but now is getting back to them.

“I can’t come out to walk everybody’s problem, so we have staff to help me,” Krier said, “but I can walk two a month, and over a year, that’s 24 or so that otherwise I would not have gotten to see personally.”

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JULY 27 - AUGUST 24, 2015

BUY LOCAL

3 Sassy Chicks Boutique has packed their nest to the brim with women’s apparel, accessories, gifts and home goods for every 'chick' that flies in for a visit. Photos by Collette Orquiz

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

Feather your nest with 3 Sassy Chicks Boutique

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O

ffering a friendly atmosphere and one-ofa-kind women’s apparel, accessories and gifts, the owners of 3 Sassy Chicks Boutique want to make customers chirp like happy birds.

Co-owners Kerri Arnold and Shellie Phillips said their boutique — 16350 Blanco Road, Suite 129 — has plenty of treasures to discover. The third “chick” is the customer.

“You’re not going to find just ‘stuff ’ here. Every time you touch something, she and I can tell you about it — why you’ll love it (and) why we love it,” Arnold said.

Before opening the shop, both women were involved in creative endeavors.

Arnold worked as a district manager for a retail company and painted.

Phillips was a stay-at-home mom. They

both participated in trade shows.

The duo hadn’t seen each other in 20 years, but reunited to make Arnold’s dream of opening a boutique a reality.

New items are shipped to 3 Sassy Chicks every day; the owners have even run out of hangers a few times.

Wares include clothing for all sizes, from small to triple extra large; jewelry, upcycled gifts, home goods and more.

Phillips said the store has affordable prices, with only a handful of items costing more than $100.

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Finding the right fit and what makes customers feel good is the goal of the friends.

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Building a better smile at Oak Tree Orthodontist

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any folks often dread getting dental treatments or braces, but Dr. Ray Melendez and the Oak Tree Orthodontist staff wants to ease those fears.

Since opening this spring at 23522 Wilderness Oak Road, Suite 109, the clinic’s mission is to offer a relaxing and easy-access location, which cares for all orthodontic needs, staffers said.

“Everyone is busy nowadays, both parents and kids,” said Barbara Melendez, a member of the office staff. “We’re centrally located here in the Stone Oak area, right by a few of the schools and a busy shopping center. Convenience

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JULY 27 - AUGUST 24, 2015

EAT LOCAL

Thai Hut Bistro is a family-run eatery that serves authentic Thai dishes such as combination pad thai with chicken, beef, and shrimp (far left) and red curry made with a coconut sauce, bamboo and green beans with a choice of meat or seafood (left).

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Tastes of Thailand debut on far North Side

by OLIVIER J. BOURGOIN

T

he family that launched two Thai Hut restaurants in San Antonio opened their third eatery in June — Thai Hut Bistro at 3111 TPC Parkway, Suite 120.

Family patriarch Chai, who prefers the Thai tradition of using a single name, started the business in 2009 with his initial venture at 9902 Potranco Road and a second in 2013 at Loop 1604 and Bitters Road.

The attractions are billed as the home of authentic Thai dishes.

“I moved to the United States in 1983 — 32 years ago,” Chai said. “Before opening my own place, I worked in an H-E-B food-preparation kitchen for several years.”

A different family member

operates each of the Thai Huts.

“My son takes care of our Potranco location and my nephew manages the one on 1604,” Chai said.

Relatives also oversee the new bistro, with Chai’s daughter Apple and her husband, Anupon, running the show.

The 3,000-square-foot far North Side eatery employs 15 and sits 100 diners.

Anupon, a native of Thailand, moved to Okinawa, Japan, two decades ago, then about five years later, headed stateside.

“Before coming on board to work with my father-in-law, I worked for the Boeing Corp.,” Anupon said.

The appetizer sampler includes chicken satay, shrimp tempura, cheese rolls,

vegetable rolls, spring rolls and dumplings.

Among the entrees is the combination pad thai, a traditional dish. The Thai Hut version features a choice of generous portions of beef, chicken, shrimp or pork over stir-fried rice noodles cooked with egg, tofu, and chopped-androasted peanuts, with an assortment of other spices and peppers.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, with lunch available 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

THAI HUT BISTRO 3111 TPC Parkway, Suite 120 For more, call 314-2267 or visit www.thethaihut.com

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

Dunkin’ Donuts more than coffee and pastries

by JACQUE CROUSE

D

unkin’ Donuts at 3107 TPC Parkway offers circles of sweetness and a whole lot more, with the variety drawing a steady stream of customers since the store opened several months ago.

“Sometimes we get people coming by at 4:30 in the morning before we are open,” said manager Maria Sotelo.

“We tell them we are not open yet, but we still have doughnuts for them.”

For those who haven’t stopped by a Dunkin’ Donuts recently, the doughnut and coffeehouse also offers several nonbreakfast items, including a chicken-salad sandwich Sotelo said is pretty popular.

Naturally, the menu features a wide

assortment of doughnuts and different baked goods, but it also includes dozens of other offerings, making Dunkin’ Donuts an all-day restaurant rather than just a shop with tasty pastries.

Mornings are still busiest; with the sausage, egg and cheese on a croissant the preferred breakfast feature. However, the summer special of iced tea and iced coffee at 99 cents from 3- 9 p.m. has created a stir with afternoon and evening customers, Sotelo noted.

Of course, the doughnuts and coffee are always crowd favorites, and many people come by just for the grilled-cheese sandwich at all hours. Sotelo encouraged diners to use the DD Perks free app for special deals and to get goodies when making purchases.

In fact, business is so good another shop will soon debut nearby at NoBu Plaza, 18135 Bulverde Road, just north of 1604.

The same owners operate another

Dunkin' Cuppy, an official mascot of Dunkin' Donuts, greets visitors to the store at 3107 TPC Parkway.

Employees say the site is becoming so popular customers get there as early as 4:30 a.m. and wait for the doors to open. Photo by Collette Orquiz

store at 12311 Nacogdoches Road, which is open 24 hours, Sotelo said.

Hours for the location on TPC Parkway are 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

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DUNKIN' DONUTS 3107 TPC Parkway For more, call 253-9544

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JULY 27 - AUGUST 24, 2015

LIVE LOCAL From real estate trends and neighborhood listings to home improvement, we’ve got you covered.

Housing prices on rise in Stone Oak

by TRAVIS E. POLING

to make your dreams

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a reality

he cost of buying a house in San Antonio, including along the U.S. 281 North corridor outside Loop 1604, continues to rise, according to June data from the San Antonio Board of Realtors.

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But that hasn’t stopped the houses from being snatched up even faster than before.

Across San Antonio, the number of houses sold this June hit 2,925, up 18 percent from the same month last year, according to SABOR’s latest Multiple Listing Report.

The average price rose 5 percent to $242,588 and the median price was up 6 percent to $200,900 for the period when compared to June 2014.

In the Stone Oak area, 320 houses sold in June, up nearly 12 percent from 286 for the same month last year.

The sales figures include ZIP codes 78258, 78259, 78260 and 78261.

Median prices in 78258 were flat at $310,500, but in neighboring 78259, the median price trended up 5.8 percent to $243,500, according to the Texas Market Trends Report from

the Texas Association of Realtors.

The biggest run up in the area was in the 78260 ZIP code, where the median price in June came in at $335,000, an increase of 16.3 percent from June of 2014.

In 78261, the median price leapt 9.4 percent to $289,900, moving closer to the 12-month peak of $302,000 it hit in November 2014.

Inventory in the Stone Oak area is hovering around three months and most houses are selling, on average two to three months after hitting the market.

SABOR officials said more sellers are putting their houses on the market to take advantage of the quick sales and higher prices spurred by low inventory.

“Our market has been favorable to sellers this year as prices keep growing and length of time to sell a home continues to shrink,” said SABOR board Chairwoman Mary Ann Jeffers in a written statement.

“In June, homes sold for 97.8 percent of list price and price per square foot shot up to $108, a 4 percent increase from last year. It’s a prime market for sellers.”

June house sales in San Antonio closed after an average of just 52 days, down 21 percent from the same month last year, SABOR reports.

This is all good news for sellers, but SABOR officials said there are still plenty of houses below $200,000 coming on the market.

In June, nearly half of all houses sold were less than $200,000.

Real Estate LOCAL Trends ZIP CODE MEDIAN SOLD PRICE

NEW LISTINGS

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET

CLOSED SALES

UNDER CONTRACT

MONTHS SUPPLY OF INVENTORY

78258

78259

78260

78261

JUN-14

$310,000

230,000

288,069

265,000

JUN-15

$310,500

243,500

335,000

289,900

JUN-14

131

62

130

79

JUN-15

143

81

131

102

JUN-14

84

60

93

105

JUN-15

63

58

99

96

JUN-14

93

37

87

69

JUN-15

100

50

97

73

JUN-14

108

51

69

51

JUN-15

80

49

54

53

JUN-14

3.5

3.1

3.7

3.6

JUN-15

3

2.6

3.2

3.2

SOURCE: San Antonio Board of Realtors: Texas Market Trends Report The properties are new listings put on the market from early June 2015. The properties may no longer be on the market by publication date or prices may have changed. Local Community News assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions.

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